ENDOSCOPE HANDLE WITH FRAME

Abstract

An endoscope handle for an endoscope for visually inspecting inaccessible places, such as human body cavities, the endoscope handle including: a frame (70) having a first wall portion (101) formed as an integral portion of the frame, the frame being formed as a single component; a liquid-tight chamber (100) accommodating a circuit (25), preferably a printed circuit board, of the endoscope handle, wherein the liquid-tight chamber is at least partly defined by the first wall portion of the frame; and a first shell part (60) and a second shell part (60′) together enclosing a cavity (63), the shell parts accommodating and securing the frame within the cavity, the shell parts forming an exterior surface (68) shaped to form an ergonomic grip for an operator, wherein the shell parts and the frame each are formed as separate components.

Claims

1. An endoscope comprising: a handle including: a frame comprising a first wall portion formed as an integral portion of the frame, the frame being formed as a single component; a liquid-tight chamber accommodating a circuit, the liquid-tight chamber being at least partly defined by the first wall portion of the frame; and a first shell part and a second shell part together enclosing a cavity, the first shell part and the second shell part forming an exterior surface and accommodating and securing the frame within the cavity, wherein the first shell part and the second shell part and the frame each are formed as separate components.

2. The endoscope of claim 1, further comprising a second wall portion formed separately from the frame, wherein the first wall portion and the second wall portion together enclose the liquid-tight chamber.

3. The endoscope of claim 2, wherein the second wall portion comprises a lid of the liquid-tight chamber.

4. The endoscope of claim 2, wherein an interface between the first wall portion and the second wall portion is liquid-sealed by a first substance.

5. The endoscope of claim 4, wherein the interface is a clearance interface.

6. The endoscope of claim 1, wherein the endoscope comprises an image sensor; wherein the liquid-tight chamber comprises a liquid-tight port, wherein the handle comprises one or more cables in communication with the circuit and extending through the liquid-tight port, the one or more cables including: an imaging cable to transfer signals and/or power between the circuit and the image sensor, and/or a monitor cable adapted to transfer signals and/or power between the circuit and a monitor.

7. The endoscope of claim 6, wherein the liquid-tight port comprises one or more openings in at least one of the first wall portion and the second wall portion, and an entrance compartment leading to the one or more openings, wherein the one or more cables extend through the entrance compartment and through the one or more openings to the circuit, and wherein the entrance compartment comprises a second substance providing a seal around the one or more cables so as to liquid-seal the one more openings of the liquid-tight port.

8. The endoscope of claim 7, wherein the entrance compartment is integrally formed with the frame.

9. The endoscope of claim 1, further comprising a control device and a steering wire accommodated in a wire tube, the control device having a control lever at least partly accommodated in the cavity and secured to the frame, the control device being configured to, upon manipulation of the control lever, steering a distal end of the endoscope by pivoting about a pivot axis, wherein the frame comprises at least one channel accommodating the wire tube.

10. The endoscope of claim 9, wherein the liquid-tight chamber comprises a liquid-tight port, the endoscope further comprising: an image sensor; an image cable connecting the image sensor and the circuit, the image cable extending through the liquid-tight port; a distal tip part housing the image sensor; an insertion tube; and a bending section including segments connected via hinges, the bending section being attached to and between the distal tip part and the insertion tube, wherein the steering wire is attached to a body of the control device and runs through the wire tube so that manipulation of the control device tensioning the steering wire to bend the bending section and steer the distal tip part.

11. The endoscope of claim 9, further comprising a second wire tube, wherein the at least one channel comprises a first channel accommodating the wire tube and a second channel accommodating the second wire tube.

12. The endoscope of claim 11, wherein the first channel comprises a third substance fixing the wire tube to the first channel, and wherein the second channel comprises the third substance fixing the second wire tube to the second channel.

13. The endoscope of claim 12, wherein the third substance comprises a cured adhesive.

14. The endoscope of claim 12, wherein the first channel and the second channel are formed integrally with the frame and extend on opposite sides of the frame.

15. The endoscope of claim 14, wherein the first channel and the second channel extend on opposite sides of the liquid-tight chamber.

16. An endoscope system comprising: a monitor; and an endoscope according to claim 1, the endoscope further comprising an image sensor, wherein the endoscope is connectable to the monitor, and the monitor is configured to display an image captured by the image sensor.

