Suturing device and suturing method

Abstract

Provided is a suturing device that makes the setting work of suturing thread before a suturing operation simple and shortens the suturing operation time. The device is provided with a thread rotation structure that makes a portion of the bottom thread (42) in the arrangement direction of the suturing needle (34), that is, the first direction, which is hooked and fixed to the tip end portion of the suturing needle (34), partially rotate around the needle center line of the suturing needle (34) in the direction along the third direction, and a threading groove (46) that penetrates in the first direction is formed in the side surface of the suturing needle (34). Before the suturing operation, in a state in which the bottom thread (42) is caught in a state in which it is stretched in a straight line to the tip end portion of the suturing needle (34), if the suturing needle (34) is moved in the second direction, by the above-mentioned thread rotation structure, the portion of the bottom thread (42) that is hooked and fixed to the tip end portion of the suturing needle (34) partially rotates around the center line of the suturing needle (34) in the direction along the third direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a sewing device that can sew together an object using sutures without the use of metal clasps, and more particularly to a sewing device that simplifies the suture setting process before sewing and shortens the sewing time. Background Technology

[0002] A suturing device has been proposed for use in fields such as biological surgery, where the suture site of the sutured organisms can be sutured together entirely using sutures without the use of metal clasps. For example, the suturing device proposed in Patent Document 1 is such a device.

[0003] The suturing device proposed in Patent Document 1 includes: a first housing and a second housing, which are arranged in a manner that allows them to approach and separate from each other in order to clamp the workpiece; a plurality of needles arranged side by side in the first housing with their tips facing the second housing, which can hold the suture thread at the tips; a needle moving mechanism that moves the plurality of needles toward the second housing; and a thread hook provided in the second housing, which is arranged in a manner that allows it to move along the arrangement direction of the plurality of needles in order to hook the suture thread that has passed through the workpiece and reached the second housing by the plurality of needles moved by the needle moving mechanism.

[0004] According to this suturing device, when the first and second housings are close to each other and the workpiece is clamped, if a needle moving mechanism is used to move multiple needles disposed in the first housing and holding the suture thread at their tips toward the second housing, the tips of the multiple needles pass through the workpiece and reach the second housing. In this state, by moving the thread hook along the arrangement direction of the multiple needles, the thread hook passes through the loops formed by the suture thread that has passed through the workpiece and reached the second housing. The loops are hooked by the suture thread that has passed through the tips of the thread hook. Therefore, through a single mechanical action, stitches are easily and reliably formed on the workpiece.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-193716 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] However, in the suturing device proposed in Patent Document 1, before suturing the suture site, a meticulous setup operation is required to hook and fix a portion of the suture thread arranged along the suture needle arrangement direction to the tip of each suture needle in a manner that is partially perpendicular to the suture needle arrangement direction. This hinders the reduction of suturing time.

[0010] The present invention was made against the background described above, and its object is to provide a suturing device that simplifies the setting of suture lines before suturing and can shorten the suturing time.

[0011] Methods for solving problems

[0012] The subject of the first invention is to include: (a) a plurality of suture needles arranged side by side at predetermined intervals along a first direction, with a thread hook fixing portion formed at the tip of each needle capable of hooking and fixing a first thread; (b) a first thread holding mechanism for holding the first thread hooked to the plurality of suture needles; (c) a needle moving mechanism for moving the suture needles toward a second direction, i.e., the tip direction of the suture needles intersecting the first direction; and (d) a thread rotating structure for partially rotating, in the state where the suture needles have been moved toward the second direction, a portion of the thread hook fixing portion of the first thread extending in the first direction, which is hooked and fixed to the suture needles, partially around the center line of the suture needles in a direction toward a third direction intersecting the first and second directions; and (e) threading grooves formed on the sides of the suture needles, which penetrate in the first direction when the suture needles have been moved toward the second direction.

[0013] Invention Effects

[0014] The suturing apparatus according to the first invention includes a thread rotation structure in which a portion of the thread hook fixing part of the first thread extending in the first direction, which is fixed to the suture needle, partially rotates about the center line of the suture needle in a third direction intersecting the first and second directions while the suture needle is moved in the second direction. A thread-passing groove is formed on the side of the suture needle, extending through the first direction while the suture needle is moved in the second direction. Before suturing, with the first thread taut and fixed to the thread hook fixing part of the suture needle, if the suture needle moves in the second direction, the thread rotation structure causes a portion of the thread hook fixing part of the first thread extending in the first direction to partially rotate about the center line of the suture needle in a third direction intersecting the first and second directions. In this state, the opening of the thread-passing groove extending in the first direction forms a thread loop, allowing suturing to be completed by passing the first or second thread through the thread loop. In this way, the first thread is secured to the suture needle by being taut and straight before the suturing operation, thus completing the placement of the first thread onto the suture needle. Therefore, the setting of the suture thread before the suturing operation becomes simple.

[0015] The key point of the second invention is that, in the first invention, the threading groove has an inclined surface whose bottom becomes shallower the closer it is to the tip of the suture needle. Therefore, when the suture needle is pulled out of the workpiece, the hooking of the threading groove relative to the workpiece is suppressed, making removal easier.

[0016] The essence of the third invention lies in the fact that, in the first or second invention, the thread rotation structure has a third-direction guide groove formed at the tip of the suture needle, allowing the first thread to pass through two vertices, communicating with the two vertices and formed in the third direction, and two inclined guide surfaces inclined from the two vertices toward the third-direction guide groove. Thus, in association with the suture needle puncturing the workpiece, a portion of the first thread, locked between the two vertices formed at the tips of multiple suture needles, passing through the two vertices in a first direction, is automatically guided in the third direction by the third-direction guide groove.

[0017] The main point of the fourth invention is that, in the third invention, the two vertices and the two inclined guide surfaces are formed symmetrically with respect to the center line point of the suture needle. Thus, a portion of the first line, fixed between the two vertices in a first direction, rotates locally in a third direction as it sinks into the third-direction guide groove.

[0018] The essence of the fifth invention lies in the fact that, in the first or second invention, a hook-and-hold groove in the first direction, formed at the tip of the suture needle, is provided, allowing the first thread to pass through two vertices and between the two vertices in a first direction. The thread rotation mechanism includes a suture needle rotation mechanism that rotates the suture needle about its centerline by rotating the hook-and-hold groove in the first direction between the two vertices in a third direction. Thus, a portion of the first thread hooked and fixed in the hook-and-hold groove in the first direction between the two vertices rotates partially in a third direction as the suture needle rotation mechanism rotates the suture needle.

[0019] The essence of the sixth invention is that, in any of the first to fifth inventions, the needle moving mechanism comprises: a needle platform disposed within a housing holding the plurality of suture needles, and disposed at the base end side of the suture needles to support them; and a moving member capable of moving along a first direction and a fourth direction opposite to the first direction of the housing. By moving the moving member, the needle platform slides along the guide portion, and the suture needle moves toward the second direction. Thus, the needle platform at the base end of the suture needle has a first engaging portion that engages with the guide portion formed on the inner wall surface of the housing in a guideable state, and a second engaging portion that engages with a needle drive cam groove formed on the moving member that drives the suture needle toward the second direction. Therefore, with the movement of the moving member, the suture needle moves simultaneously toward its tip side, i.e., in the second direction.

[0020] The essence of the seventh invention lies in that, in any of the first to sixth inventions, a tangent needle is provided at the end position of the first direction, connected to the plurality of suture needles arranged side-by-side along the first direction. A tangent groove is formed on the side of the tangent needle, and the tangent groove has a cutting edge at the tip side of the tangent needle, facing the base end side of the tangent needle, and extends through in the first direction. Thus, by pulling the tangent needle into the housing, the first thread passing through the suture loop is cut.

[0021] The key point of the eighth invention is that, in the seventh invention, the cutting edge of the tangential groove is inclined more towards the base end of the tangential needle as it moves towards the tip of the cutting edge. Therefore, when the tangential needle is pulled into the housing towards the base end, the escape of the first thread within the tangential groove can be prevented, and the first thread is reliably cut.

[0022] The main point of the ninth invention is that, in any of the first to eighth inventions, a first housing and a second housing capable of being opened and closed are provided. The first housing includes the suture needle, the first thread, and the first thread holding mechanism. The second housing includes a first thread hook, which is elongated in the first direction. When the first housing and the second housing are closed, the hook moves in the thread-passing groove formed on the side of the suture needle in the first direction and in a fourth direction opposite to the first direction. Thus, by hooking the first thread or the second thread provided in the second housing, the first thread hook passes through the thread loop formed on the third direction side of the suture needle, and suturing is performed in one go.

