JP2008093271A - manipulator - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a manipulator that matches an operator's sense and has high operability.
A manipulator includes an operation command unit that is manually gripped, a composite input unit that is provided in the operation command unit and is operated by a finger, a connecting shaft extending from the operation unit, And a working portion 12 provided at the tip of the connecting shaft 48. The composite input unit 34 includes a shuttle ring 100 that drives a roll rotation mechanism and a pad 132 that drives a yaw rotation mechanism. The clockwise and counterclockwise rotation operations of the shuttle ring 100 are detected by a first rotation detection pressure sensor and a second rotation detection pressure sensor. The first pressure sensor for rotation detection and the second pressure sensor for rotation detection are in positions where the amount of rotation operation is not detected within a predetermined dead zone with respect to the operation of the shuttle ring 100 based on the neutral position. Has been placed.
[Selection] Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a manipulator having an operation unit that is gripped by a hand, a connecting unit that extends from the operating unit, and a working unit that is provided at the distal end of the connecting unit and rotates based on the operation of the operating unit. .

  In endoscopic surgery (also called laparoscopic surgery), a forceps device that has a shaft after opening a plurality of holes in the body surface and inserting a trocar (tubular device) as a passing port of the device The distal part of this is inserted into a body cavity through a trocar and the affected part is operated. A gripper, a scissors, an electric scalpel blade, and the like are attached to the distal end portion of the forceps device as a working portion.

  Endoscopic surgery using a forceps device requires a certain amount of training since the inside of a body cavity, which is a work space, is narrow and the forceps device is operated using a trocar as a fulcrum. In addition, since the forceps that have been used in the past do not have a joint at the tip working portion, the degree of freedom is small, and the tip working portion can only operate on an extension line of the shaft. Therefore, there are limits to the cases that can be carried out by normal training, and a considerably high level of training and proficiency is required to apply to various other cases.

  From such a viewpoint, a forceps having a plurality of joints in a working unit has been developed by improving a conventional forceps device (see, for example, cited document 1). With such forceps (or manipulator), there are no restrictions or inconveniences as in conventional forceps devices, the procedure is easy, and the number of applicable cases increases.

  In addition, an endoscopic surgical system in which robot technology is introduced to a working unit having a plurality of joints has been developed. In other words, the master / slave remote control system developed in the industrial robot field is applied, and the operator (doctor) is placed in a work station (master console) installed away from the surgical bed where the patient is laid. Surgery is performed by sitting and watching the monitor and manipulating the operating handle. A robot arm (slave manipulator) to which a forceps device is attached is set on the surgical bed, and the shaft of the lever device is inserted into the body cavity from the trocar. When the operator moves the operation handle, the movement is converted into an electrical signal, and the distal end working portion of the forceps instrument that has reached the affected area via the computer is moved.

  Since the tip working unit is provided with a plurality of joints, the lead child instrument can move with a high degree of freedom reflecting the movement of the wrist of the operator. Further, since the operation of the robot arm enables positioning of the distal end portion of the forceps device in the body cavity with the operation handle, the restriction on the degree of freedom by using the trocar as a fulcrum is reduced.

JP 2002-102248 A

  It has been pointed out that there are the following problems in surgery using a master / slave robot. That is: Since the positioning and fixing of the slave manipulator composed of robot arms is necessary in advance, it takes time to prepare for the operation. 2. For the same reason, it is necessary to determine the position of the robot arm for each case before the operation, which increases the work load in creating the surgical protocol and is not applicable to some cases. 3. If an unexpected situation occurs during surgery and it is necessary to move to an arthroplasty or laparotomy, it may take time to remove the robot arm, resulting in longer surgical time and greater patient invasion. is there. 4). The apparatus is complicated and large, and the cost is high.

  From this point of view, a manipulator that can be applied to various cases and can be easily operated without further relying on the master / slave system, further improving the forceps itself, making the tip working part compact and increasing the degree of freedom. Development is in progress.

  In the development of manipulators, it is important not only to develop advanced working parts but also to develop corresponding operating means, and improvement in operability is desired. From such a viewpoint, the operation means may be configured to be operated in the forward / reverse direction from the neutral position corresponding to the forward / reverse operation of the distal end working unit. Thereby, the surgeon can sensuously understand the correspondence between the input means and the operation unit, and the proficiency is improved and the operability is improved.

  By the way, when the operation unit is stopped without being operated, it is released from the input unit and is held in the neutral position. If the neutral holding state of the input unit is slightly shifted, the operation unit Will continue to operate at low speed in either the forward or reverse direction. Even when the neutral state is completely maintained, if the operation unit reacts with a slight touch on the input unit, the response sensitivity is too high for the operator and the operability is poor. You may feel that.

  The present invention has been made in consideration of such problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a manipulator that matches the operator's feeling and has high operability.

  A manipulator according to the present invention includes an operation unit including a grip handle gripped by a hand, an input unit provided in the operation unit and operated in a forward / reverse direction from a neutral position, and an operation of the input unit in a forward direction. A first detection unit for detecting an amount; a second detection unit for detecting an operation amount in the reverse direction of the input unit; a connection unit extending from the operation unit; and a tip of the connection unit, A working unit operable in forward and reverse directions based on detection signals of the first detection unit and the second detection unit, wherein the first detection unit and the second detection unit are configured to operate the input unit. On the other hand, it is arranged at a position where an operation amount is not detected within a predetermined dead zone with respect to the neutral position.

  In this way, by arranging the first detection unit and the second detection unit so that the dead zone is obtained with respect to the operation of the input unit with reference to the neutral position, there is play, and the operation unit Can be prevented from moving unnecessarily, or the operating unit can be prevented from reacting excessively by touching the input unit slightly, and high operability can be obtained. In addition, when the input unit is operated in the forward / reverse direction with the neutral position as a reference, the operation unit operates in the forward / reverse direction so as to correspond, so that operability suitable for the operator's sense can be obtained.

  Here, the operation amount has a broad meaning including not only the displacement amount of the input unit but also the pressing amount.

  In this case, the working unit includes a rotation mechanism that can rotate around an axis in the extending direction of the distal end portion based on an operation of the input unit, and the input unit drives the rotation mechanism with a drive command. The first detection unit and the second detection unit are positions where the rotation member does not detect any range of ± 1 ° to ± 8 ° as a dead zone based on a neutral position. If it is arrange | positioned, higher operativity will be acquired.