17. A method of assembling an endoscope, the method comprising: providing a frame comprising a first wall portion formed as an integral portion of the frame, the frame being formed as a single component; providing a first shell part and a second shell part, the first shell part and the second shell part forming an exterior surface; arranging the frame in the first shell part or the second shell part; arranging a circuit at the first wall portion; liquid sealing the first wall portion to form a liquid-tight chamber defined at least partly by the first wall portion; and closing the first shell part and the second shell part to enclose a cavity and accommodate and securing the frame within the cavity.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising providing a second wall portion formed separately from the frame; arranging the second wall portion adjacent to the first wall portion to form an interface between the first wall portion and the second wall portion; and applying a first substance to liquid-seal the interface between first wall portion and the second wall portion, whereby the first wall portion and the second wall portion define the liquid-tight chamber.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising inserting one or more cables through a port of the liquid-tight chamber formed in the first wall portion and/or the second wall portion; adding a second substance to an entrance compartment of the port so that the second substance envelops the one or more cables in the entrance compartment; and causing the second substance to or letting the second substance liquid-seal the port.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the frame comprises a first channel and a second channel formed integrally with the frame and extending on opposite sides of the frame, the method further comprising arranging a first wire tube in the first channel and a second wire tube in the second channel, the first wire tube accommodating a first steering wire portion, and the second wire tube accommodating a second wire portion; applying a third substance in each channel; and causing or letting the third substance cure so as to fix the first wire tube in the first channel and the second wire tube in the second channel.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0085] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described in more detail in the following with regard to the accompanying figures. The figures show one way of implementing the present invention and are not to be construed as being limiting to other possible embodiments falling within the scope of the attached claim set.

[0086] FIG. 1 is a schematics side view of an endoscope illustrating bending of a distal end of the endoscope.

[0087] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a monitor for connecting to the endoscope of FIG. 1.

[0088] FIG. 3 is schematic exploded view of an endoscope.

[0089] FIG. 4a is a top view of a frame of an endoscope handle of the endoscope of FIG. 3.

[0090] FIG. 4b is a side view of the frame of FIG. 4a.

[0091] FIG. 4c is a schematic perspective view of the frame of FIGS. 4a and 4b with a mounted control device and steering wires.

[0092] FIG. 5a is a schematic side view of an endoscope handle of the endoscope of FIG. 3 shown, wherein the second shell part is omitted to show the interior of the endoscope handle.

[0093] FIG. 5b is a cross-sectional view of the endoscope handle along line AU-AU shown in FIG. 5a.

[0094] FIG. 5c is a cross-sectional view of a snap lock connection of the shell parts along line AV-AV shown in FIG. 5a

[0095] FIG. 5d is a detail view of the connection between the shell parts and the control device, as indicated by the dashed circle B shown in FIG. 5b.

[0096] FIG. 6a is a detail view at the location of the pin of the frame.

[0097] FIG. 6b is a perspective view of the fluid handling device.

[0098] FIG. 7a is a detail view of connection between the fluid handling device and the frame, as indicated by the dashed circle A shown in FIG. 4b.

[0099] FIG. 7b is a cross-sectional view of the connection between the fluid handling device and the tube along line BJ-BJ shown in FIG. 5a.

[0100] FIG. 8a is a detail perspective view of the central part of the frame shown in FIG. 4b that includes the liquid-tight chamber, but with the second wall portion, the circuit and the cables omitted for visualisation purposes.

[0101] FIG. 8b is a detail view of the port of the chamber as indicated by the dashed circle C shown in FIG. 8a.

[0102] FIG. 9a is the same view as FIG. 8a, but wherein the second wall portion, the circuit and the cables are shown.

[0103] FIG. 9b is a detail view of the port of the chamber as indicated by the dashed circle D shown in FIG. 9a.

[0104] FIG. 10a is a perspective view of the second wall portion alone.

[0105] FIG. 10b is a cross-sectional view of the liquid-tight chamber along line AA-AA shown in FIG. 4b.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0106] In the following figure description, the same reference numbers refer to the same elements and may thus not be described in relation to all figures. Further, a prime symbol is suffixed for each ordinal element, i.e. a first element is denoted without a prime symbol (for example 100), a second element of the same type is denoted with a single prime symbol (for example 100′), and a third element of the same type is denoted with two prime symbols (for example 100″) and so on.

