Endoscope control unit and endoscope

Abstract

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

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an endoscope operation unit and an endoscope.

Background Art

[0002] An endoscope generally includes an insertion portion inserted into the body, an operation unit connected to the proximal end side of the insertion portion, and a universal cable connected to the operation unit. A rotatable bending operation knob is provided on the operation unit. By rotating the bending operation knob, the bending portion provided on the insertion portion bends in the vertical, horizontal, and left - right directions. This makes the insertion of the insertion portion into the patient smoother. Also, the tip of the insertion portion can be directed in a desired direction within the body, and an observation image can be acquired from a suitable position by the optical system provided at the tip.

[0003] In such an endoscope, a plurality of switches are arranged on the operation unit, and various functions related to the endoscope can be operated on the hand - held side. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an endoscope provided with an operation button housed in a recess provided in the operation unit. Patent Document 2 discloses an endoscope provided with an operation switch on the operation unit that can swing in the left - right direction around a rotation center axis when viewed from the back side of the operation unit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] When operating an endoscope, the operator places the connection point of the universal cable near the base of their thumb and index finger, and grasps the control unit with their ring finger and little finger. The thumb is used to operate the bending control knob when bending the curved section, and also to operate the switches. Since these operations are performed frequently during surgery, there was a concern that the endoscopes disclosed in Patent Document 1 or Patent Document 2 would cause stress to the operator due to the arrangement of the switches and the direction in which they are operated.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of these circumstances, and aims to provide an endoscope control unit and endoscope with improved usability for the operating switches. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, the endoscope operating section comprises a gripping section provided on one side in the longitudinal axis direction of the endoscope operating section, an operating section body provided on the other side opposite to the one side in the longitudinal axis direction, a curved operating knob positioned on one side of the operating section body, a universal cable connection section provided on the other side opposite to the one side of the operating section body, and an operating switch provided within reach of the thumb of an operator holding the gripping section, the operating switch being housed in a housing recess on the switch placement surface located between one side and the other side of the operating section body, and configured to swing in the longitudinal axis direction. Equipped with, When viewed from the side opposite the switch placement surface, and with the operating switch not being operated, the position of the top of the operating switch in the longitudinal axis direction is on the other side of the center position of the universal cable connection.

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

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

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

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

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, the operating unit body is equipped with other switches on another switch arrangement surface located on the other side of the switch arrangement surface.

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

[0014] According to one aspect of the present invention, the operating switch is pushable.

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

[0016] According to the present invention, the usability of the operating switch can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an overall diagram of the endoscope according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a front view of the tip surface of the tip. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the endoscope control unit as viewed from the side opposite the switch placement surface. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the endoscope control section as viewed from the side opposite the bending control knob. [Figure 5]FIG. 5 is a view showing the endoscopic operation unit as viewed from the side of the universal cable connection portion with respect to the switch arrangement surface and in an oblique direction. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a view showing the state in FIG. 3 where the gripping portion is gripped with the left hand. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the operation switch. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an exploded enlarged view of the operation switch. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a view for explaining an example of the function of the operation switch. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a view for explaining a modified example of the endoscopic operation unit.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of an endoscopic operation unit and an endoscope according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

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

[0020] <Endoscope> The endoscope 10 includes a long insertion portion 17 to be inserted into the body, and an endoscopic operation unit 18 connected to the proximal end side of the insertion portion 17. <E [[ID=F

[0021] The endoscopic operation unit 18 includes a gripping portion 19 and an operation unit main body 20. The distal end side of the gripping portion 19 is connected to the proximal end side of the insertion portion 17. The operation unit main body 20 is disposed on the proximal end side of the gripping portion 19. A universal cable 21 is connected to the operation unit main body 20 of the endoscopic operation unit 18. The universal cable 21 includes a signal cable (not shown), a light guide (not shown), and the like. A light source connector 22 is provided at the distal end of the universal cable 21.

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

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

[0024] The gripping section 19 is provided with a treatment instrument insertion section 28. The operating section body 20 is provided with a pair of curved operating knobs 29, an air supply / water supply button 30, a suction button 31, and switches 32, 33, 34, and 35.

[0025] <Tip> Figure 2 is a front view of the tip surface 38 of the tip portion 25. As shown in Figure 2, an observation window 40, a pair of illumination windows 42, an air / water supply nozzle 44, and a forceps port 46 are each positioned on the tip surface 38 of the tip portion 25. For example, the observation window 40 is positioned approximately in the center of the tip surface 38, and the pair of illumination windows 42 are positioned on both sides of the observation window 40. The air / water supply nozzle 44 is positioned so that its nozzle faces the observation window 40. The forceps port 46 is positioned in the space enclosed by the observation window 40, one of the illumination windows 42, and the air / water supply nozzle 44.

