INTEGRATED POWER UNIT IPU

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an actuating unit, in particular a foot switch unit or a hand switch unit for an electrically operated surgical instrument(s), preferably of a minimally invasive design.

[0002] To operate a motor system, at least three cables are currently required. The first cable serves as the power supply, providing electricity from a mains connection to a control and monitoring unit. The second cable connects the control and monitoring unit to the motor system attached to a handpiece. This cable serves both as a power supply and as a communication link for transmitting data and / or operating parameters. The third cable connects a foot switch or hand switch to the control and monitoring unit.

[0003] Both the second and third cables described above run from the patient area, hereinafter also referred to as the sterile area, across the operating room. This poses a significant risk, such as damage caused by a trolley, hospital bed, or similar object running over the cable. Furthermore, these cables form a bridge between the sterile and non-sterile areas, creating a tripping hazard for clinical staff. The use of such cables can also lead to disconnection during operation. Another disadvantage of these cables is their required length. The first cable requires a length of at least 1.5 to 5 meters. The second cable is at least 4 meters long, and the third is at least 5 meters long.Apart from the disadvantages for staff and / or patients described above, the respective cables can cause far-reaching technical problems, such as in the area of ​​EMC (electromagnetic compatibility) and / or signal transmission of motor power and / or data transmission between handpiece and control unit, etc.

[0004] Actuating units are already known from the prior art. For example, DE 10 2013 114 918 A1 discloses a medical switch, in particular a foot switch, with a switch base and a removable actuating element for actuating the switch, wherein the actuating element is mounted so as to be positionable relative to the switch base between a first switching position and a second switching position by means of at least one axis element, and a locking device is provided which allows the actuating element to be brought into a release position relative to the switch base at least in the first switching position and the second switching position, and thereby results in a relative positioning of the actuating element and the locking device, so that the actuating element can be removed from the switch base.

[0005] From DE 10 2005 029 458 A1, an actuating device for electromedical devices, in particular foot switches, is known, comprising a base part, at least one pedal part which is pivotably connected to the base part, and at least one switching element 12 which can be actuated by the pedal part.

[0006] WO 01 / 21056 A2 describes a surgical tool station with several tools, where each tool has its own foot switch arranged under the operating table.

[0007] EP 3 032 513 B1 describes a pairing method for wireless communication between an operating unit, in particular a foot switch, a medical device control unit, in particular a foot control unit, and a control unit of the medical device control unit, wherein the operating unit and the control unit communicate wirelessly with each other. It further relates to a medical device control unit, in particular a foot control unit, comprising an operating unit, in particular a foot switch, and a control unit that can be wirelessly connected to it, wherein the operating unit has at least two operating elements, each of which, when activated by the user, receives a control signal from the control unit to the medical device for its control.

[0008] EP 1 567 063 B1 concerns foot switches used in the operation of microsurgical systems. A microsurgical system is designed to include a computer and a foot switch that are functionally linked to the computer.

[0009] EP 1 326 565 B1 relates to a microsurgical control system comprising a computer, a foot switch functionally coupled to the computer, and a touch-screen display functionally coupled to the computer.

[0010] US 2016 / 375273 A1 describes a medical treatment device consisting of a treatment tool and a control unit. The control unit includes a power source and supplies the treatment tool with energy.

[0011] Therefore, it is a disadvantage in the current state of the art that, for example, the use of a wireless foot switch merely replaces the third line described above, resulting in neither optimal size, cost, nor reliability. Furthermore, the cables / wires used here, as described above for the first and second lines, still form a bridge from the sterile area to the non-sterile area.

[0012] Furthermore, it is a disadvantage that the products available on the market use a battery pack consisting of several batteries connected in series. This is necessary because each individual battery typically supplies approximately 1.3 VDC. To achieve the nominal voltage for the various devices or instruments, the voltages of these individual batteries must be added together. This results in heavy and expensive power modules.

