Ophthalmic apparatus

Abstract

To provide a hand-held ophthalmologic apparatus capable of more easily and appropriately performing an examination of an eye to be examined.SOLUTION: The ophthalmologic apparatus 1 includes an optometry unit, a main body 2, a grip part 3, and a rotary connection part 80. The optometry unit examines the examinee's eye in a state where an examination axis IO extending in the front-rear direction coincides with the examinee's eye. The main body 2 accommodates the optometry unit 9 therein. The grip portion 3 is provided on the main body 2 and is gripped by the examiner. The rotary connection portion 80 rotatably connects the grip portion 3 about a rotation axis AR extending in a one dimensional direction. The rotation connection part 80 rotatably connects the grip part 3 within a movable range between a proximity limit position CP which is a rotation limit in a direction in which the grip part 3 approaches the main body 2 and a separation limit position SP which is a rotation limit in a direction separating from the main body 2. The rotation connection portion 80 holds an angle of the grip portion 3 with respect to the main body 2 at each of the approach limit position CP and the separation limit position SP.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an ophthalmologic apparatus that examines an eye to be examined with an examination axis aligned with the eye to be examined. [Background technology]

[0002] Various ophthalmic devices for examining a subject's eye (e.g., an eye refractive power measuring device, a corneal curvature measuring device, an intraocular pressure measuring device, a fundus camera, an OCT device, a scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO), etc.) are known. Examination of a subject's eye using many ophthalmic devices is performed with an examination axis extending in the front-to-back direction from the device aligned with the subject's eye.

[0003] In recent years, small, easily transportable ophthalmic devices have also been put to practical use. For example, the ophthalmic device described in Patent Document 1 includes a small housing (main body) that houses a measurement unit. A gripping portion that is held by an examiner is fixed to the bottom of the housing. The examiner can perform an examination of the subject's eye using the ophthalmic device while holding the gripping portion. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-78682 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Handheld ophthalmic devices with a grip are used in a variety of situations. For example, examiners may examine the eyes of short children or subjects seated in a chair. In such cases, the examiner often performs the examination while lowering his / her posture to align the examination axis of the ophthalmic device with the subject's eye. Maintaining a low posture can be difficult, which can lead to an unstable grip on the ophthalmic device and reduced examination accuracy. Furthermore, when performing an examination on a subject lying down, it can be difficult to align the examination axis of the ophthalmic device with the subject's eye. Therefore, a handheld ophthalmic device that allows for easier and more accurate examination of the subject's eye is desired.

[0006] A typical object of the present invention is to provide a handheld ophthalmic device that can more easily and appropriately perform an examination of an eye to be examined. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An ophthalmic device provided by a typical embodiment of the present disclosure is an ophthalmic device for examining a subject's eye, and includes an ophthalmic examination unit that examines the subject's eye with an examination axis extending in the front-to-back direction aligned with the subject's eye, a main body that houses the ophthalmic examination unit, a gripping portion provided on the main body and held by an examiner, and a rotary connection portion that rotatably connects the gripping portion around a rotation axis extending in one dimension, wherein the rotary connection portion rotatably connects the gripping portion within a movable range between a close limit position, which is the rotation limit in the direction in which the gripping portion approaches the main body, and a far limit position, which is the rotation limit in the direction in which the gripping portion moves away from the main body, and maintains the angle of the gripping portion relative to the main body at each of the close limit position and the far limit position.

[0008] According to the ophthalmologic apparatus of the present disclosure, examination of the subject's eye can be performed more easily and appropriately. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a handheld ophthalmic apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from diagonally above right. [Figure 2]1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an optometry unit 9 and a control system of an ophthalmologic apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a right side view of the ophthalmologic apparatus 1 in a state where the grip portion 3 is held in a vertical position. [Figure 4] 10 is a diagram showing the grip portion 3 held at the approach limit position CP, as viewed from the right side, together with the general configuration of the main body 2. FIG. [Figure 5] 10 is a diagram showing a gripping portion 3 held at a separation limit position SP, as viewed from the right side, together with a schematic configuration of a main body 2. FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram showing a grip portion 3 held in a vertical position VP, as viewed from the right side, together with a schematic configuration of a main body 2. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] <Summary> The ophthalmic device exemplified in the present disclosure includes an optometric examination unit, a main body, a gripping portion, and a rotary connection portion. The optometric examination unit examines the subject's eye with an examination axis extending in the front-to-rear direction aligned with the subject's eye. The main body houses the optometric examination unit therein. The gripping portion is provided on the main body and is gripped by the examiner. The rotary connection portion connects the gripping portion rotatably around a rotation axis extending in one dimension. The rotary connection portion connects the gripping portion rotatably within a movable range (angle range) between a close limit position and a far limit position. The close limit position is a predetermined rotation limit position in the direction in which the gripping portion approaches the main body. The far limit position is a predetermined rotation limit position in the direction in which the gripping portion moves away from the main body. The rotary connection portion maintains the angle of the gripping portion relative to the main body at each of the close limit position and the far limit position.

