Endoscope operation part and endoscope

Abstract

To provide an endoscope operation part capable of improving usability with respect to an operation switch, and an endoscope.SOLUTION: An endoscope operation part includes an operation switch 56 that is stored in a storage recess 57 of a switch arrangement surface 73 located in between a curvature operation knob arrangement surface 71 and a universal cable connection surface 72 in an operation part body 18 and is configured to be able to swing in a longitudinal axis direction Ax. When viewed from a side facing the switch arrangement surface 73, in a state where the operation switch 56 is not operated, the position of the longitudinal axis direction Ax in a top part 58 of the operation switch 56 is in an upper direction than a center position of the universal cable connection part 54.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an endoscope operation section and an endoscope. [Background technology]

[0002] An endoscope generally includes an insertion section that is inserted into the body, an operation section that is connected to the base end side of the insertion section, and a universal cable that is connected to the operation section. The operation section is provided with a rotatable bending operation knob. By rotating the bending operation knob, the bending section provided in the insertion section is bent in the up, down, left and right directions. This allows the insertion section to be inserted smoothly into the patient. In addition, the tip of the insertion section can be oriented in a desired direction inside the body, and an observation image can be obtained from a suitable position by the optical system provided in the tip.

[0003] In such an endoscope, a plurality of switches are arranged in the operation section, and various functions related to the endoscope can be operated at the hand side. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an endoscope having an operation button housed in a recessed portion provided in the operation section. Patent Document 2 discloses an endoscope having an operation switch in the operation section that can swing left and right around a rotation center axis when viewed from the rear side of the operation section. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 63-222730 [Patent Document 2] JP 2007-325747 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When operating an endoscope, the operator places the connection part of the universal cable near the base of the thumb and index finger, and grasps the operation part with the ring finger and little finger. The thumb operates the bending operation knob when bending the bending part, and also operates the switches. Since these operations are performed frequently during surgery, there was a concern that the arrangement of the switches and the direction of operation of the switches in the endoscope disclosed in Patent Document 1 or Patent Document 2 would cause stress to the operator.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide an endoscope operation section and an endoscope with improved usability for operation switches. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, the endoscope operating unit includes a gripping portion provided on one side of the endoscope operating unit in the longitudinal axis direction, an operating unit main body provided on the other side opposite the one side in the longitudinal axis direction, a curved operating knob arranged on one side of the operating unit main body, a universal cable connection portion provided on the other side opposite the one side of the operating unit main body, and an operating switch provided within a range reachable by the thumb of an operator holding the gripping portion, the operating switch being accommodated in an accommodating recess of a switch arrangement surface located between the one side and the other side of the operating unit main body and configured to be swingable in the longitudinal axis direction, and when viewed from the side opposite the switch arrangement surface, when the operating switch is not operated, the longitudinal axis position of the top of the operating switch is on the other side of the center position of the universal cable connection portion.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, when the operation switch is not operated, the top portion of the operation switch is exposed to the outside of the accommodating recess.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, when viewed from the side opposite the switch arrangement surface, when the operation switch is not operated, the longitudinal axis direction position of the top of the operation switch is on the other side of the position where the rotation axis of the curved operation knob is provided.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, the operation switch is disposed on the side closer to the bending operation knob than the universal cable connection portion.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, the top portion of the operation switch is configured in an elongated shape extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, the operation unit body includes another switch on another switch arrangement surface that is arranged on the other side of the switch arrangement surface.

[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, the operation switch is a zoom operation switch for performing an operation to change the display magnification of an observation image acquired by an endoscope.

[0014] According to one aspect of the present invention, the operation switch can be operated by pressing it.

