Portable information terminal for endoscope

Abstract

This portable information terminal for an endoscope includes a body part, and a grip part provided on the back surface of the body part and having a substantially cylindrical part that can be attached to a portion of an endoscope cart. The grip part is attached to the portion of the endoscope cart so as to fix the body part to the endoscope cart, and the grip part acts as a stand for supporting the body part by placing the substantially cylindrical part on a base.

Description

Portable information terminal for endoscopes

[0001] The present invention relates to a portable information terminal for an endoscope that improves the degree of freedom in installation.

[0002] In recent years, portable information terminals (hereinafter referred to as tablets), which are thin, flat-shaped computing devices with excellent portability, have become widespread. Tablets have a touchscreen that allows intuitive operation using a finger or a stylus pen, and can be carried around and used in a variety of locations. Generally, tablets are larger than smartphones but smaller and lighter than laptops, and when placed on a desk, a back stand can be used. Alternatively, a dedicated tablet hanger or tablet stand can be provided, and the tablet can be secured to the stand with a hook.

[0003] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2023-148543 (Patent Document 1) discloses a technology that provides a dedicated fixed base for tablets and enables connection to the dedicated fixed base with the rear stand closed.

[0004] Additionally, U.S. Patent No. 11,266,297 (Patent Document 2) discloses a technique for placing a tablet on a desk using a rear stand, and U.S. Patent No. 11,109,741 (Patent Document 2) discloses a technique for fixing a tablet using a hanger specifically designed for tablets.

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-148543 U.S. Patent No. 11,266,297 U.S. Patent No. 11,109,741

[0006] However, even if the above-mentioned prior art technologies are adopted, there is a problem that the tablet cannot be freely placed on a desk if there is no space on the desk and a dedicated hanger or fixing stand is not available. The present invention aims to provide a portable information terminal for endoscopes that can be freely placed on a desk or attached to a part of an endoscope cart by providing a gripping part having a substantially cylindrical part on the back of the main body as a clip and rear stand.

[0007] A portable information terminal for endoscopes according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a main body portion and a grip portion provided on the back of the main body portion and having an approximately cylindrical portion that can be attached to a part of an endoscope cart, and the grip portion fixes the main body portion to the endoscope cart by attaching it to a part of the endoscope cart, and the grip portion becomes a stand that supports the main body portion by placing the approximately cylindrical portion on a table.

[0008] According to the present invention, by providing a gripping portion having an approximately cylindrical shape on the back of the main body as a clip and rear stand, it has the advantage of being able to be freely placed on a desk or attached to part of an endoscope cart.

[0009] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a portable information terminal for an endoscope according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an endoscope cart equipped with a scope hanger. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a second embodiment. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a specific configuration of the portable information terminal for an endoscope 40 in FIG. 3. FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a specific configuration of the portable information terminal for an endoscope 40 in FIG. 3. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a specific configuration of the portable information terminal for an endoscope 40 in FIG. 3. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a configuration of the portable information terminal for an endoscope 40A. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the portable information terminal for an endoscope 40A is placed on a desk. FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example. FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example. FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing a third embodiment. FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a specific configuration of the portable information terminal for an endoscope 40C in FIG. 10. FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration in which the portable information terminal for an endoscope 40C is placed on a desk. FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing a case in which the portable information terminal for an endoscope 40C is placed on a desk. FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing a portable information terminal for an endoscope 40D. 20A and 20B are explanatory diagrams for explaining placement of the clip 60 on a desk in a stand function state. FIG. 20B is an explanatory diagram showing another example of a portable information terminal for endoscopes. FIG. 20C is an explanatory diagram for explaining a state in which the main body 41C of the portable information terminal 40E for endoscopes is placed on a desk. FIG. 20D is an explanatory diagram for explaining a method for solving problems with the fixing method. FIG. 20D is an explanatory diagram for explaining a method for solving problems with the fixing method. FIG. 20E is an explanatory diagram for explaining a modified example of FIG. 20E. FIG. 20D is an explanatory diagram for explaining a modified example of FIG. 20E. FIG. 20D is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a method for solving problems when stably grounding a tablet processor. FIG. 20E is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a configuration of a rail 136. FIG. 20E is an explanatory diagram for explaining a method for installing or attaching a tablet processor 130. FIG. 20E is an explanatory diagram for explaining a rear stand for placing a tablet processor upright on a desk. FIG. 20E is an explanatory diagram for explaining another example of the rear stand. FIG. 20F is an explanatory diagram for explaining another example of the rear stand.

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the drawings are schematic, and the relationship between thickness and planar dimensions, the thickness ratio of each layer, etc. differ from the actual ones. Furthermore, the drawings also include portions where the relationship and ratio of dimensions differ from each other.

[0011] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a portable information terminal for endoscopes according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a cylindrical clip / rear stand that can be fixed to a scope hanger or the like of an endoscope cart is provided on the rear surface of the main body of the portable information terminal for endoscopes, making it possible to freely place the portable information terminal for endoscopes on a table (for example, a desk) or attach it to a part of the endoscope cart.

[0012] The upper left, lower left, and lower right columns of Fig. 1 show rear and side views of the endoscope portable information terminal 10, respectively. The upper left column of Fig. 1 shows a state in which clips 12a and 12b (described later) are closed, while the lower left and lower right columns show a state in which the clips 12a and 12b are open. The right column of Fig. 1 shows a state in which the endoscope portable information terminal 10 is upside down relative to the endoscope portable information terminals 10 in the upper left and lower left columns.

[0013] As shown in Fig. 1, the endoscope portable information terminal 10 includes a main body 11 including a thin (flat) housing. The main body 11 houses various electronic components (not shown) that constitute a computer device within the flat housing, and a display panel (not shown) is provided on the surface 11a. The display panel is formed, for example, by an LCD (liquid crystal display panel). This display panel may also be a touch screen. For example, when an endoscope is connected to the endoscope portable information terminal 10, the endoscope portable information terminal 10 can be used as an endoscope processor that drives the endoscope and displays endoscopic images.

[0014] In this embodiment, clips 12a and 12b (hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between these clips 12a and 12b, they will be collectively referred to as clip 12) having substantially cylindrical portions are provided on the back surface 11b of the main body 11. The substantially cylindrical portion of clip 12, which constitutes the gripping portion, is configured into a substantially cylindrical shape with an opening at a portion of its circumference. Clip 12 is formed from an elastic material. The inner circumference of clip 12 is set to a size corresponding to the outer diameter of a rod-shaped portion that is part of an endoscope cart that supports an endoscope, such as a scope hanger. Clip 12a is located in a first region on one side of the longitudinal center of the back surface 11b, and clip 12b is located in a second region on the other side of the longitudinal center of the back surface 11b.

[0015] Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an endoscope cart equipped with a scope hanger. The upper right corner of Figure 2 shows an enlarged side view of the scope hanger 27 as seen from the side of the endoscope cart, enlarging the circled portion in Figure 2.