[0011] According to the ophthalmic device disclosed herein, the examiner can appropriately adjust the angle of the optometric examination unit relative to the grip portion (i.e., the angle of the examination axis relative to the grip portion) by rotating the grip portion. Therefore, the examiner can appropriately adjust the angle of the grip portion relative to the main body to an angle that makes it easy to align the examination axis with the subject's eye, depending on the circumstances of the examination of the subject's eye (e.g., the subject's posture, etc.), and then grasp the grip portion to perform the examination of the subject's eye. This makes it easier for the examiner to perform the examination easily and appropriately without having to assume an awkward posture. Furthermore, the examiner can maintain the angle of the grip portion at the close limit position by rotating the grip portion to the close limit position. The examiner can also maintain the angle of the grip portion at the far limit position by rotating the grip portion to the far limit position. Therefore, the examiner can appropriately handle the ophthalmic device with the angle of the grip portion relative to the main body maintained at a predetermined close limit position or far limit position. In addition, by rotating the grip, the examiner can easily place the ophthalmic device on a flat surface. By rotating the grip so that the overall shape of the device becomes smaller, storage space for the ophthalmic device can be more easily secured. Furthermore, when the examiner carries the ophthalmic device using a strap or the like, the possibility of the protruding grip hitting the examiner's body and causing discomfort is reduced. Therefore, the ophthalmic device disclosed herein facilitates easy and appropriate examination of the subject's eye and handling of the device.

[0012] The rotary connection part may be connected to the lower part of the main body so that the grip part can rotate in the front-rear and up-down directions around a rotary axis extending in the left-right direction.

[0013] In this case, since the main body is located above the grip, it is easier for the examiner to grasp the angle of the examination axis of the optometry unit stored in the main body compared to when the grip is provided on the side of the main body, etc. However, it is also possible to connect the grip to the side or top of the main body, etc.

[0014] The posture of the gripping portion when held at the proximity limit position may be a posture extending forward (i.e., in the direction in which the subject's eye is positioned during examination) with the rotation axis as the origin. In other words, the rotary connection portion may connect the gripping portion such that the gripping portion moves away from the main body by rotating the gripping portion diagonally backward from the proximity limit position.

[0015] In this case, by positioning the rotation axis of the gripping part closer to the rear of the main body, the gripping part held at the proximity limit position is less likely to protrude forward from the main body. The more the gripping part is prevented from protruding forward, the more compact the overall shape of the ophthalmic device becomes. Furthermore, by positioning the rotation axis of the gripping part closer to the rear of the main body, the gripping part during the examination is also positioned closer to the rear of the main body. As a result, it is easier to ensure a distance between the examiner's hand holding the gripping part and the examinee's face. Therefore, the examinee is less likely to feel pressure during the examination.

[0016] The gripping portion held at the approach limit position does not need to extend strictly forward from the rotation axis. In other words, the direction in which the gripping portion extends when held at the approach limit position does not need to be strictly parallel to the inspection axis, and it may extend forward at an angle to the inspection axis.

[0017] The gripping portion may be columnar in shape. Here, the position where the columnar gripping portion is perpendicular to the inspection axis is referred to as the vertical position. The separation limit position may be set at a position further away from the proximity limit position than the vertical position.

[0018] The direction from the main body toward the subject's eye along the examination axis is defined as the examination direction. When the maximum separation position is set at a position further away from the maximum proximity position than the vertical position, the examiner can also set the angle of the gripping part relative to the examination direction to an angle greater than 90 degrees (hereinafter referred to as the "separation angle"). When the angle of the gripping part is set at the separation angle, the examiner can easily bring the examination axis closer to horizontal, even when the arm holding the gripping part is lowered at an angle, without having to exert force on the wrist to change the angle upward. Furthermore, even when the hand is extended straight horizontally, the examiner can easily bring the examination axis closer to horizontal, without having to exert force on the wrist to change the angle upward. This makes it easier to perform an examination of the subject's eye more appropriately.

[0019] The gripping portion may be provided with an examination start button that the examiner operates to input an instruction to start an examination using the optometry unit. Operating the examination start button may output an examination start instruction signal to the control unit regardless of the angle of the gripping portion rotated by the rotary connector. In this case, the examiner can start the examination by operating the examination start button with the hand holding the gripping portion while arbitrarily adjusting the angle of the gripping portion relative to the main body. This makes it easier and more likely that the examination of the subject's eye will be performed appropriately.

[0020] Note that a specific method for maintaining the electrical connection between the test start button and the control unit even when the gripping unit is rotated can be selected as appropriate. For example, a deformable cable or the like may be provided in at least a part of the portion electrically connecting the test start button and the control unit, thereby maintaining the electrical connection regardless of the angle of the gripping unit.

