JP2018186886A - Remote controller for endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a remote controller for an endoscope capable of utilizing a function carried by the endoscope without releasing a hand from an insertion part, and removing shortage of an endoscope switch.SOLUTION: A remote controller 30 includes a clip part 31 for sandwiching a portion from the palm 51 over the back 52 of a hand 50 of an operator for gripping an insertion part 12 of an endoscope 10, a U-shaped base end part 32 formed in a U-shape, and forming the end of the clip part 31 arranged from the palm 51 over the back 52 of the hand, and at least one switch 41 provided within a range reachable by a thumb 53 of the operator, which is a position determined beforehand on the end.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to an endoscope remote controller provided apart from an endoscope operation unit used when operating a function provided in an endoscope.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, endoscopes that can perform observations by inserting an elongated insertion portion into a body cavity or the like and performing various therapeutic treatments as necessary have been widely used.

  As shown in Patent Document 1, the operation portion of the endoscope has a bending operation device for performing a bending operation of a bending mechanism provided in the insertion portion, a light source device that is an external device of the endoscope, and a video processor. An endoscope switch for outputting an instruction signal, an air / water supply button for performing air / water supply, a suction button for performing suction, and the like are provided.

  Then, for example, the operator holds the insertion portion (not shown) with the right hand (not shown), and holds the operation portion 1 with the left hand as shown in FIG. In this gripping state, the operator performs an operation of twisting the insertion portion while appropriately operating the bending knobs 2 and 3 that are bending operation devices, and inserts the distal end portion toward the target portion.

  In addition, the operator, if necessary, is provided with an endoscope switch 4, 5, 6, 7 which is a remote switch provided adjacent to the bending knobs 2 and 3, or an air / water supply button 8 and a suction button 9. The desired observation is performed by appropriately operating the above. As described above, the endoscope switches 4, 5, 6, 7, the air / water supply button 8, and the suction button 9 are adjacent to the bending knobs 2 and 3. As a result, the operator can use various functions with less labor and time for moving the operation unit 1 and finger movement.

  The endoscope switches 4, 5, 6 and 7 are assigned, for example, a freeze function, a release function, a function for switching an observation mode, and a function for switching the focus of the endoscope among a number of functions of the endoscope. It is.

JP 2008-048883 A

  However, as shown in FIG. 1, in the state where the operation unit 1 is gripped and the insertion unit is gripped by one hand different from the hand that grips the operation unit 1, When the endoscope switches 4, 5, 6, and 7 are operated, the switch operations of the second endoscope switch 5 and the third endoscope switch 6 are the other endoscope switches 4 and 7, the air / water supply button 8, It was difficult to operate compared to the suction button 9.

  For this reason, an operator whose finger is difficult to reach the switch has requested a nearby medical worker to operate the switch when it becomes necessary to operate the endoscope switches 5 and 6 during observation. However, in situations where it is impossible to request medical personnel, the operator may know that the position of the distal end of the insertion portion will move and then release the hand from the insertion portion to perform the switch operation. . Here, when the distal end portion of the insertion portion is displaced, the observation target portion displayed on the observation screen is lost.

  In recent years, the diversification of endoscope functions has progressed, and it has become difficult to fully utilize the functions of an endoscope only by the number of endoscope switches provided in an operation unit.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and enables the use of the functions of an endoscope without releasing the hand from the insertion portion, and also eliminates the shortage of endoscope switches. The purpose is to provide a controller.

  The remote controller for an endoscope according to one aspect of the present invention is formed in a U-shape, a clip portion that sandwiches a portion of the operator's palm that grips the insertion portion of the endoscope from the back of the hand, and the inner surface side is the above-mentioned A U-shaped part that forms an end of the clip part disposed from the palm of the hand to the back of the hand, and at least one switch provided at a predetermined position of the end part within a range that the operator's thumb can reach And.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, while utilizing the function which an endoscope has without releasing a hand from an insertion part, the remote controller for endoscope which eliminates the shortage of an endoscope switch is realizable.

