Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
  • A61B1/00064—Constructional details of the endoscope body
  • A61B1/00066—Proximal part of endoscope body, e.g. handles
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
  • A61B1/00064—Constructional details of the endoscope body
  • A61B1/00071—Insertion part of the endoscope body
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
  • A61B1/00064—Constructional details of the endoscope body
  • A61B1/0011—Manufacturing of endoscope parts
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
  • B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
  • B29C65/08—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using ultrasonic vibrations
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
  • B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
  • B29C65/14—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using wave energy, i.e. electromagnetic radiation, or particle radiation
  • B29C65/16—Laser beams
  • B29C65/1629—Laser beams characterised by the way of heating the interface
  • B29C65/1635—Laser beams characterised by the way of heating the interface at least passing through one of the parts to be joined, i.e. laser transmission welding
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
  • B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
  • B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
  • B29C66/10—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint cross-sections
  • B29C66/11—Joint cross-sections comprising a single joint-segment, i.e. one of the parts to be joined comprising a single joint-segment in the joint cross-section
  • B29C66/114—Single butt joints
  • B29C66/1142—Single butt to butt joints
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
  • B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
  • B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
  • B29C66/10—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint cross-sections
  • B29C66/12—Joint cross-sections combining only two joint-segments; Tongue and groove joints; Tenon and mortise joints; Stepped joint cross-sections
  • B29C66/128—Stepped joint cross-sections
  • B29C66/1282—Stepped joint cross-sections comprising at least one overlap joint-segment
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
  • B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
  • B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
  • B29C66/10—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint cross-sections
  • B29C66/12—Joint cross-sections combining only two joint-segments; Tongue and groove joints; Tenon and mortise joints; Stepped joint cross-sections
  • B29C66/128—Stepped joint cross-sections
  • B29C66/1284—Stepped joint cross-sections comprising at least one butt joint-segment
  • B29C66/12841—Stepped joint cross-sections comprising at least one butt joint-segment comprising at least two butt joint-segments
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
  • B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
  • B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
  • B29C66/302—Particular design of joint configurations the area to be joined comprising melt initiators
  • B29C66/3022—Particular design of joint configurations the area to be joined comprising melt initiators said melt initiators being integral with at least one of the parts to be joined
  • B29C66/30221—Particular design of joint configurations the area to be joined comprising melt initiators said melt initiators being integral with at least one of the parts to be joined said melt initiators being point-like
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
  • B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
  • B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
  • B29C66/302—Particular design of joint configurations the area to be joined comprising melt initiators
  • B29C66/3022—Particular design of joint configurations the area to be joined comprising melt initiators said melt initiators being integral with at least one of the parts to be joined
  • B29C66/30223—Particular design of joint configurations the area to be joined comprising melt initiators said melt initiators being integral with at least one of the parts to be joined said melt initiators being rib-like
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
  • B29C66/50—General aspects of joining tubular articles; General aspects of joining long products, i.e. bars or profiled elements; General aspects of joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; General aspects of joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
  • B29C66/51—Joining tubular articles, profiled elements or bars; Joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; Joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
  • B29C66/54—Joining several hollow-preforms, e.g. half-shells, to form hollow articles, e.g. for making balls, containers; Joining several hollow-preforms, e.g. half-cylinders, to form tubular articles
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
  • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
  • B29C66/70—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material
  • B29C66/73—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset
  • B29C66/739—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset
  • B29C66/7392—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the material of at least one of the parts being a thermoplastic
  • B29C66/73921—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the material of at least one of the parts being a thermoplastic characterised by the materials of both parts being thermoplastics
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
  • B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
  • B29L2031/46—Knobs or handles, push-buttons, grips
  • B29L2031/463—Grips, handles
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
  • B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
  • B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
  • B29L2031/753—Medical equipment; Accessories therefor

Definitions

• the present invention relates to the technical field of medical endoscopes, reusable or single use.
• the medical endoscopes in accordance with the invention allow access to the internal surface of a hollow organ, a cavity or a natural or artificial duct of the human body in order to perform various operations for therapeutic, surgical or diagnostic.