[0021] When the grip portion is rotated diagonally backward from the approach limit position, the test start button may be provided on the rearward-facing surface of the grip portion when the angle with respect to the test axis is perpendicular (vertical state). When the grip portion is connected to the main body by a rotary connector so as to be rotated diagonally backward from the approach limit position, the examiner can also use the ophthalmologic device with the grip portion angled less than 90 degrees relative to the test direction (forward). Here, when the grip portion angle with respect to the test direction is less than 90 degrees, the gap between the front surface of the grip portion (the surface facing forward in the vertical state) and the main body becomes narrow. In this case, it becomes difficult for the examiner to insert a finger or the like into the gap between the front surface of the grip portion and the main body. In contrast, when the test start button is provided on the rearward-facing surface of the grip portion, the examiner can easily operate the test start button with a finger (e.g., a thumb) even when the angle of the grip portion with respect to the test direction (forward) is less than 90 degrees.

[0022] The gripping unit exemplified in the present disclosure is connected to the main body by a rotary connector so as to be rotated diagonally downward and backward from the close-up limit position. As a result, effects such as making it easier to ensure the distance between the subject's face and the examiner's hand are achieved. However, the gripping unit may also be connected to the main body by a rotary connector so as to be rotated diagonally downward and forward from the close-up limit position. Even in this case, the examiner can appropriately adjust the angle of the gripping unit relative to the main body to an angle that makes it easy to align the examination axis with the subject's eye, and then grasp the gripping unit to perform the examination of the subject's eye.

[0023] In addition, although the present disclosure illustrates an example in which the examination start button is provided on the rear surface of the grip, the examination start button may be provided in another position on the ophthalmic device (for example, on the front surface of the grip in a vertical position, on the main body, etc.).

[0024] The rotary connector may be capable of holding the angle of the gripper relative to the main body at at least one predetermined position (predetermined angle) between the close limit position and the far limit position within the movable range. In this case, the examiner can perform the examination, handle the device, etc., while holding the angle of the gripper relative to the main body at the predetermined angle between the close limit position and the far limit position. This allows the examiner to use the ophthalmologic device more easily and appropriately.

[0025] The rotating connector may be capable of maintaining the angle of the grip portion relative to the main body at least in a vertical position within the movable range. The examiner often finds it easier to use the ophthalmic device by holding the grip portion in a vertical position. For example, the examiner may perform an examination with the examination axis oriented horizontally by placing the ophthalmic device on a horizontal surface or a dedicated mounting device while holding the grip portion in a vertical position. Therefore, holding the grip portion in a vertical position makes it easier to handle the ophthalmic device.

[0026] The specific configuration of the rotating connector for holding the angle of the gripping part at a predetermined position midway within the movable range can be selected as appropriate. For example, the rotating connector may be equipped with a hinge (e.g., a click hinge) that can temporarily hold the gripping part at a predetermined position (predetermined angle). In this case, when the gripping part rotates to the predetermined position, the examiner is given a clicking sensation, and the gripping part is temporarily held in the predetermined position. This allows the examiner to more easily and appropriately adjust the angle of the gripping part.

[0027] However, the configuration of the rotating connector may be changed. For example, the rotating connector may be provided with a hinge (such as a free-stop hinge) that can temporarily hold the grip part at any position (any angle).

[0028] The main body may be formed with a housing portion that houses the grip portion when rotated to the approach limit position. In this case, when the grip portion is rotated to the approach limit position, the grip portion is housed in the housing portion of the main body, thereby reducing the overall size of the ophthalmic device. This makes it easier to handle the ophthalmic device.

[0029] When the gripping portion and the storage portion are provided at the bottom of the main body, the storage portion may store the gripping portion therein by covering at least the upper, front, left, and right sides of the gripping portion when rotated to the approach limit position. The storage portion may further store the gripping portion by covering at least one of the rear and lower sides of the gripping portion.

[0030] The lower part of the main body may be formed in a shape that maintains the direction of the examination axis substantially horizontal when the grip part is placed on a horizontal surface with the grip part housed in the housing part. In this case, the ophthalmic device is stably placed on a flat surface by housing the grip part in the housing part, which makes the ophthalmic device easier to handle.

[0031] The ophthalmologic apparatus may further include an angle sensor and a control unit. The angle sensor detects the tilt angle of the examination axis. The optometry unit may be capable of measuring the astigmatic axis angle of the subject's eye. When the control unit determines that the tilt angle of the examination axis detected by the angle sensor with respect to the horizontal direction is equal to or greater than a threshold, the control unit may rotate the measurement area for the astigmatic axis angle by 90 degrees around the axis of the examination axis relative to the measurement area when the tilt angle of the examination axis with respect to the horizontal direction is less than the threshold. The angle sensor may be fixed to the main body.

[0032] In this case, when the inclination angle of the examination axis relative to the horizontal direction becomes equal to or greater than a threshold value, the measurement area for the astigmatic axis angle rotates 90 degrees around the examination axis. Therefore, for example, when measuring the astigmatic axis angle of a lying subject, the examiner can properly measure the astigmatic axis angle by positioning the ophthalmic device so that the up-down direction of the device perpendicularly intersects with the up-down direction of the subject's face. Therefore, the examiner can easily and properly measure the astigmatic axis angle from directly to the side of the lying subject. Furthermore, because the angle sensor is fixed to the main body on which the optometry unit is installed, rather than to the grip, the inclination angle of the examination axis can be accurately detected even when the grip is rotated.

