JPH06142030A - Endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide an endoscope wherein actions on a plurality of operational functions can be performed by one finger and which has a switch part which causes no error due to staining, and high cleaning properties. CONSTITUTION:A polyhedron switch part 6 having a plurality of slopes 6b, 6c and 6d formed projectedly from the operational part 2 of an endoscope and a finger-resting plane 6a formed on the upper part and an operational switch face wherein operational functions performing e.g. suction, air feeding and water feeding are each allotted to the slopes 6b, 6c and 6d of this switch part 6 and a plurality of reflecting light detecting parts on this operational switch face are positioned. A limited reflection type photoreflector 8 which works the operational functions only when three or more reflecting light detecting parts thereof detect the reflecting light with a reflecting ratio within a specified range, and a cover positioned on a detecting area of this limited reflecting type photoreflector 8 and covering the switch part 6 are provided.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an endoscope having a switch section for performing fluid control such as suction, air supply, water supply, gas supply, and image control such as image display and recording.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An endoscope having a channel or the like is adapted to perform suction, air supply, water supply, gas supply, etc. through this channel, and at that time, a fluid provided in an operating portion is used. These controls are performed by the control switch. Further, in the electronic endoscope, an image control switch relating to display of electronic image freeze, release, enlargement, etc. and recording control is also provided in the operation section. An endoscope having such a fluid control switch or an image control switch is
Various proposals have hitherto been made, for example, JP-A-63-9.
In Japanese Patent No. 9832, there is described an endoscope having a button capable of switching suction, air supply, and water supply with one finger by a stone type conduit switching mechanism.

Further, as another example of such an endoscope, as disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 1-310638, it is programmed in advance to sequentially perform water supply, air supply, and suction to improve the cleanability of the lens surface. Is disclosed.

As another example, as a practical example, Shokai 51-67.
In Japanese Patent No. 591, a light emitting source is optically opposed to a light receiving element electrically connected to a pump or the like, and light from the light emitting source is appropriately communicated with the light receiving element by operating a switch provided on a handle. An endoscope in which a plurality of photoswitches are provided on the surface of the operation unit is disclosed.

In Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 57-84901, a plurality of button switches for controlling a plurality of functions such as air supply and water supply are arranged close to each other, and a convex portion which is taller than the button switch is provided between them. There is described an endoscope having a button operation mechanism which is provided and allows a surgeon to place a finger on the convex portion to operate a button switch to prevent malfunction.

In Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 2-141404, a video recording operation switch and a switch for selecting a moving image display state or a still image display state are provided at a position operable by a thumb, and a display mode selection switch is provided. It has been proposed to arrange the switch at a position where it is easier to operate than the video recording operation switch.

Further, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1-250215, a switch for moving a region of interest when capturing an image of a subject up, down, right, left, or enlarging or reducing the region of interest is held by a hand holding an operating portion. Has disclosed an endoscope apparatus which is arranged at a position where it can be easily operated with the index finger or the middle finger.

[0008]

However, what is disclosed in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 63-99832 is,
Since it is a piston type pipe line switching mechanism, the structure is extremely complicated, the washability is extremely poor, and there is a problem that it is prone to failure.

The method disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1-310638 is control in a predetermined order, and the purpose is to clean the lens surface, but air supply and suction can be performed independently. It cannot be performed, and it is also impossible to control suction, air supply, and water supply with one finger.

Further, in the one disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 51-67591, a photo switch is provided in the operation portion, but there is no place for placing a finger, and there is a case where the finger is inadvertently operated. It was Further, if dirt is attached, there is a great possibility that the device will operate arbitrarily.

The structure described in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 57-84901 has a problem that dirt easily collects between the switch and the protruding portion, and the cleaning property is poor when cleaning the dirt. .

The switches for controlling image display / recording described in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 2-141404 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 1-250215 are limited to operating two types of switches with one finger.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an endoscope having a switch part having a high washability, which can perform a plurality of operation functions with one finger and does not malfunction due to dirt. Is intended to provide.

[0014]

In order to achieve the above object, an endoscope according to the present invention is formed on at least one inclined surface provided on an operation portion of the endoscope and on an upper portion of the inclined surface. A switch section having a flat surface, an operation switch surface to which a predetermined operation function is assigned to the inclined surface of the switch section, and a plurality of reflected light detection sections arranged on this operation switch surface The limited reflection type photo reflector that operates the operation function assigned to the operation switch surface only when the reflected light having the reflectance within the predetermined range is detected.

