Cavity handle of medical device

Abstract

The handle of the endoscope may include a main body portion defining a first chamber having a first feature configured to support a first component of the steering assembly; and a second chamber having a second feature configured to support at least one fluid component (or fluidics component) or electronic component (or circuit board).

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 841,377, filed May 1, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to handles for medical devices, including endoscopes. Background Art

[0004] An endoscope or other medical device may include a handle portion that can be grasped by an operator and may include control elements for functions such as steering, suction, water (e.g., irrigation), air, light, and imaging. An endoscope may also include a portion into which an object can be inserted. For example, an endoscope may include an elongated tube suitable for insertion into an object. Such an insertion portion of an endoscope may include one or more lumens. The lumens of the insertion portion of an endoscope may support functions such as the delivery of air, water, suction, electricity, data, light, and / or images. Tools may also be inserted through a working channel of the insertion portion of the endoscope. For example, tools may be inserted through a port in or near the handle of the endoscope.

[0005] The handle of such a device may house multiple components. These components may need to be placed in specific locations within the handle. Placing such components in the handle involves the use of support components that are separated from the handle housing and inserted into the handle so as to provide a frame or other suitable structure within the handle for accommodating the components. Such a frame or support structure may increase manufacturing costs by increasing the number of components in the medical device and by requiring resources for assembling the frame or structure within the handle. These manufacturing costs may affect the production of disposable devices. Therefore, it is necessary for the handle of an endoscope or other medical device to be manufactured with efficient technology and meet the requirements of the device for use in the subject. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In one example, a handle of an endoscope can include a main body portion defining a first chamber having a first feature configured to support at least a first component of a steering assembly and a second chamber having a second feature configured to support at least one fluid component, fluidics component, electronic component, or circuit board.

[0007] Any example of an endoscope handle described herein may include a main body having a first surface on a first side of a longitudinal axis of the main body and a surface on a second side of the longitudinal axis of the main body. The first surface may define at least a portion of a second chamber. The second surface may define at least a portion of the first chamber. The main body may further define a recess proximal to the first chamber and configured to receive at least a second component of the steering assembly. At least one wall may surround the recess. The wall may have at least a curved portion and a straight portion. The second chamber may include a negative image of the recess. The recess may define a first recess and a second recess. The second recess is recessed from the first recess. The second recess may be configured to receive at least a third component of the steering assembly. The second chamber may include a third feature configured to support at least one valve body. The wall of the second chamber includes a recess configured to surround at least a portion of the valve body. The second feature may be configured to support at least one electronic component, wherein the electronic component is a circuit board, and wherein the second chamber includes a third feature configured to support a button operably connected to the circuit board. The first and second chambers may be in fluid communication with each other. The passage between the first chamber and the second chamber may include features configured to constrain a tube or line passing between the first chamber and the second chamber. A first cover may be attached to the main body portion to enclose the first chamber, and a second cover may be attached to the main body portion to enclose the second chamber. The main body portion may also include features configured to receive a port in fluid communication with the working channel. The first chamber may be open on one side of the longitudinal axis of the main body portion. The second chamber may be open on an opposite second side of the longitudinal axis of the main body portion;

[0008] In another example, the handle of the endoscope may include a main body portion defining a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber may be open on one side of the longitudinal axis of the main body portion. The second chamber may be open on a second side opposite the longitudinal axis of the main body portion. Components of the steering assembly may be disposed in the first chamber. At least one of a fluidic component (or fluidics component) or an electronic component (or circuit board) may be disposed in the second chamber. A first cover may be disposed above the first chamber. A second cover may be disposed above the second chamber.

[0009] Any example of a handle of an endoscope described herein may have any of the following features. The first chamber may include a first feature configured to support a component of a steering assembly. The second chamber may include a second feature configured to support at least one of a fluid component (or fluidics component) or an electronic component (or circuit board). The component of the steering assembly may be the first component of the steering assembly. The main body may define a recess proximal to the first chamber and may be configured to receive at least the second component of the steering assembly. At least one of the fluid component (or fluidics component) and the electronic component (or circuit board) may be an electronic component, and the handle may further include a button operably connected to the electronic component, wherein the second chamber includes a feature configured to support the button. The first chamber and the second chamber may be in fluid communication with each other. A first cover may be attached to the main body to enclose the first chamber. A second cover may be attached to the main body to enclose the second chamber.