[0033] In this disclosure, a case where the grip portion is rotatably connected to the main body is exemplified. However, the main body may be provided with an attachment portion to which the grip portion is detachably attached. The attachment portion may detachably attach the grip portion at a plurality of angles. Even in this case, the angle of the optometry unit relative to the grip portion can be appropriately adjusted.

[0034] <Embodiment> A typical embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a handheld ophthalmic device 1 according to this embodiment, viewed from diagonally above right. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an optical system and a control system of the ophthalmic device 1 according to this embodiment. In FIG. 1, the lower left side of the page corresponds to the front side of the ophthalmic device 1, the upper right side of the ground corresponds to the rear side of the ophthalmic device 1, the upper side corresponds to the upper side of the ophthalmic device 1, the lower side corresponds to the lower side of the ophthalmic device 1, the lower right side corresponds to the right side of the ophthalmic device 1, and the upper left side corresponds to the left side of the ophthalmic device 1. Note that the directions defined in this disclosure are defined for convenience in describing the configuration of the ophthalmic device 1 and do not specify the orientation of the ophthalmic device 1 during an examination. The ophthalmic device 1 can be used tilted in various directions, but the orientation of the ophthalmic device 1 during use does not necessarily coincide with the orientation of the ophthalmic device 1 defined in this disclosure.

[0035] In this embodiment, an eye refractive power measuring device is exemplified as the handheld ophthalmic device 1. However, at least a part of the technology described in this disclosure can also be applied to ophthalmic devices other than eye refractive power measuring devices (for example, at least one of a fundus camera, a corneal curvature measuring device, an intraocular pressure measuring device, an OCT device, and a scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO)).

[0036] (Schematic configuration) As shown in FIG. 1, the ophthalmologic apparatus 1 includes a main body 2 and a gripping unit 3. The main body 2 includes an optometry unit 9 (see FIG. 2) for examining an eye E (see FIG. 2), a control unit 70, and other components. The optometry unit 9 includes various optical systems and examines the eye E while aligning an examination axis IO extending in the front-rear direction with the eye E. In this embodiment, the gripping unit 3 is provided at the bottom of the main body 2. The gripping unit 3 is held by an examiner (user). The gripping unit 3 of this embodiment is connected to the bottom of the main body 2 and is rotatable about a rotation axis AR extending in the left-right direction. The gripping unit 3 of this embodiment includes an examination start button 4 that is operated by the examiner to input a command to start an examination using the optometry unit 9. Details of the gripping unit 3 will be described later. The front of the main body 2 includes an examination window 5 through which the examination axis IO passes. The rear of the main body 2 includes a monitor that displays various images, an operation unit operated by the examiner, and the like.

[0037] (Optometry Unit) As shown in FIG. 2, the optometry unit 9 of this embodiment includes a measurement optical system 10, a fixation target presenting optical system 30, an XY direction alignment target projecting optical system 40, a Z direction alignment target projecting optical system 45, and an observation optical system 50.

[0038] The measurement optical system 10 includes a projection optical system 10a and a light receiving optical system 10b. The projection optical system 10a projects (projects) a spot-shaped measurement target light beam onto the fundus Ef of the subject's eye E through the center of the pupil of the subject's eye E. The light receiving optical system 10b extracts the measurement target light beam reflected from the fundus Ef in a ring shape through the peripheral part of the pupil.

[0039] In detail, the projection optical system 10a of this embodiment includes a measurement infrared point light source 11, a relay lens 12, a hole mirror 13, a prism 15, and an objective lens 14 on an optical axis L1 of the measurement optical system 10 (which coincides with the examination axis IO in this embodiment). The prism 15 is rotated around the optical axis L1 by a drive unit 23. The measurement infrared point light source 11 is disposed at a position optically conjugate with the fundus Ef of an emmetropic eye. The opening of the hole mirror 13 is disposed at a position optically conjugate with the pupil of the eye E to be examined.

[0040] The light-receiving optical system 10b shares the objective lens 14, prism 15, and hole mirror 13 with the projection optical system 10a. In the light-receiving optical system 10b, a relay lens 16 and a total reflection mirror 17 are arranged on an optical axis L1 in the reflection direction of the hole mirror 13. A light-receiving diaphragm 18, a collimator lens 19, a ring lens 20, and an imaging element 22 are arranged on the optical axis L1 in the reflection direction of the total reflection mirror 17. The light-receiving diaphragm 18 and the imaging element 22 are arranged at positions optically conjugate with the fundus Ef. The output from the imaging element 22 is input to the control unit 70 via an image memory 71.