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

[0027] <Endoscope Control Unit> Next, the endoscope control unit 18 according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the endoscope control unit as viewed from the side facing the switch arrangement surface. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the endoscope control unit as viewed from the side facing the bending control knob. Figure 5 is a diagram showing the endoscope control unit as viewed from the side of the universal cable connection part and at an oblique angle relative to the switch arrangement surface.

[0028] The endoscope control unit 18 is for the operator to grasp and use to operate the endoscope device 2. As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the endoscope control unit 18 comprises a gripping portion 19 provided on one side in the longitudinal axis direction Ax (downward in Figure 3) and an operation unit body 20 provided on the other side opposite to the one side in the longitudinal axis direction Ax (upward in Figure 3). The operation unit body 20 includes a first operation unit body 51 and a second operation unit body 52. ​​The first operation unit body 51 is connected to the gripping portion 19 provided in the downward direction. The second operation unit body 52 is connected to the first operation unit body 51 above the first operation unit body 51. Here, the terms "upward direction" and "downward direction" refer to the direction in which the operator operates the endoscope. operation When the part 18 is grasped with the left hand, and the pair of curved operating knobs 29 are positioned on the right side facing the operator, and viewed from the side facing the switch arrangement surface 73 (see Figures 3 and 6), the side of the left thumb is defined as "upward," and the side of the left little finger is defined as "downward."

[0029] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first operating unit body 51 is provided with a curved operating knob arrangement surface 71 (corresponding to the "one side surface" of the present invention). The curved operating knob arrangement surface 71 is a side surface facing a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis direction Ax, and constitutes the surface on which a pair of curved operating knobs 29 are arranged. In Figure 4, the pair of curved operating knobs 29 are shown by dashed lines. The pair of curved operating knobs 29 are configured to be rotatable around a rotation axis 53. By rotating the pair of curved operating knobs 29 around the rotation axis 53 with the operator's fingers, the curved portion 26 can be curved, and the tip portion 25 can be directed in the desired direction. This rotation axis 53 is approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis direction Ax.

[0030] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the first operating unit body 51 has a universal cable connection surface 72 (corresponding to the "other side" of the present invention) on the opposite side from the curved operating knob arrangement surface 71. The universal cable connection surface 72 is , long The universal cable connection surface 72 is a side surface perpendicular to the hand axis Ax and facing the opposite direction from the curved operation knob placement surface 71, and the universal cable connection portion 54 is provided on this universal cable connection surface 72. proximal end The side is connected to the universal cable connection part 54. The universal cable connection surface 72 is provided with an outgoing portion 59 that protrudes in a direction away from the universal cable connection surface 72, and the universal cable connection part 54 is provided on this outgoing portion 59.

[0031] As shown in Figure 3, the first operating unit body 51 has a switch placement surface 73 located between the curved operating knob placement surface 71 and the universal cable connection surface 72. An operating switch 56 is provided on this switch placement surface 73. The operating switch 56 will be described later. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the first operating unit body 51 has a button placement surface 74 on the opposite side from the switch placement surface 73.

[0032] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the first operating unit body 51 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape by a curved operating knob placement surface 71, a universal cable connection surface 72, a switch placement surface 73, and a button placement surface 74. The second operating unit body 52 is connected to the curved operating knob placement surface 71, the universal cable connection surface 72, the switch placement surface 73, and the button placement surface 74. The gripping portion 19 is connected to the curved operating knob placement surface 71, the universal cable connection surface 72, the switch placement surface 73, and the button placement surface 74 of the first operating unit body 51 and has a substantially cylindrical shape.

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

[0034] Each of the switches 32, 33, 34, and 35 can be arbitrarily assigned by the operator to perform operations on the endoscope device 2, such as freezing the observation image, releasing the observation image, and switching to special light observation. The switches 32, 33, 34, and 35 include known operating members such as button type and lever type switches. It is preferable that the switches 32, 33, 34, and 35 are of a reset type, such as a tact switch, when not being operated.

[0035] Next, the operation switch 56 will be explained with reference to Figures 3 to 6. Figure 6 shows the gripping part being held with the left hand, as in Figure 3.

