Conveying device with locking mechanism

Abstract

The present invention relates to a delivery device with a locking mechanism, the delivery device is used for an electric resectoscope for endoscopic surgery, wherein the delivery device has a connecting body and a locking system in the connecting body for connecting with a system component, the locking system comprising an elongated locking member with an insertion opening or insertion groove, preferably arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis of the delivery tool, and a spring member, characterized in that one or more flushing channels arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the locking member are formed between the locking member and the connecting body. In addition, the present invention relates to an electric resectoscope for use in endoscopic surgery, characterized in that it comprises a delivery device and a system component preferably locked in the delivery device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a transport device. Background Art

[0002] This type of delivery device is used in resectoscopes, primarily in urology, for surgical operations on the bladder and urethra. They are used, for example, in conjunction with electrosurgical pass-through instruments to remove and vaporize tissue, such as tissue in the lower urethra. For this purpose, the resectoscope comprises a longitudinally movable electrode instrument, which, after insertion of the resectoscope, can protrude with its working distal end beyond the distal end of the resectoscope shaft.

[0003] The electrode instrument is connected to the resectoscope conveyor at its proximal end, and it can be moved longitudinally thereby to perform the cutting action. The conveyor is usually removably fixed to the proximal end of the resectoscope tube shaft.

[0004] The conveying tool has a longitudinally movable slide, and the electrode device can be connected to the slide for joint longitudinal movement. The conveying tool is usually operated by fingers, which are placed on the slide on the one hand and on the fixed part of the conveying tool fixedly connected to the guide tube on the other hand. At this time, the movement of the conveying tool can be carried out, for example, to overcome the action of a return spring, which can be designed in the form of a spiral torsion spring or a leaf spring. Exemplary instruments are described in DE102011011216A1, US2004 / 0242959A1, US6358200 and DE3500527A1.

[0005] The connection between the transport tool and a working device that can be moved longitudinally therefrom, such as an electrode device, or other stationary system components such as a rod, is usually realized by a locking connection. If, for example, the proximal end of the electrode device touches a corresponding mating connection part in the transport device, the device is usually locked automatically by inserting the electrode device. However, unlocking the electrode device usually requires manual assistance.

[0006] The locking of the electrode instrument is now carried out by the side clamping of the long strip locking piece in the groove preset for this purpose in the instrument rod. For this purpose, the locking piece is arranged in the conveying device transversely to the longitudinal direction of the working instrument and the resectoscope rod. Through the introduction bevel on the locking piece, the rod of the inserted working instrument generates a force, which causes the locking piece to move along its own longitudinal axis and transversely to the longitudinal axis of the working instrument. Through the reverse force applied by the spring, the locking piece is then pressed back to its initial position and ensures lateral engagement (Hinterschnitt) in the locking connection mechanism. The spring used in the locking connection mechanism can be, for example, a compression spring or an elastomer profile.

[0007] In order to ensure a defined resting position of the locking element even when the work tool is unlocked and to prevent undesired disassembly, the locking connection usually comprises a fixedly mounted locking element which is mounted in a recess of the locking element and prevents the locking element from undesirably falling out of the conveying device. The unlocking of the work tool or other locked system components is carried out by manual, i.e. manually performed by the operator, movement of the locking element transversely to the longitudinal axis of the conveying tool.

[0008] Because the locking element is movably arranged in the passage in the connecting body of the conveying device, there is a narrow gap around the locking element, which can only be reached with difficulty during cleaning and disinfection. The movement of the locking element may also cause dirt to be smeared in the gap. In addition, the passage in which the locking element is arranged in the connecting body is usually closed on both sides of the conveying device. At this time, the passage is closed on one side by a side wall of the conveying device and on the other side by a spring or an operating member in the form of an elastomer profile. This also makes cleaning difficult and forms other cavities that are difficult to clean. Dirt may also gather in the notch of the locking element that is provided for the locking element. Using an elastomer profile as a spring also brings the following danger, and the deformation that occurs when the locking element is operated may cause dirt to be mixed in the spring on site, which is poorly cleaned or even impossible to clean. Summary of the invention

[0009] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a conveying device which can be cleaned easily and reliably, in particular in the area of ​​the locking system provided for locking the work implement and other system components.

