Surgical instruments

Abstract

The invention relates to a surgical instrument. The invention relates to an operating device (30) for operating a tool (24) of a surgical instrument (20). The operating device (30) has an operating element (31) pivotably supported between an initial position (I) and a working position (W). The operating element (31) is movably connected to the tool (24) by means of a coupling device (35), the coupling device (35) comprising a coupling link (36) or consisting of a coupling link (36). The coupling link (36) is elastically deformable and, when the operating element (31) is deflected away from the initial position (I), a reset torque (MR) is achieved due to the elastic deformation, wherein the reset torque (MR) causes the operating element (31) to return to the initial position (I). Therefore, an additional spring-elastic reset element can be omitted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a surgical instrument, such as an electrosurgical instrument. The surgical instrument can have two jaws that are pivotally supported to each other. On the surgical instrument, a tool, such as a knife, is provided, which is supported movably in a longitudinal direction in a guided manner. The knife can be supported in a knife channel. The knife can be moved in the longitudinal direction by means of an operating element in order to cut biological tissue clamped between the jaws. Background Art

[0002] EP 2 436 327 A1 describes a surgical forceps with two jaws pivotably supported relative to one another and a knife guided in the longitudinal direction. The knife can be moved in the longitudinal direction by means of a pivotably supported operating element. A helical spring is provided to bias the operating element in an initial position, wherein if the operating element is deflected from its initial position, the helical spring is tensioned and generates a reset torque in the direction of the initial position.

[0003] US 2017 / 0209205 A1 describes a bipolar surgical forceps having two jaws pivotably supported to each other and a knife supported in a guided manner in the longitudinal direction. The knife can be moved in the longitudinal direction by means of an operating element. The operating element is movably connected to the knife by means of a coupling device, wherein the coupling device includes a telescopic rod in order to keep the space required for the pivoting movement during the pivoting of the operating element about the pivot axis small. During the pivoting of the operating element from the initial position into the working position, the telescopic rod is retracted as soon as it contacts the housing wall and then extends again. In doing so, it is allowed to keep the housing small. In addition, a biasing element, not shown in the figure, is provided, which is supported on the telescopic rod on one side and on the operating element on the other side in order to bias the operating element in its initial position.

[0004] The arrangements known so far are complex in construction, which leads to high costs, especially for single-use instruments. In reusable instruments, cleaning and sterilization are problematic, especially if a helical spring or telescopic arrangement is used. At this location, contaminants cannot be removed or can only be removed with great effort. Summary of the invention

[0005] An object of the present invention can therefore be seen as providing a surgical instrument that ensures inexpensive construction and simple cleaning.

[0006] This object is achieved by a surgical instrument having the features of independent claim 1 .

[0007] The surgical instrument of the present invention comprises a tool, such as a knife, which is arranged movably in the longitudinal direction. In order to operate the tool, an operating element is provided. The operating element is pivotally supported. It can be pivoted between an initial position and a working position.

[0008] A kinematic connection between the operating element and the tool is established via a coupling device. The coupling device comprises a coupling link. The coupling link is configured to transfer a pivoting movement of the operating element to the tool and / or in particular a part that is immovably connected to the tool. In a preferred embodiment, the coupling link forms a connecting rod of the coupling device. The connecting rod, which is preferably formed by the coupling link, is supported at one end to perform a rotational or pivoting movement and at the other end to perform a substantially straight movement in the longitudinal direction.

[0009] The coupling link is elastically deformable. In the initial position of the operating element, the coupling link is not elastically deformed or is less elastically deformed than in the operating position of the operating element and assumes a first condition. In the operating position of the operating element, the coupling link is more deformed than in its first condition and thus achieves a reset torque on the pivotably supported operating element in the direction of the initial position. The condition of the elastically deformed coupling link in the operating position of the operating element is noted as the second condition.

[0010] According to the invention, therefore, the coupling link itself implements the reset torque on the operating element in order to move it back into the initial position. Additional elements for generating the reset torque, and in particular a helical spring, can be omitted.

[0011] It is advantageous if the coupling device and, for example, the coupling rod is releasably connected to the tool. Such a releasable connection can in particular be a force fit and / or a form fit and can be realized, for example, by a latch connection. In doing so, the tool can be replaced and the coupling device or the coupling rod can remain in the instrument. Alternatively or additionally, such a releasable connection can also be provided at another location of the coupling device, for example at the connection between the coupling device and the operating element.

[0012] In an embodiment, the releasable connection can be achieved by a groove in the tool, wherein the coupling device or the coupling rod engages in the groove. Due to the elastic deformation force in the first condition of the coupling rod, at least a force-fitting connection is achieved.

