JPH071121Y2 - Electronic endoscope - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Industrial field of application] The present invention relates to an electronic endoscope used for industrial and medical purposes.

[Prior Art] In an electronic endoscope, a solid-state image sensor such as a CCD is built in the tip of an insertion part to be inserted into an observation target part, and the solid-state imaging device converts the image information of the observation target part into an electric signal. It is configured to be converted and transmitted to a processor, to be subjected to predetermined signal processing by the processor, and then to be displayed on a monitor screen. This electronic endoscope allows many people to observe the image of the observation part at the same time, and moreover, data can be recorded and saved using a video recording device such as a video tape recorder (VTR). Also, depending on the signal processing of the processor, not only can it be displayed in a moving image state on the monitor screen, but it can also be displayed in a still image state, so that it is possible to observe with high precision, etc.
Due to various advantages, it has been widely used in recent years.

By the way, in an electronic endoscope, in addition to the normal operation for controlling the position and direction of the insertion part, the VTR as a video recording device is turned on and off, and it is displayed in a moving image state or a still image. It is also necessary to select and switch the display mode as to whether or not to display as, and to perform an image-related operation such as an operation for creating a hard copy of a still image when a copying apparatus is connected. However, if various operations related to such an image are individually performed in the processor, the VTR device, and the hard copy device, this kind of operation cannot be performed while operating the endoscope. It's inconvenient.

Therefore, a push-button type switch for performing image-related operations is provided on the main body operation unit of the endoscope, and by pushing this switch with the hand holding the main body operation unit, the VTR O
N, OFF, switching of the display mode of the screen, and operation for starting the creation of a hard copy of the image are used. Note that the hard copy is created only when the video display mode is still image, so the switch for switching the display mode is shared with the switch for starting the hard copy, and the number of times the switch has been operated, etc. Thus, the selection of the display mode and the operation of starting the hard copy creation are identified.

[Problems to be solved by the invention] As described above, the main body operation unit has a VTR switch for video recording operation and a display mode switching (when hard copy creation is possible, this hard copy A freeze switch (which also serves as a creation start switch) and two switches are provided at a position where the thumb of the hand holding the endoscope can press and operate, but the operation of the endoscope is usually a monitor. Since the operation is performed while visually observing the screen, there is a drawback that the switch may be pushed without confirming the position of the switch, which may cause an erroneous push of the switch.

By the way, the operation frequency of the two switches provided in the main body operation portion is not necessarily the same, and generally, the operation frequency of the VTR switch is extremely low as compared with the freeze switch. The present invention has been made in view of this point, and the purpose thereof is to reliably prevent erroneous operation of the switches by adjusting the arrangement positions of the two switches described above. The purpose is to provide such an electronic endoscope.

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention connects an insertion portion having a solid-state imaging device built in at its tip and a universal cord connected to a processor, and an operator. A video recording operation switch and a display mode selection switch for selecting between a moving image display state and a still image display state on one surface of the main body operation unit that can be held and operated by one hand. Are provided at the left and right positions so that they can be operated by the thumb of the hand holding the main body operation unit. Of these switches, the display mode selection switch is arranged at a high position and the video recording operation switch is set at a low position. The feature is that it is arranged at a position.

[Operation] Of the video recording operation switch and the display mode switching switch, the video recording operation switch is pushed at the start and end of observation to operate a video recording device such as a VTR,
It is normal to keep the video recording device in an operating state while observing. However, the switch for changing the display mode is frequently operated when it is necessary to observe more accurately while the observation is being performed or whenever other needs arise.

From the above, the video recording operation switch of the two switches needs to be operated by a person who operates the endoscope, but it is not necessarily placed in a position where it can be easily operated. There is no. Therefore, the video recording operation switch is arranged at a position away from the position where the thumb of the hand holding the endoscope is normally placed. However, since the display mode switching switch is frequently operated while observing, the switch is usually arranged at the position where the thumb is placed. Moreover, the position of the video recording operation switch is arranged at a position lower than that of the display mode selection switch. This eliminates the risk of erroneous operation, even without checking the position of the switch.

[Embodiment] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

First, FIGS. 1 and 2 show the outer appearance of the main part of the electronic endoscope.

In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a main body operation unit, and the main body operation unit 1
An insertion portion 2 to be inserted into the observation target portion is continuously provided, and a universal cord 3 connected to the processor is continuously provided. A solid-state image sensor such as a CCD is provided at the tip of the insertion section, and this solid-state image sensor converts the image information of the observation target section into an electric signal, and this image signal is transferred from the insertion section 2 to the main body operation section 1 It is transmitted to the processor via the code 3 so that the signal can be processed in this processor and then displayed on the monitor device. Further, a VTR device for recording a video and a copying device for making a hard copy of an image are connected to this processor. Regarding the configurations of these processors, VTR devices, and copy devices,
Since it is well known in the art, its illustration and detailed description are omitted.

The insertion portion 2 is connected to the distal end portion of the main body operating portion 1 so as to extend in the axial direction thereof, and the universal cord 3 is at a position near the base end of the main body operating portion 1 from its flat surface portion. The insertion portion 2 is arranged to extend in a direction orthogonal to the continuous installation direction. An angle operation lever 4 for bending the distal end of the insertion section 2 is provided on the side surface of the main body operation section 1 near the base end.