[0010] In yet another example, a handle for an endoscope may include a main body portion comprising: a first wall defining: (a) a first outer surface of the handle, and (b) a first chamber configured to receive at least one steering component; and a second wall defining: (a) a second outer surface of the handle, and (b) a second chamber configured to receive at least one of a fluid component (or fluidics component) and an electronic component (or circuit board). The first wall and the second wall may be on opposite sides of a longitudinal axis of the main body portion. The first chamber may include a first feature configured to support a component of the steering assembly. The second chamber may include a second feature configured to support at least one of the fluid component (or fluidics component) and the electronic component (or circuit board). The second chamber may include a third feature configured to support at least one valve body.

[0011] It will be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and illustrative and are not limitations on the claimed invention. As used herein, the terms "comprises," "includes," or any other variations thereof are intended to encompass non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus comprising a list of elements includes not only those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. The term "example" is used in the sense of "example," not "ideal." As used herein, the term "proximal" refers to a direction closer to the operator, while the term "distal" refers to a direction away from the operator. Although endoscopes are referenced herein, references to endoscopes or endoscopes should not be construed as limiting the possible applications of the disclosed handles and other aspects. For example, the disclosed aspects may be used in conjunction with duodenoscopes, bronchoscopes, ureteroscopes, colonoscopes, catheters, diagnostic or therapeutic tools or devices, or other types of medical devices.

[0012] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate examples of the disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

[0014] Figure 1-2 A perspective view of a medical device is shown.

[0015] Figure 3-4 A perspective view of a handle component of a medical device is shown.

[0016] Figure 5 A perspective view of the medical device is shown with the cover partially removed.

[0017] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a portion of a medical device is shown.

[0018] Figure 7 A cover portion for a medical device is shown.

[0019] Figure 8 A perspective view of the medical device is shown with the cover partially removed.

[0020] Figure 9 A cover portion for a medical device is shown. Specific embodiments

[0021] The operating portion of an endoscope (e.g., the handle portion of the endoscope) can include various components that are used by the operator when performing a procedure using the endoscope. For example, the operating portion of an endoscope can include steering components for deflecting the distal portion of the insertion portion of the endoscope. The operating portion can also include electronics for operating, for example, a camera or lighting device in the distal portion of the endoscope or for transmitting image data. The operating portion can also include fluid components, such as valves and tubes for air, water, suction, and / or instruments. In addition, the operating portion can include a mechanism for raising or lowering a lifter at the distal end of the endoscope. Any or all of these components are assembled within the operating portion, such as the handle, in a manner suitable for performing their functions and providing necessary connections between them and external components. Some of these components should be kept separate from each other to avoid interference with other components, fluid leakage, etc. The present disclosure describes, for example, an endoscope handle that may include built-in features and structures, such as those described above, that may be located within the handle to support, isolate, align, or otherwise position components. Such a handle can minimize manufacturing costs by reducing the number and cost of parts and / or by reducing the steps, time, and difficulty involved in manufacturing.

[0022] Figure 1 and 2 An exemplary device 10 is depicted. The device 10 may have an operating portion 12, which may have a first side 14 (see Figure 1 ) and the first side 14 (see Figure 2 ) opposite the second side 16. The device 10 can be an endoscope, duodenoscope, bronchoscope, ureteroscope, colonoscope, or other type of medical device. The device 10 can also include an insertion portion 20, which can be inserted into a body cavity of a subject during a medical procedure. The insertion portion 20 can be engaged with the operating portion 12. A strain relief portion 22 can bridge the operating portion 12 and the insertion portion 20. An umbilical portion 24 can extend from the operating portion 12, and a strain relief portion 26 can bridge the operating portion 12 and the umbilical portion 24. The umbilical portion 24 can be used to connect the device 10 to components, such as a controller (for providing, for example, optical controls, including cameras, videos, lights, or other optical controls), an air and / or water supply, and / or a suction supply.