• the medical endoscopes in accordance with the invention are used for the inspection of all the internal parts of the human body accessible by natural or artificial means.
• the medical endoscopes according to the invention can be used in the field of the urinary tract, the gastrointestinal tract, the respiratory system, the cardiovascular system, the trachea, the sinus cavity, the reproductive system of the woman, the abdominal cavity or any other part of the human body to be explored by a natural or artificial means.
• the invention relates more specifically to an assembly method for the control handle of a medical endoscope.
• a medical endoscope comprises, as described for example by patent application WO 2014/106510, a control handle to which an insertion tube is fixed.
• This tube comprises a distal head equipped with an optical viewing system making it possible to illuminate and examine the organ, cavity or duct of the human body.
• the insertion tube Upstream of this distal head, the insertion tube comprises a bending structure or bending part formed of articulated vertebrae allowing the orientation of the distal head using one or more actuating cables mounted at the inside the insertion tube.
• Each actuating cable comprises a first end fixed to the distal head and a second end on which acts a control mechanism fitted to the handle to ensure the sliding of the cables and consequently the folding of this lever part in order to orient the head distal.
• the housing is composed of two half-shells which are assembled by snap-fastening or by gluing or by welding, as described in documents WO 2017/040692, EP 2 853 202 and US 2019/350440.
• These techniques do not always make it possible to assemble the control handle firmly enough.
• significant forces at the level of the connection connectors located typically in the proximal and distal part of the control handle
• the method for assembling the two half-shells is easy to implement and inexpensive.
• the casing comprises passage openings.
• the control handle In the context of use in endoscopy, it is preferable for the control handle to be sealed, and in particular at the level of these openings.
• an endoscope comprising a watertight seal arranged between the rotor and the stator, which may in particular comprise rubber rings of annular shape arranged on the proximal and distal ends.
• This solution has the disadvantage of having to arrange and position the rubber rings.
• the method does not require the placement of an element such as a ring on the housing.
• this method also helps to securely and securely assemble the two half-shells.
• control handle is assembled to an insertion tube. It is then important that this insertion tube be fixed to the control handle to block any movement of one relative to the other and thus avoid any problem when using the medical endoscope. There is a need to securely and securely assemble the insertion tube and the operating handle together.
• this process also contributes to solidly and securely assembling the two half-shells of the case together.
• the assembly method for a control handle of a medical endoscope comprises the following steps: a) having a control handle comprising a housing having two opposite half-shells and passage openings, each half-shell having a distal part, a proximal part and a peripheral joining edge, b) applying pressure between the two half-shells ensuring contact between the peripheral joining edges of the two half-shells, while applying a beam of laser energy or ultrasound to weld the two half-shells together.
• the method according to the invention advantageously makes it possible to ensure the sealing of the control handle, in particular at the level of the passage openings.
• the method according to the invention enables the insertion tube and the control handle to be fixedly assembled.
• no movement (translation or rotation) of the insertion tube in the control handle is possible.
• the method according to the invention advantageously has one or other of the following characteristics, or a combination thereof:
• the method further comprising the following steps:
• steps a) and b) consisting in having an insertion tube
• step a2) between steps a1) and b), consisting in positioning the tube insertion between the two half-shells of the housing of the control handle so as to be opposite the at least one lug, step b) of the method allowing the at least one to penetrate pin in the insertion tube to lock it in the control handle;
• the at least one energy-directing projection extends projecting from the peripheral joining edge of the half-shell and in the extension of the peripheral joining edge of the half-shell;
• At least one of the half-shells comprises at least one energy-directing projection on its distal part and at least one of the half-shells comprises at least one energy-directing projection on its proximal part;
• each passage opening is bordered by at least one energy-directing projection
• At least one energy-directing projection is located on the edge of each passage opening of each of the two half-shells, together forming a flange when these are assembled, in order to ensure the sealing of the control handle ;
• the energy guiding projections are tapered protuberances
• the energy guiding projections are in the form of a point, a double point, or a lug
• the method further comprises the following steps:
• steps a) and b) consisting in having at least one added element comprising at least one energy-directing projection in the form of a collar,
• step a4) between steps a3) and b), consisting in positioning the at least one added element between the two half-shells of the housing of the control handle so that the at least one directing projection of energy in the form of a flange is opposite the housing at the level of a passage opening, step b) of the method allowing the interposition of at least one energy-directing projection in the form of a flange between the element insert and the casing, as well as the fusion of the at least one energy-directing projection in the form of a collar to weld the insert to the casing and seal the control handle;
• a double luer connector and/or a trim and/or a pulley and/or a connection cable and/or a suction cone are present as added elements;
• the two half-shells are made of the same material
• One of the half-shells of the housing is transparent to the laser, and the other half-shell of the housing is opaque to the laser;
• step b ultrasound is applied in step b).
