FR3131188A1 - Assembly method for a control handle of a medical endoscope - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an assembly method for a control handle of a medical endoscope The invention relates to an assembly method for a control handle of a medical endoscope comprising the application of pressure and ultrasound or a beam of laser energy. The invention also relates to a handle of a medical endoscope, the two half-shells of which are welded. Figure for abstract: Fig. 5.

Description

Assembly method for a control handle of a medical endoscope

The present invention relates to the technical field of medical endoscopes, reusable or single-use.

Medical endoscopes in accordance with the invention provide access to the internal surface of a hollow organ, a cavity or a natural or artificial conduit of the human body with a view to performing various operations for therapeutic, surgical purposes. or diagnostic. Medical endoscopes in accordance with the invention are used for the inspection of all internal parts of the human body accessible by natural or artificial means. For example, 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 precisely to an assembly method for the control handle of a medical endoscope.

Generally speaking, a medical endoscope comprises, as described for example by patent application WO 2014/106510, a control handle to which an insertion tube is attached. This tube has a distal head equipped with an optical visualization system making it possible to illuminate and examine the organ, cavity or conduit of the human body. Upstream of this distal head, the insertion tube comprises a flexion structure or crutching part formed of articulated vertebrae allowing the orientation of the distal head using one or more actuation cables mounted on the inside the insertion tube. Each actuation cable has 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 distal head.

Conventionally, the case is made up of two half-shells which are assembled by snap-fastening or gluing. These techniques do not always allow the control handle to be assembled securely enough. In particular, when using and handling the endoscope, significant forces are applied to the connection connectors (typically located in the proximal and distal part of the control handle), and may tend to move apart the half-shells. Also, there is a need to more securely assemble the two half-shells of the control handle housing. Advantageously, the process for assembling the two half-shells is easy to implement and inexpensive.

Usually, the housing has passage openings. When used in endoscopy, it is preferable for the control handle to be waterproof, particularly at these openings. For this, it is known from document EP 2 736 399 an endoscope comprising a watertight seal placed between the rotor and the stator, which may in particular include 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. There is therefore a need for a method making it possible to ensure the sealing of the control handle, in an efficient, simple and inexpensive manner. Advantageously, the method does not require the installation of an element such as a ring on the housing. Advantageously, this process also helps to securely and securely assemble the two half-shells.

Usually, the control handle is assembled with an insertion tube. It is then important that this insertion tube is attached to the control handle to block any movement of one relative to the other and thus avoid any problems when using the medical endoscope. There is a need to securely and securely assemble the insertion tube and the operating handle together. Advantageously, this process also helps to securely and securely assemble the two half-shells of the housing together.

The present invention aims to remedy the drawbacks of the state of the art by proposing a method for fixedly assembling together the two half-shells of the control handle housing. To achieve such an objective, the assembly method for a control handle of a medical endoscope according to the invention comprises the following steps:
a) have 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) apply pressure between the two half-shells while 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 tightness of the control handle, in particular at the level of the passage openings.

Advantageously, the method according to the invention makes it possible to securely assemble the insertion tube and the control handle. Thus, once assembled, no movement (translation or rotation) of the insertion tube in the control handle is possible.

The process according to the invention advantageously has one or other of the following characteristics, or a combination of these:
- at least one of the half-shells has at least one energy directing projection, and, in step b), the pressure applied between the two half-shells ensures the interposition between them of the at least one energy directing projection, while applying a laser or ultrasonic energy beam to the at least one energy directing projection in order to melt it(them) to weld the two half-shells together;
- the distal part of at least one half-shell has at least one lug, the method further comprising the following steps:
- a step a1), between steps a) and b), consisting of having an insertion tube,
- a step a2), between steps a1) and b), consisting of positioning the insertion tube between the two half-shells of the control handle housing so as to be facing the other minus one lug,
step b) of the method allowing the at least one lug to penetrate into the insertion tube to block 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 has at least one energy-directing projection on its distal part and at least one of the half-shells has 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 collar when these are assembled, in order to ensure the tightness of the control handle ;
- the energy directing projections are tapered protuberances;
- the energy directing projections are in the shape of a point, a double point, or a lug;
- the process further comprises the following steps:
- a step a3), between steps a) and b), consisting of having at least one attached element comprising at least one energy directing projection in the form of a collar,
- a step a4), between steps a3) and b), consisting of positioning the at least one attached element between the two half-shells of the control handle housing so that the at least one directing projection of energy in the form of a collar is located opposite the housing at the level of a passage opening,
step b) of the method allowing the interposition of the at least one energy directing projection in the form of a flange between the added element and the housing, as well as the fusion of the at least one energy directing projection in the form of a collar to weld the element attached to the housing and ensure the sealing of the control handle;
- a double luer connector and/or a hubcap and/or a pulley and/or a connection cable and/or a suction cone are present as attached elements;
- the two half-shells are made of the same material;
- one of the half-shells of the housing is laser transparent, and the other half-shell of the housing is laser opaque;
- support stops extend projecting from the peripheral junction edge in order to adjust the final positioning of the two half-shells in step b);
- ultrasound is applied in step b).

