Operation unit and endoscope

Abstract

To provide an operation part allowing an operator to easily acquire a vertical direction of an observation image output from an imaging part and displayed on a monitor, and an endoscope including the operation part.SOLUTION: An operation part connected to a proximal side of an insertion part of an endoscope, the insertion part including an optical system and an imaging part for capturing an image of light passing through the optical system, includes: a grip part extending in an axial direction of an insertion axis of the insertion part; a first plane part that out of directions perpendicular to the axial direction, when a direction representing a top / bottom of an image formed of an imaging signal output from the imaging part is a vertical direction, is formed at a position representing the top side of the vertical direction in an external surface of the grip part, extends in the axial direction and is perpendicular to the vertical direction; and a second plane part that is formed at a position representing the bottom side of the vertical direction in the external surface of the grip part, extends in the axial direction and is perpendicular to the vertical direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an operation section connected to the proximal end side of an insertion section of an endoscope, and an endoscope including this operation section. [Background technology]

[0002] Rigid endoscopes (rigid endoscopes) are known as endoscopes used in endoscopic surgery and the like (see Patent Document 1). Among these rigid endoscopes, there is known an oblique endoscope, whose viewing direction (observation direction, imaging direction) is diagonally forward relative to the insertion axis of the insertion section. The oblique endoscope includes an insertion section inserted into the patient's body, an operating section connected to the base end of the insertion section, an optical system provided at the distal end of the insertion section, and an imaging section that captures light transmitted through the optical system. The observation image captured by the imaging section is output to a monitor via a cable. This allows the surgeon to observe the inside of the patient's body through the monitor. Patent Documents 2 to 4 describe such oblique endoscopes in which the viewing direction can be changed by the surgeon operating the operating section.

[0003] The operating section of the oblique scope described in Patent Documents 2 and 3 includes a cylindrical gripping section (handle) that is gripped by the surgeon, and a rotation operating member (rotating swivel, actuator) that is provided on the distal end of the handle and is rotatable around the axis of the insertion shaft of the insertion section. With the oblique scope described in Patent Documents 2 and 3, the surgeon can rotate the gripping section to rotate the insertion section around the axis, thereby changing the field of view of the oblique scope.

[0004] The operating section of the oblique endoscope described in Patent Document 4 includes a handle and a rotary wheel provided on the distal end of the handle. In the oblique endoscope described in Patent Document 4, the surgeon rotates the handle, causing the optical system provided at the distal end of the insertion section (endoscope shaft section) to rotate. Meanwhile, the rotary wheel prevents the imaging section in the insertion section from rotating in response to the rotational movement of the optical system while the handle is being rotated. This prevents the top-bottom direction of the observation image captured by the oblique endoscope from rotating on the monitor screen. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2018 / 021583 [Patent Document 2] Special Publication No. 2021-510103 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent No. 5,621,830 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-32014 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] There is a demand for surgeons (who may include assistants; the same applies below) to always be aware of the vertical direction of the observation image displayed on the monitor and to perform surgery while keeping the vertical direction aligned with the vertical direction of the monitor (horizontal). However, with the oblique endoscopes described in Patent Documents 2 and 3, the surgeon cannot grasp the vertical direction of the observation image displayed on the monitor.

[0007] Furthermore, in the oblique endoscopes described in Patent Documents 2 and 3, the insertion section and the imaging section rotate together as a unit when the operator rotates the rotary operation member. For this reason, the oblique endoscopes described in Patent Documents 2 and 3 cannot keep the vertical direction of the observation image displayed on the monitor constant.

[0008] On the other hand, the oblique view scope described in Patent Document 4 is provided with a rotary wheel, which allows the vertical orientation of the observation image displayed on the monitor to be kept constant even when the handle is rotated. However, like the operation units described in Patent Document 2 and Patent Document 3, the operation unit described in Patent Document 4 does not allow the surgeon to grasp the vertical orientation of the observation image on the monitor, making it difficult to align the vertical orientation of the observation image with the vertical orientation of the monitor.

[0009] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide an operation unit that allows the surgeon to easily grasp the up-and-down direction of the observation image output from the imaging unit and displayed on the monitor, and an endoscope equipped with this operation unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] An operation unit for achieving the object of the present invention is an insertion unit of an endoscope, and is connected to a base end side of the insertion unit, which is provided with an optical system and an imaging unit that images light that has passed through the optical system, and includes: a gripping portion extending in the axial direction of the insertion axis of the insertion unit; a first flat portion formed on the outer surface of the gripping portion at a position indicating the top side of the top-to-bottom direction, extending in the axial direction and perpendicular to the top-to-bottom direction, where the top-to-bottom direction is a direction indicating the top side of an image formed from an imaging signal output from the imaging unit in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction; and a second flat portion formed on the outer surface of the gripping portion at a position indicating the bottom side of the top-to-bottom direction, extending in the axial direction and perpendicular to the top-to-bottom direction. Note that the image referred to here is a monitor image that is output from the imaging unit to a monitor (display unit) and displayed on the monitor.

[0011] This operation unit allows the surgeon to easily grasp the top-bottom orientation of the image output from the imaging unit.

[0012] In another aspect of the present invention, the operating unit includes a gripping portion that, when a direction perpendicular to both the axial direction and the top-to-bottom direction is defined as the vertical direction, includes: a first curved surface portion that connects a side edge portion on one side in the vertical direction of the first planar portion to a side edge portion on one side in the vertical direction of the second planar portion, the first curved surface portion bulging out in one direction in the vertical direction; and a second curved surface portion that connects a side edge portion on the other side in the vertical direction of the first planar portion to a side edge portion on the other side in the vertical direction of the second planar portion, the second curved surface portion bulging out in the other direction in the vertical direction. This allows the surgeon to easily grasp the first planar portion and the second planar portion formed on the outer surface of the gripping portion, and further increases the stability when the surgeon holds the gripping portion.

[0013] In the operating unit according to another aspect of the present invention, the base end of the gripping portion is formed in a dome shape, so that when the surgeon grasps the gripping portion, this base end abuts against the palm of the surgeon's hand, thereby increasing the stability when the surgeon grasps the gripping portion.

[0014] In another aspect of the present invention, in the operating unit, the first flat surface is formed from the tip end of the gripping portion to the base end of the gripping portion, the second flat surface is formed from the tip end of the gripping portion to a position closer to the operator than the base end of the gripping portion, and a part of the base end of the gripping portion is a bulging surface that bulges out further down than the second flat surface. This allows the surgeon's middle finger or ring finger to rest on the bulging surface when gripping the gripping portion, thereby increasing the stability of the surgeon when gripping the gripping portion.