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

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

[0038] As shown in Figures 3, 5, and 6, the operating switch 56 is provided on the switch placement surface 73 of the first operating unit body 51 and is housed in a housing recess 57 provided on the switch placement surface 73. As shown in Figure 6, the operating switch 56 is located within reach of the thumb 77 of the operator's left hand 76 when the gripping unit 19 is grasped.

[0039] As shown in Figure 5, the operating switch 56 is configured to swing in the longitudinal axis direction Ax, that is, substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis direction Ax as shown by the arrow, in an upward direction A and a downward direction B opposite to the upward direction A. By swinging the operating switch 56 in the upward direction A or downward direction B with the thumb 77, the endoscope device 2 can perform the specific function assigned to it.

[0040] In this embodiment, the operation switch 56 is made pivotable in the longitudinal axis direction Ax (pivotable vertically), allowing the user to easily operate the switch 56 with their thumb 77. This also makes the operation intuitive for the user and makes it easier to understand the direction of operation. The usability of the operation switch 56 is improved.

[0041] In this embodiment, the operating switch 56 is housed in the housing recess 57. Therefore, as shown in Figure 4, when the operating switch 56 is not operated... stomach In this configuration, the distance L from the switch placement surface 73 to the top 58 of the operating switch 56 can be reduced, and the top 58 can also be positioned below the switch placement surface 73, i.e., not exposed to the outside. By reducing this distance L, as shown in Figure 6, interference between the operator's thumb 77 and the operating switch 56 can be suppressed when the operator operates the pair of curved operating knobs 29 with their fingers, or when the operator moves their thumb 77 between the switch 35 and the pair of curved operating knobs 29. By avoiding interference, the usability of the operating switch 56 can be improved.

[0042] Furthermore, the surface of the second operating unit body 52 that is continuous with the switch arrangement surface 73 corresponds to an example of another switch arrangement surface located on the other side of the switch arrangement surface 73 of the present invention, and the switch 35 corresponds to another switch of the present invention.

[0043] Since the operating switch 56 is housed in the housing recess 57, the distance L can be reduced. On the other hand, if the distance L between the top 58 and the switch placement surface 73 is reduced, the contact area (finger grip) between the operator's fingers and the operating switch 56 decreases, raising concerns about a decrease in operability. However, as shown in Figure 5, since the operating switch 56 is housed in the housing recess 57, a gap is defined between the top 58 and the periphery of the housing recess 57, particularly in the upward and downward directions of the top 58. As a result, the contact area (finger grip) between the operator's thumb 77 and the operating switch 56 can be secured, ensuring the operability of the operating switch 56.

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

[0045] As described above, when grasping the endoscope operating section 18, if the lead-out section 59 is placed near the base of the thumb 77 and index finger, the first joint of the thumb 77 is positioned above the center position Cn of the universal cable connection section 54 when the thumb 77 is aligned along the longitudinal axis Ax. If the operating switch 56 is positioned above the center position Cn, the operator can easily operate the operating switch 56 with the thumb 77 without having to readjust their grip on the holding section 19. Because the operating switch 56 is positioned above the center position Cn, it is easy to operate the operating switch 56, improving its usability.

[0046] In this embodiment, the housing recess 57 is rectangular in shape, with the upper edge of the housing recess 57 located above the universal cable connection portion 54, and the lower edge of the housing recess 57 located above the universal cable connection portion 54. The position of the housing recess 57 is appropriately determined according to the position where the top portion 58 of the operating switch 56 is placed.

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

[0048] Next, as a second embodiment, as shown in Figures 3 and 6, when the operating switch 56 is not operated, it is preferable that the position of the longitudinal axis Ax at the top 58 of the operating switch 56 is above the position where the rotation axis 53 of the curved operating knob 29 is provided. As shown in Figure 6, when grasping the endoscope operating section 18, if the lead portion 59 is placed near the base of the thumb 77 and index finger, when the thumb 77 is aligned with the longitudinal axis Ax, the first joint of the thumb 77 is positioned above the rotation axis 53. When the operating switch 56 is positioned above the position where the rotation axis 53 is provided, the operator can easily operate the operating switch 56 with the thumb 77 without having to readjust their grip on the gripping section 19.

[0049] Next, as a third embodiment, as shown in Figures 3 and 6, it is preferable that the operating switch 56 is positioned closer to the curved operating knob 29 than the universal cable connection part 54. As shown in Figure 6, the operator can smoothly move their thumb 77 from the curved operating knob 29 to the operating switch 56, or from the operating switch 56 to the curved operating knob 29.