The invention also relates to a control handle of a medical endoscope whose two half-shells of the housing are welded together, by the fusion of all or part of their peripheral joining edges, and/or by the fusion of at less an energy directing projection, preferably at their distal and proximal ends. According to one embodiment, these two half-shells are also welded together at each passage opening of the housing. The invention also relates to a control handle whose two half-shells are welded together, the control handle being assembled to 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.

Various other characteristics emerge from the description given below with reference to the appended drawings which show, by way of non-limiting examples, embodiments of the invention.

There is a side view of a medical endoscope comprising a control handle according to the invention.

There is a perspective view of a medical endoscope comprising a control handle according to the invention.

There is a perspective view of two half-shells of a housing of a control handle of a medical endoscope according to the invention.

There is a profile view of two half-shells of a housing of a control handle of a medical endoscope according to the invention.

There 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 directing projections at the level of a passage opening, as well as support stops.

There is a perspective view of a half-shell of a housing of a control handle of a medical endoscope according to the invention.

There is an enlargement VII of the half-shell illustrated in , provided with lugs.

There is a profile view of a control handle whose lugs present on a half-shell of the housing are inserted into the bending structure.

There is a view of the section along lines IX-IX of the control handle shown in .

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 canal for example. Conventionally, 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, such as 'illustrated in Figures 3 and 4. In the mounted position, the 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 with a shoulder allowing a baffle to be created during assembly, which contributes to the sealing of the control handle 3.

According to a first embodiment, the two half-shells 6 and 7 are made of the same material.

According to a second embodiment, the two half-shells 6 and 7 are made of different materials. Preferably according to this embodiment, one of the half-shells is laser transparent, while the other half-shell is laser opaque.

The insertion tube 2 is fixed temporarily or permanently on the housing 4 of the control handle 3. This insertion tube 2, which has a more or less significant length and flexibility, is intended to be introduced into a natural or artificial access route 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 conduit to be inspected and which can be between 5 cm and 2 m. The insertion tube 2 has various cross-section 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 for single or multiple use by a patient or even for reusable use after decontamination, disinfection or sterilization.

The medical endoscope 1 according to the invention 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 inside the control handle 3 and penetrating inside the insertion tube 2 up to the distal head 5.

Conventionally, the medical endoscope 1 also includes a control mechanism 8 making it possible to orient the distal head 5 relative to the longitudinal axis L of the insertion tube 2. For this purpose, the insertion tube 2 comprises upstream of the distal head 5, a bending, folding or bending part 9 allowing the orientation of the distal head 5 relative to the longitudinal axis L of the insertion tube 2. This bending, folding part or bending 9 can be carried out in any appropriate manner to ensure the flexion of the distal head 5 relative to the longitudinal axis L of the insertion tube 2. For example, this bending, folding or bending part 9 can be produced by a spring or by tubular vertebrae articulated together.

The control mechanism 8 can be produced in any suitable manner 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. . By way of non-limiting example, the control mechanism 8 may correspond to the control mechanism described in patent FR 3 047 887. For this purpose, 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 on which is fixed at least one and in the example illustrated, two actuation cables 12 mounted inside the insertion tube 2 to be fixed to the distal head 5. The proximal ends 12p of the actuation cables 12 are fixed symmetrically opposite on the pivoting part or pulley 11 relative to to a diametrical plane while the distal ends 12d of the actuation 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. In the example illustrated, the control lever 10 has a rotational stroke but it is possible that the control lever 10 has a translation movement causing the rotation of the pivoting part 11 via a movement transformation system. Likewise, 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 actuation cables 12.

