Robotic surgical system

By introducing the design of slide rails, drive components, carriers and release mechanisms into the robotic surgical system, the difficulties of instrument replacement and removal in emergency situations are solved, the safe and convenient manual separation and removal of instruments are achieved, and the reliability of the system is improved.

CN115867220BActive Publication Date: 2025-09-09COVIDIEN LP
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202080079697.X
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2019-11-25
Filing Date
2020-11-19
Publication Date
2025-09-09
Estimated Expiration
2040-11-19

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In existing robotic surgical systems, the replacement and removal of surgical instruments is cumbersome, and it is difficult to manually disconnect the instrument from the robotic arm, especially in emergency situations.

Method used

A robotic surgical system is designed, which includes a slide rail, a drive component, a carrier and a release mechanism. The carrier and the drive component can be manually separated by switching the state of the release mechanism. The spring element and ratchet mechanism are combined to ensure the safe removal of the instrument.

Benefits of technology

This enables safe and convenient manual removal of surgical instruments in emergency situations, avoids accidental movement of instruments, and improves system reliability and operational flexibility.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A robotic surgical system includes a carrier for axially moving an instrument drive unit and an attached surgical instrument. A release mechanism is coupled to the carrier and a slide rail and transitions between a first state in which the carrier and instrument drive unit are fixed relative to the release mechanism and a second state in which the carrier and instrument drive unit are manually movable relative to the slide rail.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to robotics and, more particularly, to robotic surgical devices, assemblies, and / or systems for performing endoscopic surgical procedures and methods of using the same. Background Art

[0002] Robotic surgical systems have been used in minimally invasive medical procedures. Some robotic surgical systems include a control console linked to a surgical robot arm and a surgical instrument mounted to the robotic arm. The surgical instrument may have an elongated shaft that supports at least one end effector (e.g., forceps or a grasping tool) at its distal end. In some robotic surgical systems, the entire length of the surgical instrument's elongated shaft must pass through a retainer or other feature of the robotic arm, making removal or replacement of the surgical instrument from the robotic arm cumbersome.

[0003] Manually operated surgical instruments typically include a handle assembly for actuating the functions of the surgical instrument; however, when using a robotic surgical system, a handle assembly is typically not present to actuate the functions of the end effector. The robotic arms of the robotic surgical system provide mechanical power to the surgical instruments for their operation and movement. Each robotic arm may include an instrument drive unit that is operably connected to the surgical instrument and slidably coupled to the robotic arm. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a robotic surgical system is provided, comprising: a slide rail configured to be coupled to a robotic arm; a drive member movably coupled to the slide rail; a carrier coupled to the slide rail and configured to slide along a longitudinal axis of the slide rail in response to movement of the drive member; and a release mechanism secured to the drive member such that the release mechanism moves relative to the slide rail as the drive member moves. The release mechanism is configured to have a first state in which the release mechanism couples the carrier to the drive member and a second state in which the release mechanism decouples the carrier from the drive member. When the release mechanism is in the second state, the carrier can be manually moved relative to the drive member.

[0005] In some aspects, the robotic surgical system may further include an instrument drive unit configured to be slidably coupled to the slide rail and fixed to the carrier. The instrument drive unit may be configured to implement a function of an attached surgical instrument.

[0006] In some aspects, the drive member can be a belt that travels along the longitudinal axis of the slide rail to effect axial movement of the carrier when the release mechanism is in the first state.

[0007] In some aspects, the release mechanism may include: a clamp fixed to the drive member; and a lever coupled to the clamp. The lever may be configured to rotate relative to the clamp to selectively couple and decouple the release mechanism to and from the carrier.

[0008] In some aspects, the carrier can have a locking member and the release mechanism can have a locking member attached to the lever. The locking member of the release mechanism can be configured to rotate with the lever and relative to the locking member of the carrier to selectively lockably engage the locking member of the carrier.

[0009] In some aspects, the locking member of the carrier can define a notch therein. When the release mechanism is in the first state, the locking member of the release mechanism can engage the notch of the locking member of the carrier to transmit axial movement between the carrier and the release mechanism.

[0010] In some aspects, the cutout of the carrier's locking member can allow the release mechanism's locking member to rotate therein and resist axial movement of the release mechanism's locking member relative to the carrier's locking member.

