Battery discharge mechanism for surgical instrument

Abstract

A surgical instrument includes a handle assembly and a battery assembly configured to be removably coupled to the handle assembly. The handle assembly includes a handle housing, an electronic component within the housing, a handle finger extending from the handle housing, and an electrical contact electrically coupled to the electronic component. The battery assembly includes a battery housing, a battery disposed in the battery housing, a battery contact electrically coupled to the battery, and a discharge circuit board. The discharge circuit board is configured to discharge the battery and is movable within the battery housing from a first position to a second position by the handle fingers when coupling the battery assembly to the handle assembly.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 341,005, filed on May 12, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to powered surgical instruments. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a battery discharge mechanism for an electromechanical handheld surgical instrument. Background Art

[0004] Electric surgical instruments utilize one or more electrical components (such as circuit boards, sensors, motors, etc.) to operate the various functions of the electric surgical instrument. Handheld electric surgical instruments can have a wired power supply configuration or can be battery-operated. Some battery-operated surgical instruments are powered by removable battery packs, which are typically discarded after use. Many regulatory agencies around the world require that batteries be fully discharged when they reach the end of their waste stream. Therefore, there is a need for a low-cost mechanism to ensure that the battery is fully discharged after use and before disposal. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present disclosure provides a surgical instrument. The surgical instrument includes a handle assembly and a battery assembly, which is configured to be removably connected to the handle assembly. The handle assembly includes a handle housing, electronic components in the housing, a handle finger extending from the handle housing, and electrical contacts electrically connected to the electronic components. The battery assembly includes a battery housing, a battery disposed in the battery housing, a battery contact electrically connected to the battery, and a discharge circuit board. The discharge circuit board is configured to discharge the battery and can be moved from a first position to a second position by the handle finger in the battery housing when the battery assembly is connected to the handle assembly.

[0006] In one aspect, a surgical instrument includes an elongated shaft extending from a handle assembly, and an end effector operably coupled to the elongated shaft.

[0007] In one aspect, the battery assembly includes a spring clip configured to maintain the discharge circuit board in the second position after the battery assembly is removed from the handle assembly. Additionally or alternatively, the spring clip can be configured to maintain the discharge circuit board in the first position before the battery assembly is coupled to the handle assembly.

[0008] In one aspect, the battery contacts are configured to conductively contact contact pads of the discharge circuit board when the battery assembly is removed from the handle assembly.

[0009] In one aspect, the handle finger includes a protrusion configured to move a portion of the battery contact to block conductive contact between the battery contact and the discharge circuit board when the battery assembly is coupled to the handle assembly.

[0010] In one aspect, the battery contacts are configured to conductively contact the electrical contacts of the handle assembly when the battery assembly is coupled to the handle assembly to electrically couple the battery to the electronic component.

[0011] In one aspect, the handle finger defines an opening, and the electrical contacts extend through the opening.

[0012] In one aspect, the discharge circuit board is configured to slide longitudinally along the track of the battery assembly.

[0013] In one aspect, the battery housing includes a battery connector and the handle housing includes a handle connector configured to releasably mate with the battery connector.

[0014] In one aspect, the handle finger includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion. The first protrusion is configured to move the discharge circuit board from a first position to a second position when the battery assembly is coupled to the handle assembly. The second protrusion is configured to move a portion of the battery contact to block conductive contact between the battery contact and the discharge circuit board.

[0015] In one aspect, the battery contact is a first battery contact electrically coupled to a first terminal of the battery cell and configured to contact a first contact pad of the discharge circuit board when the discharge circuit board is in the second position. Additionally or alternatively, the battery assembly further comprises a second battery contact electrically coupled to a second terminal of the battery cell and configured to contact a second contact pad of the discharge circuit board when the battery assembly is in the second position and in a discharge state.

[0016] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a battery assembly is provided. The battery assembly includes a battery housing, a battery disposed in the battery housing, a battery contact electrically coupled to the battery, and a discharge circuit board including a contact pad and movable within the battery housing between a first position in the battery housing and a second position in the battery housing, wherein the discharge circuit board is configured to discharge the battery cell when the contact pad is electrically coupled to the battery contact.

[0017] In one aspect, a battery assembly includes a spring clip configured to maintain a discharge circuit board in a first position and a second position.

[0018] In one aspect, the battery assembly includes a track defined in the battery housing, wherein the discharge circuit board is configured to slide longitudinally along the track.

