JPH11225945A - Endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an endoscope capable of preventing erroneous operation of a switch while ensuring satisfactory operability of the switch disposed in an operation part. SOLUTION: This endoscope 1 is provided with an actuator which is disposed in an insertion 2 part and moves a lens of an objective optical system disposed on a tip side of the insertion part and a changeover switch 42 which is disposed in an operation part 3 adjacent to a curved operation knob 51 and changes over the direction of travel of the less through the actuator. This changeover switch 42 is turned and operated between a first changeover position (a) where the lens is moved to the direction of usual observation side and a second changeover position (b) where the less is moved to the direction of special observation side, and the first changeover position is more apart than the second changeover position from a section where the curved operation knob is operated.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to an endoscope.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, an endoscope comprises an insertion section and an operation section. In an endoscope in which a bending portion of an insertion portion is bent, a bending operation knob for bending the bending portion is provided in the operation portion. In an endoscope that changes the observation magnification (magnification), focuses, and zooms by moving the optical lens of the objective optical system by an actuator, a changeover switch for switching the moving direction of the optical lens is provided on a bending operation knob. It is provided adjacent to the operation unit.

[0003]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-32
In Japanese Patent No. 2566, a zoom switch is provided in the operation unit of the endoscope as the changeover switch. The zoom switch is disposed near the bending operation knob, and is rotated between two switching positions to switch the direction of movement of the optical lens via the actuator between the wide-angle side and the enlargement side. Generally, in an endoscope, observation is usually performed on the wide-angle side, and magnification observation is performed as needed. Therefore, if the bending operation knob and the zoom switch are arranged close to each other, when the bending operation knob is operated during wide-angle observation, the zoom switch is operated by mistake and the mode is switched to magnified observation. In this case, inconveniences such as losing the observation target occur.

[0004] On the other hand, in order to operate various switches with good operability by the fingers of the hand holding the operation unit, it is necessary to arrange switches and the like in the operation unit close to each other.
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope capable of preventing erroneous operation of a switch provided in an operation unit while ensuring good operability of the switch. Is to do.

[0005]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention has an insertion section and an operation section, and a bending operation knob provided on the operation section is rotated to operate the insertion section. In the endoscope in which the bending portion is operated to bend, an actuator provided in the insertion portion, for moving a lens of the objective optical system provided on the distal end side of the insertion portion, and provided in the operation portion adjacent to the bending operation knob And a changeover switch for changing the direction of movement of the lens via the actuator, wherein the changeover switch has a first changeover position in which the lens is normally moved in the observation side direction and the lens is moved in the special observation side direction. The second switching position, the first switching position is further away from the portion where the bending operation knob is operated than the second switching position.

[0006]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 schematically shows an endoscope system including an enlarged electronic endoscope (hereinafter, simply referred to as an endoscope) 1. As shown, the endoscope 1
Has a main body composed of an insertion section 2 and an operation section 3. The insertion portion 2 includes a flexible tube portion 8, a bending portion 7 connected to the distal end of the flexible tube portion 8 and operated to bend, and a distal end provided at the distal end of the bending portion 7 and incorporating various optical elements. And a constituent unit 6.

[0007] A universal cord 4 is connected to the operation unit 3, and a connector 5 connected to a light source device 25 is provided at the end of the universal cord 4. A zoom cable 9 extends from the connector 5, and a zoom connector 10 is provided at an end of the zoom cable 9. A connection cord 11 is connected to the zoom connector 10 as shown in the figure. When the connection cord 11 is not connected, a cap 10a is attached to the zoom connector 10.

The connection cord 11 has a first connector 12 which is detachably connected to the zoom connector 10 at one end, and a second connector which is detachably connected to the zoom control device 14 at the other end. Of the connector 13.
The zoom control device 14 is provided with a speed adjustment knob 15. A connection cord 17 connected to the foot switch 16 and a connection cord 19 connected to a seesaw-type zoom remote control switch 18 attached to the insertion section 2 are detachably connected to the zoom control device. I have.

The connector 5 of the universal cord 4 includes:
A connector 21 provided at one end of the video cable 20 is detachably connected. The other end of the video cable 20 is provided with a connector 22, which is a camera control unit (CCU) 23.
Are detachably connected to. In addition, CCU23
Are displayed on the screen of the monitor 24 shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2, the light source device 25 has a built-in lamp 26 for allowing illumination light to enter a light guide fiber 27 built in the endoscope 1. Although not shown, the light source device 25 includes an air supply source for supplying air to an air supply pipe provided in the insertion section 2 of the endoscope 1, and a light source 25 in the insertion section 2 of the endoscope 1. A water supply source for supplying water to the provided water supply pipeline is built in.