[0023] The tenth invention is that, in the ninth invention, the first hook comprises: a tubular member, the top end of which in the first direction is obliquely cut in a plane including the first direction and the third direction such that the width of the third direction decreases towards the first direction, thus having an oblique end face opening towards the first direction and the third direction; and a hook member having a hook portion formed by bending the top end in the first direction into a U-shape, which is inserted into the tubular member such that relative movement in the first direction and the fourth direction is possible until the hook portion abuts against the oblique end face of the tubular member. Thus, a first or second line is held between the hook wire, the hook portion, and the oblique end face of the hook tube and passed through the loop.

[0024] The essence of the eleventh invention is that, in the tenth invention, when the suture needle has been moved in the second direction by the needle moving mechanism, the first thread hook is used to hook the first thread forming a loop through the suture needle at the end of the plurality of suture needles in the first direction. The hook portion is then used to hook the hook member within the tubular member until it abuts against the inclined end face of the tubular member. After holding the first thread between the hook portion and the inclined end face, the inclined end face is rotated to a position facing a fifth direction opposite to the second direction, and then moves in the thread-threading groove towards the fourth direction. Thus, suturing based on the first thread is performed in one operation.

[0025] The essence of the twelfth invention lies in the fact that, in the ninth or tenth invention, the second housing includes a second thread holding mechanism that holds the second thread on the side closer to the first direction than the end of the plurality of suture needles located in the first direction when the first housing and the second housing are closed. When the suture needle is moved in the second direction by the needle moving mechanism, after the first thread hook grasps the second thread, it hooks the hook portion and retracts the hook member towards the tubular member, thereby holding the second thread between the hook portion and the beveled end face. Then, the beveled end face is rotated to a position facing a fifth direction opposite to the second direction and moves in the fourth direction within the thread-threading groove. Thus, the sewn object is sutured with the first thread and the second thread.

[0026] The thirteenth invention is that, in the twelfth invention, the first housing includes: a first thread guide groove for guiding the first thread supplied from the first thread holding mechanism; a second thread hook for moving in the first direction and the fourth direction and for hooking the first thread that has passed through the tip of the suture needle from the first thread guide groove; and a first thread hook fixing groove for fixing the tip of the first thread hooked to the second thread hook. Thus, the first thread is tightened by the second thread hook, resulting in a suture without slack.

[0027] The fourteenth invention comprises, in any of the ninth to thirteenth inventions, an opening and closing mechanism that maintains either a closed state with the workpiece sandwiched between the first housing and the second housing, or an open state with the first housing and the second housing separated; and a locking mechanism that maintains the closed state between the first housing and the second housing achieved by the opening and closing mechanism. Thus, when multiple suture needles puncture the workpiece, if the suture needles within the first housing move to the second direction via the moving mechanism, the opening of the first housing and the second housing is restricted.

[0028] The fifteenth invention is that, in the fourteenth invention, the opening and closing mechanism includes a rotation axis at the end of the second housing that fixes the second housing to the first housing and allows the second housing to rotate between an open and closed state. The locking mechanism includes: a rotation prevention member, which is an elongated member along the first direction, capable of being inserted and removed relative to the second housing in a direction intersecting the rotation axis to prevent rotation about the rotation axis; and an engagement hole provided in the first housing, capable of inserting the rotation prevention member in an insertable manner. Thus, when multiple suture needles puncture the workpiece, the insertion of the rotation prevention member relative to the second housing restricts the opening of both the first and second housings.

[0029] The sixteenth invention is based on (a) a suturing method, which uses a plurality of suture needles arranged side-by-side at predetermined intervals along a first direction and each having a thread-passing groove extending through the first direction and capable of hooking and fixing a first thread to its tip to sew a workpiece, comprising: (b) a first thread hooking and fixing placement step, wherein before the plurality of suture needles puncture the workpiece, the first thread is hooked and fixed in a straight line along the first direction at the tip of the plurality of suture needles; and (c) a puncture step, wherein the plurality of suture needles puncture the workpiece. (d) First thread sewing process: with the first thread hook fixed to the suture needle in the first direction, the hook is partially rotated in a third direction orthogonal to the first direction and positioned on the opening of the thread-threading groove; (e) First thread sewing process: with the first thread hooked and fixed at the top of the hook that has passed through the thread-threading groove in the first direction, the hook is moved in a fourth direction opposite to the first direction, thereby passing the first thread through the loop formed by the first thread for each suture needle; and (f) Needle removal process: the suture needle is removed from the sutured object. Thus, before the sewing operation, with the first thread secured to the hook fixing part of the suture needle in a taut, straight state, if the suture needle moves in the second direction, by means of the thread rotation structure, a portion of the hook fixing part of the first thread extending in the first direction, which is fixed to the suture needle, is partially rotated around the center line of the suture needle in a third direction intersecting the first and second directions. In this state, the opening of the thread-threading groove extending in the first direction forms a thread loop. Therefore, the first or second thread passes through the thread loop by passing the thread hook through the thread-threading groove, and the sewing is performed in one go. In this way, by fixing the first thread in a taut, straight state to the thread hook fixing part of the suture needle before the sewing operation, the placement operation of the first thread to the suture needle is completed, thus simplifying the suture thread setting operation before the sewing operation.

[0030] The seventeenth invention is based on (a) a suturing method, which uses a plurality of suture needles arranged side-by-side at predetermined intervals along a first direction and each having a thread-passing groove extending through the first direction and capable of hooking and fixing a first thread to its tip to suture a workpiece, comprising: (b) a first thread hooking and fixing placement step, wherein before the plurality of suture needles puncture the workpiece, the first thread is hooked and fixed in a straight line along the first direction at the tip of the plurality of suture needles; and (c) a puncture step, wherein the plurality of suture needles puncture the workpiece. (d) Second thread sewing process: with the second thread hooked and fixed to the top of the thread hook that has moved in the first direction and passed through the threading groove, the thread hook is moved in a fourth direction opposite to the first direction, thereby passing the second thread through the loop formed by the first thread for each of the suture needles; and (e) Needle removal process: the suture needle is removed from the workpiece. Thus, before the sewing operation, with the first thread secured to the thread hook fixing part of the suture needle in a taut, straight state, if the suture needle moves in the second direction, by means of the thread rotation structure, a portion of the thread hook fixing part of the first thread extending in the first direction is partially rotated around the center line of the suture needle in a third direction intersecting the first and second directions. In this state, the opening of the thread-threading groove extending in the first direction forms a thread loop. Therefore, the first or second thread passes through the thread loop by passing the thread hook through the thread-threading groove, and the sewing is performed in one go. In this way, by fixing the first thread in a taut, straight state to the thread hook fixing part of the suture needle before the sewing operation, the placement operation of the first thread to the suture needle is completed, thus simplifying the suture thread setting operation before the sewing operation. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a perspective view illustrating the overall structure of a suturing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A top view of the suture device in plan.

[0033] Figure 3 Is Figure 1 and Figure 2 A perspective view of the second housing, which will separate from the first housing, in a state of being upright relative to the first housing in the sewing device.

[0034] Figure 4 It is Figure 3 The figure shows the stitching device from the top side of the first housing.

[0035] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 3 A top view of the suture device in plan.

[0036] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 The sectional view of the suture device is a diagram showing a section through the center line of the suture needle.

[0037] Figure 7 yes Figure 2 The suturing device is a cross-sectional view showing a section through the center of the cutter.

[0038] Figure 8 yes Figure 2 The suturing device is a cross-sectional view showing a section through the center of the locking tube.

[0039] Figure 9 It will constitute Figure 1 A top view of the enlarged main body of the first housing of the sewing device.

[0040] Figure 10 It will constitute Figure 1 The diagram illustrates an enlarged view of the main body of the first housing of the sewing device. Figure 9 XX-direction sectional view.

[0041] Figure 11 This means that in Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of the structure of the suture needle used in the suture device.

[0042] Figure 12 This means that in Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of the structure of the tangent needle used in the suture device.

[0043] Figure 13 It will be Figure 1 The top view of the suture hook used in the sewing device is shown in magnification.

[0044] Figure 14 It is shown Figure 13 A bottom view of the top part of the hook.

[0045] Figure 15 This is an explanation Figure 1 The diagram illustrates the operation of the sewing device and the preparatory sewing process for setting the bottom line.

[0046] Figure 16 This is an explanation Figure 1 The diagram illustrates the operation of the suture device, specifically the puncture or bottom-line rotation process.

[0047] Figure 17 This is an explanation Figure 1 The diagram showing the operation of the suture device is a diagram illustrating the state of a pair of suture hooks after they have advanced.