[0016] The endoscope cart 20 has a frame side wall 22 fixed to a frame base 21. A plurality of shelves are attached to the frame side wall 22. Various medical devices such as an endoscopic camera device 23 and a light source device 24 are placed on the shelves of the endoscope cart 20. For example, the endoscope cart 20 can also carry devices such as an electrosurgical device, an insufflation device, and a video recorder, as well as a gas cylinder filled with carbon dioxide. In addition, a monitor stand 25 is attached to the frame side wall 22, and a monitor 26 is attached to the monitor stand 25.

[0017] The endoscopic camera device 23 is connected to the endoscope 30 via a camera cable 26. A scope hanger 27 is attached to the frame side wall 22, and the endoscope 30 is held by this scope hanger 27. The scope hanger 27 has a rod-shaped portion, and as shown in the enlarged view of the circled portion in Figure 2, it has a mounting portion 27a as a substantially horizontal rod-shaped portion.

[0018] 1, the diameter of the opening of clip 12 is smaller than the diameter of mounting portion 27a, but because clip 12 is elastic, pressing the opening of clip 12 against mounting portion 27a causes the opening to elastically deform (expand in diameter), allowing mounting portion 27a to be inserted into the inner peripheral side of clip 12. After insertion, the shape of the opening returns to its original state, and mounting portion 27a fits into the inner peripheral surface of clip 12.

[0019] A joint portion 13a for rotatably attaching clip 12a to main body 11 is formed on the outer periphery of the substantially cylindrical portion facing the opening of clip 12a. A joint portion 13b for rotatably attaching clip 12b to main body 11 is formed on the outer periphery of the substantially cylindrical portion facing the opening of clip 12b. Joint portion 13a rotates clip 12a by a predetermined angle, for example, approximately 90 degrees, relative to back surface 11b around the axis in the short direction of main body 11. Joint portion 13b rotates clip 12b by a predetermined angle, for example, approximately 90 degrees, relative to back surface 11b around the axis in the short direction of main body 11.

[0020] 1, the joint portion 13a is disposed at a position away from the side of the main body portion 11, for example, at a position away from one short side of the main body portion 11. The joint portion 13b is disposed at a position away from the side of the main body portion 11, for example, at a position away from one short side of the main body portion 11. The joint portions 13a and 13b (hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the joint portions 13a and 13b, they will be referred to as the joint portion 13) are disposed at positions that are symmetrical to each other with respect to a line that divides the main body portion 11 into two in the longitudinal direction.

[0021] The outer peripheral shape of the clip 12, the position where it is disposed, the direction and angle of rotation of the joint portion 13, etc. are merely examples and are not limited to the example shown in Fig. 1. In addition, although the example shown in Fig. 1 shows an example in which the clips 12 are provided at two locations on the back surface 11b, they may be provided at one location or at three or more locations.

[0022] The main body 11 is also provided with recesses 14 for accommodating the clips 12a and 12b. The height h of the substantially cylindrical portion of the clip 12 corresponds to the depth of the recesses 14, and when the clip 12 is placed in a state where its bottom surface 12d and top surface 12u are parallel to the back surface 11b (hereinafter referred to as the closed state of the clip 12) by the joint portion 13, the bottom surface 12d or top surface 12u of the clip 12 is flush with the back surface 11b or the clip 12 is completely accommodated in the recesses 14. From the closed state, the clip 12 can be placed in a state where the top surface 12u and bottom surface 12d of the clip 12 are approximately perpendicular to the back surface 11b (hereinafter referred to as the open state of the clip 12) by the joint portion 13.

[0023] In the embodiment configured as above, when the clip 12 is not in use, the clip 12 is closed as shown in the upper column of Fig. 1. As a result, the clip 12 is stored in the recess 14, and the back surface 11b of the main body 11 becomes flat.

[0024] Next, the portable information terminal 10 for endoscopes is attached to the attachment portion 27a of the scope hanger 27. In this case, the clip 12 is opened by the joint portion 13 (shaft). In this state, the clip 12 is attached to the attachment portion 27a so that the outer circumferential surface of the attachment portion 27a fits into the inner circumferential surface of the clip 12. The right-hand diagram in the lower left column of FIG. 1 shows this state. As a result, the portable information terminal 10 for endoscopes is attached and held in place by the attachment portion 27a of the scope hanger 27, allowing for good visibility of the display panel provided on the surface 11a. In this case, the joint portion 13 functions as a shaft connecting the approximately cylindrical portion of the clip 12 to the back of the tablet.

[0025] Next, the endoscope portable information terminal 10 is placed on a desk. Note that in this specification, a desk is an example of a table, and the endoscope portable information terminal may be placed on various tables, not just a desk. In this case, the clip 12 is opened by the joint 13, and the endoscope portable information terminal 10 is turned upside down so that the clip 12 is positioned below the main body 11 in the short direction. The diagram in the lower right column of FIG. 1 shows this state. The joint 13 rotates the clip 12 around an axis parallel to the short direction of the main body 11. Therefore, by placing the endoscope portable information terminal 10 so that the side (outer surface) of the clip 12, which is a substantially cylindrical portion, is in contact with the desk, the main body 11 is supported by the main body 11 and the clip 12 and is placed approximately upright on the desk. In this way, the clip 12 functions as a stand supporting the main body 11.

[0026] It has been explained that the joint portion 13 is provided at a position on a part of the outer periphery facing the opening of the clip 12, but the direction of the opening may be adjusted as appropriate to adjust the angle of the surface 11a when attached to the attachment portion 27a and the length of the lower periphery of the clip 12 that comes into contact with the desk surface.

[0027] As described above, in this embodiment, a clip is provided that has a substantially cylindrical portion with an opening on its circumference, and the opening elastically deforms to allow attachment to a scope hanger. This allows the endoscopic portable information terminal to be attached to the scope hanger using the clip without the need for additional work, such as attaching an adapter to an existing scope hanger. Furthermore, by turning the endoscopic portable information terminal upside down so that the clip is positioned below the main body, it can be used as a stand without deforming the clip. In this way, the substantially cylindrical clip can function as both an attachment to a portion of an endoscope cart and a rear stand. This allows for flexible placement on a desk or attachment to a portion of an endoscope cart.

[0028] As described above, the orientation of the clip 12 relative to the main body 11 can be changed as needed. For example, the orientation of the clip 12 may be adjusted depending on the orientation of the attachment portion 27a of the scope hanger. This allows the orientation of the endoscope portable information terminal 10 to be adjusted to some extent.

[0029] Second Embodiment FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a second embodiment.

[0030] This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a longer shaft than that of Example 1 is attached to the clip. In this embodiment, clips 50a and 50b (hereinafter, referred to as clips 50 when there is no need to distinguish between clips 50a and 50b) having the same function as clips 12a and 12b are used instead of clips 12a and 12b in FIG. 1 . Clips 50a and 50b constituting the gripping portion differ from clips 12a and 12b in FIG. 1 in that third joints 52a3 and 52b3 (described later) are attached instead of joint portion 13. Shafts 51a and 51b are attached to clips 50a and 50b, respectively, and shafts 51a and 51b (hereinafter, referred to as shaft 51 when there is no need to distinguish between shafts 51a and 51b) are attached to a rear surface 43b of a main body 41 of an endoscope portable information terminal 40.

