Medical devices with spring units optimized for cleaning

Abstract

The present invention relates to a medical instrument (1), in particular a surgical instrument (1), comprising two gripping elements (10, 12) pivotally attached to one another, and a spring unit (14) having two spring ends (20, 22) respectively connected to one of the two gripping elements (10, 12), the spring unit (14) enabling pivoting back to a home position when at least one of the two gripping elements (10, 12) is pivoted out of the home position, the spring unit (14) being adapted to provide a substantially constant spring force when the gripping elements (10, 12) are pivoted. , in particular consisting of at least two parts and having a first spring leg (16) and a second spring leg (18), at least one of the two spring ends (20, 22) and / or at least one of the two gripping elements (10, 12) is formed with a base-shaped protrusion (24, 26) via which the spring end (20, 22) is firmly connected to the corresponding gripping element (10, 12), and at least one spring end (20, 22) is arranged at a distance from the corresponding gripping element (10, 12), at least in a basic position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a medical instrument, particularly a surgical instrument, preferably a manually operable hand instrument, having at least two (first and second) gripping elements pivotally attached to each other and a spring unit / spring elastic assembly having two spring ends respectively connected to one of the two gripping elements. When at least one of the two gripping elements is pivoted out of the basic position (against the elastic force of the spring unit), the spring unit effects / realizes / achieves a pivoting back to the basic position.

Background Art

[0002] Currently, in medical or surgical (hand) instruments, return springs configured as leaf springs and contacting the branching or gripping elements over a wide range are used. Both the leaf spring and the gripping element have large continuous surfaces facing each other, and these continuous surfaces continuously separate from each other starting from a common contact support surface. The leaf spring and the gripping element have semi-circular / arc-shaped contours with different radii at the attachment portion, and it can be said that the distance between them continuously increases (from zero). A part of the surface of the leaf spring is in direct contact with a part of the surface of the gripping element, but the two surfaces are separated from each other on the outside, and a very small gap is formed between them, and the size of the gap gradually increases. As a result, cleaning and sterilization of the medical instrument are very difficult in the range of the contact support surface. Furthermore, the range where the return spring and the gripping element abut against each other is exposed to contact corrosion or bimetallic corrosion.

[0003] For example, DE 10 2017 114 260 A1 discloses a medical hand instrument in which a one-piece return spring is attached to a gripping element by a shape fit. However, a drawback of this instrument is that a complex milled receiving portion must be provided on the branch or gripping element. Furthermore, the one-piece return spring is designed to produce a high spring force that increases linearly when the hand instrument is closed. This spring force reduces the maximum force that can be manually applied, particularly in the closed position, as it weakens the force applied by the user, such as a surgeon. In addition, the spring is subjected to significant deformation, increasing the risk of the return spring breaking during continuous use. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] The problems and objectives of this disclosure are to avoid or at least reduce the shortcomings of the prior art, and in particular to provide a medical instrument, especially a surgical instrument, that offers very good cleanability, is easy and inexpensive to manufacture, and maintains a constant force for pivoting the gripping element over a large range of motion, especially the entire range of motion. Furthermore, it is desirable that the instrument be particularly small, safe, and simple in design, easy to handle, and easy to maintain, especially the replacement of the spring unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The problems and objectives related to medical devices are solved by the features of claim 1.

[0006] Accordingly, this disclosure relates to a medical device having two gripping elements (handle bracket, handle lever, lever arm) that are pivotable relative to each other, and a spring unit or spring elastic assembly positioned between the gripping elements. Preferably, the spring unit is U-shaped or V-shaped, having two (spring) ends, the area immediately adjacent to the spring ends being called the end. In particular, the spring ends form the spring end. Each of the two spring ends is attached to the corresponding / related one of the two gripping elements, and when at least one of the two gripping elements pivots out of its basic position, a pivot back to this basic position is achieved. That is, if one of the two gripping elements is manually pivoted by the user of the device, as soon as the user releases the pivoted handle portion, the spring unit can pivot the pivoted gripping element back to its basic position. Preferably, the device has a load arm opposite to a hinge that pivotably connects the gripping elements. A medical device may be configured so that both gripping elements pivot when the device is in use. If only one gripping element is intended to pivot, the other gripping element functions solely as a counter-support for the user's hand during pivoting. In particular, a medical device may have a distal action part, such as a clamping part (clamp / gripping branch) or a cutting part (cutting blade), which is operable via the proximal gripping part.