[0041] A beam splitter (e.g., a half mirror) 29 is disposed between the objective lens 14 and the subject's eye E. The beam splitter 29 guides a fixation target light beam from the fixation target presenting optical system 30 and an alignment target light beam from the XY direction alignment target projecting optical system 40 to the subject's eye E. The beam splitter 29 also guides reflected light from the anterior segment of the subject's eye E to the observation optical system 50.

[0042] The fixation target presenting optical system 30 includes a fixation target presenting visible light source 31, a fixation target plate 32, a projection lens 33, a dichroic mirror 34, a half mirror 35, and an objective lens 36, all arranged on an optical axis L2. The optical axis L2 is made coaxial with the optical axis L1 by a beam splitter 29. The dichroic mirror 34 transmits visible light while reflecting infrared light. The fixation target presenting visible light source 31 and the fixation target plate 32 are moved along the optical axis L2, thereby fogging the subject's eye E.

[0043] The XY-direction alignment target projection optical system 40 projects targets for detecting alignment states in the up-down and left-right directions (X and Y directions) with respect to the eye E from in front of the eye E. The XY-direction alignment target projection optical system 40 shares the dichroic mirror 34, half mirror 35, and objective lens 36 with the fixation target presenting optical system 30. A near-infrared point light source for alignment 41 and a condenser lens 42 are arranged on the optical axis L2 in the reflection direction of the dichroic mirror 34. The alignment target light from the near-infrared point light source for alignment 41 is converted into a substantially parallel beam by the objective lens 36 and projected onto the eye E.

[0044] The Z-direction alignment target projection optical system 45 projects a target onto the subject's eye E for detecting the alignment state in the front-to-back direction (Z direction). The Z-direction alignment target projection optical system 45 includes two sets of first projection optical systems 45a and 45b and two sets of second projection optical systems 45c and 45d. The two sets of first projection optical systems 45a and 45b are arranged symmetrically with respect to the measurement optical axis L1. The two sets of second projection optical systems 45c and 45d have optical axes that are arranged at a narrower angle than the first projection optical systems 45a and 45b, and are arranged symmetrically with respect to the measurement optical axis L1. The first projection optical systems 45a and 45b include point light sources 46a and 46b that emit near-infrared light and collimator lenses 47a and 47b, and project a target at infinity onto the subject's eye E using a substantially parallel beam of light. On the other hand, the second projection optical systems 45c and 45d have point light sources 46c and 46d that emit near-infrared light, and project a target at a finite distance onto the subject's eye E using a diverging light beam.

[0045] The observation optical system 50 shares the objective lens 36 and half mirror 35 with the fixation target presenting optical system 30. The observation optical system 50 includes a half mirror 53, a photographing lens 51, a two-dimensional photographing element 52, a lens 54, a half mirror 56, and position sensors 55 (55a and 55b). The two-dimensional photographing element 52 and the position sensor 55 are disposed at positions optically conjugate with the anterior segment of the subject's eye E. The control unit 70 detects the two-dimensional position of the alignment target image based on the output signals of the two orthogonal position sensors 55a and 55b. The output from the two-dimensional photographing element 52 is input to the control unit 70 and the monitor 7 via an image processing unit 77. The output from the position sensor 55 is input to the control unit 70 via position memories 72 (72a and 72b). An image of the anterior segment of the subject's eye E is photographed by the two-dimensional photographing element 52 and displayed on the monitor 7. The observation optical system 50 also serves as an optical system for detecting an alignment target image formed on the cornea of ​​the eye E to be examined.

[0046] The control unit 70 is connected to an image memory 71, a position memory 72, a memory 75, an image processing unit 77, a monitor 7, a switch unit 8, and the like. The control unit 70 controls the entire ophthalmic apparatus 1 and calculates the ocular refraction value, the astigmatic axis angle, and the like. When determining the ocular refraction of the subject's eye, the control unit 70 turns on the measurement infrared point light source 11 and rotates the prism 15 at high speed based on an examination start signal input from the examination start button 4. The measurement light emitted from the measurement infrared point light source 11 is projected onto the fundus Ef via the relay lens 12 and the beam splitter 29, forming a rotating spot-shaped point light source image on the fundus Ef. The light of the point light source image formed on the fundus Ef is reflected and scattered, exits the subject's eye E, is collected by the objective lens 14, passes through the rapidly rotating prism 15, and the total reflection mirror 17, and is collected again on the opening of the light receiving diaphragm 18. The light is then converted into a substantially parallel beam (in the case of an emmetropic eye) by collimator lens 19, extracted as a ring-shaped beam by ring lens 20, and received as a ring image by imaging element 22. The control unit 70 analyzes the ring image captured by imaging element 22 to calculate the eye refraction value, astigmatic axis angle, etc.