Of course, the actuation cables 12 are made in any appropriate manner to ensure the function of transmitting movement leading to the flexion of the distal head 5. Thus, these actuation cables 12 can be made for example by rods, wires, filaments, strands or chains, made of a metallic or polymer material for example. Typically, the actuation 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, in order to allow the passage of various attached elements 17 necessary for its use. As non-limiting examples, a double luer connector and/or a hubcap and/or a pulley and/or a connection cable (possibly with tablet) and/or a suction cone are present as attached elements 17 The passage openings 13 can be of various shapes, and are generally circular or oval.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in , 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 projection 14 is a protuberance which makes it possible to direct and concentrate the 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 directing projections 14 are protuberances, discrete or continuous, which are preferably tapered in order to allow even more efficient welding (ultrasonic or laser). For example, energy directing projections are pointed or double-pointed. Alternatively, the energy directing projections do not have a tapered shape, and have, for example, a flattened or rounded shape.

On the other hand, the energy directing projections 14 can extend over a more or less significant length, in the form of studs, a continuous rib or ribs spaced between them.

The height of the energy directing projections is such that the peripheral junction edges 6b and 7b are in contact or near contact after welding (ultrasonic or laser). No localized extra thickness prevents contact over the entire periphery of the two half-shells 6 and 7.

According to a preferred embodiment, 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.

In the context of the invention, 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 (that is to say in the central part) of one or two half-shells 6 or 7 of the housing 4. Preferably, the proximal part of at least one of the half-shells 6 or 7 and the distal part of at least one of the half-shells each have 6 or 7 at least one energy directing projection 14.

According to a particular embodiment, the energy directing projections 14 are located in the proximal and distal parts of the half-shells 6 and 7, and extend projecting from the peripheral junction edge and in the extension of the peripheral edge of junction of these, as illustrated in Figures 3 and 5 in particular.

Although not illustrated, one or more energy directing projections 14 can be found 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 to the presence of one or more energy directing projections 14 in the distal and/or proximal part.

According to one embodiment, 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 in order to avoid any excess material.

According to another embodiment, at least one energy directing projection 14 can be located opposite another energy directing projection 14. In this case, those skilled in the art will be able to adjust the height of the energy directing projections 14 if he wishes to avoid excess material.

According to one embodiment, the energy directing projections 14 are all located on the same half-shell 6 or 7. Alternatively, the energy directing projections 14 can be positioned on the two half-shells 6 and 7.

The number of energy directing projections is not limiting, and can be adapted by those skilled in the art.

According to a preferred embodiment, the energy directing 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 in at the same time as the energy directing projections 14.

Although not preferred, it can be envisaged that the energy directing projections 14 are made of a material different from that of the housing 4 of the control handle 3. In this case, the energy directing projections 14 are attached elements , fixed by gluing or welding for example.

According to a particular embodiment, one or more energy directing projections 14 may be present at the level of the passage openings 13, in order to securely fix the two half-shells 6 and 7 together, and to ensure the tightness of the control handle.

According to a preferred embodiment, the energy directing projections 14 located at the level of the passage openings 13 are continuous, positioned on the attached element 17 (for example a connector, a cable, etc.) so as to be opposite each other. -screws of the two half-shells 6 and 7 once the attached element 17 is assembled to the housing 4. These energy directing projections then form a collar 14a on the attached element 17, this collar 14a being intended to allow the welding of the housing 4 and the attached element 17. This (these) energy directing projection(s) in the form of a flange 14a is(are) then typically at the periphery of the attached element 17.

Although not preferred, 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 so as to be in vis à vis. Thus, when the two half-shells 6 and 7 are assembled, these energy directing projections 14 together form a collar 14a.

Whatever the embodiment, these energy directing projections in the form of flanges 14a not only make it possible to securely assemble the two half-shells 6 and 7, but also to ensure the sealing of the control handle 3 to the level of passage openings 13.