  The working unit includes a pivot shaft that can rotate in a non-parallel manner with an axis extending from the proximal end side to the distal end side of the connecting portion, and the input unit gives a drive command to the pivot shaft. Therefore, the first and second detection units are tilted in the left and right push-in direction, and the first detection unit and the second detection unit are opposed to the left and right portions of the end surface of the tilting member with a gap therebetween. When the distance between the first detection unit and the second detection unit is set to any of 2 to 8 mm, higher operability can be obtained. In addition, since the first detection unit and the second detection unit are separated from each other, the operation unit is not inadvertently operated when the input unit is pushed down without being tilted.

  Furthermore, the working unit includes a first rotating shaft and a second rotating shaft, and the input unit tilts in a left-right pushing direction in order to give a drive command to the first rotating shaft, In order to give a drive command to the second rotation shaft, the member is tilted in the vertical push-in direction, and the set of the first detection unit and the second detection unit is arranged on the left and right sides of the input unit. Two sets for detecting a tilt in the direction and a tilt in the vertical direction, and a first set provided at a position facing the left and right parts of the end face of the tilting member across a gap, You may comprise so that it may consist of a 2nd set provided in the position which opposes on both sides of a clearance gap between the upper part and the lower part.

  According to the manipulator according to the present invention, there is play by arranging the first detection unit and the second detection unit so that a dead zone is obtained with respect to the operation of the input unit with reference to the neutral position. Thus, it is possible to prevent the operation unit from moving unnecessarily, or the operation unit from excessively reacting only by slightly touching the input unit, thereby obtaining high operability. In addition, when the input unit is operated in the forward / reverse direction with the neutral position as a reference, the operation unit operates in the forward / reverse direction so as to correspond, so that operability suitable for the operator's sense can be obtained.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the manipulator according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The manipulator 10 according to this embodiment (see FIG. 1, for medical use, used for endoscopic surgery, etc.).

  The manipulator 10 is for holding a part of a living body or a curved needle or the like on the working unit 12 at the tip to perform a predetermined treatment, and is usually also called a grasping forceps or a needle driver (needle holder).

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the manipulator 10 includes an operation command unit (operation unit) 14 at a proximal end that is gripped and operated by a human hand, a working unit 12 that performs work at a distal end, and these working units. 12 and a long connecting part 16 that connects the operation command part 14. The working unit 12 and the connecting unit 16 are configured to have a small diameter, and can be inserted into a body cavity 22 from a cylindrical trocar 20 provided in a patient's abdomen or the like. Various procedures such as excision of the affected area, grasping, suturing and ligation can be performed.

  In the following description, the width direction in FIGS. 1 and 2 is defined as the X direction, the height direction is defined as the Y direction, and the extending direction of the connecting portion 16 is defined as the Z direction. Further, the right side is defined as the X1 direction, the left side as the X2 direction, the upward direction as the Y1 direction, the downward direction as the Y2 direction, the forward direction as the Z1 direction, and the backward direction as the Z2 direction. Further, unless otherwise specified, the description of these directions is based on the case where the manipulator 10 is in a neutral posture. The definition of these directions is for convenience of explanation, and it is needless to say that the manipulator 10 can be used in an arbitrary direction (for example, upside down).

  The operation command unit 14 includes a grip handle 26 that is gripped by a hand, a bridge 28 that extends from an upper portion of the grip handle 26, and an actuator block 30 that is connected to the tip of the bridge 28. The lower end portion of the grip handle 26 may be connected to the lower end portion of the actuator block 30.

  The grip handle 26 extends from the end of the bridge 28 in the Y2 direction, has a length suitable for being gripped by a hand, a trigger lever 32 as an input means, a composite input unit 34, Have The trigger lever 32 is a lever that slightly protrudes in the Z1 direction slightly below the bridge 28, and is provided at a position where it can be easily pulled by the index finger.

  The composite input unit 34 is a composite input unit that gives rotation commands in the roll direction (axial rotation direction) and yaw direction (left-right direction) to the working unit 12. The composite input section 34 is circular in a front view (see FIG. 13), and is provided on the flat portion 39 of the connection portion between the upper end of the grip handle 26 and the bridge 28. As is apparent from FIG. It is placed in a position where it can be easily operated.

  The flat surface portion 39 has a substantially annular shape with a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the composite input portion 34. When the composite input portion 34 is not operated, a thumb is put on the grip handle 26 without touching the composite input portion 34. It can be held securely. The normal portions of the flat surface portion 39 and the surface portion of the composite input portion 34 are oriented in a substantially intermediate direction between the Z2 direction and the Y1 direction, and the abdomen T of the thumb can be naturally applied. Here, the abdominal part T refers to a part on the palm side of the part ahead of the first joint (the most distal joint) of the thumb. The detailed configuration of the composite input unit 34 will be described later.

  In the actuator block 30, a motor 40, a motor 42, and a motor 44 are provided in parallel along the extending direction of the connecting portion 16 corresponding to the mechanism of three degrees of freedom that the working unit 12 has. These motors 40, 42 and 44 are small and have a small diameter, and the actuator block 30 is configured in a compact flat shape. The actuator block 30 is provided below the end of the operation command unit 14 in the Z1 direction. The motors 40, 42 and 44 rotate under the action of the controller 45 based on the operation of the operation command unit 14.

  The controller 45 electrically controls the manipulator 10 and is connected to the connector at the lower end of the grip handle 26 by a cable 45a.

  The connecting portion 16 includes a connecting portion 46 connected to the actuator block 30 and a hollow connecting shaft 48 extending from the connecting portion 46 in the Z1 direction. The connecting portion 46 is rotatably provided with a driving pulley 50a, a driving pulley 50b, and a driving pulley 50c that are connected to driving shafts of the motors 40, 42, and 44. Wires 53 and 52, a wire 53 and a wire 54 are wound around the drive pulley 50a, the drive pulley 50b, and the drive pulley 50c, and pass through the hollow portion 48a (see FIG. 3) of the connecting shaft 48 to the working unit 12. It is extended. The wire 52, the wire 54, and the wire 56 may be of the same type and the same diameter.

  The connecting portion 16 can be detached from the operation commanding portion 14 by a predetermined operation at the connecting portion 46, and can perform cleaning, sterilization, maintenance, and the like. Moreover, the part ahead from the connection part 46 is exchangeable, and the thing from which the length of the connection part 16 differs or the mechanism of the working part 12 differs according to a procedure can be mounted | worn.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the working unit 12 has a first degree of freedom mechanism (tilting mechanism, pivot shaft) in which a portion beyond the first rotating shaft Oy in the Y direction rotates in the yaw direction. A second degree-of-freedom mechanism (roll rotation mechanism) that rotates in the roll direction around the second rotation axis Or, and a first gripper (opening / closing mechanism) 59 that opens and closes the third rotation axis Og as the center. The mechanism has a total of three degrees of freedom having three degrees of freedom.