[0015]

In the limited reflection type photoreflector, the operation assigned to the operation switch surface is performed only when three or more of the plurality of reflected light detection portions located on the operation switch surface detect the reflected light having the reflectance within the predetermined range. Activate the function.

[0016]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 3 and 12 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an operating portion of an endoscope, FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view showing a switch portion of the operating portion, and FIG. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of the photoreflector in the switch part, and FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the distal end part of the endoscope insertion part.

As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope 1 according to the first embodiment has an elongated insertion portion 3 extending from an operation portion 2, and a distal end portion 3a of the insertion portion 3 is shown in FIG. As shown, there is provided a tip frame 3b having a plurality of holes, which is made of a hard material and has a rounded corner, and an objective optical system 3c is provided in the tip frame 3b. Objective optical system 3
An image pickup surface of the solid-state image pickup device 3d such as a CCD for photoelectrically converting an image to be observed is provided on the image forming surface of c. A signal line 3f is provided from the solid-state image pickup device 3d via the substrate 3e. Further, the distal end frame 3b of the distal end portion 3a of the insertion portion 3 is provided with a channel 3 for performing fluid control in a body cavity or treatment by inserting a treatment tool.
g is provided, and a flexible tube is connected to a forceps port or a fluid control mechanism (not shown) formed in the operation unit 2.

In the endoscope 1 of this embodiment, the channel 3
The diameter of g is formed larger than that of the solid-state image pickup device 3d, etc., and the endoscope is easy to perform suction and treatment.

Also, from the side of the operation section 2, a signal line 3f arranged from the solid-state image pickup device 3d through the operation section 2 and a universal cord 4 in which a light guide and the like are installed are provided. The connector provided at the end of the universal cord 4 is extended and is connected to a CCU (camera control unit) or the like.

A grip portion 5 is provided on the operation portion 2,
A fluid control switch section 6 for controlling suction, air supply, water supply and the like is provided on the hand side of the grip section 5, and an angle operation knob 7 for operating bending etc. is provided on one side surface of the hand side. An image control switch unit for controlling images such as release, freeze and enlargement is provided on the surface opposite to the above.

As shown in FIG. 2, the fluid control switch portion 6 is formed by horizontally cutting the upper part of a quadrangular pyramid, the upper end surface 6a is a flat surface, and the front inclined surface 6b is provided with water. An operation function, an air supply operation function is assigned to the proximal side inclined surface 6d, and an operation function of a suction operation function is assigned to the one side inclined surface 6c. These inclined surfaces 6b, 6c and 6d are respectively used as operation switch surfaces. Has become. . The upper end surface 6a
Has a flat shape, and has a height and a width where a finger can be placed when operations such as suction, air supply, and water supply are not performed. In addition,
The three operation functions assigned to the inclined surface are arranged on the inclined surface that is easy to operate in the order of highest frequency of use, and another order may be used as long as the arrangement is easy to use.

The fluid control switch unit 6 normally grips the operation unit 2 of the endoscope 1 with the left hand, while rotating the two angle operation knobs 7 with the thumb and the middle finger of the left hand, and forefinger or middle finger. The upper end surface 6a and the inclined surfaces 6b, 6c and 6d are formed at positions and heights that can be easily operated by the index finger or the middle finger.

The inclined surfaces 6b, 6c, 6 of the switch section 6
Each operation function assigned to d is operated by the limited reflection type photoreflector 8 including a pair of a light receiving element and a light projecting element which are a plurality of reflected light detecting portions. A specific arrangement on the inclined surface of such a photo reflector 8 is shown in FIG. On the inclined surface of the switch portion 6, a plurality of light projecting elements 11 that constitute the photo reflector 8 are provided.
A light receiving element 12 is provided, and a cover 15 formed of a translucent material that is hard to get dirty is provided substantially parallel to the inclined surface via a space 14.

The light projecting element 11 and the light receiving element 12 are provided as a pair, and the light projecting optical axis and the light receiving optical axis are arranged so as to intersect with each other at a relatively large angle. A detection area 13 is a rhombic range where the light emitting area 11a and the light receiving area 12a intersect with each other, and the cover 15 is disposed in the detection area 13.

The operation function of the operation switch surface operated by the plurality of photo reflectors 8 is a reflectance in a specific range (for example, a reflectance in a range matching the reflectance of a finger).
In addition, a predetermined number (for example, three or more) of the light receiving elements 12 which are the reflected light detection units receive the reflected light, detect the reflected light, and are set to operate for the first time.