[0013] When using accumulators, the size of the motor-driven surgical system is unacceptable, and performance and reliability are insufficient. Brief description of the invention

[0014] The present invention is therefore based on the objective of providing an actuating unit for a surgical instrument or an electrically operated surgical instrument which avoids or at least improves upon the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0015] The core of the present invention lies in providing an actuating unit with which an electrically driven surgical instrument can be operated without requiring a connection from the sterile area to the non-sterile area. In other words, neither the actuating unit nor the electrically driven surgical instrument is connected via a line / cable to an external control and / or monitoring unit located outside the sterile area.

[0016] The object of the invention is achieved by providing an actuating unit, in particular a foot switch unit or hand switch unit, with a switch housing that is separate from and spatially spaced away from a surgical instrument. The switch housing is designed or equipped with a frame, base, or the like for supporting the switch housing on a surface, preferably a floor, or with fastening means for attaching it to a mounting surface, such as an operating table or a robot arm. The top of the switch housing also serves as an accelerator pedal and is actuated by pressing the top of the switch housing towards the floor / surface / mounting surface.Furthermore, the actuating unit is equipped with at least one power supply unit, preferably an energy storage unit, designed to supply power to at least one electric motor of a surgical instrument connected to the actuating unit. In addition, the actuating unit has a control and monitoring device designed to perform and / or monitor at least one of the following functions.

[0017] The control and monitoring unit can monitor and display the charge level of an energy storage unit and / or switch on / off a power supply to a connected surgical instrument and / or receive data from the actuating unit and / or send data to the actuating unit and / or output and / or receive operating parameters and / or operating signals to a connected surgical instrument, preferably with respect to its electric motor, and / or store data and / or operating parameters.

[0018] Furthermore, the actuating device is equipped with a cable and / or a cable connection for connecting the cable for electrical coupling of the actuating unit to a surgical instrument for operating its electric motor by means of the power supply unit integrated in the actuating unit and preferably for transmitting the data and / or operating parameters, in particular safety-relevant electrical signals and data.

[0019] In other words, this means that the entire power supply to the motor, as well as the communication between the control and / or monitoring unit, runs / takes place via a single cable that connects the actuator and the electrically driven surgical instrument. Thus, the solution to this problem ensures that no cables / wires form a bridge to the non-sterile area. The entire setup is therefore located within the sterile area.

[0020] It is preferred if the control and monitoring device is an IPU unit, or is designed as an IPU unit, comprising an energy storage unit, a signal generator, a motor power supply unit, a data acquisition unit, and a transmitter unit, and the IPU unit is integrated into the switch housing of the actuator unit. In other words, this means that the entire power supply for the motor, as well as any additional functions, are integrated into the actuator unit, particularly the foot switch or hand switch. Thus, the energy storage unit is integrated into the switch housing as a power supply and can supply energy to both the electrically driven surgical instrument with its motor system and all other IPU components integrated into the switch housing.

[0021] The integrated signal generator outputs a signal, for example, to initiate clockwise rotation of the electric motor. Similarly, the motor current can be controlled and, if necessary, automatically adjusted to the specific application part / handpiece connected to the motor system. The data acquisition unit built into the actuator is used, for example, to record reprocessing cycles, reprocessing duration, washing cycles, and / or the motor's maintenance status. The transmitter sends data and / or operating parameters to an external device, such as a smartphone or a charging station.

[0022] Furthermore, it is preferred if a DC / DC converter is used in the motor power supply device, which is additionally integrated in the actuation unit to increase the voltage supplied by the energy storage unit from 12 VDC to 36 VDC, which is the voltage required to operate an inverter-fed permanent magnet synchronous motor.

[0023] It is preferable to use a boost converter to replace two of the three battery packs previously required to operate an operating device that, for example, requires an input voltage of 36 VDC. This offers the advantage of significant cost savings, as rough calculations show that the cost of a series boost converter is considerably lower, in particular 10 times lower, than the cost of two battery packs.

