Method for producing a screw mechanism, method for producing an internally threaded part, screw mechanism, internally threaded part, medical tool comprising a screw mechanism, and use of a screw mechanism

Abstract

The present application relates to a method for producing a screw mechanism (60), to a method for producing an internally threaded part (40), to a screw mechanism (60), to an internally threaded part (40), to a medical tool (1) comprising at least one screw mechanism (60), and to the use of a screw mechanism (60), wherein the method for producing the screw mechanism comprises the following steps: - providing an elongate blank (10), such as a wire or a tube, for example; - laser-cutting a spiral (20) from the elongate blank (10) in such a way that the remainder (52) of the elongate blank (10) forms an externally threaded part (50) of the screw mechanism (60) having an external thread corresponding to the cut-out spiral (20), - fixing the spiral (20) to an outer tube (30) to form an internally threaded part (40) of the screw mechanism (60), corresponding to the externally threaded part (50) of the screw mechanism (60).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] The present invention relates to a method for producing a helical gear, a method for producing an internally threaded part, a helical gear, an internally threaded part, a medical tool comprising a helical gear, and the use of a helical gear.

[0003] Screw gears are known, for example, from vices, whereby, for example, by rotating a spindle with an external thread, one or two clamping jaws, of which at least one clamping jaw has a corresponding internal thread, can be moved towards and away from each other.

[0004] Furthermore, various methods for producing external threads are known, such as by machining or laser cutting or laser material processing of an external thread. For producing internal threads, it is particularly known to use a machining tap. The correspondingly produced internal and external threads can, in particular, constitute a helical gear by engaging each other. Furthermore, it is known, for example, to produce internal threads using thread electrodes by means of electroerosion.

[0005] Starting from conventional methods for producing a helical gear, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved and particularly efficient method for producing helical gears, in particular to provide a method for producing helical gears with comparatively small diameters.

[0006] Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved and particularly efficient method for producing an internal thread part, in particular to provide a method for producing an internal thread part with a comparatively small diameter and / or with a comparatively large length.

[0007] Furthermore, the task is to provide an improved and particularly efficient screw gear, in particular with a comparatively small

[0008] diameter and / or comparatively large length, to provide an improved internal thread part, in particular with a comparatively small

[0009] diameter and / or comparatively large length, which can be used for example for such a screw gear, as well as to provide a medical tool with such a screw gear.

[0010] The above-described objects are achieved by the subject matters of the independent claims, preferred embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0011] A first aspect of the invention relates to a method for producing a helical gear, the method comprising the steps:

[0012] - Providing an elongated blank, such as a wire or a tube;

[0013] - laser cutting a spiral or helix or coil from the elongated blank, such that the remainder of the elongated blank forms an externally threaded part of the screw gear substantially with an external thread corresponding to the cut-out spiral; and

[0014] - Fixing the spiral to an outer tube to form an internal thread part of the helical gear, substantially corresponding to the external thread part of the helical gear. A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for producing an internal thread part, which can be used, for example, for a helical gear as described herein, the method comprising the steps:

[0015] - Providing an elongated blank, such as a wire or a tube;

[0016] - Laser cutting a spiral or helix from the elongated blank; and

[0017] - Fixing the spiral to an outer tube to form the internal thread part.

[0018] Unless otherwise stated, the following statements refer to both the process for manufacturing the helical gear and the process for manufacturing the internal thread part.

[0019] By laser cutting the spiral, helix, or coil from the elongated blank, wherein the spiral, helix, or coil is reused for fixing to the outer tube to form the internal thread part of the helical gear, an improved method for producing a helical gear or an internal thread part can advantageously be provided, wherein the helical gear is produced in a particularly resource-saving manner and can therefore be produced in a particularly efficient manner. The internal thread part can also advantageously be produced in a simple manner, in particular by simultaneously providing an external thread part with an external thread corresponding to the internal thread of the internal thread part, in a resource-saving manner and therefore can therefore be produced in a particularly efficient manner.

[0020] In other words, in the present case, by laser cutting and the subsequent fixing of the spiral or helix or coil to the outer tube, a method can advantageously be provided, wherein two mutually complementary threaded parts, i.e. internal thread part and external thread part, can be provided by means of a (preferably single) thread cutting step.

[0021] In other words, in the present case, by laser cutting and the subsequent fixing of the spiral or helix or coil to the outer tube, in particular a spiral or helix or coil that occurs as a waste product during external thread cutting can be advantageously reused, thereby providing a resource-saving and particularly efficient method for producing a helical gear or for producing a complementary internal thread and external thread part, which can be used in particular for a helical gear.

[0022] The helical gear comprises, in particular, the internal thread part and the external thread part, wherein the external thread part and the internal thread part are at least partially mutually engaged. For example, the internal thread part and the external thread part can form a helical gear in which at least some of the turns of the internal thread part and at least some of the turns of the external thread part are mutually engaged.

[0023] In particular, laser cutting can advantageously ensure that the spiral or helix or coil cut or cut out of the elongated blank is essentially retained, i.e. is retained continuously, in particular as a plurality of successive turns.

[0024] In particular, compared to conventional machining, where the internal tap can only be drilled over a limited length, it is also advantageously possible to produce an internal thread with a comparatively long length and / or a comparatively small diameter, in particular without being subject to the risk of the tap breaking off or of the thread being inaccurate.

[0025] In addition to activating the laser for separating the elongated blank, the laser cutting may in particular comprise performing a relative movement of the laser relative to the elongated blank, for example a movement of the elongated blank relative to the laser.

[0026] The relative movement of the laser relative to the elongate blank may, for example, comprise a feed movement of the laser substantially in the axial direction relative to the elongate blank, and / or comprise a relative rotational movement of the laser around the elongate blank, for example substantially in the circumferential direction of the elongate blank, and / or comprise a relative tilting movement of the laser relative to the axis of the elongate blank, for example to change the inclination of the laser relative to the axis of the elongate blank.

[0027] The relative movement of the laser relative to the elongate blank, and in particular the movement of the elongate blank relative to the laser, may further comprise a feed movement of the elongate blank substantially in the axial direction relative to the laser, and / or a rotation of the elongate blank substantially about its axis, in particular while the laser is pointing off-center at the elongate blank.

[0028] The relative movement of the laser relative to the elongate blank and in particular the movement of the elongate blank relative to the laser preferably comprises in particular a combination of a feed movement of the elongate blank substantially in the axial direction relative to the laser and a rotation of the elongate blank substantially about its axis, in particular while the laser is pointing off-center at the elongate blank.

[0029] The combination of the relative movement of the laser relative to the elongated blank advantageously facilitates obtaining the spiral, helix, or coil, in particular, obtaining the spiral, helix, or coil as a single piece cut from the elongated blank. It is understood that, for example, to produce a plurality of spirals, helices, or coils, in particular with different axial lengths and / or with different numbers of turns and / or with different pitches, the spirals, helices, or coils cut out by laser cutting can be cut out with a separation from one another.

[0030] Furthermore, the spiral or helix or coil can advantageously be provided with application-specific flank heights, application-specific flank angles, and / or application-specific flank shapes by laser cutting the spiral or helix or coil.

[0031] Based on the flank height and / or the flank shape of the spiral, helix or coil, the stiffness and flexibility of the spiral, helix or coil can be advantageously adjusted.

[0032] Based on the flank shape and / or the flank angle, the force for rotating the internal thread part relative to the external thread part can advantageously be adjusted.

[0033] The force for rotating the internal threaded part relative to the external threaded part can also be advantageously adjusted by fixing the spiral, helix, or coil to the outer tube, particularly taking into account the cutting gap caused by the laser during laser cutting or the cutting thickness of the laser. In other words, the laser can advantageously be used to define an initial clearance or tolerance of the spiral, helix, or coil relative to the rest of the elongated blank during laser cutting, particularly based on the cutting gap of the laser.

[0034] By securing the spiral, helix, or coil to the outer tube, a final clearance or tolerance (e.g., for a corresponding use of the spiral, helix, or coil) can be advantageously adjusted. The final clearance or tolerance can be adjusted by means of the securing, in particular, as a change from the initial tolerance or initial clearance.

[0035] As a result, the force for rotating the internal thread part relative to the external thread part can be advantageously adjusted by fixing the spiral or helix or coil to the outer tube.

[0036] In exemplary embodiments, the outer tube can form a transition fit or a clearance fit relative to the spiral, helix, or coil. In other words, an inner diameter of the outer tube can form a transition fit or a clearance fit relative to the outer diameter of the spiral, helix, or coil, which can in particular substantially correspond to the outer diameter of the elongated blank.

[0037] By providing a transition fit and preferably a clearance fit, an unloaded or untensioned positioning of the spiral or helix or coil in the outer tube can be advantageously ensured.