[0007] Accordingly, according to this disclosure, the device is provided with a spring unit adapted to provide a substantially constant force / spring force / restoring force when the gripping element is pivoted, particularly throughout the entire closing motion of the device. The device for implementation is provided with a spring unit consisting of at least two parts, the spring unit having at least a first spring portion, particularly a first spring leg, and a (separate) second spring portion, particularly a second spring leg, which are connected to each other, preferably at least partially movable relative to each other. When the two legs or gripping elements are pressed together from their basic position, the spring force of the spring unit (when pivoting to the closed position) is maintained uniformly and homogeneously, particularly throughout the entire range of movement of the closing motion. The spring force does not increase linearly. This special design supports the user of the device, increases the maximum applicable closing force, and reduces user fatigue.

[0008] Furthermore, the spring unit is specially fitted and connected to the gripping element. Specifically, at least a portion of the spring unit is specially mounted and connected at at least one spring end, particularly the spring end, on or via a platform-like projection / platform projection or platform on the corresponding gripping element of the instrument. This creates a predetermined (minimum) distance between a portion of the spring, particularly the entire spring leg, and the corresponding gripping element, over the range of the platform projection, and consequently the range of the spring end. The gap thus formed ensures a minimum clearance between the spring leg and the gripping element, at least in the basic position, thus guaranteeing good cleaning of the instrument. The platform projection may be used to form a geometric transition between the spring unit and the gripping element, for example, by rounding its edges to further improve cleanability. The manufacture of the instrument is greatly simplified.

[0009] In other words, at least one spring portion of the spring unit, particularly the spring leg portion, is firmly attached to the associated / corresponding gripping element via an intermediate / intervening platform projection / step / socket / spacer / bench, which in particular forms a (single) predetermined contact surface, through which the spring portion, particularly the spring leg portion, and the associated gripping element come into contact with each other, at least in their basic positions, so that a minimum gap or predetermined distance exists between them. In particular, the spring unit is connected to and in contact with the gripping element only via the platform projection. This improves the cleanability and manufacturability of the instrument.

[0010] In other words, the spring unit is adapted to provide a substantially constant spring force when the gripping element pivots. Specifically, the spring unit is composed of at least two parts to ensure a uniform spring force, comprising a first part, in particular a first spring leg, and a second part, in particular a second spring leg. Furthermore, a trapezoidal projection is provided / formed / molded on at least one of the two spring ends and / or at least one of the two gripping elements, and the spring end is firmly connected to the corresponding gripping element via the trapezoidal projection, so that at least one spring end is positioned away / offset from the corresponding gripping element, at least in its basic position, and a gap is formed between it and the gripping element by the trapezoidal projection, or it is at a distance from the gripping element.

[0011] In other words, preferably a forceps or punch-type medical instrument has at least two branch sections / instrument sections / legs, which are pivotably mounted relative to each other and have a proximal gripping section / operating section when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the instrument. The instrument has a spring-elastic return unit / spring unit, particularly in the form of a return spring, which is provided and / or formed between the first branch section and the second branch section, preferably in the gripping section area, to hold or bias the first branch section and the second branch section in a basic position. A trapezoidal projection / step / socket is provided between at least the first branch section and the first spring section of the spring unit, through which the first branch section and the first spring section are connected, and the projection / step / socket is formed on the first branch section and / or the first spring section. Alternatively, or in addition, a platform projection / step / socket may be present between the second branch and the second spring, through which the second branch and the second spring are connected, and the projection / step / socket is formed on the second branch and / or the second spring. The space between them can be cleaned very easily.

[0012] The term "basic position" refers to the relative position of gripping elements that are pivotable solely due to the spring unit, without the application of any external (manual) force. In particular, this basic position may be the maximum (geometrically defined) open position of the device.

[0013] The term "pedestal projection" refers to a geometric shape similar to a platform, suitable for separating / lifting / lowering / displacing a second surface (separating surface) relative to a first surface (base surface, surrounding surface, basic surface) in a direction approximately perpendicular to the first surface. A pedestal projection can also be said to create steps (individual shapes of steps, especially block steps).

[0014] The term "spring end" refers to a part of the spring end. In particular, the spring end itself may be the spring end.