[0048] Figure 18 This is an explanation Figure 1 The diagram shows the operation of the sewing device, which is a diagram of the state in which the hook of the thread protrudes from the inclined surface of the hook tube after the thread is rotated so that the hook part is in a horizontal position after the thread is advanced.

[0049] Figure 19 This is an explanation Figure 1 The diagram shows the operation of the suture device, specifically the state in which the thread hook has retracted a predetermined distance via the retraction operation of the thread hook operating section.

[0050] Figure 20 This is an explanation Figure 1 The diagram shows the operation of the sewing device, specifically the state in which the hook of the thread is pulled into the inclined plane of the hook tube as the thread-connecting structure in the thread hook operating section is retracted.

[0051] Figure 21 This is an explanation Figure 1 The diagram shows the operation of the sewing device, specifically the state in which the thread hook is rotated 90° counterclockwise toward the top by operating the gears.

[0052] Figure 22 This is an explanation Figure 1 The diagram shows the operation of the suture device. It shows the state in which the top thread hook is moved backward in a fourth direction towards its original position by the retraction operation of the top thread hook operation part, and the needle operation member is operated in such a way that the suture needle is retracted into the first housing but the suture needle is still erected in the first housing. The bottom thread hook is moved backward and the bottom thread is tightened while the tubular connecting structure of the bottom thread hook operation part is moved forward and the bottom thread is held.

[0053] Figure 23 This is an explanation Figure 1 The diagram shows the operation of the sewing device, specifically the state in which the cutter moves to the advancing end via the cutter push rod in order to cut the sewn material.

[0054] Figure 24 This is an explanation Figure 1 The diagram of the sewing device is shown in the state where the needle operating member is further retracted in order to cut the top and bottom threads so that the cutting needle is pulled into the first housing.

[0055] Figure 25 It is shown in Figure 1 A perspective view of other examples of suture needles used in suture devices. Detailed Implementation

[0056] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that in the following embodiments, the drawings are used to illustrate the main parts associated with the invention, and dimensions and shapes may not be depicted accurately.

[0057] Example 1

[0058] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the main parts of the suturing device 10 as an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 The suture device 10 is from Figure 1 A top-down view when viewed from above. Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the second housing 14 opened from the first housing 12. Figure 4 The diagram shows the mating surface of the second housing 14 with the second housing 14 opened from the first housing 12. Figure 5 This is a top view showing the first housing 12 with the second housing 14 removed. Figure 6 Through Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the center of the suture needle 34. Figure 7 Through Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the cutter 76. Figure 8 Through Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the locking tube 110.

[0059] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown, the sewing device 10 includes a long, narrow first housing 12 and a second housing 14 connected in an openable and closable manner, both being prismatic in shape. A C-shaped bearing 16 is integrally protruding from the middle of the first housing 12 along its length. A rotating shaft 18, which is detachably received into the bearing 16, is integrally protruding from the base end of the second housing 14. With the rotating shaft 18 supported by the bearing 16, the first housing 12 and the second housing 14 are connected in a manner that allows them to rotate relative to each other around the center line of the rotating shaft 18, i.e., the rotation axis C. The bearing 16 and the rotating shaft 18 function as the opening and closing mechanism for the first housing 12 and the second housing 14.

[0060] In this embodiment, as Figure 1 As shown, the direction along the length of the sewing device 10 towards the top end is defined as the first direction, and the direction towards the base of the sewing device 10, which is opposite to the first direction, is defined as the fourth direction. The direction along the height of the sewing device 10 from the first housing 12 to the second housing 14 is defined as... Figure 1 The direction above is designated as the second direction, and the direction from the second housing 14 to the first housing 12, opposite to the second direction, is designated as the fifth direction. The direction in the width direction of the sewing device 10, which is orthogonal to both the first and second directions, is designated as the fifth direction. Figure 1The direction of the near front side is set to the third direction and will go to Figure 1 The direction opposite to the third direction on the inner side is designated as the sixth direction. The rotation axis C of the aforementioned rotation shaft 18 is parallel to either the third or sixth direction.

[0061] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the first housing 12 includes a main body 20 that holds multiple (five in this embodiment) suture needles 34 and one tangent needle 36, a cover member 80 fixed to the main body 20 by bolts 21, and an operating member support 100 fixed to the cover member 80. The center interval of the multiple suture needles 34 is constant, but the tangent needle 36 is arranged in a row on the base end side of the multiple suture needles 34 with a center interval larger than the center interval.

[0062] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the main body 20 integrally comprises a long strip-shaped bottom wall 22, a pair of long strip-shaped side walls 24 and 26 erected from both ends of the bottom wall 22 in the width direction, and a long strip-shaped central wall 28 erected from the center of the bottom wall 22 in the width direction, parallel to the pair of side walls 24 and 26. The base ends of the long strip-shaped side walls 24, 26 and the central wall 28 are designed to... Figure 1 The spacer members 30 shown are fixed to each other in the states between the side wall 24 and the central wall 28 and between the side wall 26 and the central wall 28, respectively. In addition, a portion of the base end of the first housing 12 in the elongated side walls 24, 26 and the central wall 28 is formed with an elongated hole 32 extending a predetermined length in the first direction, which is formed through the width direction of the first housing 12.

[0063] On the top end side of the first housing 12 in the opposing surfaces of sidewall 24 and central wall 28, and in the opposing surfaces of sidewall 26 and central wall 28, respectively, at predetermined intervals parallel to the height direction, are formed for, for example, […]. Figure 11 The suture needle 34 shown and, for example Figure 12 The tangential needle 36 shown guides multiple pairs of guide grooves 38 in the height direction of the sewing device 10.

[0064] The suture needle 34 includes a base end portion 40 that supports the suture needle 34 in a manner that allows it to move toward the height direction of the suture device 10 while maintaining its posture toward the height direction of the suture device 10; a top end portion 44 that functions as a hook-fixing part for hooking and fixing the bottom thread 42 corresponding to the first thread and functions as a thread rotation structure that allows a portion of the hook in the bottom thread 42 to be fixed to the top end of the suture needle 34 to rotate locally around the needle center line CN of the suture needle 34 from the first direction; and a thread-threading groove 46 formed in the side between the base end portion 40 and the top end portion 44 in a manner that extends through in the first direction.

[0065] The base end 40 of the suture needle 34 has a cuboid needle platform 40a disposed at the base end of the suture needle 34 and a pair of protrusions 40b protruding from the needle platform 40a in the width direction of the first housing 12. A first engaging protrusion 40c with a rectangular cross-section is formed sequentially within a directional guide groove 38 from the top end of each protrusion 40b, allowing it to slide within the groove. Figure 10 The second engaging protrusion 40d, with a circular cross-section, is slidably embedded in the needle-driven cam groove 68, as shown later.

[0066] Two vertices 44a and 44b, a third-direction guide groove 44c, and a pair of inclined guide surfaces 44d and 44e are formed at the tip 44 of the suture needle 34. The two vertices 44a and 44b allow the bottom thread 42 in the first direction to pass through each other and be positioned at intervals smaller than the diameter of the suture needle 34. The third-direction guide groove 44c is formed in a way that it connects with the two vertices 44a and 44b and is formed in a third-direction upward direction to guide a portion of the bottom thread 42 in the first direction that passes between the two vertices 44a and 44b toward the third direction. The pair of inclined guide surfaces 44d and 44e are inclined from the vertices 44a and 44b along the third-direction guide groove 44c. The two vertices 44a and 44b and the pair of inclined guide surfaces 44d and 44e are located on both sides of the third-direction guide groove 44c and are positioned symmetrically with respect to the needle center line CN point of the suture needle 34. The vertices 44a and 44b are continuous with the third-direction guide groove 44c through the inclined surfaces. The third direction guide groove 44c is convex at the position where it passes through the needle center line CN of the suture needle 34.

[0067] The threading groove 46 has an inclined surface 46a that is shallower towards the tip 44 of the suture needle 34, an inclined surface 46b that is shallower towards the base 40 of the suture needle 34, and a flat groove bottom 46c that is provided between the inclined surfaces 46a and 46b and parallel to the needle centerline CN.

[0068] The tangent needle 36 has a base end portion 50 constructed in the same manner as the base end portion 40 of the suture needle 34, a top end portion 52 formed into a hemispherical shape, and a tangent groove 54 formed on the side of the tangent needle 36 in a through-path in a first direction. The base end portion 50 has a cuboid needle platform 50a disposed at the base end of the tangent needle 36 and a pair of protrusions 50b protruding from the needle platform 50a in the width direction of the first housing 12. On the protrusions 50b, a first engaging protrusion 50c with a rectangular cross-section that can be slidably inserted into the guide groove 38 is sequentially formed from the top end. Figure 10 The second engaging protrusion 50d with a circular cross-section is shown to be slidably embedded in the needle-driven cam groove 68.