[0047] (gripping part) The grip unit 3 included in the ophthalmologic apparatus 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6. As shown in FIG. 3, the grip unit 3 is provided at the bottom of the main body 2 and is gripped by the examiner. The outer shape of the grip unit 3 in this embodiment is columnar (approximately cylindrical). However, the shape of the grip unit 3 can be modified. The grip unit 3 is connected to the bottom of the main body 2 in a state in which it can rotate about a rotation axis AR extending in the left-right direction. Therefore, the examiner can appropriately adjust the angle of the optometry unit 9 relative to the grip unit 3 (i.e., the angle of the examination axis IO relative to the grip unit 3) by rotating the grip unit 3. Therefore, the examiner can appropriately adjust the angle of the grip unit 3 relative to the main body 2 to an angle that makes it easy to align the examination axis IO with the subject's eye E, depending on the situation when examining the subject's eye E (e.g., the subject's posture, etc.), and then grasp the grip unit 3 to perform the examination of the subject's eye E. As a result, the examiner can easily and appropriately perform the examination without assuming an awkward posture. Moreover, by rotating the grip portion 3, the examiner can easily place the ophthalmic device 1 on a flat surface. By rotating the grip portion 3 so that the overall shape of the device becomes smaller, storage space for the ophthalmic device 1 can be more easily secured. Furthermore, when the examiner carries the ophthalmic device 1 using a strap or the like, the possibility of the protruding grip portion 3 hitting the examiner's body and causing discomfort is reduced. This makes it easier to perform the examination of the subject's eye E and handle the device more easily and appropriately.

[0048] The connection structure of the gripping portion 3 to the main body 2 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6. In this embodiment, a rotary connector 80 provided near the lower portion of the main body 2 connects the gripping portion 3 so that it can rotate in the front-rear direction around a rotation axis AR extending in the left-right direction. The rotary connector 80 connects the gripping portion 3 so that it can rotate in the front-rear direction within a movable range (angle range) between a close limit position CP and a far limit position SP. The close limit position CP is a predetermined rotation limit position in the direction in which the gripping portion 3 approaches the main body 2. The far limit position SP is a predetermined rotation limit position in the direction in which the gripping portion 3 moves away from the main body 2. The rotary connector 80 holds (temporarily holds) the angle of the gripping portion 3 relative to the main body 2 (the angle of the gripping portion 3 relative to the inspection axis IO) at each of the close limit position CP and the far limit position SP. In other words, the examiner can hold the position (angle) of the gripping portion 3 at the close limit position CP by rotating the gripping portion 3 to the close limit position CP. Moreover, the examiner can rotate the gripping portion 3 to the separation limit position SP, thereby maintaining the position (angle) of the gripping portion 3 at the separation limit position SP.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 4 , in this embodiment, the grip portion 3 held at the proximity limit position CP is positioned so as to extend forward (i.e., in the direction in which the subject's eye E is positioned during examination) from the rotation axis AR. That is, the rotary connection unit 80 rotatably connects the grip portion 3 such that the grip portion 3 is moved away from the main body 2 by rotating the grip portion 3 diagonally downward and rearward from the proximity limit position CP. In this case, by positioning the rotation axis AR of the grip portion 3 toward the rear of the main body 2, the grip portion 3 held at the proximity limit position CP is less likely to protrude forward from the main body 2. The more the grip portion 3 is prevented from protruding forward, the more the overall shape of the ophthalmologic apparatus 1 can be made compact. Furthermore, by positioning the rotation axis AR of the grip portion 3 toward the rear of the main body 2, the grip portion 3 during examination is also positioned toward the rear of the main body 2. As a result, it is easier to ensure a sufficient distance between the examiner's hand holding the grip portion 3 and the subject's face. Therefore, the subject is less likely to feel a sense of pressure during the examination. Note that the gripping portion 3 held at the proximity limit position CP does not need to extend forward strictly parallel to the examination axis IO, and may extend forward at an angle to the examination axis IO.

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 , the position of the grip portion 3 when the angle of the grip portion 3 with respect to the examination axis IO is perpendicular is defined as the vertical position VP. The direction from the main body 2 toward the subject's eye E (forward) along the examination axis IO is defined as the examination direction. As shown in FIG. 5 , the separation limit position SP in this embodiment is located farther from the proximity limit position CP than the vertical position VP. Therefore, the examiner can set the angle of the grip portion 3 with respect to the examination direction to an angle greater than 90 degrees (hereinafter referred to as the "separation angle"). Setting the angle of the grip portion 3 at the separation angle makes it easier for the examiner to move the examination axis IO closer to horizontal, even when the examiner's arm holding the grip portion 3 is lowered at an angle, without exerting force on the wrist to change the wrist angle upward. Furthermore, even when the examiner's hand is extended horizontally, it makes it easier for the examiner to move the examination axis IO closer to horizontal, without exerting force on the wrist to change the wrist angle upward. This makes it easier and more appropriate to perform a typical examination of the subject's eye E, which is performed with the gaze held horizontal.

[0051] The rotary connector 80 of this embodiment can maintain the angle of the grip part 3 relative to the main body 2 at at least one predetermined position between the approach limit position CP and the separation limit position SP within the movable range. Therefore, the examiner can perform the examination, handle the device, etc., while maintaining the angle of the grip part 3 relative to the main body 2 at a predetermined angle between the approach limit position CP and the separation limit position SP.