  The first rotation axis Oy, which is a mechanism having the first degree of freedom, may be set so as to be rotatable in a non-parallel manner with the axis C extending from the proximal end side to the distal end side of the connecting portion 16. The second rotation axis Or, which is a mechanism of the second degree of freedom, is a rotation mechanism that can rotate around the axis of the working portion 12 in the extending direction of the tip end portion (that is, the gripper 59), and the tip end portion is set to be rotatable. Good.

  The working unit 12 is driven by the wire 52, the wire 53, and the wire 54, and the wires 52, 53, and 54 are respectively wound around the corresponding cylinders 60c, 60b, and 60a.

  In the working unit 12, the gear 55 rotates under the action of the wires 52 and 54, and the tip portion can be rotated in the roll direction by rotating a face gear (not shown). Further, the gear 51 rotates under the action of the wire 54, and the gripper 59 can be opened and closed via the face gear 57 and the gear 58. Furthermore, the tip can be rotated in the yaw direction via the main shaft member 62 under the action of the wires 52, 53, and 54.

  Such a working unit 12 is not provided with a mechanism having a degree of freedom in the pitch direction (vertical direction). However, as shown in FIG. 4, the entire manipulator 10 is inclined by 90 ° with the grip handle 26 in the horizontal direction. As a result, since the operation in the yaw direction becomes the operation in the pitch direction, there is no practical inconvenience.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the composite input unit 34 includes a shuttle ring (first input unit) 100, a substantially cylindrical base body 102, a rubber pad 104, a substrate 106, and an O-ring 108. Hereinafter, the central axis of the composite input unit 34 is J, the front direction is the J1 direction, and the back direction is the J2 direction. The shuttle ring 100 is inserted into the inner cavity from the J1 direction with respect to the base body 102, and the rubber pad 104 is inserted from the J2 direction.

  The shuttle ring 100 is an input unit that gives a rotation command in the roll direction to the working unit 12, and is set so that the rotational speed of the working unit 12 increases as the operation amount of the shuttle ring 100 increases. When the shuttle ring 100 is not operated, the working unit 12 is stopped in the roll direction.

  The shuttle ring 100 is provided slightly upwards at the left and right symmetrical positions of the knobs 110a and 110b provided at the left and right symmetrical positions on the side surface in the J1 direction, the engaging pieces 112a and 112b provided at the upper and lower sides of the inner surface, Projections 114a and 114b, and thin stoppers 116a and 116b provided slightly below the left and right symmetrical positions on the side surface in the J2 direction.

  The inner diameter D1 of the shuttle ring 100 (that is, the distance between the two knobs 110a and 110b, see FIG. 14) is set to 25 mm (the distance D2 from the knob 110a or the knob 110b to the center of rotation (see FIG. 14) is 12.5 mm). Has been. It is preferable that the inner diameter D1 is within a range of movement of the thumb so that it can be operated without difficulty while ensuring a width in which a later-described pad 132 can be disposed. From such a viewpoint, the inner diameter D1 may be set to any of 20 mm to 40 mm (distance D2 is 10 mm to 20 mm), and more preferably any of 25 mm to 30 mm (distance D2 is 12.5 mm to 15 mm). It is good to have it set.

  The shuttle ring 100 has a width D3 (see FIG. 14) set to 5 mm suitable for hitting the thumb and an outer diameter of 35 mm (= D1 + D3 × 2 = 25 + 5 × 2). The width D3 may be set to 5 mm to 10 mm suitable for hitting the thumb.

  The knobs 110a and 110b have a shape that slightly bulges in the J1 direction so as to be suitable for applying the abdomen T of the thumb. For example, the height is 1 mm to 5 mm, and the circumferential length D5 (see FIG. 14) is 3 mm. It is good to set to -10 mm. The knob 110a and the knob 110b are provided at symmetrical positions about the axis J.

  The protrusions 114 a and 114 b have a shape having an inclined surface 118.

  An inner cylinder 120, two guide holes 122, a hole 123 through which the protrusions 114a and 114b are inserted, and engagement pieces 112a and 112b are movably engaged in the circumferential direction in the inner cavity portion of the base body 102 in the J1 direction. An engaging portion (not shown) is provided. The distance between the inner cylinder 120 and the outer cylinder 126 is substantially equal to the width D3, and the shuttle ring 100 can be held rotatably. Stoppers 116 a and 116 b are inserted into the guide hole 122, and the shuttle ring 100 can be rotated within a range until the stoppers 116 a and 116 b come into contact with the end portions of the guide hole 122.

  The operating range of the shuttle ring is set to ± 10 ° with respect to the neutral position. The operating range of the shuttle ring 100 should be within a range of movement of the abdomen T so that it can be operated without difficulty while ensuring a certain moving distance in consideration of operability (for example, to enable delicate operations). Is preferred. From such a viewpoint, the operating range of the shuttle ring 100 may be set to any of ± 5 ° to ± 20 °, and more preferably set to any of ± 5 ° to ± 10 °. Good.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the base body 102 is provided with two springs 124a and 124b on the surface in the J2 direction. When the shuttle ring 100 is rotated in the clockwise direction in the front view (counterclockwise in FIG. 6), the stopper 116a compresses the spring 124a and acts to return it in the counterclockwise direction. By rotating in the clockwise direction (clockwise in FIG. 6), the stopper 116b compresses the spring 124b and acts to return it in the clockwise direction. As a result, when the shuttle ring 100 is not operated, it is pushed back by the springs 124a and 124b (or the elastic forces are balanced), and the shuttle ring 100 is maintained in the neutral state (the state shown in FIG. 13).

  A flange 128 is provided at the end of the base body 102 in the J2 direction so that the O-ring 108 is in contact therewith.

  As shown in FIGS. 5, 7, and 8, the rubber pad 104 includes a thin circular sheet 130, a pad (second input unit) 132 protruding from the circular sheet 130 in the J1 direction, and a symmetrical shape in the circular sheet 130. Receiving protrusions 134a and 134b that are provided and protrude in the J1 direction, and an escape portion 136 that is provided at the top. The circular sheet 130 is provided with a plurality of screw holes 138.

  The pad 132 is an input means for giving a tilt command in the yaw direction to the work unit 12, and is set so that the tilt speed of the work unit 12 increases as the operation amount of the pad 132 increases. When the pad 132 is not operated, the working unit 12 is stopped in the yaw direction.

