Disassembly mechanism between shaft unit and handle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a surgical instrument (2), in particular an electrosurgical instrument (2) having a minimally invasive shaft design, wherein, when coupled to a handle (8), an instrument shaft (12) acts as a stop for a pivoting movement of an actuating lever (22) such that decoupling a transmission from a gearing (24) is possible only when the instrument shaft (12) is decoupled from the handle (8) as a result of cessation of its stop function.

Description

[0001] Disassembly mechanism between shaft assembly and handle

[0002] Description

[0003] Technical area

[0004] The present disclosure relates to a surgical instrument, in particular an electrosurgical instrument of the minimally invasive shaft type.

[0005] (Electro-)surgical instruments, particularly of a minimally invasive design, are already known from the prior art. These instruments enable cutting, gripping, holding, and / or clamping of body tissue by means of a multi-part tool, for example, composed of two scissor-, jaw-, forceps-, or tweezers-shaped, mutually movable, and particularly pivotable, tool branches / elements, in order to coagulate, cauterize, or sever it in a monopolar or bipolar manner by applying a high-frequency voltage. Such an instrument is known, for example, from EP 3 033 022 A1.

[0006] An instrument is also known from US 2013 / 0304041 A1, which has a handle, an instrument shaft coupled thereto (consisting of an inner shaft and an outer shaft) and a transmission mounted in the instrument shaft.

[0007] The tool is articulated (or articulateable) at a distal ( / far from the surgeon or near the patient) end of the instrument or shaft assembly, in particular at an instrument shaft of the shaft assembly, and is coupled to a handle at a proximal ( / far from the surgeon or near the patient) end of the instrument or shaft assembly for actuation ( / operation) of the tool via a transmission, preferably in the form of a pull / push rod arranged inside the instrument shaft, in particular a longitudinally displaceable pull / push rod.The handle has an actuating element corresponding to the actuation of the tool (for example in the form of a handle / trigger lever, a button, a rotary knob, a scissor handle), the (particularly manual) actuation of which leads to a correspondingly implemented movement of the tool branches at the place of use / application, such as a cutting / gripping / holding / clamping movement and / or a rotating / pivoting movement on or in the tissue of a patient.

[0008] Electrosurgical instruments of the relevant design generally use a so-called pistol handle with a rigid / immovable handle shell, in particular in the form of a (gear) housing extending from distal to proximal, i.e. substantially along a shaft axis of the instrument shaft, and a fixed handle element extending at an angle / transversely to the distal-proximal direction and formed (integrally / directly) on a proximal end portion of the (gear) housing or fixed thereto (as a separate, firmly connected component).An actuating lever ( / trigger guard / blade), which is in particular manually actuated and preferably finger-guided or finger-guided, is pivotally attached to the handle shell. This actuating lever ( / trigger guard / blade) can be held - for example in a monkey grip - by several fingers of a gripping hand of an operator / user and can be manually pulled towards the handle shell, in particular towards the grip element, for actuation. This pulling / actuating movement of the actuating lever / trigger guard is transmitted via a gear housed in the (gear) housing to the transmission within the instrument shaft, which is coupled or can be coupled to the handle, to the tool, in order to move / actuate the instrument accordingly. In addition, a type of switch is preferably attached to the pistol handle, by means of which the application of the high-frequency voltage to the tool can be triggered.

[0009] At least one of the two tool jaws can be equipped with an electrode or row of electrodes, through which the high-frequency voltage can be selectively introduced into the grasped patient tissue. In this case, the instrument would be a monopolar electrosurgical instrument, in which a patient, for example, lies on a metal plate through which the high-frequency voltage is discharged. Alternatively, both opposing tool jaws can be equipped with a corresponding electrode or row of electrodes or be made of an electrically conductive material, so that the high-frequency voltage is only applied in a gap between the jaws. In this case, the instrument would be a bipolar electrosurgical instrument.

[0010] However, with known instruments it is often problematic to ensure sufficient functionality and sterilizability in the (fully) assembled state and, at the same time, to enable disassembly of the instrument shaft from the handle.

[0011] The object of the present disclosure is therefore to avoid or at least mitigate the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, it is intended to provide a surgical instrument that is simply constructed, meets the functional requirements, and allows for disassembly.

[0012] This object is achieved by a surgical instrument, in particular an electrosurgical instrument, having the features of the independent patent claim. Advantageous embodiments and further developments according to the disclosure are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0013] Accordingly, the object is achieved by a surgical instrument, in particular an electrosurgical instrument of the minimally invasive shaft design. The instrument has a handle, which is designed in particular in the form of a pistol grip. The handle has a gear housing and an actuating lever pivotally connected to the gear housing, in particular manually actuated, preferably finger-guided, by means of which an actuating force (by the surgeon) can be applied. Furthermore, the instrument has an instrument shaft coupled / coupled or coupleable / coupable to the handle, as well as a translationally displaceable transmission, preferably in the form of a pull / push rod, mounted in the instrument shaft.The instrument further comprises a gear housed in the gear housing, which is in operative engagement with the actuating lever and is coupled or can be coupled to the transmission, such that a pivoting movement of the actuating lever can be transformed into a translational movement of the transmission via the gear. The instrument shaft, when coupled (to the handle), serves as a stop for the pivoting movement of the actuating lever such that decoupling of the transmission (pull / push rod) from the gear is only ( / exclusively) possible when the instrument shaft is decoupled from the handle, due to the loss of its stop function. This means that decoupling of the pull / push rod from the gear is blocked when the instrument shaft is coupled to the handle, due to its stop function.

[0014] A core of the present disclosure therefore lies in the fact that the instrument shaft is first decoupled from the handle (and is thus freely displaceable axially), whereby a translation limitation between the transmission (which is axially fixed in the instrument shaft) (beyond its "normal" working range limited by the instrument shaft) and the handle or the gear accommodated therein is eliminated, so that the transmission and the gear (or a coupling section of the gear for the transmission) can be moved relative to one another into a position (otherwise not reachable due to the translation limitation) in which their coupling can (only) be released.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the stop formed by the instrument shaft can be designed as an axial stop that limits the translational movement of the transmission (pull / push rod), particularly on both sides. For example, the stop can be formed by the transmission having a pin that is received in a slot on the instrument shaft, so that when the pin rests against the slot edge, further translational movement (in the direction of the slot edge) is prevented. The stop can preferably be formed at a distal end region of the instrument shaft.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the instrument can be pre-tensioned into a disassembly position in which the transmission can be decoupled. This means that the decoupler is triggered (automatically) without manual operation when the stop function is lost.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the gear mechanism can comprise a (second) rotating part operatively connected to the actuating lever, the rotation of which can be coupled or is coupled to the translational movement of the transmission via a (first) axial positive connection. The first axial positive connection is formed, in particular, by an axially undercut recess in the rotating part, into which the transmission, in particular a proximal end region, in particular a ball thrust piece of the pull / push rod (in the coupled state of the instrument shaft and thus the pull / push rod), engages in an axially undercutting manner. Thus, the rotation of the rotating part can be effectively coupled to the (axial) translational movement.