[0023] The operating portion 12 may include a plurality of components used by an operator to control the device 10 before, during, or after a procedure involving the device 10. For example, the operating portion 12 may include a steering component 30. The steering component 30 may be used to control the deflection of the distal portion (not shown) of the insertion portion 20. The steering component 30 may be part of a steering assembly. For example, the steering component 30 may include two knobs 32, 34 for deflecting the distal portion of the insertion portion 20. For example, one of the knobs 32, 34 may be used to deflect the distal portion of the insertion portion 20 in a left / right direction, while the other of the knobs 32, 34 may be used to deflect the distal portion of the insertion portion 20 in an up / down direction. For example, the knob 32 may be operable to deflect the distal portion of the insertion portion 20 in a left / right direction, and the knob 34 may be operable to deflect the distal portion of the insertion portion 20 in an up / down direction. The steering member 30 may further include locking mechanisms 36 and 38 that can be used to limit movement of the distal portion of the insertion portion 20 in the left / right and / or up / down directions or otherwise lock the position of the distal portion. For example, the locking mechanism 36 can be a knob operable to prevent the rotation knob 32 from deflecting the distal portion of the insertion portion 20 in the left / right direction. The locking mechanism 38 can be a lever operable to prevent the rotation knob 34 from deflecting the distal portion of the insertion portion 20 in the up / down direction.

[0024] The operating part 12 may also include a plurality of ports and / or valves. For example, the operating part may include a working channel port 40, which can be used to pass an instrument or other device through the working channel of the insertion part 20. The working channel port 40 can be accommodated in a port housing 42. The port 40 may include a valve to prevent leakage. The operating part 12 may also include fluid components, such as valves 52, 54 for providing air, water and / or suction. The valves 52, 54 can be connected to the tubes in the umbilical cord 24, the operating part 12 and / or the insertion part 20 so that pressing the valves 52, 54 allows the corresponding functions. For example, the valve 52 can be used to provide air and / or water. The valve 54 can be used to provide suction and can be connected to the working channel extending from the working channel port 40.

[0025] The operating portion 12 may also include other components, such as a lifting rod 60, which can be used to move upward and / or downward an elevator (not shown) located at the distal end of the insertion portion 20. For example, the lifting rod 60 can be used when the device 10 is a duodenoscope.

[0026] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the operating portion 12 may include a main body 100. The main body 100 may have a first side 104 ( Figure 3 ) and the first side 104 ( Figure 4 ) and a second side 106 opposite the operating portion 12. In some embodiments, the main body 100 may be a single piece. The first side 104 of the main body 100 may correspond to the first side 14 of the operating portion 12. The second side 106 of the main body 100 may correspond to the second side 16 of the operating portion 12. Figure 3 and 5 -7 depicts aspects of the first side 14 of the operating portion 12 and / or the first side 104 of the main body portion 100. Figure 2 、 4 , 8 and 9 depict the second side 16 of the operating portion 12 and / or the second side 106 of the main body 100. The main body 100 can be formed of a rigid material, such as plastic or metal, or any other suitable material. The main body 100 can be formed of a unitary structure and can be molded, for example.

[0027] The first side 104 of the operator body portion 100 may include features or structures for supporting, isolating, and / or positioning certain components mounted in the operator body portion 12. For example, components that interact with the steering member 30 and / or the lift rod 60 may be positioned adjacent to the first side 104 of the operator body portion 100, within a recessed portion of the first side 104 of the operator body portion 100, or otherwise interact with the first side 104 of the operator body portion 100.

[0028] Figure 5 The first side 14 of the operating portion 12 and its corresponding components are shown, wherein the first side cover portion 114 (see Figure 7 ) is removed. The stress relief portion 22 is Figure 5 The figure moves distally in the figure to better illustrate the structure of the main body 100. Removal of the first side cover portion 114 exposes some of the components that can be installed in the operating part 12. The portion of the main body 100 and the housing that can be covered by the cover portion 114 can form a first cavity 116 for receiving the components. Figure 5Not all components that can be installed in the operating portion 12 and / or chamber 116 are shown and should not be construed as limiting the components that can be installed or to be installed. The first side 104 of the operating body 100 is also visible below the components. The outer surface of the first side 14 of the operating portion 12 can be formed in part by the cover portion 114 and in part by the wall 118 of the first side 104 of the body.

[0029] Main reference Figure 3 and Figure 5 , the main body 100 may include various features for supporting, positioning, or otherwise interacting with components of the operating portion 12. For example, the main body 100 may include a support structure or feature for receiving the steering block 120. The steering block 120, together with the steering component 30, may be a component of the steering assembly. For example, the main body 100 may include one or more walls 122 that align with and / or interact with portions of the steering block 120. For example, the wall 122 may align with the outer edge of the steering block 120 or may interact with a notch or groove of the steering block 120 to secure the steering block 120 in place. The main body 100 may also include one or more features, such as a hole or cavity 124, that may be used to secure the steering block 120. For example, the cavity 124 may be configured to receive a screw or other securing mechanism to secure the steering block 120 to the main body 100. The cavity 124 may, for example, be threaded to receive a screw or may have a matching shape that is complementary to the securing mechanism. For example, as Figure 3 As shown, the cavity 124 has a hexagonal shape. The fixing mechanism used to fix the steering block 120 to the main body 100 can have a corresponding hexagonal shape to fit within the cavity 124 having a matching shape. Alternatively, any other mechanism can be used to fix the steering block 120 to the main body 100. As another option, the steering block 120 can be integrally formed with the main body 100. The design of the main body 100 can allow the steering mechanism (including the steering block 120 or the steering component 30) to be directly mounted to the main body 100, rather than being mounted to an additional internal support component.