[0010] This task is accomplished by a delivery device and a resectoscope.

[0011] In a first aspect, the present invention relates in particular to a transport device for an electrosurgical resectoscope for endoscopic surgery, wherein the transport device has a connecting body and a locking system in the connecting body for connecting to a system component, the locking system comprising an elongated locking element (with an insertion opening or an insertion groove) preferably arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis of the transport device and a spring element, wherein one or more flushing channels arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the locking element are formed between the locking element and the connecting body.

[0012] In another preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to a transport device for an electrosurgical resectoscope for endoscopic surgery, wherein the transport device is designed to control the longitudinal movement of an operating instrument having an elongated rod and has a locking system for connecting to the proximal end of the operating instrument, the locking system comprising an elongated locking member (with a lateral insertion opening) arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis of the transport device and a spring member, wherein the locking member has one or more flushing grooves arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the locking member.

[0013] In a similar aspect, the invention relates to a resectoscope for use in endoscopic surgery, characterized in that it comprises a delivery device according to the invention and a system component, particularly preferably a working instrument, which is preferably locked in the delivery device.

[0014] By incorporating a flushing groove into the locking element and / or the connecting body according to the invention, a flushing channel accessible from the outside is formed in the conveying device, which simplifies and improves the cleaning and sterilization of the locking system. All parts of the locking system can be flushed with flushing liquid during cleaning or can be touched by sterilizing gas during sterilization. The risk of long-term contamination of the instrument is thus significantly reduced compared to the prior art.

[0015] The locking system modified according to the invention is suitable for a delivery device, which is used in endoscopic surgery. For such instruments, high purity and sterility are particularly important. The delivery device is generally a part of a resectoscope, which still has a rod part with a tubular rod and an elongated optical element that can be inserted into the rod part through the delivery device in a common design. The parts of the resectoscope can be adapted to the requirements of the respective surgical procedure and are therefore variable.

[0016] In addition to the transport device, the shaft part and the optical components, the resectoscope may have other parts such as a lighting device such as an optical fiber bundle and different working instruments (through instruments) which can be guided through the resectoscope shaft to the surgical site and can be used there, for example, to process tissue.

[0017] The conveying device has a connecting body in which the locking system according to the invention is arranged. The connecting body thus directly adjoins the locking system, in particular the locking element of the locking system, but also the remaining components of the locking system. If the conveying device is to be designed for longitudinal movement of locked system components, the connecting body can be, for example, a slide of the conveying device or a part of the slide.

[0018] The conveying device is designed to be connected to a system component by means of a locking system. In particular, the connecting body of the conveying device is preferably designed to be connected to a system component. This means that the system component is detachably held in the conveying device, in particular its connecting body, by means of the locking system.

[0019] The locking system is suitable for locking different parts. Therefore, the system component can be any component (part) of the resectoscope, which should be detachably connected to the conveying device, especially its connector. Here, the system component is not part of the conveying device. The system component can be selected from the following group, which consists of working instruments (straight-through instruments), optical parts, pipe-rod systems (such as sleeves and / or inner tubes) and other parts. In a preferred embodiment, the system component is a working instrument. In another embodiment, the system component is an optical part.

[0020] It is accordingly obvious that the conveying device according to the invention comprises not only one locking system as described herein, but also a plurality of locking systems, wherein the various locking systems are respectively designed and arranged for locking different system components. The conveying device may for example comprise one, two or more than three locking systems as described herein, preferably more than two.

[0021] As described, the lockable system components are preferably working instruments. They are generally arranged in a longitudinally movable manner in the resectoscope to allow the medical technician to flexibly intervene at the surgical site. The conveying device can be correspondingly configured to control the longitudinal movement of the working instrument. The technician is aware of suitable working instruments that can be used for intervention in endoscopic surgery. The working instrument can be, for example, an electrode instrument or a lithotripsy capture instrument, wherein the working instrument described herein is preferably an electrode instrument.