[0015] Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims and are explained below.

[0016] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the spring unit may be formed of two parts in the form of two separate leaf springs or two spring steel wires, which are distally connected to each other, particularly by a distal fork-nose connection (Gabel-Nasen-Verbindung) or a distal ball-and-socket connection (Kugel-Pfannen-Verbindung). The first leaf spring forms the first spring leg, and the second leaf spring forms the second spring leg. This two-part design reduces the number of parts and minimizes the formation of gaps in the contact area. Leaf springs are inexpensive, easy to manufacture, and easy to assemble. In particular, in the top view of the device and the side view of the leaf springs, the two leaf springs have a convex arc shape, which tapers towards the distal connection point in an arrow shape.

[0017] In a further aspect of this disclosure, the trapezoidal projection may form an end-face contact support surface, and the spring end or spring unit is attached to the corresponding gripping element via the end-face contact support surface. If the spring end or spring unit and the corresponding gripping element are separate parts, the contact support surface forms a predetermined interface or connection point on which the surface of the spring end or gripping element rests. The term end face means a surface that is formed separately (i.e., a surface that is separated from the base surface). If the trapezoidal projection is formed on the spring end, the base surface may be the surface associated with the spring end, and / or, if the trapezoidal projection is formed on the gripping element, the base surface may be the surface associated with the gripping element (around the trapezoidal projection). The contact support surface itself may have a variety of surface shapes, i.e., it may be slightly curved (convex or concave), or curved or wavy.

[0018] The trapezoidal projection may preferably be a block shape having a block base surface that extends perpendicularly to the height direction of the trapezoidal projection with respect to the associated base surface and forms a contact support surface at its end face. The height of the trapezoidal projection is, in particular, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the gripping element or the longitudinal axis of the spring end. In particular, the block base surface may have a substantially rectangular basic shape. Alternatively, the basic shape may be an elliptical basic shape. The outer contour of the block base surface is preferably convex, and there are no undercuts on the sides. The sides extend at least in the height direction of the trapezoidal projection around the contact support surface or block base surface, thereby forming the sides of the trapezoidal projection.

[0019] In a further aspect of the present disclosure, at least one of the two spring ends may be connected to a gripping element via a trapezoidal projection by a shape-fit connection, particularly a screw connection, and / or a robust adhesive connection, particularly adhesive and / or welding and / or soldering. In the case of a screw connection, a cost-effective assembly is realized that securely and robustly connects the spring unit to the gripping element and allows for easy disassembly and replacement of the spring unit. In the case of adhesive, welding, or soldering, the gap that inevitably arises at the connection can be sealed, ensuring a closed surface. This supports cleaning and sterilization.

[0020] In the case of a screw connection, the screw may be screwed in from the spring end side toward the corresponding gripping element into a complementary blind hole / blind hole having an internal thread, so that the gripping element does not have a drilled hole on its outer gripping surface. In other words, the screw is screwed into the gripping element perpendicular to and through the spring end. If a trapezoidal projection is formed on the gripping element, the screw may be screwed into an internal thread in a blind hole of the projection. This avoids the creation of a sharp edge on the outside of the gripping / engaging surface, which is a dangerous area that could tear surgical gloves. Similarly, the flat surface of the outer gripping surface is not interrupted and the surface is kept closed. Alternatively, the screw may preferably be screwed in from the gripping element side toward the spring end. In particular, a trapezoidal projection may be formed on the spring end, and the screw may be screwed into the projection so that the screw does not protrude through the spring end, and the opposite surface of the spring end is not interrupted or is closed. This alternative screw connection facilitates both the assembly and replacement of the spring unit.

[0021] In further embodiments, the trapezoidal projection may have a height of at least 1 mm, preferably at least 2 mm, and particularly preferably at least 4 mm. This height defines, to some extent, the distance between the base point (on the base surface) of the gripping element and the base point of the spring end on the trapezoidal projection. This distance is measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the gripping element at the position of the trapezoidal projection. In particular, the height is the distance on the distal side of the trapezoidal projection, i.e., the side facing the bearing. In particular, since the height is the distance between the end face contact support surface of the trapezoidal projection and the base / basic surface facing its base portion or the spring unit of the gripping element, the gap formed between the gripping element and the spring end at least at the basic position of the instrument also has at least this height. This minimum clearance dimension or height ensures sufficiently good cleanability.