According to a particular embodiment, the distal part 6d or 7d of at least one half-shell 6 or 7 has at least one lug or pin 15, as illustrated in Figures 6 and 7. This lug 15 is of tapered shape 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 Figures 6 and 7, there are two of them, but a single lug 15, or more than two lugs 15, could be considered in the context of the invention.

In the example illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, the lugs 15 are tubular in shape. This example is not limiting, other shapes can be considered (for example, in the form of a point or a frustoconical shape).

Preferably, the lugs 15 are positioned near one or more energy directing projections 14.

According to a particular embodiment illustrated in , support stops 16 extend projecting from the peripheral joining edge of at least one of the half-shells. A support stop 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 support stops 16 is not limiting. In the example illustrated, the support stops 16 are spaced regularly over the entire peripheral joining edge 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) have 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 an edge junction device 6b and 7b,
b) apply pressure between the half-shells 6 and 7 while 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 between them.

The control handle of step a) is as described at the beginning of the description.

As part of the method according to the invention, the two half-shells 6 and 7 can be fixed using welding carried out by the application of a laser energy beam or an ultrasonic energy beam.

According to a first embodiment, the welding in step b) is carried out by laser. According to this embodiment, a first of the half-shells 6 or 7 of the housing 4 of the control handle 3 is laser transparent, while the second half-shell is laser opaque. Thus, the laser beam is positioned so as to pass through the first half-shell (laser transparent), until reaching the target zone of the second half-shell (laser opaque). The application of laser allows the area targeted by the laser energy beam to be heated to soften it (by fusion), which allows a weld to be created through the simultaneous application of pressure. After cooling and hardening, the two half-shells are firmly assembled together at the target area.

According to a second embodiment of the invention, the two half-shells 6 and 7 are welded by ultrasonic welding. According to this embodiment, the two half-shells are advantageously made of the same material although it is possible to make them of different materials. Analogously, the application of ultrasound makes it possible to heat the area targeted by the ultrasound energy beam to soften it (by fusion), which makes it possible to create a weld thanks to the simultaneous application of pressure and hardening resulting from cooling.

Whatever the energy used for welding (ultrasonic or laser), 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 well the two half-shells 6 and 7 are both free of energy directing projection 14.

According to a first embodiment, none of the half-shells 6 and 7 have an energy directing projection. The target zone for welding is then all or part of the peripheral joining edge of the half-shells. According to this embodiment, to carry out step b), 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 allows the two half-shells to be welded together following cooling. In fact, 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 over the entire peripheral joining edge, or the portion of the edge junction device to which ultrasound or laser was applied.

According to a second embodiment, 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 a assembly method for a control handle 3 of a medical endoscope 1 comprising the following successive steps:
a') have 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 energy directing projection 14,
b') apply pressure between the half-shells 6 and 7 while ensuring the interposition between them of at least one energy directing projection 14 and apply ultrasound or laser energy to the at least one directing projection d energy 14 in order to melt it to weld the two half-shells together.

To carry out step b'), 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. Thus, the energy directing projection(s) 14 of a half-shell are opposite the peripheral joining edge 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 together and ensure the interposition between them of at least one energy directing projection 14 .

The application of laser or ultrasonic energy in step b') makes it possible to soften the energy directing projections 14. Thus, thanks to the application of pressure on the two half-shells 6 and 7, the projections softened energy directors 14 deform, allowing the peripheral edges 6b and 7b of the two half-shells 6 and 7 to come together and then be in contact. After the end of the application of ultrasound or laser (step b')), the softened material of the energy directing projections 14 hardens, then forming a fixed, rigid connection between the two half-shells 6 and 7.

In step b'), when the welding is an ultrasonic welding, pressure and ultrasound can be applied using one or more sonotrodes, depending on the location of the target areas.

Whatever the embodiment (laser or ultrasonic welding, presence of energy directing projection(s) or not), when support stops 16 are present on the peripheral joining edge of one at least of the half-shells 6 and 7 of the housing 4, these make it possible to adjust the positioning of the two half-shells 6 and 7 relative to each other.