[0024] Furthermore, it is advantageous that freely adjustable voltage gain allows the use of any battery technology. This flexibility eliminates dependence on individual suppliers or potentially discontinued products. Additionally, the inverter's weight is significantly less than that of the batteries, resulting in improved handling. A low overall weight is particularly important for devices that must be held directly by the operator.

[0025] Furthermore, the invention enables the motor to operate at a significantly higher voltage level for a given size and volume. This results in a significantly lower current level, higher efficiency, and lower motor production costs.

[0026] Furthermore, drive systems in operating rooms, for example for bone treatment, are either battery-operated motors corresponding to a 12 V supply or wired systems corresponding to a 36 V supply. The invention offers the advantage that the two motor platforms can be reduced to one platform.

[0027] By reducing the size of the battery or energy storage unit, the charging time is correspondingly shortened. It is important to note that although the stored energy is reduced to one-third of its original capacity, the available charge should easily last through a normal surgical procedure.

[0028] Furthermore, it is preferred if another embodiment of the invention is incorporated into a power tool. To drive the permanent magnet synchronous motor, an inverter / DC bus with 36 VDC is used. This solution would drastically improve the handling of these instruments.

[0029] Due to important and potentially fluid-sensitive components integrated into the switch housing of the actuating unit, it is advantageous if the switch housing is fluid-tight or can be sealed in a fluid-tight manner.

[0030] A further advantage of the above embodiment is the significant reduction in space requirements in an operating room due to the complete elimination of the control and / or monitoring unit as an external device. An additional advantage can be achieved by using only one cable, which preferably has half the total cable length of the cables in the prior art described above. The reduced cable length ensures a more reliable and less susceptible transmission of safety-relevant electrical signals and data, as well as operating parameters.

[0031] Furthermore, it is preferred that the energy storage unit be a rechargeable battery or accumulator. The use of a rechargeable battery is even more preferred, as it is both less expensive and more environmentally friendly than a standard battery. Another advantage of an integrated rechargeable battery is that the cable / conductor for supplying the energy storage unit can be eliminated. This allows the entire system to be operated in a sterile area without a power supply cable having to bridge the gap between the sterile and non-sterile areas. With such an embodiment, the energy storage unit can be replaced or recharged in the absence of a patient, i.e., in an offline operating mode.

[0032] It is further preferred if the IPU unit is configured to centrally acquire data and / or operating parameters in the actuation unit, in particular the foot switch or hand switch unit. In other words, a central data acquisition device is provided in the foot switch or hand switch unit, which receives, stores, and, if necessary, outputs the data. Thus, the data can be accessed both in operating mode and in offline operating mode. Furthermore, such central data acquisition allows all data acquired over a more or less extensive area to be consolidated in one central location. This eliminates the need for various communication or transmission paths between multiple data acquisition devices.

[0033] It is further preferred if the IPU unit has a data interface, in particular an interface for connecting a storage medium, for reading out all data and / or operating parameters, preferably the motor history of all application parts / handpieces. Thus, the present invention offers the possibility of accessing the stored and / or recorded data and / or operating parameters of the IPU unit in an offline operating mode by connecting a storage medium to the IPU unit, in order to subsequently read, process, or further use them, for example, on a separate device, preferably independent of the IPU unit, such as a PC / computer. Such a storage medium can be, for example, a USB stick, a memory card, or the like.

[0034] Furthermore, it is preferred if the IPU unit can be completely removed / detached from the switch housing, particularly for cleaning and / or refurbishing the switch housing, and then reinstalled. In addition to cleaning and / or refurbishing, especially the external surfaces of the actuator unit, it is also conceivable to connect the IPU unit to, for example, a computer to access the stored / recorded data and / or operating parameters. This also allows for the installation of necessary updates and / or new programs. Another advantage is that the switch housing can be subjected to more intensive cleaning when the IPU unit is not inside the housing.