[0015] In another aspect of the present invention, the operating unit includes an inclined plane portion that is connected between the base end of the second flat portion and the bulging portion and that is inclined downward in the vertical direction from the base end of the second flat portion toward the base end. This allows the surgeon's middle finger, ring finger, etc. to rest on the inclined plane portion when grasping the gripping portion, thereby increasing the stability when the surgeon grasps the gripping portion.

[0016] In another aspect of the present invention, the operating unit includes a cable insertion portion that protrudes from the base end apex of the base end of the grip portion at a position offset downward in the vertical direction, and through which a cable connected to the imaging unit is inserted, and the cable insertion portion protrudes toward the base end of the base end of the grip portion and in a direction inclined downward in the vertical direction with respect to the axial direction when viewed from a direction perpendicular to both the axial direction and the vertical direction. of This allows for a sufficient pull-out margin, and also prevents the cable from coming into contact with the patient and the surgeon.

[0017] In another aspect of the operating unit of the present invention, the insertion section includes an outer tube that is held so as to be rotatable relative to the tip side of the gripping section in a direction around the axis of the insertion shaft, an outer tube that is inserted inside the outer tube and rotates integrally with the outer tube in a direction around the axis, and an inner tube that is inserted inside the outer tube and is rotatable relative to the outer tube and the outer tube in a direction around the axis, and when the optical system is provided at the tip side of the outer tube and the imaging section is provided at the tip side of the inner tube, the operating unit further includes an inner tube fixing section that is provided inside the gripping section so as not to be rotatable relative to the gripping section in a direction around the axis and that fixes the base end side of the inner tube, and an annular rotation operating member that is fixed to the base end side of the outer tube and rotates the outer tube in a direction around the axis.

[0018] In the operating unit according to another aspect of the present invention, the grip portion is made of a rubber material or a resin material, which makes the grip portion less likely to slip in the hand.

[0019] An endoscope for achieving the object of the present invention includes an insertion section provided with an optical system and an imaging section that images light that has passed through the optical system, and the above-mentioned operating section connected to the base end side of the insertion section.

[0020] In another aspect of the endoscope of the present invention, the insertion section comprises an outer tube that is held so as to be rotatable relative to the tip side of the gripping section in a direction around the axis of the insertion shaft, an outer tube that is inserted inside the outer tube and rotates integrally with the outer tube in a direction around the axis, an inner tube that is inserted inside the outer tube and is rotatable relative to the outer tube and the outer tube in a direction around the axis, and an inner tube fixing section that is provided inside the gripping section so as not to be rotatable relative to the gripping section in a direction around the axis and that fixes the base end side of the inner tube, and an optical system is provided on the tip side of the outer tube, and an imaging section is provided on the tip side of the inner tube.

[0021] An endoscope according to another aspect of the present invention includes an annular rotation operating member fixed to the proximal end side of the outer tube and adapted to rotate the outer tube in an axial direction.

[0022] In an endoscope according to another aspect of the present invention, the optical system includes a refractive optical element that refracts light incident from a direction oblique to the insertion axis, to a direction parallel to the insertion axis. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] The present invention allows the surgeon to easily grasp the top-bottom orientation of an image output from an imaging unit and displayed on a monitor. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an endoscope system equipped with an oblique endoscope. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the tip of the insertion section. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the grip and a knob. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the outer cylinder and the case. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the case and the cylindrical portion. [Figure 6] 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship between the top-bottom direction indicating the top-bottom of the imaging system and the top-bottom direction indicating the top-bottom of an observation image displayed on a monitor. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram of an endoscope system 12 that includes an oblique endoscope 10. As shown in Fig. 1, the endoscope system 12 includes the oblique endoscope 10, a processor device 14, a monitor 16, and a light source device 18. The oblique endoscope 10 is an example of the endoscope of the present invention.

[0026] The oblique endoscope 10 is a so-called rigid endoscope, and includes an insertion section 20 and an operation section 21. The insertion section 20 is formed in a cylindrical (tubular) shape and is inserted into the patient's body. The insertion section 20 has a distal end, a proximal end, and an insertion axis Ax (also referred to as a longitudinal axis), and its outer circumferential wall is formed by an outer casing tube 30 (also referred to as an outer mantle tube) described below. A camera unit 24 (described below) is provided at the distal end of the insertion section 20. A first signal cable 26 and a light guide 28 are inserted within the insertion section 20.

[0027] The first signal cable 26, together with the second signal cable 27 described below, connects the camera unit 24 and the processor device 14 described below. The tip end of the first signal cable 26 is connected to the camera unit 24, and the base end of the first signal cable 26 is connected to the second signal cable 27 inside the operation unit 21. The light guide 28 has its tip end (light emission end face) provided on the tip face of the insertion section 20, and its base end (light incidence end face) connected to the light source device 18. In this example, the first signal cable 26 and the second signal cable 27, which are examples of the cable of the present invention, are exemplified as multi-core cables in which a plurality of wires (signal lines) are bundled together and a shield conductor is provided around them, and these are housed in a tubular outer sheath.

[0028] Light guide 28 has a light emitting end 28C (see FIG. 2) on its tip side, and light emitting end 28C is disposed on the tip side of outer tube 30. Light guide 28 also has a light incident end (not shown) on its base end, and this light incident end is connected to light source device 18. Light guide 28 may be configured, for example, by bundling a plurality of optical fibers into a single optical cable, and is flexible.

[0029] The operating unit 21 is connected to the base end side of the insertion unit 20. The operating unit 21 is held by the surgeon when operating the oblique endoscope 10, and receives a rotation operation from the surgeon to rotate the field of view of the oblique endoscope 10 (see optical axis OA in FIG. 2 ) in a direction B around the insertion axis Ax, i.e., in the circumferential direction of the insertion unit 20 and the operating unit 21. The operating unit 21 is composed of a cylindrical gripping portion 22 held by the surgeon and a cylindrical (annular) knob 36 that receives a rotation operation of the field of view. The knob 36 is an example of a rotation operating member of the present invention.

[0030] The grip portion 22 is sized to fit in the surgeon's hand and is made of a rubber or resin material that can withstand autoclave sterilization. Examples of such rubber materials include silicone rubber and fluororubber. Examples of resin materials include PPSU (Polyphenylsulfone) and PEEK (Polyetheretherketone). This makes the grip portion 22 less likely to slip in the hand, i.e., less likely to rotate around the axis B, compared to when the grip portion 22 is made of a metal material.

[0031] The outer tube 30 is held at the tip end of the grip portion 22 so as to be rotatable in the direction B around the axis. An external cable 72 is connected to the base end of the grip portion 22. The second signal cable 27 and the light guide 28 described above are inserted inside this external cable 72.