[0013] Preferably, in the initial position of the operating element, the tool is in a retracted position. In the working position of the operating element, the tool can assume an extended position. In the retracted position, the tool does not affect the biological tissue. In the extended position, the tool can act on the biological tissue.

[0014] Preferably, the surgical instrument can include two jaws pivotably supported to each other.A tool is movably supported in one of the jaws, for example in a tool channel.

[0015] The tool can be a knife, whereby the tool channel forms a knife channel. For example, the knife can cut biological tissue in the extended position.

[0016] Preferably, a connecting rod (e.g. a connecting rod) connects two parts arranged at a distance from each other. These parts can be formed by the operating element or by a part that is movably connected to it from the tool on the one hand or a connecting part that is movably connected to it on the other hand. Without the connecting rod, it would not be possible to transmit the movement from the operating element to the tool.

[0017] The coupling link is particularly formed in one piece. It is formed from an elastically deformable material, for example from a metallic material, particularly from a metal alloy. As an option, it can be provided with a protective layer to protect the coupling link from chemical influences, whereby the protective layer is independent of the kinematic coupling.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the coupling link is attached directly to the operating element with one end, at a distance from the pivot axis of the operating element. The corresponding other end of the coupling link can be arranged directly on the tool or on a connecting part movably connected thereto. In particular, the connecting part is fixedly and immovably arranged on the tool. The coupling link can be configured to transmit the pivoting movement of the operating element in a linear movement of the tool. The coupling link can be the only part provided for transmitting the pivoting movement in a linear movement.

[0019] It is advantageous if the coupling link has a bracket-shaped form. For example, it can be configured as a wire bracket or a punch bracket. In particular, the coupling link can comprise at least one longitudinal leg and an adjacent transverse leg. The transverse leg extends in particular orthogonally to the direction of movement of the tool, which direction of movement is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. The at least one longitudinal leg is preferably inclined relative to the longitudinal direction at an angle having an amount between 0 and 90 degrees, preferably between 10 and 80 degrees and further preferably between 20 and 70 degrees.

[0020] It is particularly advantageous if the coupling link comprises two and in particular precisely two longitudinal legs which are connected to one another via a transverse leg. Preferably the transverse leg forms one end of the coupling link and is in particular assigned to one end of the tool.

[0021] Each longitudinal leg can have a free leg end, which is preferably not directly connected to each other and further preferably not in direct contact with each other. In particular, the free leg ends of the longitudinal legs are arranged offset from each other with reference to a plane oriented orthogonally to the transverse direction. In particular, if the coupling link is in its non-deformed rest condition (which can, for example, correspond to the first condition), the free leg ends are arranged along a common straight line in the extension direction of the longitudinal legs within this plane.

[0022] The longitudinal legs of the coupling links can have different lengths.

[0023] Preferably, in the initial position of the operating element, the longitudinal legs and the transverse legs extend in a common plane. Outside the initial position and in particular in the operating position of the operating element, the longitudinal legs can include an angle greater than zero. The angle between the longitudinal legs is greatest in the operating position and decreases towards the initial position, whereby it is preferably equal to zero in the initial position.

[0024] It is particularly advantageous if the longitudinal legs are not elastically deformed in the second condition of the coupling link (working position of the operating element) compared to the first condition of the coupling link (initial position of the operating element). For example, if the longitudinal legs extend in a straight line in the first condition of the coupling link, they preferably also extend substantially along a straight line in the second condition of the coupling link. The longitudinal legs can thus be particularly resistant to bending, so as to resist bending transversely to their direction of extension. In this configuration, forces applied from the outside to the tool in the longitudinal direction can be supported very well via the coupling link on the operating element. The tool is thus not forced back from its extended position into the retracted position in an undesirable manner. This supporting effect is particularly enhanced if the longitudinal legs include an angle greater than zero in the working position. The angle between the longitudinal legs is measured in a projection plane oriented orthogonally to the transverse direction and therefore to the transverse legs.

[0025] While in the first condition of the coupling link the longitudinal legs extend bent and / or at an angle and / or in a curved manner, this shape is maintained in the second condition of the coupling link.

[0026] Regardless of the number of longitudinal legs, in the second condition of the coupling link (operating position of the operating element), the transverse leg is preferably twisted about its extension direction. This twisting generates a torque on at least one longitudinal leg connected to the transverse leg, thereby generating a reset torque.

[0027] It is advantageous if the coupling link extends along a straight line or is less curved between its two ends in the first condition than in the second condition at least. At least in the second condition, the coupling link can extend in a curved manner between its two ends. In such an embodiment, the coupling link can have a bracket-shaped form or can be configured as a two-dimensional element in the manner of a leaf spring. In such an embodiment, the coupling link can be attached in a torque-proof manner at one or both ends, specifically connected in a torque-proof manner to an operating element at one end and / or connected in a torque-proof manner to a tool or a connecting part immovably connected to the tool at the other end.