[0038] In other words, by providing a transition fit and preferably a clearance fit between the outer diameter of the spiral, helix, or coil and the inner diameter of the outer tube, the original shape of the spiral, helix, or coil, as cut from the elongated blank, can advantageously be retained when positioning the spiral in the outer tube. In other words, the original shape, in particular the original pitch of the spiral, helix, or coil, as cut from the elongated blank, can advantageously be retained before fixing.

[0039] The spiral or helix or coil forms in particular the internal thread in the outer tube, i.e. the internal thread of the internal thread part.

[0040] Accordingly, by providing a transition fit and preferably a clearance fit, it is advantageous to ensure that the internal thread is formed in a manner substantially corresponding to the external thread part by positioning the spiral or helix or coil in the outer tube without load.

[0041] In alternative embodiments, the outer tube may form an interference fit or press fit relative to the spiral or helix or coil.

[0042] This advantageously ensures a particularly firm fixation of the spiral, helix, or coil in the outer tube. To ensure that the internal thread is formed in a manner that substantially corresponds to the external thread part by positioning the spiral, helix, or coil in the outer tube, in exemplary embodiments, the spiral, helix, or coil can be positioned along openings in the peripheral wall of the outer tube prior to the step of fixing the spiral, helix, or coil.

[0043] In further exemplary embodiments, in order to ensure that the internal thread is formed substantially corresponding to the external thread part by positioning the spiral in the outer tube, the spiral can be inserted, for example, together with the rest of the elongated blank, i.e., together with the external thread part, at least partially into the press-fitted or interference-fitted outer tube before the step of fixing the spiral. The spiral can, in particular, be inserted into the outer tube, together with the rest of the elongated blank, in such a way that the spiral is positioned along openings in the peripheral wall of the outer tube, i.e., the spiral is positioned, in particular, overlapping the openings in the peripheral wall of the outer tube.

[0044] In further exemplary embodiments, in order to ensure that the internal thread is formed substantially corresponding to the external thread part by positioning the spiral in the outer tube, the remainder of the elongated blank, i.e., the external thread part, can be screwed at least partially into the press-fitted or oversized outer tube with spiral prior to the step of fixing the spiral. Screwing in refers to a relative rotation of the external thread part to the press-fitted or oversized outer tube with spiral, and can therefore also include a rotation of the press-fitted or oversized outer tube with spiral onto the external thread part.

[0045] The screwing of the external thread part, at least in sections, into the press-fitted or oversized outer tube with spiral can, for example, be carried out on one side or on both sides, i.e. from a first end of the outer tube and / or from a second end of the outer tube.

[0046] The elongated blank can, in particular, have a substantially round, preferably substantially circular, cross-section. In other words, the elongated blank can, in particular, have a substantially round, preferably substantially circular, outer contour in cross-section. It is understood that the elongated blank is not limited to this.

[0047] However, a blank with a substantially round cross-section or substantially round outer contour advantageously facilitates laser cutting of the spiral and also facilitates any necessary post-processing of the outer contour to ensure use in a helical gear, or even makes post-processing unnecessary.

[0048] The elongated blank has, in particular, a dimension in the axial direction which is many times larger than a dimension of the outer diameter of the elongated blank or than a dimension of the cross section of the elongated blank.

[0049] Thus, an axial longitudinal or an axial dimension of the elongate blank can in particular be at least about twice as large, preferably at least about 10 times as large, particularly preferably at least about 20 times as large, as a dimension of the outer diameter or the cross section of the elongate blank.

[0050] The elongated blank, in whose length the spiral and / or the remainder of the elongated blank can also be present after laser cutting, can, for example, have a length of more than approximately 1 mm, in particular a length of more than 80 mm, preferably of more than 150 mm, more preferably of more than 200 mm, particularly preferably of more than 300 mm. In exemplary embodiments, the elongated blank can have an axial length such that the remainder of the elongated blank after laser cutting, i.e., the external thread part, has at least one thread.

[0051] In further exemplary embodiments, the remainder of the elongated blank may be divided or severed such that the externally threaded portion comprises or is formed from a portion of the remainder of the elongated blank.

[0052] By means of the corresponding length of the elongate blank, and in particular the corresponding length of the spiral and / or the remainder of the elongate blank, a helical gear can advantageously be provided which can be used, for example, for a medical tool and in particular ensures a precise travel path, i.e. a precisely adjustable, essentially axial relative movement between the internal thread part and the external thread part of the helical gear.

[0053] For example, the medical tool may include or be a system for tissue screws.

[0054] In further exemplary embodiments, the medical tool may comprise or be components of implants, in particular may comprise or be geometrically adjustable components of implants, alternatively or additionally components for blocking or adjusting predetermined geometries or positions.

[0055] In further exemplary embodiments, the screw gear and in particular the internal thread part, as described here, can be used for a screw connection which lies outside the medical field of application, for example as a classic connection or fastening, in particular as a frictional and / or positive connection or fastening of two or more parts.

[0056] The elongated blank may in particular be a wire or a tube, which in particular has an outer diameter of less than about 5 mm.

[0057] While the wire comprises a solid material, the tube in particular has a cavity with a predetermined inner diameter.

[0058] In exemplary embodiments, the hollow space of the tube can be used as an exemplary elongated blank to pass through further wires and / or tubes and / or actuators, in particular to again form an outer tube for a further spindle, which together form a further internally threaded part.

[0059] The wire as an elongated blank and its solid material advantageously enable the creation of a particularly stable external thread component based on its remaining portion after laser cutting. This also allows for a very precise definition of a force-displacement or torque-displacement relationship for moving the internal thread component relative to the external thread component. This further advantageously improves precise handling of the spiral, for example, during medical treatment. Furthermore, the wire as an elongated blank advantageously enables low manufacturing effort and correspondingly lower semi-finished product costs, especially compared to tubes.

[0060] The tube as an elongated blank and its cavity with a predetermined inner diameter advantageously makes it possible to provide a comparatively light external thread part and / or to provide a comparatively flexible external thread part, which can be rotated or turned relative to the internal thread part, in particular with comparatively little effort, and thereby facilitates handling, for example during medical treatment.

[0061] If the elongated blank is a pipe, for example, the pipe can in particular be provided with an inner diameter that is smaller than an inner diameter of the spiral. In other words, during laser cutting, the inner diameter of the spiral can in particular be larger than an inner diameter of the pipe, provided the elongated blank is a pipe. This advantageously enables the pipe to have a closed outer contour after laser cutting, or in other words, a continuous or uninterrupted outer contour in the axial direction. This advantageously ensures mutual support of the internal thread part relative to the external thread part.

[0062] Laser cutting the spiral from the elongated blank involves laser cutting the spiral on an outer peripheral side of the elongated blank so that the remainder of the elongated blank forms the external thread part of the screw gear with an external thread corresponding to the cut out spiral.

[0063] The spiral fixed to the outer tube to form the internal thread part of the helical gear relates in particular to an internal thread part whose internal thread corresponds to the external thread of the external thread part of the helical gear.

[0064] Fixing the spiral to the outer tube to form the internal thread part of the screw gear can comprise a partial or complete fixing of the spiral to the outer tube.

[0065] The complete fixing of the spiral to the outer tube relates in particular to a fixing of the spiral to the outer tube, wherein each turn of the spiral, which is arranged within the outer tube, is fixed at least at one point relative to the outer tube.

[0066] The section-by-section fixing of the spiral to the outer tube accordingly relates in particular to a fixing of the spiral to the outer tube, wherein one or more turns of the spiral which is / are arranged inside the outer tube is / are not fixed at at least one point relative to the outer tube. In other words, the section-by-section fixing of the spiral to the outer tube relates in particular to a fixing of the spiral to the outer tube, wherein one or more turns of the spiral which is / are arranged inside the outer tube are movable relative to the outer tube. While the complete fixing of the spiral to the outer tube advantageously enables a precise adjustment of the actuating force for the relative twisting and moving of the external thread part and the internal thread part, the section-by-section fixing, in contrast, enables the helical gear to be provided with additional play and / or additional flexibility.

[0067] In the following, various terms will be used repeatedly, the understanding of which will be facilitated by the following exemplary descriptions.

[0068] External thread part: The external thread part has an external thread, i.e. a thread on its outer circumferential side.

[0069] Internal thread part: The internal thread part has an internal thread, i.e. a thread on its inner circumferential side.

[0070] The external thread of the external thread part and the internal thread of the internal thread part can in particular essentially correspond to one another, i.e. correspond to one another in such a way that when the external thread part and the internal thread part engage with one another, the external thread part and the internal thread part can be rotated both clockwise and counterclockwise relative to one another.