[0032] Furthermore, the gripping portion 22, which will be described in detail later, has an airtight space and a non-airtight space therein, and connects the base end of the first signal cable 26 and the tip end of the second signal cable 27 at the boundary between the two spaces (see FIG. 3). The base end of the second signal cable 27 is connected to the processor device 14. This electrically connects the camera unit 24 and the processor device 14 via the first signal cable 26 and the second signal cable 27.

[0033] The knob 36 is fixed to the base end side of the outer tube 30 and is provided between the insertion section 20 and the grip section 22. The knob 36 is a member for changing the field of view of the oblique endoscope 10 by rotating the outer tube 30 relative to the grip section 22 in the direction B around the axis.

[0034] The processor device 14 generates an observation image 300 (moving image) of the inside of the patient's body based on the imaging signals input from the camera unit 24 via the first signal cable 26 and the second signal cable 27, and displays the observation image 300 on the monitor 16. The observation image 300 corresponds to an example of an image of the present invention.

[0035] The light source device 18 supplies illumination light to the light guide 28. As a result, the illumination light is emitted from a light emitting end 28C (see FIG. 2) of the light guide 28 provided on the distal end surface of the insertion portion 20.

[0036] 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the tip of the insertion section 20. As shown in FIG. 2, the insertion section 20 includes a substantially cylindrical outer tube 30, an outer cylinder 32, and an inner cylinder 34 that are parallel to the insertion axis Ax. As described above, the outer tube 30 forms the outer peripheral wall of the insertion section 20. The opening at the tip of this outer tube 30 is inclined from a position perpendicular to the insertion axis Ax. Furthermore, the base end of the outer tube 30 is held by the tip of the grip section 22 so as to be rotatable in the direction B around the axis, as will be described in detail later. Furthermore, a knob 36 is fitted and fixed to the base end of the outer tube 30.

[0037] The outer tube 32 is inserted and disposed inside the outer tube 30. A tip optical system 40 that constitutes the camera unit 24, which will be described later, is provided at the tip of the outer tube 32. The base end of the outer tube 32 is connected to a case 74 (see FIG. 3) inside the grip part 22, which will be described in detail later. Furthermore, a space 31 for arranging a light guide 28 is formed between the inner peripheral surface of the outer tube 30 and the outer peripheral surface of the outer tube 32.

[0038] The inner tube 34 is inserted into the outer tube 32. The first signal cable 26 is inserted into the inner tube 34. A proximal optical system 50 and an imaging section 60 that constitute the camera unit 24 (described later) are provided at the distal end of the inner tube 34. The proximal end of the inner tube 34 is connected to a connecting member 90 (see FIG. 3) in the operation section 21, which will be described in detail later.

[0039] The camera unit 24 includes a distal optical system 40, a proximal optical system 50, and an imaging section 60. The symbol OA in the drawing indicates the optical axis of the optical system of the camera unit 24.

[0040] The distal end optical system 40 is an example of an optical system of the present invention, and is provided at the distal end of the outer tube 32. The distal end optical system 40 is an oblique optical system that refracts light incident from a direction oblique to the insertion axis Ax in a direction parallel to the insertion axis Ax and guides the light to the proximal end optical system 50. The distal end optical system 40 includes a distal end main body 42 and a distal end lens barrel 44 provided on the distal end main body 42.

[0041] The tip portion body 42 constitutes the tip portion of the insertion portion 20 (outer cylinder 32) and is a cap that covers the tip portion barrel 44. The tip portion body 42 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape that is parallel to the insertion axis Ax. In addition, a cover glass 46 is provided at the opening on the tip side of the tip portion body 42, with the cover glass 46 tilted to match the tilt angle of an objective lens 48a in the tip portion barrel 44 (described later).

[0042] Furthermore, the tip portion main body 42 is fixed to the inner peripheral surface of the outer tube 30. As a result, when the outer tube 30 is rotated in the direction B around the axis, the tip optical system 40 and the outer tube 32 rotate integrally with the outer tube 30 in the direction B around the axis.

[0043] The distal end barrel 44 contains an objective lens 48a, a prism 48b, and a lens 48c. The objective lens 48a is tilted from a position perpendicular to the insertion axis Ax and faces the cover glass 46. The objective lens 48a emits light incident through the cover glass 46 toward the prism 48b. The prism 48b is an example of a refractive optical element of the present invention. It refracts light incident from the objective lens 48a, i.e., light incident from a direction tilted with respect to the insertion axis Ax, to a direction parallel (including approximately parallel) to the insertion axis Ax, and then emits the light toward the lens 48c. This causes the field of view of the oblique endoscope 10 to be tilted with respect to the insertion axis Ax. The lens 48c is oriented perpendicular to the insertion axis Ax and emits light incident from the prism 48b toward a lens 56 in a proximal end barrel 52 of the proximal end optical system 50, which will be described later.

[0044] The configuration of the optical system within the distal barrel 44 is not particularly limited as long as it is possible to guide light incident from a direction inclined with respect to the insertion axis Ax into the proximal barrel 52 .

[0045] A cylindrical portion 45 extending toward the base end of distal barrel 44 is formed on distal barrel 44. This cylindrical portion 45 is fitted onto the distal end of proximal barrel 52 (described later) so as to be rotatable relative to the distal end in the axial direction. This allows proximal barrel 52 to be fitted onto distal barrel 44 so as to be rotatable relative to the distal end in the axial direction.

[0046] The proximal optical system 50 is provided at the distal end of the inner tube 34, and guides light incident from the distal barrel 44 to the imaging unit 60. The proximal optical system 50 includes a proximal barrel 52, a holder 54, and a prism 55.

[0047] Proximal barrel 52 is fixed to the distal end of inner tube 34 via holder 54. As described above, the distal end of proximal barrel 52 is fitted into the opening on the proximal end side of tubular portion 45 so as to be rotatable relative to it in direction B around the axis. This allows one of distal barrel 44 and proximal barrel 52 to rotate relative to the other in direction B around the axis. As a result, inner tube 34 is rotatable relative to outer tube 32 in direction B around the axis.

[0048] A plurality of lenses 56 having an optical axis OA parallel to the insertion axis Ax are provided inside the base end lens barrel 52. Each lens 56 emits light incident from the tip end lens barrel 44 toward the prism 55.

[0049] The holder 54 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape parallel to the insertion axis Ax, and is fixed to the tip of the inner tube 34. The holder 54 is also connected and fixed (externally fitted and fixed) to the base end of the base end barrel 52. This connects the inner tube 34 and the base end barrel 52 by the holder 54, so that the inner tube 34, the base end barrel 52, and the holder 54 can rotate together relative to the outer tube 32 in the direction B around the axis.