[0069] In the tangential groove 54, the tip sidewall 54a and the base sidewall 54b of the tangential needle 36 are formed as inclined surfaces that move towards the tip 52 of the tangential needle 36 as they approach the bottom 54c of the groove. A cutting edge 56 is formed at the periphery of the tip sidewall 54a, which is inclined towards the opening of the tangential groove 54 as it approaches the base 50 of the tangential needle 36.

[0070] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown in detail, multiple suture needles 34 and one tangent needle 36 are arranged side by side at predetermined intervals along a first direction between the side wall 24 and the central wall 28, and between the side wall 26 and the central wall 28. Furthermore, a pair of needle drive plates 60 and 62 are inserted between the side wall 24 and the central wall 28 in a manner that clamps the multiple suture needles 34 and the tangent needle 36 and is movable along the length of the suturing device 10. Similarly, a pair of needle drive plates 64 and 66 are inserted between the side wall 26 and the central wall 28 in a manner that clamps the multiple suture needles 34 and the tangent needle 36 and is movable along the length of the suturing device 10. Needle drive cam grooves 68 are formed on needle drive plates 60, 62 and needle drive plates 64, 66 respectively, for engaging second engaging protrusions 40d, 50d formed on the base end 40 of suture needle 34 and the base end 50 of tangential needle 36 respectively, thereby driving suture needle 34 and tangential needle 36 in the height direction of suturing device 10. The pair of needle drive plates 60, 62 and the pair of needle drive plates 64, 66 are connected to each other on the base end side of the first housing 12 by a needle operating member 70 that partially protrudes from the elongated hole 32.

[0071] The needle drive cam grooves 68 of the needle drive plates 60, 62, 64, and 66 are inclined in a second direction as they move from the top end side to the base end side, corresponding to a configuration spacing of the suture needle 34, and then formed in a straight line in a fourth direction. Thus, if the needle operating member 70 is operated in the first direction, the tangential needle 36 to the suture needle 34 are sequentially driven in the second direction.

[0072] The needle drive plates 60, 62 and 64, 66, which are operated in the length direction of the first housing 12 via the needle operation member 70, the second engaging protrusion 40d formed at the base end 40 of the suture needle 34 and respectively engaging with the needle drive cam groove 68 formed at the needle drive plates 60, 62, 64, 66, and the first engaging protrusion 40c formed at the base end 40 of the suture needle 34 and respectively engaging with the guide groove 38 formed on the opposing surfaces of the side walls 24, 26 and the central wall 28, function as a needle moving mechanism that moves the suture needle 34 in the height direction (second direction) of the suture device 10.

[0073] like Figures 7-9As shown, a cutter guide groove 72 is formed on the second-direction side of the central wall 28, and the cutter 76, mounted on the top end of the cutter push rod 74, moves along the cutter guide groove 72. The cutter push rod 74 is held in place by a cover plate portion 82 of the cover member 80, which is fixed to the main body 20 by bolts 21, allowing it to move in the longitudinal direction. The cutter 76 is made of thin steel plate and is used, for example, to cut between a pair of stitched portions in a sewn material T sandwiched between the first housing 12 and the second housing 14.

[0074] like Figure 1 As shown, the cover member 80 integrally includes a cover plate portion 82 that closes the second direction side of the first housing 12 and a box portion 86 that houses the bobbin 84 on which the bobbin thread 42 is wound and closes the top end side of the main body 20 of the first housing 12. The bobbin thread 84 functions as a thread holding mechanism for holding the bobbin thread 42 supplied for sewing.

[0075] like Figure 3 , Figure 5 As shown, the cover plate portion 82 has two rows of multiple needle holes 88 for the suture needle 34 and the tangent needle 36 to pass through, and an elongated hole 90 for the cutter 76 to move. The needle hole 88 for the tangent needle 36 to pass through functions as a cutting edge that cuts the top line 138 and the bottom line 42 between itself and the cutting edge 56 formed on the tangent needle 36. Additionally, as... Figure 1 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the box section 86 houses a bobbin 84 with a bobbin thread 42 wound around it, and a thread hole 92 is formed for removing the bobbin thread 42 by pulling it out from the bobbin thread 84. Additionally, as... Figure 5 And then Figure 15 , Figure 16 As shown, a straight wire groove 96 is formed in the box portion 86 and the cover portion 82, through the wire hole 92, the pin hole 88, and the U-shaped cutout 94 of the hook portion 102a that accommodates the bottom thread hook 102. The wire groove 96 is used to temporarily position the bottom thread 42 by inserting it during the initial setup operation. A wire fixing groove 98 is formed on the side edge of the base end of the cover portion 82 to temporarily fix the end of the bottom thread 42.

[0076] like Figures 1-3 , Figures 5-8 As shown, a thick plate-shaped operating member support 100 is fixed to the middle portion of the cover plate portion 82 of the cover member 80, near the base end of the first housing 12, where a C-shaped bearing 16 is protruding. The operating member support 100 holds a pair of bottom hooks 102 between itself and the cover plate portion 82 of the cover member 80 to which it is fixed, allowing for longitudinal movement. Additionally, as... Figure 4As shown, the operating member support 100 has a pair of face hook through holes 104 extending through the length of the first housing 12 and a locking tube engagement hole 106 extending through the length of the first housing 12. The operating member support 100 holds the pair of elongated face hooks 108 through the face hook through holes 104 so that they can slide in the length direction. In addition, the operating member support 100 holds an elongated locking tube 110, which has a locking tube operating part 110a with a thickness smaller than the diameter of the locking tube 110, through the locking tube engagement hole 106 so that it can slide in the length direction.

[0077] like Figure 8 As shown, the locking tube 110, by being inserted into the locking tube guide groove 160 formed in the second housing 14, restricts the opening of the first housing 12 and the second housing 14 when multiple suture needles 34 are punctured into the workpiece T sandwiched between the first housing 12 and the second housing 14. The locking tube 110 functions as a rotation-preventing member, and the locking tube 110 and the locking tube guide groove 160, etc., function as a locking mechanism to prevent the second housing 14 from rotating relative to the first housing 12.

[0078] In its initial state, the face hook 108 is... Figure 13 and Figure 14 The hook wire 108b and hook tube 108c are shown in detail. Figure 1 The face thread hook operation part 112 shown later is composed of a hook wire 108b that is bent into a U-shape at the top end to form a hook part 108a for hooking and fixing the face thread 138, and a hook tube 108c through which the hook wire 108b is inserted.

[0079] The tip of the hook tube 108c in the first direction is a tube that is obliquely cut in a plane including the first direction and the third direction, such that the width of the third direction decreases as it moves towards the first direction, thus having an oblique end face 108d that opens towards the first direction and the third direction. A cut 108e is formed on the fifth direction side of the end face 108d to receive the portion of the hook wire 108b that constitutes the hook portion 108a that abuts against the oblique end face 108d, making the oblique end face 108d flush.

[0080] like Figures 1-3 , Figures 5-8As shown, the face hook operating part 112 comprises a wire connecting structure 114 that connects the base end ends of a pair of hook wires 108b in a rotatable but non-movable manner in the longitudinal direction, a tube connecting structure 116 that connects the base end ends of a pair of hook tubes 108c in a rotatable but non-movable manner in the longitudinal direction, a spring 118 inserted between the wire connecting structure 114 and the tube connecting structure 116 and applying force in the direction of separation, i.e., pressing the hook portion 108a of the hook wire 108b against the end face 108d of the hook tube 108c, a hook fixing operating part 120 that hooks and fixes the wire connecting structure 114 and the tube connecting structure 116 to prevent their separation, a pair of gears 122 fixed to the base end ends of a pair of hook tubes 108c, and an operating gear 124 meshing with the pair of gears 122.

[0081] like Figure 6 As shown, the bottom hook 102 consists of a hook wire 102b formed by bending the top end into a U-shape to hook a portion 102a for hooking and fixing the bottom line 42, a hook tube 102c through which the hook wire 102b is inserted and has an end face cut at a right angle, and Figures 1-5 The bottom hook operating part 128 is as shown in detail.