[0015] According to one aspect of the present invention, an endoscope includes the above-mentioned endoscope operating section, an insertion section connected to one side of the holding section and inserted into a subject, and a universal cable connected to the universal cable connection section. Effect of the Invention

[0016] According to the present invention, the usability of the operation switch can be improved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an endoscope according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the tip surface of the tip portion. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the endoscope operation unit as viewed from the side opposite to the switch arrangement surface. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the endoscope operation section as viewed from the side facing the bending operation knob. [Diagram 5]FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the endoscope operation unit as viewed from the universal cable connection unit side and from an oblique direction with respect to the switch arrangement surface. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state in which the grip portion in FIG. 3 is gripped with the left hand. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the operation switch. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an exploded enlarged view of the operation switch. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of the function of the operation switch. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a modified example of the endoscope operation portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of an endoscope operation section and an endoscope according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] <Endoscope equipment> 1 is a configuration diagram of an endoscope apparatus 2. As shown in FIG. 1, the endoscope apparatus 2 includes an endoscope 10, a light source device 12, a processor device 13, and a monitor 16.

[0020] <Endoscope> The endoscope 10 includes a long insertion section 17 that is inserted into the body, and an endoscope operation section 18 that is connected to the base end side of the insertion section 17.

[0021] The endoscope operation section 18 includes a grip section 19 and an operation section main body 20, and the tip side of the grip section 19 is connected to the base end side of the insertion section 17. The operation section main body 20 is disposed on the base end side of the grip section 19. A universal cable 21 is connected to the operation section main body 20 of the endoscope operation section 18. The universal cable 21 contains a signal cable (not shown), a light guide (not shown), and the like. A light source connector 22 is provided at the tip of this universal cable 21.

[0022] A cable 23 branches off from the light source connector 22, and a processor connector 24 is provided at the tip of this cable 23. The light source connector 22 is detachably connected to the light source device 12, and the processor connector 24 is detachably connected to the processor device 13.

[0023] The insertion portion 17 is inserted into a lumen (for example, the stomach or large intestine) of a subject. The insertion portion 17 includes a distal end portion 25, a curved portion 26, and a flexible portion 27 from the distal end side to the proximal end side.

[0024] The grip portion 19 is provided with a treatment tool insertion portion 28. The operation portion main body 20 is further provided with a pair of bending operation knobs 29, an air / water supply button 30, a suction button 31, and switches 32, 33, 34, and 35.

[0025] <Tip> 2 is a front view of the distal end surface 38 of the distal end portion 25. As shown in FIG. 2, an observation window 40, a pair of illumination windows 42, an air / water nozzle 44, and a forceps port 46 are arranged at predetermined positions on the distal end surface 38 of the distal end portion 25. As an example, the observation window 40 is arranged substantially in the center of the distal end surface 38, and the pair of illumination windows 42 are arranged on both sides of the observation window 40. The air / water nozzle 44 is arranged at a position where its nozzle faces the observation window 40. The forceps port 46 is arranged in a space surrounded by the observation window 40, one of the illumination windows 42, and the air / water nozzle 44.

[0026] An image of the observation site illuminated by illumination light from the pair of illumination windows 42 is captured by an imaging element (not shown) through the observation window 40. The captured observation image is input to the processor device 13 via the universal cable 21 or the like, and the processor device 13 displays the observation image on the monitor 16.

[0027] <Endoscope operation unit> Next, the endoscope operation unit 18 according to the embodiment will be described. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the endoscope operation unit as viewed from the side facing the switch arrangement surface. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the endoscope operation unit as viewed from the side facing the bending operation knob. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the endoscope operation unit as viewed from the universal cable connection part side and in an oblique direction with respect to the switch arrangement surface.