[0011] In some aspects, the cutout of the carrier's locking member can have a cylindrical configuration.The cutout of the carrier's locking member can extend transversely relative to the longitudinal axis of the slide rail.

[0012] In some aspects, the locking member of the release mechanism can define a notch. The notch of the locking member of the release mechanism can be configured to be radially offset from the notch of the locking member of the carrier when the release mechanism is in the first state, and to face the notch of the locking member of the carrier when the release mechanism is in the second state.

[0013] In some aspects, the locking member of the release mechanism can have a male portion configured to be received in the cutout of the locking member of the release mechanism when the release mechanism is in the first state.

[0014] In some aspects, the locking member of the carrier can be rod-shaped and the locking member of the release mechanism can be ball-shaped.

[0015] In some aspects, the robotic surgical system may further include a spring element attached to the carrier and movable therewith. The slide rail may define a plurality of notches longitudinally spaced apart from one another along a longitudinal axis of the slide rail. The notches may be configured to resist distal movement of the spring element relative to the slide rail when the release mechanism is in the second state.

[0016] In some aspects, the spring element can be configured to move from a first position to a second position. In the first position, the spring element can be disengaged from the slide rail, and in the second position, the spring element can be engaged with the slide rail.

[0017] In some aspects, the spring element can have a proximal end secured to the carrier and a distal end resiliently biased in a direction toward the rail.

[0018] In some aspects, the distal end of the spring element can be supported by the release mechanism to maintain the spring element in the first position.The distal end of the spring element can be configured to pivot into engagement with the slide rail when the carrier moves proximally relative to the release mechanism.

[0019] In some aspects, each notch can be defined by a proximally facing wall and an inclined surface extending proximally from the proximally facing wall.The proximally facing wall can be configured to prevent the spring element and the carrier from moving distally after the release mechanism moves to the second state.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a robotic surgical system is provided, comprising a carrier and a release mechanism configured to operably couple the carrier to a slide rail of a robotic arm. The carrier is configured to be slidingly coupled to the slide rail and to an instrument drive unit. The release mechanism comprises: a clamp configured to secure the release mechanism to a drive member of the slide rail; and a lever pivotally coupled to the clamp. The lever is configured to move between a first state in which the carrier is fixed relative to the release mechanism and a second state in which the carrier is axially movable relative to the release mechanism. When the release mechanism is in the second state, the carrier is manually movable relative to the slide rail.

[0021] Other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the following claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the general description of the disclosure given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure, in which:

[0023] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a robotic surgical system;

[0024] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A side perspective view of components of a robotic surgical system comprising a robotic arm, a slide coupled to the robotic arm, and an instrument drive unit coupled to the slide;

[0025] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 A perspective view of an instrument drive unit, slide rails, and release mechanism of a robotic surgical system;

[0026] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3A magnified view of the detail area marked as “4” in the figure;

[0027] Figure 5 It shows Figure 3 A magnified view of the detail area marked “5” in the figure;

[0028] Figure 6 It shows Figure 3 A rear perspective view of the transmission system of the slide rail;

[0029] Figure 7 It shows Figure 3 A front perspective view of the transmission system of the slide rail;

[0030] Figure 8 is an enlarged perspective view showing the release mechanism in a state separated from the carrier of the instrument drive unit;

[0031] Figure 9A is an enlarged perspective view showing the release mechanism in a state coupled with the carrier;

[0032] Figure 9B is an enlarged perspective view showing the release mechanism in a state separated from the carrier;

[0033] Figure 9C is an enlarged perspective view showing the carrier axially spaced from the release mechanism;

[0034] Figure 10A is a transverse cross-sectional view showing a locking member of the release mechanism in locking engagement with a pair of locking members of the carrier;

[0035] Figure 10B is a transverse cross-sectional view showing a locking member of a release mechanism unlocked from a pair of locking members of a carrier;

[0036] Figure 11A is an enlarged perspective view showing the spring element of the carrier in a preset position;

[0037] Figure 11B is an enlarged perspective view showing the spring element of the carrier in an activated position and engaged with the slide rail;

[0038] Figure 12A is a longitudinal sectional view showing the spring element in a preset position;

[0039] Figure 12B is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the spring element engaged with a recess defined in the slide rail; and

[0040] Figure 12C is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the spring element repositioned in a preset position after the carrier is moved to a proximal position relative to the slide rail. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent identical or corresponding elements in each of the several views. As used herein, the term "distal" refers to a portion of a robotic surgical system or a component thereof that is closer to a patient, while the term "proximal" refers to a portion of a robotic surgical system or a component thereof that is farther from the patient.