  The pad 132 is a protrusion having an upper surface and a lower surface that are parallel to each other in front view and arc-shaped protrusions on the left and right ends. The left and right arc shapes are set to diameters corresponding to the inner surfaces of the inner cylinder 120 and the shuttle ring 100 (see FIG. 13).

  The end surface 133 of the pad 132 in the J1 direction is a curved surface that is slightly recessed at the center and is gently inclined toward the left and right. A low bulge portion 135 is provided at the center of the end surface 133, and the left portion 133a and the right portion 133b can be easily distinguished and recognized by touch. The width D4 of the left part 133a and the right part 133b is set to 5 mm suitable for hitting the thumb. The width D4 (see FIG. 13) is preferably set to 5 mm to 10 mm, similarly to the width D3.

  The width D6 of the pad 132 (that is, the width in the direction orthogonal to the tilting direction) is set to 17 mm. The width D6 is suitable for the natural arrangement and operation range of the thumb, and is preferably set to any of 12 mm to 22 mm so that the operation is easy.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the pad 132 has a solid half on the J1 direction side, and the remaining half on the J2 direction side has a protrusion 137 formed in the J2 direction. There is a gap between the outer wall and the outer wall. An end surface 139 of the protrusion 137 in the J2 direction is formed so as to be slightly closer to J1 than the circular sheet 130, and a narrow gap 140 is provided between the end surface 139 and the substrate 106.

  The gap 140 (and the gap 145, the gap 160, the gap 187, and the gap 188, which will be described later) may be set to about 1 mm, for example.

  The connection portion between the pad 132 and the circular sheet 130 is provided with a folded portion 142, and the pad 132 can be easily tilted in the left and right pushing direction by operating the end surface 133 with a finger. Further, the pad 132 can be automatically returned to the neutral position by the elastic force of the folded portion 142 when not operated.

  The receiving protrusions 134a and 134b have a shape having an inclined surface 141 (see FIG. 11) whose upper part is higher than the lower part. The receiving protrusions 134a and 134b are disposed slightly above the protrusions 114a and 114b, and the inclined surfaces 118 and the inclined surfaces 141 face each other in a neutral state.

  Shallow recesses 143 a and 143 b are provided on the back side of the receiving protrusions 134 a and 134 b, and a narrow gap 145 is provided between the substrate 106. The concave portions 143a and 143b are provided with small protrusions 147 that make point contact with the substrate 106 in order to secure a narrow gap 145.

  The substrate 106 has a hexagonal shape, and a rotation detection first pressure sensor 144a, a rotation detection second pressure sensor 144b, and a tilt detection first pressure sensor 146a are arranged on the surface in the J1 direction. The second pressure sensor 146b for tilt detection is provided. Each of these sensors 144a, 144b, 146a, 146b is formed by a fine print pattern and is covered with a thin resin sheet 148 so as not to be directly exposed.

  Each of the sensors 144a, 144b, 146a, and 146b may be any sensor that can detect the amount of rotation of the shuttle ring 100 and the amount of tilt of the pad 132. May be. Each sensor 144a, 144b, 146a, 146b is not necessarily capable of continuously detecting the amount of rotation and the amount of tilt, and uses an on / off switch to detect only the neutral position or the direction of rotation (tilt). You may do it.

  The first pressure sensor for rotation detection 144a and the second pressure sensor for rotation detection 144b are provided at positions facing the back surfaces (that is, the recesses 143a and 143b) of the receiving protrusions 134a and 134b. The tilt detection first pressure sensor 146a and the tilt detection second pressure sensor 146b are provided on the end surface 139 of the pad 132 at positions facing the left portion 139a and the right portion 139b.

  A plurality of electronic components for adjusting the detection signals of the sensors 144a, 144b, 146a, and 146b and supplying them to the controller 45 are mounted on the surface of the substrate 106 in the J2 direction (see FIG. 11). The board 106 is provided with a connector 150 for connecting to the controller 45 and a plurality of screw holes 152 for screwing to the grip handle 26. The terminal end slightly protruding in the J1 direction of the connector 150 is accommodated in the escape portion 136, and the circular sheet 130 is not damaged. Each screw hole 138 and each screw hole 152 are provided at corresponding positions, and the screw 154 can be inserted to fix the circular sheet 130 and the substrate 106 integrally (see FIG. 11).

  As shown in FIG. 8, when the finger is separated from the pad 132, the pad 132 is returned to the neutral position by the elastic force of the folded portion 142.

  As shown in FIG. 9, when the pad 132 is tilted in the left direction by placing the thumb abdomen T against the left portion 133a and pushing down, the left portion 139a of the end surface 139 of the protrusion 137 contacts the substrate 106, and the tilt detection second 1 Pressure sensor 146a is pressed. Since the protrusion 137 presses the tilt detection first pressure sensor 146a as the left portion 133a is pushed down, the protrusion 137 pushes and / or pushes the tilt amount of the pad 132 according to the signal from the tilt detection first pressure sensor 146a. The pressure can be detected.

  Further, when the right portion 133b is pushed down and the pad 132 is tilted in the right direction, the right portion 139b presses the second pressure sensing sensor 146b for tilt detection. ) Pressure force can be detected.

  As can be understood from FIG. 8, the first pressure sensor for tilt detection 146a and the second pressure sensor for tilt detection 146b are separated by an appropriate distance R, and the pad 132 is in the neutral position. In some cases, a narrow gap 140 is provided between the end face 139 and the substrate 106.

  Therefore, even if the pad 132 is tilted by a minute amount, no pressure is applied to the tilt detection first pressure sensor 146a and the tilt detection second pressure sensor 146b, and a signal indicating the neutral position is continuously output. There will be a dead zone. Accordingly, even when the bulging portion 135 at the center of the end surface 133 is pushed down unintentionally, the first pressure sensor 146a for tilt detection and the second pressure sensor 146b for tilt detection are spaced apart. Thus, the first pressure sensor for tilt detection 146a and the second pressure sensor for tilt detection 146b continue to output neutral signals.

That is, as shown in FIG. 10, when the pressing force for pressing the left portion 133a of the pad 132 is -α and the pressing force for pressing the right portion 133b is + α, the output O1 of the first pressure sensor for tilt detection 146a is vertically shown in axial positive direction, indicating the output O2 of the second pressure sensor 146b for tilting detected vertical axis negative direction, met both 0 ranges outputs O1 and O2 of ± alpha ₀ relative to the origin of the neutral position A dead zone is obtained. This dead zone acts as so-called play, can moderately suppress the reaction sensitivity of the operation unit, and improve operability. In order to obtain such an appropriate dead zone, the distance R is preferably set to 2 to 8 mm.