[0031] That is, in this embodiment, the gripping portion includes the clip 12 and the shaft 51 that connects the substantially cylindrical portion of the clip 12 and the back surface 43 b of the main body portion 41 .

[0032] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a specific configuration of the endoscope portable information terminal 40 of Figure 3. In Figure 4, the upper column shows a view of the endoscope portable information terminal 40 as seen from above, the left column shows a view of the endoscope portable information terminal 40 as seen from behind, and the right column shows a view of the endoscope portable information terminal 40 as seen from behind. Note that in Figures 5 to 7, which will be described later, the top view, back view, and side view are indicated using the same notations as in Figure 4.

[0033] 4, a recess 42 is provided at the upper end of the back surface 43b of the main body 41. Clips 50a and 50b and shafts 51a and 51b are provided to be housed in the recess 42.

[0034] A first joint 52a1 is attached to the base end of the shaft 51a, and the first joint 52a1 is attached to an attachment portion 54a at the end of the attachment base 54 of the recess 42. A second joint 52a2 and a third joint 52a3 are attached to the other end of the shaft 51a, and a portion of the third joint 52a3 that faces the opening of the clip 50a is attached to the third joint 52a3. Various types of joints can be used as the first joint 52a1, the second joint 52a2, and the third joint 52a3 (hereinafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the first joint 52a1, the second joint 52a2, and the third joint 52a3, they will be referred to as joints 52a). For example, a rotary joint, a ball joint, or a cylindrical joint may be used.

[0035] A first joint 52b1 is attached to the base end of the shaft 51b, and the first joint 52b1 is attached to an attachment portion 54b at the end of the attachment base 54 of the recess 42. A second joint 52b2 and a third joint 52b3 are attached to the other end of the shaft 51b, and a clip 50b is attached to the third joint 52b3. Various types of joints can be used as the first joint 52b1, the second joint 52b2, and the third joint 52b3 (hereinafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the first joint 52b1, the second joint 52b2, and the third joint 52b3, they will be referred to as joints 52b). For example, a rotary joint, a ball joint, or a cylindrical joint may be used.

[0036] 4, the center line C shown by the dashed dotted line coincides with the longitudinal center of the main body 41, and the first joints 52a1 and 52b1 are disposed at positions equidistant from the center line C. Note that in other figures in this specification as well, the center line C is a straight line that coincides with the longitudinal center of the main body of the endoscopic portable information terminal.

[0037] One end of the first joint 52a1 is attached to a mounting portion 54a at the end of the mounting base 54, and one end of the shaft 51a is attached to the other end, allowing the attached shaft 51a to be oriented in any direction. Joints 52a2 and 52a3 are attached to the other end of the shaft 51a, allowing the joint 52a3 to be oriented in any direction relative to the shaft 51a. One end of the clip 50a is attached to the third joint 52a3, allowing the clip 50a to be oriented in any direction relative to the second joint 52a2.

[0038] Similarly, one end of the first joint 52b1 is attached to a mounting portion 54b at the end of the mounting base 54, and one end of the shaft 51b is attached to the other end, allowing the attached shaft 51b to be oriented in any direction. Joints 52b2 and 52b3 are attached to the other end of the shaft 51b, allowing the joint 52b3 to be oriented in any direction relative to the shaft 51b. One end of the clip 50b is attached to the third joint 52b3, allowing the third joint 52b3 to be oriented in any direction relative to the second joint 52b2.

[0039] 4 shows a state in which the first joint 52b1 attached to the attachment portion 54b at the end of the attachment base 54, the shaft 51b, the second joint 52b2, the third joint 52b3, and the clip 50b are arranged in a straight line, and these components are housed in the recess 42. Also, in the example of Fig. 4, the first joint 52a1 attached to the attachment portion 54a at the end of the attachment base 54, the shaft 51a, and the second joint 52a2 are arranged in a straight line in the longitudinal direction of the main body 41, are bent 90 degrees toward the back surface 43b of the main body 41 by the second joint 52a2, and are further bent 90 degrees in a direction parallel to the back surface 43b by the third joint 52b3, and the clip 50a is arranged in the same direction as the extension direction of the shaft 51a, and these components are housed in the recess 42.

[0040] In the portable information terminal 40 for endoscopes configured in this manner, when the clip 50 is not in use, the clip 50 and the shaft 51 are folded using the joints 52a and 52b as shown in Fig. 4 (hereinafter referred to as the clip 50 is in a closed state). As a result, the clip 50 and the shaft 51 are stored in the recess 42, and the back surface 43b of the main body 41 becomes flat.

[0041] 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a specific configuration of the endoscope portable information terminal 40 of FIG. 3 , illustrating a state in which the clip 50 and shaft 51 are extended and removed from the recess 42 using the joints 52 a and 52 b (hereinafter, referred to as the clip 50 and shaft 51 being in an open state). The endoscope portable information terminal 40 is attached to the attachment portion 27 a of the scope hanger 27. In this case, the clip 50 and shaft 51 are opened using the joints 52 a and 52 b, as shown in FIG. 5. The clip 50 is removed from the recess 42 and positioned above the endoscope portable information terminal 40. In this state, the clip 50 is attached to the attachment portion 27 a so that the outer circumferential surface of the attachment portion 27 a is fitted into the inner circumferential side of the clip 50. This allows the endoscope portable information terminal 40 to be suspended and held on the scope hanger 27.

[0042] 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a specific configuration of the endoscope portable information terminal 40 of FIG. 3 , illustrating a state in which the clip 50 is removed from the recess 42 with the shaft 51 housed in the recess 42 using the joints 52 a and 52 b (hereinafter, referred to as the clip 50 being in an open state). The endoscope portable information terminal 40 is attached to the attachment portion 27 a of the scope hanger 27. In this case, the clip 50 is opened as shown in FIG. 6 with the shaft 51 housed in the recess 42 using the joints 52 a and 52 b. The clip 50 is removed from the recess 42 and placed above the endoscope portable information terminal 40. In this state, the clip 50 is attached to the attachment portion 27 a so that the outer circumferential surface of the attachment portion 27 a is fitted into the inner circumferential side of the clip 50. This allows the endoscope portable information terminal 40 to be attached and held on the scope hanger 27.

[0043] 6, the portable information terminal for endoscopes 40 can also be placed on a desk (not shown). In this case, the main body 41 is placed upside down on the desk with the clip 50 open. In this case, the bottom surface of the main body 41 and the circumferential surface of the clip 50 can support the portable information terminal for endoscopes 40 on the desk.

[0044] Furthermore, by separating the position of the recess 42 and the position of the first joints 52a1, 52b1 that serve as the fulcrum of the clip 50 from the short-side end of the main body 41, the main body 41 can be placed on a desk in an inclined state.

[0045] (Portable information terminal 40A for endoscope) Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a portable information terminal 40A for endoscope. The portable information terminal 40A for endoscope in Figure 7 is obtained by turning the portable information terminal 40 for endoscope in Figure 6 upside down and employing a main body 41A having a recess 42A that is positioned differently from the recess 42, but the other configuration is the same as the portable information terminal 40 for endoscope in Figure 6. The recess 42A is provided at a position spaced a predetermined distance from the bottom surface of the main body 41A in the short direction of the main body 41A.