[0050] A prism 55 is held in the opening on the base end side of holder 54, and an imaging unit 60 (described later) is further held via this prism 55. Therefore, via holder 54 and prism 55, imaging unit 60 is able to rotate integrally with inner tube 34 and base-end lens barrel 52 relative to outer tube 32 in direction B around the axis.

[0051] Prism 55 refracts the light incident thereon by 90 degrees through proximal lens barrel 52. Note that prism 55 may be replaced by a mirror.

[0052] The imaging section 60 captures an image of light (observation image 300) that passes through the distal end lens barrel 44 and the proximal end lens barrel 52 and is reflected by the prism 55. The imaging section 60 includes an imaging element 64 and a circuit board 66.

[0053] The imaging element 64 is connected (fixed) to the prism 55 while being mounted on the circuit board 66, and is attached to the holder 54 via the prism 55. The imaging element 64 captures an image of light refracted by the prism 55 and outputs an imaging signal. The imaging element 64 may be a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) type image sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) type image sensor.

[0054] In this embodiment, the imaging element 64 is attached to the holder 54 via the prism 55, but the imaging element 64 may be attached directly to the opening on the base end side of the holder 54. In this case, the imaging element 64 is held by the holder 54 in an attitude perpendicular to the insertion axis Ax (optical axis OA), and thus has a light receiving surface perpendicular to the optical axis OA.

[0055] The circuit board 66 controls the driving of the imaging element 64. The tip of the first signal cable 26 is connected to the circuit board 66 via a connector 68. The circuit board 66 outputs an imaging signal from the imaging element 64 to the first signal cable 26 via the connector 68.

[0056] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the grip portion 22 and the knob 36. As shown in Fig. 3, the grip portion 22 is configured in a cylindrical shape parallel to the insertion axis Ax.

[0057] A knob 36 fixed to the base end of the outer tube 30 is provided on the distal end side of the grip portion 22. The knob 36 is, for example, rotatably provided on the outer peripheral surface of the distal end side of the grip portion 22 via a seal ring 38. As a result, by rotating the knob 36 in the direction around the axis B, the outer tube 30 is rotated in the direction around the axis B relative to the grip portion 22, and the outer tube 32 and the distal end optical system 40 are rotated in the same direction via the outer tube 30. This makes it possible to change the field of view (observation direction) of the oblique endoscope 10. The rotation range of the knob 36 is limited to a predetermined range (e.g., 340 degrees) by a rotation stopper 120.

[0058] The base ends of the outer tube 32 and the inner tube 34 are inserted from the opening on the tip side of the grip portion 22 to the inside of the grip portion 22. The external cable 72 described above is connected to the base end of the grip portion 22. A light guide insertion space 70 is formed inside the grip portion 22. A case 74 is also provided inside the grip portion 22. The case 74 is located closer to the tip than the light guide insertion space 70.

[0059] The case 74 is generally cylindrical and parallel to the insertion axis Ax, and has a diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the grip portion 22. The case 74 is housed inside the grip portion 22. The case 74 is held in the internal space of the grip portion 22 by the outer tube 32 and a connecting beam 100 (described later), among others. The base end of the outer tube 32 is connected to the tip end of the case 74. As a result, when the outer tube 30 is rotated in the axial direction B relative to the grip portion 22, this rotational force is transmitted to the distal end optical system 40, the outer tube 32, and the case 74. As a result, the case 74 is rotated in the same direction as the outer tube 30.

[0060] The base end side of the inner tube 34 and the base end side of the first signal cable 26 are disposed inside the case 74. A partition wall 74a perpendicular to the insertion axis Ax is provided inside the case 74, for example, in the opening on the base end side of the case 74. The partition wall 74a closes the opening on the base end side of the case 74.

[0061] Furthermore, a cylindrical portion 74b parallel to the insertion axis Ax is provided on the base end side of the case 74. The cylindrical portion 74b is formed to have the same diameter as the case 74, but may be formed to have a diameter different from that of the case 74. The cylindrical portion 74b may also be formed integrally with the case 74. In this case, the base end of the case 74 functions as the cylindrical portion 74b. A portion of a connecting portion 84, which will be described later, is disposed inside the case 74, and the tip end of the second signal cable 27, in addition to a portion of the connecting portion 84, is disposed inside the cylindrical portion 74b.

[0062] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the outer cylinder 32 and the case 74. As shown in Fig. 4, a sealed space 80 (airtight space) is formed inside the outer cylinder 32 and the case 74, and the inner cylinder 34, the imaging unit 60, the first signal cable 26, etc. are disposed in the sealed space 80. The distal end side of the sealed space 80 is defined by the distal optical system 40. The proximal end side of the sealed space 80 is defined by the partition wall 74a. This improves the moisture resistance of the camera unit 24, preventing fogging and damage.

[0063] 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the case 74 and the cylindrical portion 74b. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the case 74 and the cylindrical portion 74b are provided with the partition wall 74a, the airtight connector 82, and the connecting portion 84.

[0064] The airtight connector 82 is provided to be rotatable relative to the partition wall 74a in the direction B around the axis so as to penetrate the inside and outside of the sealed space 80. The airtight connector 82 electrically connects the base end side of the first signal cable 26 inside the case 74 (inside the sealed space 80) with the tip side of the second signal cable 27 inside the tubular portion 74b (outside the sealed space 80). This allows the first signal cable 26 and the second signal cable 27 to be inserted and disposed inside the gripping portion 22. Note that if the first signal cable 26 and the second signal cable 27 are torsionally deformable in the direction B around the axis, for example, if the first signal cable 26 and the second signal cable 27 are configured from a plurality of separate wires, the airtight connector 82 may be fixed to the partition wall 74a.

[0065] The connecting portion 84 is provided inside the case 74 and the cylindrical portion 74b so as to be rotatable relative to the case 74 and the cylindrical portion 74b in the direction around the axis B. The first signal cable 26 and the second signal cable 27 are inserted inside the connecting portion 84. The connecting portion 84 magnetically couples (connects) the base end side of the inner cylinder 34 inside the case 74 (inside the sealed space 80) to a connecting beam 100 (described below) outside the sealed space 80, with the partition wall 74a sandwiched therebetween.

[0066] The coupling portion 84 has a connecting member 90, a bearing support member 92, and a bearing 94. In addition to the above members, the coupling portion 84 also has a bearing support member 96, a bearing 98, a coupling beam 100, and a magnetic coupling 102.