When the housing 4 of the control handle 3 comprises at least one lug 15 on the distal part of at least one of the two half-shells 6 and 7, 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 joining edge , and the distal part of at least one of the half-shells 6 and 7 having at least one lug 15,
a1) have an insertion tube 2,
a2) position 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 peripheral junction edges 6b and 7b of the two half-shells 6 and 7, and apply a beam of laser energy or ultrasonic energy to weld the two half-shells 6 and 7 between them and insert at least one lug 15 into the insertion tube to block it in the control handle 3.

When the housing 4 of the control handle 3 comprises at least one lug 15 on the distal part of at least one of the two half-shells 6 and 7 as well as energy directing projections, 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 edge of junction, 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) have an insertion tube 2,
a2) position 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 while ensuring the interposition between them of at least one energy directing projection 14 and apply a beam of laser energy or ultrasonic energy on the other least one energy directing projection 14 in order to melt it(them) in order to weld the two half-shells 6 and 7 together and make at least one lug 15 penetrate the insertion tube to block it in the handle order 3.

During step b'') or b'''), the zone(s) targeted by the laser or ultrasound energy beam (peripheral edge or energy directing projections 14) soften and allow the two halves to come together. shells 6 and 7 as well as that of the insertion tube 2 and the lugs 15 until the latter penetrate into the insertion tube 2, as illustrated in Figures 8 and 9. This process then not only allows to securely 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.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the assembly method for a control handle comprises, in addition to what is described previously in the description, the assembly of an attached element 17, such as a double luer connector , a hubcap, a pulley, a connection cable or a suction cone for example. According to this embodiment, the added element 17 comprises at least one energy directing projection in the form of a collar 14a, as described above. The process then includes the following steps:
- a step a3) between steps a) (or a') or a'') or a''')) and b) (or b') or b'') or b''')), consisting of have at least one added element 17 comprising at least one energy directing projection in the form of a collar 14a,
- a step a4), between steps a3) and b) (or b') or b'') or b''')), consisting of positioning the at least one attached element 17 so that the at least an energy directing projection in the form of a collar 14a is located opposite the two assembled half-shells constituting the housing 4, at the level of a passage opening 13. Then, during step b) (or b' ) or b'') or b''')), pressure is ensured so that the energy directing projection(s) in the form of a flange 14a are interposed between the added element 17 and the housing 4, all by applying a beam of laser energy or ultrasound to cause the fusion of the at least one collar 14a, in order to weld the attached element 17 to the housing 4 and ensure the sealing of the control handle 3.

When the method according to the invention comprises steps a1) to a4), steps a2) and a4) are preferably carried out simultaneously. On the other hand, the order of steps a1) and a3) is not important, and are advantageously carried out before steps a2) and a4).

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 housing 4 are welded together. According to one embodiment, the housing 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 welding which them links are made of the same material. According to another embodiment, the housing 4 formed by these two half-shells 6 and 7 welded together is composed of two or more distinct materials.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the two half-shells 6 and 7 are welded to their distal and proximal parts. In addition, they can be welded at their central part. Alternatively, the weld can be either continuous all along the peripheral joining edge.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the two half-shells 6 and 7 are also welded at one or more passage openings 13, and preferably at each passage opening 13. Advantageously, the welding carried out at level of the passage openings 13 is waterproof, thanks to the presence of at least one collar 14a.

According to a preferred embodiment, the 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 extending projecting from the distal part of at least one of the half-shells of the housing 4 and which is inserted into the insertion tube 2.

The invention also relates to a control handle 3 assembled to an insertion tube 2 and to one or more attached elements 17 at one or more passage openings 13. According to this particular embodiment of the invention, each added element 17 is assembled fixedly and solidly thanks to the presence of at least one flange 14a. This collar 14a being continuous, it also ensures the sealing of the control handle 3.

Claims (21)