• the invention also relates to a control handle for a medical endoscope, the two half-shells of the casing of which are welded together, by the fusion of all or part of their peripheral junction edges, and/or by the fusion at least one energy-directing projection, preferably at their distal and proximal ends.
• these two half-shells are also welded together at each passage opening of the case.
• the invention also relates to a control handle, the two half-shells of which are welded together, the control handle being assembled with an insertion tube thanks to the presence of one or more lugs positioned on at least one of the half-shells. shells and inserted into the insertion tube.
• the invention finally relates to a medical endoscope comprising a control handle as described in the present description.
• Figure 1 is a side view of a medical endoscope comprising a control handle according to the invention.
• Figure 2 is a perspective view of a medical endoscope comprising a control handle according to the invention.
• Figure 3 is a perspective view of two half-shells of a housing of a control handle of a medical endoscope according to the invention.
• Figure 4 is a side view of two half-shells of a housing of a control handle of a medical endoscope according to the invention.
• Figure 5 is a perspective view of a half-shell of a housing of a control handle of a medical endoscope according to the invention, comprising energy guiding projections at an opening of passage, as well as support stops.
• Figure 6 is a perspective view of a half-shell of a housing of a control handle of a medical endoscope according to the invention.
• FIG. 7 is an enlargement VII of the half-shell shown in Figure 6, provided with lugs.
• Figure 8 is a side view of a control handle whose lugs present on a half-shell of the housing are inserted into the bending structure.
• Figure 9 is a sectional view along lines IX-IX of the control handle shown in Figure 8.
• Figures 1 to 4 illustrate by way of example a medical endoscope 1 designed to access the interior of a body such as a cavity or a channel for example.
• a medical endoscope 1 comprises an insertion tube 2 having, on one side, a proximal part 2p connected to the housing 4 of a control handle 3 and, on the opposite side, a distal part 2d, which is equipped with a distal head 5.
• the housing 4 is composed of two opposite half-shells 6 and 7, each having respectively a distal part 6d and 7d, a proximal part 6p and 7p, and a peripheral joining edge 6b and 7b, as shown in the figures
• peripheral junction edge 6b of the half-shell 6 is located opposite the peripheral junction edge 7b of the half-shell 7.
• the peripheral junction edges 6b and 7b can have a flat surface or else with a shoulder allowing a baffle to be created during assembly, which contributes to the tightness of the control handle 3.
• the two half-shells 6 and 7 are made of the same material.
• the two half-shells 6 and 7 are made of different materials.
• one of the half-shells is transparent to the laser, while the other half-shell is opaque to the laser.
• the insertion tube 2 is temporarily or permanently attached to the housing
• This insertion tube 2 which has a greater or lesser length and flexibility, is intended to be introduced into a natural or artificial access route in order to perform various operations or functions for therapeutic, surgical or diagnostic purposes.
• the insertion tube 2 is made of a semi-rigid material and has a length adapted to the length of the duct to be inspected and which can be between 5 cm and 2 m.
• the insertion tube 2 has various cross-sectional shapes such as square, oval or circular.
• This insertion tube 2 which is in contact with tissues, human organs or medical equipment (trocars or probes), is essentially a single or multiple use of a patient or even a reusable use after decontamination, disinfection or sterilization.
• the medical endoscope 1 comprises a vision system capable of illuminating and bringing back an image of the distal part of the insertion tube 2.
• the endoscope 1 thus comprises a vision system mounted at the inside control handle 3 and penetrating inside insertion tube 2 to distal head 5.