[0022] The electrode device has an elongated rod (rod portion) and is designed as a straight-through device for a resectoscope, i.e., a device that can be inserted into a body opening through the rod of the resectoscope. The electrode device has an electrode at its distal end that can withstand high-frequency current. The electrode is a cutting ring, a gasification button (plasma button) or other common electrodes on the market. The electrode is preferably a cutting ring electrode. The technician knows the corresponding electrodes and electrode devices.

[0023] The electrode instrument may be a bipolar electrode instrument, which includes an electrode as part of an electrode assembly. In this case, the electrode instrument, for example, includes a second electrode in the distal end of the electrode instrument, which is designed as a neutral electrode. Alternatively, the second electrode (neutral electrode) may also be arranged on other components of the distal end of the resectoscope. Obviously, the electrode instrument may also be designed as a monopolar instrument.

[0024] The system component can have an elongated rod. Preferably, the longitudinal axis of the system component is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the resectoscope rod or the conveying device. The proximal end of the system component can be connected to the locking system. However, it is also conceivable that one lateral side of the system component is connected, i.e. locked to an insertion opening or insertion slot laterally arranged on or in the connector. However, preferably, the locking system is designed to be connected to the proximal end of the system component. In this embodiment, the proximal end of the system component can be inserted into the insertion opening or insertion slot of the locking system.

[0025] If the system component is a working instrument, the working instrument can be moved longitudinally through the conveying device in the resectoscope rod, that is, moved axially toward the distal and proximal sides. In order to be connected to the resectoscope, the working instrument has an elongated rod portion, which can be locked at its proximal end on a slide included in the conveying device to establish a motion coupling connection. The slide seat generally slides on a tube and is held in a static position by a spring preloaded by a spring unit. Therefore, a working unit, such as an electrode, can be moved at the distal end toward the tissue to be cut or away from the tissue to be cut without having to move the entire resectoscope. In addition, for example, the longitudinal movability of the working instrument can achieve the clamping of tissue between the distal electrode and the insulating insert and its removal from the surgical site.

[0026] The proximal end of the rod of the working tool is connected to the conveying device by means of a locking system. The locking system is part of the conveying device and is preferably arranged in the slide of the conveying device. In this way, the working tool can move with the slide after the tool is locked in the slide.

[0027] The locking system of the conveying device according to the invention always comprises a locking element and a spring element and optionally also a locking element. The locking system is arranged in and on the conveying device so that the locking element and optionally the locking element are arranged in the conveying device for the most part, i.e. up to about 50% or more. For this purpose, the conveying device has a corresponding channel-shaped recess (channel). It is open at least on one side of the conveying device, preferably on both sides. The recess is approximately complementary in shape and size to the locking system. However, as mentioned above, there is indeed free play in the edge area of ​​the locking element, spring element and locking element, which occurs within the processing range and / or is required to ensure the free rotation and mobility of the locking system or other functions.

[0028] The locking element is elongated and arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis of the conveying device. The locking element can have a shank and a head at one end, the diameter of the head being greater than the shank. The head can be used, for example, to support the spring element. The shank and the head preferably have a substantially circular cross section, possibly with a recess for the flushing groove. In other words, the locking element can have a substantially cylindrical shape, possibly with a recess for the flushing groove, and the locking groove in its shank.

[0029] The locking element has one or more lateral insertion openings and / or one or more lateral insertion slots in its circumference, i.e., in the lateral direction (transverse direction) relative to its longitudinal axis. One of the insertion openings or one of the insertion slots is arranged and suitable for insertion of a part of the system component and preferably the proximal end of the working tool.

[0030] The insertion opening can be designed as a channel and have a substantially cylindrical inner cavity. The insertion opening can clamp the rod of the locking element in a channel-like manner. Thus, the insertion opening can produce an opening on both sides of the locking element. Alternatively, the insertion opening can be closed on the side opposite to the working device.