[0071] The pitch as used herein means in particular an axial distance between two flank crests adjacent in the axial direction, whereby the thread or thread part or spiral in question does not have to have crests as flanks. Particularly in the case of flat flanks of a thread or thread part or spiral in question, the pitch is therefore an axial distance between the respective axial centers of the flanks adjacent to one another in the axial direction. The pitch can alternatively also be referred to using the term "pitch" commonly used for threads. A compressed pitch as used herein means in particular a pitch that is shorter or reduced relative to a specific or original pitch.

[0072] An extended pitch as used herein means in particular a pitch that is longer or enlarged relative to a specific or original pitch.

[0073] Axial direction: In the present case, the axial direction is used primarily to describe the outer tube, the elongated blank, or the parts of the elongated blank resulting from laser cutting, i.e., the spiral cut from the outer contour of the elongated blank, as well as the remainder of the elongated blank from which the spiral was cut. The outer tube, the elongated blank, the spiral, and the remainder of the elongated blank can, in an unloaded position, extend substantially in the axial direction. The axial direction can, in particular, be a direction that substantially corresponds to an axis of the outer tube, the elongated blank, the spiral, and / or the remainder of the elongated blank, similar to an axis of a tubular, rod-shaped, cylindrical, or approximately cylindrical part.

[0074] Radial direction: The radial direction is used here in particular in connection with the diameter of the outer tube, the elongated blank, the spiral, and / or the remainder of the elongated blank, and describes the extension of the respective element in the radial direction. The radial direction can, in particular, run essentially perpendicular to the axial direction. In other words, the radial direction can, in particular, essentially correspond to a radial direction of a tubular, rod-shaped, or cylindrical or approximately cylindrical part.

[0075] A circumferential direction can preferably run substantially perpendicular to the axial direction and / or substantially perpendicular to the radial direction. The axial direction, the radial direction, and the circumferential direction can form a coordinate system, in particular a right-hand system.

[0076] If a direction or an angle is described with the addition "essentially" or "approximately", this addition is intended to mean or be understood to mean a deviation from the direction or angle in question in the range from 0° to 5°.

[0077] If a spatial measure, a spatial ratio or any other ratio is described with the addition "essentially" or "approximately", this addition is intended to mean or be understood to mean, in particular, a deviation from the relevant measure or ratio in the range of 0% to 10%.

[0078] In preferred embodiments of the method for producing a helical gear or for producing an internally threaded part, in the step of fixing the spiral to the outer tube, i.e. in particular in the step of fixing in sections or completely, the spiral can be fixed to the outer tube in such a way that a predetermined number of turns of the spiral, in particular a predetermined number of consecutive turns of the spiral, protrudes from the outer tube.

[0079] In particular, the turns of the predetermined number of turns projecting from the outer tube are not fixed to the outer tube or movable relative to the outer tube.

[0080] The predetermined number of turns can in particular protrude from a first and / or a second end of the outer tube.

[0081] The coils of the predetermined number of coils protruding from the outer tube have, in particular, spring-like properties. In other words, the part of the coil that protrudes from the outer tube can, in particular, form a coil spring portion of the internally threaded part. The coil spring portion can accordingly have spring-like properties or spring properties, such as a predetermined spring stiffness.

[0082] The spring stiffness of the coil spring section can advantageously be adjusted by defining a first number of consecutive turns that are not fixed to the outer tube and that protrude at least partially from the outer tube, i.e., protrude from the first end and / or the second end of the outer tube. In other words, the internally threaded part has, in particular, a coil spring section that comprises a plurality of consecutive turns that are movable relative to the outer tube and that protrude at least partially from the outer tube, in particular, protrude from the outer tube in an undeflected state of the coil spring section, i.e., protrude from the outer tube without compressing or stretching the coil spring section.

[0083] The stiffness of the spiral spring section of the internal thread part can be further advantageously adjusted by screwing the external thread part into the internal thread part, for example by turning or rotating the internal thread part relative to the external thread part, in particular by screwing the external thread part at least partially into the spiral spring section of the internal thread part.

[0084] By screwing the external thread part into the spiral spring section of the internal thread part, a part of the first number of successive turns which are not fixed to the outer tube and in particular protrude at least partially from the outer tube can advantageously be restricted in its axial deflectability and in particular blocked.

[0085] The part of the first number of consecutive turns which is restricted in its axial deflectability and in particular blocked does not have to be an integer part of the first number and can in particular be a precisely adjustable part of the first number.

[0086] By screwing the external threaded part into the internal threaded part, the stiffness of the coil spring section of the internal threaded part can be advantageously adjusted. This, in turn, is advantageously suitable for setting a predetermined force, which is intended to result from a predetermined axial compression or extension of the coil spring section. This allows, for example, a medical treatment, in particular an actuation, such as the operation of a medical instrument, for example, a knife, or the insertion or removal of a medical insert, for example, a stent, to be carried out with a predeterminable force.

[0087] The first number of consecutive turns can protrude at an end of the outer tube which is arranged facing a medical instrument or a medical insert, or is arranged facing away from it.

[0088] In particular, the stiffness or spring stiffness of the coil spring portion of the internally threaded part can be increased by progressively screwing the externally threaded part into the coil spring portion, and can be decreased by progressively unscrewing or removing the externally threaded part from the coil spring portion. Furthermore, in exemplary embodiments, a medical tool can be compressed or reduced in size by progressively screwing the externally threaded part into the coil spring portion, and a medical tool can be stretched or enlarged by progressively unscrewing or removing the externally threaded part from the coil spring portion.

[0089] Additionally or alternatively, the external thread part can be screwed into the internal thread part in such a way that the external thread part protrudes increasingly from the internal thread part. Due to the essentially corresponding external and internal thread parts, a relative axial movement can be precisely adjusted, for example, to guide a medical insert, a medical instrument, and / or a medication to a predetermined position.

[0090] The present helical gear is therefore advantageously suitable for a medical tool which, for example, has or requires longitudinal travel, and / or which has or requires actuation with a predeterminable force, and / or which has or requires variability of the stiffness.

[0091] The first number of consecutive turns of the spiral spring section of the internally threaded part, which are not fixed to the outer tube or which are movable relative to the outer tube and which protrude at least partially from the outer tube, can for example be at least two, in particular at least four, preferably at least eight, more preferably at least 15.

[0092] This advantageously allows the stiffness of the coil spring section to be precisely adjusted, and the helical gear is advantageously versatile. Furthermore, the helical gear, with the first number of consecutive windings not fixed to the outer tube, is advantageously simple and, in particular, inexpensive to manufacture, and can be manufactured accordingly efficiently.

[0093] Furthermore, by laser cutting the spiral, the spiral can advantageously be provided with application-specific flank heights, application-specific flank angles, and / or application-specific flank shapes, such as pointed thread flanks, trapezoidal thread flanks, saw thread flanks, round thread flanks and flat thread flanks.

[0094] In preferred embodiments of the method for producing a helical gear or for producing an internally threaded part, the outer tube can have an outer diameter of less than approximately 4 mm, in particular less than approximately 3 mm, preferably less than approximately 2 mm, for example less than approximately 1 mm; and / or the elongated blank can have an outer diameter of less than approximately 3.7 mm, in particular less than approximately 2.7 mm, preferably less than approximately 1.7 mm, for example less than approximately 1.0 mm, and / or for example more than approximately 0.3 mm.By providing the outer tube and / or the elongated blank with a correspondingly small outer diameter, a comparatively thin helical gear can be advantageously provided, which is suitable for applications with limited installation space and which is particularly suitable for a medical tool, such as a longitudinally movable medical tool and / or a medical tool with adjustable rigidity. The medical tool is thus particularly suitable for positioning medical inserts, such as stents, for targeted drug delivery, and / or for guiding an optical system and / or a cutting tool.

[0095] The thread cutting of such thin or small internal threads, especially of elongated components with simultaneously thin or small wall thicknesses, is not possible using the known internal tapping process.

[0096] Accordingly, by laser cutting the spiral, which is subsequently fixed to the outer tube, wherein the outer tube in particular has a correspondingly small outer diameter as defined above, a particularly thin internal thread part can advantageously be produced. This particularly thin or small internal thread part is therefore particularly suitable for a helical gear, together with the remainder of the elongated blank from which the spiral is laser cut.

[0097] In further exemplary embodiments, the outer tube can have an outer diameter of less than approximately 2.5 mm, in particular less than approximately 2 mm, and / or the elongated blank can have an outer diameter of less than approximately 2.2 mm, in particular less than approximately 1.7 mm. As a result, the internal thread part and the external thread part, and accordingly the screw gear, can advantageously be designed to be thin and, in particular, resource-efficient.

[0098] In exemplary embodiments, the outer tube can have a wall thickness, i.e., a difference between an outer radius and an inner radius, in the range of approximately 0.1 mm to approximately 1.2 mm, for example, a wall thickness in the range of approximately 0.2 mm to approximately 0.4 mm, in particular a wall thickness of approximately 0.2 mm to approximately 0.3 mm. As a result, the internally threaded part, and accordingly the screw gear, can be advantageously designed to be thin and, in particular, resource-efficient.