[0050] Next, the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 7. Figure 7 is an enlarged view of the operating switch 56 shown in Figures 3, 5, and 6. As shown in Figure 7, the operating switch 56 housed in the housing recess 57 is provided with a top portion 58. In the fourth embodiment, it is preferable that the top portion 58 is configured as an elongated shape extending in an orthogonal direction Or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Ax when viewed from the side facing the switch arrangement surface 73. By making the top portion 58 elongated, it becomes easier to move the operating switch 56 in the longitudinal axis Ax. Also, it becomes easier for the operator to visually recognize the direction of movement (up and down). The elongated shape of the top portion 58 may be a rectangle, a rhombus, an ellipse, or a racetrack shape (long oval shape). The racetrack shape is a shape having a pair of straight sections that are parallel to each other and of the same length, and an arc section that connects the ends of these straight sections. However, the shape of the top portion 58 is not limited to these shapes as long as the operating switch 56 can move in the longitudinal axis Ax. The shape of the vertex 58 may be, for example, a square, a circle, or a triangle.

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

[0052] The joystick-type switch 61 is electrically connected to a circuit board 64 provided in a housing recess 57. The joystick-type switch 61 comprises a base 61A and a stem 61B that protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the base 61A. The stem 61B is configured to be movable in an upward direction A along the longitudinal axis Ax, a downward direction B opposite to the upward direction A, and a push-in direction C perpendicular to the base 61A. That is, the joystick-type switch 61 can perform up and down operations as well as push-in operations. The joystick-type switch 61 is configured, for example, to include a biasing member internally, so that when not operated, the stem 61B automatically returns to the home position. When the stem 61B is operated in the upward direction A, downward direction B, or push-in direction C, the circuit conducts, and the function assigned to each operation is executed in the endoscope device 2.

[0053] An intermediate member 62 is attached to the stem 61B. Inside the intermediate member 62 is a rod-shaped member (not shown) that contacts the upper surface of the stem 61B. The pressing force of the operator's thumb 77 is transmitted to the stem 61B of the joystick-type switch 61 via the intermediate member 62.

[0054] The cover 63, made of an elastic material, is attached to the housing recess 57. The top 58 of the operating switch 56 is provided on a part of the cover 63. Because the cover 63 is made of an elastic material, it deforms in accordance with the operation of the operator's thumb 77.

[0055] In this embodiment, operation of the joystick-type switch 61 is performed via the cover 63. The joystick-type switch 61 is not exposed to the outside of the cover 63. As a result, watertightness to the endoscope operating section 18 can be ensured by attaching the cover 63 to the housing recess 57 without using components such as O-rings.

[0056] Although a joystick-type switch was used as an example for the operation switch 56, other switches can be used without being limited to this.

[0057] <Functions of the control switches> Next, an example of a function assigned to the operation switch 56 will be described with reference to Figure 9. As shown in Figure 9, it is preferable that the operation switch 56 is assigned as a zoom operation switch for changing the display magnification of the observation image acquired by the endoscope 10.

[0058] The operator inserts the insertion section 17 of the endoscope 10 into the subject, observes the inside of the lumen through the observation window 40 of the tip section 25, and acquires an observation image. The acquired observation image IM1 is displayed on the monitor 16. The lesion P is shown in observation image IM1. By operating the operation switch 56 upward or downward, the operator can, for example, zoom in on a specific area of ​​observation image IM1 and display observation image IM2 with increased magnification on the monitor 16. The lesion P is shown magnified in observation image IM2. The operator can also zoom out of observation image IM2 and display observation image IM1 with decreased magnification on the monitor 16 by operating the operation switch 56 downward or upward in the opposite direction to the direction in which the display magnification was increased. The change in the display magnification of the observation image may be electronic or optical. Note that the function assigned to the operation switch 56 is not limited to zoom operation.

[0059] <Variation> Next, a modified version of the endoscope control unit 18 will be described. Figure 101 shows a first modified version of the endoscope control unit. Similar to Figure 3, Figure 101 shows the state of the endoscope control unit 90 when viewed from the side facing the switch arrangement surface 73. As shown in 101, the position of the operation switch 56 differs between the endoscope control unit 90 of the first modified version and the endoscope control unit 18. With respect to the operation switch 56, compared to the endoscope control unit 18, in the endoscope control unit 90 the operation switch 56 is located closer to the switch 35. In the first modified version, the lower edge of the periphery of the housing recess 57 is located above the universal cable connection part 54. When the operation switch 56 is located in the position shown in Figure 101, usability for the operation switch 56 can be improved, similar to the endoscope control unit 18.