[0028] The endoscope operation unit 18 is held by an operator to operate the endoscope device 2. As shown in Figs. 3 to 5, the endoscope operation unit 18 includes a gripping portion 19 provided on one side (downward in Fig. 3) of the endoscope operation unit 18 in the longitudinal axis direction Ax, and an operation unit body 20 provided on the other side (upward in Fig. 3) opposite to the one side in the longitudinal axis direction Ax. The operation unit body 20 includes a first operation unit body 51 and a second operation unit body 52. ​​The first operation unit body 51 is connected to the gripping portion 19 provided in the downward direction. The second operation unit body 52 is connected to the first operation unit body 51 in the upward direction of the first operation unit body 51. Here, the terms "upward" and "downward" are defined as the side of the thumb of the left hand being the "upward" direction and the side of the little finger of the left hand being the "downward" direction when an operator holds the endoscope main body 18 in his / her left hand, positions the pair of bending operation knobs 29 on the right side facing the operator, and views the switch arrangement surface 73 (see Figures 3 and 6) described below.

[0029] As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the first operation unit main body 51 has a bending operation knob arrangement surface 71 (corresponding to "one side surface" of the present invention). The bending operation knob arrangement surface 71 is a side surface facing a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis direction Ax, and constitutes a surface on which the pair of bending operation knobs 29 are arranged. In Fig. 4, the pair of bending operation knobs 29 are shown by virtual lines. The pair of bending operation knobs 29 are configured to be rotatable around a rotation axis 53. The operator can bend the bending portion 26 and orient the tip portion 25 in a desired direction by rotating the pair of bending operation knobs 29 around the rotation axis 53 with his / her fingers. In addition, this rotation axis 53 is approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis direction Ax.

[0030] 3 and 5, the first operation unit main body 51 has a universal cable connection surface 72 (corresponding to the "other side surface" of the present invention) on the opposite side to the bending operation knob arrangement surface 71. The universal cable connection surface 72 is a side surface facing the opposite direction to the bending operation knob arrangement surface 71, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis direction Ax, and the universal cable connection part 54 is provided on this universal cable connection surface 72. The tip side of the universal cable 21 is connected to the universal cable connection part 54. The universal cable connection surface 72 has a lead-out portion 59 that protrudes in a direction away from the universal cable connection surface 72, and the universal cable connection part 54 is provided on this lead-out portion 59.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 3, the first operation unit body 51 has a switch arrangement surface 73 located between the bending operation knob arrangement surface 71 and the universal cable connection surface 72. This switch arrangement surface 73 is provided with an operation switch 56. The operation switch 56 will be described later. As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the first operation unit body 51 has a button arrangement surface 74 on the opposite side to the switch arrangement surface 73.

[0032] 3 to 5, the first operation unit body 51 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape by a bending operation knob arrangement surface 71, a universal cable connection surface 72, a switch arrangement surface 73, and a button arrangement surface 74. The second operation unit body 52 is connected to the bending operation knob arrangement surface 71, the universal cable connection surface 72, the switch arrangement surface 73, and the button arrangement surface 74. The grip portion 19 is connected to the bending operation knob arrangement surface 71, the universal cable connection surface 72, the switch arrangement surface 73, and the button arrangement surface 74 of the first operation unit body 51, and has a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0033] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the air / water supply button 30, the suction button 31, and the switch 32 are arranged in this order on the button arrangement surface 74 of the first operation unit body 51 from bottom to top along the longitudinal axis direction Ax. The second operation unit body 52 has switches 33, 34, and 35 arranged in this order from the button arrangement surface 74 side toward the switch arrangement surface 73 side. The switch 33 is arranged on a surface continuous with the button arrangement surface 74 of the second operation unit body 52. ​​The switch 34 is arranged at the topmost position in the longitudinal axis direction Ax of the second operation unit body 52. ​​The switch 35 is arranged on a surface continuous with the switch arrangement surface 73 of the second operation unit body 52.

[0034] The operator can arbitrarily assign operations of the endoscope device 2, such as freezing an observation image, capturing an observation image (releasing), and switching between special light observation, to each of the switches 32, 33, 34, and 35. The switches 32, 33, 34, and 35 include known operating members such as a button type and a lever type. The switches 32, 33, 34, and 35 are preferably switches that return to their original state when not operated, such as a tact switch.