[0067] The connecting member 90 and the bearing receiving member 92 are provided inside the case 74 (inside the sealed space 80), and are formed in a generally cylindrical shape parallel to the insertion axis Ax. The first signal cable 26 is inserted through the connecting member 90 and the bearing receiving member 92.

[0068] The connecting member 90 connects the base end side of the inner cylinder 34 and the tip side of the bearing receiving member 92 inside the case 74 (inside the sealed space 80).

[0069] The bearing support member 92 has its tip end connected to the connecting member 90 as described above, and its base end fixed to the first magnet 103 of the magnetic coupling 102. A bearing 94 that is inscribed in the case 74 is fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the bearing support member 92. This allows the bearing support member 92 and the first magnet 103 to be held within the case 74 so as to be rotatable relative to the case 74 in the direction B around the axis. The bearing 94 may be any of various known radial bearings, such as a ball bearing or a roller bearing.

[0070] The bearing receiving member 96 is provided inside the cylindrical portion 74b (outside the sealed space 80). The bearing receiving member 96 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape parallel to the insertion axis Ax, and the second signal cable 27 is inserted inside the bearing receiving member 96.

[0071] The bearing support member 96 has a tip end fixed to the second magnet 104 of the magnetic coupling 102 inside the cylindrical portion 74b, and a base end connected to the connecting beam 100. A bearing 98 inscribed in the cylindrical portion 74b is fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the bearing support member 96. This allows the bearing support member 96 and the second magnet 104 to be held within the cylindrical portion 74b so as to be rotatable relative to the cylindrical portion 74b in the direction B around the axis. As with the bearing 94, various known radial bearings may be used for the bearing 98.

[0072] Returning to FIG. 3, the connecting beam 100 is configured as a beam extending in the axial direction of the insertion axis Ax within the light guide insertion space 70. The connecting beam 100 has a ring portion 100a at its distal end and a ring portion 100b at its proximal end. The ring portion 100a is fitted onto the proximal end of the bearing receiving member 96, and the ring portion 100b is fixed inside the gripping portion 22 so as not to rotate relatively in the direction B around the axis. As a result, the inner tube 34 (imaging unit 60) is fixed to the gripping portion 22 so as not to rotate relatively via the connecting beam 100, the bearing receiving member 96, a magnetic coupling 102 (described later), and the bearing receiving member 92. For this reason, these connecting beams 100 and the like are used as the inner tube fixing portion of the present invention. of Here is an example.

[0073] The magnetic coupling 102 is composed of a first magnet 103 provided inside the case 74 (inside the sealed space 80) with the partition wall 74a sandwiched therebetween, and a second magnet 104 provided inside the cylindrical portion 74b (outside the sealed space 80). The magnetic coupling 102 is a magnetic coupling member that magnetically couples the bearing support member 92 (inner cylinder 34) and the bearing support member 96 (connecting beam 100). The first magnet 103 and the second magnet 104 have a disk shape that is parallel to the partition wall 74a (perpendicular to the insertion axis Ax). A through-hole (not shown) through which the first signal cable 26 is inserted is formed in the center of the first magnet 103, and a through-hole (not shown) through which the second signal cable 27 is inserted is formed in the center of the second magnet 104.

[0074] By magnetically coupling the inner tube 34 and the connecting beam 100 with the magnetic coupling 102, torque (static torque) can be transmitted from the grip portion 22 to the inner tube 34. As a result, when the practitioner rotates the outer tube 30 with the knob 36, the inner tube 34 (the proximal optical system 50 and the imaging unit 60) is prevented from rotating (co-rotating) together with the outer tube 32 in the direction around the axis B; in other words, the magnetic coupling 102 maintains the orientation of the inner tube 34 in the direction around the axis B.

[0075] Next, the external shape of the operation unit 21 will be specifically described. As mentioned above, the surgeon desires to grasp the vertical direction of the observation image 300 that is output from the imaging unit 60 via the processor device 14 (hereinafter simply referred to as "output from the imaging unit 60") and displayed on the monitor 16, and to perform a procedure while maintaining the vertical direction of the observation image 300 on the monitor 16 in a fixed direction, for example, aligned with the vertical direction of the monitor 16. Therefore, the grip unit 22 of this embodiment has an external shape that allows the surgeon to easily grasp the vertical direction of the observation image 300 displayed on the monitor 16. The grip unit 22 also has an external shape that improves usability, such as making it easier for the surgeon to grip the grip unit 22 and providing a sense of stability when gripping it.

[0076] 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the top-bottom direction of the imaging system 61 and the top-bottom direction of the observation image 300 displayed on the monitor 16. Reference numeral 6A in FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the imaging system 61 (also referred to as an imaging unit) that is configured by the proximal optical system 50 (see FIG. 2) and the imaging section 60 provided at the tip of the inner tube 34. Reference numeral 6B in FIG. 6 is a front view of the observation image 300 displayed on the monitor 16.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 6, the top-bottom direction of the imaging system 61 is determined based on the direction corresponding to the top of the observation image 300 displayed on the monitor 16 and the direction corresponding to the bottom of the observation image 300 on the monitor 16. The top-bottom direction of the imaging system 61 can be set arbitrarily in relation to the monitor 16. In this embodiment, the light-receiving surface of the imaging element 64 is disposed in a direction along the insertion axis Ax, and the top-bottom direction of the light-receiving surface of the imaging element 64 is the left-right direction (direction along the insertion axis Ax) in FIG. 6A. In this specification, the top-bottom direction of the imaging system 61 refers to the top-bottom direction of the observation image 300 output from the imaging unit 60 and displayed on the monitor 16 (hereinafter simply referred to as the "top-bottom direction of the observation image 300"). Of the top-to-bottom directions of the imaging system 61, the direction corresponding to the top side (TOP) of the observation image 300 is defined as the top-to-bottom direction, and the direction corresponding to the bottom side (BOTTOM) of the observation image 300 is defined as the bottom-to-bottom direction.

[0078] FIG. 7 is a side view of the operation unit 21. FIG. 8 is a top view of the operation unit 21. FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the operation unit 21. In FIGS. 7 to 9, among the mutually orthogonal X, Y, and Z directions, the direction parallel to the insertion axis Ax is defined as the X direction, the vertical direction of the observation image 300 (the vertical direction of the imaging system 61) is defined as the Z direction, and the direction perpendicular to both the X and Z directions is defined as the Y direction. In the X direction, the direction toward the tip end of the operation unit 21 is defined as the X(+) direction, and the direction toward the base end of the operation unit 21 is defined as the X(-) direction. In the Z direction, the direction toward the top side of the vertical direction of the imaging system 61 is defined as the Z(+) direction, and the direction toward the bottom side of the vertical direction of the imaging system 61 is defined as the Z(-) direction. Furthermore, one side of the Y direction is defined as the Y(+) direction, and the other side is defined as the Y(-) direction.