On the other hand, an objective lens system 28 and an image pickup device 29 are incorporated in the distal end component 6 of the endoscope 1 so that a subject can be imaged. In addition, as the imaging device 29, a solid-state imaging device, particularly a charge-coupled device (CCD) is preferable. Therefore, in the following, the image sensor 29 is connected to the CC
Let's talk as D.

The objective lens system 28 has a zoom lens 30. The zoom lens 30 differs from a general zoom lens in that the focus point changes when the magnification is changed. That is, for example, the depth of field is 5 to 100 mm on the wide angle side, and the depth of field is 2 to 5 mm on the enlarged side.
It is.

The image signal of the CCD 29 is transmitted to a preamplifier 31.
Through a video signal processing circuit 32 in the CCU 23. In addition, an actuator 33 for moving the zoom lens 30 back and forth in the optical axis direction is provided in the distal end component 6 of the endoscope 1. The actuator 33 is driven by receiving a drive signal from a drive circuit 34 provided in the zoom control device 14. As shown in detail in FIGS. 3 and 4, the actuator 33 includes, for example, the connecting arm 3 of the zoom lens 30.
5, a moving body 37 connected to the moving body 37 via a connecting member 36, one end of which is fixed to the moving body 37, and mechanically expands and contracts by applying a drive voltage having a predetermined waveform. Only a piezoelectric element (including an electrostrictive element) 38 is provided as an impact force generator that applies an impact force to the moving body 37.

The moving body 37 is a base member (stationary member) fixedly provided on the main body member of the distal end portion 6, specifically, the circular tube 3
9 is held in frictional engagement with the inner surface. Here, the piezoelectric element 38 is configured as a laminated longitudinal effect element type laminated piezoelectric element in which ceramic piezoelectric element portions (piezoelectric layers) are laminated. The piezoelectric element 38 is provided with a drive electrode 38a and a common electrode 38b also serving as another drive electrode. Piezoelectric element 3
8, in addition to the drive electrode 38a and the common electrode 38b,
A feedback electrode (detection electrode) 38c is provided. The feedback electrode 38c is connected to the detection piezoelectric element portion located on the end face 38d side firmly bonded to the moving body 37.

The driving circuit 34 supplies driving power to the driving electrode 38a and the common electrode 38b to thereby control the piezoelectric element 3
The mechanical expansion deformation is caused in each of the piezoelectric layers 8. On the other hand, the common electrode 38b and the feedback electrode 38c detect a voltage corresponding to the strain or stress generated in the piezoelectric layer (piezoelectric element portion) between them, and the detection signal is transmitted to the control circuit 43.
To enter. That is, the feedback electrode 38c constitutes a detection electrode independent of the drive electrode, and constitutes a sensor for detecting an operation state such as an abutting state at the end of the movement stroke of the moving body 37.

The moving body 37 has a circular plate-shaped portion in contact with the inner surface of the circular tube 39, and a plurality of leg portions extending rearward from the outer peripheral portion of the portion and elastically expanding outward. 40. The leg portions 40 are made of an elastic member, and each of the leg portions 40 has a protruding portion 40a that presses against the inner surface of the circular tube 39 at an extending end. The projection 40a presses against the inner surface of the circular tube 39 and is frictionally engaged with the circular tube 39.

FIG. 6 shows a front panel 70 of the control device 14.
Is shown. As shown, the front panel 70 has a power switch 71, a cable connection portion 76 to which the zoom cable 9 (or the connection cord 11) is detachably connected, and a speed setting for setting the moving speed of the actuator 33. A section 72, a mode setting section 73 for setting a drive mode of the actuator 33, and a step movement amount setting section 74 for setting a step movement amount (magnification) of the actuator 33 are provided. The speed setting section 72 is provided with two setting switches 72a and 72b so that different speeds can be set, and each of the switches 72a and 72b is provided with a corresponding LED 75. Also, the mode setting unit 7
3 includes a continuous mode switch 73a for moving the actuator 33 continuously, and a step mode switch 73 for moving the actuator 33 stepwise.
b. Also in this case, each switch 73
The LED 75a is provided for each of a and 73b. Further, the step moving amount setting unit 74 includes:
Three setting switches 74a, 74b, 74c are provided so that different step movement amounts can be set, and each switch 74a, 74b, 74c has an LED 75 corresponding thereto. In this configuration, the speed setting unit 72 can set the speed only when the continuous mode switch of the mode setting unit 73 is turned on. Also, the step moving amount setting unit 74 can set the step moving amount only when the step mode switch of the mode setting unit 73 is turned on. Note that the first setting switch 72a of the speed setting section 72 is a low-speed switch, the second setting switch 72b is a high-speed switch, and the moving speed of the actuator 33 when the low-speed switch 72a is turned on is high-speed switch. 72b is ON
It is set to の of the moving speed at the time of being performed.