In such a structure, the operator places his finger on the upper end surface 6a of the switch portion 6 when he / she does not control the fluid, and when sucking, feeding air, or feeding water, swipe the finger promptly. The inclined surface having a desired operation function is moved to cover the inclined surface. Then, the light emitted from the light projecting element 11 hits the finger 16 wearing the surgical rubber glove covering the cover 15, and the light partially reflected at a certain reflectance passes through the rubber glove and the cover 15 to receive the light receiving element. Reaching twelve.
As described above, the operation function operates only when the photoreflector 8 is detected with a certain number of reflectances in a specific range. Then, according to the input from the inclined surface, the operation of the operation function assigned to the operation switch surface such as suction, air supply, and water supply is performed.

Regarding the operation function such as the suction control for controlling the suction amount, the more the photoreflector is covered, the more the suction amount is increased. Therefore, the amount of suction can be finely adjusted by sliding the finger on the inclined surface to increase or decrease the covered area.

When it is desired to turn off the operation function, the finger is removed from the inclined surface, and the finger is removed from the detection area 13 on the cover 15, so it is turned off. Further, when these controls are not required, the finger can be placed on the flat surface 3 on the upper surface of the switch portion 6.

Even if the finger is dirty, pressing the cover 15 with the finger removes the dirt from between the cover 15 and the rubber glove covering the finger, so that the photoreflector 8 can prevent light projection and reflection. In addition, dirt does not get into the operation portion from the finger. As described above, since the cover 15 is formed of a material that does not easily get dirty and the side surfaces thereof are all inclined surfaces, it is difficult for dirt to collect and cleaning is very easy after the examination and the like. . It should be noted that if the surface of the cover 15 is made water-repellent, it becomes easier to wash and it is even better that dirt can be easily removed even with running water. Furthermore, it is more preferable to coat the surface of the cover 15 with a material that is less likely to be scratched, less likely to become dirty, and that is not colored by the disinfecting solution.

The image control switch portion provided on the surface opposite to the fluid control switch portion 6 has substantially the same structure as the fluid control switch portion 6, and the image control switch portion is operated by a thumb. Therefore, it is arranged at a position operable by the thumb. In this way, a plurality of switch parts can be provided if necessary. Further, in this embodiment, three switches are provided in the switch portion, but four or more switches can be provided by changing the shape of the polyhedron.

Although the ridge of the cover 15 is not chamfered or curved in the drawing, it is of course chamfered or curved so that the finger does not hurt. This makes it easier to clean. The inclined surface to which the operation function of the switch unit 6 is assigned does not necessarily have to be a flat surface, and may be formed as a curved surface such as a spherical surface having a curvature in a range in which dirt is unlikely to adhere and a good finger fit.
If it is uncomfortable to feel when touched, the cover 15 may be made of a soft material, and of course, a light-transmissive rubber material or elastomer that does not interfere with the function of the photo reflector 8 may be used. May be.

In order to distinguish each operation switch surface, the cover 15 may be colored to such an extent that the function of the photo reflector 8 is not hindered, and LEDs such as red, green and blue may be provided on each surface. Further, characters or symbols such as A, W, S may be printed on the inside of the cover 15 so as not to hinder cleaning. At this time, of course, the shape, the position, and the density are not set so as to hinder the function of the photo reflector 8. Alternatively, A, W, S, etc. may be displayed on the screen of the monitor connected via the CCU.

On the other hand, the arrangement of the light projecting element 11 and the light receiving element 12 forming the photo reflector 8 is changed for each inclined surface to which the operation function is assigned, so that the difference between the respective switch functions can be visually recognized. Alternatively, the photo reflectors 8 may be gathered in the center of the inclined surface 4 and may be arranged away from the boundary surface where dirt is likely to occur and the upper end surface 6a where there is a risk of malfunction.

Although no reference is made to the mechanism of fluid control itself, a solenoid valve is provided in the operating portion, or the CCU is used.
Alternatively, a fluid control device may be provided in the light source device, the electronic image control device, or the like, and control may be performed by an electric signal or an optical signal from the switch unit. Needless to say, the fluid control device may be a mechanical switching valve other than an electromagnetic valve, a piston type, or a tube crushing type.

Further, the arrangement of the operation switch surface in the switch section is such that the four inclined surfaces of the switch section on the index finger side are
The suction operation function, the air supply operation function, the water supply operation function, and the release operation function may be assigned, while the gas supply operation function may be assigned to the switch portion on the thumb side according to preference.
Further, the types of operation functions assigned to the inclined surface of the switch unit are not limited to those described above, and the bending operation function of the electric angle UDRL and the UP and DOWN operation functions of the electric forceps raising base are assigned. You may Further, a switch unit may be provided further above the operation unit and used as a switch unit for adjusting the color tone of the image with the finger of the right hand or for white balance.