[0035] Next, the operation switch 56 will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 6. Figure 6 shows the state in which the grip portion in Figure 3 is gripped with the left hand.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 6, when grasping the endoscope operating unit 18, the operator places the lead-out portion 59, in which the universal cable connection portion 54 is formed, near the bases of the thumb 77 and index finger, and grasps the gripping portion 19 with the ring finger 78 and little finger 79.

[0037] When operating the endoscope 10, the operator operates the bending operation knob 29 with the thumb 77 and middle finger (not shown) or the ring finger 78 and index finger in order to bend the bending section 26, and also operates the switch 35 and the operation switch 56 with the thumb 77. Since this operation is performed frequently during surgery, the endoscope 10 is required to have improved usability for the operation switch 56 so that the operator can operate it without stress.

[0038] 3, 5, and 6, the operation switch 56 is provided on a switch arrangement surface 73 of the first operation unit body 51, and is accommodated in an accommodating recess 57 provided in the switch arrangement surface 73. As shown in Fig. 6, the operation switch 56 is provided within a range reachable by a thumb 77 of a left hand 76 of an operator holding the grip portion 19.

[0039] 5, the operation switch 56 is configured to be swingable in the longitudinal axis direction Ax, that is, to be swingable in an upward direction A and a downward direction B opposite to the upward direction A, approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis direction Ax, as shown by the arrow. When the operator swings the operation switch 56 in the upward direction A or the downward direction B with his / her thumb 77, the endoscope device 2 can perform a specific function assigned thereto.

[0040] In the embodiment, the operation switch 56 is made swivelable in the longitudinal axis direction Ax (vertically swivelable), so that the operation switch 56 can be easily operated with the thumb 77, and the operator can intuitively grasp the operation direction with ease. The usability of the operation switch 56 can be improved.

[0041] In the embodiment, the operation switch 56 is accommodated in the accommodation recess 57. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, when the operation switch 56 is not operated, the distance L from the switch arrangement surface 73 to the top 58 of the operation switch 56 can be reduced, and the top 58 can also be arranged below the switch arrangement surface 73, that is, not exposed to the outside. By reducing this distance L, as shown in FIG. 6, when the operator operates the pair of bending operation knobs 29 with his / her fingers, or when the operator moves the thumb 77 between the switch 35 and the pair of bending operation knobs 29, it is possible to suppress interference of the operator's thumb 77 with the operation switch 56. By avoiding the interference, the usability of the operation switch 56 can be improved.

[0042] In addition, the surface continuous with the switch arrangement surface 73 of the second operating unit main body 52 corresponds to an example of another switch arrangement surface arranged on the other side of the switch arrangement surface 73 of the present invention, and the switch 35 corresponds to the other switch of the present invention.

[0043] Since the operation switch 56 is accommodated in the accommodation recess 57, the distance L can be made small. On the other hand, if the distance L between the top 58 and the switch arrangement surface 73 is made small, the contact area (finger hook) between the operator's finger and the operation switch 56 decreases, and there is a concern that operability may decrease. However, as shown in FIG. 5, since the operation switch 56 is accommodated in the accommodation recess 57, a gap is defined between the top 58 and the periphery of the accommodation recess 57, particularly in the upper and lower directions of the top 58. As a result, the contact area (finger hook) between the operator's thumb 77 and the operation switch 56 can be secured, and the operability of the operation switch 56 can be secured.

[0044] As shown in Figures 3, 5, and 6, when the operating switch 56 is not operated, the position of the longitudinal axis direction Ax at the top 58 of the operating switch 56 is located above the center position Cn of the universal cable connection portion 54.

[0045] As described above, when the endoscope operation unit 18 is grasped, if the lead-out portion 59 is placed near the base of the thumb 77 and index finger, when the thumb 77 is aligned along the longitudinal axis direction Ax, the first joint portion of the thumb 77 is located above the center position Cn of the universal cable connection portion 54. When the operation switch 56 is located above the center position Cn, the operator can easily operate the operation switch 56 with the thumb 77 without having to re-grip the grip portion 19. Because the operation switch 56 is located above the center position Cn, the operation of the operation switch 56 is easy, and the usability of the operation switch 56 can be improved.