The figure explaining the relationship between the operation part of the endoscope in which a plurality of endoscope switches, an air / water supply button, a suction button, etc. are arranged adjacent to the bending knob and the fingers holding the operation part The figure explaining an endoscope and a remote controller for endoscopes The figure explaining the remote controller for endoscopes The figure which looked at the remote controller for endoscopes from the arrow Y4 side of FIG. The figure which shows the state which is holding the insertion part with the hand with which the remote controller for endoscopes was mounted | worn

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
In addition, each drawing used for the following description is shown schematically, and in order to show each component to the extent that it can be recognized on the drawing, the dimensional relationship and scale of each member are scaled for each component. Some are different. The present invention is not limited only to the number of components described in these drawings, the shape of the components, the ratio of the sizes of the components, and the relative positional relationship of the components.

  Reference numeral 10 shown in FIG. 2 is an endoscope. The endoscope 10 mainly includes an insertion unit 11 and an operation unit 12. A universal cord 13 extends from the side of the operation unit 12.

  A light source device (not shown) and a detachable endoscope connector (not shown) are provided at the base end of the universal cord 13. The endoscope connector is provided with a cable connection portion. An electrical cable is detachably connected to the cable connection portion, and a processor connector that is detachably attached to a video processor (not shown) is provided on the electrical cable.

  The insertion portion 11 includes a distal end portion 14, a bending portion 15, and a flexible tube portion 16 in order from the distal end side. The distal end portion 14 incorporates an imaging device (not shown) and the like. The bending portion 15 is configured to bend in four directions, up, down, left, and right. Note that the bending portion 15 may be configured to bend in two upper and lower directions.

  The operation unit 12 is provided on the proximal end side of the flexible tube unit 16. The operation unit 12 includes an up / down bending knob 2, a left / right bending knob 3, a first remote switch 4, a second remote switch 5, a third remote switch 6, a fourth remote switch 7, an air / water supply button. 8, a suction button 9, a treatment instrument insertion port 20, and the like are provided.

  The bending operation device is not limited to a bending knob that is rotated clockwise and counterclockwise around an axis, and is a bending lever that is operated to move in the distal direction and proximal direction of the longitudinal axis of the insertion portion. Also good.

Any one of various functions of the endoscope can be assigned to each of the remote switches 4 to 7. It is also possible to leave the function unassigned without assigning it.
Various functions include a freeze function that freezes the endoscope image, a release function that freezes the endoscope image and records it in a predetermined peripheral device, a capture function that captures the image, an enlargement function that enlarges and displays the endoscope image, A function for switching the focus of the endoscope, a function for switching the size of the endoscope image, an image enhancement switching function for switching the image enhancement mode of the endoscope image, and a normal light observation mode and a special light observation mode such as NBI. There are an observation mode switching function for switching, a function for switching photometry of an endoscopic image, a function for adjusting brightness, and the like.

  In this embodiment, for example, a function for switching focus is assigned to the first remote switch 4, the second remote switch 5 and the third remote switch 6 are not set, and an observation mode switching function is assigned to the fourth remote switch 7. ing.

  Reference numeral 30 shown in FIG. 2 is an endoscope remote controller (hereinafter abbreviated as “remote controller”), which is attached to an operator's hand (see reference numeral 50 in FIG. 5) holding the insertion portion 11 of the endoscope 10. Is done. The remote controller 30 includes a clip portion 31 formed in a U shape as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, and an outer surface of a U-shaped base end portion 32 that is a U-shaped portion that forms an end portion of the clip portion 31. A first switch 41 that can be a fifth remote switch and a second switch 42 that can be a sixth remote switch are arranged.

  As shown in FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, the clip portion 31 is disposed so as to sandwich a portion from the operator's palm 51 to the back of the hand 52. The clip portion 31 includes a first clip member 33 that is disposed so that one surface thereof is substantially in close contact with the back 52 of the hand, and a second clip member 34 that is disposed on the palm 51 side.