Assembly method for a control handle (3) of a medical endoscope (1) comprising the following steps:
a) have a control handle (3) comprising a housing (4) having two opposite half-shells (6,7) and passage openings (13), each half-shell (6,7) having a part distal (6d,7d), a proximal part (6p,7p) and a peripheral junction edge (6b,7b),
b) apply pressure between the two half-shells (6,7) while ensuring contact between the peripheral joining edges (6b, 7b) of the two half-shells (6,7), while applying a beam of energy laser or ultrasound to weld the two half-shells (6,7) together. Method according to claim 1 according to which at least one of the half-shells (6,7) has at least one energy directing projection (14), and according to which in step b), the pressure applied between the two half-shells (6,7) ensure the interposition between them of the at least one energy directing projection (14), while applying a beam of laser or ultrasonic energy to the at least one projection energy director (14) in order to melt it(them) to weld the two half-shells (6,7) together. Method according to claim 1 or 2, according to which the distal part of at least one half-shell (6,7) has at least one lug (15), the method further comprising the following steps:
- a step a1), between steps a) and b), consisting of having an insertion tube (2),
- a step a2), between steps a1) and b), consisting of positioning the insertion tube (2) between the two half-shells (6,7) of the housing (4) of the control handle (3) so as to be opposite the at least one lug (15),
step b) of the method allowing the at least one lug (15) to penetrate into the insertion tube (2) to block it in the control handle (3). Method according to claim 2 or 3, according to which in step b), the pressure applied between the two half-shells (6,7) ensures the interposition between them of the at least one energy directing projection ( 14) extending projecting from the peripheral joining edge of the half-shell and in the extension of the peripheral joining edge of the half-shell. Method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, according to which in step b), the pressure applied between the two half-shells (6,7) ensures the interposition between them:
- at least one energy directing projection (14) which is present on the distal part of at least one of the half-shells (6,7) and
- at least one energy directing projection (14) which is present on the proximal part of at least one of the half-shells (6,7). Method according to any one of claims 2 to 5, according to which in step b), the pressure applied between the two half-shells (6,7) ensures the interposition between them of at least one directing projection d energy bordering each passage opening (13). Method according to the preceding claim, according to which at least one energy directing projection (14) is located on the edge of each passage opening (13) of each of the two half-shells (6,7), together forming a collar when these are assembled during step b), in order to ensure the tightness of the control handle (3). Method according to any one of claims 2 to 7, according to which in step b), the laser or ultrasound energy beam is applied to energy directing projections (14) in the form of tapered protuberances. Method according to any one of claims 2 to 7, according to which in step b), the laser or ultrasonic energy beam is applied to energy directing projections (14) in the form of a point, a double point, or ergot. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the following steps:
- a step a3), between steps a) and b), consisting of having at least one added element (17) comprising at least one energy directing projection in the form of a flange (14a),
- a step a4), between steps a3) and b), consisting of positioning the at least one insert (17) between the two half-shells (6,7) of the housing (4) of the control handle ( 3) so that the at least one energy directing projection in the form of a collar (14a) is located opposite the housing (4) at the level of a passage opening (13),
step b) of the method allowing the interposition of the at least one energy directing projection in the form of a collar (14a) between the added element (17) and the housing (4), as well as the fusion of the at least one energy directing projection in the form of a collar (14a) for welding the attached element (17) to the housing (4) and ensuring the sealing of the control handle (3). Method according to the preceding claim, according to which a double luer connector and/or a hubcap and/or a pulley and/or a connection cable and/or a suction cone are present as an attached element (17). Method according to any one of the preceding claims, according to which the two half-shells (6,7) are made of the same material. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, according to which one of the half-shells of the housing 4 is laser transparent, and the other half-shell of the housing 4 is laser opaque. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, according to which support stops (16) extend projecting from the peripheral joining edge in order to adjust the final positioning of the two half-shells in step b). Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein ultrasound is applied in step b). Control handle (3) of a medical endoscope (1) of which the two half-shells (6,7) of the housing (4) are welded together in accordance with the method according to any one of claims 1 to 15. Control handle (3) according to claim 16, the two half-shells (6,7) of the housing (4) are welded together by the fusion of all or part of the peripheral joining edge. Control handle (3) according to claim 16 or 17, the two half-shells (6,7) of the housing (4) are welded together by the fusion of at least one energy directing projection (14). Control handle (3) according to any one of claims 16 to 18, of which the two half-shells (6,7) of the housing (4) are welded together at their distal (6d,7d) and proximal (6p) ends. ,7p). Control handle (3) according to any one of claims 16 to 19, of which the two half-shells (6,7) of the housing (4) are welded together at each passage opening (13). Control handle (3) according to any one of claims 16 to 20, which is assembled to an insertion tube (2) thanks to at least one lug positioned on at least one of the half-shells (6,7) and which is inserted into the insertion tube (2).