[0028] In an embodiment, the coupling link, which is at least elastically deformed outside its first condition, is able to exert a force or a force component on the tool or the connecting part connected to the tool, which is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction and in particular also to the transverse direction. In this way, it is possible, for example, to latch the tool or the connecting part in at least one predefined position in the longitudinal direction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Preferred embodiments of the surgical instrument according to the invention can be inferred from the dependent claims, the description and the drawings. In the following, preferred embodiments are explained in detail with reference to the drawings. The figures of the drawings show:

[0030] Figure 1 and Figure 2 are respectively a schematic side view of a surgical instrument, in particular a schematic side view of an electrosurgical instrument;

[0031] Figure 3 An embodiment of an operating device of a surgical instrument is shown in a schematic side view, wherein an operating element of the operating device is in an initial position and a coupling link of the coupling device is in a first condition;

[0032] Figure 4 A schematic side view is shown Figure 3 An operating device, wherein the operating element is in the working position and the coupling link of the coupling device is in the second condition;

[0033] Figure 5 The top view shows Figure 3 and Figure 4 Embodiment of the connecting rod of the operating device;

[0034] Figure 6 A further embodiment of an operating device for a surgical instrument is shown in a schematic side view, wherein an operating element of the operating device is in an initial position and a coupling link of the coupling device is in a first condition;

[0035] Figure 7 A schematic side view is shown Figure 6An embodiment of the operating device, wherein the operating element is in the working position and the coupling link of the coupling device is in the second condition;

[0036] Figure 8 Shown according to Figure 6 and Figure 7 A perspective view of an embodiment of a connecting rod of an operating device;

[0037] Fig. 9 A further embodiment of an operating device for a surgical instrument is shown in a schematic side view, wherein an operating element of the operating device is in an initial position and a coupling link of the coupling device is in a first condition;

[0038] Fig.10 A schematic separate diagram shows Fig. 9 operating elements, connecting rods and connecting parts of the operating device;

[0039] Fig.11 A schematic side view is shown according to Fig. 9 and Fig.10 a coupling link of the operating device of the embodiment of the present invention, wherein the coupling link is elastically deformed and is in its second condition;

[0040] Fig.12 A further embodiment of an operating device for a surgical instrument is shown in a schematic side view, wherein an operating element of the operating device is in an initial position and a coupling link of the coupling device is in a first condition;

[0041] Fig.13 A schematic side view is shown Fig.12 An embodiment of the operating device, wherein the operating element is in the working position and the coupling link of the coupling device is in the second condition;

[0042] Fig.14 and Fig.15 The top view shows Fig.12 and Fig.13 A basic schematic diagram of the connecting rod of the operating device;

[0043] Fig.16 A further embodiment of an operating device for a surgical instrument is shown in a schematic side view, wherein an operating element of the operating device is in an initial position and a coupling link of the coupling device is in a first condition; and

[0044] Fig.17 A schematic side view is shown Fig.16 An embodiment of an operating device, wherein the operating element is in the working position and the coupling link of the coupling device is in the second condition. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 Schematically illustrated in FIG. 2 are different embodiments of a surgical instrument 20. As illustrated, the surgical instrument 20 can be configured as an electrosurgical instrument. It can be a monopolar or bipolar electrosurgical instrument. The surgical instrument is specifically a reusable instrument. It should be cleaned and sterilized after each use.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the surgical instrument 20 has two jaws 21, 22 pivotably supported to each other. Each jaw 21, 22 has a tissue contact surface 21a or 22a. The jaws 21, 22 can be pivoted toward or away from each other to clamp or release biological tissue between the tissue contact surfaces 21a, 22a.

[0047] The surgical instrument 20 further comprises a tool 24. The tool 24 is movably supported in the tool channel 23 in the longitudinal direction L. For example, the tool 24 can be formed by a knife 25. The tool channel 23 can extend in a handle 26 connecting the jaws 21, 22 ( Figure 1 ) and / or can extend in one of the jaws 21 , 22 ( Figure 2 ).

[0048] The instrument 20 comprises a handling unit 27 . By means of the handling unit 27 the jaws 21 , 22 can be pivoted relative to each other and the tool 24 can be moved in the longitudinal direction L. In an electrosurgical instrument, a voltage can be applied to the tissue contact surfaces 21a , 22a by means of the handling unit 27 .

[0049] The tool 24 and, according to the example, the knife 25 are movable in the longitudinal direction L between a retracted position E and an extended position A. For this purpose, the instrument 20 comprises an operating device 30 . Figure 3-17 Different embodiments of the operating device 30 or parts thereof are schematically illustrated.