[0030] The steering block 120 can include features that provide support for a steering wire 130, which can interact with the steering member 30 to deflect the distal end of the insertion portion 20. The steering block 120 can also house or otherwise connect to components such as an arm 132 and a pull wire 134 for raising and / or lowering a lifter at the distal end of the insertion portion 20. Alternatively, the steering block 120 can be omitted, and portions of the main body 100 can provide support, structure, stability, etc. for components such as the steering wire 130, the arm 132, and / or the pull wire 134. Alternatively, any other suitable steering mechanism can be used and can interact with features of the main body 100 to position the steering mechanism.

[0031] The main body 100 may also include features such as a distal neck 140 that has a smaller cross-section than the more proximal portion of the main body 100. The neck 140 may include a raised ridge 142. A sleeve 144 formed of a flexible or rigid (e.g., plastic) material may include an annular groove 146 that mates with the ridge 142. Components of the operating portion 12 that will be passed distally through the insertion portion 20 may first be passed through the sleeve 144. The interaction between the groove 146 and the ridge 142 may help hold the sleeve 144 in place. The strain relief portion 22 may be mounted on the neck 140. The neck 140 may include a ridge 150 and / or a shoulder 152 to help hold the strain relief portion 22 in place on the neck 140. For example, the proximal portion of the strain relief portion 22 may be mounted between the ridge 150 and the shoulder 152, which will prevent distal or proximal movement of the strain relief portion 22.

[0032] Now the main reference Figure 3 and Figure 6 , the main body 100 may include features such as a recess 160. The recess 160 may have walls 162 surrounding some but not all of the recess 160. The recess 160 may be open at the distal end of the recess 160. The recess may also be open on the radially outermost side along the longitudinal axis of the main body 100. The longitudinal axis of the device is the axis extending along the operating portion and the insertion portion, and the longitudinal direction is the direction along the longitudinal axis. Alternatively, the recess 160 may have walls 162 surrounding the entire recess 160 or other subset of the recess 160. The recess 160 may have a circular proximal side or end. The circular side of the recess 160 may have a radius of curvature that is the same or similar to the shaft used in the steering component 30, so that the recess 160 is used to support or constrain one or more steering components 30. For example, the recess 160 may include a semicircular proximal side. The other sides of the recess 160 may have straight sidewalls 162. For example, at a cross-section of the main body 100 along line AA, the recess 160 may have a rectangular cross-section, such as Figure 6 As shown. For example, the curved (e.g., semicircular) side of the recess 160 can be the proximal side of the recess 160. The recess 160 can include another recess 170, which can be recessed deeper than the recess 160. The additional recess 170 can have one or more holes 172. For example, the additional recess 170 can have one, two, three, or more holes 172. The additional recess 170 can be generally circular in shape and can have straight edges on one or more sides.

[0033] The wall 162 may have a uniform height or may have a varying height as measured along the axial direction of the main body portion 100 (a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the main body portion 100). For example, the ridge 180 may extend around a portion of the perimeter of the recess 160. For example, the ridge 180 may extend around the proximal curved side of the recess 160. The ridge 180 may also extend along a portion of the straight side of the recess 160. For example, the ridge 180 may extend along a portion of the straight side of the recess 160 closer to the umbilical portion 24.