[0082] like Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, the bottom hook operating part 128 includes a wire connecting structure 130 that connects the base end ends of a pair of hook wires 102b in a manner that prevents rotation and movement in the length direction; a tube connecting structure 132 that connects the base end ends of a pair of hook tubes 102c in a manner that prevents rotation and movement in the length direction; a spring 134 that is inserted between the wire connecting structure 130 and the tube connecting structure 132 and applies force in the direction of separation, i.e., pressing the hook portion 102a of the hook wire 102b against the end face 102d of the hook tube 102c; and a hook fixing operating member 136 that hooks and fixes the wire connecting structure 130 and the tube connecting structure 132 to prevent their separation.

[0083] like Figure 4 As shown, the second housing 14 integrally comprises a pair of parallel, elongated sidewalls 140 and 142, a central wall 144 arranged parallel to the sidewalls 140 and 142, a bottom wall 146 connecting the top ends of the sidewalls 140, 142 and the central wall 144, a front wall 148 connecting the top ends of the sidewalls 140, 142 and the central wall 144, and a base end connecting member 150 having a pair of rotating shafts 18 formed in the width direction of the second housing 14 and connecting the base end bottom of the sidewalls 140, 142 and the central wall 144.

[0084] like Figures 1-4As shown, at the top of the second housing 14, a pair of detachable partitions 152 are respectively provided between the side wall 140 and the central wall 144, and between the side wall 142 and the central wall 144. A pair of boxes are formed by the side wall 140 or side wall 142, the central wall 144, the bottom wall 146, the front wall 148, and the partitions 152, each containing a pair of bobbins 156 wound with top thread 138. A top thread guide groove 152a is formed in each partition 152, pre-positioning the top thread 138 pulled from the bobbin 156 at a position where the hook portion 108a of the forward-operated top thread hook 108 can hook.

[0085] like Figure 1 As shown, a locking tube guide groove 160 is formed in the central wall 144 for the locking tube 110 and the locking tube operating part 110a fixed to its top end to pass through. The locking tube guide groove 160 has a cross-sectional shape formed by connecting a circular cross-section that is slightly larger than the locking tube 110 and a rectangular cross-section that is slightly thicker than the locking tube operating part 110a.

[0086] like Figure 4 As shown, multiple thread hook support portions 162 are provided on the inner wall surface of the side wall 140 of the second housing 14 and the wall surface of the side wall 140 side of the central wall 144, supporting the thread hook 108 from a third direction to ensure stable movement of the thread hook 108 between the suture needles 34. A pair of thread-approaching protrusions 166 are provided on the wall surface of the side wall 140 side of the central wall 144 and the inner wall surface of the side wall 142, respectively, protruding towards both sides of the tangent needle 36 in the length direction of the second housing 14 and forming inclined surfaces that bring the thread 138 pulled by the thread hook 108 closer to the tangent needle 36. The inclined surfaces of the pair of thread-approaching protrusions 166 are inclined in such a way that they tend towards the fifth direction as they move towards the fourth direction (protrusion direction). As the tangent needle 36 descends in the fifth direction, the thread 138 is reliably inserted into the tangential groove 54 of the tangent needle 36.

[0087] Next, the sewing device 10 configured as described above is used to sew the workpiece T using the suture thread L. Figures 15-24 The following will explain. For Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 The diagram shows the state where the second housing 14 is opened from the first housing 12, illustrating the initial state of the sewing device 10 with the rotation axis 18 of the second housing 14 slightly separated from the bearing 16 of the first housing 12. It should be noted that... Figures 17-24 The second housing 14 is shown being detached from the first housing 12.

[0088] In this initial state, such as Figure 15As shown, a bobbin thread 42 is mounted on the first housing 12. The bobbin thread 42, wound inside the housing 86, is pulled straight out from the thread hole 92, hooked onto the hook portion 102a of the bobbin thread hook 102, and then pressed into the thread fixing groove 98 formed on the side edge of the base end of the cover plate 82. Through this simple positioning operation of the bobbin thread 42, as... Figure 11 As shown, the bottom line 42 in the first direction is hooked and fixed between a pair of vertices 44a and 44b of the suture needle 34. Figure 15 The first thread hook fixing and placement process, which is a preparatory step for suturing, is shown.

[0089] Next, after inserting the stitched material T between the first housing 12 and the second housing 14 in this state, the first housing 12 and the second housing 14 are closed. Then, by operating in the first direction... Figure 8 The locking tube operating part 110a shown is used to insert the locking tube 110 into the locking tube guide groove 160 of the second housing 14, thereby locking the rotation of the second housing 14. Furthermore, by operating in the first direction... Figure 1 The needle operating component 70 shown, with multiple suture needles 34 and tangent needles 36 moving in the second direction, protrudes from the cover plate portion 82 of the first housing 12. Figure 16 This state is shown by omitting the stitched material T.

[0090] exist Figure 16 In such a state, such as Figure 11 As shown, by pressing the workpiece T toward the base end 50 of the suture needle 34, the bottom line 42, which is hooked and fixed between a pair of vertices 44a and 44b in the first direction, rotates 90° around the needle center line CN of the suture needle 34, and locally becomes the width direction of the first housing 12, i.e., the third direction, forming a thread loop R that crosses the threading groove 46 in the second direction. Figure 16 This corresponds to a puncture procedure or a bottom line rotation procedure in which the hook in the bottom line 42 in the first direction is fixed to the tip 44 of the suture needle 34 and rotated partially in a third direction.

[0091] Next, execute the top hook 108 to hold from Figure 1 The process shown involves pre-drawing the top thread bobbin 156 and pre-positioning the top thread 138 by the top thread guide groove 152a formed in the partition wall 152. First, as... Figure 17 As shown, by operating the top thread hook operating part 112 in the first direction, one pair of top thread hooks 108 advance. In this state, the tip of the top thread hook 108 passes through the tangent groove 54 formed in the tangent needle 36 and the thread-threading groove 46 formed in the sewing needle 34. At the sewing needle 34, since a thread loop R is formed that crosses the thread-threading groove 46 in the second direction, the tip of the top thread hook 108 also passes through the thread loop R.

[0092] Next, with the hook 108 rotated 90° clockwise towards the top by operating the gear 124, so that the hook 108a is in a horizontal position parallel to the third direction, the thread connecting structure 114 in the hook operating part 112 is used to further advance the hook. Figure 18 As shown, the hook portion 108a of the hook wire 108b protrudes from the beveled end face 108d of the hook tube 108c. In this state, because the hook portion 108a exceeds the... Figure 2 The top thread 138 is positioned by the top thread guide groove 152a shown, so the top thread 138 enters the inner side of the hook portion 108a. Next, by performing a retraction operation on the top thread hook operation portion 112, the top thread hook 108 retracts a predetermined distance, so the top thread 138 is located on the inner side of the hook portion 108a. Figure 19 The status is shown.

[0093] Next, a retraction operation is performed via the threaded connection structure 114 in the opposite hook operation section 112, such as... Figure 20 As shown, the hook portion 108a of the hook line 108b is pulled into the inclined end face 108d of the hook tube 108c. Thus, the face line 138 is held between the hook portion 108a and the inclined end face 108d. Next, by operating the operating gear 124, the face line hook 108 rotates 90° counterclockwise toward the top, thereby... Figure 21 As shown, the hook portion 108a becomes Figure 13 The posture shown.

[0094] Next, by retracting the face thread hook operating part 112, the face thread hook 108 retracts in the fourth direction towards its original position. Furthermore, the needle operating member 70 is operated such that the suture needle 34 retracts into the first housing 12, while the tangent needle 36 is erected towards the first housing 12. Moreover, by advancing the tubular connecting structure 132 of the bottom thread hook operating part 128 to abut against the thread connecting structure 130, and while holding the bottom thread 42, by retracting the bottom thread hook operating part 128, the bottom thread hook 102 retracts, and the bottom thread 42 is tightened. Additionally, by retracting the needle operating member 70, the suture needle 34 is pulled in and withdrawn from the sewn material T. Figure 22 The second-line suturing process and the needle removal process are shown.

[0095] Next, by operating the cutter push rod 74, the cutter 76 moves to the forward end, and the sewn material T is cut off. Figure 23 This state is shown. Next, the needle operating member 70 is further retracted by pulling the tangent needle 36 into the first housing 12, and the cutting edge 56 of the tangent needle 36 cuts the surface line 138 and the bottom line 42. Figure 24 The state is shown.