FIG. 5 shows a keyboard connected to the CCU 23. With this keyboard, an input operation similar to the input operation that can be performed on the front panel 70 of the control device 14 can be performed. That is, this keyboard is provided with a continuous mode switch 73a for moving the actuator 33 continuously and a step mode switch 73b for moving the actuator 33 stepwise as shown in the figure. Also, three setting switches 74 that can set different step moving amounts
a, 74b, 74c, different speed can be set 2
And two setting switches 72a, 72b.
Further, a key 85, a release switch 80, a freeze switch 81, an enlargement switch 82, a wide-angle switch 83, a scale switch 84, and the like are provided. Various information such as magnification, scale, mode, speed, and step are displayed on the monitor 24.

In order to enable auto zoom (ie, auto focus), a control unit 45 is provided in the CCU 23.
Is built-in. The image signal of the video signal processing circuit 32 is input to the control unit 45. The control unit 45 calculates contrast data from the input image signal, and inputs this data to the control circuit 43. As a result, the control circuit 43 communicates with the actuator 33 via the drive circuit 34.
Is controlled, and the zoom lens 30 is moved to a position where the focus is achieved.

More specifically, when the auto focus control is performed, the control circuit 43 controls the actuator 33 to move the zoom lens 30 so that the image contrast is maximized by, for example, a contrast method (hill climbing method).
To control the drive of. That is, the zoom lens 30 is moved so that the light receiving surface of the CCD 29 is always in focus.
As a result, the image displayed on the monitor 24 is always in focus.

In general, the optical system of the endoscope 1 has a large depth and is easy to focus at a wide angle, but has a small depth at a wide angle and is difficult to focus. Therefore, the auto focus may be automatically set only at the time of enlargement, and the auto focus may be turned off at other times. By doing so, the durability of the actuator 33 is improved.

The operation unit 3 of the endoscope 1 is provided with an image processing switch 50 having a freeze switch 50a for obtaining a still image and a release switch 50b for recording an image. This switch 50 is connected to the control unit 4
5 is electrically connected.

When the actuator 33 is driven, an electric signal accompanying the driving is sent from the control circuit 43 to the control unit 45.
(The control by the control circuit 43 in this case is shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7). The control unit 45
The control circuit 4 determines that the actuator 33 is being driven.
3, the image processing is prohibited even if an input signal is received from the freeze switch 50a or the release switch 50b. That is, only when the driving of the actuator 33 is stopped, the image processing accompanying the input signal from the freeze switch 50a or the release switch 50b is permitted. In this case, the control unit 4
The control according to 5 is shown in the flowchart of FIG.

In the endoscope system according to the present embodiment,
The foot switch 16 enables manual zooming (that is, manual focusing). That is,
The foot switch 16 includes an enlargement (T) switch section 16a and a wide-angle (W) switch section 16b. When each of the switch sections 16a and 16b is selectively operated, the actuator 33 is driven, and the objective lens system is driven. 28 zoom lens 30 is moved forward or backward in the optical axis direction according to the selected switch operation, and a predetermined zoom is performed. An output signal from the foot switch 16 in response to the operation of each of the switch sections 16a and 16b is input to the control circuit 43 via the photocoupler 44. Therefore, the foot switch 16 side and the control circuit 43 side are electrically insulated.

In the endoscope system according to the present embodiment,
Manual zooming is also possible with the remote control switch 18. That is, the remote control switch 18 is of a seesaw type, and includes an enlarged (T) switch portion 18a forming one peak portion and a wide-angle (W) switch portion 18b forming the other peak portion. When each of the switches 18a and 18b is selectively operated, an output signal from the remote control switch 18 accompanying the operation of each of the switches 18a and 18b is directly input to the control circuit 43. As a result, the actuator 33 is driven, and the zoom lens 30 of the objective lens system 28 is moved forward or backward in the optical axis direction according to the selected switch operation, and a predetermined zoom is performed. Note that this remote control switch 18
Are provided with the same switches as those on the front panel 70 so that the same operations as those on the front panel 70 can be performed.