[0050] The operating device 30 includes an operating element 31, which is a part of the processing unit 27 for operating the instrument 20. The operating element 31 can be configured as a separate operating element of the processing unit 27 ( Figure 2 ) or can alternatively be formed by an operating element which also includes one or more additional functions ( Figure 1 ).

[0051] The operating element 31 is pivotably supported about a pivot axis. In the embodiment, the pivot axis extends in a transverse direction Q oriented orthogonally to the longitudinal direction L. The pivot axis is defined by a pivot joint 32, by means of which the operating element 31 is pivotably supported on a part that is fixed or immovably arranged with respect to the housing of the instrument 20. The operating element 31 has two arms 33, 34 extending from the pivot joint 32. The arms 33, 34 can extend in different and in particular opposite directions, as shown in the embodiment.

[0052] The first arm 33 is used for manual operation. The second arm 34 is movably coupled to the tool 24 via a coupling device 35 .

[0053] The coupling device 35 comprises an elastically deformable coupling link 36. In an embodiment, the coupling device 35 is formed by the coupling link 36. Additional parts for motion transmission can be omitted. According to the example, the coupling link 36 is arranged with a first end 37 on the operating element 31 and in particular on the second arm 34. From the first end 37, the coupling link 36 extends to a second end 38, which is assigned to the tool 24 or preferably to a connecting part 39 that is immovably connected to the tool 24. In the embodiment shown here, the second end 38 is arranged on the connecting part 39. In its modification, it can also be arranged directly on the tool 24.

[0054] Due to the movement coupling between the tool 24 and the operating element 31 by means of the coupling device 35, the pivoting movement of the operating element 31 about the pivot axis or the pivot joint 32 can be transmitted in the movement of the tool 24 in the longitudinal direction L, in particular in order to move the tool 24 between the retracted position E and the extended position A. If the tool 24 is in the retracted position E, the operating element 31 is in the initial position I ( Figure 3 , Figure 6 , Fig. 9 , Fig.12 , Fig.16 If the tool 24 is in the extended position A, the operating element 31 is in the working position W ( Figure 4 , Figure 7 , Fig.13 , Fig.17 ).

[0055] In order to pivot the operating element 31 out of the initial position I into the working position W, an operator can exert an operating force FB on the first arm 33 .

[0056] According to the invention, the coupling link 36 is configured in an elastically deformable manner. In the preferred embodiment described here, the coupling link 36 is integrally formed and therefore does not include sutures or joints. It can form a separate part from the operating element 31 ( Figure 3-15) or can alternatively be formed integrally with the operating element 31. In addition or as an alternative, the connecting rod 36 can be formed integrally with the connecting portion 39 ( Fig.16 and Fig.17 ). Fig.16 and Fig.17 In a modification of the embodiment illustrated in , the coupling link 36 can also be formed integrally with only the operating element 31 or only the connecting portion 39 and arranged or attached separately therefrom, as illustrated or explained with respect to other embodiments.

[0057] In the preferred embodiment described here, the coupling link 36 forms a connecting rod 42. The connecting rod 42 is configured to transmit a pivoting movement of the second arm 34 in a linear movement of the tool 24 or the connecting part 39 in the longitudinal direction L. According to the example, the first end 37 is therefore arranged on the second arm 34 and is therefore pivotably supported about the pivot axis S or the pivot joint 32. The first end 37 of the coupling link 36 is arranged at a distance from the pivot axis or the pivot joint 32. The second end 38 of the coupling link 36 is displaceably arranged together with the tool 24 or the connecting part 39 in the longitudinal direction L. Therefore, the coupling link 36 can also be designated as a connecting rod 42.

[0058] exist Figure 3-5 In the embodiment of the operating device 30 illustrated in , the coupling link 36 comprises a first longitudinal leg 43 and a second longitudinal leg 44. The two longitudinal legs 43, 44 are arranged at a distance from each other in the transverse direction Q. At the second end 38, the two longitudinal legs 43, 44 are connected to each other by a transverse leg 45 extending in the transverse direction Q and are formed integrally according to the example.

[0059] At the second end 37, the first longitudinal leg 43 comprises a first free leg end 46 and the second longitudinal leg 44 comprises a second free leg end 47. The free leg ends 46, 47 are bent or angled relative to the longitudinal legs 43, 44 and according to an embodiment extend substantially parallel to the transverse leg 45, i.e. in the transverse direction Q. According to the example, the first free leg end 46 and the second free leg end 47 are shorter than the transverse leg 45.

[0060] As specifically from Figure 4 and Figure 5 Obviously, the free leg ends 46, 47 are arranged offset relative to each other or at a distance from each other in a projection plane oriented orthogonally to the transverse direction Q. In an embodiment, this is achieved in that the first longitudinal leg 43 has a longer length from the transverse leg 45 to the first free leg end 46 than the second longitudinal leg 44 has from the transverse leg 45 to the second free leg end 47.