[0096] As described above, the suturing apparatus 10 according to this embodiment includes: a plurality of suture needles 34 arranged side by side at predetermined intervals along a first direction, with a thread hook fixing portion formed at the top end 44 for hooking and fixing a bobbin thread (first thread) 42; a first thread holding mechanism 84 for holding the bobbin thread 42 locked to the plurality of suture needles 34; a needle moving mechanism (needle drive plates 60, 62, 64, 66) for moving the suture needles 34 toward the top end direction of the suture needles 34 that intersects the first direction, i.e., the second direction; and a thread rotating structure (vertices 44a, 44b, third-direction guide groove 44c) for partially rotating a portion of the top end 44 of the bobbin thread 42 extending in the first direction, which is hooked and fixed to the suture needles 34, in a third direction that intersects the first and second directions, around the needle center line CN of the suture needles 34, with thread-threading grooves 46 formed on the side of the suture needles 34 that pass through in the first direction when the suture needles 34 have moved in the second direction. Before the suturing operation, with the bobbin thread (first thread) 42 taut and straight, secured to the tip of the suture needle 34 (thread hook fixing part) 44, if the suture needle 34 moves in the second direction, the hook fixing part in the bobbin thread 42 extending in the first direction rotates locally around the needle center line CN of the suture needle 34 along the third direction via the thread rotation structure (vertices 44a, 44b, third-direction guide groove 44c). In this state, the opening of the thread-passing groove 46 through the first direction forms a thread loop R, so the bobbin thread (first thread) 42 or the top thread (second thread) 138 passes through this thread loop R, and suturing is performed in one go. By securing the bobbin thread 42 taut and straight to the tip of the suture needle 34 before such a suturing operation, the placement of the bobbin thread 42 to the suture needle is completed, thus simplifying the suture setting operation before the suturing operation.

[0097] According to the suturing apparatus 10 of this embodiment, the threading groove 46 has an inclined surface 46a that becomes shallower towards the tip of the suture needle 34. As a result, when the suture needle 34 is pulled out of the workpiece T, the hooking of the threading groove 46 relative to the workpiece T is suppressed, and the pulling out becomes easier.

[0098] According to the suturing apparatus 10 of this embodiment, the thread rotation structure (vertices 44a, 44b, third-direction guide groove 44c) has a third-direction guide groove 44c formed at the tip portion 44 of the suture needle 34, which allows the thread 42 to pass through the two vertices 44a, 44b between each other and communicates with the two vertices 44a, 44b in the third-direction guide groove 44c, and two inclined guide surfaces 44d, 44e inclined from the two vertices 44a, 44b toward the third-direction guide groove 44c. Thus, in association with the puncture of the suture needle 34 into the workpiece T, a portion of the thread 42 locked between the two vertices 44a, 44b formed at the tip portion 44 of the plurality of suture needles 34 in a first direction passing through the two vertices 44a, 44b is automatically guided in the third direction by the third-direction guide groove 44c.

[0099] According to the suturing apparatus 10 of this embodiment, the third-direction guide groove 44c is formed in such a way that it passes through the needle center line CN of the suture needle 34 and extends in the third direction. Two vertices 44a and 44b are located on both sides of the third-direction guide groove 44c, and the two vertices 44a and 44b and the two inclined guide surfaces 44d and 44e are formed symmetrically with respect to the needle center line CN of the suture needle 34. As a result, a portion of the bottom line 42 in the first direction, which is fixed between the two vertices 44a and 44b, rotates locally in the third direction as it sinks into the third-direction guide groove 44c.

[0100] The suturing apparatus 10 according to this embodiment includes: a needle platform 40a disposed within a housing (first housing 12, second housing 14) holding a plurality of suture needles 34, and disposed at the base end 40 of the suture needles 34 and supporting the suture needles 34; and a moving member (needle drive plates 60, 62, 64, 66) movable along a first direction of the housing and a fourth direction opposite to the first direction. The needle platform 40a includes: a first engaging protrusion (first engaging portion) 40c engaging with a protruding guide groove (guide portion) 38 formed on the inner wall surface of the housing; and a second engaging protrusion (second engaging portion) 40d engaging with a needle drive cam groove 68 formed on the moving member and driving the suture needles 34 in the protruding direction. When the moving member moves, the needle platform 40a protrudes and slides along the guide groove 38, and the suture needles 34 move toward the tip portion 44. Thus, when the moving member moves, the needle platform 40a protrudes and slides along the guide groove 38, and the suture needles 34 move toward the tip portion 44. Therefore, with the movement of the needle drive plates 60, 62, 64, and 66, multiple suture needles 34 move to their tip side, i.e., in the second direction.

[0101] According to the suturing apparatus 10 of this embodiment, a tangent needle 36 is provided connected to the end position of a plurality of suturing needles 34 arranged side by side along a first direction. A tangent groove 54 is formed on the side of the tangent needle 36, and the tangent groove 54 has a cutting edge 56 at the top end position of the tangent needle 36 facing the base end 50 side of the tangent needle 36, and extends through in the first direction. As a result, the bottom thread 42 and the top thread 138 of the suture loop are cut by pulling the tangent needle 36 into the first housing 12.

[0102] According to the suture device 10 of this embodiment, the cutting edge 56 of the suture cutting groove 54 is inclined towards the base end 50 of the suture needle 36 as it moves towards the tip of the cutting edge 56. As a result, when the suture needle 36 is pulled into the first housing 12 towards its base end 50, the escape of the thread 42 in the suture cutting groove 54 can be prevented, and the thread 42 is reliably cut.

[0103] According to the suturing apparatus 10 of this embodiment, there are a first housing 12 and a second housing 14 that can be opened and closed. The first housing 12 includes a suture needle 34, a bobbin 42, and a bobbin (first thread holding mechanism) 84. The second housing 14 includes a top thread hook (first thread hook) 108. The top thread hook (first thread hook) 108 is elongated in a first direction. When the first housing 12 and the second housing 14 are closed, it moves in the first direction and the fourth direction within the thread-passing groove 46 formed on the side of the suture needle 34. Thus, by hooking the top thread 138 or the bobbin 42 through the top thread hook (first thread hook) 108, suturing is performed in one step through the thread loop R formed on the third direction side of the suture needle 34.

[0104] According to the suture apparatus 10 of this embodiment, the top thread hook (first thread hook) 108 has: a tubular hook tube (tubular member) 108c, the top end of which is obliquely cut in a plane including the first direction and the third direction such that the width of the third direction decreases as it moves towards the first direction, thus having an oblique end face 108d that opens in the first direction and the third direction; and a hook wire (hook member) 108b, having a hook portion 108a formed by bending the top end of the first direction into a U-shape, which is inserted into the hook tube 108c such that relative movement in the first direction and the fourth direction can be performed until the hook portion 108a abuts against the oblique end face 108d of the hook tube 108c. Thus, the top thread 138 or the bottom thread 42 is held between the hook portion 108a of the hook wire 108b and the oblique end face 108d of the hook tube 108c and passed through the thread loop R.

[0105] According to the suturing apparatus 10 of this embodiment, the second housing 14 includes a top thread bobbin 156 (second thread holding mechanism) that holds the top thread 138 (second thread) at the top end of the first housing in the first direction. When the first housing and the second housing are closed, the top thread 138 is held at the first direction side of the suturing needle 34 located at the end in the first direction among the multiple suturing needles 34. The first housing 12 includes a suturing needle 34, a bottom thread 42, and a bottom thread bobbin (first thread holding mechanism) 84. The second housing 14 is elongated in the first direction and includes a top thread hook (first thread hook) 108 that moves in the first and fourth directions within a threading groove 46 formed on the side of the suturing needle 34 when the first housing 12 and the second housing 14 are closed. Therefore, when the suturing needle 34 is moved in the second direction by the needle moving mechanism such as the needle drive plate (moving member) 60, 62, 64, 66, the top thread hook (first thread hook) 108 moves in the fourth direction within the threading groove 46 after holding the top thread 138. Thus, the fabric T is sewn together by bottom thread 42 and top thread 138.

[0106] According to the suturing apparatus 10 of this embodiment, the first housing includes a thread hole (first thread guide groove) 92 for guiding the bottom thread (first thread) 42 supplied from the bottom thread bobbin (first thread holding mechanism) 84, a bottom thread hook (second thread hook) 102 for hooking the bottom thread 42 from the thread fixing groove 98 via the tip portion 44 of the suturing needle 34, which moves in the first and fourth directions, and a thread fixing groove (first thread hook fixing groove) 98 for fixing the tip portion of the bottom thread 42 hooked to the bottom thread hook 102. Thus, the bottom thread 42 is tightened by the bottom thread hook 102, resulting in a suture without slack.