• the medical endoscope 1 also comprises a control mechanism 8 making it possible to orient the distal head 5 with respect to the longitudinal axis L of the insertion tube 2.
• the tube of insertion 2 comprises, upstream of the distal head 5, a bending, bending or tilting part 9 allowing the orientation of the distal head 5 with respect to the longitudinal axis L of the insertion tube 2.
• This bending part , bending or bending 9 can be made in any suitable way to ensure the bending of the distal head 5 with respect to the longitudinal axis L of the insertion tube 2.
• this bending, bending or bending part crutch 9 can be achieved by a spring or by tubular vertebrae articulated together.
• the control mechanism 8 can be made in any suitable way so that the distal head 5 can be moved between a rest position in which the insertion tube 2 is straight and a crutched position in which the crutch part 9 is curved.
• the control mechanism 8 may correspond to the control mechanism described in patent FR 3 047 887.
• the control mechanism 8 comprises a manual control lever 10 accessible from the outside of the housing 4 of the control handle 3. This control lever 10 rotates at least one pivoting part such as a pulley 11 mounted inside the housing 4 and to which is fixed at least one and in the example illustrated, two actuating cables 12 mounted inside the insertion tube 2 to be fixed to the distal head 5.
• the proximal ends 12p of the actuating cables 12 are fixed symmetrically opposite on the pivoting piece or pulley 11 with respect to to a diametral plane while the distal ends 12d of the actuating cables 12 are fixed to the distal head 5.
• This control mechanism 8 is adapted to ensure, for example, the left-right or up-down movement of the distal head 5.
• the control lever 10 has a rotational stroke but it is possible that the control lever 10 has a translational movement causing the rotation of the pivoting part 11 via a movement transformation system.
• the control mechanism 8 can be adapted to ensure the left-right and up-down movement of the distal head 5 using three or four actuating cables 12.
• the actuating cables 12 are made in any suitable way to ensure the motion transmission function leading to the bending of the distal head 5.
• these actuating cables 12 can be made for example by rods, threads, filaments, strands or chains, made of a metallic or polymer material for example.
• the actuating cables 12 are made of stainless steel with a diameter for example between 0.1 mm and 2 mm.
• the housing 4 of the control handle 3 has passage openings 13, to allow the passage of various inserts 17 necessary for its use.
• a double luer connector and/or a cover and/or a pulley and/or a connection cable (possibly with tablet) and/or a suction cone are present as added elements 17
• the passage openings 13 can be of various shapes, and are generally circular or oval in shape.
• At least one half-shell 6 or 7 of the housing 4 has at least one energy-directing projection 14, in order to fix the two half-shells 6 and 7 together by ultrasonic or laser welding.
• An energy-directing protrusion 14 is a protuberance that helps direct and focus ultrasonic energy during ultrasonic or laser welding.
• An energy-directing projection 14 therefore makes it possible to facilitate the assembly or fixing of the two half-shells together by ultrasonic welding or laser welding.
• the energy guiding projections 14 are protrusions, discrete or continuous, which are preferably tapered in order to allow welding (ultrasonic or laser) even more efficient.
• the energy directing protrusions are spike or double spike shaped.
• the energy directing projections do not have a tapered shape, and present for example a flattened or rounded shape.
• the energy guiding projections 14 can extend over a greater or lesser length, in the form of pads, a continuous rib or ribs spaced between them.
• the height of the energy guiding projections is such that the peripheral junction edges 6b and 7b are in contact or quasi-contact after welding (ultrasonic or laser). No localized extra thickness prevents contact over the entire periphery of the two half-shells 6 and 7.
• the energy directing projection(s) 14 extend projecting from the peripheral joining edge of the half-shell and in the extension of the peripheral joining edge of the half-shell. .
• each energy-directing projection 14 can be located on the proximal part 6p or 7p, on the distal part 6d or 7d and/or between these two parts (i.e. say in the central part) of one or both half-shells 6 or 7 of the housing 4.
• the proximal part of at least one of the half-shells 6 or 7 and the distal part of one at least half-shells 6 or 7 each has at least one energy-directing projection 14.