[0099] It is understood that the present method is also suitable for screw gear configurations with larger outer diameters than those mentioned above by way of example, in particular in order to provide a mutually complementary internal and external thread part in a particularly resource-saving and efficient manner, wherein the internal thread part and the external thread part can form a screw gear.

[0100] In preferred embodiments of the method for producing a helical gear or for producing an internally threaded part, in the step of fixing the spiral to the outer tube, in particular in the step of partially or completely fixing the spiral to the outer tube, one or more turns of the spiral can be fixed to the outer tube in such a way that the pitch of the one or more turns is compressed or stretched relative to the pitch of the spiral as cut out of the elongated blank.

[0101] First, an initial clearance or tolerance of the spiral relative to the rest of the elongated blank can be advantageously defined by means of the laser during laser cutting of the spiral, i.e. through the cutting gap of the laser.

[0102] By fixing the spiral to the outer tube, a final play or a final tolerance of the spiral fixed to the outer tube, which forms the internal thread part, can then be adjusted relative to the rest of the elongated blank, which forms the external thread part.

[0103] By compressing or stretching the pitch of one or more turns, relative to the pitch of the spiral, as cut out of the elongated blank, i.e. in an unloaded state of the spiral, the final play or the final tolerance can be advantageously adjusted, in particular adjusted in a manner different from the initial tolerance or the initial play.

[0104] The method for producing a helical gear or for producing an internally threaded part can accordingly comprise in particular the fixing of one or more compressed and / or stretched turns at a predetermined position within the outer tube.

[0105] If the mutual turns of the internal thread part and the external thread part engage at the predetermined position within the outer tube, the mutual friction of the mutually engaging turns increases. Accordingly, by fixing the one or more compressed and / or stretched turns at a predetermined position, a predetermined screwing-in torque and / or unscrewing torque can be set. Furthermore, by fixing the one or more compressed and / or stretched turns at a predetermined position, a screwing-in torque curve and / or unscrewing torque curve related to the axial relative position of the external thread part relative to the internal thread part can be configured.

[0106] The respective moment can be converted into a correspondingly configured force by means of the respective actuation of the relative rotation.

[0107] Thus, by fixing the one or more compressed or stretched turns at a predetermined position, in particular a force for rotating the internal thread part relative to the external thread part can advantageously be adjusted by fixing the spiral to the outer tube.

[0108] Fixing the spiral to the outer tube can, in particular, comprise a material-to-material bond. Fixing the spiral to the outer tube can, in particular, comprise welding, preferably laser welding.

[0109] This advantageously makes it possible to provide a particularly thin or small internal thread part, and in turn advantageously makes it possible to provide a particularly thin or small screw gear.

[0110] In other exemplary embodiments, fixing the coil to the outer tube may include shrinking the outer tube onto the coil, for example by gradually heating and cooling the outer tube.

[0111] In further exemplary embodiments, the fixing of the spiral to the outer tube may comprise gluing or soldering the spiral to the outer tube, and / or pressing the spiral into the outer tube, in particular forming an interference fit between the spiral and the outer tube.

[0112] By means of the material-to-material fixing and preferably by welding and in particular by laser welding, a long-lasting fixing of the spiral can be advantageously ensured, which is particularly associated with a comparatively low heat input, so that a deformation of the spiral when fixing to the outer tube can be reduced or prevented.

[0113] In preferred embodiments of the method for producing a helical gear or for producing an internally threaded part, during the step of fixing the spiral to the outer tube, in particular during the step of fixing the spiral to the outer tube in sections or completely, one or more turns of the spiral can be fixed to the outer tube at exactly one point per turn.

[0114] It was surprisingly found that such a fixing of the spiral to the outer tube can already be sufficient for the secure and complementary guidance of the external thread part, whereby only one point per turn, for example in the sense of a welding point per turn, in particular a laser welding point per turn, is or is fixed to the outer tube.

[0115] This allows the spiral to be fixed to the outer tube in a simple and energy-saving manner, and particularly efficiently, to form the internal thread part.

[0116] Furthermore, by fixing at only one point per turn for one or more turns, one or more turns of the spiral can be advantageously and easily fixed to the outer tube with a compressed or stretched pitch, compared to the pitch of the spiral in an unloaded state.

[0117] In preferred embodiments of the method for producing a screw gear or for producing an internally threaded part, the method may further comprise the step:

[0118] - Introduction of openings into the outer tube, wherein the openings have a distance from each other in the axial direction of the outer tube which essentially corresponds to the pitch of the spiral.

[0119] Openings which are introduced into the outer tube and which have a distance from one another in the axial direction of the outer tube which essentially corresponds to the pitch of the spiral which the spiral has in an unloaded state, represent in particular first openings.

[0120] Openings which are introduced into the outer tube and which have a distance in the axial direction of the outer tube to openings which are essentially adjacent in the axial direction and which is compressed or stretched relative to the pitch of the spiral which the spiral has in an unloaded state, represent in particular second openings.

[0121] Accordingly, the step of introducing openings into the outer tube may comprise at least one step of introducing first openings into the outer tube, wherein the first openings are spaced apart from one another in the axial direction of the outer tube by a distance which substantially corresponds to the pitch of the spiral in an unloaded state.

[0122] Additionally or alternatively, the step of introducing openings into the outer tube may comprise one or more steps of introducing one or more second openings into the outer tube, wherein the one or more second openings have a distance in the axial direction of the outer tube to substantially axially adjacent openings, which distance is compressed or stretched relative to the pitch of the spiral in an unloaded state.

[0123] The spacing of the respective openings, as used herein, refers in particular to a distance substantially in the axial direction from openings that are substantially adjacent in the axial direction. It is understood that a distance substantially in the axial direction from adjacent openings that are arranged offset in the circumferential direction, which are arranged on the outer tube offset in the circumferential direction, for example, by approximately 60°, approximately 90°, approximately 120°, or approximately 180°, does not have to correspond to a pitch, and in particular not to a compressed or stretched pitch.

[0124] The openings, in particular the first and / or the second openings, can in particular have a diameter in the range of approximately 0.05 mm to approximately 1 mm.

[0125] Through the openings made in the outer tube, the spiral can advantageously be fixed to the outer tube in a simple manner, for example by welding, in particular by laser welding.

[0126] Furthermore, the introduced openings advantageously enable simple visual quality control during or after an exemplary step of positioning the coil in the outer tube. Correct placement of the coil can be determined, for example, if a portion of the coil adjacent to the opening is visible behind each introduced opening; in other words, if the coil obscures the view into the outer tube.

[0127] In exemplary embodiments, the openings may comprise a predetermined extension substantially in the axial direction of the outer tube and / or substantially in the circumferential direction of the outer tube, in particular to ensure a reliable optical quality control after a step of positioning the spiral in the outer tube.

[0128] A further aspect of the invention relates to a helical gear, wherein the helical gear comprises an internal thread part and an external thread part, wherein the internal thread part has an internal thread and the external thread part has an external thread substantially corresponding to the internal thread of the internal thread part, wherein the internal thread part is formed in several pieces such that the internal thread part has a spiral and an outer tube, wherein the spiral is fixed to the outer tube.

[0129] The present helical gear, which in particular comprises the internal thread part and the external thread part, which have complementary threads to one another, advantageously represents an improved, in particular application-specifically configurable helical gear due to the multi-piece nature of the internal thread part.

[0130] A further aspect of the invention relates to an internal thread part which has an internal thread, wherein the internal thread part is formed in several pieces, such that the internal thread part has a spiral and an outer tube, wherein the spiral is fixed to the outer tube.

[0131] Due to its multi-piece design, the present internal thread part advantageously represents an improved, in particular application-specifically configurable internal thread part, whereby in particular an application-specifically configurable screw gear and / or an application-specifically configurable screw connection can be formed.

[0132] Furthermore, the multi-piece internal thread part advantageously allows the spiral to be used which falls off when cutting the external thread of an elongated blank, thereby advantageously providing a resource-saving and, furthermore, particularly efficiently producible internal thread part and screw gear.

[0133] The spiral of the multi-piece internal thread part can in particular be a spiral that is substantially complementary to the external thread part, wherein a play or a tolerance between the external thread part and the spiral is defined by a cutting gap of the laser in order to separate or cut out the spiral from the external thread part by means of laser cutting.

[0134] The present method for producing a helical gear, the present method for producing an internally threaded part, as well as their preferred, exemplary and alternative embodiments, and their effects, relate equally to the present helical gear and to the present internally threaded part, as well as their preferred, exemplary and alternative embodiments, and their effects, and vice versa.

[0135] In preferred embodiments of the helical gear, the spiral can protrude from the outer tube with a predetermined number of turns, in particular with a predetermined number of consecutive turns from the outer tube.