[0031] This insertion groove can have U-shaped or part circular cross section, and clamps the rod of this locking member.This groove is preferably open at both ends along its longitudinal direction, promptly can be flowed through by gas or liquid.

[0032] The insertion opening or the insertion groove is arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis of the locking element.

[0033] This locking member can have other insertion openings, for example, for a locking member to be inserted. But preferably according to the present invention, a locking member is placed in a locking groove in the outer wall of the locking member, as described in other places of this article.

[0034] In order to allow the system component, preferably a working tool, to be inserted and automatically locked into the locking element, the insertion opening or insertion slot can have a partially funnel-shaped entry region, i.e. an entry region that is inclined on one side. In the entry region, the insertion opening or insertion slot is widened. On the inclined surface of the entry region, the proximal end of the working tool can slide along it during insertion, while the locking element is moved laterally in the longitudinal direction of the conveying device, i.e. in the transverse direction, so that the spring element in the form of a compression spring is compressed.

[0035] The insertion opening or insertion slot provided for the proximal end of the system component, preferably the working device, can also include one or more locking members or slots, which allow a locking connection with the locking member or slot on the working device. In this way, a suitable lateral engagement in the locking connection can be guaranteed.

[0036] According to the invention, one or more flushing channels arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the locking element are formed between the locking element and the connecting body. The flushing channel can be formed by forming a flushing groove in the outer wall of the locking element, or by forming a flushing groove in the inner surface of the connecting body adjacent to the locking element. A combination of flushing grooves on the two parts is also conceivable, which is feasible within the scope of the invention. Therefore, in one embodiment, the locking element has one or more flushing grooves arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the locking element. Alternatively or additionally, the connecting body may have one or more flushing grooves arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the locking element and preferably adjacent to the locking element. It is also conceivable within the scope of the invention to form flushing grooves in the two parts so that each flushing groove of the locking element is adjacent to a flushing groove of the connecting body.

[0037] Each flushing groove can have a partially circular, such as semicircular or U-shaped cross section. The flushing groove is suitable for producing a liquid channel, by means of which the gap between the locking element and the rest of the conveying device can be flushed with a flushing liquid. For this purpose, the flushing groove is preferably open at both ends of the elongated locking element or the adjacent connecting body for the input or discharge of flushing liquid. The two ends of the locking element are the ends along the longitudinal axis of the locking element. In the conveying device, these two ends are oriented toward the side of the conveying device (transversely). Through the flushing groove, flushing liquid and / or gas (sterilizing gas) can be transported from one lateral side of the conveying device to the opposite lateral side of the conveying device.

[0038] The locking element or the connector may have one or more flushing grooves, i.e., for example, one, two, three, four or more flushing grooves. In a preferred embodiment, the locking element or the connector, and preferably the locking element, has four flushing grooves. The flushing grooves can be dispersed around the longitudinal axis of the locking element or on the inner circumference of the concave channel of the connector. Here, all flushing grooves are preferably spaced equidistant from each other. Therefore, in a locking element or connector having four flushing grooves, the grooves can be arranged around the inner circumference of the concave channel at 0°, 90°, 180° and 270°, for example. Preferably, the flushing grooves, which are arranged in pairs opposite to each other, are arranged on the inner circumference of the locking element or the concave channel, respectively.

[0039] The locking system may also include an elongated locking member, which is arranged in a locking groove in the outer wall of the locking member transversely to the longitudinal axis of the locking member. The locking member prevents the locking system from falling out of the conveying device when there is no working device. The locking member has an elongated rod, one end of which, preferably the proximal end, is at least partially placed in an opening of the conveying device or the slide, and the opening is not part of the locking member. In other words, the end is arranged in the conveying device body surrounding the locking system. The other end of the locking member, preferably the distal end, is arranged in a locking groove of the locking member. Therefore, a part of the locking member abuts against a side of the locking groove when there is no working device and thus prevents the locking member from further movement in the direction of the spring force applied by the spring member. The locking member may have a head with a larger diameter that is approached from the outside of the connecting body.