  When the finger is separated from the pad 132 due to the presence of the dead band in the tilt direction, the first pressure sensor for tilt detection 146a and the second pressure sensor for tilt detection 146b reliably output signals indicating the neutral position. It is possible to prevent the portion 12 from being tilted in the yaw direction.

  Further, since the first pressure sensor for tilt detection 146a and the second pressure sensor for tilt detection 146b are appropriately separated, the end surface 139 is gently lowered even if the pad 132 is pushed down without being tilted. Because of the convex shape, no pressure is applied to the first pressure sensor 146a for tilt detection and the second pressure sensor 146b for tilt detection, and the working unit 12 does not inadvertently move in the yaw direction.

  It is also possible to recognize such an operation of depressing the pad 132 by performing a preparatory operation. By tilting the pad 132 after the preparatory operation, it is determined that the working unit 12 performs a yaw operation. May be. In other words, by interposing a push-in operation before the tilting operation, it is apparently a two-stage operation, which is effective when a slow and reliable operation is desired.

  As shown in FIG. 11, when the finger is separated from the shuttle ring 100, the shuttle ring 100 returns to the neutral position by the elastic force of the springs 124a and 124b. Further, when the protrusions 114a and 114b come into contact with the receiving protrusions 134a and 134b, the elastic force of the rubber receives a force in the return direction, and the shuttle ring 100 can be returned to the neutral position by this action. .

  As shown in FIG. 12, when pushing the abdomen T of the thumb against the knob 110a to rotate the shuttle ring 100 in the clockwise direction, the inclined surface 118 of the protrusion 114a pushes the receiving protrusion 134a while riding on the inclined surface 141. The back surface of the receiving projection 134a is brought into contact with the substrate 106 and presses the first pressure sensor 144a for rotation detection. Since the receiving protrusion 134a pushes the first pressure sensor for rotation detection 144a as the protrusion 114a is pushed out, the amount of rotation of the shuttle ring 100 is detected by the signal from the first pressure sensor for rotation detection 144a. can do.

  The shuttle ring 100 can also be rotated in the clockwise direction by operating the finger 110 so as to pull it in with the knob 110b, and the same detection is possible.

  Further, when the knob 110b is pushed out or the knob 110a is pulled in and the shuttle ring 100 is rotated counterclockwise, the projection 114b pushes down the receiving projection 134b and presses the second pressure sensor 144b for detecting rotation. Therefore, the amount of rotation can be detected in the same manner as clockwise rotation.

  As can be understood from FIG. 11, when the shuttle ring 100 is in the neutral position, a narrow gap 160 is provided between the inclined surface 118 and the inclined surface 141, and between the circular sheet 130 and the substrate 106. A narrow gap 145 is provided. Therefore, even if the shuttle ring 100 is rotated by a small amount, no pressure is applied to the first pressure sensor for rotation detection 144a and the second pressure sensor for rotation detection 144b, and a signal indicating the neutral position is output. There will be a dead zone. That is, the first pressure sensor 144a for rotation detection and the second pressure sensor 144b for rotation detection have an output of 0 within a predetermined range centered on the reference position as in FIG. 10, and a dead zone is obtained.

  Due to the presence of such a dead band in the rotating direction, when the finger is separated from the shuttle ring 100, the neutral holding state of the shuttle ring 100 is slightly shifted (for example, the two springs 124a and 124b are not balanced). However, the first pressure sensor 144a for rotation detection and the second pressure sensor 144b for rotation detection surely output a signal indicating the neutral position, and the working unit 12 may rotate unnecessarily in the roll direction. Can be prevented. In addition, even if the shuttle ring 100 is rotated within a small angle range, the working unit 12 does not rotate in the roll direction, so-called play exists and operability is improved.

  The amount of such a dead zone may be set in a range of ± 1 ° to ± 8 ° by the amount of rotation of the shuttle ring 100.

Although the dead zone as shown by ± α ₀ in FIG. 10 can be realized by software processing in the controller 45, a more reliable dead zone can be obtained by the mechanical configuration based on the existence of the gap 160, the gap 145, and the distance R. . For example, when there is no gap between the first pressure sensor for tilt detection 146a and the second pressure sensor for tilt detection 146b, the first pressure sensor for tilt detection 146a is pushed down when the pad 132 is pushed down. And the second pressure sensing sensor 146b for tilt detection output a signal based on the pressing force, and it is difficult for the software side to perform an appropriate dead band forming process. This will lead to prolonged time. On the other hand, in the manipulator 10, since the dead zone is provided by the mechanical configuration as described above, such inconvenience does not occur.

  As shown in FIG. 13, in the composite input unit 34, the pad 132 and the shuttle ring 100 are arranged on the same axis in a concentrated and compact manner around the axis J.

  Further, according to the shuttle ring 100, the working unit 12 is rotated in the same direction by rotating the left and right knobs 110 a and 110 b, for example, by placing the thumbs on the thumbs and pushing them up. Can do. That is, the operation of the roll rotating mechanism of the working unit 12 and the operation of the shuttle ring 100 correspond to each other in the same direction, and an intuitive and easy operation is possible. Furthermore, the single shuttle ring 100 corresponds to both forward and reverse rotations of the roll rotation mechanism, so that the number of input means is not increased unnecessarily, the operation unit can be simply configured, and the operation is easy. It becomes.

  Since the shuttle ring 100 has a ring shape, it is easily recognized visually that it is an input means corresponding to roll rotation, and the operation method can be easily learned, and it is difficult to forget. Depending on the design conditions, the roll rotation input means is not limited to the ring shape, but may be an arc rotation means centered on the axis J. For example, only the knobs 110a and 110b are exposed on the surface, or a part of them is open. A C-shaped configuration may be used.

  In the composite input unit 34, the shuttle ring 100 and the pad 132 are intensively arranged. However, since they are provided mechanically independently, the operations corresponding to the shuttle ring 100 and the pad 132 are confused. Operation can be performed without any problem.

  Further, the pad 132 is provided inside the shuttle ring 100 and is compactly packed, and the movement amount of the finger can be reduced. One pad 132 corresponds to the rotation in both the left and right directions in the yaw direction, the input means is not unnecessarily increased, the operation unit can be configured simply, and the operation is facilitated.

  Further, since the knobs 110a and 110b and the pad 132 are provided side by side in the X direction and are provided on the shuttle ring 100 having an appropriate diameter (D1 + D3 × 2 = 35 mm), the operation of the abdomen T of the thumb is performed. It is within the range and operability is high.