The combination of operating functions is defined as
It may be possible to freely set it in the U or the electronic image control device according to the preference of the operator.

According to the first embodiment configured as described above, 1. A plurality of operating functions for fluid control can be easily operated with one finger, and the switching operation can be quickly responded because the inclined surfaces having these operating functions are close to each other. 2. Since the upper surface is a place for resting your fingers, you will not accidentally operate the switch accidentally. 3. Since the operation function is activated only when the plurality of photo reflectors 8 are reflected by the finger, they do not operate due to careless contact or adhesion of blood or body fluid. 4. Since the surface of the cover 15 is smooth and the operation function is provided on the inclined surface, it is hard to get dirty and easy to wash. 5. Since the detection range is limited to the cover 15 and is an inclined surface, even if an object having the same reflectance as a finger comes close to the cover 15, it is difficult to make close contact with the cover 15, so that malfunction can be avoided. 6. Quantitative control other than on / off such as suction amount and air supply amount is performed by increasing / decreasing the number of reflected lights of the plurality of photoreflectors 8, that is, the time and area covering the inclined surface having the operation function. Since it can be controlled by two factors, fine adjustment is possible. 7. Since the operation functions are arranged on the three adjacent inclined surfaces in order from the one with the highest frequency of use, it is easy to operate,
There is little operator fatigue. 8. Conventionally, the complicated operation of operating the angle operation knob with the right hand and controlling the fluid with the left hand is now possible with only one finger because the fluid control operation can be performed with only one finger, and the freedom of the right hand. The degree increases. As a result, the endoscope can be operated while the treatment with the treatment tool and the insertion operation of the insertion portion are performed with the right hand without interruption. In particular, it is effective in the one-person insertion method in which the insertion operation of the insertion portion is performed with the right hand using a large intestine scope or the like. And so on.

4 and 5 relate to a second embodiment of the present invention,
FIG. 4 is a side view of the operation section of the endoscope, and FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of the switch section of the endoscope. The second embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the first embodiment described above, and therefore only different parts will be described and description of the same parts will be omitted.

In the second embodiment, the shape of the switch portion 21 provided on the operation portion 2 is, as shown in FIG. 4, shaped like a mountain having two vertices when viewed from the side. A finger resting plane 21a is provided on one of the peaks. As shown in FIG. 5, the switch portion 21 includes four inclined surfaces 21 that are sequentially continuous from the endoscope distal end side to the proximal side.
b, 21c, 21d, and 21e are provided, and the operation function is assigned to the three inclined surfaces 21b, 21c, and 21e of these to serve as operation switch surfaces. Further, the sloping surface 21 on one side of the switch portion 21 on the angle operation knob 7 side
The operation function is also assigned to f and has a total of four operation switch surfaces as operation switch surfaces. The inclined surfaces 21b and 21d on the proximal side are formed to have a steep inclination, while the inclined surfaces 21c and 21e on the tip side are formed to have a gentle inclination. Among these operation functions, the operation function provided on the inclined surface 21f is applied to an operation function such as gas feeding which is relatively infrequently operated.

The operation of this second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment.
Although it is almost the same as the implementation, the operation function assigned to the inclined surface 21f on the angle operation knob 7 side is the switch portion 21f.
You will be operating as if you are hooking your finger across.

According to the second embodiment thus constructed, the same effects as those of the above-mentioned first embodiment are obtained, and
Generally, it is easy to operate with the forefinger of the inclined surface on the hand side of the switch portion, and the inclined surface on the tip side is difficult to operate. Therefore, in this embodiment, two inclined surfaces on the hand side are provided and compared with the first embodiment. Realizes high operability. Further, the angle of the inclined surface on the tip side is made gentle compared with the angle of the inclined surface on the hand side so that it can be pushed easily and is less likely to become dirty. Further, it is effective that four operation functions are provided, and one of these four operation functions may be used for recording control such as release.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged plan view of the vicinity of the switch section of the operation section of the endoscope according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In the third embodiment, the polygonal switch portion 26 is formed on the axis P slightly tilted with respect to the central axis O of the operation portion 2, and the shape thereof is a substantially rectangular truncated pyramid. On the angle operation knob 7 side, three inclined surfaces 26b, 26c, 26d whose angles are changed little by little are formed from the tip end side toward the hand side. These three inclined surfaces 26
b, 26c, 26d are respectively provided with operating functions adapted to be operated by a plurality of photo reflectors 8.