[0107] FIG. 1 illustrates an endoscope 1, which is disposable and not intended to be cleaned and reused. The endoscope 1 comprises a distal tip part 50, a handle 20 for gripping with a control device 80, an insertion tube 30 for insertion into a patient, and a bending section 40. The bending section 40 comprises articulated segments connected by living hinge members as shown in FIG. 3 and is typically formed in one piece by injection moulding. The bending section 40 is connected between the distal tip part 50 and the insertion tube 30. The insertion tube 30 extends between the handle 20 and the bending section 40. The insertion tube 30 has an exterior tubular surface facing the surroundings of the endoscope 1. The distal tip part 50 includes an image sensor 51 positioned in an interior cavity (not shown) of the distal tip part 50.

[0108] In FIG. 2, a monitor 11 is shown. The monitor 11 comprises a cable socket 12 to which a monitor cable 13 of the endoscope 1 (shown in FIG. 1) can be connected to establish signal communication between the image sensor of the distal tip part 50 and the monitor 11 via a circuit 25 of the handle 20 (shown in FIGS. 3 and 9). The monitor 11 displays images and/or video captured by the image sensor of the endoscope 1, thus allowing an operator to “see” the body cavity through the image sensor of the endoscope 1.

[0109] Turning to FIG. 3, the components of the endoscope 1 are shown in greater detail in an exploded view. The endoscope handle 20 comprises a first shell part 60, a second shell part 60′, a frame 70, and the control device 80. Two steering wires 22, 22′ each extend from the control device 80 through a respective wire tube 23, 23′ running through the insertion tube 30 and, optionally, the bending section 40. In one variation, the steering wires 22, 22′ are portions of a single wire and are connected to each other by an intermediate portion, or wire loop (not shown), located between the bending section 40 and the distal tip part 50. In another variation, the steering wires 22, 22′ are separate wires, each having a distal portion connected to the bending section 40 and/or the distal tip part 50 and a portion accommodated in the wire tube. A working channel extends inside a working channel tube 34 that runs along the inside of the insertion tube 30 and the bending section 40 from fluid openings 92′, 92″ of a fluid handling device 90 to a distal opening (not shown) in the distal tip part 50. The working channel allows liquid or air to be added to and/or removed from the body cavity or allows for insertion of medical tools or surgical instruments into the body cavity. The frame 70 comprises a chamber 100 defined by a first wall portion 101 formed integrally with the frame 70 and by a second wall portion 101′ in the form of a lid (best seen in FIG. 10a). A circuit 25 in the form of a printed circuit board is accommodated in the chamber 100, which is then sealed to become liquid-tight. An imaging cable 53 establishes a signal communication between the image sensor (not shown) of the distal tip part 50 and the circuit 25.

[0110] Turning to FIGS. 4a-4c, the details of the frame 70, the control device 80, and the fluid handling device 90 are shown.

[0111] As best seen in FIGS. 4a-4b, the frame 70 extends along a longitudinal axis L between a proximal longitudinal end 73 and a second longitudinal end 74. The frame 70 comprises a first bearing 71, as shown in FIGS. 4a-4c, and a second bearing 71′, as shown in FIG. 4a. The frame 70 and the bearings 71, 71′ are formed in a single piece of a polymer material, preferably by injection moulding. As shown in FIG. 4b, the chamber 100 is closed by placing the second wall portion 101′ on the frame 70.

[0112] As best seen in FIG. 4c, the control device 80 is arranged at the proximal longitudinal end 73 of the frame and comprises a cylindrical body 84 with trunnions 85, 85′ (visible in FIG. 5b and in particular in FIG. 5d), and a control lever 81. The trunnions 85, 85′ extend from opposite sides of the body 84 along a pivot axis P. The control lever 81 has an exterior friction-inducing surface 83 for securely engaging with a finger of an operator so as to allow the operator to pivot the control device 80 about the pivot axis P.

[0113] As seen in FIG. 4c, the ends of the two steering wires 22, 22′ are guided around respective wire loop portions 86, 86′ of the body 84 and crimped onto the same steering wire 22, 22′ via crimps 24, 24′ so as to fix the steering wires 22, 22′ to the control device. Since the steering wires run inside wire tubes 23, 23′ which are fixed to channels 110, 110′ of frame 70 (described in greater details in connection with FIGS. 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a and 10b), the control device 80 can thus steer the distal tip part 50 of the endoscope when an operator manipulates the friction-inducing surface 83 of the control lever 81 to pivot the control device 80 about the pivot axis P and thus tension one of the steering wires 22, 22′. This principle may be known as a Bowden cable.