[0052] 6, the rotary connector 80 of this embodiment can maintain the angle of the grip portion 3 relative to the main body 2 at least at the vertical position VP within its movable range. Therefore, the examiner can perform an examination with the examination axis IO aligned horizontally by placing the ophthalmic apparatus 1 on a horizontal surface or a dedicated mounting device while holding the grip portion 3 at the vertical position VP. This makes the ophthalmic apparatus 1 even easier to handle.

[0053] The rotary connector 80 of this embodiment includes a click hinge that can temporarily hold the grip portion 3 at a predetermined position (predetermined angle), including the vertical position VP. Therefore, when the grip portion 3 rotates to the predetermined position, the examiner receives a clicking sensation, and the grip portion 3 is temporarily held at the predetermined position. This allows the examiner to more easily and appropriately adjust the angle of the grip portion 3. The rotary connector 80 may be able to hold the angle of the grip portion 3 at one or more predetermined positions, either together with the vertical position VP or separately from the vertical position VP. The examiner may also be able to arbitrarily specify the angle at which the rotary connector 80 holds the grip portion 3. In this case, the examiner can more appropriately handle the ophthalmologic apparatus 1 by setting the angle of the grip portion 3 to the desired angle.

[0054] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 , the grip portion 3 is provided with an examination start button 4 that is operated by the examiner to input an instruction to start an examination using the optometry unit 9. When the examination start button 4 is operated, an examination start instruction signal is output to the control unit 70 regardless of the angle at which the grip portion 3 is rotated by the rotary connection portion 80. As an example, in this embodiment, a deformable cable or the like is provided in at least a part of the portion electrically connecting the examination start button 4 and the control unit 70, thereby maintaining electrical connection regardless of the angle of the grip portion 3. Therefore, the examiner can start the examination by operating the examination start button 4 with the hand holding the grip portion 3, after arbitrarily adjusting the angle of the grip portion 3 relative to the main body 2.

[0055] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6 , the examination start button 4 in this embodiment is provided on the rearward-facing surface of the grip portion 3 when the grip portion 3 is perpendicular to the examination axis IO. When the grip portion 3 is connected to the main body 2 by the rotary connector 80 so as to be rotated diagonally rearward and downward from the proximity limit position CP, the examiner can also use the ophthalmologic apparatus 1 with the grip portion 3 at an angle of less than 90 degrees relative to the examination direction (forward). Here, when the angle of the grip portion 3 with respect to the examination direction is less than 90 degrees, the gap between the front surface of the grip portion 3 (the surface facing forward when perpendicular) and the main body 2 becomes narrow. In this case, it becomes difficult for the examiner to insert a finger or the like into the gap between the front surface of the grip portion 3 and the main body 2. In contrast, when the examination start button 4 is provided on the rearward-facing surface of the grip portion 3, the examiner can easily operate the examination start button 4 with a finger (e.g., a thumb) even when the angle of the grip portion 3 with respect to the examination direction (forward) is less than 90 degrees.

[0056] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, a housing section 6 is formed in the lower part of the main body 2 in this embodiment to house the grip section 3 when rotated to the proximity limit position CP. Therefore, when the grip section 3 is rotated to the proximity limit position CP, the grip section 3 is housed in the housing section 6 of the main body 2, thereby reducing the overall size of the ophthalmic device 1. Note that the housing section 6 in this embodiment covers the upper, front, left, right, and rear sides of the grip section 3 when rotated to the proximity limit position CP. The ophthalmic device 1 may further include a lid or the like that covers the lower side of the grip section 3 when housed in the housing section 6.

[0057] Furthermore, the lower part of the main body 2 is formed into a shape that maintains the direction of the examination axis IO substantially horizontal when the grip part 3 is placed on a horizontal surface while being housed in the housing part 6. Therefore, when the grip part 3 is housed in the housing part 6, the ophthalmologic apparatus 1 is stably placed on a flat surface.

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, in the ophthalmic apparatus 1 of this embodiment, an angle sensor 90 that detects the tilt angle of the examination axis IO is fixed to the main body 2. The optometry unit 9 (see FIG. 2) of this embodiment can measure the astigmatic axis angle of the subject's eye E. When the control unit 70 determines that the tilt angle of the examination axis IO detected by the angle sensor 90 with respect to the horizontal direction is equal to or greater than a threshold value (e.g., 60 degrees or greater), it rotates the measurement area for the astigmatic axis angle by 90 degrees around the examination axis IO, relative to the measurement area when the tilt angle of the examination axis IO with respect to the horizontal direction is less than the threshold value. Therefore, for example, when measuring the astigmatic axis angle of a lying subject, the examiner can properly measure the astigmatic axis angle by positioning the ophthalmic apparatus 1 so that the up-down direction of the ophthalmic apparatus 1 perpendicularly intersects with the up-down direction of the subject's face. Therefore, the examiner can easily and properly measure the astigmatic axis angle from directly beside the lying subject. Furthermore, since the angle sensor 90 is fixed to the main body 2 on which the optometry unit 9 is provided, rather than to the grip portion 3, the tilt angle of the examination axis IO can be accurately detected even when the grip portion 3 is rotated.