[0040] The locking groove is arranged laterally in the rod of the locking element. In this case, the locking groove is preferably located in the end of the locking element that is not adjacent to the spring element. The locking groove can have a partially circular cross section. It preferably adjoins one or more flushing grooves and forms a flushing channel with the flushing grooves. The flushing channel generated by the flushing grooves and the optional locking groove preferably extends over the entire length of the locking element.

[0041] The locking groove is at least partially formed and arranged in a complementary shape and size relative to the locking member. However, the locking groove has a larger diameter than the locking member in the longitudinal direction of the locking member to ensure the desired movability of the locking member in the longitudinal direction of the locking member.

[0042] The locking system also includes a spring element. The spring element applies a spring force toward the outside of the conveying device, for example, toward the side facing away from the locking element. When the rod of the working device is inserted into the insertion opening, pressure is thereby applied to the rod to ensure a lateral engagement (clamping effect). The spring element is preferably a compression spring, for example a helical compression spring or an elastic profile. In a preferred embodiment, the spring element is a helical compression spring. Since it does not produce an additional cavity in the locking system, the locking system thus obtained can be cleaned more easily and reliably. It is particularly preferred that the spring element and in particular the helical compression spring consist of metal. The skilled person is aware of suitable spring elements. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] Embodiments of the present invention are schematically shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0044] Figure 1 A schematic side cross-sectional view of the resectoscope of the present invention is shown, which has a conveying device and an electrode instrument that can be longitudinally moved by means of a slide of the conveying device;

[0045] Figure 2 A schematic side cross-sectional view of a conveying device according to the present invention is shown, which has an electrode instrument that can be longitudinally moved by means of a slide of the conveying device;

[0046] Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a prior art delivery device is shown, wherein the locking system comprises a locking member, a spring member and a locking member, wherein the locking member does not have a flushing channel;

[0047] Figure 4 Show Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of the portion rotated 90°;

[0048] Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of the locking system of the conveying device of the present invention is shown from the longitudinal direction of the conveying device, in which the flushing groove of the locking member can be seen; and

[0049] Figure 6 An alternative locking system of a conveying device according to the invention is shown in a schematic sectional view, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the conveying device.

[0050] Reference numerals list

[0051] 10. Conveying device;

[0052] 12 Resectoscope;

[0053] 13 System components;

[0054] 14. Operating equipment;

[0055] 15 Connector;

[0056] 16 rod;

[0057] 18 Locking system;

[0058] 20 locking element;

[0059] 22 Insertion opening;

[0060] 23 Insertion slot;

[0061] 24 spring parts;

[0062] 25 flushing channel;

[0063] 26 flushing tank;

[0064] 28 an end portion of the locking member;

[0065] 30 lateral conveying device side;

[0066] 32 opposite to the transverse conveying device side;

[0067] 34 locking member;

[0068] 36 locking groove;

[0069] 38 outer wall;

[0070] 40 flushing channel;

[0071] 42 Electrode instruments;

[0072] 44 electrodes;

[0073] 46 strokes;

[0074] 48 pipe-rod system;

[0075] 50 Optical tube;

[0076] 52 guides;

[0077] 54 Optics;

[0078] 56 handle;

[0079] 58 handles;

[0080] 60 Spring bridge;

[0081] 62 Slide;

[0082] 64 force transmission parts;

[0083] 66 unlocking parts DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0084] Other advantages, features and characteristics of the present invention will become clear from the following detailed description of the embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described.

[0085] Figure 1 The schematic lateral section view of the resectoscope 12 according to the invention is shown, which has a transport device 10 and an electrode instrument 42 which can be longitudinally moved by means of a slide 62 of the transport device 10. The electrode instrument 42 is a system component 13 of the transport device 10 which is to be detachably held on the transport device 10 by means of a locking system 18.