[0019] In one aspect, the battery contact is a second battery contact electrically coupled to a second terminal of the battery cell and configured to contact a second contact pad of the discharge circuit board when the discharge circuit board is in the second position and in a discharge state. Additionally or alternatively, the battery assembly further comprises a first battery contact configured to contact a first contact pad of the discharge circuit board when the discharge circuit board is in the second position.

[0020] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a surgical instrument is provided. The surgical instrument includes a handle assembly and a battery assembly, the battery assembly being configured to be removably coupled to the handle assembly. The handle assembly includes a handle housing, an electronic component disposed within the handle housing, and an electrical contact electrically coupled to the electronic component. The battery assembly includes a battery housing, a battery disposed within the battery housing, a battery contact electrically coupled to the battery, and a discharge circuit board, the discharge circuit board including a contact pad and being movable within the battery housing between a first position in the battery housing and a second position in the battery housing, wherein the discharge circuit board is configured to discharge the battery cell when the contact pad is electrically coupled to the battery contact.

[0021] In one aspect, the battery assembly includes a spring clip configured to maintain the discharge circuit board in a first position before the battery assembly is coupled to the handle assembly and to maintain the discharge circuit board in a second position after the battery assembly is removed from the handle assembly.

[0022] In one aspect, the battery contacts are configured to conductively contact contact pads of the discharge circuit board when the battery assembly is removed from the handle assembly.

[0023] In one aspect, the handle assembly includes a handle finger and a protrusion extending from the handle finger, the protrusion being configured to move a portion of a battery contact to block conductive contact between the battery contact and the discharge circuit board when the battery assembly is coupled to the handle assembly.

[0024] In one aspect, the handle assembly includes a handle finger defining an opening, and the electrical contacts extend through the opening.

[0025] In one aspect, the battery contacts are configured to conductively contact the electrical contacts of the handle assembly when the battery assembly is coupled to the handle assembly to electrically couple the battery to the electronic component.

[0026] In one aspect, the discharge circuit board is configured to slide longitudinally along the track of the battery assembly.

[0027] In one aspect, the handle assembly includes a handle finger having a first protrusion and a second protrusion. The first protrusion is configured to move the discharge circuit board from a first position to a second position when the battery assembly is coupled to the handle assembly. The second protrusion is configured to move a portion of the battery contact to block conductive contact between the battery contact and the discharge circuit board.

[0028] In one aspect, the battery contact is a second battery contact electrically coupled to a second terminal of the battery cell and configured to contact a second contact pad of the discharge circuit board when the discharge circuit board is in the second position and in a discharge state. Additionally or alternatively, the battery assembly further comprises a first battery contact configured to contact a first contact pad of the discharge circuit board when the discharge circuit board is in the second position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Various aspects of the disclosed surgical instrument will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0030] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an electric surgical instrument according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electric surgical instrument including a handle assembly and a battery assembly;

[0031] Figure 2 It is in the pre-installation state Figure 1 A side perspective view of a first cross-section of a handle assembly and a battery assembly of an electric surgical instrument;

[0032] Figure 3 It is in the pre-installation state Figure 1 A side perspective view of a second cross-section of a handle assembly and a battery assembly of an electric surgical instrument;

[0033] Figure 4 It is in the installed state Figure 1 A side perspective view of a third cross-section of the handle assembly and the battery assembly of the electric surgical instrument;

[0034] Figure 5 It is in a state of disposal Figure 1 A side perspective view of a third cross-section of the handle assembly and the battery assembly of the electric surgical instrument;

[0035] Figure 6 It is in a state of disposal Figure 1 A side perspective view of a fourth cross-section of a handle assembly and a battery assembly of an electric surgical instrument;

[0036] Figure 7 It is in a state of disposal Figure 1 A rear perspective view of a handle assembly and a battery assembly of an electric surgical instrument with some portions removed;

[0037] Figure 8 is a perspective view of an electric surgical instrument according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the electric surgical instrument including a handle assembly and a battery assembly;

[0038] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 A three-dimensional view of an electric surgical instrument, wherein the battery assembly is separated from the handle assembly;

[0039] Fig.10 yes Figure 8 A rear perspective view of a handle assembly of an electric surgical instrument;

[0040] Fig.11 yes Figure 8 A rear perspective view of a handle assembly of an electric surgical instrument, wherein a handle housing of the handle assembly is shown in phantom to show internal components of the handle assembly;

[0041] Fig.12 yes Figure 8 A front perspective view of a battery assembly of an electric surgical instrument;