Further, in the endoscope system according to the present embodiment, manual zoom can be performed by the zoom switch 42. The zoom switch 42 is configured as an operation lever as shown in FIG. 9, and is provided on the operation unit 3 of the endoscope 1. As illustrated, a bending operation knob 51 for bending the bending section 7 of the insertion section 2 is provided on the operation section 3.
It is rotatably provided with a clearance that does not cause operation interference with the zoom switch 42. The zoom switch 42 rotates between a first switching position (ON position) A and a second switching position (ON position) B around a rotation shaft 52 of the bending operation knob 51, and moves the actuator 33. The direction of movement of the zoom lens 30 via is switched. That is, when the zoom switch 42 is switched to the first or second switching position A (B), an output signal accompanying the switching is directly input to the control circuit 43. by this,
The actuator 33 is driven, and the zoom lens 30 of the objective lens system 28 is moved forward or backward in the optical axis direction according to the selected switch operation, and a predetermined zoom is performed. In the present embodiment, when the zoom switch 42 is located at the first switching position A, the zoom lens 30 is moved in the wide-angle direction, which is a normal observation state of the endoscope 1. When the zoom switch 42 is located at the second switching position B, the zoom lens 30 is moved in the enlargement side that is the special observation side. Note that a neutral position (OFF position) C where the movement of the zoom lens 30 is stopped is provided between the first switching position A and the second switching position B. Also, at the protruding end of the zoom switch 42,
A finger pad 42a is formed.

A plurality of finger pads are formed on the outer peripheral edge of the bending operation knob 51 which is provided so as to be rotatable about 360 degrees. The finger contact portion 51a located at a portion protruding from the side wall of the portion 3 is used as an operation portion at the time of the bending operation. In the case of the present embodiment, the first switching position A of the zoom switch 42 is a portion 51 where the bending operation knob 51 is operated.
a from the second switching position B. More specifically, the first and second switching positions a and b are aligned with an axis 5 passing through the rotation axis 52 and orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the operation unit 3.
6 is located closer to the insertion section 2 than (see (b) of FIG. 9).
In this case, the first switching position A is set on the B direction side, and the second switching position B is set on the A direction side. Also,
When the first and second switching positions A and B are located on the opposite side of the insertion section 2 with respect to the axis 56 (in the case of FIG. 9A), the first switching position A is Set to the A direction side,
The second switching position B is set on the B direction side. Here, the directions A and B refer to the operation portion 51a of the bending operation knob 51.
Indicates the direction of movement of the finger of the operator's hand that operates the operation part 51. When the finger applied to the operation part 51a is moved in the direction A, the bending operation knob 51 is rotated clockwise in the drawing, and the operation part When the finger applied to 51a is moved in the direction B, the bending operation knob 51 is rotated counterclockwise in the figure.

As described above, in the zoom switch 42 of the endoscope 1 of the present embodiment, the first switching position A for moving the zoom lens 30 in the normal observation side direction, that is, in the wide angle direction, is the bending operation knob 51. Is farther than the second switching position B from the part 51a to be operated. Therefore, when the bending operation knob 51 is operated, the finger is accidentally
Even if the user touches the button 2 and operates it, the operation direction is the wide-angle direction, that is, the normal observation direction, so that the observation target is not lost. Further, since the zoom switch 42 and the bending operation knob 51 are located close to each other with a clearance that does not cause mutual operation interference, the operation members 42 with good operability by fingers of the hand holding the operation unit 3 are used. , 51 can be operated.

In the present embodiment, the control unit 45
When the control circuit 43 recognizes that the actuator 33 is being driven, it inhibits the image processing accompanying the input signal from the freeze switch 50a or the release switch 50b. That is, only when the driving of the actuator 33 is stopped, the image processing accompanying the input signal from the freeze switch 50a or the release switch 50b is permitted. Conventionally, at the moment when an image is recorded, if the autofocus operates and the objective lens moves, the recorded image becomes a blurred image. As described above, this is because the cooperative operation between the CCU 23 and the zoom control device 14 is not successful. However, if the information on the operation of the actuator 33 is exchanged between the CCU 23 and the control device 14 as in the present embodiment, the above-described disadvantage is solved.

In this embodiment, the zoom switch 4
2 and various setting switches may be controlled by voice input. In this case, the voice recognition means is C
It is provided in the CU 23 or the control device 14. Further, in the present embodiment, a plurality of images may be frozen while the zoom switch 42 is pressed to perform the predetermined amount of zooming, and the image with the least blur may be displayed on the monitor 24. Further, a plurality of images may be stored while the zoom switch 42 is pressed to perform a predetermined amount of zooming, and the stored images may be displayed on the monitor 24. In this embodiment, the remote control switch 18 may be provided with an LED. Further, a magnification display device may be provided near the monitor 24.