[0114] The steering wires 22, 22′, the working channel tube 34, the imaging cable 53 run along the inside of the bending section 40 and further inside the insertion tube 30, which terminates at its proximal end (i.e. at the handle 20) in an end cap 27. The end cap 27 is arranged about the distal longitudinal end 74 of the frame 70.

[0115] The frame further comprises a first arm 72 having the first bearing 71, and a second arm 72′ having the second bearing 71′. The arms 72, 72′ extend substantially in parallel. The arms 72, 72′ comprise respective ramps 77, 77′ oriented along the longitudinal axis L and leading to the bearings 71, 71′, as best seen in FIG. 5d. Further, the arms 72, 72′ are configured, when inserting the trunnions 85, 85′ in the ramps 77, 77′, to flex away from each other to allow insertion of the trunnions 85, 85′ in the bearings 71, 71′, and to return to a resting position once the trunnions 85, 85′ of the control device 80 are arranged in bearings 71, 71′ so as to securely hold the trunnions 85, 85′ in the bearings 71, 71′, and accordingly mount the control device 80 to the frame 70.

[0116] The first shell part 60 comprises a first column 61, see FIGS. 3, 5b, and 5d. The second shell part 60′ comprises a second column 61′, see FIGS. 5b and 5d. Turning specifically to FIG. 5d, the columns 61, 61′ extend along a respective column axis C, C′ and into the cavity 63 from opposite sides.

[0117] The first shell part 60 comprises three first alignment parts 64a, 64a′, 64a″, as best seen in FIG. 5a, forming three alignment pairs together with three corresponding second alignment parts (not shown) of the second shell part 60′. The alignment pairs are configured, upon closure of the shell parts, to align the column axes C, C′ with respect to each other, and thus the alignment pairs are arranged substantially along the separation line 67 of the shell parts 60, 60′ and circumscribe the body 84 of the control device 80, as indicated by the first alignment parts 64a, 64a′, 64a″ in FIG. 5a.

[0118] The endoscope handle 20 further comprises a fluid handling device 90 in the form of a T-connector fluid fitting, as best seen in FIGS. 4b, 6b and 7a, which is formed separately from the frame 70. The fluid handling device is arranged substantially at the distal longitudinal end 74 of the frame 70. In other words, the control device 80 and the fluid handling device 90 are arranged at opposite longitudinal ends of the frame 70. As best seen in FIG. 7b, the fluid handling device comprises a fluid passage 91 having a first fluid opening 92 and further a second fluid opening 92′, and a third fluid opening 92″, as shown in FIGS. 6b and 7a. A proximal opening 35 of the working channel tube 34 is arranged in the first fluid opening 92 and is in fluid communication with the second fluid opening 92′ and the third fluid opening 92″.

[0119] The fluid handling device 90 is securely mounted onto the frame 70 via an interface in the form of a prismatic joint comprising a slot 93 and a pin 78 secured to the slot 93. In this embodiment, the slot 93 forms part of the fluid handling device 90, as shown in FIG. 6b, and the pin 78 forms part of the frame 70, as shown in FIG. 6a, but may in other embodiments be vice versa.

[0120] The pin 78 comprises a body 78b extending along a pin direction (through the plane of FIG. 7a) and a head 78a. As best seen in FIG. 6a, the body 78b is accommodated in the slot 93 and terminates in the head 78a, which secures the pin 78 to the slot 93 by preventing removal of the pin along the pin direction.

[0121] The slot 93 defines a pre-determined path extending along the longitudinal axis L between a proximal end position 93a of the slot 93, which is closest to the proximal longitudinal end 73 of the frame 70, and a distal end position 93b of the slot 93, which is farthest from the proximal longitudinal end 73 of the frame 70.