[0034] like Figure 6 As shown, a cable system 200 (also referred to herein as a "cable steering system") for manipulating the distal end of the insertion portion 20 can be fitted within the recess 160. The cable steering system 200 can have a shape complementary to the recess 160 so that the cable steering system 200 fits securely within the recess 160. Use of the recess 160 can eliminate the need for a separate frame for positioning the cable steering system 200. Further details of the cable steering system 200 are described in concurrently filed U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 841,290, entitled “System and Apparatus for Joint Line Guidance,” attorney docket number 06530-0877-00600, which is incorporated herein in its entirety. The cable steering system 200 can be used to transfer force from the steering component 30 to the articulation line 130 (also referred to as a “steering line”), which can be another component of the steering assembly. For example, one or more steering components can cause rotation of a shaft, such as shaft 210. Rotation of shaft 210 can cause rotation of one or more spools and / or pulleys included in the steering system 200. One or more components of the cable steering system 200 or the steering component 30 can also be coupled to another 160 . For example, a pulley, washer, shaft, or other component of the steering system 200 or the steering component 30 can engage with the additional recess 170 or hole 172. The hole 172 can be used to secure the components of the steering system 200 to the main body 100. The shaft 210 of the steering component 30 can be secured to the main body 100 via the additional recess 170 and / or hole 172. For example, the base of the shaft 210 can have a shape that is complementary to the recess 170, such that the recess 170 can be used to position the shaft 210 relative to the main body 100 and / or limit rotational movement of the base of the shaft 210 relative to the main body 100. The shaft 210 can have the same or a similar radius as the circular portion of the recess 160, such that the shaft 210 fits within the circular portion of the recess 160.

[0035] The main body 100 may also include additional features, such as an outer ridge 220. The outer ridge 220 may have a shape similar to that of the ridge 180. For example, at least a portion of the outer ridge 220 may be curved. For example, at least a portion of the outer ridge 220 may form a partial circumference of a circle. Another portion of the outer ridge 220 may be straight. For example, the portion of the outer ridge 220 away from the umbilical portion 24 may be straight. While the straight portion of the ridge 180 may extend distally on one side of the recess 160 (e.g., the side closer to the umbilical portion 24), the straight portion of the ridge 220 may extend distally on the other side of the recess 160 (e.g., away from the umbilical portion 24). The straight portion of the outer ridge 220 may extend further in the distal direction than the straight portion of the ridge 180. The outer ridge 220 may have a larger radius of curvature than the ridge 180.

[0036] The ridges 180 and / or 220 can be used to engage components of the steering component 30. For example, the ridges 180 and / or 220 can be used to align a washer or other component of the steering component 30. The height of the ridge 180 can extend the height of the wall 162 to reach the height of the steering component 30, and the ridge 220 can mate with portions of the steering component 30.

[0037] The main body portion 100 may also include features, such as a portion 230 for engaging with the port housing 42. For example, the edge of the portion 230 may be slightly recessed from the edge of an adjacent portion of the main body portion 100. In other words, the outermost surface of the portion 230 is recessed relative to the adjacent outer surface of the main body portion 100. The portion 230 may also include one or more holes or cavities 232 for engaging a connector used to connect the port housing 42 to the main body portion 100. The cavity 232 may have any of the characteristics described above for the cavity 124.

[0038] Figure 7 Shows that it has been Figure 5The first side cover portion 114 is shown with the first side cover portion 114 removed from the first side 14 of the operating portion 12. The cover portion 114 can be connected to the main body portion 100 via a hole or recess 240 in the main body portion 100 and a corresponding hole or recess 242 in the cover portion 114. The cover portion 114 can fit over the first chamber 116 and can completely or partially surround the first chamber 116. A mechanism such as a screw, pin, bolt, or other connector can be used to connect the hole or recess 240 to the hole or recess 242. Additionally or alternatively, other mechanisms can be used to connect the cover portion 114 to the main body portion 100. For example, the cover portion 114 can be snapped onto the main body portion 100 or otherwise attached to the main body portion, including by glue, welding, or other adhesives. The cover portion 114 can include one or more protrusions 250. The protrusions can interact with components of the device 10 (e.g., the steering block 120 or other components) to position, support, activate, or secure these components. The cover portion 114 can include a port housing mating portion 252 that can have a shape that is complementary to the port housing 42 and / or the port 40. For example, the port housing mating portion 252 can include a circular recess 254 having the same or a similar radius of curvature as the port 40, such that the circular recess 254 fits around and secures the port 40. The cover portion 114 can form a portion of the port housing 42, such as a portion of the port housing 42 on the first side 14 of the operator's portion 12.