[0042] As used herein, the terms parallel and perpendicular are understood to include relative configurations of substantially parallel and substantially perpendicular that vary by up to about +10 degrees or -10 degrees relative to true parallel and true perpendicular.

[0043] As used herein, the term "clinician" refers to a doctor, nurse, or other care provider, and may include support staff. In the following description, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure with unnecessary detail.

[0044] Throughout this disclosure, components of the robotic surgical systems described herein may have two or more replicas. For the sake of brevity, only one of the replicated components will be described in detail. It can be assumed that a replicated component that is not described in detail has the same features and / or functions, or substantially the same features and / or functions, as its sister component.

[0045] The present disclosure generally relates to a release mechanism for use, for example, in emergency situations (such as power failures or locked robotic joints). In such situations, it is desirable to be able to manually remove a surgical instrument from a surgical site within a patient. The release mechanism allows a clinician to manually disconnect an instrument drive unit and an attached surgical instrument from a drive mechanism that is responsible for translating the instrument drive unit / surgical instrument proximally or distally relative to the patient. Upon actuation of the release mechanism, the clinician can safely manually slide the instrument drive unit / surgical instrument proximally out of the surgical site. Also provided herein is a ratchet mechanism that prevents the instrument drive unit / surgical instrument from accidentally moving distally toward the patient after the release mechanism has been actuated to disconnect the instrument drive unit / surgical instrument from the drive system.

[0046] First reference Figure 1 and Figure 2, a surgical system (such as, for example, a robotic surgical system 1) typically includes one or more surgical robotic arms 2, 3, a control device 4, and an operating console 5 coupled to the control device 4. Either of the surgical robotic arms 2, 3 may have a robotic surgical assembly 50 coupled thereto. The robotic surgical assembly 50 includes an instrument drive unit 70 and a coupling assembly or sterile interface module 52 that couples an electromechanical surgical instrument 60 to the instrument drive unit 70. The robotic surgical assembly 50 is slidably attached to a slide 40 of one of the surgical robotic arms 2, 3 to allow the surgical instrument 60 to be moved along a longitudinal axis "X" ( Figure 2 )Translate.

[0047] The operating console 5 includes a display device 6 configured to display a three-dimensional image. Manual input devices 7 and 8 are provided that allow a clinician (not shown) to remotely manipulate the robotic arms 2 and 3 in a first operating mode, as is generally known to a person skilled in the art. Each of the robotic arms 2 and 3 can be composed of any number of components that can be connected by joints. The robotic arms 2 and 3 can be driven by an electric drive device (not shown) connected to the control device 4. The control device 4 (e.g., a computer) is configured to activate the drive device, for example, by means of a computer program, so that the robotic arms 2 and 3, the attached robotic surgical assembly 50, and thus the electromechanical surgical instrument 60 (including its electromechanical end effector 60a), perform the desired movements according to the movements defined by means of the manual input devices 7 and 8. The control device 4 can also be configured so that it regulates the movements of the robotic arms 2 and 3 and / or the drive device.

[0048] The robotic surgical system 1 is configured for a patient positioned (e.g., lying) on ​​an operating table "ST" to be treated in a minimally invasive manner with the aid of surgical instruments (e.g., electromechanical surgical instruments 60). The robotic surgical system 1 may also include two or more robotic arms 2, 3, with additional robotic arms also connected to a control device 4 and remotely manipulatable with the aid of an operating console 5. Surgical instruments (e.g., electromechanical surgical instruments 60) may also be attached to any additional robotic arms.

[0049] The control device 4 may control one or more motors (e.g., motors 1 ... n), each of which is configured to drive movement of the robotic arms 2, 3 in any number of directions. Furthermore, the control device 4 may control an instrument drive unit 70, including its motor assembly (not explicitly shown), which drives various operations of the end effector 60a of the electromechanical surgical instrument 60.