[0018] According to a further development of the preferred embodiment, the rotating part can be mounted so as to be rotatable relative to the actuating lever. This means that relative rotation between the rotating part and the actuating lever is possible.

[0019] According to a further development of the preferred embodiment, the transmission can be translationally displaceable, in particular longitudinally movable, in the decoupled state of the instrument shaft, and thus the rotating part can be rotated to such an extent that the axial positive connection between the transmission and the rotating part can be released. In particular, the transmission (pull / push rod) (together with the instrument shaft or the entire shaft assembly) can be pulled in the distal direction (out of the handle).

[0020] According to a further development of the preferred embodiment, the rotating part can be accommodated in the handle with spring preload, and a spring preload of the rotating part can press the rotating part (in particular in a direction opposite to an actuation direction) into a disassembly position in which the (first) axial positive connection between the transmission and the rotating part can be released. This means that the instrument shaft or the entire shaft assembly is pressed by the spring preload into the position (out of the handle) in which the transmission can be decoupled from the gear. This can facilitate the disassembly process. According to a preferred embodiment, the fixed handle element can be arranged proximal to the actuation lever. This results in ergonomic actuation.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the fixed handle element can be designed without a handle opening, in particular without a finger-receiving opening and / or without a thumb-receiving opening. This means that the fixed handle element is designed to be gripped by a hand (or palm) on the outside. This means that the handle cannot be operated in a scissor-like manner or without using the thumb.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the instrument shaft can be axially fixedly coupled to the handle in the coupled state and axially displaceable relative to the handle in the uncoupled state. This means that the coupling between the handle and the instrument shaft occurs in particular in the axial direction / along the shaft axis, i.e., in the same direction in which the transmission is displaceable.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the instrument can have a disassembly button, in particular a manually operable button, which, when actuated, allows the instrument shaft to be axially decoupled from the handle. In other words, the disassembly button blocks the axial displacement of the instrument shaft relative to the handle, so that the transmission can only move beyond its translational range / longitudinal range / working range / working stroke, which is limited by the stop function of the instrument shaft, when the disassembly button is actuated. This also means that the decoupling of the instrument shaft can be manually actuated.

[0024] According to a further development of the preferred embodiment, the disassembly button can have a locking slide that is accommodated in the handle in a (longitudinal) displaceable manner and that is or can be coupled to the instrument shaft via a (second) axial positive connection. The (second) axial positive connection can preferably be released by a (longitudinal) displacement of the disassembly button (relative to the handle). This means that the coupling between the disassembly button and the instrument shaft is positively locked. According to a further development of the preferred embodiment, the locking slide can be accommodated in the handle in a spring-loaded manner, and the (second) axial positive connection can be released against a spring preload of the locking slide. This means that when the locking slide or the disassembly button is not actuated, the axial displacement of the instrument shaft is blocked.

[0025] According to a further development of the preferred embodiment, the axial positive connection can be formed by a slot-like slotted connection formed in the locking slide, through which the instrument shaft can be axially guided in the decoupled state. This means that the instrument shaft (when the disassembly button is actuated) is not in axially positive engagement with the slotted connection and can thus be axially guided through the slotted connection, and (when the disassembly button is not actuated) is in axially positive engagement with the slotted connection and thus cannot be moved axially relative to the slotted connection (and thus to the handle).For this purpose, the instrument shaft can preferably have a radial groove (approximately running around the circumference) into which an end region / edge of the link engages in the unactuated position of the disassembly button (and thereby prevents an axial movement of the instrument shaft (in the direction through the link)) and is received in a central region / center of the link in an actuated position ( / longitudinally displaced position) of the disassembly button (and thereby releases the axial movement of the instrument shaft (in the direction through the link)).

[0026] Short description of the characters

[0027] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an instrument according to the present disclosure,

[0028] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a distal part of the instrument,

[0029] Fig. 3 shows an enlarged perspective view of a proximal part of the instrument, Figs. 4 to 11 show a formation or receptacle of an insulation sheath of the instrument;

[0030] Fig. 12 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a handle of the instrument;

[0031] Figs. 13 and 14 show longitudinal sectional views of the handle in a fully open and closed position (or actuated and unactuated position) of a tool of the instrument;

[0032] Figs. 15 and 16 show an overload protection function of the instrument;

[0033] Fig. 17 shows a longitudinal section of the handle of the instrument in a loading position;

[0034] Fig. 18 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a distal end portion of the instrument; and

[0035] Fig. 19 shows a cross-sectional view in the area of ​​a disassembly button of the instrument.

[0036] Description of preferred embodiments

[0037] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a surgical instrument 2 according to the present disclosure. Figs. 2 and 3 show enlarged perspective views of a distal part and a proximal part of the instrument 2, respectively. The instrument 2 is designed, in particular, as an electrosurgical instrument and intended for use in minimally invasive surgery or endoscopy, in particular laparoscopy. The instrument 2 is designed, in particular, as an instrument 2 of the minimally invasive shaft type. The instrument 2 has a distally arranged tool 4, a shaft assembly 6 arranged proximally to the tool 4, and a handle 8 arranged proximally (to the tool 4 and the shaft assembly 6).This means that the tool 4 can be coupled or is coupled to a distal end (working end) of the shaft assembly 6, and a proximal end (actuating end) of the shaft assembly 6 can be coupled or is coupled / coupled distally to the handle 8. Proximal and distal are defined in relation to a surgeon (operator / operator / user) of the instrument 2.

[0038] The instrument 2 has the (distally arranged) tool 4. The tool 4 is in particular constructed in several parts and can, for example, be constructed from two scissor-, clamp-jaw-, pliers-, or pincer-shaped tool branches ( / elements) 10 that are movable relative to / in relation to one another and, in particular, can be pivoted relative to one another. When the tool 4 is actuated, the tool branches 10 pivot relative to one another, whereby they open or close. The tool 4 can be used or the tool branches 10 can be used to cut, grip, hold, and / or clamp body tissue. The tool branches 10 are in particular pivotably connected to the shaft assembly 6 about a tool pivot axis, such that at least one of the tool branches 10, preferably both tool branches 10, can be pivoted relative to the shaft assembly 6 and thus also relative to the other tool branch 10. The tool pivot axis is in particular transverse ororiented perpendicular to a distal-proximal direction. The distal-proximal direction corresponds in particular to a longitudinal axis of the shaft assembly 6 (hereinafter referred to merely as a shaft axis). The tool 4 is connected to the shaft assembly 6 in particular in a rotationally coupled manner about its longitudinal axis, so that the tool 4 (as a whole) can be rotated with the shaft assembly 6. The tool 4 is formed in particular from a metal, preferably from steel.