• the energy guiding projections 14 are located in the proximal and distal parts of the half-shells 6 and 7, and extend projecting from the peripheral edge of the junction and in the extension of the peripheral edge of junction thereof, as illustrated in Figures 3 and 5 in particular.
• one or more energy-directing projections 14 may be located on the central part of at least one half-shell, that is to say between the proximal part and the distal part of the half-shell, alternatively or cumulatively with the presence of one or more energy guiding projections 14 in the distal and/or proximal part.
• no energy-directing projection 14 is located opposite another energy-directing projection 14.
• a spacing between two energy-directing projections 14 can also be provided. to avoid excess material.
• at least one energy-directing projection 14 can be located opposite another energy-directing projection 14. In this case, those skilled in the art can adjust the height of the energy guiding projections 14 if he wishes to avoid excess material.
• the energy guiding projections 14 are all located on the same half-shell 6 or 7.
• the energy guiding projections 14 can be positioned on the two half-shells 6 and 7 .
• the number of energy guiding projections is not limiting, and can be adapted by those skilled in the art.
• the energy guiding projections 14 are made of the same material as the housing 4 of the control handle 3. According to this embodiment, the half-shells 6 and 7 can be made by molding together with the energy directing projections 14.
• the energy-directing projections 14 are made of a different material from that of the housing 4 of the control handle 3.
• the energy-directing projections 14 are added elements, fixed by gluing or welding for example.
• one or more energy-directing projections 14 may be present at the level of the passage openings 13, in order to firmly fix the two half-shells 6 and 7 together, and to ensure the sealing of the control handle.
• the energy guiding projections 14 located at the passage openings 13 are continuous, positioned on the added element 17 (for example a connector, a cable, etc.) so as to be opposite the two half-shells 6 and 7 once the added element 17 is assembled to the housing 4. These energy guiding projections then form a collar 14a on the added element 17, this collar 14a being intended to allow the case 4 and the added element 17 to be welded.
• This (these) energy-directing projection(s) in the form of a flange 14a is (are) then typically at the periphery of the added element 17 .
• the energy-directing projections 14 located at the level of the passage openings 13 can be continuous, and positioned at the periphery or edge of each passage opening 13 on each half-shell 6 and 7 in such a way to be opposite. Thus, when the two half-shells 6 and 7 are assembled, these energy-directing projections 14 together form a flange 14a.
• these energy-directing projections in the form of flanges 14a not only allow the two half-shells 6 and 7 to be fixedly assembled together, but also to seal the handle of the control 3 at the passage openings 13.
• the distal part 6d or 7d of at least one half-shell 6 or 7 has at least one lug or barb 15, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7.
• This lug 15 is tapered or not. This lug 15 is intended to penetrate the insertion tube 2 during welding (ultrasonic or laser), and thus hold it fixedly and solidly in order to block any movement.
• the number of lugs 15 is not limiting. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, there are two of them, but a single lug 15, or more than two lugs 15, could be envisaged within the scope of the invention.
• the lugs 15 are tubular in shape. This example is not limiting, other shapes can be envisaged (for example, in the form of a point or of a frustoconical shape).
• the lugs 15 are positioned close to one or more energy-directing projections 14.
• bearing stops 16 project from the peripheral joining edge of at least one of the half-shells.
• a bearing abutment 16 is a projecting element having a flat upper surface intended to come into contact with the peripheral joining edge of the other half-shell.
• the shape, location and number of these bearing stops 16 is not limiting. In the example shown, the bearing stops 16 are spaced evenly over the entire peripheral edge of the junction of the distal part of the half-shell.
• the invention relates to an assembly method for a control handle 3 of a medical endoscope 1 comprising the following successive steps: a) disposing of the control handle 3 comprising a housing 4 having two half-shells 6 and 7 opposed and passage openings 13, each half-shell having a distal part 6d and 7d, a proximal part 6p and 7p and a peripheral joining edge 6b and 7b, b) applying pressure between the half-shells 6 and 7 by ensuring contact between the peripheral junction edges 6b and 7b of the two half-shells 6 and 7, while applying a beam of laser energy or ultrasound to weld the two half-shells together.
• step a) The control handle of step a) is as described at the beginning of the description.