[0022] In particular, the platform projection may have a maximum height of 5 mm so that the two spring ends do not come into contact with each other even when the door is in the fully closed position during the closing operation (from the basic position).

[0023] The contact support surface of the stepped protrusion is at least 5 mm 2 (mm^2 / square millimeter) and / or at most 1 cm 2 (cm^2 / square centimeter), and / or may preferably be flat. This minimum surface dimension ensures sufficient stability of the connection between the gripping element and the spring end. The maximum surface dimension ensures that the structural dimensions are kept compact and that sufficient spring force remains.

[0024] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the angle between the surface of the spring end, which faces the corresponding gripping part and is particularly placed on the contact support surface, and the side surface of the stepped protrusion may be at least 20°, preferably at least 40°, particularly preferably 65° or more, and very preferably 90°. This minimum angle makes the gap sufficiently blunt and does not taper too much. Alternatively or additionally, particularly, the angle between the base surface / (basic) surface facing the spring unit of the gripping element and the side surface of the stepped protrusion may be at most 140°, preferably at most 110°, and particularly preferably 90°. In order to avoid edges and improve the cleaning property, a part of the side wall may have an arcuate / chamfered shape extending towards the gripping element and / or the spring end, particularly towards the end face contact surface. In other words, at least one edge of the stepped protrusion abutting against the gripping element or the spring end may be chamfered (hunch).

[0025] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the stepped protrusion may be formed separately and placed on the contact support surface, and may comprise an alignment element in the form of a particularly protruding stop part or pin in order to align the spring end with respect to the gripping element.

[0026] In particular, the spring legs corresponding to the opposing outer contours and / or surfaces of at least one of the two gripping elements extend substantially parallel to each other within the range of the trapezoidal projection. In particular, they extend parallel to each other on the distal side of the trapezoidal projection. In other words, the longitudinal axis of the handle and the longitudinal axis of the spring legs extend substantially parallel to each other within the range of the distal side of the trapezoidal projection, particularly up to a length of 30% of the total length of the spring legs, preferably up to 50% of the length. In particular, when a leaf spring is used as the spring leg, the leaf spring and the gripping element have substantially the same or parallel courses at at least one position.

[0027] In a further embodiment, the trapezoidal projection may have a length of at least 5 mm, preferably at least 10 mm (in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the gripping element or the longitudinal axis of the spring end). This minimum length can provide sufficient mechanical strength or contact support surface to prevent bending of the spring unit or detachment from the gripping element.

[0028] In particular, the trapezoidal projection has a side surface, particularly a distal side surface, perpendicular to the contact support surface.

[0029] In one embodiment, at least one spring leg, the trapezoidal projection, and the corresponding gripping element may be integrally formed with each other.

[0030] At least one spring end is preferably connected to the corresponding gripping element such that the spring unit only deforms on the pivoting plane.

[0031] In other words, the present disclosure relates to a medical instrument characterized in that a spring device / spring unit, preferably having one leaf spring at each branch, and particularly two leaf springs, is preferably screwed and mounted at a height position on a bench (a platform projection). The spring unit, particularly the two leaf springs, is separated (from the corresponding gripping elements) by the bench (a platform projection), so good cleanability, such as sterilization, can be obtained. In particular, the space between them can be cleaned very well or without any problems. The contact surface (between one gripping element and the spring element) is limited to the length of the bench (a platform projection). When a two-part spring is used in a medical instrument, particularly in forceps, there is an advantage that the spring force does not increase linearly when closing the instrument. As a result, the closing force is kept substantially constant. In particular, the two-part spring is in contact distally by spring force, preferably by a fork / nose connection or a ball / socket connection.