[0039] The instrument 2 or the shaft assembly 6 has an instrument shaft ( / tubular shaft) 12, the longitudinal axis ( / tubular axis) of which corresponds in particular to the shaft axis. The instrument shaft 12 can preferably be translationally fixed and preferably rotatable about the shaft axis. The tool 4 can be coupled to the instrument shaft 12 such that a rotation of the instrument shaft 12 (about the shaft axis) causes ( / forces / actuates) a rotation of the tool 4 (about the shaft axis). In particular, the tool 4 and the instrument shaft 12 can be connected to one another in a rotationally fixed manner, preferably directly, about the shaft axis. The instrument shaft 12 is made in particular of a metal, preferably steel.

[0040] The instrument 2 or the shaft assembly 6 has a transmission, preferably a pull / push rod 14 mounted ( / received / arranged) inside the instrument shaft 12, the longitudinal axis ( / rod axis) of which corresponds in particular to the shaft axis or substantially to the distal-proximal direction. The transmission ( / the pull / push rod 14) can be translationally displaceable, preferably axially / longitudinally movable / displaceable, i.e. translationally displaceable along the shaft axis, and preferably rotationally fixed. The tool 4 can be coupled to the transmission ( / pull / push rod 14) such that a translational movement, in particular longitudinal movement (along the shaft axis), causes ( / forces / actuates) an actuation of the tool 4, in particular a pivoting movement (or opening and closing) of the tool branches 10 (about the tool pivot axis).In particular, the tool 4 and the pull / push rod 14 can be connected to one another, preferably via a coupling mechanism. This means that the pull / push rod's longitudinal movement in a distal direction / pushing direction causes ( / forces / actuates) the opening (or closing) of the tool 4 or the tool branches 10, and in a proximal direction / pulling direction causes ( / forces / actuates) the closing (or opening) of the tool 4 or the tool branches 10. The pull / push rod 14 is in particular made of a metal, preferably steel.

[0041] The instrument 2 or the shaft assembly 6 has an insulating jacket 16, which is arranged in particular on the instrument shaft 12 and whose longitudinal axis ( / jacket axis) corresponds in particular to the shaft axis. The insulating jacket 16 can be accommodated so as to be axially / longitudinally movable / displaceable, i.e., translationally displaceable along the shaft axis, and preferably (freely) rotatable, in particular relative to the instrument shaft 12 and / or the pull / push rod 14. The insulating jacket 16 is hollow, preferably tubular, and serves for the (radially) external electrical insulation of the instrument shaft 12 and / or the pull / push rod 14, in particular between a distal end region and a proximal end region of the instrument shaft 12 and / or the pull / push rod 14. The insulating jacket 16 is made of a different material than the instrument shaft 12, in particular of a plastic, preferably PEEK. An education orThe insulating jacket 16 is described in more detail below.

[0042] The instrument 2 or the shaft assembly 6 has a cap 18, preferably annular in cross-section, arranged particularly on the instrument shaft 12. The instrument shaft 12, the pull / push rod 14, and / or the insulating sheath 16 can be axially guided through a (central) opening in the cap 18. The cap 18 can be held firmly in translation and preferably firmly in rotation, particularly relative to the instrument shaft 12. The cap 18 serves as an axial stop for the shaft assembly 6 on the handle 8.

[0043] The instrument 2 has the (proximally arranged) handle 8. The handle 8 is designed, in particular, in the manner of a pistol grip or as a pistol-shaped handle. The handle 8 has a gear housing 20, which extends, in particular, from distal to proximal, i.e., in the distal-proximal direction or substantially parallel to / along the shaft axis.

[0044] In addition, the handle 8 has a fixed grip element ( / grip part) 21. The grip element 21 extends, in particular, at an angle, i.e., transversely, to the distal-proximal direction. The grip element 21 can be fixed to a proximal end portion of the gear housing 20 or, in particular, can be formed on the gear housing 20, i.e., can be integrally connected to the gear housing 20. In particular, the gear housing 20 and the grip element 21 are firmly connected to one another.

[0045] Furthermore, the handle 8 has an actuating lever 22 which is articulated on the gear housing 20 and is in particular finger-guided or finger-guideable. The actuating lever 22 is in particular manually operable and has an engagement point for applying an actuating force (by the surgeon). The actuating lever 22 can have a preferably closed or substantially ring-shaped loop for receiving the fingers (preferably not a thumb) of the surgeon, which loop forms the engagement point for the actuating force. The actuating lever 22 can be pivotably received. The actuating lever 22 is in particular pivotally articulated on the gear housing 20 about an actuating lever pivot axis, so that the actuating lever 22 can be pivoted relative to the gear housing 20, i.e., toward the grip element 21 or away from the grip element 21. The actuating lever pivot axis is in particular transverse or perpendicular to the shaft axis, i.e.,the distal-proximal direction. By manually actuating the actuating lever 22, i.e., by applying the actuating force to the actuating force application point, in particular the loop, a pivoting movement of the actuating lever 22 (relative to the gear housing 20) is caused ( / forced / actuated). The pivoting movement of the actuating lever 22 toward the handle element 21, actuated, for example, by the surgeon closing his hand / pressing the actuating lever 22 and handle element 21 together, is referred to below simply as pivoting / pivoting movement in an actuating direction or actuation of the actuating lever 22. The pivoting movement of the actuating lever 22 away from the handle element 21, actuated, for example, by opening one hand of the surgeon / pushing apart the actuating lever 22 and the handle element 21, is referred to below merely as pivoting / pivoting movement in a return direction or returning the actuating lever 22.

[0046] The instrument 2 or the handle 8 has a gear 24 that converts the pivoting movement of the actuating lever 22 (actuated by manual actuation) into a translational movement of the transmission, in particular into a longitudinal movement of the pull / push rod 14. This means that the gear 24 couples the pivoting movement of the actuating lever 22 with the longitudinal movement of the pull / push rod 14 (and thus (indirectly) with the actuation of the tool 4 or the opening and closing of the tool branches 10). In other words, actuating the actuating lever 22 actuates the longitudinal movement of the pull / push rod 14 in the pushing direction (or pulling direction), and returning the actuating lever 22 actuates the longitudinal movement of the pull / push rod 14 in the pulling direction (or pushing direction) (which in turn causes the actuation (or opening or closing) of the tool 4).The gear 24 can preferably be arranged largely or entirely within the gear housing 20 or be covered from the outside by the gear housing 20. A design of the gear 24 is described in more detail below.

[0047] The instrument 2 or the handle 8 has a rotating star 26, arranged in particular at a distal end of the handle 8, the longitudinal axis (star axis) of which corresponds in particular to the shaft axis. The rotating star 26 can be mounted, in particular relative to the gear housing 20, preferably translationally fixed and preferably rotatable about the shaft axis. The instrument shaft 12, the pull / push rod 14 and / or the insulating sheath 16 can be or can be axially guided through a (central) opening of the rotating star 26. The rotating star 26 can be or can be coupled to the instrument shaft 12 in such a way that a rotation of the rotating star 26 (about the shaft axis) causes ( / forces / actuates) the rotation of the instrument shaft 12 (about the shaft axis) (which in turn causes the rotation of the tool 4).In particular, the rotary star 26 and the instrument shaft 12 can be connected to one another in a rotationally fixed manner about the shaft axis, preferably directly or via a component that is (fixedly) connected to the instrument shaft 12.