[0039] The cover portion 114 may also include features such as a cover neck 260, which may have the same shape as or a complementary shape to the neck 140 and may be aligned with the neck 140 when the cover portion 114 is secured to the main body 100. The cover neck 260 may have a ridge 262, which may have any of the characteristics of the ridge 142 and may interact with the groove 262. The cover neck 260 may have a ridge 264, which may have any of the characteristics of the ridge 150, and a shoulder 266, which may have any of the characteristics of the shoulder 152. As with the neck 140, a strain relief may fit over the neck 260. The neck 140 and the cover neck 260 together may have a circular cross-section and / or may form a tubular shape.

[0040] Figure 4 、 8 9 relate to the second side 16 of the operating portion 12 . Figure 4 The main body 100 is shown Figure 3 The opposite second side 106 is shown. Figure 8 The second side 16 of the operating portion 12 is shown, wherein the second side cover portion 300 (see Figure 9 ) is removed. Removal of the second side cover portion 300 exposes some components that may be installed in the operating portion 12. Figure 8Not all components that can be installed in the operating portion 12 are shown and should not be construed as limiting the components that can be installed or to be installed. The second side 106 of the operating body portion 100 is also visible below the components and toward the distal portion of the body portion 100. The portion of the body portion 100 that can be covered by the cover portion 300 can form a second chamber 304 for accommodating the components of the operating portion 12.

[0041] An interior surface of the second cavity 304 (i.e., an outwardly facing surface of the main body 100 that may be covered by the cover portion 300) may be an opposing surface or side of the wall 118. In other words, the wall 118 may form or define an exterior of the first side 104 of the main body 100 and may form or define an interior of the second cavity 304 on the second side 106 of the main body 100.

[0042] The outer surface of the second side 16 of the operating portion 12 can be formed in part by the cover portion 300 and in part by the wall 306 of the main body 100. The inner surface of the wall 306 can define at least a portion of the interior of the first cavity 116. In other words, the wall 306 can form or define the exterior of the second side 106 of the main body 100 and can form or define the interior of the first cavity 116 on the first side 104 of the main body 100.

[0043] While the first side cover portion 114 covers the more distal portion of the main body portion 100, the second side cover portion 300 covers the more proximal portion of the main body portion 100. The areas covered by the first side cover portion 114 and the second side cover portion 300 may or may not overlap on opposite sides of the main body portion 100. In other words, the proximal portion of the first chamber 116 and the distal portion of the second chamber 304 may or may not overlap on opposite sides of the main body portion 100.

[0044] like Figure 4 As shown, the second side 106 of the operating body 100 can include features that are negative images of features from the first side 114 of the operating body 100. For example, the recess 160 and the additional recess 170 can form protrusions 310 and 312 on the second side 106 of the operating body 100. Thus, the structures on opposite sides of the body 100 can form the structures of each other and can serve complementary or different functions on each side to provide structures within the operating portion 12 to accommodate components of the device 10. Alternatively, the negative image of the structure on one side may not function on the other side. Such negative image features can be formed because the surface of the outer wall 118 forms the interior of the second chamber 304 and the surface of the outer wall 306 forms the interior of the first chamber 116. Alternatively, the interiors of the first chamber 116 and the second chamber 304 can have a shared wall.

[0045] The body 100 can include features, such as curved recessed portions 320 and 322 in the wall of the body 100, that have a shape complementary to the bodies of the valves 52 and 54. The outer surfaces of the bodies of the valves 52 and 54 can have the same or similar radius of curvature as the recessed portions 320 and 322. The body 100 can include another curved support portion 324 for supporting the body of the valve 52. The support portion 324 can be shaped to complement the outer surface of the body of the valve 52 to support, position, or otherwise interact with the body of the valve 52. For example, the support portion 324 can protrude from an adjacent surface of the body 100 and have a radius of curvature similar to the radius of curvature of a portion of the body of the valve 52 that is aligned with the support portion 324. The valve 52 can be positioned and oriented in an ergonomic manner and restrict movement that could damage a tube within the body 100 (e.g., the tubes discussed below).

[0046] The main body portion 100 may also include features for engaging electronic components such as a circuit board 340, for example, protruding supports 330, 332, and / or 334. The supports 330, 332, and / or 334 may be shaped to engage edges of the circuit board 340 and / or otherwise support the circuit board 340. The circuit board 340 may provide functionality for components at the distal end of the insertion portion 20, such as lighting and camera components. The circuit board 340 may be connected to the umbilical portion 24 and the insertion portion 20 by electrical wiring. For clarity, the electrical wiring is not shown. Figure 8 . Support portions 330, 332, and 334 can be integrally formed from the material forming body portion 100. The presence of support portions 330, 332, and 334 can eliminate or reduce the need for a separate structural support component for supporting circuit board 340. Body portion 100 can include a hole or cavity 342 that can be used to secure circuit board 340 to body portion 100. For example, screw 344 can pass through a hole in circuit board 340 and into cavity 342. Cavity 342 can have any of the characteristics described above for cavity 124.