[0046] FIG. 7 shows a state in which the clip 50 is removed from the recess 42A with the shaft 51 housed in the recess 42A using the joints 52a and 52b (hereinafter, referred to as the clip 50 being in an open state). The endoscope portable information terminal 40A is placed on a desk (not shown). In this case, the shaft 51 is housed in the recess 42A using the joints 52a and 52b, and the clip 50 is in an open state as shown in FIG. 7. The clip 50 is removed from the recess 42A and protrudes from the rear surface 43b. In the example of FIG. 7, the recess 42A is located a predetermined distance from the bottom surface of the main body 41A in the lateral direction of the main body 41A, so the clip 50 protrudes from a position that is a predetermined distance from the bottom surface of the main body 41A in the lateral direction of the main body 41A. As a result, the peripheral surface of the clip 50 is positioned above the bottom surface of the main body 41A. In this state, the endoscope portable information terminal 40A is placed on the desk. In this way, the endoscope portable information terminal 40A is supported on the desk in an inclined state by the bottom surface of the main body 41 and the peripheral surface of the clip 50.

[0047] 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which the endoscope portable information terminal 40A is placed on a desk. As shown in Fig. 8, the endoscope portable information terminal 40 is supported on the desk by the bottom surface of the main body 41A and the peripheral surface of the clip 50. As a result, the surface 43a of the main body 41A is also inclined, which may improve the visibility of the display panel placed on the surface 43a.

[0048] 7 illustrates an example in which the recess 42A in which the clip 50 and the shaft 51 are disposed is spaced a predetermined distance from the bottom surface of the main body 41A in the short-side direction of the main body 41A, but the shafts 51a, 51b connected to the first joints 52a1, 52b1 provided in the recess 42 in FIG. 6 may be arranged not parallel to the bottom surface of the main body 41 but inclined in a direction away from the bottom surface of the main body 41. Even in this case, the position of the clip 50 in the open state can be moved from the bottom surface of the main body 41 in the short-side direction of the main body 41, and the endoscope portable information terminal 40 can be placed on a desk in an inclined state.

[0049] Although the above description shows an example in which the position of the clip 50 is fixed, the clip 50 may be made movable in the vertical direction of the main body 41A, so that the angle of the display panel can be adjusted when the clip 50 is used as a rear stand.

[0050] In this way, in this embodiment as well, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0051] (Modification) Figures 9A and 9B are explanatory diagrams showing a modification. In Figures 9A and 9B, the same components as those in Figure 4 are designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted. While the second embodiment described an example in which two shafts and two clips are provided, the endoscope portable information terminal 40B in this modification has three shafts and three clips that can be stored in the recess 42B of the main body 41B. Figure 9A uses the same labels as Figure 4, with the top view in the upper column, the rear view in the left bottom column, and the side view in the right bottom column. Furthermore, Figure 9B uses the same labels as Figure 4, with the top view in the upper column and the rear view in the lower column.

[0052] The example in Figures 9A and 9B includes a clip 50c (hereinafter referred to as clip 50 when there is no need to distinguish between clips 50a, 50b, and 50c) having a similar configuration to clips 50a and 50b, a shaft 51c (hereinafter referred to as shaft 51 when there is no need to distinguish between shafts 51a, 51b, and 51c) having a similar configuration to shafts 51a and 51b, and a first joint 52c1, a second joint 52c2, and a third joint 52c3 having a similar configuration to first joint 52a1, a second joint 52a2, and a third joint 52a3, respectively.

[0053] The first joint 52c1 is attached to the attachment portion 54b at the end of the attachment base 54 of the main body 41B in the recess 42B. One end of the shaft 51c is attached to the first joint 52c1, and the second joint 52c2 and the third joint 52c3 are attached to the other end of the shaft 51c. A portion of the third joint 52c3 facing the opening of the clip 50c is attached to the third joint 52c3. Various types of joints may be used as the first joint 52c1, the second joint 52c2, and the third joint 52c3 (hereinafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the first joint 52c1, the second joint 52c2, and the third joint 52c3, they will be referred to as joints 52c). For example, a rotary joint, a ball joint, or a cylindrical joint may be used.

[0054] 9A shows the state in which the clip 50 and shaft 51 are extended and removed from the recess 42B using the joints 52a, 52b, and 52c (hereinafter, referred to as the "open state" of the clip 50 and shaft 51). The endoscope portable information terminal 40B is attached to the attachment portion 27a of the scope hanger 27. In this case, the clip 50 and shaft 51 are opened using the joints 52a, 52b, and 52c, as shown in FIG. 9A. The clip 50 is removed from the recess 42B and positioned above the endoscope portable information terminal 40B. In this state, the clip 50 is attached to the attachment portion 27a so that the outer circumferential surface of the attachment portion 27a is fitted into the inner circumferential surface of the clip 50. This allows the endoscope portable information terminal 40B to be suspended and held on the scope hanger 27.

[0055] In this way, the same effects as those of the above embodiment can be obtained in this modified example. Furthermore, in this modified example, the main body 41B is supported by three clips, which improves the durability when the main body 41B is suspended and when the main body 41B is placed on a desk.

[0056] (Third embodiment) Fig. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a third embodiment. In Fig. 10, the same components as those in Fig. 1 are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0057] In this embodiment, the shaft of the second embodiment is omitted. The portable information terminal for endoscopes 40C in this embodiment has, on the rear surface 43c, a clip 60 attached to a joint 61 in addition to the clips 12a and 12b shown in FIG. 1 . The clip 60, which constitutes the gripping portion, has the same function as the clip 12. Various types of joints, such as a rotary joint or a ball joint, may be used as the joint 61. The clips 12a and 12b shown in FIG. 10 are attached in a direction different from that of the clips 12a and 12b shown in FIG. 1 , but are functionally similar to the clips 12a and 12b shown in FIG. 1 . In the example shown in FIG. 10 , the clip 12a is located in a first region on one side of the longitudinal center of the rear surface 43b, the clip 12b is located in a second region on the other side of the longitudinal center of the rear surface 43b, and the clip 60 is located in a third region in the longitudinal center of the rear surface 43b.

[0058] The left column of Fig. 10 shows an example of an endoscope portable information terminal 40C having clips 12a, 12b and clip 60, although clips 12a and 12b can be omitted. The right column of Fig. 10 shows an example of an endoscope portable information terminal 40C in which clips 12a and 12b are omitted. The left column of Fig. 10 shows a state in which clip 60 is closed by joint 61, while the right column of Fig. 10 shows a state in which clip 60 is opened by joint 61. By opening clip 60 and fitting attachment portion 27a into the inner periphery of clip 60, main body 41C of endoscope portable information terminal 40C can be hung and held on scope hanger 27 of an endoscope cart.

[0059] Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a specific configuration of the endoscope portable information terminal 40C of Figure 10. In Figure 11, the upper column shows a view of the endoscope portable information terminal 40C as seen from above, the left column shows a view of the endoscope portable information terminal 40C as seen from behind, and the right column shows a view of the endoscope portable information terminal 40C as seen from a side. Note that in Figures 12, 13, 15, and 17, which will be described later, the top view, back view, and side view are indicated by the same labels as in Figure 11.