[0122] In the arrangement shown in FIGS. 4a-4b, i.e. prior to assembly with the shell parts 60, 60′, the interface permits translational movement of the pin 78 in the slot 93 between the proximal end position 93a of the slot 93 and the distal end position 93b of the slot 93. The distance between the proximal end position 93a and the distal end position 93b is in the range of 0.2 mm to 2.5 mm, preferably around 1.25 mm, as this has been found to allow movement to absorb typical dimensional variation. However, the distance may be even less or more in some embodiments. Further, the working channel tube 34 is arranged with enough slack to allow movement of the fluid handling device 90 relative to the frame 70 via the interface.

[0123] As best seen in FIGS. 4b, 7a, and 7b, the frame 70 comprises a first tube guide passage 75 accommodating the working channel tube 34 and guiding the tube 34 towards the second longitudinal end 74 of the frame 70 (see FIG. 4b) and towards the first fluid opening 92 (see FIG. 7b). The fluid handling device 90 comprises a second tube guide passage 95 that accommodates the tube 34 and guides the tube 34 from the first fluid opening 92 and towards the first tube guide passage 75. The first tube guide passage 75 and the second tube guide passage 95 are separated by a gap 96, as best seen in FIGS. 7a-7b. The tube guide passages 75, 95 are formed as open channels having a channel bottom and two opposing channel walls and an open top side providing access to the channel. This allows the assembler to fit the tube 34 within the tube guide passages 75, 95 through the open top side.

[0124] The frame comprises two first engagement portions 76, 76′ interlocking with two corresponding second engagement portions 66, 66′ of the shell parts 60, 60′, as best seen in FIG. 5b. The bearings 71, 71′ also function as two further first engagement portions, and the collars 62, 62′ also function as two further corresponding second engagement portions. The corresponding first and second engagement portions are configured, upon closure of the shell parts 60, 60′, to engage and fix the frame 70 within the shell parts 60, 60′. The shell parts 60, 61′ comprise nine snap lock pairs. Each pair includes a male part 65a of one of the shell parts 60, 60′ and a corresponding female part 65b of another one of the shell parts 60, 60′. The snap lock pairs are configured to be engaged, upon closure of the shell parts 60, 60′, to fix the shell parts to each other.

[0125] The circuit 25 is assembled as follows. The circuit 25 is arranged in the second wall portion 101′ so that the circuit 25 rests on a ledge 102 of the second wall portion 101′ as shown in FIG. 10b. The ledge 102 of the second wall portion 101′ can be seen in FIGS. 10a and 10b. The monitor cable 13 and the imaging cable 53 are arranged at a portion of the monitor cable opening 105 and at a portion of the imaging cable opening 106, respectively, provided by the second wall portion 101′. Then a plurality of wires of the monitor cable 13 and the imaging cable 53 is soldered onto the circuit 25. The second wall portion 101′ with the circuit 25 is then placed over the first wall portion 101 so as to enclose the chamber 100 so as to form a wedge-shaped clearance interface 103 (as best seen in FIG. 10b) and a port 104 (as best seen in FIGS. 8b and 9b). The wedge-shaped clearance interface 103 extends between the first and second wall portions 101, 101′ and circumferentially around the chamber 100 in a plane perpendicular to the view of FIG. 10b. The port 104 includes the monitor cable opening 105 and the imaging cable opening 106 and further an adjacent entrance compartment 107 leading to the openings 105, 106. In order to liquid seal the chamber 100, a first substance in the form of an adhesive, is injected into the entrance compartment 107. As the first substance 108 fills the entrance compartment 107, the first substance 108 flows out of the entrance compartment 107 through the sides thereof and into the wedge-shaped clearance interface 103. The injection continues until the entrance compartment 107 and the wedge-shaped clearance interface 103 are filled with the first substance 108. Alternatively, a second substance 108′ may be injected into and fill the entrance compartment 107 and the first substance 108 fills the clearance interface 103. The first substance 108 and/or the second substance 108′ may then be cured, e.g. via ultraviolet light, so that the first substance 108 or second substance 108′ liquid seals the openings 105, 106 of the liquid-tight port 104 and so that the first substance 108 liquid seals the clearance interface 103 as seen in FIG. 10b, whereby the chamber 100 is liquid-sealed.