[0035] It is further preferred that the underside of the switch housing be provided with a non-slip coating. This has the advantage that the actuating unit does not slip when operated by an operator, preferably clinical staff, in particular a surgeon. This also prevents, for example, variations in the pressure applied by the operator, which would occur if the switch housing were not securely mounted on the surface, preferably the floor. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the actuating element does not change its position even upon unintentional contact, such as a side impact. Nevertheless, the actuating unit is designed to remain mobile and freely positionable, and is not permanently attached to the surface / floor.

[0036] It is further preferred if bidirectional data exchange is provided between the IPU unit and a charger during a charging process, and if data exchange, in particular all data and / or operating parameters of all application components, is provided between the charger and a cloud. Storing all or even just some of the data and / or operating parameters in a cloud makes it possible to retrieve this data even outside of and in the absence of the IPU unit. Bidirectional data exchange means that data transmission takes place in both directions between the two devices. This means that both devices are capable of receiving (receiver) and sending (transmitter) data. To ensure this, it goes without saying that the corresponding interfaces must also be bidirectional.

[0037] The invention further relates to communication between the actuating unit and a smartphone or tablet, particularly for operating the respective application part and for use as a display for the IPU unit. This allows the charge level of the integrated energy storage unit to be monitored via the smartphone or tablet and / or the power supply to be switched on or off, i.e., to activate the actuating unit or switch it to offline operating mode. Furthermore, this makes it possible to use various settings, such as adjusting individual motor parameters or individually operating the application parts. The communication connection between the smartphone or tablet and the actuating unit is wireless, preferably via Wi-Fi. Alternatively, data transmission via Bluetooth is possible.

[0038] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a surgical treatment system with an electrically operated surgical instrument, the electric motor of which is designed for operation with an energy storage unit, is received in a handpiece, at the proximal end or end region of which a cable connection for the power supply of at least the electric motor and / or for the transmission of data and / or operating parameters is formed or arranged, and an actuating unit with the features according to one of the preceding aspects.

[0039] Thus, the invention described above, as well as the surgical treatment system, offers significant space savings in the operating room and cost reductions compared to existing systems. Furthermore, the actuating unit is compact, lightweight, and mobile. Brief description of the characters

[0040] Fig. 1 is a representation to illustrate the operating unit according to the present disclosure; Fig. 2 is a representation to illustrate the control and monitoring unit according to the present disclosure; Fig. 3 is a representation to illustrate a treatment system according to the present disclosure; Fig. 4 is a representation to illustrate the treatment system according to the state of the art; and Fig. 5 This is a representation of the energy supply components of the engine system. Description of the exemplary implementations

[0041] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the accompanying figures. The figures are merely schematic and serve to illustrate the invention. The same elements are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0042] Fig. 1 This is a representation illustrating the actuating unit 1 according to the present disclosure. The actuating unit 1 is in Fig. 1 according to a preferred embodiment designed as a foot switch unit to be used with an electrically motor-driven surgical instrument 2 (see Fig. 3 ) to be / come into contact. A hand-held switch unit is designed similarly. The actuating unit 1 has a switch housing 3, which is formed with a frame 4. The frame 4, which is designed as a fixed bracket above the switch housing 3 and is fixed / attached to the switch housing 3 on two opposite sides, is used by an operator, preferably with their foot / hand, to lift and move the actuating unit 1. When actuated, the top of the switch housing 3 of the actuating unit 1 is pressed towards the floor / support surface. The actuating unit 1 is provided with a power supply unit 5, which powers an associated motor system 6 (see Fig. 3 ) supplied with electricity / energy. In addition, there is space for attaching a cable 8 (see Fig. 3 ) a cable connection is provided on one side of the actuating unit 1.