[0060] Figure 10, section 102 shows a second modified example of the endoscope control unit. Similar to Figure 3, Figure 10, section 102 shows the state of the endoscope control unit 92 when viewed from the side facing the switch arrangement surface 73. The difference between the endoscope control unit 92 of the second modified example and the endoscope control unit 18 is the presence or absence of the switch 35. Compared to the endoscope control unit 18, the endoscope control unit 92 does not have the switch 35. Even without the switch 35, if the operation switch 56 is arranged in the position shown in Figure 10, section 102, the usability of the operation switch 56 can be improved in the same way as the endoscope control unit 18.

[0061] Although the endoscope operating unit and endoscope according to the embodiment have been described above, the present invention may be improved or modified in some way without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0062] 2 Endoscopic equipment 10 Endoscopes 12 Light source device 13 Processor Unit 16 monitors 17 Insertion part 18 Endoscope Operating Section 19 Gripping part 20 Control Unit 21 Universal Cables 22 Light source connectors 23 Cables 24 Processor Connectors 25 Tip 26 Curved section 27 Soft part 28 Insertion section for treatment instruments 29. Curved operating knob 30 Air / Water Supply Buttons 31 Suction button 32 switches 33 switches 34 switches 35 switches 38 Tip surface 40 Observation window 42 Lighting windows 44 Air and water supply nozzles 46 Forceps channel 51. Main body of the first operating unit 52. Second Operating Unit Body 53 Rotation axis 54 Universal cable connector 56 Operating switches 57 Receiving recess 58 Top 59 Derived part 61 Joystick-type switches 61A Base 61B Stem 62 Intermediate member 63 Cover 64 Circuit boards 71 Curved operating knob placement surface 72 Universal cable connection surface 73 Switch placement surface 74 Button Layout 76 left hand 77 Thumb 78 Ring finger 79 Little finger 90 Endoscope Control Section 92 Endoscope Operating Section Ax (longitudinal axis direction) A upward direction B Downward C Push direction Cn center position IM1 Observation Image IM2 observation image L distance Or orthogonal direction P lesion

Claims

1. A gripping portion provided on one side in the longitudinal axis direction of the endoscope operating section, An operating unit body is provided on the other side opposite to the one side in the longitudinal axis direction, A curved operation knob is positioned on one side of the main body of the operation unit, A universal cable connection part is provided on the other side of the operating unit body opposite to the one side, An operating switch provided within reach of the thumb of an operator gripping the gripping portion, the operating switch being housed in a recess on the switch placement surface located between one side and the other side of the operating portion body, and configured to swing in the longitudinal axis direction, Equipped with, The aforementioned operating switch is equipped with a biasing member and is configured to automatically return to the home position by the biasing force of the biasing member when the operating switch is not operated. When viewed from the side opposite the switch placement surface, in the state where the operating switch is not operated, the position of the top of the operating switch in the longitudinal axis direction is on the other side of the center position of the universal cable connection portion. The aforementioned operating switch is positioned closer to the curved operating knob than the universal cable connection portion. The aforementioned housing recess has a shape in which the opening on the switch placement surface side of the housing recess is larger than the inner bottom of the housing recess. The first distance is the distance from the switch mounting surface to the top of the operating switch. The second distance is the length in the depth direction of the housing recess of the portion of the operating switch that is housed in the housing recess. The ratio of the first distance to the second distance is between 1:3 and 1:

1. Endoscope control unit.

2. The endoscope operating unit according to claim 1, wherein when the operating switch is not operated, the top of the operating switch is exposed to the outside of the housing recess.

3. The endoscope operating unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, when viewed from the side opposite to the switch arrangement surface, the position in the longitudinal axis direction of the top of the operating switch when the operating switch is not operated is on the other side of the position where the rotation axis of the curved operating knob is provided.

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

5. The endoscope operating unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the operating unit body is provided with other switches on another switch arrangement surface located on the other side of the switch arrangement surface.

6. The endoscope operation unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the operation switch is a zoom operation switch for changing the display magnification of the observation image acquired by the endoscope.

7. The endoscope operating unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the operating switch is pushable.

8. The endoscope operating unit according to claim 1 or 2, An insertion portion connected to one side of the gripping portion and inserted into the subject, A universal cable connected to the aforementioned universal cable connection part, An endoscope equipped with [a specific feature].

9. The endoscope operating unit according to claim 3, An insertion portion connected to one side of the gripping portion and inserted into the subject, A universal cable connected to the aforementioned universal cable connection part, An endoscope equipped with [a specific feature].

Images