• the two half-shells 6 and 7 can be fixed by means of a weld produced by the application of a laser energy beam or an ultrasonic energy beam.
• the welding in step b) is carried out by laser.
• a first of the half-shells 6 or 7 of the housing 4 of the control handle 3 is transparent to the laser, while the second half-shell is opaque to the laser.
• the laser beam is positioned so as to cross the first half-shell (transparent to the laser), until reaching the target zone of the second half-shell (opaque to the laser).
• the application of laser makes it possible to heat the zone targeted by the beam of laser energy to soften it (by melting), which makes it possible to create a weld thanks to the simultaneous application of pressure.
• the two half-shells are fixedly assembled to one another at the level of the target zone.
• the two half-shells 6 and 7 are welded by ultrasonic welding.
• the two half-shells are advantageously made of the same material although it is possible to make them of different materials.
• the application of ultrasound allows the area targeted by the beam of ultrasound energy to be heated to soften it (by melting), which makes it possible to create a weld thanks to the simultaneous application of pressure and the hardening resulting from cooling.
• either at least one of the half-shells 6 and 7 of the housing 4 of the control handle 3 comprises one or more energy-directing projections 14, or the two half-shells 6 and 7 are both free of energy-directing projection 14.
• none of the half-shells 6 and 7 comprises any energy-directing projection.
• the target zone for the welding is then all or part of the peripheral edge of the junction of the half-shells.
• the two half-shells 6 and 7 are placed so that the peripheral joining edges 6b and 7b of the two half-shells 6 and 7 face each other.
• the application of a beam of laser energy or ultrasonic energy at the level of the peripheral edges 6b and 7b makes it possible to soften them.
• the softened part deforms due to the application of pressure, which makes it possible to weld the two half-shells together following cooling.
• the softened material (by fusion) hardens during cooling, creating a fixed and rigid connection between the two half-shells 6 and 7.
• the welding is then carried out on the entire peripheral edge of junction, or the portion of the edge junction device to which the ultrasound or laser was applied.
• At least one of the half-shells comprises at least one energy-directing projection 14.
• the target zone then consists of the energy-directing projection(s) 14.
• the invention then relates to an assembly method for a control handle 3 of a medical endoscope 1 comprising the following successive steps: a 7 ) disposing of the control handle 3 comprising a housing 4 having two opposite half-shells 6 and 7 and passage openings 13, each half-shell having a distal part 6d and 7d, a proximal part 6p and 7p and a peripheral junction edge 6b and 7b, and at least one of the half-shells 6 and 7 having at least one directing projection of energy 14, b') applying pressure between the half-shells 6 and 7 ensuring the interposition between them of at least one energy-directing projection 14 and applying ultrasound or laser energy to the at least one energy director projection 14 in order to melt it(them) to weld the two half-shells together.
• step b 7 the two half-shells 6 and 7 are placed so that the peripheral junction edges 6b and 7b of the two half-shells 6 and 7 face each other.
• the energy-directing projection(s) 14 of a half-shell are opposite the peripheral edge of the junction of the second half-shell.
• Pressure is exerted on at least one of the two half-shells 6 and 7 in step b′), in order to bring them closer together and ensure the interposition between them of at least one directing projection d energy 14.
• step b′ The application of laser or ultrasonic energy in step b′) makes it possible to soften the energy guiding projections 14.
• the softened energy guiding projections 14 deform, allowing the peripheral edges 6b and 7b of the two half-shells 6 and 7 to approach and then to be in contact.
• the softened material of the energy guiding projections 14 hardens, then forming a fixed, rigid connection between the two half-shells 6 and 7.
• step b′ when the welding is ultrasonic welding, the pressure and the ultrasounds can be applied using one or more sonotrodes, depending on the location of the target zones.