[0042] Fig.13 yes Figure 8 An exploded view of a battery assembly of an electric surgical instrument with some parts separated;

[0043] Fig.14 yes Figure 8 A perspective view of a battery assembly of an electric surgical instrument, with some parts separated;

[0044] Fig.15 yes Figure 8 A rear perspective view of a cover of a battery assembly of an electric surgical instrument;

[0045] Fig.16 yes Figure 8 A rear perspective view of a discharge circuit board of a battery assembly of an electric surgical instrument as seen from a first side;

[0046] Fig.17 yes Figure 8 A rear perspective view of a discharge circuit board of a battery assembly of an electric surgical instrument as seen from a second side;

[0047] Fig.18 yes Figure 8 A rear perspective view of a portion of a handle assembly of an electric surgical instrument and a cover of a battery assembly separated from the handle assembly, wherein the printed circuit board is in a first position;

[0048] Fig.19 yes Figure 8a rear perspective view from a first side of a portion of a handle assembly of an electric surgical instrument and a cover of a battery assembly connected to the handle assembly, wherein the discharge circuit board is in a second position;

[0049] Fig. 20 yes Figure 8 a rear perspective view from a second side of a portion of a handle assembly of an electric surgical instrument and a cover of a battery assembly connected to the handle assembly, wherein the discharge circuit board is in a second position; and

[0050] Fig.21 yes Figure 8 A rear perspective view of a cover of a battery assembly of an electric surgical instrument, wherein the discharge circuit board is in a second position and in a discharged state after the battery assembly is removed from the handle assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] The disclosed electric surgical instrument is described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent identical or corresponding elements in each of the several views. However, it should be understood that the various aspects of the disclosure described herein are merely examples of the disclosure and may be implemented in a variety of different forms. Well-known functions or configurations are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the disclosure with unnecessary detail. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be interpreted as limiting, but should only be interpreted as the basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to employ the disclosure in various ways in almost any structure that is appropriately detailed.

[0052] In this specification, the term "proximal" is generally used to refer to the portion of the device that is closer to the clinician during use of the device in its usual manner, and the term "distal" is generally used to refer to the portion of the device that is farther from the clinician during use of the device in its usual manner. In addition, the term "endoscopic" is generally used to refer to endoscopy, laparoscopy, arthroscopy, and / or any other procedure performed through a small diameter incision or cannula. Further, the term "clinician" is generally used to refer to medical staff, including doctors, nurses, and support staff.

[0053] Many regulatory agencies around the world require that batteries (e.g., lithium cells) be fully discharged when they reach the end of their waste stream. Handheld surgical instruments may utilize a removable battery pack to power the instrument during use in surgery. If the battery pack is removed from the handheld device before it is fully discharged, thereby disconnecting the electrical load, the battery will not meet this requirement and may reach the end of its waste stream with electrical energy still available. The disclosed surgical instrument includes a mechanism for ensuring that the battery is fully discharged regardless of whether the battery remains connected to the surgical instrument or is removed from the surgical instrument after use.

[0054] First reference Figure 1 The electromechanical handheld powered surgical instrument 10 according to aspects of the present disclosure includes a handle assembly 100, an elongated shaft 300 extending from the handle assembly 100, and an end effector 400 coupled to the distal end of the elongated shaft 300. The end effector 400 is configured for actuation and manipulation by the handle assembly 100. The surgical instrument 10 can be any battery-powered handheld or robotic instrument, such as an electric surgical stapler, grasper, cutter, electrosurgical device, etc.

[0055] The handle assembly 100 includes a handle housing 101 that houses a plurality of different electronic components 120 (eg, electronic components 120, circuit boards, motors, sensors, controllers, etc., see Figure 2 ) and mechanical components configured to control the operation of the surgical instrument 10. Additionally, the surgical instrument 10 includes a battery assembly 200 configured to be removably coupled to the handle assembly 100 and to supply power to the electronic components of the surgical instrument 10. In one aspect, the handle housing 101 defines an opening 103 ( Figure 2 ), the opening being configured to receive at least a portion of the battery assembly 200 therein. In various aspects, the handle assembly 100 includes a handle connector 102 configured to releasably engage a battery connector 202 formed by or coupled to a battery housing 201 of the battery assembly 200 to secure the battery assembly 200 to the handle housing 101. The handle connector 102 and the battery connector 202 may be any suitable connection mechanism (e.g., a press clip, a thread, etc.) that enables releasable attachment of the two components.