[0126] The steering wires 22, 22′ are assembled by threading the steering wires 22, 22′ at the bending section (not shown) and then guiding them through respective wire tubes 23, 23′ arranged within the insertion tube 30 and the end cap 27. A proximal portion of each wire tube 23, 23′ is placed in respective channels 110, 110′ that are formed integrally with the frame 70 as best seen in FIG. 10b. A third substance 108″ is either then injected into the channels 110, 110′ or was already present when the wire tubes 23, 23′ were placed in the channels 110, 110′. The third substance 108″, e.g. an adhesive, is then cured so as to fix the wire tubes 23, 23′ in the channels 110, 110 as seen in FIG. 10b. The third substance 108″ can be cured together with the other substances, e.g. the first substance 108 and/or the second substance 108′, or separately. The endoscope handle 20 can then be assembled as follows. The frame 70 including the mounted control device 80, fluid handling device 90, and end cap 27 is arranged in one of the shell parts 60, 60′ and the other shell part is placed over to close the shell parts 60, 60′.

[0127] During the closure, the columns 61, 61′ are arranged in the bearings 71, 71′ of the frame 70 abutting the trunnions 85, 85′ while allowing the control device 80 to pivot around the pivot axis P. The bearings 71, 71′ of the frame 70 are arranged in collars 62, 62′ so that the collars 62, 62′ retain the bearings 71, 71′.

[0128] Furthermore, the alignment pairs are engaged so as to align the columns 61, 61′ with respect to each other. In other words, the column axes C, C′ are aligned towards coinciding. The corresponding first and second engagement portions engage and fix the frame 70 within the shell parts 60, 60′. A flange 99 of the fluid handling device 90 is arranged in a slit 69 of the first shell part 60′, which fixes the fluid handling device 90 relative to the frame 70 (which are fixed via the engagement portions) so that the fluid handling device 90 is locked in a position within the pre-determined path in the range from the proximal end position 93a to the distal end position 93b. Accordingly, the fluid handling device 90 is adjusted to absorb tolerances of the frame 70 and shell parts 60, 60′.

[0129] Lastly, the male snap lock parts 65a are snap-locked onto the corresponding female snap lock parts 65b to secure the shell parts 60, 60′ to each other so as to clamp the trunnions 85, 85′ of the control device 80 between the columns 61, 61′ of the shell parts 60, 60′. Accordingly, the trunnions 85, 85′ are retained between the columns 61, 61′. Since the clamping force experienced by the trunnions 85, 85′ substantially coincides with the pivot axis P, as seen in FIG. 5d, the pivoting of the control device about the pivot axis P is largely unaffected. The trunnions 85, 85′ and the columns 61, 61′ are supported by the bearings 71, 71′ of the frame 70 so that the control device 80 is rotatable about the pivot axis P. Each trunnion 85, 85′ extends partly through the respective bearing 71, 71′ and mates with the respective column 61, 61′ within the respective bearing 71, 71′. The first shell part 60 comprises a first collar 62, and the second shell part 60′ comprises a second collar 62′. The collars 62, 62′ each surround the respective column 61, 61′ and retain the respective bearings 71, 71′ of the frame 70, as best seen in FIG. 5d.

[0130] Once closed, the shell parts 60, 60′ form an exterior surface 68 shaped to form an ergonomic grip for the operator. The exterior surface 68 is divided by a separation line 67 (as seen in FIGS. 5b and 5d) that extends in a single plane, which is perpendicular to the column axes C, C′, as best seen in FIG. 5d. The separation line 67 defines the border between the shell parts 60, 60′. The shell parts 60, 60′ enclose a cavity 63, which accommodates the frame 70 and the body 84 of the control device 80, while the control lever 81 extends radially relative to the pivot axis P through a first cut-out 68a of the exterior surface 68 of the shell parts 60, 60′, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5a.

[0131] Further, the fluid passage 91 of the fluid handling device 90 extends through the exterior surface 68. The second fluid opening 92′ and the third fluid opening 92″ of the fluid handling device 90 are arranged exteriorly of the exterior surface 68 and thus accessible for the operator. The first fluid opening 92 of the fluid handling device 90 is arranged within the cavity 63. The fluid connection between the first fluid opening 92 and the working channel tube 34 is protected by the shell parts 60, 60′.