[0047] The button 350 may be accessible from the exterior of the operating portion 12. The button 350 may be operably coupled to the circuit board 340 and may be used to activate functions of the electronic components of the device 10. For example, the button 350 may be operable to capture a still image frame from a camera at the distal end of the insertion portion 20 when pressed. Figure 4 As shown, the main body portion may include a slot 352 for receiving the base of the button 350. The top inside of the slot 352 may include a recess 354 for receiving a connector for connecting the button 350 to the circuit board 340. Thus, the features of the main body portion 100 may eliminate or reduce the need for separate components for housing and supporting the button 350 and its connection or connection thereto.

[0048] One or more features such as dividers 360, 362 (see Figure 8 ) can protrude into the second chamber 304 for holding certain components in certain areas of the main body 100. For example, tubes such as air / water and suction tubes can pass between the partition 360 and the outer wall formed by the main body 100 and / or the cover portion 300.

[0049] The main body portion 100 may also include a proximal neck portion 370. The proximal neck portion 370 may include one or more ridges 372 and one or more grooves 374. The ridges 372 and grooves 374 may mate with complementary portions of a sleeve 380. For example, the sleeve 380 may have one or more grooves 383 that mate with the ridges 372 of the neck portion 370 and may have one or more ridges 384 that mate with the grooves 374 of the neck portion 370. The strain relief portion 26 may be mounted on the neck portion 370 (and therefore, on the sleeve 380). The sleeve 380 may be used to guide components such as wires, tubing, etc. from the operating portion 12 to the umbilical portion 24.

[0050] Figure 9 Shows that it has been Figure 8 The second side cover portion 300 is shown with the second side 16 of the operating portion 12 removed. The cover portion 300 can be connected to the second side 106 of the main body 100 via a hole or recess 381 in the main body 100 and a hole or recess 382 in the cover portion 300. The cover portion 300 can be assembled over the second cavity 304 and can completely or partially surround the second cavity 304 from the outside of the main body 100. A mechanism such as a screw, pin, bolt, or other connector can be used to connect the hole or recess 381 to the hole or recess 382. In addition or alternatively, other mechanisms can be used to connect the cover portion 300 to the main body 100. For example, the cover portion 300 can be snapped onto the main body 100 or otherwise attached to the main body, including, for example, by glue, welding, or other adhesives. The cover portion 300 can include one or more protruding supports 390, 392 that can provide support for the circuit board 340. The supports 390 and 392, together with the supports 330 and 332 of the main body 100, can hold the circuit board 340 in a predetermined position and can prevent or minimize unintended movement of the circuit board 340. The wall of the cover portion 300 can include curved recessed portions 394 and 396 having shapes complementary to the curved recessed portions 320 and 322 of the main body 100 and / or the bodies of the valves 52 and 54. The bodies of the valves 52 and 54 can have the same or similar radii of curvature as the recessed portions 394 and 396. The curved recessed portions 320 and 396 together can form a safety enclosure around the valve 52, and the curved recessed portions 322 and 394 can form a safety enclosure around the valve 54.

[0051] The cover portion 300 may also include a cover neck portion 400, which may have the same shape as or a complementary shape to the neck portion 370 and may be aligned with the neck portion 370 when the cover portion 300 is secured to the main body portion 100. The cover neck portion 400 may have one or more ridges 402, which may have any of the characteristics of the ridges 372 and may interact with the grooves 383. The cover neck portion 400 may also include one or more grooves 404, which may have any of the characteristics of the grooves 374 and may interact with the ridges 384. As with the neck portion 370, the strain relief portion 26 may be mounted on the cover neck portion 400. The neck portion 370 and the cover neck portion 400 together may have a circular cross-section and / or may form a tubular shape.