[0056] refer to Figure 2 The battery assembly 200 includes one or more battery cells 206 disposed within a battery housing 201, and battery contacts 216 conductively connected to the terminals of the battery cells 206. The battery cells 206 are configured to be electrically connected to the electronic components 120 of the surgical instrument 10 when the battery assembly 200 is connected to the handle assembly 100, so as to form a circuit with the electronic components and provide power to the electrical components of the surgical instrument 10 (e.g., the electronic components 120, motors, sensors, etc.). For the sake of simplicity, only a single battery contact 216 is shown and described, but it should be understood that the battery assembly 200 may include multiple battery contacts 216 or independent positive terminal contacts and negative terminal contacts (e.g., corresponding to the positive terminal and negative terminal of the battery cell 206, respectively). The battery assembly 200 also includes a discharge circuit board 250, which is configured to discharge the battery cell 206 after it is used with the surgical instrument 10 (e.g., when the battery assembly 200 is in a disposal state, Figures 6 to 8) discharges the battery cell 206, as described in further detail below.

[0057] The discharge circuit board 250 includes a passive resistive load that is conductively coupled to the contact pad 256 ( Figure 5 and Figure 7 ), and the discharge circuit board can be in the first position ( Figure 2 and Figure 3 ) and a second position. The passive resistive load may include one or more resistors. The contact pad 256 may be disposed on the bottom side of the discharge circuit board 250. In one aspect, the battery housing 201 defines a track 230 ( Figure 3 and Figure 7 ), the discharge circuit board 250 is configured to slide longitudinally between the first position and the second position within the track. As with the battery contacts 216, for the sake of brevity, only a single contact pad 256 is shown and described, but it should be understood that the discharge circuit board 250 may include two contact pads 256 or independent positive terminal contacts and negative terminal contacts (e.g., corresponding to the positive terminal and negative terminal of the battery cell 206, respectively).

[0058] The battery assembly 200 further includes a spring clip 210 or any other suitable retention device positioned relative to the discharge circuit board 250 such that the spring clip 210 maintains the position of the discharge circuit board 250 in the first position before the battery assembly 200 is coupled to any handle assembly 100. The spring clip 210 also maintains the discharge circuit board 250 in the second position after the battery assembly 200 is removed from the handle assembly 100.

[0059] The handle assembly 100 includes a handle finger 130 extending from the handle housing 101, and a protrusion 135 extending from the handle finger 130. The electrical contact 126 is electrically coupled to the electronic component 120 and is configured to conductively contact the battery contact 216 of the battery assembly 200 to close the circuit, thereby providing power to the electronic component (e.g., the electronic component 120) of the handle assembly 100 when the battery assembly 200 is coupled to the handle assembly 100. In one aspect, the electrical contact 126 extends through an opening 137 ( Figure 7 For simplicity, only a single electrical contact 126 is shown and described, but it should be understood that the electronic component 120 may include two electrical contacts 126 or separate positive and negative terminal contacts (eg, corresponding to the positive and negative terminals of the battery cell 206, respectively).

[0060] Figure 3The battery assembly 200 is shown in a pre-installed state, wherein the discharge circuit board 250 is in a first position and is maintained in that position by the spring clip 210 before the battery assembly 200 is used for the first time. In the first position, the contact pad 256 is physically separated from the battery contact 216 and is not in conductive contact with the battery contact. After the battery assembly 200 is coupled to the handle assembly 100, the battery assembly 200 is converted to the installed state ( Figure 4 During coupling of the battery assembly 200 to the handle assembly 100 (e.g., during transition from a pre-installation state to a post-installation state), the handle finger 130 depresses (or otherwise disengages) the spring clip 210 and pushes the discharge circuit board 250 from the first position to the second position. In addition to pushing the discharge circuit board 250 from the first position to the second position, the protrusion 135 of the handle finger 130 slides under the discharge circuit board 250 to physically cover the contact pad 256 of the discharge circuit board 250, thereby preventing the contact pad 256 from possibly making conductive contact with the battery contact 216. In various aspects, in addition to or in lieu of the protrusion 135 physically covering the contact pad 256, the battery contact 216 is moved (e.g., depressed) by the protrusion 135 such that the battery contact 216 is physically spaced apart from the contact pad 256. When the battery assembly 200 is in the installed state, the electrical contacts 126 are electrically coupled to the battery contacts 216 , thereby completing an electrical circuit and supplying power to the electronic component 120 .