[0046] In the embodiment, the accommodating recess 57 is rectangular, and the side (upper side) located in the upward direction of the periphery of the accommodating recess 57 is located above the universal cable connection portion 54, and the side (lower side) located in the downward direction of the periphery of the accommodating recess 57 is located at the universal cable connection portion 54. The position of the accommodating recess 57 is appropriately determined depending on the position where the top 58 of the operation switch 56 is disposed.

[0047] <Preferred form> Next, a preferred embodiment of the operation switch 56 will be described. In a first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, it is preferred that the top 58 of the operation switch 56 is exposed to the outside of the accommodation recess 57 by a certain distance L when the operation switch 56 is not operated. It is also possible not to expose the top 58 of the operation switch 56 to the outside of the accommodation recess 57, but if the top 58 is exposed to the outside of the accommodation recess 57, the operator can easily touch the operation switch 56 with the thumb 77, and can operate the operation switch 56 more reliably. For example, if the part of the operation switch 56 accommodated in the accommodation recess 57 is distance L1, the relationship between the distance L and the distance L1 can be, for example, distance L:distance L1=1:3 to 1:1. These values ​​are determined in consideration of the prevention of interference with the operation switch 56 and the operability of the operation switch 56.

[0048] 3 and 6, in a second embodiment, when the operation switch 56 is not operated, the position of the top 58 of the operation switch 56 in the longitudinal axis direction Ax is preferably above the position where the rotation shaft 53 of the bending operation knob 29 is provided. As shown in FIG. 6, when the lead-out portion 59 is placed near the base of the thumb 77 and index finger when the endoscope operation unit 18 is grasped, the first joint part of the thumb 77 is located above the rotation shaft 53 when the thumb 77 is aligned along the longitudinal axis direction Ax. When the operation switch 56 is located above the position where the rotation shaft 53 is provided, the operator can easily operate the operation switch 56 with the thumb 77 without re-gripping the gripping unit 19.

[0049] 3 and 6, as a third embodiment, it is preferable that the operation switch 56 is disposed closer to the curvature operation knob 29 than the universal cable connection part 54. As shown in FIG. 6, the operator can smoothly move the thumb 77 from the curvature operation knob 29 to the operation switch 56, or from the operation switch 56 to the curvature operation knob 29.

[0050] Next, the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the operation switch 56 shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 7, the operation switch 56 accommodated in the accommodation recess 57 has a top 58. In the fourth embodiment, the top 58 is preferably configured in an elongated shape extending in an orthogonal direction Or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis direction Ax when viewed from the side facing the switch arrangement surface 73. By making the top 58 elongated, the operation switch 56 can be easily moved in the longitudinal axis direction Ax. In addition, it is easy for the operator to visually recognize the moving direction (up and down direction). The elongated shape of the top 58 may be a rectangle, a rhombus, an ellipse, or a racetrack shape (oval shape). The racetrack shape is a shape having a pair of straight parts that are parallel to each other and have the same length, and a circular arc part connecting the ends of the straight parts. However, the shape of the top 58 is not limited to these shapes as long as the operation switch 56 can move in the longitudinal axis direction Ax. The shape of the apex 58 may be, for example, a square, a circle, or a triangle.

[0051] <Operation switch> Next, a description will be given of an example of the structure of the operation switch 56. Fig. 8 is an exploded enlarged view of the operation switch 56. As shown in Fig. 8, the operation switch 56 includes a joystick-type switch 61, an intermediate member 62, and a cover 63.