[0136] In preferred embodiments of the internally threaded part, the spiral can protrude from the outer tube with a predetermined number of turns, in particular with a predetermined number of consecutive turns. The spiral of the internally threaded part can in particular have one or more turns that are movable relative to the outer tube and are accordingly not fixed to the outer tube.

[0137] In exemplary embodiments, the spiral may have several consecutive turns that are movable relative to the outer tube.

[0138] In preferred embodiments, the spiral of the internal thread part can in particular have a first number of successive turns, wherein the turns of the first number of successive turns are movable relative to the outer tube, and wherein the turns of the first number of successive turns protrude at least in sections from the outer tube, in particular protrude at least in sections from a first end and / or a second end of the outer tube.

[0139] The first number of consecutive turns thus forms a spiral spring section of the internal thread part.

[0140] The spring stiffness of the spiral spring section of the internal thread part can initially be determined by defining the first number of consecutive turns which are movable relative to the outer tube and which in particular protrude from the outer tube.

[0141] By screwing the external threaded part into the internal threaded part, for example, by rotating the external threaded part relative to the internal threaded part, the spring stiffness of the coil spring section can be precisely adjusted. In particular, the external threaded part can restrict or, in particular, block the mobility of some of the turns of the first number of turns.

[0142] Accordingly, the spring stiffness of the spiral spring section of the internal thread part can be variably adjusted by the external thread part.

[0143] In this case, the external thread part can be screwed at least partially into the internal thread part, and in particular into a region of the coil spring section, in a predetermined manner. By screwing in the external thread part, a correspondingly predetermined portion of the first number of consecutive turns is restricted and, in particular, blocked with respect to its mobility relative to the outer tube, so that the spring stiffness of the coil spring section is defined by the remaining turns of the first number of consecutive turns that are movable relative to the outer tube.

[0144] Thus, by rotating the external thread part relative to the internal thread part, a spring stiffness of the spiral spring section of the internal thread part can advantageously be adjusted.

[0145] Due to the adjustable stiffness and in particular due to the adjustable spring properties, it is advantageous, for example, to operate a tool, for example a medical instrument, with a specifically adjustable force.

[0146] A further aspect of the invention relates to a medical tool, wherein the medical tool comprises at least one screw gear as described above.

[0147] By the medical tool comprising the screw gear described above, an improved and in particular resource-saving medical tool is advantageously provided, the longitudinal movability and / or the rigidity of which can advantageously be precisely adjusted.

[0148] The present method for manufacturing a helical gear, the present helical gear, the present method for manufacturing an internally threaded part and the present internally threaded part as well as their preferred, exemplary and alternative embodiments, and their effects, relate equally to the present medical tool as well as its preferred, exemplary and alternative embodiments, and their effects, and vice versa.

[0149] A further aspect of the invention relates to a use of a helical gear as described above and comprises the step:

[0150] - Rotating at least one of the internal thread part and the external thread part relative to the other of the internal thread part and the external thread part.

[0151] The step of rotating at least one of the internal thread part and the external thread part relative to the other of the internal thread part and the external thread part can in particular be carried out such that an axial position of the external thread part relative to the internal thread part is changed.

[0152] The step of rotating at least one of the internal thread part and the external thread part relative to the other of the internal thread part and the external thread part can, in exemplary embodiments, be carried out such that an axial position of the external thread part relative to the internal thread part is changed such that the external thread part at least partially engages a first number of consecutive turns of the internal thread part, wherein the first number of consecutive turns of the internal thread part is movable relative to the outer tube of the internal thread part, and wherein the first number of consecutive turns of the internal thread part protrudes at least partially from the outer tube.

[0153] By the step of rotating at least one of the internal thread part and the external thread part relative to the other of the internal thread part, an axial position of the helical gear can advantageously be adjusted precisely, i.e. an axial position of the internal thread part and / or the external thread part can advantageously be adjusted precisely, and in particular a stiffness, in particular a spring stiffness of a spiral spring section of the internal thread part can advantageously be adjusted precisely.The present method for manufacturing a helical gear, the present helical gear, the present method for manufacturing an internally threaded part, the present internally threaded part and the present medical tool, as well as their preferred, exemplary and alternative embodiments, and their effects, relate equally to the present use of a helical gear, as well as its preferred, exemplary and alternative embodiments, and their effects, and vice versa.

[0154] The elongated blank, and accordingly the spiral and the external thread part, can in particular comprise or consist of a metal, a plastic, such as polyamide or polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and / or wood. The elongated blank, and accordingly the spiral and the external thread part, can in particular comprise or consist of steel, for example stainless steel, aluminum, a nickel-titanium alloy, and / or another metal.

[0155] The outer tube may, in particular, comprise or consist of a metal, comprise or consist of a plastic, and / or comprise or consist of wood. The outer tube may, in particular, comprise or consist of steel, for example, stainless steel, aluminum, a nickel-titanium alloy, and / or another metal.

[0156] Compared to wood, metals and plastics in particular allow the use of particularly small or thin outer tubes as the outer tube for the internal thread part, as well as the use of particularly small or thin elongated blanks as the elongated blank for the spindle and / or the external thread part.

[0157] Embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. It is understood that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and that individual features of the embodiments can be combined to form further embodiments within the scope of the appended claims.

[0158] It shows:

[0159] Figure 1a shows a flow chart of the method for producing a helical gear according to an embodiment;

[0160] Figure 1b is a flow chart of the method for producing an internally threaded part according to one embodiment;

[0161] Figure 2 shows a flow diagram for using a screw gear;

[0162] Figure 3a is a sketch of an elongated blank;

[0163] Figure 3b is a sketch of a laser-cut elongated blank;

[0164] Figure 4a a sketch of a spiral;

[0165] Figure 4b is a sketch of an external threaded part;

[0166] Figure 5a is a sectional view of an exemplary internal thread part;

[0167] Figure 5b is a sectional view of another exemplary internal thread part;

[0168] Figure 6a is a sectional view of an exemplary screw gear;

[0169] Figure 6b is a sectional view of another exemplary screw gear; and

[0170] Figure 7 is a sketch of an exemplary medical tool.

[0171] Fig. 1a shows a flow diagram of an exemplary method for producing a

[0172] screw gear 60, the method comprising the steps of: S10: providing an elongated blank 10, such as a wire or a tube;

[0173] S20: Laser cutting a spiral or helix or coil 20 from the elongated blank 10, such that the remainder 52 of the elongated blank 10 forms an externally threaded part 50 of the screw gear 60, substantially with an external thread corresponding to the cut-out spiral 20; and

[0174] S30: Fixing the spiral 20 to an outer tube 30 to form an internal thread part 40 of the screw gear 60, substantially corresponding to the external thread part 50 of the screw gear 60.

[0175] The method according to Fig. 1 a represents an exemplary method for producing a helical gear 60 and is carried out in particular in this order: S10 before S20 and S20 before S30.

[0176] The method illustrated in Fig. 1a relates in particular to an elongated blank 10, to a spiral or helix or coil 20, to an outer tube 30, to an internally threaded part 40, to an externally threaded part 50 and to a helical gear 60, as shown in Figs. 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a and 6b.

[0177] Fig. 1b shows a flowchart of an exemplary method for producing an internally threaded part 40, the method comprising the steps:

[0178] S60: Providing an elongated blank 10, such as a wire or a tube;

[0179] S70: Laser cutting a spiral or helix or coil 20 from the elongated blank 10; and

[0180] S80: Fixing the spiral 20 to an outer tube 30 to form the internal thread part 40.

[0181] The method according to Fig. 1b represents an exemplary method for producing an internally threaded part 40, and is performed in particular in this order: S60 before S70 and S70 before S80. The method illustrated in Fig. 1b relates in particular to an elongated blank 10, a spiral or helix or coil 20, an outer tube 30, and an internally threaded part 40, as shown in Figs. 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, and 6b.

[0182] Unless otherwise stated, the following explanations refer to both methods as shown in Figures 1 a and 1 b.

[0183] By laser cutting the spiral, helix, or coil 20 from the elongated blank 10, the spiral, helix, or coil 20 can advantageously be retained or retained as a continuous part. As a result, the spiral, helix, or coil 20, which conventionally represents a waste product of the external thread or external thread portion 50 cut from the elongated blank 10, can advantageously be easily reused or reused, in particular as an internal thread for the internal thread portion 40, which forms a thread substantially corresponding to the external thread portion 50.

[0184] The external thread part 50 is formed in particular by a remainder 52 of the elongated blank 10, in particular by removing or cutting out the spiral 20 from or out of the elongated blank 10. The removal or cutting out of the spiral 20 is carried out in particular by means of a laser as so-called laser cutting.