  Specifically, when gripping the grip handle 26, the abdomen T of the thumb is naturally arranged near the bulging part 135 at the center of the pad 132. Further, when the approximate operating range by moving the second joint (center joint) and the third joint (base joint) of the thumb is the angle θ2, the inside of the arc-shaped range 162 in which the abdomen T moves. The knobs 110a and 110b and the pad 132 are disposed on the front side. Therefore, the knobs 110a and 110b and the pad 132 can be operated intensively by a reasonable operation of the thumb.

  Further, since the shuttle ring 100 is set to ± 10 ° having a reasonably wide operation range by the stoppers 116a and 116b, it is possible to perform a delicate operation and to operate the abdomen T without difficulty.

  The surface portion of the composite input portion 34 is formed on substantially the same plane as the flat portion 39, with only the knobs 110a, 110b and the bulging portion 135 slightly bulging. Therefore, when the abdomen T is moved in the X direction, it is only necessary that the abdomen T be along the same plane, and the operation is easy.

  When performing the procedure, for example, the composite input unit 34 may be operated as follows. That is, first, the abdomen T of the thumb is lightly applied to the bulging portion 135 as a basic posture.

  When operating the working unit 12 in the left yaw direction, the abdomen T is moved from the bulging portion 135 to the left portion 133a, and the left portion 133a is pushed down. At this time, since the left portion 133a is a place where the bulging portion 135 is not present and is a portion on the right side of the knob 110a, the position can be easily confirmed by tactile sense without looking at the hand. When operated in the right yaw direction, the right portion 133b may be pushed down, and in this case as well, the position can be easily confirmed in the same manner as the left portion 133a.

  When operating in either the left or right direction, the tilt of the minute range with respect to the neutral position of the pad 132 is caused by the presence of the dead zone of the first pressure sensor 146a for tilt detection and the second pressure sensor 146b for tilt detection. Since neither of them is detected, the yaw direction operation is not performed, and there is no unnecessarily high operation feeling for the operator, and the operation is easy.

  When the working unit 12 is rolled, if the abdomen T is moved slightly from the bulging part 135 to the left side, it hits the knob 110a. Therefore, the knob 110a may be pushed up or pulled down. In this case, if the thumb is moved to the left along the surface of the composite input unit 34, the knob 110a is naturally touched, so that the position can be easily confirmed. The roll operation of the working unit 12 can also be performed by the knob 110b, and the position of the knob 110b can be easily confirmed by the movement of the abdomen T, similarly to the knob 110a. Further, the knobs 110a and 110b have a moderately bulging shape, and can be easily pushed up and pulled down, and can be operated with a light force.

  When operating in either the clockwise direction or the counterclockwise direction, the rotation of the minute range based on the neutral position of the shuttle ring 100 is caused by the first pressure sensor 144a for rotation detection and the rotation due to the presence of the dead zone. Since it is not detected by any of the second detection pressure sensors 144b for detection, the roll direction operation is not performed, and there is no unnecessarily high operational feeling for the operator, and the operation is easy.

  When the composite input unit 34 is not operated, a thumb may be placed on the flat surface 39. For example, when a thumb is placed on the left end portion of the flat surface portion 39 and the work portion 12 is to be rolled or yawed, it moves to the right along the surfaces of the flat surface portion 39 and the composite input portion 34. Then, the position can be confirmed without touching the hand by touching the knob 110a, the left portion 133a, the right portion 133b, and the knob 110b.

  Further, since the knob 110a, the knob 110b and the pad 132 are disposed adjacent to each other, it is possible to perform a combined operation of the roll operation and the yaw operation of the working unit 12 with one thumb. For example, when the working unit 12 is moved in the left yaw direction and rolled in the clockwise direction, the thumb is placed across the left portion 133a and the knob 110a, and the left portion 133a is pushed down and the knob 110a is pushed up. Just do it. When the working unit 12 is moved in the right yaw direction and rolled in the clockwise direction, the thumb is placed across the right part 133b and the knob 110b, the right part 133b is pushed down, and the knob 110b is lowered. Just do it.

  Even when such a complex operation is performed, the operation is easy because there is a dead zone in each operation.

  The above-described manipulator 10 is easy to position and fix to the affected area, has a short preparation time before surgery, can be positioned flexibly for each case, has a low work burden in creating a surgical protocol, and can be used in many cases. Applicable. Further, even if an unexpected situation occurs during the operation, and it becomes necessary to shift to a thoracic or laparotomy operation, it takes almost no time to remove the manipulator 10, resulting in an inadvertently long operation time. Is less invasive to the patient. Furthermore, the device is simpler and less expensive than a remote control device or the like.

  Further, as described above, according to the manipulator 10, the rotation detection first pressure sensor 144a and the rotation detection second pressure sensor 144b are based on the neutral position with respect to the operation of the shuttle ring 100. As a dead zone. Further, the first pressure sensor for tilt detection 146a and the second pressure sensor for tilt detection 146b are arranged so that a dead zone can be obtained with respect to the operation of the pad 132 with reference to the neutral position. With these configurations, there is play for each operation, and the operation unit 12 is prevented from moving unnecessarily, or the operation unit reacts excessively with a slight touch on the input unit. Is obtained.

  Further, when the input unit is operated in the forward / reverse direction with the neutral position as a reference, the working unit 12 also operates in the forward / reverse direction so as to correspond, so that operability suited to the operator's sense is obtained.

  Next, modified examples of the manipulator 10 and each part thereof will be described with reference to FIGS. 14A to 19. Hereinafter, parts similar to those of the manipulator 10 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Shuttle rings 100a to 100c shown in FIGS. 14A to 15 are input means related to the deformation of shuttle ring 100, and a dead zone based on a neutral position similar to shuttle ring 100 is obtained.

  A shuttle ring 100a shown in FIG. 14A is provided with recesses 190a and 190b in place of the two knobs 110a and 110b. The recesses 190a and 190b have a shape slightly depressed in the J2 direction so as to be suitable for hitting the abdomen T of the thumb. For example, the depth may be set to 1 mm to 5 mm and the circumferential length may be set to 3 mm to 10 mm. The concave portion 190a and the concave portion 190b are provided at symmetrical positions about the axis J.

  The shuttle ring 100b shown in FIG. 14B is provided with a pair of upper and lower small knobs 192a and 193a instead of the knob 110a, and a pair of upper and lower small knobs 192b and 193b instead of the knob 110b. The small knob 192a and the small knob 193a are provided in a vertically symmetrical position, and a portion between them forms a recess 194a. Similarly, the small knob 192b and the small knob 193b are provided in a vertically symmetrical position, and a portion between them forms a recess 194b.