[0048] The instrument 2 or the handle 8 has a disassembly button 28, upon actuation ( / pressing) of which the shaft assembly 6 and the handle 8 can be disassembled, ie, the shaft assembly 6 can be decoupled from the handle 8. The design of the disassembly button 28 is described in more detail below.

[0049] The instrument 2 or the handle 8 has a high-frequency connection, in particular an HF pin 30, through which the tool 4, in particular the tool branches 10, can be subjected to a high-frequency voltage. The HF pin 30 can be held in a preferably translationally fixed and preferably rotationally fixed manner, in particular relative to the gear housing 20. The HF pin 30 can be in contact with the instrument shaft 12 and / or the pull / push rod 14 or can be brought into contact in order to transmit the high-frequency voltage through the material of the instrument shaft 12 and / or the pull / push rod 14 to the tool 4. The HF pin 30 can be designed as a bipolar or a monopolar HF pin. The handle 8 has a locking mechanism 32, by means of which a pivoting position of the actuating lever 22 can be locked in predetermined locking positions.The locking mechanism 32 can be constructed from a locking bracket (fixed) attached to the handle element 21 and a detent (fixed) attached to the actuating lever 22.

[0050] The handle 8 has a button 34, which can be used to trigger the application of the high-frequency voltage to the tool 4. Alternatively, the button 34 can be used to unlock the locking mechanism 32.

[0051] The design or receptacle of the insulating sheath 16 is described with reference to Figs. 4 to 11. Fig. 4 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a proximal receptacle of the insulating sheath 16 according to a first embodiment. Fig. 5 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a proximal receptacle of the insulating sheath 16 according to a second embodiment. Figs. 6 and 7 show exploded views of individual parts of the proximal receptacle of the insulating sheath 16 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 8 shows a longitudinal sectional view of a proximal receptacle of the insulating sheath 16 according to a third embodiment. Figs. 9 to 11 show different embodiments of a distal section of the insulating sheath 16 and a distal receptacle of the insulating sheath 16.

[0052] As described above, the insulation sheath 16 is mounted axially displaceably ( / freely floating) on ​​the instrument shaft 12. A proximal axial stop 36 is formed on the instrument 2 to limit a proximal axial movement (toward the handle 8) of the insulation sheath 16.

[0053] According to one aspect of the disclosure, the proximal axial stop 36 is received / arranged on the instrument shaft 12 so as to be axially displaceable. The proximal axial stop 36 is axially preloaded distally / in a distal direction. This means that the proximal axial stop 36 applies a distally directed axial force to the insulation jacket 16, or the proximal axial stop 36 is pressed distally / in the distal direction by an axial preload. In a cooled state, the insulation jacket 16 is in its assembled position and rests axially against the proximal axial stop 36. Heating, for example during sterilization of the instrument 2 and / or the shaft assembly 6, causes the insulation jacket 16 and the instrument shaft 12 to expand to different extents due to their different thermal expansion coefficients, resulting in axial slippage of the insulation jacket 16 on the instrument shaft 12.The proximal axial stop 36 is displaced in a proximal direction by an expansion of the insulation jacket 16, thereby increasing the axial preload on the proximal axial stop 36. When the insulation jacket 16 cools down and contracts again, the insulation jacket 16 is pushed back into its assembly position by the axial preload of the proximal axial stop 36.

[0054] Fig. 4 shows a first embodiment of the proximal receptacle of the insulating jacket 16. The proximal axial stop 36 is preferably formed on an annular disk 38, which is received in particular on the instrument shaft 12 (e.g., placed / attached to an outer circumference of the instrument shaft 12). The axial preload of the proximal axial stop 36 is preferably realized by an axially preloading pressure element, in particular a spring 40, preferably in the form of a helical spring, arranged in particular on the instrument shaft 12. The spring 40 can preferably bear directly on the disk 38. Alternatively, the spring 40 can preferably bear directly on the insulating jacket 16, so that an axial end face of the spring 40 forms the proximal axial stop 36. The proximal axial stop 36 (ieThe spring 40 (the disc 38 and / or the spring 40) can preferably be arranged within a capsule-like adapter 42, which is particularly received on the instrument shaft 12. The adapter 42 can serve for the (radially) external electrical insulation of the instrument shaft 12 and / or the pull / push rod 14. The adapter 42 can preferably be axially fixedly connected to the instrument shaft 12.

[0055] The adapter 42 can preferably have a distal stop 44 for limiting a distally directed axial movement (in the direction toward the tool 4) of the axially displaceable proximal axial stop 36 (i.e., the disc 38 and / or the spring 40). An axial position of the distal stop 44 can preferably be determined as a function of a thermal expansion behavior of the insulation jacket 16 and / or the instrument shaft 12. In particular, the axial position can be determined such that the insulation jacket 16, in the cooled state, axially abuts the proximal axial stop 36 (as well as a distal axial stop 80 described later) (i.e., the insulation jacket 16 should not retract further in the distal direction due to its thermal expansion behavior than the proximal axial stop 36 can be pushed in the distal direction due to the distal stop 44).The distal stop 44 can be formed in particular on a portion of the adapter 42 extending radially inward (in particular further inward beyond an outer circumference of the proximal axial stop 36 / the disc 38).

[0056] The adapter 42 can preferably have a receiving shell 46 with an insertion opening for (axially) inserting ( / pushing in / inserting) the proximal axial stop 36, in particular the disc 38 and / or the spring 40. The insertion opening can in particular have a larger outer diameter than the proximal axial stop 36, in particular than the disc 38 and / or the spring 40. The insertion opening can preferably be formed on a proximal side of the adapter 42. The receiving shell 46 can preferably form the distal stop 44 directly / integrally.

[0057] The adapter 42 can preferably have a distal opening 48, which is in particular substantially as large as an outer diameter of the insulation jacket 16 (or slightly larger to ensure the axial displaceability of the insulation jacket 16), through which the insulation jacket 16 (as well as the instrument shaft 12 and / or the pull / push rod 14) is or can be axially passed. The distal opening 48 can be formed (directly / integrally) on an inner circumference ( / diameter) of the receiving shell 46.

[0058] Figs. 5 to 7 show a second embodiment of the proximal receptacle of the insulating jacket 16. The proximal receptacle according to the second embodiment can be used universally for (two) insulating jackets 16 of different diameters. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in particular in that two proximal axial stops 36 are provided. A first proximal axial stop 50 serves to limit the axial movement of the insulating jacket 16 with a first (smaller) diameter, while a second proximal axial stop 52 serves to limit the axial movement of the insulating jacket 16 with a second (larger) diameter, wherein the first proximal axial stop 50 and the second proximal axial stop 52 each correspond essentially in structure to the proximal axial stop 36 of the first embodiment.