[0060] In Fig. 11, the main body 41C has a recess 42C at the longitudinal center of the upper end of the back surface 43c. A clip 60 is provided so as to be housed in the recess 42C. The clip 60 has a configuration similar to that of the clips 50a and 50b in Fig. 3, and a joint 61 is attached to a portion of the outer circumferential surface facing the opening. The joint 61 is attached to an attachment portion 65 of the recess 42C (see Fig. 13). The joint 61 is attached to the attachment portion 65 at the upper end of the main body 41C in the longitudinal center, and the clip 60 can be oriented in any direction using this joint 61 as a fulcrum.

[0061] In the portable information terminal for endoscope 40C configured as above, when the clip 60 is not in use, the clip 60 is folded using the joint 61 as shown in Fig. 11 (hereinafter referred to as the clip 60 in a closed state), whereby the clip 60 is stored in the recess 42C and the back surface 43c of the main body 41C becomes flat.

[0062] 12 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the endoscope portable information terminal 40C, showing the state in which the clip 60 has been opened using the joint 61 and removed from the recess 42C (hereinafter referred to as the clip 60 in the open state). The endoscope portable information terminal 40C is attached to the attachment portion 27a of the scope hanger 27. In this case, the clip 60 is opened using the joint 61, as shown in FIG. 12. The clip 60 is removed from the recess 42C and placed above the endoscope portable information terminal 40C. In this state, the clip 60 is attached to the attachment portion 27a so that the outer circumferential surface of the attachment portion 27a is fitted into the inner circumferential side of the clip 60. This allows the endoscope portable information terminal 40C to be suspended and held on the scope hanger 27.

[0063] 12, the surface 43a of the endoscope portable information terminal 40C is parallel to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the attachment portion 27a. The joint 61 can rotate the clip 60 about an axis that is parallel to the upper edge of the main body 41C and passes through the joint 61 (hereinafter referred to as the first line), and can also rotate the clip 60 about an axis that is perpendicular to the first line and passes through the joint 61 in a plane parallel to the back surface 43c (hereinafter referred to as the second line). By rotating the clip 60 using the joint 61 about the second line as an axis, it is possible to set the surface 43a of the endoscope portable information terminal 40C at any angle relative to the longitudinal direction of the attachment portion 27a.

[0064] Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the endoscope portable information terminal 40C when placed on a desk (not shown). The state of the clip 60 shown in Figure 13 is referred to as the stand function state of the clip 60. In the stand function state of the clip 60, the clip 60 is in an open state, and the joint 61 causes the top or bottom surface of the clip 60 to face in a direction perpendicular to the back surface 43c of the main body 41C. In this state, the main body 41C of the endoscope portable information terminal 40C is placed on the desk, upside down from the state shown in Figure 12. In this state, the bottom surface of the main body 41C and the outer peripheral surface of the clip 60 can support the endoscope portable information terminal 40C on the desk.

[0065] In this case, the outer peripheral surface of the clip 60 contacts the surface of the desk (not shown) and the bottom surface of the recess 42C. Therefore, the angle of inclination when the main body 41C is placed on a desk changes depending on the depth of the recess 42C and the size of the clip 60. In other words, by appropriately designing the diameter of the clip 60 and the depth of the recess 42C, it is possible to appropriately set the inclination of the main body 41C when using the rear stand.

[0066] 14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the case where the portable information terminal for endoscopes 40C is placed on a desk, and the clip 60A is smaller in size than the clip 60. As a result, when the clip 60A is used, the inclination of the main body 41C can be made greater than when the clip 60 is used. If the diameter of the clip 60 is smaller relative to the depth of the recess 42C, the portable information terminal for endoscopes 40C can be placed at a greater angle.

[0067] (Portable Information Terminal 40D for Endoscopes) FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a portable information terminal 40D for endoscopes. FIG. 15 illustrates an example in which a main body 41D is provided with a recess 42D, which is deeper than the recess 42C, instead of the recess 42C. The recess 42D has a relatively shallow shallow region 42D1 (hatched portion) to which the joint 61 is attached, and a relatively deep deep region 42D2 (hatched portion) into which a portion of the circumferential surface of the clip 60 is inserted when the clip 60 is in the stand function state. The shallow region 42D1 is the joint between the joint 61 and the main body 41D and is relatively shallow. When the clip 60 is in the stand function state, the clip 60 fits into the deep region 42D2, thereby reducing the length by which the circumferential surface of the clip 60 protrudes from the recess 42D. The width of the groove in the deep region 42D2 is set to a length corresponding to the height of the clip 60, so that when the outer periphery of the clip 60 is embedded in the deep region 42D2, the clip 60 can be stably supported by the groove in the deep region 42D2.

[0068] Fig. 16 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the placement of the clip 60 on a desk in the stand function state. In the example of Fig. 16, a portion of the outer periphery of the clip 60 is embedded in the deep region 42D2, which reduces the amount of protrusion of the clip 60 from the recess 42D, allowing the inclination angle of the main body 41D to be greater than in the example of Fig. 13. Furthermore, because a portion of the outer periphery of the clip 60 is embedded in the deep region 42D2, rotation of the clip 60 about the axis of the second straight line is suppressed, stabilizing the clip 60 and enabling it to stably support the main body 41D.

[0069] In Figure 15, the overall depth of the recess 42D is not increased, but only the depth of the deep region 42D2 facing the clip 60 is increased, allowing the volume of the main body 41D to be larger, creating design flexibility.

[0070] (Portable Information Terminal 40E for Endoscopes) FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of a portable information terminal for endoscopes. In FIG. 17, the same components as those in FIG. 13 are designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted. The portable information terminal 40E for endoscopes of this embodiment employs a main body 41C having a magnet 71 attached to the recess 42C. Also, in the example of FIG. 17, a clip 60B is employed instead of the clip 60. The clip 60B, which constitutes the gripping portion, has the same function as the clip 60 and is rotatably supported by a joint 61 on an attachment portion 65 of the main body 41C. When the clip 60B is in an open state and the joint 61 orients the top or bottom surface of the clip 60B in a direction perpendicular to the back surface 43c of the main body 41C (stand function state), a magnet 72 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the clip 60B adjacent to the magnet 71. That is, in the stand function state, the magnets 71 and 72 attract each other by magnetic force and abut against each other, supporting the clip 60B at a specified position in the recess 42C. This prevents the clip 60B from rotating about the second straight line in the stand function state, stabilizing the clip 60B and enabling it to stably support the main body 41C.

[0071] Furthermore, clip 60B has a chamfered portion 73, which is a linearly chamfered portion of the peripheral surface that contacts the desk surface when in the stand function state. Clip 60B is positioned so that the flat surface of chamfered portion 73 contacts the flat surface of the desk surface when in the stand function state. This allows clip 60B to hold main body 41C more stably.

[0072] 18 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which the main body 41C of the endoscopic portable information terminal 40E is placed on a desk. As shown in Fig. 18, the main body 41C is supported by the clip 60B having the chamfered portion 73 and stands upright on the desk. The flat surface of the chamfered portion 73 comes into surface contact with the flat surface of the desk, and the main body 41C is stably supported by the clip 60B.