  The first clip member 33 and the second clip member 34 are thin plates made of resin or metal having a predetermined elasticity, and are predetermined so as to press predetermined portions of the back 52 and the palm 51 of the hand. It is formed in a different shape.

  By disposing the inner surface of the U-shaped base end portion 32 between the thumb 53 and the index finger 54, the first clip member 33 can be disposed in a desired state on the back 52 side of the hand, and the second clip member 34 can be disposed. It can be arranged in a desired state on the palm 51 side.

  As for the second clip member 34, a concave curved surface having a diameter larger than the diameter of the insertion portion 11 that avoids interference with the insertion portion 11 is formed on the surface opposite to the one surface that is the palm 51 side. Also good.

  Reference numeral 35 denotes a connection cable. The connection cable 35 extends from the terminal end side of the first clip member 33 that is opposite to the U-shaped base end portion 32 that is the end portion of the clip portion 31. On the proximal end side of the connection cable 35, an electrical connection portion (not shown) that is detachable from a terminal provided in the video processor is provided. The connection cable 35 may be extended from the terminal end side of the second clip member 34.

  Reference numeral 36 denotes an accommodating portion, which is a thick portion provided at the U-shaped base end portion 32. The accommodating portion 36 accommodates a substrate (not shown) on which switches 41 and 42 provided on the U-shaped base end portion 32 are mounted. A signal line (not shown) inserted into the connection cable 35 is connected to the substrate.

  In the present embodiment, the first switch 41 is assigned a freeze function, for example, and functions as a fifth remote switch. On the other hand, for example, a release function is assigned to the second switch 42 to function as a sixth remote switch.

When the thumb 41 is moved as shown by the arrow in FIG. 5 in a state where the U-shaped base end portion 32 is disposed between the thumb 53 and the index finger 54, the switches 41 and 42 Provided within reach. Specifically, the switches 41 and 42 are preferably arranged on the thumb side between the joint at the base of the index finger and the second joint from the fingertip of the index finger. Switch operation can be realized.
The second switch 42 may be disposed on the thumb side between the second joint from the fingertip of the index finger and the first joint from the fingertip of the index finger. Reference numeral 43 in FIG. 3 denotes an escape portion, which is formed in a shape that prevents the movement of the thumb 53 when the switches 41 and 42 are operated.

Here, the operation of the endoscope 10 including the remote controller 30 will be described.
When performing an endoscopic examination, a medical worker connects the endoscope connector of the endoscope 10 to the light source device, and connects the endoscope connector and the video processor with an electric cable. Further, the electrical connection portion of the connection cable 35 extending from the remote controller 30 is connected to a terminal provided in the video processor.

  On the other hand, the operator who performs the inspection wears the clip portion 31 of the remote controller 30 on one hand that holds the insertion portion 11 different from the hand that holds the operation portion 12. At this time, the first clip member 33 is disposed on the back 52 side, the second clip member 34 is disposed on the palm 53 side, and the U-shaped base end portion 32 is disposed between the thumb 53 and the index finger 54 of the right hand. . Thereafter, the switches 41 and 42 are adjusted to positions where the operability is the best within the range where the thumb 53 can reach.

  After completion of the adjustment, the operator starts the inspection by holding the operation unit 12 with the left hand. That is, the operator performs the operation of twisting the insertion portion 11 with the right hand while appropriately operating the bending knobs 2 and 3 with the left hand, and inserts the distal end portion 14 toward the target site.

  When the operator who performs the inspection feels that it is difficult to operate the second remote switch 5 and the third remote switch 6, no function is assigned to these remote switches 5 and 6, and the first remote of the operation unit 12 as described above. A function for switching focus is assigned to the switch 4, an observation mode switching function is assigned to the fourth remote switch 7, a freeze function is assigned to the first switch 41 of the remote controller 30, and a release function is assigned to the second switch 42.