[0061] Figures 5 to 7 The battery assembly 200 is shown in a disposed state (i.e., a state in which the battery assembly 200 has been coupled to the handle assembly 100 and then subsequently removed from the handle assembly). In the disposed state, the discharge circuit board 250 is in the second position and is maintained in the second position by the spring clip 210. In addition, because the protrusion 135 of the handle finger 130 no longer covers the contact pad 256 of the discharge circuit board 250 and no longer depresses the battery contact 216 to physically separate the battery contact 216 from the contact pad 256, the contact pad 256 is electrically coupled to the battery contact 216. When the contact pad 256 is electrically coupled to the battery contact 216 (e.g., when the positive terminal of the contact pad 256 contacts the positive terminal of the battery contact 216 and / or the negative terminal of the contact pad 256 contacts the negative terminal of the battery contact 216), a circuit is formed that enables the discharge circuit board 250 to discharge the battery cell 206. The discharge circuit board 250 discharges the battery cells 206 until no more electrical energy remains in the battery cells 206 of the battery assembly 200 .

[0062] The time to fully discharge the battery cells 206 of the battery assembly 200 depends on the capacity of the battery cells 206 and the resistive load of the discharge circuit board 250. In various aspects, the resistive load of the discharge circuit board 250 can be selected manually or automatically to control the discharge rate. The resistors forming the resistive load of the discharge circuit board 250 can be implemented in series and in parallel to distribute power and add safety redundancy to the discharge function of the discharge circuit board 250.

[0063] After being in the disposal state, if the battery assembly 200 is reconnected to the handle assembly 100, the protrusion 135 of the handle finger 130 will slide between the contact pad 256 and the battery contact 216 under the discharge circuit board 250 to disconnect the conductive connection between the contact pad and the battery contact and enable the electrical contact 126 to be reconnected to the battery contact 216.

[0064] Reference now Figures 8 to 18 , an electromechanical handheld powered surgical instrument 10' according to aspects of the present disclosure includes a handle assembly 100', an elongated shaft 300' extending from the handle assembly 100', and an end effector 400' coupled to the distal end of the elongated shaft 300'. The end effector 400' is configured for actuation and manipulation by the handle assembly 100'. The surgical instrument 10' can be any battery-powered handheld or robotic instrument, such as an electric surgical stapler, grasper, cutter, electrosurgical device, etc.

[0065] The handle assembly 100' includes a handle housing 101' that houses a plurality of different electronic components 120' (eg, electronic components 120', circuit boards, motors, sensors, controllers, etc., Fig.11 ) and mechanical components configured to control the operation of the surgical instrument 10'. Additionally, the surgical instrument 10' includes a battery assembly 200' that is configured to be removably coupled to the handle assembly 100' and to supply power to the electronic components of the surgical instrument 10'. In various aspects, the handle assembly 100' includes a handle connector 102' that is configured to releasably engage a battery connector 202' formed by or coupled to a battery housing 201' of the battery assembly 200' to secure the battery assembly 200' to the handle housing 101'. The handle connector 102' and the battery connector 202' can be any suitable connection mechanism (e.g., a press clamp, threads, etc.) that enables releasable attachment of the two components. In various aspects, the handle assembly 100' defines a handle finger 130' that is configured to be positioned through an opening 203' defined by a cover 204' of the battery assembly 200' and through a slot 213' defined by a battery housing 201 ' of the battery assembly 200'.

[0066] refer to Fig.13 and Fig.14 , the battery assembly 200' includes one or more battery cells 206', which are disposed in a battery housing 201' and enclosed in the battery housing 201' by a cover 204'. The battery cell 206' is configured to be electrically coupled to the electronic components 120' of the surgical instrument 10' when the battery assembly 200' is coupled to the handle assembly 100' to form a circuit with the electronic components and provide power to the electrical components of the surgical instrument 10' (e.g., the electronic components 120', motors, sensors, etc.). The battery assembly 200' also includes a discharge circuit board 250', which is configured to discharge the battery cell 206' after the battery cell 206' is used with the surgical instrument 10' and is disconnected from the surgical instrument (e.g., when the battery assembly 200' is in a disposal state), as described in further detail below.