[0079] In this specification, the term "palm" refers to the entire hand excluding the fingers, and the term "palm" refers to the central area of the palm (the hollow between the thenar eminence and thenar eminence).

[0080] 7 to 9, grip portion 22 extends in the X direction and is formed in a generally cylindrical shape with a tip end portion 207 on the X(+) direction side open and a base end portion 208 on the X(-) direction side closed (see FIG. 3). On the outer surface of grip portion 22, a first flat surface portion 200, a second flat surface portion 202, a first curved surface portion 204, and a second curved surface portion 206 are formed.

[0081] The first flat surface 200 is formed on the outer surface of the gripping unit 22 at a position on the Z(+) direction side, which is the top position in the vertical direction of the observation image 300 (the vertical direction of the imaging system 61). The first flat surface 200 is a plane that extends in the X direction and is perpendicular to the Z direction, and is formed from the distal end 207 to the proximal end 208 of the gripping unit 22. When the surgeon grips the gripping unit 22, the base of the surgeon's thumb comes into contact with the first flat surface 200. The first flat surface 200 may be approximately parallel to the X direction or approximately perpendicular to the Z direction.

[0082] A first index 226 is formed on the tip of the first flat surface portion 200. This first index 226 is located at the center of the first flat surface portion 200 in the Y direction when the first flat surface portion 200 is viewed from the Z(+) direction side. The shape of the first index 226 is not particularly limited as long as it can be recognized by touch with the surgeon's thumb or the like, and may be formed in a convex shape, for example.

[0083] The second flat surface 202 is formed on the outer surface of the gripping portion 22 at a position opposite the first flat surface 200 across the insertion axis Ax, i.e., at a position on the Z(-) direction side, which is the downside position in the vertical direction of the observation image 300 (the vertical direction of the imaging system 61). Like the first flat surface 200, the second flat surface 202 is a plane that extends in the X direction and is perpendicular to the Z direction, but is formed from the distal end 207 to a position in front of the proximal end 208. When the surgeon grips the gripping portion 22, the fingers of the surgeon's hand other than the thumb rest on the second flat surface 202. The second flat surface 202 may also be approximately parallel to the X direction or approximately perpendicular to the Z direction.

[0084] The first curved surface portion 204 is a curved surface that connects a side edge portion 200A on the Y(+) direction side of the first flat surface portion 200 and a side edge portion 202A on the Y(+) direction side of the second flat surface portion 202. This first curved surface portion 204 bulges out toward the Y(+) direction. When an operator holds the grip portion 22 with, for example, the right hand, the first curved surface portion 204 comes into contact with the palm of the right hand.

[0085] The second curved surface portion 206 is a curved surface that connects the side edge portion 200B on the Y(-) direction side of the first flat surface portion 200 and the side edge portion 202B on the Y(-) direction side of the second flat surface portion 202. This second curved surface portion 206 bulges out toward the Y(-) direction. When an operator holds the grip portion 22 with, for example, the right hand, the second curved surface portion 206 comes into contact with the fingertips of the fingers of the right hand other than the thumb.

[0086] The base end 208 of the grip portion 22 is formed in a dome shape (also called a bullet shape) that bulges in the X(-) direction. When the surgeon grips the grip portion 22, the base end 208 abuts against the palm of the surgeon's hand.

[0087] As described above, the second flat surface 202 is formed up to a position in front of the base end 208, and therefore a part of the base end 208, i.e., the portion on the Z(-) direction side, becomes the bulging portion 208A that bulges out further in the Z(-) direction than the second flat surface 202. An inclined flat surface 210 is provided between the bulging portion 208A and the second flat surface 202. This inclined flat surface 210 becomes an inclined surface that slopes toward the Z(-) direction as it extends further from the base end of the second flat surface 202 toward the X(-) direction. When the surgeon grasps the grip portion 22, the surgeon's middle finger or ring finger (or little finger) can be placed on the bulging portion 208A and the inclined flat surface 210.

[0088] A substantially tubular cable insertion portion 73 protrudes from the base end portion 208 at a position offset in the Z(-) direction from the base end vertex P on the base end side. When viewed from the Y direction, the cable insertion portion 73 is inclined in a diagonally downward direction C on the X(-) direction side from the base end portion 208 and inclined toward the Z(-) direction with respect to the X(-) direction. An external cable 72 is connected to the cable insertion portion 73. As a result, the second signal cable 27 and the light guide 28 inside the external cable 72 are inserted into the grip portion 22 through the cable insertion portion 73. As a result, the second signal cable 27 is connected to the first signal cable 26 inside the grip portion 22 and is further electrically connected to the imaging unit 60 via the first signal cable 26. In addition, a light emitting end 28C of the light guide 28 is disposed on the tip side of the armor tube 30 through the light guide insertion space 70 and the space 31.

[0089] The cable insertion portion 73 comes into contact with the inside of the palm of the surgeon's hand when the surgeon grasps the grip portion 22. This allows the external cable 72 to be led out from the base of the little finger of the surgeon's hand grasping the grip portion 22.

[0090] On the outer surface of the knob 36, a finger rest portion 220, finger contact portions 222, 224, a second index 228 and a third index 230 are formed.

[0091] The ball of the thumb of the operator holding the gripping portion 22 is placed on the finger rest portion 220. The shape of the finger rest portion 220 is formed into a concave curved shape corresponding to the shape of the ball of the thumb.

[0092] The finger rests 222, 224 are formed on the outer surface of the knob 36 so as to sandwich the finger rest 220 therebetween in the axial direction B. The finger rests 222, 224 come into contact with both sides of the thumb placed on the finger rest 220. This allows the operating force generated by the surgeon moving the thumb left and right to be efficiently transmitted to the knob 36.

[0093] The second index 228 is provided on the finger rest portion 220. The shape of the second index 228 is not particularly limited as long as it can be recognized by the surgeon's thumb, and may be formed, for example, in a convex shape. When the rotation position of the knob 36 in the direction B around the axis is adjusted to the center position (neutral position) of the rotation range of the knob 36, the second index 228 is aligned on the same line in the X direction as the first index 226 formed on the first flat surface portion 200. This allows the surgeon to easily grasp the center position of the knob 36 by feeling with his or her finger. Furthermore, when the rotation position of the knob 36 is adjusted so that the second index 228 coincides with the first index 226, the field of view direction (observation direction, imaging direction) of the oblique endoscope 10 includes a component in the Z(-) direction.