[0185] By fixing or fastening the spiral 20 to the outer tube 30, the internal thread part 40 is advantageously formed in several pieces. This makes it possible to advantageously design the internal thread part 40 in an application-specific manner, in particular without being subject to the usual restrictions when cutting internal threads, such as those associated with conventional internal tapping. Conventional internal tapping is difficult at best, particularly with elongated components and with internal threads with small diameters, for example with an outer diameter of less than approximately 5 mm, in particular of less than approximately 4 mm or less than approximately 3 mm. The laser cutting of the spiral 20, which is subsequently fixed to the outer tube 30, thus makes it possible to produce an essentially corresponding internal thread part 40 for an external thread part 50 in a simple and resource-efficient manner.Compared to conventional methods, the present method further advantageously enables, in particular, comparatively long and / or thin internal thread parts 40 to be produced in a reliable manner.

[0186] In further exemplary embodiments, the method for producing a helical gear 60 may comprise a step of introducing or forming one or more openings 31, 32 in the outer tube 30, which can be carried out in particular before step S30.

[0187] The openings 31, 32 advantageously ensure accessibility when fixing the spiral 20 to the outer tube 30, in particular when firmly fixing the spiral 20 to the outer tube 30. For example, a fixing means 35 can be introduced into the one or more openings 31, 32. The fixing means 35 can in particular be a firmly bonded fixing means, such as a weld seam or a weld point, in particular a laser weld seam or a laser weld point.

[0188] Accordingly, the spiral 20 can be easily fixed to the outer tube 30.

[0189] In particular, by means of laser welding, the spiral 20 is advantageously long-lasting and can be fixed to the outer tube 30 with little or even essentially no distortion.

[0190] In further exemplary embodiments, the method may comprise a step of mutually engaging the internal thread part 40 and the external thread part 50. The mutual engagement of the internal thread part 40 and the external thread part 50 comprises, in particular, the mutual engagement, at least in sections, of a turn 25 of the internal thread part 40 with a turn 55 of the external thread part 50. This advantageously makes it possible to provide a helical gear 60, wherein the internal thread part 40 is rotatable relative to the external thread part 50, such that an axial relative position of the internal thread part 40 relative to the external thread part 50 is adjustable.

[0191] Fig. 2 shows a flowchart of an exemplary use of a helical gear 60, the method comprising the steps:

[0192] S110: Providing a helical gear 60 comprising an internally threaded part 40 and an externally threaded part 50, wherein the internally threaded part 40 has an internal thread and the externally threaded part 50 has an external thread substantially corresponding to the internal thread of the internally threaded part 40; and

[0193] S120: Rotating at least one of the internal thread part 40 and the external thread part 50 relative to the other of the internal thread part 40 and the external thread part 50.

[0194] The method according to Fig. 2 represents an exemplary use of a screw gear 60 (eg in connection with a medical tool described below) and is carried out in particular in this order: S110 before S120.

[0195] By rotating or turning the internal thread part 40 relative to the external thread part 50, which have essentially corresponding threads to one another, the relative axial positioning of the internal thread part 40 relative to the external thread part 50 can advantageously be precisely adjusted.

[0196] Thus, in particular, a precisely adjustable, longitudinally movable helical gear 60 can be provided. In other words, in particular, a helical gear 60 can be provided whose axial relative position between the internal thread part 40 and the external thread part 50 can advantageously be precisely adjusted. In exemplary embodiments, the spiral 20 can have one or more turns 25, which are movable relative to the outer tube 30, in particular even after the spiral 20 has been fixed to the outer tube 30. These one or more turns 25 can protrude at least partially, in particular from one end of the outer tube 30, for example from a first end 37 and / or from a second end 38 of the outer tube 30.

[0197] By rotating or turning the internal thread part 40 relative to the external thread part 50, which have essentially mutually corresponding threads, a stiffness, in particular a spring stiffness, of a spiral spring section comprising the one or more turns 25, which are movable relative to the outer tube 30 and which protrude from the outer tube 30 at least in sections, can be advantageously adjusted in this case.

[0198] For example, by progressively screwing the external threaded part 50 into the internal threaded part 40, an increasing number of turns 25 that are not directly fixed to the outer tube 30, i.e., that are generally configured to be movable relative to the outer tube 30, can be restricted in their mobility relative to the outer tube and, in particular, blocked. This can, for example, increase the stiffness or spring stiffness of the coil spring section comprising the one or more turns 25.

[0199] In an analogous manner, by progressively unscrewing the external threaded part 50 from the internal threaded part 40, a decreasing number of turns 25 that are not directly fixed to the outer tube 30, i.e., that are fundamentally configured or mounted to be at least partially movable relative to the outer tube 30, can be loosened in their mobility relative to the outer tube 30 and, in particular, can be released. As a result, the stiffness or spring stiffness of the coil spring section comprising the one or more turns 25 can be reduced, for example. Screwing the external threaded part 50 into or out of the internal threaded part 40 is not limited to rotating the external threaded part 50, and can alternatively or additionally comprise a corresponding relative rotation of the internal threaded part 40.

[0200] Thus, in particular, a precisely adjustable, longitudinally movable screw gear 60 can be provided.

[0201] Fig. 3a shows a sketch of an elongated blank 10.

[0202] As shown in Fig. 3a, the elongated blank 10 can in particular be a blank with a substantially circular outer circumference, in particular in a cross-section transverse, i.e. substantially perpendicular, to the axial direction A.

[0203] The elongated blank 10 may in particular comprise or be a tube with a predetermined outer diameter and a predetermined inner diameter.

[0204] In further exemplary embodiments, the elongated blank 10 may comprise or be a wire having a predetermined outer diameter.

[0205] It is understood that a starting component of the elongated blank 10 is not limited to a substantially round cross-section, but can also have edges. However, the elongated blank 10 with a substantially round cross-section advantageously allows a spiral 20 with a correspondingly predefined outer diameter to be cut therefrom in a simple manner, as well as, in particular, an externally threaded part 50 with a correspondingly defined external thread to be cut, in particular integrally or simultaneously.

[0206] As outlined in Fig. 3a, the elongated blank 10 may have a length in the axial direction A which is many times greater than a dimension of the elongated blank 10 substantially perpendicular to the axial direction A, i.e., a diameter of the elongated blank 10.

[0207] For example, a length of the elongate blank 10 in the axial direction A may be at least about 2 times as large, in particular 5 times as large, preferably at least about 10 times as large, particularly preferably at least about 20 times as large, as a dimension of the elongate blank 10 substantially perpendicular to the axial direction A or as a dimension of the cross section of the elongate blank 10.

[0208] The elongated blank 10 may, for example, have a length of more than about 5 mm, in particular a length of more than 80 mm, preferably of more than 150 mm, more preferably of more than 200 mm, particularly preferably of more than 300 mm.

[0209] The elongated blank 10 can, for example, have an outer diameter or a cross section substantially perpendicular to the axial direction A of less than approximately 6 mm, in particular of less than approximately 5 mm, preferably of less than approximately 4 mm, more preferably of less than approximately 3.5 mm, even more preferably of less than approximately 3 mm, particularly preferably of less than approximately 2.5 mm, furthermore of less than approximately 2 mm, for example of less than approximately 1.5 mm or of less than approximately 1 mm.

[0210] As a result, starting from the elongated blank 10, a particularly thin helical gear 60 can advantageously be provided, which is suitable for applications with limited installation space and in particular for a medical tool 1.

[0211] However, it is understood that the elongated blank 10 is not limited thereto, and is particularly suitable for a helical gear 60 with a larger cross-section and / or a different length than the cross-sections and lengths mentioned above as examples. Fig. 3b shows a sketch of a laser-cut elongated blank 10, in particular the elongated blank 10 as shown in Fig. 10, after a laser cutting step S20.

[0212] The laser cutting of the elongated blank 10 may in particular comprise a combination of a feed movement substantially along the axial direction A, a rotational movement substantially in the circumferential direction U, and a tilting or inclining movement of the laser relative to the axial direction A in order to apply a laser cut which divides the elongated blank 10 into a spiral or helix or coil 20 and an externally threaded part 50 or into a remainder 52 of the elongated blank 10.

[0213] The spiral 20 and the remainder 52 of the elongated blank 10 can, after laser cutting, as shown in Fig. 3b, in particular be adjacent to one another, in particular with a cutting gap 15 of the laser which separates the spiral 20 from the remainder 52 of the elongated blank 10.

[0214] After laser cutting, the spiral 20 can be removed from the remainder 52 of the elongated blank 10. For example, the spiral 20 can be removed from the elongated blank 10 by twisting the spiral 20 against the remainder 52 of the elongated blank 10, or, for example, by manually or mechanically unwinding or pulling the spiral 20 from the remainder 52 of the elongated blank 50.

[0215] Fig. 4a shows a sketch of a spiral or helix or coil 20, in particular the spiral or helix or coil 20 as shown in Fig. 3b, but in a representation separated from the remainder 52 of the elongated blank 10.