In this embodiment, the state of the endoscope 1 may be detected by using the remaining pins of the connector. That is, usually, a connector is provided with a plurality of pins without assigning functions so that functions can be added in advance. Performance information such as the speed of the actuator 33 may be detected using the unassigned pins.

In this embodiment, the actuator 3
A circuit (circuit for detecting conduction / non-conduction of electricity) for examining the failure of the third device may be provided in the zoom control device 14.
In the present embodiment, the amount of illumination light of the endoscope 1 may be increased during zooming. For example, the light amount may be automatically increased when the enlargement switch is pressed. Further, the cable for the CCD 29 and the cable for the actuator 33 may be integrated. Further, the CCU 23 and the control device 14 may be integrated.

FIG. 10 shows a first modification of the zoom switch 42 in the embodiment described above. In the above-described embodiment, the finger rest 4 is attached to the end of the zoom switch 42.
2a is formed, but in this modification, the finger rest 4
2a is detachably attached to the switch lever main body 42b via the screw 60. The remaining configuration, that is, the positional relationship between the switching positions A and B of the zoom switch 42 and the bending operation knob 51 is the same as that of the above-described embodiment.

FIG. 11 shows a second modification of the zoom switch 42 in the embodiment described above. In the above-described embodiment, the length of the zoom switch 42 is formed to be longer than the outermost diameter of the bending operation knob 51, and the end of the zoom switch 42 projects outward in the radial direction of the bending operation knob 51. In this modification, the end of the zoom switch 42 is housed inside the bending operation knob 51. That is,
The movement locus s of the end of the finger contact portion 51a of the bending operation knob 51
The end of the zoom switch 42 is located inside the box. The remaining configuration, that is, the positional relationship between the switching positions A and B of the zoom switch 42 and the bending operation knob 51 is the same as that of the above-described embodiment.

According to such a configuration, erroneous operation of the zoom switch 42 can be further prevented than in the above-described embodiment. FIG. 12 shows a third modification of the zoom switch 42 in the embodiment described above. In this modification, the finger rest 42 a of the zoom switch 42 is
Is located inside the movement locus g. It should be noted that the other configuration, that is, the switching position A of the zoom switch 42,
The positional relationship of (b) with respect to the bending operation knob 51 is the same as in the above-described embodiment.

According to such a configuration, erroneous operation of the zoom switch 42 can be prevented more than in the above-described embodiment. FIG. 13 shows a fourth modification of the zoom switch 42 in the above-described embodiment. Also in the present modified example, the zoom switch 42 is rotatable around a rotation shaft 52 of the bending operation knob 51 as indicated by an arrow X in the drawing. The bending operation knob 51 includes a UD knob 51a for bending the bending portion 7 in the vertical direction and an RL knob 51b for bending the bending portion 7 in the left and right direction.

The zoom switch 42 can move along the rotation axis 52 as shown by the arrow Y in the figure. In this case, a ring portion 68 is formed at a position of the zoom switch 42 disposed in the operation unit 3, and when the zoom switch 42 moves along the rotation axis 52, the ring portion 68 is moved to a zoom operable position. And between a zoom operation disabled position.

More specifically, an enlargement switch section (when this switch is turned on,
The zoom lens 30 is moved in the enlargement side direction) 62;
A wide-angle switch unit (when this switch is turned on, the zoom lens 30 is moved toward the wide angle side) 63 and a zoom permission switch unit (when this switch is turned on, an actuator 33 that moves the zoom lens 30 is connected to the 64 (which enables transmission of a drive signal) is fixed to the first stopper surface 67a of the main body member of the operation unit 3. Further, a switch operation portion 68a is formed on the ring portion 68 so as to protrude in the radial direction. The zoom switch 42 is constantly urged by an urging spring 65 to a zoom-inoperable position where it comes into contact with a second stopper surface 67b formed on the main body member of the operation unit 3.

Therefore, when the zoom switch 42 is moved along the rotating shaft 52 against the urging force of the urging spring 65 and the ring portion 68 abuts against the stopper surface 67a (zoom operable position), FIG. As shown in (b), the switch operation section 68a of the ring section 68 is
2 and the wide-angle switch unit 63. At this time,
The zoom permission switch section 64 is turned on by the ring section 68
Is done. In this state, the zoom switch 42 (the ring unit 6)
When 8) is rotated in one direction (clockwise in FIG. 13B) about the rotation shaft 52, the enlargement switch unit 62 is turned on by the switch operation unit 68a, and the zoom lens is 30 is moved in the enlargement side direction. When the zoom switch 42 (ring unit 68) is rotated in the other direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 13B) about the rotation shaft 52, the wide-angle switch unit 63 is turned on by the switch operation unit 68a. Thus, the zoom lens 30 is moved in the wide angle direction via the actuator 33. In FIG. 13A, reference numeral 61 denotes a release switch. FIG. 14 shows a circuit showing an electrical connection between the switch units 62, 63, and 64.