The three inclined surfaces 26b, 26c, 26d
The inclination angle of is formed to be a steep angle toward the hand side of the operation unit 2. That is, the inclination angles of the three inclined surfaces 26b, 26c, and 26d to which the operation function is assigned are formed as gently as the inclined surface 26b on the front end side, so that the switch operation by the forefinger can be performed more easily.
Therefore, the operation function can be switched very easily even while the angle operation knob 7 is being rotated by the middle finger and the thumb. Further, the upper end surface 26a of the switch portion 26 is formed into a flat surface for resting the fingers, and the shape thereof is such that the stairs are seen from the side, and as the tip end side of the operation portion 2 moves toward the hand side. The width is gradually increasing.

The two surfaces connecting the three inclined surfaces 26b, 26c, 26d to which the above-mentioned operation functions are respectively connected are also inclined surfaces 26e, 26 facing the tip side of the operating portion 2.
Since it is f, the dirt and the like are less likely to collect due to the inclined surface.

The arrangement of the photo reflectors 8 may be changed for each inclined surface so that the difference in operation function between them can be visually recognized.

With this configuration, the operator does not need to change the angle and position of the index finger for many switching operations as in the above-described first and second embodiments, and only needs to move the finger a little. It can be operated. That is, the inclined surfaces 26b, 26c, and 26d to which the operation function is assigned are arranged in the direction and position where the forefinger expands and contracts, and the three inclined surfaces having different inclination angles can be obtained by slightly expanding and contracting the forefinger to change the position. A finger can be moved to 26b, 26c, and 26d, and thus fluid control such as suction, air supply, and water supply can be performed.

Further, the protruding volume of the switch portion 26 decreases as it goes to the tip side of the operation portion, so that the angle operation knob 7 can be easily rotated by the middle finger. Also, the operation function can be operated with the middle finger as necessary. At this time, the angle operation knob 7 is rotated with the index finger.

That is, according to the third embodiment as described above, the same effects as those of the first and second embodiments can be obtained, and the operation function switching operation can be easily performed and the angle operation can be easily performed. It is an endoscope.

FIGS. 7 and 8 relate to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the vicinity of the switch section of the operation section of the endoscope,
FIG. 8 is a side view showing a state in which the operation section of the endoscope is manually operated. The switch section of the fourth embodiment is not operated by the index finger, but is operated by the thumb like the image control switch section of the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 7, two switch portions 31 and 32 are arranged side by side in the front-rear direction on the hand side of the operating portion 2. As shown in FIG. 8, the height of the switch portion 32 on the hand side is high. The height is higher than the height of the switch portion 31 on the tip side.

The switch portion 31 on the tip side is composed of a quadratic pyramid that is slightly eccentric to the hand side, and the upper end surface 31a is a flat surface for resting fingers, and the inclined surface 31b on the tip side and the inclined surfaces on both sides. An operation function adapted to be operated by the plurality of photo reflectors 8 is assigned to each of three locations 31c and 31d. Note that the inclined surface 31b is formed most gently, and then the inclined surfaces 31c and 31d are formed slightly more gently, and the remaining side surface on the proximal side is formed to be steep so that it can be easily operated with the thumb. .

The switch portion 32 on the proximal side comprises a quadrangular pyramid base slightly eccentric to the angle operating knob 7 side, and the inclined surface 32b on the tip side and the inclined surface 32c on the opposite side of the angle operating knob 7 are provided. The operation functions that are also operated by a plurality of photoreflectors are assigned to the two locations. Note that the inclined surfaces 32b and 32c are formed to have a gentler inclination than the other side surfaces so that the operation with the thumb is easy.

The arrangement of the respective operation functions provided in the switch parts 31 and 32 is, for example, 2 in the switch part 32 on the hand side.
To the two inclined surfaces 32b and 32c, display control operation functions such as an enlargement operation function and a reduction operation function, which are relatively infrequently used, are assigned. On the other hand, for example, on the three surfaces of the tip side switch unit 31, for example, the inclined surface 31b is released. The function, the freeze operation function on the inclined surface 31c, and the VTR operation function, which are frequently used, are arranged on the inclined surface 31d. With such a configuration, the operator can perform five image display controls and image recording controls with one thumb.

In such a structure, since the heights of the two switch parts are different, as shown in FIG. 8, the thumb placed on the upper end surface 31a of the switch part 31 on the tip side is extended to It is possible to operate two operation functions of the switch unit 32 on the hand side.

The above-mentioned two thumb switch portions 3 are provided.
1 and 32, a switch part 33 for the index finger (see FIG. 8) is provided on the opposite side as in the first embodiment, the angle operation knob 7 is fixed with the middle finger, and the switch part 33 with the index finger. Operate to control the fluid, and use your thumb to switch part 3.
The image control can be performed by operating 1, 32.