[0059] The techniques disclosed in the above embodiments are merely examples. Therefore, the techniques exemplified in the above embodiments can be modified. For example, only some of the techniques exemplified in the above embodiments can be applied to the ophthalmologic apparatus 1. Furthermore, the grip unit 3 in the above embodiments is connected to the main body 2 by a rotary connector 80 so as to be rotated diagonally downward and backward from the proximity limit position CP. This results in advantages such as making it easier to maintain the distance between the examinee's face and the examiner's hand. However, the grip unit 3 may also be connected to the main body by a rotary connector so as to be rotated diagonally downward and forward from the proximity limit position CP. Even in this case, the examiner can hold the grip unit and perform the examination of the examinee's eye after appropriately adjusting the angle of the grip unit relative to the main body to an angle that makes it easy to align the examination axis with the examinee's eye. Furthermore, the above embodiments illustrate a case in which the examination start button 4 is provided on the rear surface of the grip unit 3. However, the examination start button 4 may be provided in another position on the ophthalmologic apparatus (e.g., on the front surface of the grip unit 3 in a vertical position, on the main body 2, etc.). [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 1 Ophthalmology equipment 2 Main unit 3 Gripping part 4 Start inspection button 6 Storage section 9 Optometry Unit 70 Control Unit 80 Rotating joint 90 Angle Sensor IO inspection axis AR rotation axis CP proximity limit position SP separation limit position VP vertical position

Claims

1. An ophthalmic apparatus for examining an eye to be examined, an optometry unit that examines the subject's eye with an examination axis extending in a front-to-rear direction aligned with the subject's eye; a main body that houses the optometry unit; a gripping portion provided on the main body and gripped by an examiner; A rotary connection part that connects the grip part to be rotatable around a rotation axis extending in a one-dimensional direction; Equipped with The rotary connection portion is The gripping portion is rotatably connected within a movable range between a proximity limit position, which is a rotation limit in a direction in which the gripping portion approaches the main body, and a separation limit position, which is a rotation limit in a direction in which the gripping portion moves away from the main body, An ophthalmic apparatus, characterized in that the angle of the gripping portion relative to the main body is maintained at each of the approach limit position and the separation limit position.

2. The ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 1, The rotary connection portion is An ophthalmologic apparatus, characterized in that the grip portion is connected to a lower portion of the main body so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis extending in the left-right direction.

3. 3. The ophthalmologic apparatus according to claim 1, The ophthalmologic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the gripping portion is held at the approach limit position and extends forward from the rotation axis.

4. 4. The ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 3, The gripping portion has a columnar shape, When the position where the angle of the columnar gripping portion with respect to the inspection axis is perpendicular is defined as the vertical position, An ophthalmologic apparatus, wherein the distance limit position is set at a position farther away from the proximity limit position than the vertical position.

5. 5. An ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 1, the gripping portion is provided with an examination start button that is operated by an examiner to input a command to start an examination by the optometry unit, An ophthalmologic apparatus characterized in that, when the examination start button is operated, an examination start instruction signal is output to a control unit regardless of the angle of the gripping part rotated by the rotary connection part.

6. 5. The ophthalmologic apparatus according to claim 3, the gripping portion is provided with an examination start button that is operated by an examiner to input a command to start an examination by the optometry unit, When the test start button is operated, an inspection start instruction signal is output to a control unit regardless of the angle of the gripping portion rotated by the rotary connection portion, The ophthalmologic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the examination start button is provided on a rearward-facing surface of the grip portion when the grip portion is perpendicular to the examination axis.

7. 7. An ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 1, An ophthalmic device characterized in that the rotational connection portion is capable of maintaining the angle of the grip portion relative to the main body at at least one predetermined position between the approach limit position and the separation limit position within the movable range.

8. 8. The ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 7, an ophthalmic device characterized in that the rotational connection portion is capable of maintaining the angle of the grip portion relative to the main body at least at a vertical position within the movable range where the angle of the grip portion relative to the examination axis is perpendicular;

9. 9. An ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 1, The ophthalmologic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the main body is formed with a housing portion for housing the grip portion when rotated to the approach limit position.

10. 10. An ophthalmic apparatus according to claim 1, an angle sensor for detecting the inclination angle of the inspection axis; A control unit; Furthermore, the optometry unit is capable of measuring an astigmatic axis angle of the subject's eye, When the control unit determines that the tilt angle of the test axis detected by the angle sensor with respect to the horizontal direction is equal to or greater than a threshold, the control unit rotates a measurement area for the astigmatic axis angle by 90 degrees around the axis of the test axis relative to a measurement area when the tilt angle of the test axis with respect to the horizontal direction is less than a threshold; An ophthalmic apparatus, wherein the angle sensor is fixed to the main body.

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