[0059] The first and second proximal axial stops 50, 52 are preferably formed on an annular first disc 54 and second disc 56, respectively, which are received in particular on the instrument shaft 12 (e.g., placed / attached to an outer circumference of the instrument shaft 12). The axial preload of the first and second proximal axial stops 50, 52 is preferably realized by an axially preloading pressure element, in particular a first spring 58 and second spring 60, respectively, preferably in the form of a helical spring, arranged in particular on the instrument shaft 12. The first and second springs 58, 60 can preferably bear directly against the first and second discs 54, 56, respectively. Alternatively, the first or second spring 58, 60 may preferably bear directly against the first or second insulation jacket 16, so that an axial end face of the first or second spring 58, 60 forms the first or second proximal axial stop 50, 52.

[0060] In particular, only a first or second insulating jacket 16 is ever inserted into the proximal receptacle. Fig. 6 shows an exploded view (viewed from left to right) of the insulating jacket 16 with the first (smaller) diameter, the second disk 56 (forming the second proximal axial stop 52), the second spring 60, the first disk 54, and the first spring 58. Fig. 7 shows an exploded view (viewed from left to right) of the insulating jacket 16 with the second (larger) diameter, the second disk 56 (forming the second proximal axial stop 52), the second spring 60, the first disk 54, and the first spring 58. Preferably, the first spring 58 and the second spring 60 can have different spring hardnesses. In particular, the second spring 60 can have a greater spring hardness than the first spring.

[0061] Preferably, the first spring 58 and the second spring 60 can be arranged radially nested / interleaved. In particular, the first spring 58 can be arranged radially inside the second spring 60.

[0062] Preferably, the first disc 54 and the second disc 56 can abut one another axially. In particular, the first disc 54 can be arranged proximal to the second disc 56.

[0063] Preferably, the first disk 54 and the second disk 56 can have different inner diameters. In particular, the distally arranged disk 54, 56, here the second disk 56, can have a larger inner diameter than the proximally arranged disk 54, 56, here the first disk 54, so that the respective insulating jacket 16 can be axially passed through the distally arranged disk 54, 56, here the second disk 56, for axial contact with the proximally arranged disk 54, 56, here the first disk 54. Alternatively, the distally arranged disk 54, 56 can have a through-hole through which the respective insulating jacket 16 can be passed for axial contact with the proximally arranged disk 54, 56.

[0064] The first and second proximal axial stops 50, 52 (i.e., the first and second discs 54, 56 and / or the first and second springs 58, 60) can preferably be arranged within a capsule-like adapter 62, which is particularly received on the instrument shaft 12. The adapter 62 can serve for the (radially) external electrical insulation of the instrument shaft 12 and / or the pull / push rod 14. The adapter 62 can preferably be axially fixedly connected to the instrument shaft 12.

[0065] The adapter 62 can preferably have a distal stop 64 for limiting a distally directed axial movement (in the direction toward the tool 4) of the axially displaceable first or second proximal axial stop 50, 52. An axial position of the distal stop 64 can preferably be determined as a function of a thermal expansion behavior of the insulation jacket 16 and / or the instrument shaft 12. In particular, the axial position can be determined such that the insulation jacket 16, in the cooled state, axially abuts the first or second proximal axial stop 50, 52 (as well as a distal axial stop 80 described later) (i.e., the insulation jacket 16 should not retract further in the distal direction due to its thermal expansion behavior than the first or second proximal axial stop 50, 52 can be pushed in the distal direction due to the distal stop 64).The distal stop 64 can be formed in particular on a portion of the adapter 62 extending radially inward (in particular further inward beyond an outer circumference of the first or second proximal axial stop 50, 52).

[0066] The adapter 62 can preferably have a receiving shell 66 with an insertion opening for the (axial) insertion ( / insertion / insertion) of the first or second proximal axial stop 50, 52, in particular the first or second disc 54, 56 and / or the first or second spring 58, 60. The insertion opening can in particular have a larger outer diameter than the first or second proximal axial stop 50, 52, in particular than the first or second disc 54, 56 and / or the first or second spring 58, 60. The insertion opening can preferably be formed on a distal side of the adapter 62.

[0067] The adapter 62 can preferably have a distal opening 68, the outer diameter of which is in particular substantially the same as that of the insulating sheath 16 (or slightly larger to ensure the axial displaceability of the insulating sheath 16), through which the insulating sheath 16 (as well as the instrument shaft 12 and / or the pull / push rod 14) is or can be axially guided. Alternatively, the distal opening 68 can be substantially as large as an outer diameter of the instrument shaft 12 if the insulating sheath 16 extends through the through-hole to contact the distally arranged disc 54, 56, here the first disc 54. The adapter 62 can have a cap 70, which is preferably formed separately from the receiving shell 66 and which can be plugged, in particular screwed, onto the receiving shell 66 from the distal side. The cap 70 can preferably form the distal stop 64 directly / integrally.The adapter 62 can preferably have an axial cover 72, which closes the insertion opening on the receiving shell 66 and forms the distal opening 68 on its inner circumference ( / diameter) (directly / integrally). The axial cover 72 can preferably be formed by the first disk 54 or the second disk 56, in particular by the proximally arranged disk 54, 56, here the second disk 56. Alternatively, the distal opening 68 can be formed (directly / integrally) on an inner circumference ( / diameter) of the cap 70 if the insulating jacket 16 extends through a through-hole in the cap 70 to contact the distally arranged disk 54, 56, here the first disk 54.

[0068] Fig. 8 shows a third embodiment of the proximal receptacle for the insulating jacket 16. The proximal receptacle according to the third embodiment can be used universally for (three) insulating jackets 16 of different diameters. The structure of the proximal receptacle according to the third embodiment essentially corresponds to that of the second embodiment. In addition, a third proximal axial stop 74 is provided, which is formed by a third disk 76 and is axially preloaded in a distal direction by a third spring 78. The three disks 54, 56, 76 abut one another axially. The three springs 58, 60, 78 are arranged in a radially nested manner.

[0069] Figs. 9 to 11 show different embodiments of a distal portion of the insulation jacket 16 and a distal receptacle of the insulation jacket 16.

[0070] On the instrument 2, in particular on the instrument shaft 12 (or a component connected thereto (in a translationally fixed manner)), in particular a distal axial stop 80 is formed for limiting a distally directed axial movement (in the direction of the tool 4) of the insulating sheath 16. The distal axial stop 80 can be received in an axially fixed manner to the instrument shaft 12, in particular axially fixedly connected to the instrument shaft 12 or formed on the instrument shaft 12. In Fig. 9, the insulating sheath 16 lies with the first (smaller) diameter, in Fig. 10 the insulating sheath 16 lies whose diameter tapers at its distal end from the second (larger) diameter to the first (smaller) diameter, and in Fig. 11 the insulating sheath 16 lies with the second (larger) diameter against the distal axial stop 80.