[0132] D

[0133] 1. An endoscope handle for an endoscope for visually inspecting inaccessible places, such as human body cavities, the endoscope handle comprising: a frame (70) comprising a first wall portion (101) formed as an integral portion of the frame, the frame being formed as a single component; a liquid-tight chamber (100) accommodating a circuit (25), preferably a printed circuit board, of the endoscope handle, wherein the liquid-tight chamber is at least partly defined by the first wall portion of the frame; and a first shell part (60) and a second shell part (60′) together enclosing a cavity (63), the shell parts accommodating and securing the frame within the cavity, the shell parts forming an exterior surface (68) shaped to form an ergonomic grip for an operator, wherein the shell parts and the frame each are formed as separate components.

[0134] 2. An endoscope handle according to item 1, further comprising a second wall portion (101′), such as a lid, formed separately from the frame, wherein the first wall portion and the second wall portion together enclose the liquid-tight chamber.

[0135] 3. An endoscope handle according to item 2, wherein an interface (103), such as a clearance interface, between the first wall portion and the second wall portion is liquid-sealed by a first substance (108).

[0136] 4. An endoscope handle according to any one of the previous items, wherein the liquid-tight chamber comprises a liquid-tight port (104), wherein the endoscope handle comprises one or more cables (13, 53) in communication with the circuit and extending through the liquid-tight port, the one or more cables including: an imaging cable (53) configured for transferring signals and/or power between the circuit and an image sensor of the endoscope, and/or a monitor cable (13) configured for transferring signals and/or power between the circuit and a monitor (11) of an endoscope system.

[0137] 5. An endoscope handle according to item 4, wherein the liquid-tight port comprises one or more openings (105, 106) in at least one of the first wall portion and the second wall portion, and an entrance compartment (107) leading to the one or more openings, wherein the one or more cables extend through the entrance compartment and through the one or more openings to the circuit, and wherein the entrance compartment comprises a second substance (108′), such as a second sealant, providing a seal around the one or more cables so as to liquid-seal the one more openings of the liquid-tight port, wherein the entrance compartment is preferably integrally formed with the frame.

[0138] 6. An endoscope handle according to any one of the previous items further comprising a control device (80) comprising a control lever (81) for being manipulated by an operator, wherein the control device is at least partly accommodated in the cavity (63) and is secured to the frame, the control device being configured for, upon manipulating the control lever, steering a distal end (50) of the endoscope by pivoting about a pivot axis (P), wherein the frame comprises at least one channel (110, 110′) configured for accommodating a respective wire tube (23, 23′) housing a steering wire (22, 22′) of the endoscope.

[0139] 7. An endoscope for visually inspecting inaccessible places, the endoscope comprising: the endoscope handle (20) according to any one of the previous items; a distal tip part (50) including an image sensor positioned in an interior cavity of the distal tip part; and an insertion tube (30) for insertion into a patient and extending between the endoscope handle and the distal tip part; wherein the image sensor being in signal communication with the circuit (25) of the endoscope handle preferably via an imaging cable (53) through the insertion tube.

[0140] 8. An endoscope according to item 7, wherein the endoscope comprises: a bending section (40) including articulated segments (41) connected via hinges (42), the bending section being attached to the distal tip part and the insertion tube; and at least one steering wire (22, 22′) attached to a body (84) of the control device of the endoscope handle and running through a dedicated wire tube (23, 23′) in the insertion cord to the bending section so that manipulating the control device by an operator tensions the at least one steering wire (22) and effects bending of the bending section (40) so as to steer the distal end tip of the endoscope.

[0141] 9. An endoscope according to item 8, wherein each wire tube (23, 23′) is accommodated in a respective channel (110, 110′) formed integrally with the frame, wherein each channel comprises a third substance (108″), such as a cured adhesive, fixing the respective wire tube to the channel.

[0142] 10. An endoscope according to any one of items 8-9, wherein the at least one steering wire includes a first steering wire (22) and a second steering wire (22′), wherein the frame comprises a first channel (110) and a second channel (110′), the channels (110, 110′) being formed integrally with the frame, wherein the first and second channel extend on opposite sides of the frame, preferably on opposite sides of the liquid-tight chamber, and along a longitudinal axis (L) of the frame.

[0143] 11. An endoscope system for visually inspecting inaccessible places, such as human body cavities, the endoscope system comprising: a monitor (11), and an endoscope (1) comprising endoscope handle (20) according to any one of items 1-6 or an endoscope (1) according to any one of items 7-10, wherein the endoscope is connectable to the monitor, preferably via a monitor cable (13), and the monitor is configured for displaying an image captured by the image sensor of the distal tip part.