[0052] The joystick switch 61 is electrically connected to a circuit board 64 provided in the receiving recess 57. The joystick switch 61 includes a base 61A and a stem 61B protruding in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the base 61A. The stem 61B is configured to be movable in an upward direction A along the longitudinal axis direction Ax, a downward direction B opposite to the upward direction A, and a pushing direction C perpendicular to the base 61A. That is, the joystick switch 61 can perform a pushing operation in addition to an operation in the up and down directions. The joystick switch 61 includes, for example, an internal biasing member, and is configured so that the stem 61B automatically returns to a home position when not operated. When the stem 61B is operated in the upward direction A, the downward direction B, or the pushing direction C, the circuit is conducted, and a function assigned to each operation is executed in the endoscope device 2.

[0053] An intermediate member 62 is attached to the stem 61B. A rod-shaped member (not shown) that comes into contact with the upper surface of the stem 61B is provided inside the intermediate member 62. The pressing force of the operator's thumb 77 is transmitted to the stem 61B of the joystick switch 61 via the intermediate member 62.

[0054] The cover 63, which is made of an elastic material, is attached to the accommodation recess 57. The top portion 58 of the operation switch 56 is provided on a part of the cover 63. Since the cover 63 is made of an elastic material, the cover 63 is deformed in response to the operation of the thumb 77 of the operator.

[0055] In this embodiment, the joystick switch 61 is operated via the cover 63. This joystick switch 61 is not exposed to the outside of the cover 63. As a result, by attaching the cover 63 to the accommodation recess 57, it is possible to ensure watertightness of the endoscope operation unit 18 without using a member such as an O-ring.

[0056] Although a joystick type switch has been exemplified as the operation switch 56, the present invention is not limited to this and other switches can be applied.

[0057] <Operation switch functions> Next, an example of a function assigned to the operation switch 56 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. As shown in Fig. 9, the operation switch 56 is preferably assigned as a zoom operation switch for changing the display magnification of an observation image acquired by the endoscope 10.

[0058] The operator inserts the insertion section 17 of the endoscope 10 into the subject, observes the inside of the lumen through the observation window 40 of the tip section 25, and obtains an observation image. The obtained observation image IM1 is displayed on the monitor 16. A lesion P is displayed in the observation image IM1. The operator can, for example, zoom in on a specific location of the observation image IM1 by operating the operation switch 56 upward or downward, and display an observation image IM2 with an increased display magnification on the monitor 16. The lesion P is displayed enlarged in the observation image IM2. The operator can also operate the operation switch 56 downward or upward in the opposite direction to the direction in which the operation switch 56 was moved when increasing the display magnification, and zoom out the observation image IM2, and display an observation image IM1 with a reduced display magnification on the monitor 16. The change in the display magnification of the observation image may be electronic or optical. The function assigned to the operation switch 56 is not limited to zooming.

[0059] <Modification> Next, modified examples of the endoscope operation unit 18 will be described. 101 in FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a first modified example of the endoscope operation unit. 101 in FIG. 10 shows the state of the endoscope operation unit 90 when viewed from the side facing the switch arrangement surface 73, as in FIG. 3. As shown in 101, the endoscope operation unit 90 of the first modified example and the endoscope operation unit 18 are different in the position of the operation switch 56. With respect to the operation switch 56, in the endoscope operation unit 90, the operation switch 56 is arranged on the side closer to the switch 35 than in the endoscope operation unit 18. In the first modified example, the lower side of the periphery of the accommodation recess 57 is located above the universal cable connection part 54. When the operation switch 56 is arranged at the position shown in 101 in FIG. 10, the usability of the operation switch 56 can be improved, as in the endoscope operation unit 18.

[0060] 102 in Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a second modified example of the endoscope operation unit. Like Fig. 3, 102 in Fig. 10 shows the endoscope operation unit 92 when viewed from the side facing the switch arrangement surface 73. The endoscope operation unit 92 of the second modified example differs from the endoscope operation unit 18 in the presence or absence of a switch 35. Compared to the endoscope operation unit 18, the endoscope operation unit 92 does not have the switch 35. Even if the switch 35 is not included, if the operation switch 56 is arranged at the position shown in 102 in Fig. 10, the usability of the operation switch 56 can be improved, similar to the endoscope operation unit 18.