[0061] The transverse leg 45 can extend in the transverse direction Q through a through hole extending through the connecting portion 39. Alternatively, the transverse leg 45 can also engage or can latch in a groove open toward the top on the connecting portion 39 and / or on the tool 24, so that a releasable connection is established between the tool 24 and the coupling device 35. This can facilitate assembly and / or replacement of the tool independently of the coupling device 35.

[0062] The two free leg ends 46, 47 can extend into a holding hole in the second arm 34. According to the example, the coupling link 36 is rotatably supported or supported in an articulated manner on the connecting portion 39 and the second arm 34.

[0063] In the initial position I of the operating element 31, the connecting rod 36 is in a first condition. In the first condition, the connecting rod can not be elastically deformed. In the working position W of the operating element 31, the connecting rod 36 is in a second condition, which is elastically deformed compared to the first condition.

[0064] In the first condition of the connection link 36, the two longitudinal legs 43, 44 and the transverse leg 45 extend in a common plane ( Figure 3 ). If the operating element 31 is pivoted out of its initial position I, the two longitudinal legs 43, 44 are tilted relative to each other when viewed in a projection plane oriented orthogonally to the transverse direction Q. This can be traced back to the fact that the two free leg ends 46, 47 are no longer located in a common plane with the transverse leg 45 in the supporting position outside the initial position I. The tilting of the two longitudinal legs 43, 44 relative to each other outside the initial position I causes the transverse leg 45 to twist and thus generates a twisting torque MT in the circumferential direction around the transverse leg 45, which causes the two longitudinal legs 43, 44 to assume a position in a common plane with the transverse leg 45. In doing so, a reset torque MR is simultaneously applied to the operating element 31, which causes the operating element 31 to return to its initial position I.

[0065] According to the example, in the working position W of the operating element 31, the two free leg ends 46, 47 are arranged on the same side relative to a reference plane B which extends orthogonally to the longitudinal direction L along the pivot axis of the operating element 31 ( Figure 4 Specifically, in the working position W of the operating element 31 , the two free leg ends 46 , 47 are arranged on one side of the reference plane B and the second end 38 of the coupling link 36 is arranged on the other side of the reference plane B.

[0066] Therefore, the coupling link 36 not only forms a mechanical element (by means of which a kinematic connection between the operating element 31 and the tool 24 is established), but also simultaneously forms a reset device, whereby the operating element 31 is urged back to its initial position I. In the case where no operating force FB is applied to the operating element 31, it occupies the initial position I, and the tool 24 (according to the example, the knife 25) is pulled back into the retracted position E. Additional elastically deformable reset components, in particular helical springs, can be omitted. In doing so, the construction of the coupling device 35 is very simple. The number of required components in the coupling device 35 or the operating device 30 is reduced. The simple construction also facilitates cleaning. In particular, by avoiding helical springs (in which the windings can be closely adjacent to each other), cleaning or disinfection is significantly simplified.

[0067] exist Figure 3 and Figure 4 A further alternative configuration possibility of the operating device 30 is illustrated highly schematically in FIG. According to the example, the coupling link 36 generates a force component in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction L and orthogonal to the transverse direction Q, which is denoted as the pressing force FA. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In an embodiment of the present invention, the transverse leg 45 is twisted, i.e. at least outside the initial position I, and this force component is generated. The pressing force FA can be used in order to press a latching protrusion 48 on the tool 24 and / or the connecting part 39 into an assigned latching groove 49 adjacent to the tool channel 23. It is also possible to provide multiple latching protrusions 48 and / or multiple latching grooves 49. In doing so, the tool 24 can be latched in at least one position during movement in the longitudinal direction L. Due to the latching, feedback about the actually achieved position of the tool 24 relative to the tool channel 23 or relative to the jaws 21, 22 can be provided to the operator. In Figure 4 , the latch is illustrated in an extended position A of the tool 24 , wherein the latch position can also be predefined in at least one other arbitrarily defined position of the tool 24 relative to the tool channel 23 .

[0068] exist Figure 6-8 In FIG. 1 , another embodiment of the operating device 30 or the connecting rod 36 is illustrated. In addition to the embodiment of the connecting rod 36, this embodiment of the operating device 30 can correspond to the above-mentioned embodiment based on Figure 3-5 Therefore, reference is made to the above description.