[0067] The discharge circuit board 250' includes a passive resistive load conductively coupled to the first contact pad 256' ( Fig.16 ) and the second contact pad 257' ( Fig.17 ), and the discharge circuit board can be in the first position ( Fig.14 , Fig.15 and Fig.18 ) and the second position ( Figures 19 to 21 ). The discharge circuit board 250' remains in the first position until the battery assembly 200' is connected to the handle assembly 100'. The discharge circuit board 250' moves to the second position when the battery assembly 200' is connected to the handle assembly 100', and remains in the second position after the battery assembly 200' is removed from the handle assembly 100'. The passive resistive load of the discharge circuit board 250' may include one or more resistors. The first contact pad 256' may be disposed on one side (e.g., the bottom side) of the discharge circuit board 250', and the second contact pad 257' may be disposed on the other side (e.g., the top side) of the discharge circuit board 250'. On the one hand, the cover 204' defines a track 205', and the discharge circuit board 250' is configured to slide longitudinally within the track between the first position and the second position.

[0068] The battery assembly 200' further includes a spring clip 210' or any other suitable retention device positioned relative to the discharge circuit board 250' such that the spring clip 210' maintains the position of the discharge circuit board 250' in the first position before the battery assembly 200' is coupled to any handle assembly 100'. The spring clip 210' also maintains the discharge circuit board 250' in the second position after the battery assembly 200' is removed from the handle assembly 100'. In one aspect, the spring clip 210' extends from the cover 204', and a portion of the spring clip 210' is positioned within an opening 255' defined through the discharge circuit board 250' to retain the discharge circuit board 250' in the initial first position until a force is applied on the discharge circuit board 250' to move the discharge circuit board 250' along the track 205' to the second position. When the discharge circuit board 250' is moved to the second position, the spring clip 210' abuts against the distal surface 254' of the printed circuit board 250' to retain the discharge circuit board 250' in the second position both when the battery assembly 200' is coupled to the handle assembly 100' and after the battery assembly 200' is removed from the handle assembly 100'. Although the spring clip 210' is described as being positioned within the opening 255' and abutting against the distal surface 254', it can be configured in any manner suitable for retaining the discharge circuit board 250' in the first position and the second position. For example, the discharge circuit board 250' can include one or more recesses (not shown) that are configured to receive the spring clip 210', or include other suitable configurations to retain the discharge circuit board 250' in one or more positions along the track 205'.

[0069] The battery assembly 200' also includes a first battery contact 220' and a second battery contact 240' connected to the cover 204' and positioned relative to the track 205', and the discharge circuit board 250' is slidably disposed in the track. In various aspects, at least one of the first battery contact 220' and the second battery contact 240' is a leaf spring. The first battery contact 220' and the second battery contact 240' are fixed in an appropriate position relative to the track 205' of the cover 204' so that the discharge circuit board 250' can move relative to the first battery contact 220' and the second battery contact 240'. The first battery contact 220' includes a first battery cell contact 226' and a first instrument contact 228', the first battery cell contact is electrically connected to the first terminal 206a' of the battery cell 206', and the first instrument contact is accessible through the cover 204' to contact the first electrical terminal 128' ( Fig.18Similarly, the second battery contact 240' includes a second battery cell contact 246' electrically coupled to the second terminal 206b' of the battery cell 206' and a second instrument contact 248' accessible through the cover 204' to contact the second electrical terminal 148' of the handle assembly 100' when the battery assembly 200' is coupled to the handle assembly 100' ( Fig.18 ). The first and second electrical terminals 128', 148' are electrically coupled to the electronic components 120' of the handle assembly 100' and are configured to close a circuit to provide power to the electronic components (eg, the electronic components 120) of the handle assembly 100' when the battery assembly 200' is coupled to the handle assembly 100'.

[0070] The handle assembly 100' includes a handle finger 130' extending from the handle housing 101', and a first protrusion 135' and a second protrusion 136' extending from the handle finger 130'. The first protrusion 135' is positioned so that during the process of coupling the battery assembly 200' to the handle assembly 100', the first protrusion 135' engages the spring clip 210', thereby forcing the spring clip 210' outward to release the discharge circuit board 250' from the spring clip 210', and the first protrusion engages the distal surface 254' ( Fig.16 ), so that as the battery assembly 200' is connected to the handle assembly 100', the discharge circuit board 250' is moved along the track 205' of the cover 204' from the first position ( Fig.18 ) moves to the second position ( Fig.19 ). The second protrusion 136' is positioned so that during the process of coupling the battery assembly 200' to the handle assembly 100', the second protrusion 136' engages the second battery contact 240' to physically separate the second battery contact 240' and the second contact pad 257' by sliding between the second battery contact 240' and the second contact pad 257' and preventing the second battery contact from contacting the second contact pad.