[0216] As illustrated by Figures 3b and 4a, the pitch 22 or the pitch of the spiral 20, and / or the extension of a turn 25 of the spiral 20 in the axial direction A, and / or the extension of a turn 25 of the spiral 20 in the radial direction R, can advantageously be predefined in an application-specific manner by means of laser cutting.

[0217] Accordingly, the mechanical properties, such as in particular stiffness or spring stiffness, as well as flexibility or bending stiffness of the spiral 20, can advantageously be predefined by means of laser cutting.

[0218] Fig. 4b shows a sketch of an external thread part 50, in particular corresponding to the remainder 52 of the elongated blank 10, in particular as shown in Fig. 3b.

[0219] As illustrated by Figures 3b, 4a and 4b, the spiral 20 and the external thread part 50 or the remainder 52 of the elongated blank 10 have substantially mutually corresponding contours.

[0220] The external thread part 50 has in particular an external thread, the negative of which essentially corresponds to the spiral 20.

[0221] In exemplary embodiments, the external thread part 50 can comprise a closed outer circumferential contour. The closed outer circumferential contour of the external thread part 50 has no openings in the radial direction R toward the axis of the external thread part 50, which can essentially correspond to the axial direction A shown in Fig. 4b. This can advantageously improve mutual guidance between the external thread part 50 and the spiral 20, particularly in a helical gear 60, as shown, for example, in Figs. 6a and 6b.

[0222] As illustrated by Figures 3b and 4b, the pitch or the pitch of the external thread of the external thread part 50, and / or the extension of a turn 55 of the external thread part 50 in the axial direction A, and / or the extension of a turn 55 of the external thread part 50 in the radial direction R, can advantageously be predefined in an application-specific manner by means of laser cutting.

[0223] Accordingly, the mechanical properties, such as in particular stiffness or spring stiffness, as well as flexibility or bending stiffness of the external thread part 50, can advantageously be predefined by means of laser cutting.

[0224] Fig. 5a shows a sectional view of an exemplary internal thread part 40, in particular an internal thread part 40 that includes the spiral or helix or coil 20, as shown in Fig. 4a. The sectional view refers in particular to a section of an internal thread part 40 with a cutting plane along the axial direction A and the radial direction R.

[0225] Fig. 5b shows a sectional view of another exemplary internal thread part 40, in particular an internal thread part 40 that includes the spiral or helix or coil 20, as shown in Fig. 4a. The sectional view refers in particular to a section of an internal thread part 40 with a cutting plane along the axial direction A and the radial direction R.

[0226] The internal thread parts 40 shown in Figures 5a and 5b can in particular comprise a geometrically substantially identical or identical spiral or helix or coil 20.

[0227] As shown in Figures 5a and 5b, the internally threaded part 40 comprises an outer tube 30 which is configured to receive a spiral or helix or coil 20, in particular a spiral or helix or coil 20 as shown in Fig. 4a.

[0228] In preferred embodiments, the inner diameter of the outer tube 30 substantially corresponds to the outer diameter of the spiral 20. This advantageously facilitates fixing of the spiral 20 to the outer tube 30, in particular to an inner circumferential side of the outer tube 30.

[0229] In exemplary embodiments, the outer tube 30 and the coil 20 are configured such that the inner diameter of the outer tube 30 forms a transition fit or a clearance fit with the outer diameter of the coil 20, at least in sections. Alternatively or additionally, the outer tube 30 and the coil 20 can be configured such that the inner diameter of the outer tube 30 forms an interference fit with the outer diameter of the coil 20, at least in sections.

[0230] The transition fit and in particular the clearance fit enable an advantageously simple placement or positioning of the spiral 20 in the outer tube 30, wherein the pitch 22 of the spiral 20 or the pitch 22 of the turns 25 of the spiral 20 is substantially maintained, in particular when the spiral 20 is placed or positioned at least in sections in the outer tube 30.

[0231] In contrast, the press fit enables a particularly firm fixation of the spiral 20 in the outer tube 30.

[0232] Furthermore, the press fit enables, in particular, a targeted local placement or positioning of the spiral 20 in the outer tube 30, wherein the pitch 22 of the spiral 20 or the pitch 22 of the turns 25 of the spiral 20 can be influenced in a targeted manner, and can be specifically adjusted at least in sections towards an extended pitch 23 or a compressed pitch 24.

[0233] The extended pitch 23 has a larger dimension in the axial direction A relative to the pitch 22. The compressed pitch 24 has a smaller dimension in the axial direction A relative to the pitch 22. Accordingly, the compressed pitch 24 has a smaller dimension in the axial direction A relative to the extended pitch 23.

[0234] The spiral 20 can be fixed to the outer tube 30 in a material-to-material manner, in particular by welding, for example by laser welding.

[0235] The spiral 20 can be completely accommodated in the outer tube 30, or protrude in sections from the outer tube 30 with a predetermined number of turns 25. An embodiment in which the spiral 20 is completely accommodated in the outer tube 30 is particularly suitable for a precise, application-specific, longitudinally movable screw gear 60, in particular for a medical tool 1 provided therewith.

[0236] An embodiment in which the spiral 20 protrudes at least partially from a first end 37 or a second end 38 of the outer tube 30 is particularly suitable for a helical gear 60 having one end with adjustable stiffness or spring stiffness. The stiffness or spring stiffness of one end of the internally threaded part 40 is adjustable, in particular, by means of a first number of consecutive turns 25, which are movable relative to the outer tube 30 and thereby form a spiral spring section.

[0237] By inserting the external thread part 50 into the internal thread part 40, in particular into the spiral spring section of the first number of consecutive turns 25, the number of free turns as part of the initially configured first number of turns 25, which are movable relative to the outer tube 30, is actively adjustable.

[0238] This embodiment is therefore particularly suitable for a precise, application-specific, longitudinally movable and rigidity-adjustable helical gear 60, in particular for a medical tool 1 equipped therewith, wherein a predetermined ratio of travel to applied force can be precisely adjusted. Such a precisely adjustable ratio of travel to applied force is suitable, for example, for targeted medication administration, for placing medical inserts, such as stents, in the body, and for other tools, for example, when treating tissue with a targeted force.

[0239] In exemplary embodiments, the outer tube 30 has one or more openings 31, 32. The plurality of openings 31, 32 can, in particular, be arranged on the outer tube 30, distributed substantially along the axial direction A. A portion of the plurality of openings 31, 32 can optionally also be arranged on the outer tube 30, distributed, in particular, along the circumferential direction U.

[0240] In exemplary embodiments, the plurality of openings 31, 32 can be distributed along the axial direction A and offset from one another along the circumferential direction U on the outer tube 30. In particular, adjacent openings 31, 32 can be spaced from one another both in the axial direction A and in the circumferential direction U. The spacing of the adjacent openings 31, 32 can in particular substantially correspond to the radially outer contour of the turns 25 of the spiral 20, which are arranged or positioned at least in sections within the outer tube 30.

[0241] As shown in Figures 5a and 5b, in exemplary embodiments, the outer sleeve 30 can have exactly one row of openings 31, 32. In other words, openings 31, 32 adjacent to one another in the axial direction A can, in particular, have no relative offset from one another in the circumferential direction U. In further other words, at least some of the plurality of openings 31, 32 can be arranged in a single row on the outer tube 30 with respect to the circumferential direction U.

[0242] The at least partially single-row arrangement of openings 31, 32 on the outer tube 30 advantageously enables a comparatively simple introduction of openings 31, 32 on the outer tube 30.

[0243] Openings 31, 32 can be arranged or formed on the outer tube 30, for example by means of a drill or by means of laser cutting.

[0244] The openings 31, 32 on the outer tube 30 advantageously enable a simple fixing of the spiral 20 to the outer tube 30, in particular by fixing the spiral 20 in the region of the openings 31, 32 to the outer tube 30.

[0245] The spiral 20 can be fixed to the outer tube 30 at least at a part of the openings 31, 32, for example by welding, in particular by laser welding.

[0246] In further exemplary embodiments, the spiral 20 can be fixed at least at a part of the openings 31, 32 by means of gluing, as an alternative or in addition to welding, in particular laser welding.

[0247] For example, the spiral 20 (based on the elongated blank 10) can comprise or consist of a metal, such as stainless steel, aluminum, and / or a nickel-titanium alloy, and can be fixed, for example, by means of gluing and / or welding, in particular laser welding, to the outer sleeve 30, which in particular comprises or consists of a metal, such as stainless steel, aluminum, and / or a nickel-titanium alloy, and / or comprises or consists of a plastic, such as polyamide or polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and / or comprises or consists of wood.