[0069] The modified connecting rod 36 is particularly Figure 8 is obvious. Similar to Figure 5In the embodiment of the present invention, the connecting link 36 comprises a bracket-shaped form having a first longitudinal leg 43, a second longitudinal leg 44 and a transverse leg 45 at the second end 38. The opposite first end 37 of the connecting link 36 is configured to be connected to the bracket according to the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 The two longitudinal legs 43, 44 preferably have the same length, and the free leg ends 46, 47 extending in the transverse direction Q are preferably aligned along a common straight line in the transverse direction Q. Each longitudinal leg 43, 44 has a leg section 43a, 44a extending along a straight line starting from the transverse leg 45 and a bent leg section 43b, 44b directly adjacent to the straight leg section 43a, 44a. In a static condition without being subjected to force, the bent leg sections 43b, 44b include an arc-shaped and specifically circular arc-shaped extension. Figure 8 In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. , the bent leg sections 43b, 44b include at least one complete coil and according to the example include a plurality of coils. The coiled or bent leg sections 43b, 44b establish a connection between the respective straight leg sections 43a, 44a and the respective leg ends 46, 47. Figure 8 The connecting link 36 is integrally formed and can be made, for example, by bending a wire. Figure 8 It is evident that the free leg ends 46, 47 are arranged closer to the transverse leg 45 than the coiled or bent leg sections 43b, 44b.

[0070] Similar to Figure 3-5 In the embodiment of the present invention, the transverse leg 45 extends through a through hole in the connecting portion 39 or alternatively in the tool 24. The free leg ends 46, 47 respectively engage in a groove or recess on the second arm 34.

[0071] If the operating element is now moved out of the initial position I by applying an operating force FB, the tension in the respective winding or bending leg section 43b, 44b changes and the coupling link 36 tends to assume the condition in which it was already in the initial position I. In this way, a reset torque MR is generated about the pivot axis or pivot joint 32.

[0072] In accordance with Figure 3-5 In the embodiments and according to Figure 6-8 In the embodiment of the invention, the longitudinal legs 43, 44 or the straight leg sections 43a, 44a are resistant to bending to resist bending transverse to the direction of extension thereof. In doing so, the forces applied from the outside on the tool 24 are well supported via the coupling link 36 on the operating element 31.

[0073] Another embodiment of the operating device 30 is Figure 9-11 It is obvious that it is similar to Figure 3-537. The embodiment of the present invention is described in detail in detail in the drawings, so that reference can be made to the description of these figures. The essential difference in this embodiment is that only one longitudinal leg 43 is provided, which connects the transverse leg 45 on the second end 38 with the first end 37. The second longitudinal leg 44 extends from the transverse leg 45 only in the region of the second end 38 and serves there to arrange the coupling link 36 on the tool 24 and, according to the example, on the connecting part 39 in a torque-proof manner relative to the transverse leg 45. For this purpose, the short second longitudinal leg 44 can be arranged in a groove 54 adjacent to the through hole 53 for the transverse leg 45, as an example. Due to the operation of the operating element 31, if the first longitudinal leg 43 moves or pivots relative to the second longitudinal leg 44 arranged in a torque-proof manner, the transverse leg 45 remains twistable about the extension direction.

[0074] The first end 37 of the coupling link 36 is fixed to the operating element 31. For example, the coupling link 36 can be bent multiple times at the first end 37, so that two retaining legs 55 are formed to extend in the transverse direction Q and are connected by means of the connecting leg 56. In the area between the two retaining legs 55, a gap 57 is defined, in which the second arm 34 can extend. It can be said that the retaining leg 55 and the connecting leg 56 surround the second arm 34 of the operating element 31. For attachment, a retaining groove 58 can be provided in the second arm 34, in which at least the retaining leg 55 and / or the connecting leg 56 are arranged.

[0075] exist Fig.11 , the application of forces and torques of the coupling link 36 is illustrated highly schematically if the operating element 31 deviates from its initial position I. Due to the pivoting movement of the two longitudinal legs 43, 44 relative to each other about the transverse leg 45, a twisting torque MT is generated at the transverse leg 45. In addition, the first longitudinal leg 43 can be bent away from its straight extension. Due to these forces and torques, a reset torque MR is generated about the pivot axis S or the pivot joint 32, which urges the operating element 31 back into its initial position I.

[0076] exist Fig.12 and Fig.13 In the embodiment of the operating device 30 illustrated in , the configuration corresponds to the above-described embodiment except for the configuration of the coupling link 36. The coupling link 36 is configured in this embodiment such that it bends away from its initial extension in the initial position I of the operating element 31 and thereby generates a reset torque MR.

[0077] exist Fig.14 and Fig.15 , an embodiment of the connecting rod 36 is illustrated. The connecting rod 36 can have the form of a leaf spring, such as Fig.14. In the orientation it adopts in the initial position I, the coupling link 36 is attached at a first end 37 to the second arm 34 and at a second end 38 to the tool 24 or the connecting part 39. In doing so, the coupling link 36 bends during the pivoting movement of the operating element 31. The coupling link 36 tends to adopt its initial position and in this way generates a reset torque MR.