[0144] 12. A method of assembling an endoscope handle (20), comprising: providing: a frame (70) comprising a first wall portion (101) formed as an integral portion of the frame, the frame being formed as a single component, and a first shell part (60) and a second shell part (61′); arranging the frame in one of the shell parts; arranging a circuit (25), preferably a printed circuit board, at the first wall portion, and liquid sealing the first wall portion to form a liquid-tight chamber (100) defined at least partly by the first wall portion; and closing the first shell part and the second shell part to enclose a cavity (63) and accommodating and securing the frame within the cavity and forming an exterior surface (68) shaped to form an ergonomic grip for an operator.

[0145] 13. A method according to item 12, wherein said providing further comprises: providing a second wall portion (101′), such as a lid, formed separately from the frame; wherein the step of liquid-sealing the first wall portion further comprises: arranging the second wall portion adjacent to the first wall portion to form an interface (103) between the first wall portion and the second wall portion, and applying a first substance (108) to liquid-seal the interface between first wall portion and the second wall portion, whereby the first wall portion and the second wall portion define the liquid-tight chamber.

[0146] 14. A method according to items 12-13, further comprising: inserting one or more cables (53, 13), such as an imaging cable (53) and/or a monitor cable (13), in communication with the circuit through a port (104) of the chamber, preferably through one or more openings, such as an imaging cable opening (106) and/or a monitor cable opening (105), formed in the first wall portion and/or the second wall portion; filling an entrance compartment (107) of the port with a second substance (108′), such as a second sealant, so that the second substance envelops the one or more cables in the entrance compartment; and causing the second substance to or letting the second substance liquid-seal the port, such as by curing the second adhesive, for instance by ultraviolet light, or by letting the second adhesive cure.

[0147] 15. A method according to items 12-14 for assembling an endoscope (1), the endoscope comprising the endoscope handle (20), the method further comprising: arranging one or more wire tubes (23, 23′) each in a respective channel (110, 110′) formed integrally with the frame, each of the one or more wire tubes accommodating a dedicated steering wire (22, 22′) that, when tensioned, effects bending of a bending section (40) so as to steer a distal end tip (50) of the endoscope (1); applying a third substance (108″) in each channel; and causing or letting the third substance cure so as to fix each wire tube in the respective channel.

LIST OF REFERENCES

[0148] 1 endoscope [0149] 11 monitor [0150] 12 cable socket [0151] 13 monitor cable [0152] 20 handle [0153] 22 steering wire [0154] 23 wire tube [0155] 24 wire crimp [0156] 25 circuit [0157] 27 end cap [0158] 30 insertion tube [0159] 31 proximal end [0160] 32 distal end [0161] 34 working channel tube [0162] 35 proximal opening [0163] 40 bending section [0164] 41 bending segment [0165] 42 hinge [0166] 50 distal tip part [0167] 53 imaging cable [0168] 60 shell part [0169] 61 column [0170] 62 collar [0171] 63 cavity [0172] 64a first alignment part [0173] 64b second alignment part [0174] 65a male snap lock part [0175] 65b female snap lock part [0176] 66 second engagement portion [0177] 67 separation line [0178] 68 exterior surface [0179] 68a cut out [0180] 69 slit [0181] 70 frame [0182] 71 bearing [0183] 72 arm [0184] 73 proximal longitudinal end [0185] 74 distal longitudinal end [0186] 75 first tube guide passage [0187] 76 first engagement portion [0188] 77 ramp [0189] 78 pin [0190] 78a pin head [0191] 78b pin body [0192] 80 control device [0193] 81 control lever [0194] 83 friction-inducing surface [0195] 84 body [0196] 85 trunnion [0197] 86 wire loop portion [0198] 90 fluid handling device [0199] 91 fluid passage [0200] 92 fluid opening [0201] 93 slot [0202] 93a proximal end position [0203] 93b distal end position [0204] 93c distance [0205] 95 second tube guide passage [0206] 96 gap [0207] 99 flange [0208] 100 chamber [0209] 101 wall portion [0210] 102 ledge [0211] 103 interface [0212] 104 port [0213] 105 monitor cable opening [0214] 106 imaging cable opening [0215] 107 entrance compartment [0216] 108 sealant [0217] 110 channel [0218] 111 retaining member [0219] P pivot axis [0220] C column axis [0221] L longitudinal axis