That is, according to the fourth embodiment, the same effects as those of the above-described first to third embodiments can be obtained, and various operation functions can be integrated in the operation unit more than ever before. The operability can be remarkably improved.

Next, FIG. 9 shows an example of an overall view of an endoscope system to which the endoscopes of the above-mentioned first to fourth embodiments are connected. In this endoscope system, an electronic image control device 17 to which a monitor 18 is connected and a light source device 19 are connected to an endoscope A group, an endoscope B group, an endoscope C group, an endoscope D group, and The group of endoscopes E is connected to each other to form a main part thereof.

The endoscope 1 of the first to fourth embodiments is
It belongs to the endoscope group A and has a solid-state image sensor 3d at its tip.
(See FIG. 12), and its signal is transmitted to the tip of the universal cord 4 through the signal line 3f (see FIG. 12) internally provided from the insertion portion 3 to the operation portion 2 and the universal cord 4. An image is displayed on the monitor 18 by being guided to the electric connector 4a provided and connected to the electronic image control device 17. In addition, the light source device 1 uses light for illuminating the inside of the body cavity through an optical fiber.
An optical connector 4b for guiding from the lamp 9 is provided. The insertion portion 3 is flexible, and there are various endoscopes such as a long one and a short one.

In the endoscopes belonging to the group B of endoscopes, the insertion portion 3 is hard, and the insertion portion 3 is provided with a relay lens such as a SELFOC lens and is provided in the operation portion 2. An observation image is formed on the solid-state image sensor 3d, and an image is displayed on the monitor 18 from the solid-state image sensor 3d in the same manner as the group A. Further, an optical fiber for illuminating the inside of the body cavity is provided in the insertion portion 3, and the illumination light supplied from the light source device 19 is transmitted through the optical connector 4b as in the case of the group A, and the inside of the body cavity is lit. And so on.

The endoscopes belonging to the group C of endoscopes are endoscopes in which a solid-state image pickup element is provided at the tip of the hard insertion portion 3.
The connector portion provided at the tip of the universal cord 4 has the same structure as the groups A and B.

In the endoscope belonging to the endoscope group D, the optical image of the observation object illuminated by the illumination fiber provided in the hard insertion portion 3 is provided in the insertion portion 3 with the relay lens provided therein. It transmits to the operation part 2 through the group, and the external video camera 3
6, an electronic image is converted and transmitted to the electronic image control device 17, and is observed on the monitor 18. Various endoscopes and an external video camera 36 can be combined. Has been done. In addition, in this endoscope, the same light source device 19 as the groups A, B, and C is connected and used.

Unlike the conventional external video camera 37, which will be described later, the external video camera 36 has a built-in optical fiber for illumination, and connects the two connectors 4a and 4b to the light source 1.
9 is connected to the electronic image control device 17, illumination and monitor image observation can be performed.

The endoscopes belonging to the endoscope group E are endoscopes having the conventional external video camera 37 and the hard insertion portion 3. The external camera 23 has a solid-state image sensor 3d internally provided in the camera head, and receives an electric signal of the solid-state image sensor 3d from the electric connector 4.
A monitor image can be observed by connecting to the electronic image control device 17 via a, and unlike the D group, the illumination light is transmitted through a light guide cable 38 containing an optical fiber to a light source. Optical connector 4b from 19
It is designed to be guided to the endoscope through.

Next, an example of the endoscope of the D group is shown in FIG.
It shows in FIG. An endoscope 1d shown in FIG. 10 includes a rigid insertion portion 3, and the operation portion 2 has an external video camera 36.
A lens group for forming an observation image on the CCD is internally provided, and a circular cover glass 41 is disposed on the rear end surface of the operation section 2 behind the optical axis of the lens group, Further, a small circular entrance end 42 of the optical fiber for illumination is provided on the rear end face of the operation section 2. This incident end 42
Is provided so as to be slightly displaced from the end surface of the cover glass 41 on the insertion portion 3 side, and is configured so that the illumination light does not leak to the observation optical system.

The end of the camera head 36a on the side of the external video camera 36 corresponding to the endoscope 1d is also formed in a similar shape, and the wall 36 for preventing outside light from entering at this end.
b is provided so as to be detachably fitted to the end portion of the endoscope 1d. And this external video camera 36
The emitting end 43 of the illumination optical fiber and the solid-state imaging device 3d are provided on the end face with the end faces being slightly displaced. The emitting end 43 is connected to the optical connector 4 by the built-in optical fiber.
It is optically connected to b and guides the illumination light of the light source 19.