[0032] This disclosure is described in further detail below with reference to the attached figures and preferred embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0033] [Figure 1] This is a plan view of the proximal gripping portion of a medical device according to a first preferred embodiment, in which a spring unit is mounted on each of the platform-shaped projections formed on the leg portion. [Figure 2] This is a plan view of a medical device according to a second preferred embodiment, in which a pedestal projection is formed on a spring unit, and these projections are placed on and attached to a gripping element. [Figure 3] This is a plan view of a third preferred embodiment of a medical device, combining the two embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2. [Figure 4] This is a partial detail drawing of a medical device of a further fourth preferred embodiment, in which a platform projection is formed on a spring unit and secured to the outside of the gripping element by a screw connection. [Figure 5]This is a plan view of a medical device according to a further fifth preferred embodiment, in which a pedestal projection is formed on a spring unit, mounted on a gripping element, and welded to it. [Figure 6] This is a partial detail view of the connection point of a medical device in a further sixth preferred embodiment, in which the connection between the spring unit and the pedestal projection of the gripping element is achieved by a firmly bonded adhesive connection. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0034] The drawings are schematic and are intended solely to aid in understanding this disclosure. Identical elements are denoted by the same reference numerals. Features of various embodiments are interchangeable.

[0035] Figure 1 is a partial view of a medical instrument 1 of a first preferred embodiment. Instrument 1, which is in the form of a hand instrument, is designed as forceps. For this purpose, instrument 1 has two levers 2, 4 that are pivotably connected to each other by a hinge 6. Thus, the two levers 2, 4 can pivot relative to each other on a pivot plane S, similar to scissors or grasping forceps. The proximal portions of the levers 2, 4 (proximal to the hinge 6 and facing the user) form a gripping portion 8 having corresponding gripping elements or handles 10, 12, these gripping elements or handles are substantially symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis (proximal-distal) of the instrument. The gripping portion 8 is also symmetrical with respect to the pivot plane S.

[0036] Between the first handle 10 and the second handle 12, there is a spring unit 14 consisting of two leaf spring-shaped parts. This spring unit 14 has a slightly bulging, roughly V-shape, tapering distally in an arrow-like manner, and has two spring legs 16 and 18 that form a leaf spring. When at least one of the two handles 10 and 12 is pivoted from the basic position of the device against the elastic force of the spring unit 14, the spring unit 14 enables pivoting back to the basic position. The spring legs 16 and 18 are placed on platform-like projections / steps 24 and 26 at their respective free spring ends 20 and 22. The platform-like projections 24 and 26 face each other and are formed on the opposing inner surfaces of the handles 10 and 12. The first pedestal projection 24 and the first handle 10, and the second pedestal projection 26 and the second handle 12 are formed or configured as an integral part. The pedestal projections 24 and 26 have their two spring ends 20 and 22 spaced apart in a predetermined manner relative to the periphery and, in this embodiment, to the inner surface or inner surface (base surface) of the handles 10 and 12, respectively, so that a minimum distance is formed between each of the handles 10 and 12 and each of the spring legs 16 and 18.

[0037] Thanks to the special design of the spring unit 14, which is a return spring and consists of two parts, it is possible to provide a substantially constant spring force for good handling and durability when the two levers 2, 4 or handles 10, 12 are pivoted on the pivot surface S throughout the entire closed circuit, as well as enabling a simple design and cost-effective manufacturing. The special connection of the first and second spring legs 16, 18 via the pedestal projections 24, 26 ensures not only a simple design and cost-effective manufacturing of the device 1, but also good cleanability.

[0038] Specifically, the two leaf springs of the spring unit 14 are each placed flat on the end face contact support surfaces 28 of the trapezoidal projections 24, 26. The contact support surfaces 28 define the only structural connection between the spring unit 14 and the respective handles 10, 12. The height 30 of the trapezoidal projections 24, 26, which are approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handles, can be used to set the dimension of the gap or gap width 32 formed between the spring legs 16, 18 and the handles 10, 12. The gap width 32 is measured from the inner surface (which is the base surface) of the handles 10, 12 to the opposing surfaces (separated surfaces; corresponding to the contact support surfaces 28) of the spring legs 16, 18. In particular, the height of one is 3 mm, and therefore the minimum gap width 32 shown in Figure 1 is also 3 mm.

[0039] To firmly secure the leaf spring to the platform projections 24 and 26, a screw 34 having a longitudinal axis 36 is screwed into the internal threads of the blind holes (not shown) of the handles 10 and 12, from the inside outwards of the leaf spring, in the direction of the height 30 of the projections 24 and 26, or in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle, or in a direction perpendicular to the contact support surface 28. This allows for easy assembly and, if necessary, disassembly for maintenance or replacement of the spring unit 14, for example. Furthermore, the device 1 is very easy to manufacture and can be assembled without error and without much prior knowledge.