Furthermore, the VTR switch 5 for turning on and off the VTR device and the function of switching between the moving image of the image displayed on the monitor screen and the still image, and the start control of the hard copy creation of the still image are performed. A freeze switch 6 having a function and a switch mount 7 provided in a state of protruding in the axial direction from the base end portion of the main body operation portion 1 are mounted side by side on the left and right sides. Of these switches 5 and 6, the freeze switch 6 is located at a position between the connecting portion of the universal cord 3 and the angle operating lever 4 at a height position where the connecting portion to the main body operating portion 1 is substantially continuous with the flat portion. And is provided on the high mount portion 7a which is inclined downward from here. Further, the VTR switch 5 is mounted on the low mount portion 7b provided at a position lower than the high mount portion 7a in the extension line direction of the position where the universal cord 3 is arranged.

Here, the switches 5 and 6 are configured as shown in FIG. That is, as is clear from the figure, the switch main body 10 is provided in the recess 11 provided in the switch mount 7, and the switch main body 10 is continuously provided with the mounting portion 12 provided with the screw portion on the outer peripheral surface. There is. An inner cylinder 13 provided with a threaded portion on the outer surface is fixedly provided inside the mounting portion 12,
A pushing protrusion 14 is provided in the inner cylinder 13. And
A cover 15 is fitted so as to cover the pushing protrusion 14.

The cover 15 is formed by forming a flexible member such as rubber into a dome shape, and the inner surface of the skirt portion 15a is thin, and a screw ring 16 is fixedly provided on the thin portion. The screw ring 16 can be screwed into the inner cylinder 13. When the cover 15 is attached, the tip of the skirt 15a is attached to the mounting portion 12 and the inner cylinder 13
When the screw ring 16 is screwed into the inner cylinder 13, the tip end of the skirt portion 15a and the end face of the screw ring 16 and the annular groove 17 are to be inserted. It will be sandwiched between the bottom and it will be pressed and deformed,
The inside of the switch is configured to be waterproof and protected when the endoscope is washed.

The present embodiment is configured as described above, and the operation of the endoscope is usually performed with one hand of the main body operation unit 1 and the universal cord 3 with the thumb and the index finger, as is apparent from FIG. It is carried out by sandwiching between the two.
The thumb is placed between the installation portion of the universal cord 3 and the mounting position of the angle operation lever 4.

In this state, insert the insertion part 2 into the human body (in the case of a medical endoscope).
Or inside the machine (in the case of an industrial endoscope),
Observe the inside. Then, if necessary, by rotating the angle operation lever 4 with the thumb of the hand holding the main body operation unit 1, the insertion unit 2 can be operated in an angle to obtain a viewing field in a desired direction. Like

The VTR switch 5 and the freeze switch 6 can also be pushed and operated by the thumb. However, the VTR switch 5 is pushed and operated when the insertion of the insertion portion 2 is started or the insertion portion 2 is pushed. It is either when the observation is started by guiding 2 to a predetermined position and when the observation is finished. Therefore, even if the VTR switch 5 is provided on the extension of the universal cord 3 and is provided on the low mount portion 7b of the switch mount 7 and is provided at a position where it is relatively difficult to operate, the operation frequency is low, The VTR switch 5 can be pushed by operating the thumb.

On the other hand, while observing, it is necessary to freeze the image displayed on the monitor screen for more accurate observation. For this reason, the freeze switch 6 is frequently operated. Also, when making a hard copy of the still image displayed on the monitor screen as described above, it is necessary to operate the freeze switch 6. Moreover, when the freeze switch 6 is operated, since the operator usually looks at the monitor screen, he / she cannot confirm the switch he / she has. However, since the freeze switch 6 is provided on the high mount portion 7a of the switch mount 7 where the thumb is placed, the position is easy to operate, and the tilt is downward, the freeze switch 6 is It is possible to easily and surely perform the pushing operation without checking 6 every time the operation is performed, and there is no inconvenience of operating the freeze switch 6 and the VTR switch 5 by mistake.

In the above-described embodiment, the freeze switch 6
I showed the one configured to be used for both display mode selection and hard copy creation, but it is not necessary to combine both of these functions, the point is that the VTR switch 5 is used for the display mode selection switch. It may be provided at a position where it is easy to operate. Needless to say, the structure of the switches 5 and 6 itself is not limited to that shown in FIG.

[Advantages of the Invention] As described above, the display mode selection switch and the video recording operation switch are arranged at the left and right positions on the one side surface of the main body operation unit so that the thumb can be operated. This enables these two switches to be operated with the thumb of the hand holding the main body operation unit, and the display mode selection switch is placed at a high position and the video recording operation switch is placed at a low position. In addition, since it is configured so that there is a difference in ease of operation, it is extremely easy to operate the display mode selection switch that is frequently operated, and the display mode selection switch and the video recording operation switch are There is an effect that there is no possibility of causing an operation error during the period.

[Brief description of drawings]

The drawings show one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an essential part of an electronic endoscope, FIG. 2 is a plan view thereof, and FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a switch. 1: Main body operation part, 2: Insert part, 3: Universal cord, 5: VT
R switch, 6: Freeze switch, 7: Switch mount, 7a: High mount part, 7b: Low mount part, 10: Switch body.

Claims (1)

[Scope of utility model registration request] 1. A main body operation section in which an insertion section having a solid-state image pickup element built in at its tip and a universal cord connected to a processor are connected so that an operator can hold and operate with one hand. On one side surface, a video recording operation switch and a display mode selection switch for selecting whether to display a moving image or a still image are provided at the left and right positions, and a hand holding the main body operation unit. An electronic endoscope characterized in that it is not operable with a thumb, and among these switches, a display mode selection switch is arranged at a high position and a video recording operation switch is arranged at a low position. .