On the other hand, the solid-state image pickup device 3d is adapted to guide an electric signal to a terminal on the end face of the electric connector 4a by a signal line provided therein, and the electronic image control device 17
Electrically connected to.

Therefore, unlike the conventional group E, it is not necessary to connect the external video camera 23 and the light guide cable 26 to the endoscope, respectively, and only one connection is required. Further, as described above, since the image transmission surface and the illumination light transmission surface at the connection end surface between the external video camera 23 and the endoscope 3d are not on the same plane, it is possible to prevent the illumination light from leaking to the image transmission surface. is doing. Further, since the connection fitting portion is deformed, it is easy to determine the connection position, and it is easy to align the upper side of the endoscope with the upper side of the external video camera.

Next, another example of the structure shown in FIG. 10 is shown in FIG. In this example, the end face 42 of the illumination optical fiber is
Is formed in a ring shape, and the relative rotation positions of the external video camera 36 and the endoscope 1d are freely set, and the connection is easier than in the configuration shown in FIG.
Therefore, as a means for connecting these, for example, screwing may be used. As described above, the observation image on the monitor 18 may be circular in order to make the alignment between the upper part of the endoscope 1d and the upper part of the external video camera 36 unnecessary. In such a case, the cable connecting the connectors 4a and 4b and the camera head 36a is
It is advisable to connect it straight rearward in the longitudinal direction of a.

[0069]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an endoscope having a switch part having a high cleaning property, which enables a plurality of operating functions to be operated with one finger, and which does not malfunction due to dirt. be able to.

[Brief description of drawings]

1 to 3 and 12 relate to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an operating portion of an endoscope.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view showing a switch section of the operation section.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of photoreflectors in the switch section.

4 and 5 relate to a second embodiment of the present invention.
[Fig. 3] is a side view of the operation unit of the endoscope.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the vicinity of the switch section of the endoscope.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged plan view of the vicinity of the switch section of the operation section of the endoscope according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

7 and 8 relate to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a plan view of the vicinity of a switch section of the operation section of the endoscope.

FIG. 8 is a side view showing a state in which the operating portion of the endoscope is held and operated by a hand.

FIG. 9 is an overall view of an endoscope system to which the endoscopes of the above-described first to fourth embodiments are connected.

10 is a perspective view showing an example of a connecting portion between the endoscope of group D in FIG. 9 and an external video camera.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing another example of the connecting portion between the endoscope of the group D of FIG. 9 and the external video camera.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the distal end portion of the endoscope insertion portion of the first embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Endoscope 2 ... Operation part 6,21,26,31,32 ... Switch part 6b, 6c, 6d, 21b, 21c, 21e, 21f, 26b, 26c, 26d, 31b, 31c, 31d, 3
2b, 32c ... Inclined surface (operation switch surface to which operation function is assigned) 8 ... Photo reflector

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] December 14, 1992

[Procedure Amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] 0002

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An endoscope having a channel or the like is adapted to perform suction, air supply, water supply, gas supply, etc. through this channel, and at that time, a fluid provided in an operating portion is used. These controls are performed by the control switch. Further, in the electronic endoscope, an image control switch relating to display of electronic image freeze, release, enlargement, etc. and recording control is also provided in the operation section. An endoscope having such a fluid control switch or an image control switch is
Various proposals have hitherto been made, for example, JP-A-63-9.
JP 9832, aspirated with one finger by piston type pipeline switching mechanism, air, an endoscope having a button that can switch the water supply is described.

[Procedure Amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0017

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope 1 according to the first embodiment has an elongated insertion portion 3 extending from an operation portion 2, and a distal end portion 3a of the insertion portion 3 is shown in FIG. As shown , a tip frame 3b having a plurality of holes, which is made of a hard material and has a rounded corner, is provided, and an objective optical system 3c is provided in the tip frame 3b. Optical system 3c
On the image forming plane of, C for photoelectrically converting the image of the observation target
An image pickup surface of a solid-state image pickup device 3d such as a CD is arranged.
A signal line 3f is provided from the solid-state image pickup device 3d via the substrate 3e. Further, the distal end frame 3b of the distal end portion 3a of the insertion portion 3 is provided with a channel 3g for performing fluid control in the body cavity or treatment by inserting a treatment tool, and is formed in the operation portion 2. A flexible tube is connected to the forceps port or fluid control mechanism (not shown).