[0086] The resectoscope 12 has a rod 46, which includes a tube-rod system 48 shown in dashed lines, which consists of a sleeve and an inner tube in a manner not shown. An optical tube 50 extends in the tube-rod system 48, and an optical part 54 extends in the optical tube 50. An operating instrument 14 extends between the optical tube 50 and the tube-rod system 48, which is designed in the form of an electrode instrument 42. In addition, an illumination component, not shown, for example in the form of an optical fiber bundle, extends inside and outside the optical tube 50. In addition, there are also parts not shown here that can extend in the resectoscope 12, such as a separate irrigation tube, etc. The tube-rod system 48 includes a plurality of openings in its distal end in a manner not shown here, through which dirty irrigation fluid can flow into the gap between the sleeve and the inner tube and can flow out through the resectoscope rod 46.

[0087] The electrode instrument 42 is protected against displacements deviating from the longitudinal direction of the rod 46, for example transversely to the longitudinal direction, by means of a guide 52 having a partially circular cross section. The guide 52 is supported on the optics 54. The electrode instrument 42 is mounted on the optics guide 50 so as to be longitudinally movable and has an elongated rod 16.

[0088] The proximal end 16 of the rod 16 of the electrode instrument 42 is Figure 1 The electrode instrument 42 is locked in the slide 62 of the conveying device 10 in an unillustrated manner. The slide 62 can therefore be regarded as a connector 15 in the illustrated embodiment. The electrode instrument 42 can be forced to move in the axial direction toward the proximal and distal directions by operating the handles 56, 58. At this time, it can move beyond the distal end of the optical member catheter 50 and the tube rod system 48. Therefore, the surgeon is allowed to also process tissues further away from the tip of the resectoscope. The electrode instrument 42 has an electrode 44 at its distal end, which is designed to be a cutting ring and can thereby remove tissue by electrosurgical ablation. In this case, a high-frequency voltage is applied to the electrode 44 to cut the tissue.

[0089] The resectoscope 10 shown has a passive transport device 10, in which the slide 62 is moved distally toward the distal first handle 56 by the relative movement of the handles 56 and 58 provided on the proximal side of the resectoscope rod 46, overcoming the spring force applied by the spring bridge 60. When the slide 62 is moved distally toward the handle 56, the electrode instrument 42 is moved by Figure 1 The locking structure in the locking system 18, which is not shown in the figure, is forced to move distally. When the load of the handles 58, 56 is removed, the spring force generated by the spring bridge 60 forces the slide 62 to return to its rest position, where the electrode instrument 42 is pulled proximally. When the slide 62 returns, the electrosurgery with the electrode instrument 42 can be performed passively without the need for manual force by the surgeon.

[0090] Figure 2 Shown as Figure 1 The depicted schematic side cross-sectional view of the delivery device 10 of the present invention has an electrode instrument 42 that can be longitudinally moved by means of a carriage 62 of the delivery device 10 and has an optical guide tube 50, but without the tube-shaft system 48 and the optical element 54 of the resectoscope 12. It can be seen that the electrode instrument 42 is inserted with the proximal end of its shaft 16 into the carriage 62 of the delivery device 10 and is held in place by it.

[0091] Figure 3 and Figure 4 FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a prior art delivery device 10, wherein the locking system 18 includes a locking member 20, a spring member 24 and a locking member 34. Figure 5 The essential difference of the conveying device according to the invention shown is that Figure 3 and Figure 4 The locking element 20 of the delivery device 10 shown has no flushing channel. Figure 4 Shows Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of a portion rotated 90°.

[0092] The proximal end of the rod 16 of the working tool 14 is shown. Figure 3 2 is shown above the insertion opening 22 and has not yet been inserted therein and has not yet been locked therein. This end has a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the insertion opening 22. The insertion opening 22 is arranged in the shank of the locking element 20 and completely clamps it, i.e. is designed in the form of a channel that is open on both sides. The insertion of the shank 16 into the semi-funnel-shaped end of the insertion opening 22 causes the locking element 20 to move along its longitudinal axis towards the locking element 34 or the funnel head (at Figure 3 center to left).