[0050] The robotic surgical assembly 50 transmits power and actuation forces (e.g., torque) from the motor of the motor assembly of the instrument drive unit 70 to a driven member (not expressly shown) supported within the instrument housing 62 of the electromechanical surgical instrument 60. This transmission of power and actuation forces ultimately drives movement of components of the end effector 60a of the electromechanical surgical instrument 60, thereby operating the electromechanical surgical instrument 60. This movement may include, for example, movement of a blade (not shown) and / or closing and opening of jaw members of the end effector 60a, articulation / rotation / pitch / roll of the end effector 60a, and / or actuation or activation of the end effector 60a (e.g., a stapling portion of the end effector 60a).

[0051] refer to Figure 3 as well as Figures 5 to 8 The slide 40 of the robotic arm 2 has a housing 42 that houses a drive system 72 and a track 44 that slidably supports a carrier 74 of the robotic surgical assembly 50. The drive system 72 is configured to drive movement of the robotic surgical assembly 50 along the slide 40 and includes an actuator (such as, for example, a DC electric motor 76), a drive member 78 operably coupled to the motor 76, and a pair of proximal and distal pulleys 80a, 80b disposed on opposing proximal and distal ends 40a, 40b of the slide 40. The distal pulley 80b is drivingly coupled to the motor 76, and the proximal pulley 80a serves as an idler pulley. The drive member 78 may be a toothed belt wound around the proximal and distal pulleys 80a, 80b and is configured to move along the longitudinal axis "X" of the slide 40 in response to actuation of the motor 76. In other aspects, the drive system 72 is not a pulley drive system, but rather the drive system 72 may include a lead screw and nut configured to travel along the longitudinal axis “X” of the slide rail 40 in response to actuation of the motor 76 .

[0052] The carrier 74 of the robotic surgical assembly 50 is selectively secured to the belt 78 of the drive system 72 such that the carrier 74 moves with and through the belt 78 along the longitudinal axis "X" of the slide 40. The carrier 74 has a support plate 82 that is slidingly coupled to the longitudinal rail 44 of the slide 40. The surface feature 84 ( Figure 8 ) protrudes from the support plate 82 for mounting the instrument drive unit 70 to the carrier 74.

[0053] refer to Figures 8 to 10B, the carrier 74 also includes an appendage or tab 86 extending perpendicularly from the side of the support plate 82. The appendage 86 supports a pair of rod-shaped locking members 88, 90. In various aspects, the locking members 88, 90 can take any suitable shape, such as, for example, a rectangle. In various aspects, more than two locking members can be provided. Each of the pair of locking members 88, 90 of the carrier 74 defines a cutout or recess 92a, 92b therein that is oriented toward each other and aligned with the axis "Y" ( Figure 10B ) is aligned with an axis extending transversely relative to the axis of rotation "A" of the lever 106. The cutouts 92a, 92b in the respective locking members 88, 90 of the carrier 74 have a cylindrical or concave configuration. In various aspects, the cutouts 92a, 92b can have any suitable shape, such as, for example, a square, a triangle, or a circle. The locking members 88, 90 of the carrier 74 are configured to selectively engage the locking member 102 ( Figure 4 ).

[0054] The release mechanism 100 is secured to the belt 78 of the drive system 72 and is configured to removably connect the carrier 74 to the belt 78. The release mechanism 100 includes a clamp 104, a lever 106 pivotally coupled to the clamp 104, and a locking member 102. The clamp 104 can be configured as an L-shaped bracket that is secured to the belt 78 via frictional engagement or via fasteners so that the release mechanism 100 travels with the belt 78. In various aspects, the clamp 104 can have a pair of arms that capture the belt 78 therebetween.

[0055] The lever or handle 106 of the release mechanism 100 is capable of moving relative to the clamp 104 about an axis "A" ( Figure 9A ) pivots to transition the release mechanism 100 between a first state in which the release mechanism 100 fixedly couples the carrier 74 to the belt 78 and a second state in which the release mechanism 100 decouples the carrier 74 from the belt 78 to allow manual translation of the carrier 74 / instrument drive unit 70 / surgical instrument 60 along the slide rail 40. In various aspects, the release mechanism 100 may include a button 108 ( Figure 9A ), the button fixes the lever 106 in the first position. In order to allow the lever 106 to pivot relative to the clamp 104, the button 108 is first actuated to unlock the lever 106 from the clamp 104.