[0073] Furthermore, since the clip 60B is fixed to the main body 41C by the magnets 71 and 72, the clip 60B maintains its stand function even when the main body 41C is lifted from the desk. Therefore, even when the main body 41C is moved to another location on the desk, the stand function is maintained, improving convenience.

[0074] In this manner, in this embodiment, the clip having a generally cylindrical portion with a partially open joint is supported so as to be rotatable in all directions, and the same effects as those of the above embodiment can be obtained.

[0075] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the components can be modified and embodied in practice without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining multiple components disclosed in the above-described embodiments. For example, some of the components shown in the embodiments may be omitted. Furthermore, components from different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

[0076] For example, the above description shows an example in which the position of the clip having an approximately cylindrical portion is fixed, but by making each clip movable in the vertical direction of the main body portion, it is possible to adjust the angle of the display panel when using the clip as a rear stand.

[0077] In the above description, an example was given in which a clip with an opening on its circumference was used as the gripping part, but a clamp that can be attached to the pipe by screwing may also be used. The locking mechanism of such a clamp may be designed to be able to lock and unlock by a non-contact method such as voice.

[0078] In the above description, the clip is configured to be attached to the main body by a joint or articulation, but the clip may also be configured as an accessory that can be detached from the main body. For example, screws may be provided at multiple locations on the back of the main body, allowing the clip to be attached as an accessory at any desired position. In this case, the vertical position of the main body where the clip is attached can be set with a simple configuration. Furthermore, by detaching the clip from the main body, the main body can be easily disinfected, such as by wiping it down.

[0079] In the above explanation, the portable information terminal for endoscopes is attached to the scope hanger as part of the endoscope cart, but the portable information terminal for endoscopes may be attached to various parts of the endoscope cart. For example, the portable information terminal may be configured to be attachable to the flexible spring for the suction jar holder of the endoscope cart, the box-shaped base for the sterilized water holder, the hook for the irrigation tube holder, etc.

[0080] (Fixing of endoscope) An endoscope has a flexible, elongated insertion section that is inserted into a body cavity or the like. The insertion section has, from its distal end, a rigid distal end section, a freely bendable bending section, and a flexible soft section. A substantially annular, most distal bending piece is fixed to the rear end of the distal end section, and the tip of the next bending piece is rotatably connected to the rear end of this bending piece via a rotary connecting member, so that a large number of bending pieces are rotatably connected in the longitudinal direction of the insertion section, thereby forming a bending section. The rearmost bending piece of the bending section is fitted and fixed inside the tip of the flexible section. Common fixing methods include adhesive fixing, screw fixing, and laser welding connection.

[0081] However, in order to fit the bending pieces into the flexible section, it is necessary to increase the outer diameter of the flexible section, which causes a problem of an increase in the outer diameter. Also, when the fitting section is eliminated and the rearmost bending piece and the front end of the flexible section are fixed by abutting each other, there is a problem of difficulty in ensuring the fixing strength with a normal fixing method.

[0082] 19 and 20 are diagrams for explaining a method for solving the problems of such a fixing method.

[0083] 19 shows the bending tube and flexible section before being joined. The bending tube 101 is the rearmost bending piece, and the bending tube 100 is the bending piece connected to the bending tube 101. The approximately cylindrical flexible section has a tip member 103 provided at the tip and an outer layer resin 102 covering the outer periphery of the rear end side of the tip member 103. Furthermore, a relay member 104 is provided on the inner periphery of the flexible section, along the inner periphery of the tip member 103 and the inner periphery of the outer layer resin 102. The relay member 104 is fixed to the flexible section in advance. For example, a coil pipe for a bending wire can be used as the relay member 104.

[0084] Figure 20 shows the bending piece and flexible section after joining on the left side, and the cross-sectional shape cut along line A-A on the right side. The rear end of the bending tube 101 and the tip end of the distal end member 103 of the flexible section are butted together. In this case, the relay member 104 is positioned so as to cross both the bending tube 101 and the distal end member 103. In this state, laser welding is performed in the direction shown by the arrow in Figure 20. As a result, the relay member 104 is laser spot welded to the rear end of the bending tube 101 and the inner circumferential surface of the distal end member 103 of the flexible section. In other words, the area 105 surrounded by a square in Figure 20 is laser spot welded.

[0085] In the laser welding, the area 105 on the relay member 104 is targeted, and laser spot welding is performed across the rear end of the bending tube 101 and the distal end member 103 of the flexible section. By laser welding, at least the inner periphery of the bending tube 101 is joined to the relay member 104, and the inner periphery of the distal end member 103 of the flexible section is joined to the relay member 104. The rear end surface of the bending tube 101 and the end surface of the distal end member 103 of the flexible section may or may not be joined in abutment.

[0086] Furthermore, the welding depth for the relay member 104 is assumed to be such that a portion of the surface layer of the relay member 104 is melted. In particular, when a coil pipe for a bending wire is used as the relay member 104, laser welding is performed in a manner that avoids deformation of the inner periphery of the coil pipe so as not to impede the sliding of the bending wire.

[0087] In this way, the rear end surface of the bending tube 101 and the fitting portion of the distal end member 103 of the flexible section are joined without increasing the outer diameter, which has the advantage of allowing for a thinner diameter compared to the conventional configuration in which a metal tube is fitted. In addition, the bending tube 101 and the distal end member 103 of the flexible section are laser welded via the relay member 104 arranged on the inner periphery of the conduit, which ensures a pseudo-minimum contact area and ensures the fixing strength of the bending tube 101.

[0088] (Variation 1) Fig. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing a variation of Fig. 20. On the right side of Fig. 21, a cross-sectional shape of the flexible section cut along a plane including a straight line passing through the center of the inner periphery of the flexible section is shown, and on the left side of Fig. 21, a cross-sectional shape connected by line B-B in Fig. 21 is shown. Note that the area surrounded by a dashed line on the left side of Fig. 21 indicates built-in components such as a channel and a light guide.

[0089] The example in Fig. 21 differs from the example in Fig. 20 in that not only the relay member 104 but also the relay member 106 having a right circular cylindrical segment shape obtained by dividing a right circular cylinder at a right angle to a circle is employed as the relay member. The relay members 106 are disposed at two locations on the inner circumferential surface of the tip member 103 so as to cover the relay member 104, and are fixed to the tip member 103.

[0090] The relay member 106 fixed to the distal end member 103 of the flexible section has a convex shape that partially matches the inner circumferential surface of the conduit at the rear end of the bending tube 101. Therefore, when joining the rear end of the bending tube 101 and the distal end member 103 of the flexible section, it is easy to align their central axes in the longitudinal direction. In addition, since the portion that comes into contact with the distal end member 103 is larger than that of the relay member 104, high adhesive strength can be obtained.

[0091] It should be noted that the convex shape of the relay member 106 occupies a part of the space inside the bending tube 101, and therefore the size of the built-in objects that can be placed therein is smaller than when there is no convex shape.