[0093] The end of the rod 16 of the working device 14 and the insertion opening 22 can have a complementary locking projection and a locking groove, which are not shown, as described elsewhere in this document, thereby forming an additional locking connection. In addition, the locking projection of the locking system is always pressed against the bottom surface of the locking groove by the spring element 24, that is, the rod of the working device 14 is pressed. This ensures the side engagement in the locking system 18. The spring element 24 is arranged on one end of the locking element 20 as seen from the longitudinal axis of the locking element 20. The spring element 24 is designed as an elastic profile and is partially arranged outside the conveying device 10, different from the locking element 20 and the locking element 34. The part of the spring element 24 exposed laterally on the side wall of the conveying device can be used for manual operation of the locking element 20, in particular for releasing the locking connection between the working device 14 and the locking system 18. If (manual) pressure is applied to the spring element 24, the force is transmitted to the locking element 20 through the optional force transmission element 64 and causes the locking element 20 to move along its longitudinal axis in the conveying device 10. As a result, the clamping and / or locking connection between the insertion opening 22 and the shaft 16 is released, so that the working instrument 14 can be easily removed from the resectoscope 12 .

[0094] The conveying device 10 also has a locking element 34, which is partially arranged in the second insertion opening 22 and partially arranged in a passage in the connecting body 15, which is not shown in detail. As a result, the locking element 20 is held in the conveying device 10 and protected from falling out even when no working device 14 is arranged in the first insertion opening 22. The locking element 34 is designed in the form of an elongated strip and is oriented transversely to the longitudinal direction of the locking element 20 and parallel to the longitudinal direction of the conveying device 10 and the rod 46. The insertion opening 22 provided for the locking element 34 is preferably designed as a passage substantially parallel to the insertion opening 22 provided for the working device 14. In addition, it is wider in the longitudinal direction of the locking element 20 than the diameter of the locking element 34, so as not to hinder the desired movement of the locking element 20 in its longitudinal direction. The additional width, i.e. the width exceeding the diameter of the locking element, preferably corresponds to the desired stroke of the locking element 20.

[0095] Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view of the locking system 18 of the conveying device 10 of the present invention is shown as viewed from the longitudinal direction of the conveying device 10, wherein the flushing groove 26 of the locking element 34 can be seen. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The conveying devices shown differ at least in the flushing trough 26 shown here. Other features, such as the arrangement of a locking element 34 in the insertion opening 22 or the use of an elastic profile as the spring element 24, can also be used in the conveying device 10 according to the invention.

[0096] The flushing groove 26 of the locking member 20 extends from one end to the other end of the locking member 20 parallel to the longitudinal axis of the locking member 20. This ensures that the flushing liquid flows completely during cleaning. The flushing groove 26 has a U-shaped cross section.

[0097] At its end outside the connecting body 15, the locking element 20 has a head, the diameter of which is larger than the diameter of the shank of the locking element 20 that extends into the conveying device 10. The side of the head facing the shank serves as a bearing surface for a spring element 24, which is designed as a metal helical compression spring. The spring element 24 rests with its other end against the shoulder of the connecting body 15 and exerts pressure to the outside.

[0098] The locking system 18 is also held in place in the connecting body 15 of the delivery device 10 by means of the locking element 34. The locking element 34 is essentially the same as Figure 3 and Figure 4 The locking element 34 shown is designed in the same way. However, it is not inserted into a plug-in opening of complementary shape, but into a locking groove 36 which is formed in the outer wall of the locking element 20 and whose longitudinal axis is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the locking element 20. The locking groove 36 is wider than the diameter of the locking element 34 and therefore does not hinder the desired movement of the locking element 20.

[0099] Figure 6A schematic cross-sectional view of an alternative locking system 18 of a conveying device 10 according to the invention is shown, viewed from the longitudinal direction of the conveying device 10. The locking element 20 comprises, in a manner not shown here, Figure 5 A plurality of flushing grooves 26 are shown, each of which is suitable for forming a flushing channel 25 between the locking member 20 and the connecting body 15 .