According to such a configuration, the zoom operation cannot be performed unless the zoom switch 42 is pushed in against the urging force of the spring 65. Therefore, the zoom switch 42 is erroneously operated during the operation of the bending operation knob 51. I won't.

FIG. 15 shows a first modification of the foot switch 16 in the embodiment described above. The foot switch 16 according to this modification has a step board 94 and a switch operation lever 95 extending from the step board 94. The switch operation lever 95 extends into the housing 97 and can rotate around a rotation shaft 90 fixed to the housing 97. In the housing 97,
Zoom up switch (When this switch is turned on,
The zoom lens 30 is moved in the enlargement side direction) 91;
Zoom down switch (When this switch is turned on,
The zoom lens 30 is moved in the wide angle direction) 92;
A release switch (when this switch is turned ON, an endoscope image is recorded) 93 is provided. The switch operating lever 95 is urged by an urging spring 96 in a direction to protrude from the housing 97.
The operation end of the housing 97 is located between the zoom-up switch 91 and the zoom-down switch 92, and is separated from the release switch 93 by a predetermined distance.

In the foot switch 16 having such a configuration, when the left side portion of the tread plate 94 in the figure is depressed,
The switch operation lever 95 is rotated counterclockwise in the figure,
The zoom-down switch 92 is turned on by the operation end of the switch operation lever 95. Therefore, the zoom lens 30 is moved to the wide angle side via the actuator 33. When the center of the step board 94 is depressed,
The switch operating lever 95 is pushed downward against the urging force of the spring 96, and the release switch 93 is turned on by the operating end of the switch operating lever 95. Therefore, an endoscope image is recorded via the control device 14 and the CCU 23. Further, when the right side portion of the tread plate 94 in the figure is depressed, the switch operation lever 95 is rotated clockwise in the figure, and the zoom up switch 91 is turned on by the operation end of the switch operation lever 95. Therefore, the zoom lens 30 is moved in the enlargement direction via the actuator 33.

According to the foot switch 16 having such a configuration, the zoom operation and the release operation can be performed with one switch 16, and it is not necessary to move the viewpoint with various operations, so that the operability is improved. I do.

FIG. 16 shows a second modification of the foot switch 16 in the embodiment described above. The foot switch 16 according to this modification includes a housing 100 having a concave cross section having side walls 100a and 100b that cover an operator's foot F on both sides, and both side walls of the housing 100 so as to face both sides of the foot F. First and second touch switch units 101 arranged on inner surfaces of 100a and 100b,
102 and the housing 100 so as to face the sole of the foot F.
And a foot switch section 103 arranged on the bottom surface 100c of the camera. In this case, the first touch switch unit 101 functions as an enlargement switch, and the second touch switch unit 1
02 functions as a wide-angle switch. Further, the foot switch section 103 functions as a release switch. In such a configuration, the first and second touch switch units 101 and 10 are moved by swinging the foot F left and right with the heel as a fulcrum.
2 can be turned on, and the foot switch 103
Switch 103 is turned on by stepping on
N, the same effects as in the first modification can be obtained.

FIG. 17 shows a third modification of the foot switch 16 in the embodiment described above. The foot switch 16 according to this modification has three switches 101, 102, and 103 partitioned by a partition wall 109, as shown in FIG. In this case, 101 is an enlargement switch, 102 is a wide-angle switch, and 103 is a release switch. Further, the foot switch 16 is mounted on the inclined spacer 108 which is a separate member,
Each of the switches 101, 102, and 103 can be directed obliquely upward with respect to the floor 107 (see FIG. 17B). Then, each switch 101,
As shown in FIG. 17C, the members 102 and 103 do not operate unless they are depressed perpendicularly to the upper surface thereof. That is, the switches 101, 102,
As shown in FIG. 17D, the 103 does not operate when it is stepped on obliquely with respect to the upper surface.

The foot switch 16 having such a configuration is
As shown in FIG. 17B, the operation is performed by depressing each of the switches 101, 102, and 103 with the foot F vertically with respect to the upper surface thereof with the heel as a fulcrum. Since each switch is partitioned by the partition wall 109, erroneous pressing of the switches can be prevented.