[0094] The third index 230 is formed on the outer surface of the knob 36 at a position opposite the position where the second index 228 is formed across the insertion axis Ax. When the knob 36 is rotated at a large angle (for example, 120 degrees) from the central position in the direction B around the axis relative to the gripping part 22, the third index 230 becomes visible even if the second index 228 is not visible. Therefore, the rotational position of the knob 36 can be determined based on the third index 230.

[0095] Next, the operation of the oblique endoscope 10 configured as described above, particularly the operation of the operating section 21, will be described.

[0096] When using the oblique endoscope 10 to observe or treat the inside of a patient's body, the surgeon grasps the grip portion 22 with, for example, the right hand (or the left hand). In this case, the base of the thumb of the right hand contacts the first flat surface portion 200, the fingers of the right hand other than the thumb rest on the second flat surface portion 202, the inclined surface portion 210, and the bulging portion 208A, the palm of the right hand contacts the first curved surface portion 204 and the base end portion 208, the fingertips of the fingers of the right hand other than the thumb contact the second curved surface portion 206, and the cable insertion portion 73 contacts the inside of the palm of the right hand. Then, the external cable 72 is led out from the base of the little finger of the right hand.

[0097] By placing the base of the thumb of the surgeon's right hand on the first planar portion 200, the second planar portion 202 can be easily supported with the other fingers of the right hand, making it easier for the surgeon to grasp the grip portion 22. Furthermore, when the surgeon places his or her thumb on the first planar portion 200 of the grip portion 22, the pad of the thumb can be placed on the finger rest portion 220 in a natural state along the first planar portion 200. Furthermore, when the palm of the right hand is turned up, the second planar portion 202 formed on the outer surface of the grip portion 22 prevents the grip portion 22 from rolling on the palm of the right hand. Furthermore, the base end portion 208 abutting against the palm of the right hand increases stability when the surgeon grasps the grip portion 22.

[0098] Furthermore, when the surgeon grasps the grip portion 22, the middle finger or ring finger of the right hand rests on the inclined plane portion 210 and the bulging portion 208A, thereby further increasing the stability when the surgeon grasps the grip portion 22. Also, by forming the second flat portion 202 up to a position on the front side of the base end portion 208 and providing the inclined plane portion 210 and the bulging portion 208A, it is possible to ensure a lead-out margin for the external cable 72 at the base end portion 208.

[0099] Furthermore, when the surgeon grasps the gripping portion 22, the cable insertion portion 73 allows the external cable 72 to be led out from the base end portion 208 in the diagonally downward direction C. If the external cable 72 were led out from the base end portion 208 in the Z(-) direction, the external cable 72 would come into contact with the patient, and if the external cable 72 were led out from the base end portion 208 in the X(-) direction, the external cable 72 would come into contact with the surgeon; however, this embodiment makes it possible to avoid such problems.

[0100] As described above, the grip portion 22 of this embodiment has an external shape that improves usability, such as ease of gripping the grip portion 22 by the surgeon and a sense of stability when gripping it. As a result, the grip portion 22 is prevented from rotating in the surgeon's hand, and the up-down direction of the observation image 300 is prevented from changing.

[0101] After grasping the gripping portion 22, the surgeon inserts the insertion portion 20 into the patient's body and checks the observation image 300 output from the imaging unit 60 on the monitor 16. This allows the surgeon to observe the inside of the patient's body through the monitor 16. When the surgeon wants to change the field of view of the oblique endoscope 10, he or she rotates the knob 36 in the direction B about the axis with the thumb of his or her right hand placed on the finger rest 220. This causes the exterior tube 30 and the outer tube 32 (distal optical system 40) to rotate in the same direction together with the knob 36, and the field of view of the oblique endoscope 10 can be directed in the desired direction.

[0102] At this time, the magnetic coupling 102 maintains the orientation of the inner tube 34 in the direction B about the axis, preventing the inner tube 34 (the proximal optical system 50 and the imaging unit 60) from rotating (co-rotating) together with the outer tube 32 in the direction B about the axis. As a result, even if the field of view direction is changed, the observation image 300 observed on the monitor 16 is prevented from rotating, and the vertical orientation of the observation image 300 is maintained. Furthermore, with the operation unit 21 of this embodiment, the knob 36 can be rotated with the right hand that is holding the grip 22; that is, the operation unit 21 can be held and the knob 36 can be rotated with one hand. As a result, the operability of the oblique endoscope 10 is improved.

[0103] While observing the inside of a patient's body through the observation image 300 displayed on the monitor 16, the surgeon determines the vertical direction of the observation image 300 based on the first planar portion 200 and the second planar portion 202 on the outer surface of the grip portion 22. As described above, on the outer surface of the grip portion 22, the first planar portion 200 is formed at a position on the top side of the vertical direction of the observation image 300, and the second planar portion 202 is formed at a position on the bottom side of the vertical direction of the observation image 300. This allows the surgeon to determine the vertical direction of the observation image 300 simply by feeling the sensation in the right hand (fingers) holding the grip portion 22, without taking his / her eyes off the monitor 16. This allows the surgeon to adjust the orientation of the grip portion 22 to align the vertical direction of the observation image 300 with a desired direction, such as the vertical direction of the monitor 16. As a result, the surgeon can maintain the vertical direction of the observation image 300 aligned with the vertical direction of the monitor 16 while observing the inside of the patient's body through the monitor 16, rotating the knob 36, performing other operations, or performing surgery.

[0104] As described above, in this embodiment, the first planar portion 200 is formed on the outer surface of the gripping portion 22 at a position on the top side of the observation image 300 in the vertical direction, and the second planar portion 202 is formed at a position on the bottom side of the observation image 300 in the vertical direction, so that the surgeon can easily grasp the vertical direction of the observation image 300.

[0105] Furthermore, by making the shapes of the surfaces of the outer surface of the gripping portion 22 other than the first planar portion 200 and the second planar portion 202 curved, i.e., shapes other than flat, the surgeon can easily grasp the up-and-down direction of the first planar portion 200 and the second planar portion 202, i.e., the observation image 300, by simply feeling with his or her fingers.

[0106] [others] In the above embodiment, the insertion section 20 is composed of an outer tube 30, an outer tube 32, and an inner tube 34, but the configuration of the insertion section 20 is not particularly limited as long as the field of view direction can be changed in response to the rotation of the knob 36.

[0107] In the above embodiment, the side edge portion 200A and the side edge portion 202A are connected by the first curved surface portion 204, and the side edge portion 200B and the side edge portion 202B are connected by the second curved surface portion 206, but if the surgeon can recognize the first flat surface portion 200 and the second flat surface portion 202 by touch, the first curved surface portion 204 and the second curved surface portion 206 may be replaced by surfaces of any shape.