[0056] The locking member 102 of the release mechanism 100 may have a spherical shape and be configured to rotate about an axis "A" using rotation of the lever 106. The locking member 102 of the release mechanism 100 is disposed between and selectively lockingly engages a pair of locking members 88, 90 of the carrier 74. The locking member 102 of the release mechanism 100 has a spherical outer surface defining a pair of notches 110a, 110b therein. The notches 110a, 110b of the locking member 102 of the release mechanism 100 are circumferentially spaced 180 degrees from one another.

[0057] The spherical outer surface of the locking member 102 of the release mechanism 100 further includes a first convex portion 110c and a second convex portion 110d that are circumferentially spaced 180 degrees from each other. The first convex portion 110c and the second convex portion 110d of the locking member 102 are configured to be received in corresponding notches 92a, 92b in the locking members 88, 90 of the carrier 74 when the release mechanism 100 is in the first state, as shown. Figure 10A The cutouts 92a, 92b in the respective first and second locking members 88, 90 of the carrier 74 allow the locking member 102 of the release mechanism 100 to be released therein by Figure 10B The locking members 88 , 90 of the carrier 100 rotate in the direction indicated by the arrow “B” while resisting axial movement of the locking members 88 , 90 of the carrier 100 relative to the locking member 102 of the release mechanism 100 .

[0058] In some aspects, an electrical switch (not explicitly shown) can be integrated with the release mechanism 100. The electrical switch detects whether the lever 106 is in the first position or the second position and / or the proper engagement of the carrier 74 with the release mechanism 100. Alternatively, the electrical switch can be sensitive to the relative position of a selected component clamped to the drive train 72 relative to a component moving with the carrier 74.

[0059] refer to Figure 5 as well as 11A to 12C , the carrier 74 further includes a spring element 200 that prevents the carrier 74 from moving distally toward the patient when the release mechanism 100 is in the second state (e.g., when the carrier 100 is free to translate relative to the slide rail 40). The spring element 200 can be a leaf spring or any other suitable elongated biasing member and has a proximal end 200a and a distal end 200b. The proximal end 200a of the spring element 200 is attached to the plate 82 of the carrier 74 and is capable of moving therewith. The spring element 200 is resiliently biased toward the flexed state ( Figure 11B and Figure 12B), in which the distal end 200b thereof engages the platform 206 of the slide rail 40. The distal end 200b of the spring element 200 is supported on the support surface 212 of the clamp 104 of the release mechanism 100 to maintain the spring element 200 in the preset or first position ( Figure 11A and Figure 12A ), in which the distal end 200b of the spring element 200 is spaced apart from the platform 206 of the slide rail 40. The distal end 200b of the spring element 200 can have a protrusion, such as, for example, a rivet 208, which is configured to be received in one of a plurality of notches 210 defined in the platform 206.

[0060] The notches 210 are longitudinally spaced apart along the length of the slide rail 40 and are disposed below the spring element 200 of the carrier 74. Each notch 210 is configured to resist distal movement of the spring element 200 relative to the slide rail 40 when the release mechanism 100 is in the second state. Each notch 210 is defined by a proximally facing wall 210 a of the platform 206 and an inclined surface 210 b of the platform 206. The inclined surface 210 b extends from the proximally facing wall 210 a and slopes upward in the proximal direction. The proximally facing wall 210 a is configured to engage the rivet 208 of the spring element 200 to prevent distal movement of the spring element 200 and the carrier 74 after the release mechanism 100 is moved to the second state.

[0061] refer to Figures 9A to 9C In an emergency situation, such as when there is a power failure or when a motor (e.g., motor 1...n) should be stopped, and when the electromechanical surgical instrument 60 is at least partially positioned within the patient's body, the release mechanism 100 of the present disclosure can be utilized to achieve manual removal of the electromechanical surgical instrument 60 from the patient's body.

[0062] To complete the manual removal of the electromechanical surgical instrument 60 from the patient, the button 108 of the release mechanism 100 is depressed ( Figure 9A ) to unlock the lever 106 from the clamp 104. The lever 106 is rotated relative to the clamp 104 about the rotation axis "A" from the first state ( Figure 9A ) manually rotate to the second state ( Figure 9B When the lever 106 rotates toward the second state, the locking member 102 of the release mechanism 100 also rotates from the first state ( Figure 10A ) rotates to the second state ( Figure 10B ).