  Therefore, it is not necessary to operate the remote switches 5 and 6 during observation, and a desired inspection can be performed by operating the remote switches 4, 7, 41 and 42. In other words, the operator can perform a desired examination without requesting a switch from a nearby medical staff during observation and without releasing the hand from the insertion portion 11. Therefore, it is eliminated from bothering the hands of the medical staff and losing sight of the observation target site displayed on the observation screen due to the displacement of the distal end portion 14 of the insertion portion 11.

  As described above, the remote controller 30 including the switches 41 and 42 to which the desired function is assigned to one hand is mounted, and the desired functions are provided to the remote switches 4 to 7 provided in the operation unit 12 of the endoscope 10. Is assigned. As a result, the desired inspection can be performed by operating the switches 4, 7, 41, 42 to which the functions are assigned.

  In the above-described embodiment, no function is assigned to the remote switches 5 and 6. However, the switches 41 and 42 provided on the remote controller 30 attached to one hand and the remote switches 4 to 7 provided on the operation unit 12 of the endoscope 10 held by the other hand. , A desired endoscope function may be assigned.

  In this way, in addition to the remote switches 4 to 7 provided in the operation unit 12 of the endoscope 10, the functions of the endoscope are assigned to the switches 41 and 42 of the remote controller 30. Inspection corresponding to diversification of functions can be realized.

  In the embodiment described above, the remote controller 30 is provided with two switches 41 and 42. However, the remote controller 30 may have only one switch. Further, the remote controller 30 may be provided with a third switch. When three switches are provided, the switches are preferably arranged on the thumb side between the base joint of the index finger and the first joint from the fingertip of the index finger.

  In the above-described embodiment, the connection cable 35 is extended from the remote controller 30 in order to transmit the operation instruction signal output from the switches 41 and 42 to the video processor. However, an antenna (not shown), a battery (not shown), and a signal transmission board (not shown) are accommodated in the accommodating portion 36, and the operation instruction signals output from the switches 41 and 42 are wirelessly transmitted. You may make it transmit to a video processor. Note that a receiving antenna is provided on the video processor side.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 ... Curve knob for up and down 3 ... Curve knob for left and right 4 ... 1st remote switch 5 ... 2nd remote switch 6 ... 3rd remote switch 7 ... 4th remote switch 8 ... Air supply / water supply button 9 ... Suction button 10 ... Internal view Mirror 11 ... Insertion part 12 ... Operation part 13 ... Universal cord 14 ... Tip part 15 ... Bending part 16 ... Flexible tube part 20 ... Treatment instrument insertion port 30 ... Remote controller for endoscope (remote controller) 31 ... Clip part 32 ... U-shaped base end portion 33 ... first clip member 34 ... second clip member 35 ... connection cable 36 ... accommodating portion 41 ... first switch 42 ... second switch 43 ... escape portion 50 ... operator's hand 51 ... palm 52 ... back of hand 53 ... thumb 54 ... index finger

Claims (4)

A clip part that sandwiches the part of the operator's palm that grips the insertion part of the endoscope from the back of the hand;
A U-shaped portion that is formed in a U-shape and forms an end of the clip portion, the inner surface of which is arranged from the palm to the back of the hand;
At least one switch provided in a predetermined position of the end and within the reach of the operator's thumb;
A remote controller for an endoscope, comprising:   The clip part is grasped by one hand different from a hand grasping the operation part of the endoscope by an operator grasping the insertion part of the endoscope. Remote controller for endoscope.   The remote controller for an endoscope according to claim 1, wherein a connection cable extends from a side of the clip portion opposite to the U-shaped portion.   The clip member disposed on the palm side of the clip portion has a relief portion that avoids interference with the insertion portion when the operator holds the insertion portion of the endoscope. The remote controller for an endoscope according to claim 1.

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