[0061] Although the endoscope operation section and the endoscope according to the embodiment have been described above, the present invention may be improved or modified in several ways without departing from the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 2 Endoscopic equipment 10 Endoscopy 12 Light source device 13 Processor unit 16 Monitors 17 Insertion section 18 Endoscope operation unit 19 Gripping part 20 Operation unit body 21 Universal Cable 22 Light source connector 23 Cable 24 Processor Connector 25 Tip 26 Curved section 27 Soft part 28 Treatment tool insertion part 29 Curvature control knob 30 Air / water supply button 31 Suction button 32 Switch 33 Switch 34 Switch 35 Switch 38 Tip surface 40 Observation window 42 Lighting window 44 Air and water supply nozzle 46 Forceps port 51 First operation unit body 52 Second operation unit main body 53 Rotation axis 54 Universal cable connection 56 Operation switch 57 Storage recess 58 Top 59 Derived part 61 Joystick switch 61A Base 61B Stem 62 Intermediate parts 63 Cover 64 Circuit Board 71 Bending operation knob arrangement surface 72 Universal cable connection surface 73 Switch placement surface 74 Button layout surface 76 left hand 77 Thumb 78 Ring Finger 79 Pinky 90 Endoscope operation unit 92 Endoscope operation unit Ax Longitudinal direction A upward direction B Downward C Push direction Cn center position IM1 Observation image IM2 Observation image L distance Orthogonal direction P lesion

Claims

1. A gripping portion provided on one side in a longitudinal axis direction of the endoscope operation portion; an operation unit body provided on the other side opposite to the one side in the longitudinal axis direction; A bending operation knob disposed on one side of the operation unit body; a universal cable connection portion provided on the other side surface of the operation unit body opposite to the one side surface; an operation switch provided within a range that can be reached by the thumb of an operator holding the grip portion, the operation switch being accommodated in an accommodation recess of a switch arrangement surface located between the one side surface and the other side surface of the operation portion main body and configured to be swingable in the longitudinal axis direction; When viewed from the side facing the switch arrangement surface, in a state in which the operation switch is not operated, a position in the longitudinal axis direction of a top portion of the operation switch is on the other side of a center position of the universal cable connection portion. Endoscope operation unit.

2. The endoscope operation portion according to claim 1 , wherein a top portion of the operation switch is exposed to the outside of the accommodation recess when the operation switch is not operated.

3. 3. An endoscope operating section according to claim 1, wherein when viewed from the side opposite the switch arrangement surface, in a state in which the operating switch is not operated, the position of the longitudinal axis direction at the top of the operating switch is on the other side of the position where the rotation axis of the bending operating knob is provided.

4. The endoscope operation section according to claim 1 , wherein the operation switch is disposed closer to the bending operation knob than the universal cable connection section.

5. The endoscope operation section according to claim 3 , wherein the operation switch is disposed closer to the bending operation knob than the universal cable connection section.

6. The endoscope operation portion according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a top portion of the operation switch is configured in an elongated shape extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis direction.

7. The endoscope operation section according to claim 1 , wherein the operation section body includes another switch on another switch arrangement surface that is arranged on the other side of the switch arrangement surface.

8. 3. The endoscope operation section according to claim 1, wherein the operation switch is a zoom operation switch for performing an operation to change a display magnification of an observation image acquired by an endoscope.

9. The endoscope operation section according to claim 1 , wherein the operation switch can be operated by pressing.

10. An endoscope operation unit according to claim 1 or 2, an insertion section connected to the one side of the gripping section and inserted into a subject; a universal cable connected to the universal cable connection portion; An endoscope comprising:

11. The endoscope operation unit according to claim 3 , an insertion section connected to the one side of the gripping section and inserted into a subject; a universal cable connected to the universal cable connection portion; An endoscope comprising:

Images