[0063] When the locking member 102 is in the first state, the first convex portion 110c and the second convex portion 110d of the locking member 102 of the release mechanism 100 are received in the cutouts 92a, 92b of the corresponding first locking member 88 and second locking member 90 of the carrier 74, so that relative axial movement between the carrier 74 and the release mechanism 100 is prevented. In this way, actuation of the transmission system 72 causes the carrier 74 to translate along the slide rail 40. Figure 10B As best shown, when the lever 106 of the release mechanism 100 is rotated toward the second state, the first convex portion 110c and the second convex portion 110d of the locking member 102 of the release mechanism 100 move out of the cutouts 92a, 92b of the locking members 88, 90 of the carrier 74, so that the cutouts 110a, 110b of the locking member 102 of the release mechanism 100 face the corresponding cutouts 92a, 92b of the first locking member 88, 90 of the carrier 74.

[0064] With the first and second convex portions 110c, 110d of the locking member 102 of the release mechanism 100 no longer received in the cutouts 92a, 92b of the locking members 88, 90 of the carrier 74, the carrier 74 is now free to translate relative to the release mechanism 100 and, more importantly, relative to the drive train 72 of the slide 40. Since the carrier is decoupled from the drive train 72, the instrument drive unit 70 ( Figure 2 and Figure 3 ) can be grasped by the clinician and Figure 9C The surgical instrument 60 is translated relative to the slide rail 40 and the release mechanism 100 in the direction indicated by the middle arrow "P" to withdraw the surgical instrument 60 from the surgical site.

[0065] refer to 11A to 12C When the carrier 74 is moved proximally and away from the release mechanism 100, the distal end 200b of the spring element 200 separates from the support surface 212 of the clamp 104 of the release mechanism 100, as shown in FIG. Figure 11B As shown. With the distal end 200b of the spring element 200 no longer supported by the release mechanism 100, the spring element 200 is allowed to be resiliently biased so that the distal end 200b of the spring element 200 pivots or bends toward and engages the platform 206 of the slide rail 40. In this state, when the clinician manually moves the carrier in the proximal direction a distance less than or equal to the distance between the notches 210, the rivet 208 of the spring element 200 will be received in one of the notches 210 in the platform 206. The rivet 208 of the spring element 200 engages the proximal-facing wall 210a of the notch 210, which prevents any further unintentional distal movement of the carrier 74 relative to the slide rail 40.

[0066] like Figure 12CAs shown, after the carrier 74 is manually moved to the proximal position on the slide rail 40, the rivet 208 of the spring element 200 climbs onto the inclined surface 210b of the proximal recess 210. The release mechanism 100 is also moved to the proximal position so that the distal end 200b of the spring element 200 is aligned with the support surface 212 ( Figure 11A 、 Figure 11B ) reengage. It is contemplated that the inclined surface 210b of the proximal-most notch 210 may extend higher than the other inclined surfaces. The lever 106 of the release mechanism 100 may be pivoted back to the first position to reattach the carrier 74 to the belt 78.

[0067] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the structures and methods specifically described herein and shown in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments, and that the specification, disclosure, and drawings should be considered only as examples of specific embodiments. Therefore, it will be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the exact embodiments described, and that various other changes and modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope or essence of the present disclosure. Additionally, the elements and features shown or described in conjunction with certain embodiments may be combined with the elements and features of certain other embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, and such modifications and variations are also included within the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the subject matter of the present disclosure is not limited to what has been specifically shown and described.

Claims

1. A robotic surgical system, comprising: a slide rail configured to be coupled to the robotic arm, the slide rail defining a longitudinal axis; a drive member movably coupled to the slide rail; a carrier coupled to the slide rail and configured to slide along the longitudinal axis of the slide rail in response to movement of the drive member; and a release mechanism secured to the drive member such that the release mechanism moves with the drive member relative to the slide rail, wherein the release mechanism is configured to have a first state in which the release mechanism couples the carriage to the drive member and a second state in which the release mechanism decouples the carriage from the drive member such that the carriage can be manually moved relative to the drive member, The release mechanism includes: a clamp secured to the drive member; and A lever is coupled to the clamp and configured to rotate relative to the clamp to selectively couple and decouple the release mechanism to and from the carrier.