[0078] For attaching the coupling link 36, it can have at least one through-opening and / or at least one groove opening in the outward direction at the first end 37 or at the second end 38. The part limiting the groove can be arranged, for example, in a groove or groove on the second arm 34. By means of the through-opening, the coupling link 36 can be overmolded, for example, at the second end 38 with the material of the connecting part 39. The connection at the first end 37 and at the second end 38 can be form-fitting and / or force-fitting and / or material-bonding and / or adhesive-bonding. The overmolding of the coupling link 36 can preferably be on one of the two ends 37 or 38 or alternatively also on both ends 37 and 38.

[0079] Instead of the leaf spring-shaped connecting rod 36, as Fig.14 As shown in FIG. , the connecting rod 36 can also be connected by a wire element or a wire bracket ( Fig.15 ) is formed. It is specifically composed of a longitudinal leg 43, which extends between a first end 37 and a second end 38 and transitions at the first end 37 and at the second end 38 to an end leg 59 extending orthogonally to the longitudinal leg 43. The two end legs 59 preferably extend parallel to each other and specifically in a plane oriented orthogonally to the transverse direction. The two end legs 59 can be inserted into holes or grooves on the second arm 34 or on the tool 24 or the connecting part 39, respectively, and can be attached there as required, for example by means of adhesive bonding. During the deflection of the operating element 31 away from its initial position I, the longitudinal leg 43 bends away from its initial extension, because the end legs 59 at the two ends 37, 38 remain in place in their orientation relative to the second arm 34 on one side and the tool 24 or the connecting part 39 on the other side.

[0080] Fig.16 and Fig.17 Another embodiment of the operating device 30 is shown in FIG. Although the connecting rod 36 is a separate component in the above embodiment, in accordance with Fig.16 and Fig.17In the embodiment of the present invention, the coupling link 36 can also be formed integrally with the operating element 31 and / or the connecting portion 39. In the illustrated embodiment, the operating element 31, the coupling link 36 and the connecting portion 39 are a single integral component, for example, made of plastic, and can be specifically formed as an injection molded part. If the coupling link 36 is formed integrally with only the operating element 31 or only with the connecting portion 39, it can be connected to the operating element 31 or the connecting portion 39 at the respective other end 37 or 38 in a force-fitting manner and / or a form-fitting manner and / or by material bonding and / or by adhesive bonding, respectively.

[0081] Similar to Figure 12-15 In the embodiment of the invention, the connecting rod 36 forms a bending spring and can therefore have the same Fig.14 The embodiment is similar to the leaf spring form, or with according to Fig.15 The straight longitudinal legs 43 are similar to the web-shaped form. The function corresponds to the Fig.12 or Fig.13 Embodiment of the invention.

[0082] Fig.16 Another optional possibility is also shown. In addition to achieving the reset torque MR by deformation of the coupling link 36, the reset torque MR can also be generated at least partially by deformation of the second arm 34 of the operating element 31. In order to allow this deformation, the second arm 34 can have a corresponding deformable configuration. Fig.16 In FIG. 3 , this is exemplarily illustrated by a through opening 60 extending through the second arm. Adjacent to the through opening 60, the second arm 34 comprises a web-shaped section 61, the dimensions of which in cross section are sufficiently small. In doing so, a bending or deformation of the web-shaped section 61 and / or a movement of the web-shaped sections towards each other is permitted. If this region of the second arm 34 is deformed (outside the initial position I), the second arm 34 tends to assume its undeformed initial shape and thus generates at least one component of the resetting torque MR.

[0083] In another modification of the operating device 30 , the coupling link 36 may be configured to be rigidly non-deformable with respect to the applied force, and only at least a portion of the second arm 34 may be configured in a deformable manner in order to generate the reset torque MR.

[0084] In all bracket-shaped configurations of the connecting rod, in particular according to Figure 3-11 and Fig.15 In the embodiment of the invention, the connecting link 36 can be formed by a wire bending part. The wire can have a circular cross section. Preferably the wire is composed of a metal alloy.

[0085] In all embodiments, a combination of Figure 3 and Figure 4The deformability of at least a portion of the second arm 34 and / or the latching means 48, 49 is explained.

[0086] In all embodiments, a releasable connection between the tool 24 and the coupling device 35 can be provided indirectly via the connecting portion 39 or also directly via, for example, a force-fitting and / or form-fitting connection, preferably a latching connection.