[0052] If through Figure 5 and 8 As can be seen, certain components of the operating portion 12 of the device 10 can pass from the second chamber 304 into the first chamber 116, and vice versa. For example, lines or tubes for passing suction, air, and / or water can pass from the second chamber 304 into the first chamber 116. For example, the suction tube 410 can pass from the second chamber 304 into the first chamber 116. Although other tubes are not shown for clarity, Figure 5 In the embodiment of the present invention, air and / or water pipes can also enter the first chamber 116. The first chamber 116 and the second chamber 304 can be in fluid communication with each other. Features such as dividers 360, 362 can help align components such as tubes or wires to pass from the second chamber 304 to the first chamber 116 at a desired location. For example, the dividers 360, 362 can constrain the tubes or wires to a desired location. The dividers 360, 362 can be provided at the opening between the first chamber 116 and the second chamber 304.

[0053] The aspects described herein can provide numerous benefits. For example, manufacturing efficiencies can result from a reduction in the number or complexity of parts, as well as lower material costs. Furthermore, the structure of the main body 100 can simplify manufacturing by allowing for separate assembly of the first and second sides 14, 16 of the operating portion 12. For example, components can be placed first on one of the first and second sides 14, 16, and then on the other. It may be preferable to install components on the second side 16 first. After installing components for a given side 14, 16, the corresponding first or second cover portion 300 can be secured. The main body 100, in conjunction with other aspects of the device 10 described above, can also be used to isolate components of the device 10 that might interfere with one another. For example, features of the main body can prevent liquids or other fluids from interfering with electronic components. Features of the main body 100 can also maintain wires, such as the hinge wire 130, in their desired positions and prevent interference between components, such as the hinge wire 130, the pull wire 134, tubing, or other wires. These components may need to be separated from one another to avoid compromising the functionality of the components and / or the device 10.

[0054] Although the principles of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to illustrative examples of specific applications, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Those of ordinary skill in the art and those who have access to the teachings provided herein will recognize that additional modifications, applications, and substitutions of equivalents fall within the scope of the examples described herein. Therefore, the present invention should not be considered to be limited by the foregoing description.

Claims

1. A handle for an endoscope, comprising: A main body portion, the main body portion defining: a first chamber having a first feature configured to support at least a first component of a steering assembly; a second chamber having a second feature configured to support at least one fluidic component or an electronic component, and A recess is proximal to the first cavity and configured to receive at least a second component of the steering assembly, and wherein the second cavity includes a negative image of the recess.

2. A handle according to claim 1, wherein the main body has a first surface on a first side of the longitudinal axis of the main body and a second surface on a second side of the longitudinal axis of the main body, and wherein the first surface defines at least a portion of the second cavity, and wherein the second surface defines at least a portion of the first cavity.

3. The handle of claim 1, wherein at least one wall surrounds the recess, and the at least one wall has at least a curved portion and a straight portion. 4 . The handle of claim 1 , wherein the recess defines a first recess and a second recess, wherein the second recess is recessed from the first recess.

5. The handle of claim 4, wherein the second recess is configured to receive at least a third component of the steering assembly.

6. The handle of claim 1, wherein the second chamber has a third feature configured to support at least one valve body.

7. The handle of claim 6, wherein the wall of the second chamber includes a recessed portion configured to surround at least a portion of the at least one valve body.

8. The handle of claim 1 , wherein the second feature is configured to support at least one electronic component, wherein the electronic component is a circuit board, and wherein the second cavity has a third feature configured to support a button operably connected to the circuit board.

9. The handle of claim 1, wherein the first chamber and the second chamber are in fluid communication with each other.

10. The handle of claim 9, wherein the passage between the first chamber and the second chamber includes features configured to constrain a tube or wire passing between the first chamber and the second chamber.

11. The handle of claim 1 , wherein a first cover is attached to the body portion to enclose the first chamber, and a second cover is attached to the body portion to enclose the second chamber.

12. The handle of claim 1, wherein the body portion further comprises a feature configured to receive a port in fluid communication with the working channel.

13. The handle of claim 1, wherein the first cavity opens on one side of the longitudinal axis of the body portion, and the second cavity opens on an opposite second side of the longitudinal axis of the body portion.

14. The handle of claim 1, wherein the body portion is a one-piece, unitary molded component.

15. The handle of claim 1 , wherein the first cavity is located on a first side of the handle, wherein the first side defines a first inner surface facing in a first direction, wherein the first inner surface defines at least a portion of the first cavity and includes the first feature; wherein the second cavity is located on a second side of the handle, wherein the second side defines a second inner surface facing in a second direction opposite the first direction, the second inner surface defining at least a portion of the second cavity and including the second feature; and The first inner surface and the second inner surface are located on opposite sides of a portion of a wall shared by the first chamber and the second chamber, and the shared portion of the wall is completely located inside the main body.

Images