[0092] (Modification 2) Fig. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing a modification of Fig. 20. In Fig. 22, the same components as those in Fig. 20 are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0093] The flexible section is formed by a spiral flexible tube. Because the flexible tube is formed in a spiral shape, a tip member 103 is employed to align the rear end of the bending tube with the tip of the flexible tube. In contrast, in Modification 2, the tip member 103 is omitted, thereby reducing the number of parts.

[0094] The upper part of Fig. 22 shows that the shape of the rear end of the rearmost bending tube 110 is matched to the shape of the tip of the flex 111 that constitutes the flex tube, and the rear end of the bending tube 110 is aligned with the tip of the flex 111. The left column in the middle part of Fig. 22 shows the shape of the rear end of the bending tube 110. A groove 110a that matches the shape of the tip of the flex 111 is formed at the rear end of the bending tube 110. The right column in the middle part of Fig. 22 shows the range (for example, about 180 degrees) over which the groove 110a is formed and the position of the relay member 104, depending on the cross-sectional shape of the bending tube 110.

[0095] 22, in a state where the bending tube 110 and the flex 111 are joined, the rear end of the bending tube 110 is laser-welded to the relay member 104, and the flex 111 is laser-welded to the relay member 104. After welding, the outer periphery is covered with a blade 112 and an outer layer resin 102.

[0096] In this modified example, when joining the bending tube 110 and the flexible section, the distal end member 103 of the flexible section is omitted and the flex 111 is directly joined, thereby reducing the number of parts.

[0097] (Variation 3) Figure 23 is an explanatory diagram showing a variation of Figure 20. In Figure 23, the same components as in Figure 20 are assigned the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted. With conventional joining methods, if the inner diameters of the rear end of the bending tube and the distal end member of the flexible section are different and there is a step, gaps are likely to occur between the relay member and the distal end member, making it difficult to laser-weld both the bending tube and the distal end member together with the relay member. In contrast, in the example of Figure 20, joining by laser welding is possible even if there is some error in the dimensions of the rearmost bending tube and the distal end member of the flexible section. This variation shows a joining method for this case.

[0098] In this modification, a flexible material is used for the relay member 104. In the example of Fig. 23 , the dimensions of the rearmost bending tube 121 and the distal end member 103 are different, and the inner and outer diameters of the bending tube 121 are smaller than the inner and outer diameters of the distal end member 103. Therefore, when joining the rear end of the bending tube 121 and the distal end of the distal end member 103 together, the relay member 104 bends at the joint portion, as shown in Fig. 23 .

[0099] The relay member 104 is brought into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the rear end of the bending tube 121 and the inner circumferential surface of the distal end member 103 of the flexible section and laser-welded. In this case, in order to avoid abrupt bending of the relay member 104 and to allow smooth deformation, a buffer zone 124 indicated by a dashed line frame is set, and the buffer zone 124 is left as a non-welded area, with laser welding being performed in areas 122 and 123 indicated by square frames in the figure. Note that it is desirable for the bending tube 121 to have irregularities to prevent rotation of the relay member 104.

[0100] In this way, in this modified example, even an object whose shape is unstable, such as a flex, can be easily fixed by laser welding, and the welding and fixing can be performed regardless of dimensional variations in the parts.

[0101] (Endoscope Processor Stand) A tablet-type endoscope processor (hereinafter referred to as a tablet processor) has a thin housing, and requires a back stand when placed upright on a desk, and also requires a hanger or a fixing stand specifically for tablets. Conventionally, when the space on the desk to place the tablet processor is small and the placement needs to be changed as needed, it can be difficult to stably install the tablet processor.

[0102] FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a method for solving the problem of stably grounding a tablet processor.

[0103] The tablet processor 130 includes a main body 131 including a thin housing. Various electronic components are configured inside the main body 131. A display panel (not shown) is disposed on a front surface 132a of the main body 131. A battery 133 is mounted on the lower end side of the main body 131 on a rear surface 132b of the main body 131.

[0104] A mounting portion 134 extending in the longitudinal direction is provided in the center of the main body 131. A C-shaped stand 135 is attached to the mounting portion 134 and rotatably supported on the mounting portion 134. Both ends of the C-shape of the stand 135 (hereinafter referred to as the lip portion) are supported on the mounting portion 134, and the side of the stand 135 facing the lip portion of the C-shape (hereinafter referred to as the foot portion) is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the main body 131. The stand 135 can be opened and closed by being in contact with the back surface 132b or separated from it. The movable range of the stand 135 can be appropriately set. The mounting portion 134 has the function of fixing the stand 135 at a plurality of predetermined angles relative to the back surface 132b. Furthermore, a pair of sides adjacent to the lip portion of the stand 135 are parallel to the short direction of the main body 131, and rails 136 are disposed on these sides.

[0105] FIG. 25 is a perspective view for explaining an example of the configuration of the rail 136.

[0106] 25, a groove 136a is formed along the longitudinal direction at the center of the short side of the rail 136. The rail 136 is made of an elastic non-slip material.

[0107] When the tablet processor 130 configured in this manner is placed flat on a desk, for example, the stand 135 is closed as shown in Fig. 24. This causes the rails 136 to abut against the surface of the desk when placed flat. The rails 136 are made of a non-slip material, preventing the tablet processor 130 from sliding on the desk.

[0108] Figure 26 is an explanatory diagram for explaining how to install or attach the tablet-type processor 130, and explains how to install or attach it when installing it on a desk, hanging it from a rear stand or the pole of an endoscope cart, etc.

[0109] The left column of Fig. 26 shows an example of placing the main body 131 upright on a desk. In this case, the stand 135 is opened at a predetermined angle, and the foot portion is fixed away from the rear surface 132b. In this state, the main body 131 is supported on the desk by the bottom surface of the main body 131 and the foot portion of the stand 135. By adjusting the angle of the stand 135, it is possible to place the main body 131 upright in a narrow space and adjust the orientation of the display panel.

[0110] The center column of Fig. 26 shows an example of fixing the main body 131 to the support base 140. Fig. 26 shows an example of fixing to a pair of poles 141 supported by the support base 140. In this case, the tips of the pair of poles 141 are inserted into the grooves 136a of the pair of rails 136. The elastic force of the rails 136 fixes the tips of the poles 141 to the rails 136. In this way, the main body 131 is supported by the poles 141.

[0111] In the example in the center of Figure 26, the stand 135 is open at a predetermined angle and the foot portion is separated from the back surface 132b, but the pole 141 may be inserted into the groove portion 136a of the rail 136 when the stand 135 is closed.

[0112] 26 shows an example in which the main body 131 is fixed upside down in the same manner as in the center column of FIG.

[0113] In this example, the rear stand of the medical device tablet processor is provided with rails for docking to a pole or endoscopy cart, allowing the tablet processor to be placed not only on a desk but also secured to a pole or similar. This improves the ease of installation of the tablet processor and the flexibility of installation or mounting methods. For example, the stand 135 can be opened 90 degrees and mounted on an endoscopy cart. It can also be attached to the monitor mounting arm of an endoscopy cart. The rails are also made of a non-slip material, allowing the tablet processor to be used stably without slipping when placed flat.