  The recesses 194a and 194b have a slightly depressed shape in the J2 direction so as to be suitable for applying the abdomen T of the thumb. For example, the recesses 194a and 194b may have the same position and shape as the recesses 190a and 190b.

  A shuttle ring 100c shown in FIG. 15 is provided with one thin protrusion 180 instead of the two protrusions 114a and 114b. Rubber bodies 182 a and 182 b are attached to the base portion 186 of the grip handle 26 via folded portions 184 on the left and right sides of the protrusion 180. The rubber bodies 182a and 182b can be elastically displaced in the circumferential direction by the bending action of the folded portion 184.

  A rotation detection first pressure sensor 144a and a rotation detection second pressure sensor 144b are provided on the opposite side of the protrusion 180 when viewed from the rubber bodies 182a and 182b. In the neutral state, narrow gaps 187 are provided between the protrusion 180 and the rubber bodies 182a and 182b, respectively. The rubber bodies 182a and 182b, the first pressure sensor for rotation detection 144a, and the second pressure sensor for rotation detection. A narrow gap 188 is provided between the sensor 144b and the sensor 144b.

  When the shuttle ring 100c is rotated in the clockwise direction, the protrusion 180 is displaced in the left direction in FIG. 15 and presses the first pressure sensing sensor 144a for rotation detection via the rubber body 182a. The amount of clockwise rotation can be detected. Further, when the shuttle ring 100c is rotated counterclockwise, the protrusion 180 is displaced in the right direction in FIG. 15 and presses the second pressure sensing sensor 144b for rotation detection via the rubber body 182b. The amount of rotation of the ring 100c in the counterclockwise direction can be detected. In this case, due to the presence of the gaps 187 and 188, a dead zone is provided, and the working unit 12 does not operate wastefully. In addition, the dead zone acts as so-called play, and operability is good.

  Pads 200a to 200c shown in FIGS. 16A to 16C are input means according to modifications of the pad 132, and a dead zone based on the neutral position is obtained in the same manner as the pad 132.

  As shown in FIG. 16A, the pad 200a does not have the bulged portion 135, and instead, the left portion 133a and the right portion 133b are provided with low triangular protrusions 202a and 202b that point outward. According to such protrusions 202a and 202b, the positions of the left portion 133a and the right portion 133b can be recognized by touch even without the bulging portion 135. In addition, the pointing direction of the triangle can be confirmed visually or tactilely, and the yaw direction tilting direction of the corresponding working unit 12 can be recognized.

  As shown in FIG. 16B, the pad 200b has a bulging portion 135 that has a roof shape, and is smooth with the left-end semicircle plate-like portion 204a of the left portion 133a and the right-end semicircle plate-like portion 204b of the right portion 133b. It is connected. The plate-like portions 204a and 204b are provided with a shallow and gentle concave portion 206. In such a pad 200b, the left portion 133a and the right portion 133b can be distinguished by the bulging portion 135, and the positions of the left portion 133a and the right portion 133b can also be recognized by the plate-like portions 204a and 204b. In addition, the concave portion 206 makes it easier to apply a finger, and operability is improved.

  As shown in FIG. 16C, the pad 200c is an input means in which a vertical switch unit 208 is added to the pad 200a. The switch portion 208 intersects with the horizontal switch portion to form a cross shape. The switch unit 208 is provided with low triangular protrusions 202c and 202d pointing in the outward direction on the upper side and the lower side.

  According to such a pad 200c, it is possible to perform intensive operations in the composite input unit 34 even for operation mechanisms other than the yaw direction (for example, the opening / closing operation mechanism of the gripper 59).

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 17A, the tilt detection first pressure sensor 146a and the tilt detection second pressure sensor 146b are arranged on the left and right, and the tilt detection third pressure sensor 146c and the tilt detection are arranged. The fourth pressure sensitive sensor 146d is arranged vertically. Correspondingly, the pad 200c has a cross-shaped end surface 139 in the J2 direction, and when tilting in the vertical direction (forward / reverse direction), the tilt amount and / or the pressing force is a third pressure sensor for tilt detection. 146c and a fourth pressure sensor 146d for tilt detection.

  The gap in the left-right direction between the first pressure sensor 146a for tilt detection and the second pressure sensor 146b for tilt detection is the distance R as described above, and the third pressure sensor for tilt detection 146c and the first tilt detection sensor 146c. The clearance in the vertical direction between the four pressure sensors 146d may be the distance R. Thereby, an appropriate dead zone can be obtained even in the tilting operation in the vertical direction.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 17B, a tilt detection first pressure sensor 146a, a tilt detection second pressure sensor 146b, a tilt detection third pressure sensor 146c, and a tilt detection fourth pressure sensor 146d are provided. An arc shape of approximately 90 ° may be arranged in the left and right and top and bottom to form an annular shape. In this case, the end surface 139 in the J2 direction is preferably circular. The inner diameter of the annular shape formed by the first pressure sensor for tilt detection 146a, the second pressure sensor for tilt detection 146b, the third pressure sensor for tilt detection 146c, and the fourth pressure sensor for tilt detection 146d is a distance. R is good. Thereby, an appropriate dead zone can be obtained for the tilting motion in the vertical and horizontal directions.

  According to the operation means as shown in FIGS. 16C, 17A, and 17B, the pad 200c is moved in the left and right pushing direction in order to give a drive command to the first rotation shaft (for example, the pivot shaft). In addition to tilting, in order to give a drive command to the second rotation shaft (for example, gripper 59), the member is tilted in the up and down pushing direction.

  Further, the first pressure sensor for tilt detection 146a and the second pressure sensor for tilt detection 146b are a set for detecting tilt in the left-right direction, and face the left and right portions of the end surface 139 with a gap therebetween. It is defined as the first set provided at the position. Further, the third pressure sensor for tilt detection 146c and the fourth pressure sensor for tilt detection 146d are a pair for detecting tilt in the vertical direction, and are located at positions facing the upper and lower portions of the end surface 139 with a gap therebetween. It is defined as the second set provided.

  As shown in FIG. 18, in the front view of the composite input unit 34, the shuttle ring 100 as the first input unit is disposed so as to surround the switch unit 208 and the switch unit 209 and has a central axis with respect to J. And are arranged coaxially in a well-balanced manner. Therefore, the operability is high and the operation method can be easily learned. In particular, when the switch unit 208 corresponds to the opening / closing operation of the gripper 59, the gripper 59 is a mechanism that opens and closes in a vertical position in a neutral posture. Easy operation becomes possible.

  Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, the first pressure sensor 146a for tilt detection, the second pressure sensor 146b for tilt detection, the third pressure sensor 146c for tilt detection, and the fourth pressure sensor for tilt detection. According to the arrangement of 146d, it is possible to detect a tilting motion in an arbitrary oblique direction, not limited to the horizontal direction and the vertical direction. For example, when tilting occurs in the upper left direction in FIGS. 17A and 17B, the tilt amount and (() are determined by the vector sum of two detection signals by the tilt detection first pressure sensor 146a and the tilt detection third pressure sensor 146c. Alternatively, the pressing force can be detected, and the tilt direction can be detected by the direction of the vector.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the working unit 220 is a working unit corresponding to the working unit 12, and is a so-called electric knife for coagulating and incising a predetermined portion by applying high-frequency current to a living body. . Instead of the gripper 59, the working unit 220 is provided with an electrode member 222 that protrudes in the Z1 direction and has a tip slightly bent in the Y1 direction. Further, instead of the operation mechanism of the gripper 59, a pitch operation mechanism based on the axis Op is provided. When the working unit 220 is used, a power source 224 (see FIG. 1) that applies a voltage between the living body and the manipulator 10 is used.

  The composite input unit 34 can also be applied to such a working unit 220. That is, the rotation of the shuttle ring 100 may correspond to the roll rotation of the electrode member 222, and the tilting operation of the pad 200c in FIG. 18 may correspond to the yaw direction and pitch direction operations.

  Of course, the working unit that can handle the composite input unit 34 is not limited to this, and can be suitably applied to a working unit having a roll operation mechanism.

  In addition, although the manipulator 10 and the working units 12 and 220 have been described as those for medical use, the usage is not limited to this, and it is needless to say that the manipulator 10 and the working units 12 and 220 can be applied to, for example, narrow part repairs such as energy devices. .

  The manipulator according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it is needless to say that various configurations can be adopted without departing from the gist of the present invention.

It is the perspective view which looked at the manipulator concerning this embodiment from diagonally forward. It is the perspective view which looked at the manipulator concerning this embodiment from the slanting back. It is a partial exploded perspective view of a working part. It is a perspective view of the manipulator in the state inclined 90 degrees. It is a disassembled perspective view of a composite input part. It is a figure which shows the back surface of a base body and a shuttle ring. It is the perspective view which looked at the rubber pad from diagonally backward. It is a cross-sectional side view of the rubber pad in a neutral state and its peripheral part. It is a cross-sectional side view of the rubber pad in the state where the pad is operated and its peripheral part. It is a graph of the pressing amount of the pad detected by the pressure sensor for tilt detection. It is a cross-sectional side view of the neutral state shuttle ring and its peripheral part. It is a cross-sectional side view of the shuttle ring in a state where the knob is operated and its peripheral part. It is a figure which shows the surface part of a composite input part. FIG. 14A is a perspective view of a shuttle ring according to a first modification, and FIG. 14B is a perspective view of a shuttle ring according to a second modification. It is a cross-sectional side view which shows the shuttle ring which concerns on a 3rd modification, and its periphery. FIG. 16A is a perspective view of a rubber pad including a pad according to a first modification, FIG. 16B is a perspective view of a rubber pad including a pad according to a second modification, and FIG. 16C is a third modification. It is a perspective view of a rubber pad provided with a pad concerning an example. FIG. 17A is a plan view showing a state in which four tilt detection pressure-sensitive sensors are provided in a cross shape, and FIG. 17B is a plan view showing a state in which four tilt detection pressure-sensitive sensors are provided in an annular shape. FIG. It is a figure which shows the surface part of a composite input part provided with the rubber pad provided with the pad which concerns on the 3rd modification of FIG. 16C. It is a perspective view of the operation part concerning a modification.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Manipulator 12, 220 ... Working part 14 ... Operation command part (operation part) 16 ... Connection part 26 ... Grip handle 32 ... Trigger lever 34 ... Composite input part 48 ... Connection shaft 59 ... Gripper 100, 100a-100c ... Shuttle ring (First input part)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 102 ... Base body 104 ... Rubber pad 106 ... Board | substrate 110a, 110b ... Knob 132, 200a-200c ... Pad (2nd input part)
134a, 134b ... receiving projection 144a ... first pressure sensor for detecting rotation (first detector)
144b ... Second pressure sensor for detecting rotation (second detection unit)
146a... First pressure sensor for tilt detection (first detection unit)
146b ... Tilt detection second pressure sensor (second detection unit)
146c ... Tilt detection third pressure sensor (first detection unit)
146d ... Tilt detection fourth pressure sensor (second detection unit)
208: Switch unit (third input unit) 209 ... Switch unit (second input unit)

Claims (4)

An operation unit including a grip handle to be gripped by human hands;
An input unit provided in the operation unit and operated in a forward and reverse direction from a neutral position;
A first detection unit that detects an operation amount of the input unit in a positive direction;
A second detection unit that detects an operation amount of the input unit in the reverse direction;
A connecting portion extending from the operating portion;
A working unit provided at a distal end of the coupling unit and operable in forward and reverse directions based on detection signals of the first detection unit and the second detection unit;
Have
The first detection unit and the second detection unit are arranged at a position where an operation amount is not detected within a predetermined dead band range with respect to an operation of the input unit based on a neutral position. . The manipulator according to claim 1, wherein
The working unit includes a rotation mechanism that can rotate around an axis in the extending direction of the tip based on an operation of the input unit,
The input unit is a rotating member for giving a drive command to the rotating mechanism,
The first detection unit and the second detection unit are arranged at positions where the rotating member does not detect any range of ± 1 ° to ± 8 ° as a dead zone with reference to a neutral position. manipulator. The manipulator according to claim 1, wherein
The working portion includes a pivot shaft that can rotate non-parallel to an axis extending from the proximal end side to the distal end side of the connecting portion,
The input unit is a member that tilts in the left-right pushing direction to give a drive command to the pivot shaft,
The first detection unit and the second detection unit are provided at positions facing a left part and a right part of an end surface of the tilting member with a gap therebetween,
The manipulator characterized in that a distance between the first detection unit and the second detection unit is set to any of 2 to 8 mm. The manipulator according to claim 1, wherein
The working unit includes a first rotation shaft and a second rotation shaft,
The input unit tilts in the left and right pushing direction in order to give a drive command to the first rotating shaft, and in the up and down pushing direction to give a driving command to the second turning shaft. A tilting member,
Two sets of the first detection unit and the second detection unit are provided to detect the horizontal tilt and the vertical tilt of the input unit,
A first set provided at a position facing the left and right portions of the end face of the tilting member with a gap therebetween, and a second set provided at a position facing the upper portion and the lower portion with a gap therebetween. A manipulator characterized by comprising:

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