• the method according to the invention then comprises the following steps: a ") have a control handle 3 comprising a housing 4 having two opposite half-shells 6 and 7 and passage openings 13, each half-shell having a distal part, a proximal part and a peripheral junction edge, and the distal part of at least one of the half-shells 6 and 7 having at least one lug 15, al) having an insertion tube 2, a2) positioning the insertion tube 2 between the two half-shells 6 and 7 of the housing 4 of the control handle 3 so as to be opposite the at least one lug 15, b") apply pressure between the two half-shells ensuring contact between the edges junction peripherals 6b and 7b of the two half-shells 6 and 7, and applying a beam of laser energy or ultrasonic energy to weld the two half-shells 6 and 7 together and cause the at least one lug 15 to penetrate into the insertion tube
• the method according to invention then comprises the following steps: a'") having a control handle 3 comprising a housing 4 having two opposite half-shells 6 and 7 and passage openings 13, each half-shell having a distal part, a proximal and a peripheral junction edge, and at least one of the half-shells 6 and 7 having at least one energy-directing projection 14, and the distal part of at least one of the half-shells 6 and 7 having at least one lug 15, a1) having an insertion tube 2, a2) positioning the insertion tube 2 between the two half-shells 6 and 7 of the housing 4 of the control handle 3 so as to be facing the at least one lug 15, b'") apply pressure between the two half-shells ensuring the interposition at least one energy-directing protrusion 14 therebetween and applying a beam of laser energy or ultrasonic energy to the at least one energy
• step b") or b'" the zone or zones targeted by the laser or ultrasonic energy beam (peripheral edge or energy guiding projections 14) soften and allow the two half -shells 6 and 7 as well as that of the insertion tube 2 and the lugs 15 until the latter enter the insertion tube 2, as shown in Figures 8 and 9.
• This method then allows not only to firmly and easily fix the two half-shells 6 and 7 together, but also to block any movement (translation or rotation) of the insertion tube 2 in the control handle 3.
• the assembly method for a control handle comprises, in addition to what is described previously in the description, the assembly of an added element 17, such as a double luer connector, a hubcap, a pulley, a connection cable or a suction cone for example.
• the added element 17 comprises at least one energy-directing projection in the form of a flange 14a, as described above. The process then comprises the following steps:
• step a4) between steps a3) and b) (or b') or b") or b'")), consisting in positioning the at least one added element 17 so that the at least one projection energy director in the form of a flange 14a is opposite the two assembled half-shells constituting the housing 4, at the level of a passage opening 13.
• step b) or b') or b" or b'"
• pressure is applied so that the energy-directing projection(s) in the form of a flange 14a are interposed between the insert 17 and the housing 4, while by applying a beam of laser energy or ultrasound to cause the melting of at least one collar 14a, in order to weld the insert 17 to the housing 4 and seal the control handle 3.
• steps a2) and a4) are preferably carried out simultaneously.
• the order of steps a1) and a3) does not matter, and are advantageously carried out before steps a2) and a4) respectively.
• the invention also relates to a control handle 3 obtained according to the method described above. More precisely, the control handle 3 is such that the two half-shells 6 and 7 of the casing 4 are welded together.
• the box 4 formed by these two half-shells 6 and 7 welded together is composed of a single material, that is to say that the two half-shells 6 and 7 and the weld which connects are made of the same material.
• the box 4 formed by these two half-shells 6 and 7 welded together is composed of two or more distinct materials.
• the two half-shells 6 and 7 are welded at their distal and proximal parts.
• they can be welded at their central part.
• the weld may be continuous all along the peripheral joining edge.
• the two half-shells 6 and 7 are also welded at the level of one or more passage openings 13, and preferably at each passage opening 13.
• the welding carried out at the passage openings 13 is sealed, thanks to the presence of at least one collar 14a.
• control handle 3 is assembled with an insertion tube 2. According to this embodiment, any movement of the insertion tube relative to the housing is blocked thanks to the presence of at least one lug 15 projecting from the distal part of at least one of the half-shells of the casing 4 and which is inserted into the insertion tube 2.
• the invention also relates to a control handle 3 assembled with an insertion tube 2 and with one or more added elements 17 at the level of one or more passage openings 13.
• each insert 17 is fixedly and solidly assembled thanks to the presence of at least one flange 14a.
• This collar 14a being continuous, it also makes it possible to ensure the sealing of the control handle 3.

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• 2021
  • 2021-12-23 FR FR2114360A patent/FR3131188B1/fr active Active
• 2022
  • 2022-12-16 EP EP22850652.3A patent/EP4452041A1/fr active Pending
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