[0114] (Another Stand for Endoscope Processor) Figure 27 is an explanatory diagram showing a rear stand for setting up a tablet processor on a desk. When connecting a cable from an endoscope to a tablet processor, the connector for connecting the cable is often located on the side of the tablet processor's main body. In this case, depending on how the cable from the endoscope is routed, it is expected that external force will be applied to the tablet processor from the side of the tablet processor. Therefore, to ensure the stability of the tablet processor, the rear stand is configured so that it is located outside the plane created by projecting the surface of the main body in the vertical direction.

[0115] The tablet processor shown in Figure 27 includes a main body 150 that includes a thin housing. Various electronic components are configured within the main body 150. A display panel 151 is disposed on the front of the main body 150. A rear stand 152 is provided on the rear of the main body 150. The rear stand 152 is supported at its base end (upper end) by a support member (not shown) at the upper end portion of the main body 150, and can be freely opened and closed from a closed state in which the entire surface of the rear stand 152 contacts the main body 150 to an open state in which the lower end of the rear stand 152 is further away from the main body 150.

[0116] In Figure 27, the leftmost figure is a view from the front of the main body 150, the second figure from the left is a view from the side of the main body 150 with the rear stand 152 closed, and the three figures on the right are views from the side of the main body 150 with the rear stand 152 opened at different angles.

[0117] As shown in Fig. 27 , when the rear stand 152 is closed, it is positioned within a plane (hereinafter referred to as the projection plane) obtained by projecting the surface of the main body 150 in the vertical direction. On the other hand, as shown in the three diagrams on the right side of Fig. 27 , when the rear stand 152 is opened, a portion of the rear stand 152 protrudes outside the projection plane. The leftmost diagram in Fig. 27 shows this state.

[0118] When the rear stand 152 is placed on a desk in an open state, the rear stand 152 has a portion that protrudes outward from the projection plane, and the lower end of this portion comes into contact with the desk surface to support the main body unit 150. In other words, as a result of the lower end of the rear stand 152 being positioned so that it extends outward from the projection plane, the distance between the rear stand 152 and the desk, particularly the distance in the longitudinal direction of the main body unit 150, is increased, thereby increasing the stability of the main body unit 150. Therefore, the center of gravity of the main body unit 150 is less likely to move outside the support base surface, and the main body unit 150 can be placed more stably even when subjected to external force from the cable from the endoscope.

[0119] (Modification) FIGS. 28 and 29 are explanatory diagrams showing other examples of the rear stand.

[0120] The tablet processor shown in Figures 28 and 29 includes a main body 160 including a thin housing. Various electronic components are configured inside the main body 160. A display panel (not shown) is disposed on the front of the main body 160. A rear stand 161 is provided on the rear of the main body 160. The base end of the rear stand 161 is supported by a support member (not shown) at the bottom end of the main body 160, and can be freely opened and closed from a closed state in which the entire surface of the rear stand 161 contacts the main body 160 to an open state in which the tip end of the rear stand 161 is further away from the main body 160.

[0121] The left column of Fig. 28 is a view of the main body 160 as seen from the side with the rear stand 161 closed, and the right column of Fig. 28 is a view of the main body 160 as seen from the side with the rear stand 161 open. The left column of Fig. 29 is a view of the main body 160 as seen from the top with the rear stand 161 closed, and the right column of Fig. 29 is a view of the main body 160 as seen from the top with the rear stand 161 open.

[0122] 28 and 29, when the rear stand 161 is closed, the rear stand 161 is disposed within a plane (hereinafter referred to as a projection plane) obtained by projecting the surface of the main body 160 in the vertical direction. On the other hand, when the rear stand 161 is opened, as shown in the right columns of Fig. 28 and 29, the rear stand 161 has a portion that protrudes outside the projection plane.

[0123] When the rear stand 161 is placed on a desk in the open position, the entire surface of the rear stand 161 comes into contact with the desk surface and supports the main body 160. The rear stand 161 has a portion that protrudes outward from the projection plane, and the area of ​​the support base surface is relatively large. In other words, the rear stand 161 is positioned so that it extends outward from the projection plane, thereby increasing the stability of the main body 160. Therefore, the center of gravity of the main body 160 is less likely to move outside the support base surface, and the main body 160 can be positioned more stably even when subjected to external force from the cable from the endoscope.

[0124] In this way, the examples of Figs. 27 to 29 have the effect of stably supporting the main body portion.

Claims

1. A portable information terminal for endoscopes, comprising: a main body; and a gripping portion provided on the back of the main body and having a substantially cylindrical portion that can be attached to a part of an endoscope cart, wherein the gripping portion is attached to a part of the endoscope cart to fix the main body to the endoscope cart, and the gripping portion functions as a stand that supports the main body by placing the substantially cylindrical portion on a table.

2. The portable information terminal for endoscopes according to claim 1, wherein the gripping portion functions as a stand for supporting the main body by placing the side of the substantially cylindrical portion on the base.

3. The portable information terminal for endoscopes according to claim 1, wherein the substantially cylindrical portion is attachable to a rod-shaped portion provided on the endoscope cart.

4. A portable information terminal for endoscopes according to claim 3, wherein the substantially cylindrical portion is attachable to a scope hanger that holds an endoscope provided on the endoscope cart.

5. The portable information terminal for endoscopes according to claim 1, wherein the gripping portion is provided at a position away from a side of the main body portion.

6. A portable information terminal for an endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the gripping portion can be stored in a recess provided on the rear surface of the main body portion.

7. The portable information terminal for endoscopes according to claim 1, wherein the gripping portion is rotatable relative to the rear surface of the main body portion.

8. The portable information terminal for an endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the gripping portion has a shaft connecting the substantially cylindrical portion and the rear surface of the main body portion.

9. A portable information terminal for endoscopes according to claim 8, wherein the gripping portion is attached to a part of the endoscope cart, thereby suspending the main body portion from the endoscope cart.

10. A portable information terminal for an endoscope as described in claim 1, wherein the gripping portions are provided in a first region on one side of the center of the main body portion and in a second region on the other side of the center of the main body portion.

11. A portable information terminal for an endoscope according to claim 10, wherein the gripping portions are provided in the first area, the second area, and a third area in the center of the main body.

12. The portable information terminal for endoscopes according to claim 1, wherein the main body has short sides and long sides, and the substantially cylindrical portion is movable in the direction of the short sides of the main body.

13. A portable information terminal for endoscopes as described in claim 12, wherein the gripping portion has a shaft connecting the approximately cylindrical portion and the back surface of the main body portion, and the approximately cylindrical portion can be moved in the direction of the short side by changing the direction of the shaft.

14. A portable information terminal for an endoscope as described in claim 12, wherein the substantially cylindrical portion is movable in the short side direction by moving the grip portion in the short side direction of the main body portion.

15. The portable information terminal for an endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the substantially cylindrical portion is elastically deformable.

16. The portable information terminal for endoscopes according to claim 1, wherein the substantially cylindrical portion is attached and fixed to a part of the endoscope cart by tightening screws.

17. The portable information terminal for an endoscope according to claim 1, wherein the gripping portion is detachable from the rear surface of the main body portion.

18. The portable information terminal for an endoscope according to claim 17, wherein the gripping portion can be attached to a plurality of positions on the rear surface of the main body portion.

Images