[Procedure 3]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0028

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

When it is desired to turn off the operation function, the finger is removed from the inclined surface, and the finger is removed from the detection area 13 on the cover 15, so it is turned off. Further, when these controls are not required, the finger can be placed on the flat surface 6a on the upper surface of the switch section 6.

[Procedure amendment 4]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] 0029

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

Even if the finger is dirty, pressing the cover 15 with the finger removes the dirt from between the cover 15 and the rubber glove covering the finger. In addition, the cover 15 is the operation unit 2
On the other hand, since it is watertightly fixed , dirt does not enter the operation part from the finger. As described above, since the cover 15 is formed of a material that does not easily get dirty and the side surfaces thereof are all inclined surfaces, it is difficult for dirt to collect and cleaning is very easy after the examination and the like. . In addition,
If the surface of the cover 15 is made water-repellent, it becomes easier to wash, and it is better that dirt can easily be removed even with running water. Furthermore, it is more preferable to coat the surface of the cover 15 with a material that is less likely to be scratched, less likely to become dirty, and that is not colored by the disinfecting solution.

[Procedure Amendment 5]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0033

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

On the other hand, the arrangement of the light projecting element 11 and the light receiving element 12 constituting the photo-reflector 8 is changed for each inclined surface to which the operation function is assigned, and the detection area 13 that shines.
The arrangement may be changed so that the difference between the switch functions can be visually recognized, or the detection area 1
3 may be gathered in the center of the inclined surface, and may be arranged away from the boundary surface that is easily soiled and the upper end surface 6a where there is a risk of malfunction.

[Procedure correction 6]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0035

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

Further, the arrangement of the operation switch surface in the switch section is such that the four inclined surfaces of the switch section on the index finger side are
The suction operation function, the air supply operation function, the water supply operation function, and the release operation function may be assigned, while the gas supply operation function may be assigned to the switch portion on the thumb side according to preference.
Further, the types of operation functions assigned to the inclined surface of the switch unit are not limited to those described above, and the bending operation functions of the electric angles U , D , R , and L are assigned and the UP of the electric forceps raising base is assigned. , DOWN operation function may be assigned. Further, a switch unit may be provided further above the operation unit and used as a switch unit for adjusting the color tone of the image with the finger of the right hand or for white balance.

[Procedure Amendment 7]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] 0037

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

According to the first embodiment configured as described above, 1. A plurality of operating functions for fluid control can be easily operated with one finger, and the switching operation can be quickly responded because the inclined surfaces having these operating functions are close to each other. 2. Since the upper surface is a place for resting your fingers, you will not accidentally operate the switch accidentally. 3. Since the reflector detection unit including the plurality of photoreflectors 8 is configured so that the operation function is activated only when the reflection from the finger is received, it does not operate due to careless contact or adhesion of blood, body fluid or the like. . 4. Since the surface of the cover 15 is smooth and the operation function is provided on the inclined surface, it is hard to get dirty and easy to wash. 5. The detection range are limited on the cover 15 moreover projects
Since it is a slanted surface of the polyhedron , even if an object having the same reflectance as a finger comes close to it, it is difficult for the object to come into close contact with the cover 15, so that a malfunction can be avoided. 6. Quantitative control other than on / off such as suction amount and air supply amount is performed by increasing / decreasing the number of reflected lights of the plurality of photoreflectors 8, that is, the time and area covering the inclined surface having the operation function. Since it can be controlled by two factors, fine adjustment is possible. 7. Since the operation functions are arranged on the three adjacent inclined surfaces in order from the one with the highest frequency of use, it is easy to operate,
There is little operator fatigue. 8. Conventionally, the complicated operation of operating the angle operation knob with the right hand and controlling the fluid with the left hand is now possible because the fluid control operation can be performed with only one finger, and the left hand can be used freely. The degree increases. As a result, the endoscope can be operated while the treatment with the treatment tool and the insertion operation of the insertion portion are performed with the right hand without interruption. In particular, it is effective in the one-person insertion method in which the insertion operation of the insertion portion is performed with the right hand using a large intestine scope or the like. And so on.

[Procedure Amendment 8]

[Document name to be corrected] Drawing

[Correction target item name] Figure 8

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[Figure 8]

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A switch section provided on an operation section of an endoscope and having at least one inclined surface and a flat surface formed on the inclined surface, and a predetermined operation function assigned to the inclined surface of the switch section. The operation switch surface, and a plurality of reflected light detectors are located on the operation switch surface,
A limited reflection type photoreflector that operates an operation function assigned to the operation switch surface only when three or more of the reflected light detection units detect reflected light having a reflectance within a predetermined range. And an endoscope.