[0040] The spring unit 14, consisting of two parts, connects or links two spring legs 16, 18 to each other by a distal spring coupling 38. In this first embodiment, the spring coupling is configured as a fork-nose coupling, in which the first spring leg 16 has a nose 40 and the second spring leg has a fork 42. The nose 40 protrudes into the fork 42 and is held by the fork 42 in a (slightly) displaceable and pivotable manner. This allows the distal ends of the springs to pivot toward each other during the pivoting motion of the handles 10, 12, ensuring a substantially constant or uniform spring force along the entire closed circuit. Of course, a ball-and-socket coupling may be used instead of a fork-nose coupling. The spring unit 14 has an arrowhead shape with a tapered distal spring coupling 38 and bulging spring legs 16, 18.

[0041] In this embodiment, the angle or gap angle α between the lower surface of the leaf spring (the surface facing the handles 10 and 12) and the side surface 29 of the directly adjacent platform projection is 70°. Thus, a sufficiently obtuse angle is provided. Furthermore, to support cleaning, a slight rounding is provided toward the distal direction and on the side surface of the contact support surface 28.

[0042] Since the screw 34 is threaded into a blind hole with an internal thread from the inside to the outside of the handles 10, 12 along the longitudinal axis 36 of the screw, the external gripping surface or outer gripping surface 44 has a flat, closed surface. Because it does not have sharp edges that could tear the glove, contamination and damage to the surgical glove are prevented.

[0043] The medical instrument 1 of the second preferred embodiment shown in Figure 2 differs from the first preferred embodiment in that the pedestal projections 24, 26 are not integrally formed with the gripping elements 10, 12, but are formed on the two spring legs 16, 18 of the spring unit 14. The spring legs 16, 18 are attached to the inner surfaces of the handles 10, 12 via their pedestal projections 24, 26, or more precisely, via the contact support surfaces 28. In this embodiment as well, the spring legs 16, 18 are screwed into the handles 10, 12 from the spring leg side via screws 34, and the outer gripping surface 44 has a closed surface without an opening. Thus, standardized instruments or gripping elements that are only provided with blind holes having internal threads can be used. Only the spring unit 14 needs to be fitted to the inner surfaces of the handles 10, 12.

[0044] Figure 3 shows a further third embodiment of the device 1, in which a combination of the pedestal projection 24 of the first handle 10 of the first embodiment and the second handle 12 (pedestal projection 26) of the second embodiment is used. Specifically, the pedestal projection 24 is integrally formed with the first handle 10, and a leaf spring or the first spring leg portion 16 is placed and attached to its contact support surface 28, whereas the second handle 12 does not have a pedestal projection, but the second spring leg portion 18 has a second pedestal projection 26 that is integrally formed with it.

[0045] In contrast to the first three embodiments, in Figure 4, in a more preferred embodiment of the medical device 1, the spring unit 14 is connected to the second handle 12 by a screw 34, which is screwed from the outer gripping surface 44 side of the second gripping element 12 (only one side of the device 1 is shown here for illustrative purposes) toward the spring end 22 into a blind hole having an internal thread provided in the trapezoidal projection 26. This design has the advantage that the screw can be easily screwed in from the outside and a closed surface without openings is provided on the inside of the spring leg or spring end to prevent the growth of bacteria.

[0046] Figure 5 shows a more preferred embodiment of the medical instrument 1, which is in the form of a branch forceps having multiple hinges or multi-link lever mechanisms 48 and a distal forceps cutting section 46. In contrast to the previous embodiment, the two pedestal projections 24, 26 formed on the spring unit 14 are not screwed in but are firmly joined to the handles 10, 12 on both sides. In this embodiment, the pedestal projections 24, 26 are welded to the handles 10, 12 to form a robust and durable connection between the two parts. In this embodiment, since there is no need to guarantee a minimum screw-in depth, the height 30 of the pedestal projections 24, 26 and thus the gap width 32 are also small. Nevertheless, in the cleaning position shown in Figure 5, the pedestal projections 24, 26 provide minimal clearance so that the instrument 1 can be easily cleaned. In this embodiment, the cleaning position differs from the basic position in that the lever mechanism 48 is provided with an insertable and removable sleeve 52, which slightly opens the instrument 1 so that the distal forceps section 46 can also be easily cleaned. In the cleaning position of the device 1, the spring legs 16 and 18 extend in a similar shape to the handles 10 and 12, but are slightly compressed at the proximal end, and are parallel to or running parallel to each other over one-third of their total length, particularly in the area of ​​the spring ends 20 and 22.