[0043] Fig. 2 Figure 1 is a representation illustrating the control and monitoring unit 7 according to the present disclosure. The control and monitoring unit 7 is designed to be installed in the switch housing 3 according to Fig. 1 to be integrated. The control and monitoring unit 7 is preferably a completely removable IPU unit 7, consisting of several subcomponents. In Fig. 2 It can be seen that the IPU unit is designed with a signal generator 10, a motor power supply unit 11, a data acquisition unit 12, and a transmitter unit 13. Furthermore, the IPU unit has an energy storage unit 5, preferably designed as a battery, which is preferably provided centrally in the IPU unit 7 and supplies the surrounding components and the motor system 6 for the electromechanical operation of the surgical instrument 2 with energy / current. It is preferred if the IPU unit 7 has almost the same shape as the switch housing 3 of the actuating unit 1.

[0044] Fig. 3 This is a representation to illustrate a treatment system according to the present disclosure. The treatment system has the features described in Fig. 1 The previously described actuation unit 1, into which the IPU unit 7 with the energy storage unit 5 is integrated, is connected. The motor system 6 is connected at its proximal end 17 to the cable connection 9 of the actuation unit 1 via a cable 8. The motor system 6 is connected at its distal end 18 to the surgical instrument 2. The motor system 6 and the surgical instrument 2 connected to it together form the handpiece / application part 14.

[0045] Furthermore, the IPU unit 7 is designed to communicate wirelessly with a smartphone 16 via a communication link 15. The communication link 15 is designed to allow, for example, adjustments to individual motor parameters. It is also preferred that the smartphone 16's display be used as the display for the IPU unit 7. This allows, for example, the energy storage unit's charge level to be read and / or the power supply to be switched on and off via the smartphone 16.

[0046] Fig. 4 This is a representation to illustrate the treatment system according to the state of the art. Fig. 4 essentially corresponds to the representation from Fig. 3 with the difference that, in the prior art, three cables must be used to fulfill all the necessary and / or desired functions for operating the surgical instrument 2. Thus, in Fig. 4 The first line 19 is a supply line between a power supply unit or mains (not shown) and a control and monitoring device 7. The second line 20 connects the control and monitoring device 7 to the motor system 6 integrated into the application part 14, which is connected to the surgical instrument 2. The third line 21 serves to connect the control and monitoring device 7 to the actuating unit 1.

[0047] A comparison of the two Fign. 3 und 4 clarifies that one cable 8 according to Fig. 3 Both the first line (19), the second line (20), and the third line (21) are replaced. This eliminates the need for cables / wires running across the operating room.

[0048] Fig. 5 This is a representation of the energy supply components of the engine system. Fig. 5 Figure 5 shows the power supply unit, a converter 22, and an inverter 23, which are integrated into the actuation unit 1. It is preferred that the converter 22 and the inverter 23 are part of the motor power supply device 11. The energy storage unit 5 supplies a 12 V DC voltage to the converter 22, which converts the 12 V DC voltage to 36 V DC. The 36 V DC voltage from the converter is output to the inverter 23, which converts it to an AC voltage and outputs it to the motor system 6 to supply energy to, or drive, the integrated permanent magnet synchronous motor 24. Bezugszeichenliste

[0049] 1 Actuating unit 2 Instrument 3 Switch housing and accelerator pedal 4 Frame 5 Power supply unit 6 Motor system 7 Control and monitoring device / IPU unit 8 Cable 9 Cable connector 10 Signal transmitter device 11 Motor current supply device 12 Data acquisition device 13 Transmitter unit 14 Application part 15 Communication link 16 Smartphone 17 Proximal end 18 Distal end 19 First line 20 Second line 21 Third line 22 Converter 23 Inverter 24 Permanent magnet synchronous motor