[0087] The present invention relates to an operating device 30 for operating a tool 24 of a surgical instrument 20. The operating device 30 has an operating element 31 that is pivotably supported between an initial position I and a working position W. The operating element 31 is movably connected to the tool 24 by means of a coupling device 35, which includes a coupling link 36 or is composed of a coupling link 36. The coupling link 36 is elastically deformable and, when the operating element 31 is deflected away from the initial position I, a reset torque MR is achieved due to the elastic deformation, wherein the reset torque MR causes the operating element 31 to return to the initial position I. Therefore, an additional spring-elastic reset element can be omitted.

[0088] List of reference numerals:

[0089] 20 Instruments

[0090] 21 Claw

[0091] 21a Tissue contact surface

[0092] 22 Claw

[0093] 22a Tissue contact surface

[0094] 23 Tool Channel

[0095] 24 Tools

[0096] 25 Knives

[0097] 26 handles

[0098] 27 Processing Units

[0099] 30 Operating device

[0100] 31 Operating elements

[0101] 32 Pivot joint

[0102] 33 First Arm

[0103] 34 Second Arm

[0104] 35 Connecting device

[0105] 36 Connecting rod

[0106] 37 First end of connecting rod

[0107] 38 Second end of connecting rod

[0108] 39 Connection part

[0109] 42 Connecting rod

[0110] 43 First longitudinal leg

[0111] 43a Straight section of first longitudinal leg

[0112] 43b curved section of the first longitudinal leg

[0113] 44 Second longitudinal leg

[0114] 44a Straight section of the second longitudinal leg

[0115] 44b curved section of the second longitudinal leg

[0116] 45 Horizontal Leg

[0117] 46 First free leg end

[0118] 47 Second free leg end

[0119] 48 Latch protrusion

[0120] 49 Latch recess

[0121] 53 Through Holes

[0122] 54 Groove

[0123] 55 Keep Legs

[0124] 56 Connecting Legs

[0125] 57 Gap

[0126] 58 Keep Groove

[0127] 59 end leg

[0128] 60 Through opening

[0129] 61 Web-shaped section

[0130] A Tool extended position

[0131] B Reference Plane

[0132] E Tool retracted position

[0133] FA Pressing force

[0134] FB operation ability

[0135] I Initial Position

[0136] L Longitudinal direction

[0137] MR reset torque

[0138] MT Twist torque

[0139] Q Horizontal direction

[0140] W Working position.

Claims

1. A surgical instrument (20), comprising: a tool (24) which is supported movably in a guided manner in a longitudinal direction (L), - an operating element (31) which is pivotably supported so as to pivot between an initial position (I) and a working position (W), - a coupling device (35) which establishes a kinematic coupling between the operating element (31) and the tool (24), wherein the coupling device (35) comprises a coupling link (36) which is elastically deformable and which is elastically deformable in the working position (W) of the operating element (31) so that it realizes a reset torque (MR) on the operating element (31) in the direction of the initial position (I), - the connecting rod (36) is formed integrally as a single piece; The coupling link (36) forms a connecting rod (42).

2. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein: The connecting rod (36) is arranged with a first end (37) directly on the operating element (31) and / or the connecting rod (36) is arranged with a second end (38) directly on the tool (24) or is arranged immovably on a connecting part (39) on the tool (24).

3. The surgical instrument according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The coupling link (36) comprises longitudinal legs (43, 44) and a transverse leg (45) adjoining thereto, the transverse leg (45) extending in a transverse direction (Q) orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (L).

4. A surgical instrument according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The coupling link (36) comprises two longitudinal legs (43, 44) arranged at a distance from each other and connected to each other via a transverse leg (45).

5. The surgical instrument according to claim 4, wherein: Each longitudinal leg (43, 44) comprises free leg ends (46, 47) arranged offset relative to each other.

6. The surgical instrument according to claim 4 or 5, wherein: The longitudinal legs (43, 44) have different lengths.

7. The surgical instrument according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein: In the initial position (I) of the operating element (31), the longitudinal legs (43, 44) and the transverse leg (45) are arranged in a common plane.

8. The surgical instrument according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein: In the working position (W) of the operating element (31), the longitudinal legs (43, 44) comprise an angle different from zero.

9. The surgical instrument according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein: Compared to the initial position (I), in the working position (W) of the operating element (31), at least one of the longitudinal legs (43, 44) is not elastically deformed.

10. The surgical instrument according to any one of claims 3 to 9, wherein: In the working position (W) of the operating element (31), the transverse leg (45) is twisted about its direction of extension.

11. A surgical instrument according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: In the initial position (I) of the operating element (31), the coupling link (36) extends in a straight line between its two ends (37, 38).

12. A surgical instrument according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: In the working position (W) of the operating element (31), the coupling link (36) extends in a curved manner between its two ends (37, 38).

13. A surgical instrument according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: In the working position (W) of the operating element (31), the elastically deformable connecting rod (36) exerts a force (FA) on the tool (24) or on a connecting part (39) connected to the tool (24) in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (L).

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