FIG. 18 shows a modification of the endoscope 1 in the embodiment described above. In the endoscope 1 of the above-described embodiment, the zoom lens 30 is moved by the actuator 33. In the endoscope 1A of the present modification, the zoom lens 30 is moved by a manual operation via a wire.

That is, the driving mechanism for moving the zoom lens 30 includes a wire 130 having one end connected to the zoom lens 30 and a pulling mechanism 131 for pushing and pulling the wire 130. The wire 130 is inserted through a wire insertion channel 129 that is provided over substantially the entire length of the insertion section 2.

The pulling mechanism 131 includes a casing 132 fixedly supported in the operation section 3 and one wire 30 along the guide groove 132 a formed in the casing 132, the other end of the wire 130 being connected and fixed. A sliding member 133 that is slidable in the axial direction, a link member 135 that is disposed in the operating section 3 and one end of which is rotatably connected to the sliding member 133 via a support shaft 134; And a zoom switch 42 that is rotatably attached to the other end of the link member 135 via a support shaft 136 and that is rotatable about a rotation shaft 52 of the bending operation knob 51. doing. Zoom switch 42
Has another end protruding outside from the operation unit 3, and a finger contact member 42a is attached to the protruding end.

The casing 132 has a washing water supply passage 132b communicating with the watertight space S. The passage 132b projects outside the operation unit 3 and is open. In addition, in order to secure the watertightness of the space S in the casing 132, the passage 132 projecting outside the operation unit 3
A cap 139 is removably attached to the open end of b.

Therefore, in such a configuration, the user touches the finger contact member 42a with the finger to turn the zoom switch 42 on the rotating shaft 5a.
2, the slide member 133 is connected to the guide groove 132 of the casing 132 via the link member 135.
The wire 130 slides along a, and the wire 130 connected to the slide member 135 is pushed and pulled. by this,
The zoom lens 30 connected to the wire 130 is moved along the optical axis direction of the objective optical system 28 to change the observation magnification (magnification) of the objective optical system 28 and perform focus / zoom. The positional relationship between the switching positions A and B of the zoom switch 42 with respect to the bending operation knob 51 is the same as that of the above-described embodiment.

According to the technical contents described above, various configurations as described below can be obtained. 1. An endoscope having an insertion section and an operation section, wherein the bending section of the insertion section is bent by rotating a bending operation knob provided on the operation section; and an endoscope provided in the insertion section of the endoscope. An actuator that is driven by deformation of the piezoelectric element to move a lens of an objective optical system of an endoscope, and a control device that is electrically connected to the endoscope and outputs a drive signal for driving the actuator to drive the actuator. And a changeover switch provided on the operation unit of the endoscope adjacent to the bending operation knob, for switching a moving direction of the optical lens,
The changeover switch is rotated between a first switching position in which the optical lens is normally moved in the observation side direction and a second switching position in which the optical lens is moved in the special observation side direction. The endoscope system is characterized in that the switching position of (1) is further away from the portion where the bending operation knob is operated than the second switching position.

2. 2. The endoscope system according to claim 1, wherein the normal observation is a wide-angle observation. 3. 2. The endoscope system according to claim 1, wherein the special observation is a magnified observation that is larger than a normal observation. 4. 2. The endoscope system according to claim 1, wherein the normal observation is a direct observation.

5. 2. The endoscope system according to claim 1, wherein the changeover switch is an operation lever provided near the bending operation knob. 6. 6. The endoscope system according to claim 5, wherein a finger rest is provided at an end of the operation lever. 7. When the finger contact portion of the operation lever is located on the side opposite to the endoscope insertion portion side with respect to the rotation center of the bending operation knob with respect to the longitudinal axis of the operation portion, the first switching position is set to the inside position. 6. The endoscope system according to claim 5, wherein the endoscope system is located on a side opposite to the endoscope insertion section side.

8. When the finger contact portion of the operation lever is located closer to the endoscope insertion portion than the rotation center of the bending operation knob with respect to the longitudinal axis of the operation portion, the first switching position is the endoscope insertion position. 6. The endoscope system according to claim 5, wherein the endoscope system is located on the side of the head. 9. 7. The endoscope system according to claim 6, wherein the finger rest is lower than the outermost periphery of the moving range of the bending operation knob. 10. 7. The endoscope system according to claim 6, wherein the finger rest is lower than the innermost circumference of the moving range of the finger placed on the bending operation knob.

11. 7. The endoscope system according to claim 6, wherein the finger contact portion is lower than the operation portion side wall. 12. The sixth aspect, in which the finger rest is made detachable.
An endoscope system according to the paragraph. 13. Item 1 to Item 12 wherein the lens of the objective optical system is moved manually, not by an actuator.
An endoscope system according to any one of the above items.