[0107] The suturing apparatus 10 according to this embodiment includes: an opening and closing mechanism (bearing 16, rotating shaft 18) to maintain a closed state in which the workpiece T is sandwiched between the first housing 12 and the second housing 14, or an open state in which the first housing 12 and the second housing 14 are separated; and a locking mechanism (locking tube engagement hole 106, locking tube 110) to maintain a closed state between the first housing 12 and the second housing 14 as achieved by the opening and closing mechanism. Thus, when multiple suture needles 34 puncture the workpiece T, if the suture needles 34 inside the first housing 12 move to the second direction side by the needle moving mechanism such as the needle drive plates (moving members) 60, 62, 64, 66, etc., the opening of the first housing 12 and the second housing 14 is restricted.

[0108] According to the suture apparatus 10 of this embodiment, the opening and closing mechanism (bearing 16, rotating shaft 18) includes a rotating shaft 18 having a rotating axis C at the end of the second housing 14 to fix the second housing 14 to the first housing 12 and allowing the second housing 14 to rotate between an open state and a closed state. The locking mechanism (locking tube engagement hole 106, locking tube 110) includes: a locking tube (rotation prevention member) 110, which is an elongated member along a first direction, capable of being inserted and removed relative to the second housing 14 in a direction intersecting with the rotating axis C to prevent rotation about the rotating axis C; and a locking tube engagement hole (engagement hole) 106, provided in the first housing 12, into which the locking tube 110 is inserted in an insertable manner. Thus, when multiple suture needles 34 puncture the workpiece T, the first housing 12 and the second housing 14 are restricted from opening by inserting the rotation prevention member relative to the second housing 14.

[0109] The suturing method of the suturing device 10 according to this embodiment includes: a first thread hook fixing step, in which, before the plurality of suture needles 34 puncture the workpiece T, the bottom thread (first thread) 42 is hooked and fixed in a straight line along a first direction on the top end 44 of the plurality of suture needles 34; a puncture step, in which the plurality of suture needles 34 are punctured into the workpiece T, and the direction of the portion of the bottom thread 42 that is hooked and fixed to the suture needle 34 is partially rotated in a third direction orthogonal to the first direction and located on the opening of the threading groove 46; a first thread suturing step, in which, with the bottom thread (first thread) 42 hooked and fixed at the top end of the thread hook 108 that has moved in the first direction and passed through the threading groove 46, the thread hook 108 is moved in a fourth direction opposite to the first direction, thereby passing the bottom thread 42 through the thread loop R formed by the bottom thread 42 for each suture needle 34; and a needle removal step, in which the suture needle 34 is removed from the workpiece T. Therefore, before the sewing operation, with the bobbin thread 42 taut and hooked and fixed to the tip of the suture needle 34 (thread hook fixing part) 44, if the suture needle 34 moves in the second direction, the portion of the bobbin thread 42 hooked and fixed to the tip of the suture needle 34 (thread hook fixing part) 44 in the first direction rotates locally around the needle center line CN of the suture needle 34 along the third direction via the thread rotation structure (vertices 44a, 44b, third-direction guide groove 44c). In this state, the opening of the thread-feeding groove 46 through the first direction forms a thread loop R. Therefore, the bobbin thread 42 and the top thread 138 pass through the thread loop R by the thread hook 108 passing through the thread-feeding groove 46, and the sewing is performed in one step. In this way, by hooking and fixing the bobbin thread 42 to the tip (thread hook fixing part) 44 of the suture needle 34 in a taut, straight state before the suturing operation, the bobbin thread 42 is configured to be attached to the suture needle 34, thus simplifying the setting of the suture thread before the suturing operation.

[0110] The suturing method of the suturing device 10 according to this embodiment includes: a first thread hook fixing step, in which, before the plurality of suture needles 34 puncture the workpiece T, the bottom thread (first thread) 42 is hooked and fixed in a straight line along a first direction on the top end 44 of the plurality of suture needles 34; a puncture step, in which the plurality of suture needles 34 are punctured into the workpiece T, and the direction of the portion of the bottom thread 42 that is hooked and fixed to the suture needle 34 is partially rotated in a third direction orthogonal to the first direction and located on the opening of the threading groove 46; a second thread suturing step, in which, with the top end of the thread hook 108 that has moved in the first direction and passed through the threading groove 46 hooked and fixed to the top thread (second thread) 138, the thread hook 108 is moved in a fourth direction opposite to the first direction, thereby passing the top thread 138 through the loop R formed by the bottom thread 42 for each suture needle 34; and a needle removal step, in which the suture needle 34 is pulled out from the workpiece T. Therefore, by moving the suture needle 34 in the second direction with the bobbin thread 42 taut and fixed to the tip of the suture needle 34 (thread hook fixing part) 44 before the suturing operation, the portion of the bobbin thread 42 taut and fixed to the tip of the suture needle 34 (thread hook fixing part) 44 in the first direction rotates locally around the needle center line CN of the suture needle 34 along the third direction via the thread rotation structure (vertices 44a, 44b, third-direction guide groove 44c). In this state, the opening of the thread-feeding groove 46 through the first direction forms a thread loop R. Therefore, the bobbin thread 42 and the top thread 138 pass through the thread loop R by the thread hook 108 passing through the thread-feeding groove 46, and the suturing is performed in one step. In this way, by taut and fixed to the tip of the suture needle 34 (thread hook fixing part) 44 with the bobbin thread 42 taut and fixed to the suture needle 34 before the suturing operation, the placement of the bobbin thread 42 to the suture needle 34 is completed, thus simplifying the suture setting operation before the suturing operation.

[0111] Example 2

[0112] Figure 25 This is a perspective view showing another suture needle 234 used instead of suture needle 34. The suture needle 234 of this embodiment is common in having two vertices 244a and 244b separated in a third direction, a third-direction guide groove 244c between the two vertices 244a and 244b, and a threading groove 246 extending through in a first direction. However, it differs in that the heights of the two vertices 244a and 244b are different, and that the bottom surface of the third-direction guide groove 244c is flat rather than convex.

[0113] While one embodiment of the present invention has been described above based on the accompanying drawings, the present invention is also applicable to other embodiments.

[0114] For example, the top thread 138 and bottom thread 42 in the aforementioned embodiments are preferably natural threads twisted from natural fibers of plant or animal origin, synthetic resin threads made of single or stranded synthetic fibers, metal threads made of single or stranded metal, composite threads made of natural and synthetic fibers, etc.

[0115] Furthermore, in the aforementioned embodiment, as a thread rotation structure that partially rotates a portion of the bottom line 42 in the first direction between a pair of vertices 44a and 44b at the tip of the suture needle 34 in a third direction, a third-direction guide groove 44c formed on the tip portion 44 of the suture needle 34 and opening between the pair of vertices 44a and 44b is used. However, a thread rotation structure that partially rotates a portion of the bottom line 42 in the first direction between a pair of vertices 44a and 44b at the tip of the suture needle 34 in a third direction by rotating the suture needle 34 90° around its needle centerline CN may also be used. That is, according to the suturing apparatus 10 of this embodiment, the tip 44 of the suture needle 34 may also include: a hook-and-fix groove formed in a first direction between the two vertices 44a and 44b, which allows the thread 42 to pass through two vertices 44a and 44b; and a suture needle rotation mechanism, so that the suture needle 34 rotates around the needle center line CN of the suture needle 34 by rotating the hook-and-fix groove in the first direction between the two vertices 44a and 44b of the tip 44 of the suture needle 34 in a third direction. As a result, a portion of the thread 42 hooked and fixed in the first direction between the hook-and-fix groove in the first direction between the two vertices 44a and 44b rotates partially in a third direction as the suture needle 34 is rotated by the aforementioned suture needle rotation mechanism.

[0116] Furthermore, in the aforementioned embodiments, a bottom thread 42 and a top thread 138 were used for sewing. However, by performing the first thread sewing process instead of the aforementioned second thread sewing process, sewing based solely on the bottom thread 42 can be performed. For example, when the sewing needle 34 is moved in the second direction by the needle moving mechanism such as the needle drive plate (moving member) 60, 62, 64, 66, the top thread hook (first thread hook) 108 hooks the bottom thread 42, which forms the loop R formed by the sewing needle 34, at the end of the sewing needle 34 in the first direction, using the hook portion 108a of the hook wire 108b. The hook wire 108b is then retracted into the hook tube 108c, thereby holding the bottom thread 42 between the hook portion 108a of the hook wire 108b and the inclined end face 108d of the hook tube 108c. Then, it moves in the fourth direction within the threading groove 46. Thus, the first thread sewing process is performed, and sewing based solely on the bottom thread 42 is completed in one step.