[0071] Fig. 12 shows a longitudinal sectional view of the handle 8, which explains the design of the gear 24 in more detail. As described above, the gear 24 is designed to transmit the pivoting movement of the actuating lever 22 into the translational movement of the transmission, in particular the longitudinal movement of the pull / push rod 14. This means that the gear 24 couples the pivoting movement of the actuating lever 22 (actuated by manual actuation) with the longitudinal movement of the pull / push rod 14 (and thus (indirectly) with the actuation of the tool 4 or the pivoting movement of the tool branches 10).

[0072] The actuating lever pivot axis, about which the actuating lever 22 is pivotally connected to the gear housing 20, is arranged in particular between the translational axis of the translational movement of the transmission, in particular the shaft axis (i.e., the longitudinal axis of the instrument shaft 12 or the pull / push rod 14), and a proximal end region of the actuating lever 22 (i.e., the actuating force application point for applying the actuating force). In other words, the actuating lever pivot axis (when the instrument 2 is used in the vertical direction) is located below the shaft axis.

[0073] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the transmission 24 is configured such that a pivoting movement of the actuating lever 22 toward the handle element 21 is transformed into a translational movement of the transmission 14 in the proximal direction. This means that the pivoting movement of the actuating lever 22 toward the handle element 21 (the actuation of the actuating lever 22) is converted into a proximally directed longitudinal movement of the pull / push rod 14 (a pulling movement of the pull / push rod 14).

[0074] In particular, the gear 24 is designed in two or more parts. Preferably, the gear 24 forms a power transmission train (from the actuating lever 22 to the transmission (pull / push rod 14)). The power transmission train has a first rotating part ( / adjusting lever) 82. The first rotating part 82 is in operative engagement with the actuating lever 22. This means that the pivoting movement of the actuating lever 22 is coupled to a rotation of the first rotating part 82. The first rotating part 82 is pivotally connected to the gear housing 20 about a first axis of rotation. The first axis of rotation is in particular transverse or perpendicular to the shaft axis. The first rotating part 82 is in particular designed separately from the actuating lever 22, but can alternatively also be designed on the latter (i.e. on a section of the actuating lever 22), even if this is not shown.

[0075] The power transmission cable has a second rotating part (receiving element / closing element) 84. The second rotating part 84 is operatively engaged, preferably in toothed engagement, with the first rotating part 82, reversing the direction of rotation. This means that the rotation of the first rotating part 82 is coupled to a rotation of the second rotating part 84, and the first rotating part 82 and the second rotating part 84 rotate in different directions. The second rotating part 84 is pivotally connected to the gear housing 20 about a second axis of rotation. The second axis of rotation is, in particular, transverse or perpendicular to the shaft axis. The second axis of rotation is preferably offset parallel to the first axis of rotation. The second rotating part 84 preferably has a coupling section 86 for the transmission (pull / push rod 14). The coupling section 86 is, in particular, operatively engaged or can be brought into operative engagement with the transmission (pull / push rod 14).This means that the rotation of the second rotary part 84 is coupled or can be coupled via the coupling section 86 with the translational movement of the transmission, in particular the longitudinal movement of the pull / push rod 14.

[0076] For this purpose, the first rotating part 82 and the second rotating part 84 can have teeth that mesh with one another. The toothing can be designed, for example, as an involute toothing. Due to the toothing, the first rotating part 82 and the second rotating part 84 rotate in different directions of rotation. As a result, the pivoting movement of the actuating lever 22 in the actuating direction causes ( / forces / actuates) the longitudinal movement of the pull / push rod 14 in the pulling direction, and the pivoting movement of the actuating lever 22 in the return direction causes ( / forces / actuates) the longitudinal movement of the pull / push rod 14 in the pushing direction.

[0077] Preferably, the instrument shaft 12 in the coupled state can serve as a stop for the pivoting movement of the actuating lever 22, i.e. as a pivoting limiter for the actuating lever 22, or as a rotation limiter for the first rotating part 82 and the second rotating part 84 or as a translation limiter for the transmission, in particular as a longitudinal limiter for the pull / push rod 14. This means that the actuating lever 22 is pivotable (only) within a pivoting range that is preferably limited on both sides, or the first rotating part 82 and the second rotating part 84 are (only) within a rotation range that is preferably limited on both sides, or the transmission ( / pull / push rod 14) is (only) longitudinally movable within a translation range ( / longitudinal range / working range) that is preferably limited on both sides, i.e. it has a maximum stroke of the longitudinal movement.Due to the coupling between the transmission (pull / push rod 14) and the gear 24 (in particular the second rotating part 82), the power transmission within the gear 24 (in particular the second rotating part 82 and the first rotating part 82) as well as the coupling between the gear 24 (in particular the first rotating part 82) and the actuating lever 22, the stop on the instrument shaft 12 can serve for all movements that are coupled (or can be coupled) to one another.

[0078] Figs. 13 and 14 show end positions of the translation range / working range of the transmission, in which the tool 4 is fully opened or closed.

[0079] Preferably, the gear 24 can have a gear ratio of 1:1. In particular, the teeth of the first rotating part 82 and the second rotating part 84 can be arranged on the same diameter. Alternatively, the teeth of the first rotating part 82 and the second rotating part 84 could be arranged on different diameters to realize a reduction or a transmission, although this is not shown.

[0080] Preferably, the teeth of the first rotating part 82 and / or the teeth of the second rotating part 84 can be formed (only) in sections on the circumference, i.e., not over the entire circumference. In this case, the number of teeth of the first rotating part 82 and / or the second rotating part 84, i.e., the dimensioning of the circumferential section design, can preferably be determined as a function of the maximum stroke of the longitudinal movement / the limited longitudinal range of the pull / push rod 14. In particular, the first rotating part 82 and / or the second rotating part 84 can have two to five teeth, preferably two, three, or four teeth. Alternatively, the teeth of the first rotating part 82 and / or the second rotating part 84 could be formed over the entire circumference, even if this is not shown.

[0081] Preferably, the coupling section 86 of the second rotary part 84 can be designed as an axially undercut recess 88, into which the transmission (pull / push rod 14) can engage or engages in an axially undercutting manner in order to couple the rotation of the second rotary part 84 with the translational movement (longitudinal movement of the pull / push rod 14). For this purpose, the pull / push rod 14 can have a radial thickening (enlarged compared to an axially adjacent region) at its proximal end (end region), particularly in the form of a ball thrust piece 90, which engages in an axially undercutting manner in the recess 88 of the second rotary part 84.