2. The robotic surgical system of claim 1 , further comprising an instrument drive unit configured to be slidably coupled to the slide rail and fixed to the carrier, wherein the instrument drive unit is configured to implement a function of an attached surgical instrument.

3. The robotic surgical system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the drive member is a belt that travels along the longitudinal axis of the slide rail to effect axial movement of the carrier when the release mechanism is in the first state.

4. The robotic surgical system of claim 1 , wherein the carrier has a locking member and the release mechanism has a locking member, the locking member of the release mechanism being attached to the lever and configured to rotate with the lever and relative to the locking member of the carrier to selectively engage with the locking member of the carrier.

5. The robotic surgical system of claim 4 , wherein the locking member of the carrier defines a notch in the carrier, and when the release mechanism is in the first state, the locking member of the release mechanism engages the notch of the locking member of the carrier to transmit axial movement between the carrier and the release mechanism.

6. The robotic surgical system of claim 5 , wherein the cutout of the locking member of the carrier allows the locking member of the release mechanism to rotate therein and resists axial movement of the locking member of the release mechanism relative to the locking member of the carrier.

7. The robotic surgical system of claim 6, wherein the cutout of the locking member of the carrier has a cylindrical configuration and extends transversely relative to the longitudinal axis of the slide rail.

8. The robotic surgical system of claim 5 , wherein the locking member of the release mechanism defines a notch, the notch of the locking member of the release mechanism being configured to be radially offset from the notch of the locking member of the carrier when the release mechanism is in the first state, and to face the notch of the locking member of the carrier when the release mechanism is in the second state.

9. The robotic surgical system of claim 5, wherein the locking member of the release mechanism has a convex portion configured to be received in the cutout of the locking member of the release mechanism when the release mechanism is in the first state.

10. The robotic surgical system of claim 9, wherein the locking member of the carrier is rod-shaped and the locking member of the release mechanism is ball-shaped.

11. The robotic surgical system of claim 1 , further comprising a spring element attached to the carrier and movable therewith, the slide rail defining a plurality of notches longitudinally spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal axis of the slide rail, wherein the plurality of notches are configured to resist distal movement of the spring element relative to the slide rail when the release mechanism is in the second state.

12. The robotic surgical system of claim 11, wherein the spring element is configured to move from a first position in which the spring element is disengaged from the slide rail to a second position in which the spring element is engaged with the slide rail.

13. The robotic surgical system of claim 12, wherein the spring element has: a proximal end fixed to the carrier; and a distal end resiliently biased in a direction toward the slide rail.

14. The robotic surgical system of claim 13 , wherein the distal end of the spring element is supported by the release mechanism to maintain the spring element in the first position, the distal end of the spring element being configured to pivot into engagement with the slide rail when the carrier moves proximally relative to the release mechanism.

15. The robotic surgical system of claim 11 , wherein each of the plurality of recesses is defined by a proximally facing wall and an inclined surface extending proximally from the proximally facing wall, the proximally facing wall being configured to prevent distal movement of the spring element and the carrier after the release mechanism moves to the second state.

16. A robotic surgical system, comprising: a carrier configured to be slidingly coupled to the slide rail of the robotic arm and to the instrument drive unit; and a release mechanism configured to operably couple the carrier to the slide rail and comprising: a clamp configured to secure the release mechanism to the drive member of the slide rail; and A lever is pivotally coupled to the clamp and configured to move between a first state in which the carrier is fixed relative to the release mechanism and a second state in which the carrier is axially movable relative to the release mechanism such that the carrier can be manually moved relative to the slide rail.

17. The robotic surgical system of claim 16 , wherein the carrier has a locking member and the release mechanism has a locking member, the locking member of the release mechanism being attached to the lever and configured to rotate with the lever and relative to the locking member of the carrier to selectively engage with the locking member of the carrier.

18. The robotic surgical system of claim 17 , wherein the locking member of the carrier defines a notch in the carrier, and when the release mechanism is in the first state, the locking member of the release mechanism engages the notch of the locking member of the carrier to transmit axial movement between the carrier and the release mechanism.

19. The robotic surgical system of claim 18, wherein the cutout of the locking member of the carrier allows the locking member of the release mechanism to rotate therein and resists axial movement of the locking member of the release mechanism relative to the locking member of the carrier.

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