[0108] In the above embodiment, the case 74 is provided inside the grip portion 22, but the configuration provided inside the grip portion 22 is not particularly limited.

[0109] In the above embodiment, the oblique endoscope 10, whose direction of field of view is changeable, has been used as an example of a rigid endoscope, but the present invention can also be applied to a rigid endoscope whose direction of field of view is fixed and its operation unit. In this case, the knob 36 is omitted from the operation unit 21. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to rigid endoscopes, but can also be applied to flexible endoscopes (flexible endoscopes) and their operation units. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 10 Oblique scope 12 Endoscopy System 14 Processor unit 16 monitors 18 Light source device 20 Insertion section 21 Control section 22 Gripping part 24 Camera Unit 26 First signal cable 27 Second signal cable 28 Light Guide 28C Light output end 30 Exterior pipe 31 Space 32 outer cylinder 34 Inner cylinder 36 Knob 38 Seal ring 40 Advanced optical system 42 Tip body 44 Front lens barrel 45 Cylindrical part 46 Coverslips 48a Objective Lens 48b Prism 48c lens 50 Proximal optical system 52 Base end barrel 54 Holder 55 Prism 56 Lens 60 Imaging unit 61 Imaging system 64 image sensor 66 Circuit Board 68 Connector 70 Light guide insertion space 72 External Cable 73 Cable insertion part 74 cases 74a Bulkhead 74b Cylindrical part 80 Closed space 82 Airtight Connector 84 Connecting part 90 Connecting member 92 Bearing support member 94 bearings 96 Bearing support member 98 Bearings 100 Connecting beam 100a ring part 100b Ring part 102 Magnetic Coupling 103 First Magnet 104 Second Magnet 120 rotation stopper 200 1st plane part 200A side edge 200B side edge 202 2nd plane part 202A Side edge 202B Side edge 204 1st curved surface part 206 2nd curved surface part 207 Tip 208 Proximal end 208A Bulge 210 Oblique plane part 220 Finger rest 222 Finger rest 224 Finger rest 226 1st indicator 228 Second indicator 230 Third indicator 300 Observation image Ax Insertion axis B axis direction C Diagonally downward OA optical axis P basal apex

Claims

1. An operation unit connected to a proximal end side of an insertion section of an endoscope, the insertion section including an optical system and an imaging unit that images light that has passed through the optical system, a grip portion extending in the axial direction of the insertion shaft of the insertion portion; a first flat surface portion that is formed on an outer surface of the grip portion at a position that indicates the top side of the top-bottom direction, where the top-bottom direction is a direction that indicates the top of an image formed from an imaging signal output from the imaging portion in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction, and that extends in the axial direction and is perpendicular to the top-bottom direction; a second flat portion formed on an outer surface of the grip portion at a position indicating the ground side in the vertical direction, extending in the axial direction and perpendicular to the vertical direction; Equipped with The first and second flat portions of the operation unit have different shapes.

2. The gripping portion is a first curved surface portion that connects a side edge portion of the first planar portion on one side in the vertical direction to a side edge portion of the second planar portion on one side in the vertical direction, when a direction perpendicular to both the axial direction and the top-bottom direction is defined as a vertical direction, and that bulges out toward one side in the vertical direction; a second curved surface portion that connects a side edge portion of the first flat surface portion on the other side in the vertical direction and a side edge portion of the second flat surface portion on the other side in the vertical direction, the second curved surface portion bulging out toward the other side in the vertical direction; The operation unit according to claim 1 .

3. The operating portion according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the base end of the grip portion is formed in a dome shape.

4. the first flat surface portion is formed from the tip end of the grip portion to the base end of the grip portion, the second flat surface portion is formed from the tip end of the grip portion to a position in front of the base end of the grip portion, The operation section according to claim 1 , wherein a part of a base end of the grip section is a bulging section that bulges out further toward the ground in the top-to-bottom direction than the second flat section.

5. The operating unit according to claim 4, further comprising an inclined plane portion that is connected between the base end of the second flat portion and the bulge portion and that is inclined toward the ground in the vertical direction as it extends from the base end of the second flat portion toward the base end.

6. a cable insertion portion that protrudes from a base end apex of a base end of the grip portion at a position offset toward the ground in the top-to-bottom direction, and through which a cable connected to the imaging unit is inserted; 6. An operating unit according to claim 1, wherein the cable insertion portion protrudes in a direction toward the base end of the base end of the gripping portion and inclined toward the ground in the top-to-bottom direction with respect to the axial direction when viewed from a vertical direction perpendicular to both the axial direction and the top-to-bottom direction.

7. an outer tube held in a rotatable manner relative to a distal end side of the gripping portion in a direction around the axis of the insertion shaft; an outer tube inserted into the outer tube and rotating integrally with the outer tube in a direction around the axis; and an inner tube inserted into the outer tube and rotatable relative to the outer tube and the outer tube in a direction around the axis, wherein the optical system is provided on the distal end side of the outer tube and the imaging unit is provided on the distal end side of the inner tube; and an inner tube fixing portion provided inside the gripping portion so as not to be rotatable relative to the gripping portion in a direction around the axis and fixing a base end side of the inner tube. an annular rotation operating member fixed to a base end side of the outer tube and configured to rotate the outer tube in a direction around the axis; The operation unit according to claim 1 , further comprising:

8. The operation portion according to claim 1 , wherein the grip portion is made of a rubber material or a resin material.

9. an insertion section provided with an optical system and an imaging section that images light that has passed through the optical system; an operation section according to any one of claims 1 to 8, which is connected to a proximal end side of the insertion section; An endoscope comprising:

10. The insertion portion is an outer tube held so as to be rotatable relative to the distal end of the gripping portion in a direction around the axis of the insertion shaft; an outer cylinder that is inserted into the outer tube and rotates integrally with the outer tube in the direction around the axis; an inner tube that is inserted into the outer tube and is rotatable relative to the outer tube and the outer tube in the direction around the axis; Equipped with The optical system is provided on the tip side of the outer barrel, The endoscope according to claim 9, wherein the imaging unit is provided on the distal end side of the inner cylinder.

11. The endoscope according to claim 10, further comprising an annular rotation operation member fixed to a proximal end side of the outer tube for rotating the outer tube in the direction around the axis.

12. 12. The endoscope according to claim 9, wherein the optical system includes a refractive optical element that refracts light incident from a direction oblique to the insertion axis to a direction parallel to the insertion axis.

Images