[0047] To further improve the ergonomics and ease of handling of the instrument, a hand stop 50 is provided on the outer gripping surface 44, which protrudes laterally outward from the handles 10, 12 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the instrument, geometrically restricting and protecting the user's hand distally when the instrument is gripped. The hand stop 50 also provides a stop for distal force application, for example, when the instrument 1 must be moved distally against resistance.

[0048] Figure 6 is a detail view of a more preferred embodiment of the mounting / connection area of ​​the spring end 16 to the planar contact support surface 28 of the handle 10 (only the left side of the instrument 1 is shown as an example). The spring end 16 is joined by an adhesive that meets medical technology requirements and is sterilizable.

[0049] The first platform projection 24 has a planar side surface 29 on its distal side and a curved side surface 29 on its proximal side. The gap angle α is 80°, and therefore the angle at the base of the platform projection is 100°. The length of the contact support surface 28, viewed in the longitudinal axis direction of the handle, is 10 mm. This (minimum) length ensures a sufficient contact surface for transmitting spring force and also provides a sufficient bonding surface. In particular, the size of the contact support surface 28 is at least or approximately 50 mm. 2 That is the case.

[0050] The mounting between the handle 10 and the spring leg portion 16 shown in Figure 6 can also be easily transitioned to the embodiment shown in Figure 5.

[0051] In a further preferred embodiment (not shown), an additional pin may be provided on the platform projection, protruding from the contact support surface and perpendicular to the contact support surface, the pin protruding into a complementary hole similar to a pinhole connection, and aligning the spring leg with the handle to prevent unintended rotation of the spring unit. The following items are elements described in the claims at the time of the international application. (Item 1) Medical instruments (1), especially surgical instruments (1), Two gripping elements (10, 12) are pivotally mounted to each other, A spring unit (14) having two spring ends (20, 22) each connected to one of the two gripping elements (10, 12), wherein when at least one of the two gripping elements (10, 12) is pivoted away from its basic position, the spring unit (14) is capable of pivoting it back to the basic position. It has, The spring unit (14) is adapted to provide a substantially constant spring force when the gripping elements (10, 12) are pivoted, and is in particular composed of at least two parts, having a first spring leg (16) and a second spring leg (18), A medical device (1) characterized in that a platform projection (24, 26) is formed on at least one of the two spring ends (20, 22) and / or on at least one of the two gripping elements (10, 12), and the spring ends (20, 22) are firmly connected to the corresponding gripping elements (10, 12) via this platform projection, and the at least one spring end (20, 22) is spaced apart from the corresponding gripping elements (10, 12) and has a distance from them, at least in the basic position. (Item 2) The medical device (1) according to item 1, characterized in that the spring unit (14) is formed of two parts in the form of two leaf springs or two spring steel wires, the two parts being connected to each other by a distal fork-nose connection (40, 42) or a distal ball-and-socket connection. (Item 3) The medical device (1) according to item 1 or 2, characterized in that the plate-shaped projections (24, 26) have a height (30) of at least 1 mm, preferably at least 2 mm, and especially preferably at least 4 mm, particularly on the distal side. (Item 4) The medical device (1) according to any one of items 1 to 3, characterized in that the plateau-shaped projections (24, 26) form an end face contact support surface (28), and at least one spring end (20, 22) is attached to the corresponding gripping element (10, 12) via the end face contact support surface (28). (Item 5) The medical device (1) according to item 4, characterized in that the aforementioned platform-shaped projections (24, 26) are block-shaped and in particular have a substantially rectangular block base surface. (Item 6) The contact support surface (28) of the aforementioned platform-shaped projections (24, 26) is at least 5 mm 2 and / or up to 1 cm 2 A medical device (1) as described in item 4 or 5, characterized by being and / or flat. (Item 7) A medical device (1) according to any one of items 1 to 6, characterized in that the gap angle (α) between the surface of the spring end (20, 22) facing the corresponding gripping portion (10, 12) and the side surface (29), particularly the distal side surface (29), of the trapezoidal projection (24, 26) is at least 20°, preferably at least 40°, particularly preferably greater than 65°, and very particularly preferably 90°. (Item 8) A medical device (1) according to any one of items 1 to 7, characterized in that at least one spring end (20, 22) is connected to the corresponding gripping element (10, 12) by screw connection via the trapezoidal projection (24, 26) and / or is firmly joined, in particular by adhesive, welding or soldering. (Item 9) In the case of the screw connection, the screw (34) is screwed into a blind hole having an internal thread from the side of the spring end (20, 22) toward the gripping element (10, 12), and the gripping element (10, 12) does not have a drilled hole on its outer gripping surface (44), or the screw is screwed into a blind hole having an internal thread from the side of the outer gripping surface (44) of the gripping element (10, 12) toward the spring end (20, 22), in particular, as described in item 8 (1). (Item 10) The medical device (1) according to any one of items 1 to 9, characterized in that the platform-shaped projections (24, 26) are provided with alignment elements in the form of particularly protruding stop portions or pins for aligning the spring ends (20, 22) with respect to the gripping elements (10, 12). [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 1. Medical devices 2. First lever 4. Second lever 6 hinges 8 Gripping part 10. First gripping element 12. Second gripping element 14 Spring Unit 16. First spring leg 18. Second spring leg 20 First spring end 22 Second spring end 24 First plateau-like projection 26. Second plateau-like projection 28 Contact support surface 29 Side view 30 Platform-shaped protrusions height 32 Gap width 34 screws 36 Thread longitudinal axis 38 Distal spring coupling 40 Nose 42 Forks 44 Outer gripping surface 46 Distal forceps section 48 Lever mechanism 50 Hand stop section 52 sleeves S pivot plane α Gap angle