[0082] The gear mechanism 24 can preferably have a guide mandrel 92 which is (rotatably) articulated to the second rotating part 84. The guide mandrel 92 is in particular articulated to the second rotating part 84 so as to be rotatable about a mandrel rotation axis, so that the second rotating part 84 and the guide mandrel 92 can be rotated relative to one another. The mandrel rotation axis is in particular transverse or perpendicular to the shaft axis. The mandrel rotation axis can preferably be offset parallel to the second rotation axis (and / or the first rotation axis). The guide mandrel 92 is longitudinally guided, i.e. displaceable (only) along its longitudinal axis, in the gear mechanism housing 20. The longitudinal axis of the guide mandrel 92 can in particular be offset parallel to the shaft axis. The guide mandrel 92 is preferably received in the gear mechanism housing 20 so as to be spring-loaded via a spring 94. Preferably, the spring preload of the guide pin 92 of the pivoting movement of the actuating lever 22 towards the handle element 21 (iethe actuation). Preferably, the handle 8 can have an outer handle 96 and an inner handle 98 that is firmly connected to the outer handle 96, for example, screwed on. Preferably, the inner handle 98 can be covered on the outside by the outer handle 96. In particular, the second rotating part 84 can be rotatably connected to the inner handle 98. In particular, the guide pin 92 can be rotatably connected to the inner handle 98. In addition, the guide pin 92 can be longitudinally guided in a recess 100 in the inner handle 98.

[0083] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the transmission 24 comprises the first rotary part 82, which is particularly pivotally connected to the transmission housing 20, as well as an elastic overload protection element 102 that couples the pivoting movement of the actuating lever 22 with a rotation of the first rotary part 82 (see also FIGS. 15 and 16 in particular). This means that the overload protection element 102 is arranged in the force flow / force transmission line between the actuating lever 22 and the first rotary part 82. The overload protection element 102 can be designed, in particular, as a spring element, preferably as a helical spring.

[0084] Preferably, the actuating lever 22 and the first rotary part 82 can be pivotally or rotatably connected to the gear housing 20 about the same axis. This means that the actuating lever pivot axis preferably corresponds to the first rotation axis.

[0085] Preferably, the actuating lever 22 can have a recess 104 in which the overload protection element 102 is received. In particular, the overload protection element 102 can be arranged entirely within the recess 104. This means that the overload protection element 102 is preferably covered on the outside by the actuating lever 22.

[0086] Preferably, the overload protection element 102 can be loosely received in the recess 104, i.e., not rigidly connected to the actuating lever 22 and / or the first rotating part 82. In particular, the overload protection element 102 can be longitudinally guided, i.e., (only) displaceable or elastically compressible or bendable along its longitudinal axis, in the recess 104. As described above, the actuating lever 22 can be pivoted, ie actuated and reset, in the actuating direction, ie in the direction from the actuating lever 22 towards the handle element 21, actuated for example by closing a hand of the surgeon / pressing the actuating lever 22 and the handle element 21 together, and in the resetting direction, ie in the direction from the actuating lever 22 away from the handle element 21, actuated for example by opening a hand of the surgeon / pressing the actuating lever 22 and the handle element 21 apart.

[0087] The overload protection element 102 can preferably be arranged such that it acts (only / exclusively) in the actuation direction (and not in the return direction). This means that the overload protection element 102 only limits / damps / secures / protects against overload the pivoting movement of the actuation lever 22 toward the handle element 21. In particular, an actuation transmission surface 106 of the actuation lever 22 and a return transmission surface 108 of the actuation lever 22 can be formed separately from one another, i.e., on different surfaces.This means that the actuating lever 22 and the first rotary part 82 are not firmly connected to one another, and a force transmission when the actuating lever 22 is actuated takes place via the actuating transmission surface 106 coupled to the first rotary part 82 via the overload protection element 102, and a force transmission when the actuating lever 22 is returned takes place (directly) via the coupled return transmission surface 108 adjacent to the first rotary part 82.

[0088] In addition, the overload protection element 102 can preferably be arranged and dimensioned such that an initial (initially in the sense of actuation, i.e., starting from the pivoting movement from a non-actuated position of the actuating lever 22) force transmission via the overload protection element 102 between the actuating lever 22 and the first rotating part 82 exhibits a substantially linear transmission behavior. This means that the coupling via the overload protection element 102 is quasi-rigid / inelastic during the initial force transmission, in particular during force transmission within the "normal" working range (and without resistance on the tool 4).In particular, the overload protection element 102 can preferably be arranged and dimensioned such that the overload protection element is only compressed when an actuating force of greater than 200 N, preferably greater than 300 N, is applied via the actuating lever 22 (but only when an actuating force of 1000 N is applied via the actuating lever 22).

[0089] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the instrument shaft 12 can be coupled or can be coupled to the handle 8 and, in the coupled state, serve as a stop for the pivoting movement of the actuating lever 22 (and the components coupled thereto in the power transmission train). This means that, in the coupled state, the instrument shaft 12 serves as a pivoting limiter for the actuating lever 22, as well as a translation limiter for the transmission or longitudinal limiter for the pull / push rod 14, and thus as a travel limiter for the tool 4. This also means that, in a decoupled state of the instrument shaft 12, the stop function for the pivoting movement of the actuating lever 22, as well as the translation limiter for the transmission or the longitudinal limiter for the pull / push rod 14, and thus the travel limiter for the tool 4, are omitted, so that the movably guided or articulated components of the power transmission train of the gear 24 orof instrument 2 can move freely (with regard to their degree of freedom / their movement possible due to appropriate storage / receiving or attachment).

[0090] The instrument shaft 12 can serve as a stop such that decoupling of the transmission (pull / push rod 14) from the gear 24 is only possible when the instrument shaft 12 is decoupled from the handle 8, due to the loss of its stop function. This means that decoupling of the transmission (pull / push rod 14) from the gear 24 is blocked when the instrument shaft 12 is coupled to the handle 8, due to its stop function.

[0091] As described above, the stop formed by the instrument shaft 12 can preferably be designed as an axial stop that limits the translational movement of the transmission ( / the longitudinal movement of the pull / push rod 14), in particular on both sides. For example, the stop can be formed in that the transmission ( / pull / push rod 14) has a pin 110 that is received in a slotted guide 112 on the instrument shaft 12, so that when the pin 110 rests against the slotted guide edge, further translational movement (in the direction of the slotted guide edge) is prevented (see Fig. 18). The stop can preferably be formed on a distal end region of the instrument shaft 12.

[0092] Preferably, the gear 24 can have the second rotating part 84 operatively connected to the actuating lever 22, the rotation of which can be coupled or is coupled to the translational movement of the transmission (or the longitudinal movement of the pull / push rod 14) via a (first) axial positive connection. The first axial positive connection is formed in particular by the axially undercut recess 88 in the second rotating part 84, into which the transmission, in particular the ball pressure piece 90 of the pull / push rod 14 (in the coupled state of the instrument shaft 12 and thus of the pull / push rod 14), engages in an axially undercutting manner.