[0071] After the discharge circuit board 250' moves from the first position to the second position and when the battery assembly 200' is still connected to the handle housing 101', the first protrusion 135' abuts against the spring clip 210' to prevent the spring clip 210' from engaging the discharge circuit board 250'. Fig.19 When the discharge circuit board 250' is in the second position and the battery assembly 200' is connected to the handle assembly 100', the first battery contact 220' is aligned with and in conductive contact with the first contact pad 256'.

[0072] In addition, specific reference Fig. 20When the discharge circuit board 250' is in the second position and the battery assembly 200' is connected to the handle assembly 100', the second battery contact 240' is aligned with the second contact pad 257' without conductive contact. In particular, when the battery assembly 200' is connected to the handle assembly 100', the second protrusion 136' separates the second battery contact 240' from the second contact pad 257', thereby preventing electrical contact between the second battery contact and the second contact pad.

[0073] Fig.21 The battery assembly 200' is shown in a processed state. In particular, as Fig.21 As shown in , after the battery assembly 200' is removed from the handle assembly 100', the discharge circuit board 250' is maintained in the second position and is prevented from sliding to the first position by the spring clip 210' abutting against the distal surface 254' of the discharge circuit board 250'. When the battery assembly 200' is removed from the handle assembly 100' and the discharge circuit board 250' is in the second position, the second protrusion 136' is no longer disposed between the second battery contact 240' and the second contact pad 257', and thus the second battery contact 240' is no longer physically separated from the second contact pad 257'. Therefore, in this configuration, the second battery contact 240' is electrically coupled to the second contact pad 257', thereby closing the circuit between the battery cell 206' and the resistive load of the discharge circuit board 250'. The resistive load of the discharge circuit board 250' will discharge the battery cell 206' until there is no more electrical energy remaining in the battery cell 206' of the battery assembly 200'.

[0074] The time to fully discharge the battery cells 206' of the battery assembly 200' depends on the capacity of the battery cells 206' and the resistive load of the discharge circuit board 250'. In various aspects, the resistive load of the discharge circuit board 250' can be selected manually or automatically to control the discharge rate. The resistors forming the resistive load of the discharge circuit board 250' can be implemented in series and in parallel to distribute power and add safety redundancy to the discharge function of the discharge circuit board 250'.

[0075] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the devices and methods specifically described herein and shown in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments. It is contemplated that the elements and features illustrated or described in conjunction with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with the elements and features of another exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Likewise, those skilled in the art will appreciate further features and advantages of the present disclosure based on the embodiments described above. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to what has been specifically shown and described, except as indicated by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A surgical instrument, comprising: A handle assembly, the handle assembly comprising: Handle housing; An electronic component, wherein the electronic component is disposed in the handle housing; a handle finger extending from the handle housing; and an electrical contact electrically coupled to the electronic component; and a battery assembly configured to be removably coupled to the handle assembly, the battery assembly comprising: Battery housing; A battery cell, wherein the battery cell is disposed in the battery housing; battery contacts electrically coupled to the battery cells; and A discharge circuit board is configured to discharge the battery cells and is movable between a first position and a second position within the battery housing, wherein the discharge circuit board is moved from the first position to the second position by the handle finger when the battery assembly is coupled to the handle assembly.

2. The surgical instrument of claim 1, further comprising an elongated shaft extending from the handle assembly and an end effector operably coupled to the elongated shaft.

3. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein: The battery assembly includes a spring clip configured to maintain the discharge circuit board in the second position after the battery assembly is removed from the handle assembly.

4. The surgical instrument according to claim 3, wherein: The spring clip is configured to maintain the discharge circuit board in the first position before the battery assembly is coupled to the handle assembly.

5. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein: The battery contacts are configured to conductively contact contact pads of the discharge circuit board when the battery assembly is removed from the handle assembly.

6. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein: The handle finger includes a protrusion configured to move a portion of the battery contact to block conductive contact between the battery contact and the discharge circuit board when the battery assembly is coupled to the handle assembly.

7. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein: The battery contacts are configured to conductively contact the electrical contacts of the handle assembly when the battery assembly is coupled to the handle assembly to electrically couple the battery to the electronic component.

8. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein: The handle fingers define an opening, and the electrical contacts extend through the opening.

9. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein: The discharge circuit board is configured to slide longitudinally along the track of the battery assembly.

10. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein: The battery housing includes a battery connector, and the handle housing includes a handle connector configured to releasably mate with the battery connector.

11. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein: The handle finger-shaped member comprises: a first protrusion configured to move the discharge circuit board from the first position to the second position when the battery assembly is coupled to the handle assembly; and A second protrusion is configured to move a portion of the battery contact to block conductive contact between the battery contact and the discharge circuit board.

12. The surgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein: The battery contact is a first battery contact, which is electrically connected to the first terminal of the battery cell and is configured to contact the first contact pad of the discharge circuit board when the discharge circuit board is in the second position, and wherein the battery assembly further includes a second battery contact, which is electrically connected to the second terminal of the battery cell and is configured to contact the second contact pad of the discharge circuit board when the battery assembly is in the second position and in a discharge state.

13. A battery assembly for use with a surgical instrument, the battery assembly comprising: Battery housing; A battery cell, wherein the battery cell is disposed in the battery housing; a battery contact electrically coupled to the battery cell; as well as A discharge circuit board includes contact pads and is movable within the battery housing between a first position in the battery housing and a second position in the battery housing, wherein the discharge circuit board is configured to discharge the battery cells when the contact pads are electrically coupled to the battery contacts.

14. The battery assembly of claim 13, further comprising a spring clip configured to maintain the discharge circuit board in the first position and the second position.

15. The battery assembly of claim 13, further comprising a track defined in the battery housing, wherein: The discharge circuit board is configured to slide longitudinally along the track.

16. The battery assembly according to claim 13, wherein: The battery contact is a second battery contact, which is electrically connected to the second terminal of the battery cell and is configured to contact the second contact pad of the discharge circuit board when the discharge circuit board is in the second position and in a discharge state, and wherein the battery assembly further includes a first battery contact, which is configured to contact the first contact pad of the discharge circuit board when the discharge circuit board is in the second position.

17. A surgical instrument comprising: A handle assembly, the handle assembly comprising: Handle housing; an electronic component disposed in the handle housing; and an electrical contact electrically coupled to the electronic component; and a battery assembly configured to be removably coupled to the handle assembly, the battery assembly comprising: Battery housing; A battery cell, wherein the battery cell is disposed in the battery housing; battery contacts electrically coupled to the battery cells; and A discharge circuit board includes contact pads and is movable within the battery housing between a first position in the battery housing and a second position in the battery housing, wherein the discharge circuit board is configured to discharge the battery cells when the contact pads are electrically coupled to the battery contacts.

18. The surgical instrument of claim 17, wherein: The battery assembly includes a spring clip configured to maintain the discharge circuit board in the first position before the battery assembly is coupled to the handle assembly and to maintain the discharge circuit board in the second position after the battery assembly is removed from the handle assembly.

19. The surgical instrument of claim 17, wherein: The battery contacts are configured to conductively contact contact pads of the discharge circuit board when the battery assembly is removed from the handle assembly.

20. The surgical instrument of claim 17, wherein: The handle assembly includes a handle finger and a protrusion extending from the handle finger, the protrusion being configured to move a portion of the battery contact to block conductive contact between the battery contact and the discharge circuit board when the battery assembly is coupled to the handle assembly.

21. The surgical instrument of claim 17, wherein: The handle assembly includes a handle finger defining an opening, and the electrical contacts extend through the opening.

22. The surgical instrument of claim 17, wherein: The battery contacts are configured to conductively contact the electrical contacts of the handle assembly when the battery assembly is coupled to the handle assembly to electrically couple the battery to the electronic component.

23. The surgical instrument of claim 17, wherein: The discharge circuit board is configured to slide longitudinally along the track of the battery assembly.

24. The surgical instrument of claim 17, wherein: The handle assembly includes a handle finger, the handle finger including: a first protrusion configured to move the discharge circuit board from the first position to the second position when the battery assembly is coupled to the handle assembly; and A second protrusion is configured to move a portion of the battery contact to block conductive contact between the battery contact and the discharge circuit board.

25. The surgical instrument of claim 17, wherein: The battery contact is a second battery contact, which is electrically connected to the second terminal of the battery cell and is configured to contact the second contact pad of the discharge circuit board when the discharge circuit board is in the second position and in a discharge state, and wherein the battery assembly further includes a first battery contact, which is configured to contact the first contact pad of the discharge circuit board when the discharge circuit board is in the second position.

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