[0117] In addition, in the aforementioned embodiments, the first housing 12 and the second housing 14 are rectangular in cross-section, but they can also be tubular components with circular, elliptical, or polygonal cross-sections.

[0118] Furthermore, in the aforementioned embodiments, the operating components such as 70, 110a, 112, and 128 can also be modified to, for example, a shape suitable for remote operation. Additionally, they can be modified to a shape capable of connecting to an actuator for electric drive control.

[0119] In addition, in the suturing device 10 of the aforementioned embodiment, the suture needles 34 are arranged in two rows, but they can also be arranged in one row or more than three rows.

[0120] Although not illustrated in detail elsewhere, the present invention can be implemented with various modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

[0121] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0122] 10: Suture device

[0123] 12: First shell

[0124] 14: Second shell

[0125] 16: Bearing (opening and closing mechanism)

[0126] 18: Rotating shaft (opening and closing mechanism)

[0127] 34: Suture needle

[0128] 36: Thread tangent needle

[0129] 38: Guide groove (guide section)

[0130] 40: Base end

[0131] 40a: Needle station

[0132] 40c: First engaging protrusion (first engaging part, needle moving mechanism)

[0133] 40d: Second engaging protrusion (second engaging part, needle moving mechanism)

[0134] 42: Bottom Line (First Line)

[0135] 44: Top part (line hook fixing part)

[0136] 44a: Vertex (Line Rotation Construction)

[0137] 44b: Vertex (Line Rotation Construction)

[0138] 44c: Third-party directional guide groove (linear rotation construction)

[0139] 44d: Inclined guide surface

[0140] 44e: Inclined guide surface

[0141] 46: Groove for threading

[0142] 46a: Inclined surface

[0143] 50: Base end

[0144] 50a: Needle station

[0145] 52: Top part

[0146] 54: Groove for tangents

[0147] 60: Needle drive plate (moving component)

[0148] 62: Needle drive plate (moving component)

[0149] 64: Needle drive plate (moving component)

[0150] 66: Needle drive plate (moving component)

[0151] 68: Needle-driven cam groove

[0152] 84: Bottom-line shuttle core (first-line holding mechanism)

[0153] 102: Bottom line hook (second line hook)

[0154] 102a: Hook (hook part)

[0155] 106: Locking pipe clamping hole (clamping hole)

[0156] 108: Top Thread Hook (First Thread Hook)

[0157] 108a: Hook (hook part)

[0158] 108b: Hook wire (hook component)

[0159] 108c: Hook tube (tubular component)

[0160] 108d: Inclined end face

[0161] 110: Locking tube (rotation prevention component, locking mechanism)

[0162] 110a: Locking tube operating section

[0163] 138: Noodles (Second Thread)

[0164] 156: Top Thread Bobbin (Second Thread Holding Mechanism)

[0165] 160: Locking tube guide groove (locking mechanism)

[0166] 234: Suture needle

[0167] 244a: Vertex (Line Rotation Construction)

[0168] 244b: Vertex (Line Rotation Construction)

[0169] 244c: Third-party directional guide groove (linear rotation structure)

[0170] C: Rotation axis

[0171] CN: Needle center line (center line)

[0172] L: suture line

[0173] R: Loop

[0174] T: The material being sewn together.

Claims

1. A suturing device, characterized in that, include: Multiple suture needles are arranged side by side at a predetermined interval along a first direction, and a hook fixing part is formed at the tip of the needle to fix the first thread hook. A first thread holding mechanism holds the first thread that is secured to the plurality of suture needles; The needle moving mechanism moves the suture needle in the second direction, which is the direction of the tip of the suture needle that intersects the first direction; and The thread rotation structure, in a state where the suture needle has been moved in the second direction, causes a portion of the thread hook fixing part, which is fixed to the suture needle by a hook in the first thread extending in the first direction, to rotate locally about the center line of the suture needle in a third direction intersecting the first and second directions. The suture needle has a threading groove formed on its side, which extends through the first direction when the suture needle has moved in the second direction.

2. The suturing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The threading groove has an inclined surface that becomes shallower towards the tip of the suture needle.

3. The suturing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The suture rotation structure has a third-direction guide groove formed at the tip of the suture needle, which allows the first suture to pass through two vertices, communicates with the two vertices and is formed in the third direction, and has two inclined guide surfaces that are inclined from the two vertices toward the third-direction guide groove.

4. The suturing device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The two vertices and the two inclined guide surfaces are formed symmetrically with respect to the center line point of the suture needle.

5. The suturing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A hook-and-fixation groove is formed at the tip of the suture needle, which allows the first thread to pass through two vertices and in the first direction between the two vertices. The line rotation structure includes a suture needle rotation mechanism that rotates the suture needle about its centerline by rotating the hook fixing groove formed in the first direction between the two vertices toward the third direction.

6. The suturing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The needle moving mechanism has the following features: A needle holder, disposed within a housing holding the plurality of suture needles, and positioned at the base end of the suture needles to support them; and The movable component is capable of moving along the first direction of the housing and a fourth direction opposite to the first direction. The needle platform includes a first engaging portion that engages with a guide portion formed on the inner wall surface of the housing, and a second engaging portion that engages with a needle drive cam groove formed on the moving member that drives the suture needle in the second direction. The needle platform slides along the guide portion as the moving member moves, and the suture needle moves along the second direction.

7. The suturing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A tangent needle is provided at the end position of the first direction, which is connected to the plurality of suture needles arranged side by side along the first direction. A tangent groove is formed on the side of the tangent needle, and the tangent groove has a cutting edge facing the base end of the tangent needle at the top end position of the tangent needle, and extends through in the first direction.

8. The suturing device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The cutting edge of the tangential groove slopes more towards the base of the tangential needle as it moves towards the tip of the cutting edge.

9. The suturing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, It has a first housing and a second housing that can be opened and closed. The first housing includes the suture needle, the first thread, and the first thread holding mechanism. The second housing has a first thread hook, which is elongated in the first direction and moves in the threading groove formed on the side of the suture needle in the first direction and a fourth direction opposite to the first direction when the first housing and the second housing are closed.

10. The suturing device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first hook has: a tubular member, the top end of which in the first direction is obliquely cut in a plane including the first direction and the third direction such that the width of the third direction decreases as it moves toward the first direction, thus having an oblique end face that opens toward the first direction and the third direction; and a hook member having a hook portion formed by bending the top end in the first direction into a U-shape, which is inserted into the tubular member such that relative movement in the first direction and the fourth direction is possible until the hook portion abuts against the oblique end face of the tubular member.

11. The suturing device according to claim 10, characterized in that, With the suture needle moved in the second direction by the needle moving mechanism, the first thread hook at the end of the suture needle in the first direction among the plurality of suture needles hooks the first thread forming a loop through the suture needle using the hook portion, and moves the hook member relative to the tubular member until it abuts against the inclined end face of the tubular member. After holding the first thread between the hook portion and the inclined end face, the inclined end face is rotated to a position facing a fifth direction opposite to the second direction, and moves in the fourth direction within the threading groove.

12. The suturing device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The second housing includes a second thread holding mechanism that holds the second thread on the side closer to the first direction than the end of the plurality of suture needles located in the first direction when the first housing and the second housing are closed. With the suture needle moved in the second direction by the needle moving mechanism, after the first thread hook holds the second thread, it hooks the hook portion and retracts the hook member towards the tubular member to hold the second thread between the hook portion and the beveled end face. Then, it rotates the beveled end face to a position facing the fifth direction opposite to the second direction and moves in the threading groove in the fourth direction.

13. The suturing device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The first housing includes a first thread guide groove for guiding the first thread supplied from the first thread holding mechanism, a second thread hook for moving in the first direction and the fourth direction and for hooking the first thread from the first thread guide groove through the tip of the suture needle, and a first thread hook fixing groove for hooking and fixing the tip of the first thread hooked to the second thread hook.

14. The suturing device according to claim 9, characterized in that, have: The opening and closing mechanism maintains either a closed state in which the sewn material is sandwiched between the first housing and the second housing, or an open state in which the first housing and the second housing are separated. and A locking mechanism maintains the closed state between the first housing and the second housing as achieved by the opening and closing mechanism.

15. The suturing device according to claim 14, characterized in that, The opening and closing mechanism includes a rotation axis that fixes the second housing to the first housing at the end of the second housing and allows the second housing to rotate between an open state and a closed state. The locking mechanism includes: a rotation prevention member, which is an elongated member along the first direction, capable of being inserted and removed relative to the second housing in a direction intersecting the rotation axis to prevent rotation about the rotation axis; and a locking hole provided in the first housing to insert the rotation prevention member in an insertable manner.

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