[0093] Preferably, the transmission (pull-push rod 14) can be translationally displaceable, in particular longitudinally movable, in the decoupled state of the instrument shaft 12, and (due to the coupling between the transmission and the second rotating part 84 or the gear 24), in particular the second rotating part 84 can be rotatable in the decoupled state of the instrument shaft (12) to such an extent that the axial positive connection between the transmission and the second rotating part 84 is releasable. This position of the second rotating part 84 is also referred to below as a disassembly position of the second rotating part 84 or as the loading position of the instrument 2 (see in particular Fig. 17). In particular, the transmission (pull-push rod 14) (together with the instrument shaft 12 or the entire shaft assembly 6) can be pulled in the distal direction (out of the handle 8).

[0094] In addition, the second rotating part 84 can be received in the handle 8, in particular the gear housing 20, with spring preload. In particular, a spring preload of the second rotating part 84 can press the second rotating part 84 into the disassembly position, in which the first axial positive connection between the transmission (pull / push rod 14) and the second rotating part 84 can be released. The spring preload can be realized in particular via the spring 94 preloading the guide pin 92. The disassembly position can in particular correspond to an unactuated, overextended position of the actuating lever 22, i.e. a position in which the actuating lever 22 is positioned further away from the handle element 21 than in the unactuated position.

[0095] In particular, the instrument shaft 12 can be axially fixedly coupled to the handle 8 in the coupled state and axially displaceable relative to the handle 8 in the uncoupled state. This means that a coupling between the instrument shaft 12 and the handle 8 corresponds in particular to an axially fixed connection.

[0096] As described above, the instrument 2 or the handle 8 can preferably have the disassembly button 28, upon actuation ( / pressing) of which the shaft assembly 6 / the instrument shaft 12 and the handle 8 can be disassembled, i.e. the shaft assembly 6 / the instrument shaft 12 can be uncoupled from the handle 8. The disassembly button 28 can in particular be manually actuated. By actuating the disassembly button 28, the instrument shaft 12 can be axially decoupled from the handle 8. This means that the disassembly button 28 can block an axial displacement of the instrument shaft 12 relative to the handle 8. In other words, the instrument shaft 12 and the handle can be freely axially displaced relative to one another when the disassembly button 28 is actuated and can be or be axially connected to one another when the disassembly button 28 is not actuated.

[0097] The disassembly button 28 can preferably have a locking slide 114 accommodated in the handle 8 for (longitudinal) displacement, the longitudinal axis of which corresponds in particular to a radial direction of the instrument shaft 12. This means that the locking slide 114 can be displaced transversely or perpendicularly to the shaft axis. The locking slide 114 can preferably be coupled or connected to the instrument shaft 12 via a second axial positive connection. The second axial positive connection can preferably be released by a (longitudinal) displacement of the disassembly button 28 (relative to the handle 8).

[0098] In particular, the closing slide 114 can be accommodated in the handle in a spring-loaded manner. The (second) axial positive connection can preferably be releasable against a spring preload of the closing slide 114. This means that a spring preload of a spring 116 pushes the closing slide 114 into an unactuated position or into axially positive engagement with the instrument shaft 12.

[0099] For example, the second axial positive connection can be formed by a slot-like slotted connection 118 formed in the closing slide 114, with which the instrument shaft 12 (when the disassembly button 28 is actuated) is out of axially positive engagement and can thus be guided axially through the slotted connection 118 and (when the disassembly button 28 is not actuated) is in axially positive engagement and thus cannot be moved axially relative to the slotted connection 118 (and thus to the handle 8). For this purpose, the instrument shaft 12 can preferably have a (approximately circumferentially encircling) radial groove 120, into which an end region / edge of the link 118 engages in the unactuated position of the disassembly button 28 (and thereby prevents an axial movement of the instrument shaft 12 (in the direction through the link)) and is received in a central region / center of the link 118 in an actuated position ( / longitudinally displaced position) of the disassembly button 28 (cf. Fig.19).

Claims

Claims 1 . Surgical instrument (2), in particular electrosurgical instrument (2) of the minimally invasive shaft type, with - a handle (8) having a gear housing (20) and an actuating lever (22) hinged to the gear housing (20), - an instrument shaft coupled or connectable to the handle (8), - a translationally displaceable transmission mounted in the instrument shaft (12), preferably in the form of a pull / push rod (14), and - a gear (24) accommodated in the gear housing (20), which is in operative engagement with the actuating lever (22) and is coupled or can be coupled to the transmission (14) so that a pivoting movement of the actuating lever (22) can be transformed into a translational movement of the transmission (14) via the gear (24), characterized in that the instrument shaft (12) in the coupled state serves as a stop for the pivoting movement of the actuating lever (22) such that a decoupling of the transmission (14) from the gear (24) is only possible when the instrument shaft (12) is decoupled from the handle (8) due to the loss of its stop function.

2. Instrument (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the stop formed by the instrument shaft (12) is designed as an axial stop limiting the translational movement of the transmission (14), in particular on both sides.

3. Instrument (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the instrument (2) is pre-tensioned into a disassembly position in which the decoupling of the transmission (14) is possible.

4. Instrument (2) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the gear (24) has a rotary part (84) which is operatively connected to the actuating lever (22), the rotation of which can be or is coupled to the translational movement of the transmission (14) via an axial form-fitting connection.

5. Instrument (2) according to claim 4, characterized in that the rotating part (84) is rotatably mounted relative to the actuating lever (22).

6. Instrument (2) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the rotating part (84) is rotatable in the decoupled state of the instrument shaft (12) to such an extent that the axial form-fitting connection between the transmission (14) and the rotating part (84) is releasable.

7. Instrument (2) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the rotating part (84) is received in the handle (8) in a spring-preloaded manner and a spring preload of the rotating part (84) presses the rotating part (84) into a disassembly position in which the axial form-fitting connection between the transmission (14) and the rotating part (84) is releasable.

8. Instrument (2) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the fixed handle element (21) is arranged proximal to the actuating lever (22).

9. Instrument (2) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the fixed handle element (21) is designed without a handle opening, in particular without a finger receiving opening and / or without a thumb receiving opening.

10. Instrument (2) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the instrument shaft (12) is axially fixedly coupled to the handle (8) in the coupled state and is axially displaceable relative to the handle (8) in the uncoupled state.

11. Instrument (2) according to claim 10, characterized by a disassembly button (28), in particular manually operable, by the actuation of which the instrument shaft (12) can be axially decoupled from the handle (8).

12. Instrument (2) according to claim 11, characterized in that the disassembly button (28) has a closing slide (114) which is slidably received in the handle (8) and which can be or is coupled to the instrument shaft (12) via an axial form-fitting connection, wherein the axial form-fitting connection can preferably be released by a displacement of the disassembly button (28).

13. Instrument according to claim 12, characterized in that the closing slide (114) is received in the handle (8) in a spring-biased manner and the axial form-fitting connection can be released against a spring preload of the closing slide (114).

14. Instrument (2) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the axial positive connection is formed by a slot-like link (118) formed in the closing slide (114), through which the instrument shaft (12) can be guided axially in the decoupled state.

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