Claims

1. An actuating unit (1), in particular a foot-operated switch unit or hand-operated switch unit, for an or of an electromotively-operated surgical instrument (2), preferably of the minimally invasive type, comprising a switch housing (3) which is separate from and spatially spaced apart from the surgical instrument (2) and which is configured or provided with a frame (4), bases or similar supporting means for supporting the switch housing (3) on a surface, preferably a bottom, or fastening means for fastening to a fastening base, preferably an operating table or a robot arm, at least one power supply unit (5), preferably an energy storage unit, which is configured for a power supply of at least one motor system (6), in particular of an electric motor, of the surgical instrument (2) to be connected to the actuating unit (1), a control and monitoring device (7) configured to perform and / or monitor at least one of the following functions: receiving and / or sending data to an external instrument-actuating unit (1), preferably a foot-operated switch unit or a hand-operated switch unit, outputting and / or receiving operating parameters and operating signals to / from a surgical instrument (2) connected thereto, preferably with respect to its motor system, and storing data and / or operating parameters, a cable (8) and / or a cable connection (9) is provided for connecting the cable (8) for electrically coupling the actuating unit (1) directly to a surgical instrument (2) for operating its motor system, in particular its electric motor, via the power supply unit (5) integrated in the actuating unit (1) and preferably for transmitting the data and / or operating parameters, in particular safety-relevant electrical signals and data, wherein the control and monitoring device (7) is integrated into the switch housing (3), and is an IPU unit, and in that the energy supply unit (5) is integrated in the IPU unit and can supply both the electromotively-operated surgical instrument (2) with its motor system (6) and components of the control and monitoring device (7) integrated in the switch housing (3) with energy, characterized in that a communication connection of the IPU unit with a smartphone or tablet is provided for operating the respective application part and for use as a display of the IPU unit, so that the IPU unit can monitor the state of charge of the energy or storage unit, and / or to switch the energy supply on and off and / or to set individual motor parameters.

2. The actuating unit (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the control and monitoring device (7) comprises the following components: a signal-generator device (10), which is configured to output the operating parameters and / or the operating signals to the electric motor, a motor energization device (11), which is configured to control the motor system current, a central data acquisition device (12) which is configured to receive, store, acquire, and output the data and / or operating parameters of the application part which includes a motor system and a surgical instrument (2) connected to it together, and a sending unit (13), which is configured to send the data and / or operating parameters to an external smartphone or tablet, and the IPU unit (7) is integrated in the switch housing (3) of the actuating unit (1).

3. The actuating unit (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the energy storage unit (5) is centrally provided in the IPU unit (7).

4. The actuating unit (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the energy storage unit (5) is an accumulator or a battery.

5. The actuating unit (1) according to one of claims 2 or 4, characterized in that the IPU unit (7) is configured to centrally acquire data and / or operating parameters in the switch housing (3) of the actuating unit (1).

6. The actuating unit (1) according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the IPU unit (7) has a data interface, in particular an interface for plugging in a storage medium, for reading all data and / or operating parameters of the motor history of all application parts (14).

7. The actuating unit (1) according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the IPU unit (7) is completely removable from the switch housing (3), in particular for cleaning and / or reprocessing the switch housing (3).

8. The actuating unit (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the removed IPU unit (7) is configured to be plugged into a computer to access the data and / or operating parameters stored and / or acquired thereon.

9. The actuating unit (1) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the removed IPU unit (7) is adapted to install necessary updates and / or new programs.

10. The actuating unit (1) according to one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that the underside of the switch housing (3) is provided with a non-slip coating.

11. The actuating unit (1) according to one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that a bidirectional data exchange is provided between the IPU unit (7) and a charging device during a charging process, and data exchange, in particular of all data and / or operating parameters of all application parts (14), is provided between the charging device and a cloud.

12. The actuating unit according to one of claims 2 to 10, characterized in that a communication connection (15) of the actuating unit with a smartphone (16) is provided, in particular for operating the respective application part (14) and for use as a display of the IPU unit (7).

13. A Surgical treatment system comprising an actuating unit (1) having the features according to one of the preceding claims and an electromotively-operated surgical instrument (2), whose motor system (6), in particular electric motor, which is configured for operation with an energy storage unit (5), is housed in an application part (14), at the proximal end (17) or end region of which a cable connection for the power supply of at least of the motor system, in particular of the electric motor, and / or for the transmission of data and / or operating parameters is formed or arranged.