[0100] Different from Figure 5 The conveying device 10, such as Figure 6 The spring element 24 of the conveying device 10 shown is arranged on the side of the locking element 20 opposite to the unlocking element 66. The channel (recess) provided in the connecting body 15 for the locking element 20 is not open on both sides of the connecting body 15, but is closed on one side. The spring element 24 is arranged on the closed side of the channel and is supported on one side at the end of the channel and on the other side at the locking element 20. In order to support the spring element 24, the locking element 20 has a plurality of grooves at the end, which are formed in the longitudinal direction of the locking element 20 around its longitudinal axis.

[0101] The unlocking member 66 is an operating member (button) by which the locking connection between the working part 14 and the locking system 18 can be separated. For this purpose, the unlocking member 66 is arranged on the side of the locking member 20 opposite to the spring 24, that is, on the side of the channel provided in the connecting body 15 for the locking member 20 that is open to the outside.

[0102] in addition, Figure 6 The locking system 18 shown is also similar to Figure 5 The difference of the locking system shown is that the proximal end of the working part 14 is not arranged in the insertion opening 22 of the locking member 20, but in the insertion groove 23. The insertion groove 23 is arranged in the outer wall (circumference) of the locking member. The longitudinal axis of the insertion groove 23 runs transversely to the longitudinal axis of the locking member 20.

[0103] The locking member 34 has a head portion accessible from outside the connecting body 15 , and the head portion has a diameter greater than the diameter of the stem portion of the locking member 34 disposed in the connecting body 15 and the locking groove 36 .

[0104] Although the present invention has been described in detail in conjunction with an embodiment, it is obvious to a skilled person that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment, but can be variously modified in a way that some features can be omitted or other combinations of the mentioned features can be realized, as long as the protection scope of the attached claims is not exceeded. The present disclosure includes all combinations of the mentioned individual features.

Claims

1. A delivery device (10) for an electroresectoscope (12) for endoscopic surgery, wherein: The conveying device (10) has a connecting body (15) and a locking system (18) in the connecting body (15) for connecting to a system component (13), the locking system comprising a spring element (24) and an elongated locking element (20), the locking element (20) having an insertion opening (22) or an insertion groove (23), characterized in that one or more flushing channels (25) arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the locking element (20) are formed between the locking element (20) and the connecting body (15), the flushing channels (25) being open at both ends (28) of the locking element (20) for the input or discharge of flushing liquid, flushing liquid being guided from one lateral side (30) of the conveying device (10) to an opposite lateral side (32) of the conveying device (10) through the flushing channels (25), the locking element (20) having one or more flushing grooves (26) arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the locking element (20).

2. The conveying device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting body (15) has one or more flushing grooves (26) arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the locking element (20) and adjacent to the locking element (20).

3. The conveying device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The flushing channel created by the flushing groove (26) extends over the entire length of the locking element (20).

4. The conveying device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The system component (13) has an elongated rod portion (16).

5. The conveying device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The locking system (18) is designed to be connected to the proximal end of the system component (13).

6. The conveying device (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that: The proximal end of the system component (13) can be inserted into the insertion opening (22) or the insertion slot (23) of the locking system (18).

7. The conveying device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The system component (13) is a working device (14).

8. The conveying device (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that: The conveying device (10) is designed to control the longitudinal movement of the working tool (14).

9. The conveying device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The locking system (18) comprises an elongated locking element (34) which is arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis of the locking element (20) in a locking groove (36) in an outer wall (38) of the locking element (20).

10. The conveying device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The spring element (24) is a compression spring.

11. The conveying device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The locking element (20) is arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis of the conveying device (10).

12. The conveying device (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that: The system component (13) is an electrode instrument (42) having an elongated shaft (16) and an electrode (44) capable of withstanding high-frequency current at its distal end.

13. The conveying device (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that: The spring element (24) is a helical compression spring.

14. A resectoscope (12) for use in endoscopic surgery, characterized in that: The resectoscope (12) comprises a delivery device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

15. The resectoscope (12) according to claim 14, characterized in that: The resectoscope (12) includes system components (13) locked within the delivery device (10).

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