14. In an endoscope having a switch for instructing movement of an objective lens in a wide-angle direction and an enlargement direction, a permission switch for permitting a movement operation of the objective lens and a changeover switch for instructing a switch between a wide-angle direction and an enlargement direction are provided. An endoscope wherein the switch can be operated by one operation member. 15. 15. The endoscope according to claim 14, wherein the operating member is movable between a first position where the changeover switch can be operated and a second position where the changeover switch cannot be operated. mirror.

16. Item 16. The endoscope according to item 14 or 15, wherein the operation member is an operation lever. 17． 16. The endoscope according to claim 14, wherein the operation direction of the permission switch by the operation member is different from the operation direction of the changeover switch. 18. In order to record an electronic image in an endoscope having a foot switch for instructing movement of the objective lens in a wide angle direction and an enlargement direction, and an imaging device for photoelectrically converting an optical image obtained by the objective lens to obtain an electronic image. An endoscope characterized in that the switch is provided on a foot switch.

19. 19. The endoscope according to claim 18, wherein the switch for recording the electronic image is a freeze switch and / or a release switch. 20. An endoscope having an actuator in the insertion section, an actuator control device for driving and controlling the actuator, and an imaging unit that performs one of magnification, zoom, and focus by reciprocating the optical lens in the insertion section by the actuator. In an endoscope apparatus having a video processor that forms an image and converts a signal obtained from an imaging unit into a video signal, an information communication unit that communicates information between the actuator control device and the video processor is provided. An endoscope apparatus characterized in that:

21. 21. The endoscope device according to claim 20, wherein the information communicated between the actuator control device and the video processor is a freeze or release signal. 22. 21. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the information communicated between the actuator control device and the video processor is a scaling, zoom, and focus execution signal. 23. 21. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the information communicated between the actuator control device and the video processor is a signal of a magnification.

24. A zoom mode switchable with a video processor keyboard;
An endoscope apparatus according to item 0. 25. The twentieth aspect is characterized in that the speed of the actuator can be switched with a keyboard of a video processor.
An endoscope apparatus according to the item. 26. 21. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 20, wherein a step movement amount of the actuator can be switched by a keyboard of the video processor.

27. 21. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 20, wherein information of the actuator control device is displayed on an image display monitor of a video processor. 28. 28. The endoscope apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the information is an observation magnification, a scale, a mode, a speed, and a step.

[0063]

As described above, according to the endoscope system of the present invention, it is possible to prevent erroneous operation of a switch provided in the operation unit while ensuring good operability.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an endoscope system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a circuit configuration diagram of the endoscope system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a piezoelectric actuator incorporated in the endoscope.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a piezoelectric element constituting the piezoelectric actuator of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a front view of a keyboard connected to the CCU.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a front panel of the control device.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a control program of the control device.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a control program of the CCU.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of an endoscope operation unit.

FIG. 10 is a side view according to a first modification of the zoom switch.

FIG. 11 is a plan view according to a second modification of the zoom switch.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram according to a third modification of the zoom switch.

FIG. 13 is a schematic sectional view of an endoscope operation unit provided with a zoom switch according to a fourth modification.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a part of an electric circuit of the zoom switch of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a side sectional view according to a first modification of the foot switch.

FIG. 16A is a cross-sectional view according to a second modification of the foot switch, and FIG. 16B is a plan view of the foot switch of FIG.

17A is a plan view according to a third modification of the foot switch, FIG. 17B is a side view in the A direction of FIG. 17A, and FIG. 17C illustrates a stepping direction necessary for operation of the foot switch. FIG. 7D is a diagram for explaining the stepping direction in which the operation of the foot switch becomes the ぅ.

FIG. 18 is an internal configuration diagram according to a modified example of the endoscope.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Endoscope 14 ... Control device 33 ... Actuator 42 ... Zoom switch (selection switch) 51 ... Bending operation knob

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. An endoscope having an insertion section and an operation section, wherein a bending operation knob provided on the operation section is operated to rotate to bend the bending section of the insertion section. An actuator for moving a lens of the objective optical system provided on the distal end side of the insertion portion, and a switching device provided on the operation portion adjacent to the bending operation knob for switching a moving direction of the lens via the actuator. And a switch, which is operated to rotate between a first switching position in which the lens is normally moved in the observation side direction and a second switching position in which the lens is moved in the special observation side direction. An endoscope, wherein the first switching position is farther from the position where the bending operation knob is operated than the second switching position.