Claims

1. It is a medical device, Two gripping elements that are pivotally mounted to each other, A spring unit having two spring ends connected to one of the two gripping elements, wherein when at least one of the two gripping elements is pivoted away from its basic position, the spring unit is capable of pivoting it back to the basic position. It has, The spring unit is adapted to provide a substantially constant spring force when the gripping element is pivoted, A platform projection is formed on at least one of the two spring ends, which is integrally formed with the spring unit and makes the thickness of the spring end thicker than the thickness of the rest of the spring unit, and / or a platform projection is formed on at least one of the two gripping elements, which is integrally formed with one of the two gripping elements and is located at the proximal end of one of the two gripping elements, forming a three-dimensional body and directed toward the gripping element other than the one of the two gripping elements, A medical device characterized in that the two spring ends are firmly connected to the corresponding gripping elements, at least one of the two spring ends is firmly connected to the corresponding gripping element via at least one platform projection, and at least in the basic position, the at least one spring end is spaced apart from the corresponding gripping element via the platform projection and has a distance from there.

2. The medical device according to claim 1, characterized in that the spring unit is formed of two parts in the form of two leaf springs or two spring steel wires, and the two parts are connected to each other by a distal fork-nose connection or a distal ball-and-socket connection.

3. The medical device according to claim 1, characterized in that the platform-shaped projection has a height of at least 1 mm.

4. The medical device according to claim 1, characterized in that the platform-shaped projection forms an end-face contact support surface, and at least one spring end is attached to the corresponding gripping element via the end-face contact support surface.

5. The medical device according to claim 4, characterized in that the aforementioned platform-shaped projection is block-shaped.

6. The end face contact support surface of the aforementioned platform-shaped projection is at least 5 mm ２ and / or up to 1 cm ２ The medical device according to claim 4, characterized in that the and / or plane is a spring end and the corresponding spring end is firmly connected via a fixing means to the plane end face contact support surface.

7. The medical device according to claim 1, characterized in that the gap angle between the surface of the spring end facing the corresponding gripping element and the side surface of the platform projection is at least 20°.

8. The medical device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one spring end is connected to the corresponding gripping element by a screw connection via the platform projection and / or is firmly joined thereto.

9. The medical device according to claim 8, characterized in that, in the case of the screw connection, the screw is screwed into a blind hole having an internal thread from the side of the spring end toward the gripping element, and the gripping element does not have a drilled hole on its outer gripping surface, or the screw is screwed in from the side of the outer gripping surface of the gripping element toward the spring end.

10. The medical device according to claim 1, characterized in that the spring unit is composed of at least two parts, and has a first spring leg and a second spring leg.

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