[0248] Alternatively or additionally, the spiral 20, which is based on the elongated blank 10, can comprise or consist of, for example, a plastic, such as polyamide or polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and can be fixed, for example, by means of gluing and / or welding, in particular laser welding, to the outer sleeve 30, which in particular comprises or consists of a metal, such as stainless steel, aluminum, and / or a nickel-titanium alloy, and / or comprises or consists of a plastic, such as polyamide or polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and / or comprises or consists of wood.

[0249] Further alternatively or additionally, the spiral 20, which is based on the elongated blank 10, can comprise or consist of wood, for example, and can be fixed, for example by means of gluing and / or welding, to the outer sleeve 30, which in particular comprises or consists of a metal, such as stainless steel, aluminum, and / or a nickel-titanium alloy, and / or comprises or consists of a plastic, such as polyamide or polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and / or comprises or consists of wood.

[0250] In exemplary embodiments, the spiral 20 can be fixed to the outer tube 30 in a single row with respect to the circumferential direction U, in particular substantially corresponding to an at least partially single-row arrangement of openings 31, 32 on the outer tube 30.

[0251] This advantageously simplifies the fixing of the spiral 20 to the outer tube 30, which further advantageously reduces the manufacturing effort of the screw gear 60 as a whole.

[0252] Furthermore, the single-row fixation of the spiral 20 with respect to the circumferential direction U enables the windings 25 to each have a section that is fixed relative to the outer tube 30 and a section that is movable relative to the outer tube 30. In the region of the movable section of the windings 25, a play between the internal thread of the internally threaded part 40 and the external thread of the externally threaded part 50 can advantageously occur automatically, or a play between the spiral 20 of the internally threaded part 40 and the external thread of the externally threaded part 50 can occur automatically. This advantageously ensures relative mobility of the internally threaded part 40 relative to the externally threaded part 50 over a long service life.

[0253] The single-row fixing of the spiral 20 to the outer tube 30 relates in particular to a fixing, wherein the turns 25 of the spiral 20, which are or are fixed to the outer tube 30, are or are fixed to the outer tube 30 only at one point per turn 25, wherein the points at which the turns 25 are fixed are in particular substantially aligned in the axial direction A.

[0254] As illustrated by Figures 5a and 5b, the openings 31, 32 can be arranged or formed at predetermined intervals from one another on the outer tube 30. If the openings 31, 32 are arranged or formed in a row that is substantially aligned in the axial direction A, the openings 31, 32 can, in particular, be spaced from one another substantially corresponding to the pitch 22 of the turns 25 of the spiral 20.

[0255] As shown by way of example in Fig. 5a, the outer tube 30 can have a plurality of first openings 31, which are arranged or formed on the outer tube 30 at substantially equal spacing from one another. The first openings 31 can each have a spacing from adjacent first openings 31 in the axial direction A that substantially corresponds to the pitch 22 of the turns 25 of the spiral 20, in particular with respect to the spiral 20 in an unloaded or relaxed state.

[0256] As shown by way of example in Fig. 5b, the outer tube 30 can have one or more second openings 31, in particular in addition to a plurality of first openings 31, which are arranged or designed analogously to the first openings 31 according to Fig. 5a. The second openings 32 can each have a distance from adjacent first openings 31 in the axial direction A, which is different from the pitch 22 of the turns 25 of the spiral 20, in particular with regard to the spiral 20 in an unloaded or in a relaxed state.

[0257] A corresponding second opening 32 can, for example, have a distance from a first opening 31 adjacent in the axial direction A that is greater or smaller than the pitch 22 of the turns 25 of the spiral 20, in an unloaded state of the spiral 20. Additionally or alternatively, the second opening 32 can have a distance from another first opening 31 adjacent in the axial direction A that is greater or smaller than the pitch 22 of the turns 25 of the spiral 20, in an unloaded state of the spiral 20.

[0258] A turn 25 of the spiral 20, which is fixed to the outer tube 30 with a dimension relating to the pitch that is larger than the pitch 22, has in particular a comparatively elongated pitch 23 or elongated pitch 23. A turn 25 of the spiral 20, which is fixed to the outer tube 30 with a dimension relating to the pitch that is smaller than the pitch 22, has in particular a comparatively compressed pitch 24 or compressed pitch 24.

[0259] Accordingly, a turn 25 of a plurality of turns 25 of the spiral 20 can be fixed in particular at a point on the outer tube 30 such that it has a pitch 22 which essentially corresponds to the pitch 22 of the turns 25 of the spiral 20 in an unloaded state, can be fixed at a point on the outer tube 30 such that it has an elongated pitch 23 which is larger than the pitch 22 of the turns 25 of the spiral 20 in an unloaded state, i.e. is elongated, or can be fixed at a point on the outer tube 30 such that it has a compressed pitch 24 which is smaller than the pitch 22 of the turns 25 of the spiral 20 in an unloaded state, i.e. is compressed.

[0260] In comparison to the internal thread part 40, as shown in Fig. 5a, the outer tube 30, as shown in Fig. 5b, has in particular a second opening 32 which has a different distance in the axial direction A relative to the adjacent first openings 31 than other first openings 31.

[0261] In further exemplary embodiments of an internally threaded part 40, the internally threaded part 40 or the outer tube 30 of the internally threaded part 40 can have a plurality of second openings 32. A plurality of second openings 32 can be arranged adjacent to first openings 31, at least in sections, in the axial direction A, or can be arranged consecutively in the axial direction A.

[0262] Through the second opening(s) 32, the necessary force or the necessary moment for the relative rotation between the external thread part 50 and the internal thread part 40 can be advantageously adjusted in a targeted manner.

[0263] In preferred embodiments, as shown in Fig. 5b, a second opening 32, in particular a second opening 32 of a plurality of second openings 32, can be arranged on the outer tube 30 such that the second opening 32 is arranged in the axial direction A between two first openings 31. In this case, in particular the two first openings 31, which surround the second opening 32 in the axial direction A, can be substantially spaced from one another by twice the pitch 22 of the turns 25 of the spiral 20. Through this preferred arrangement of the first and second openings 31, 32, the necessary force orthe necessary moment for the relative rotation between the external thread part 50 and the internal thread part 40 can advantageously be specifically adjusted on individual turns 25 of the internal thread part 40, wherein it is further advantageously ensured that the further turns 25, 55 of the internal thread part 40 and the external thread part 50 engage with each other with comparatively lower friction.

[0264] By arranging a plurality of second openings 32 on an outer tube 30, a necessary force curve or a necessary torque curve for the relative rotation between the external thread part 50 and the internal thread part 40 can be advantageously adjusted.

[0265] Fig. 6a shows a sectional view of an exemplary helical gear 60, which in particular comprises an internally threaded part 40, as shown in Fig. 5a, and which in particular comprises an externally threaded part 50, as shown in Fig. 4b. The sectional view refers in particular to a section of a helical gear 60 with a cutting plane along the axial direction A and the radial direction R. Possible turns 25 of the spiral 20 protruding from the outer tube 30 of the internally threaded part 40 are not shown, but may be present according to the previous explanations.

[0266] Fig. 6b shows a sectional view of another exemplary helical gear 60, which in particular comprises an internally threaded part 40, as shown in Fig. 5b, and which in particular comprises an externally threaded part 50, as shown in Fig. 4b. The sectional view relates in particular to a section of a helical gear 60 with a sectional plane along the axial direction A and the radial direction R. Possible turns 25 of the spiral 20 protruding from the outer tube 30 of the internally threaded part 40 are not shown, but can be present according to the previous explanations. As shown by way of example in Fig. 6a, the turns 25 of the spiral 20 can be or are fixed in particular at points on the outer tube 30 that are spaced apart from one another in the axial direction A, wherein the respective spacing substantially corresponds to the pitch 22 of the turns 25 of the spiral 20, in a relaxed state of the spiral 20.The turns 25 of the spiral 20 can in particular be at least partially fixed to first openings 31, as explained with reference to Fig. 5a.

[0267] By fixing the turns 25 to the outer tube 30 essentially according to the pitch 22, the internal thread of the internal thread part 40 and the external thread of the external thread part 50 have, in particular, an initial tolerance 17 or an initial clearance 17. The initial tolerance 17 or the initial clearance 17 shown in Fig. 6a represents, in particular, a tolerance or a clearance that is formed in the axial direction A on an outer section of the turns 25, 55 of the internal thread part 40 and the external thread part 50 in the radial direction R. The initial tolerance 17 or the initial clearance 17 is based, in particular, on the cutting gap 15 of the laser, as shown in Fig. 3b.

[0268] As shown by way of example in Fig. 6b, the turns 25 of the spiral 20 can be or are fixed in particular at points on the outer tube 30 that are spaced apart from one another in the axial direction A, wherein the distance in sections, i.e. for some of the turns 25, substantially corresponds to the pitch 22 of the turns 25 of the spiral 20 in a relaxed state of the spiral 20, and wherein the distance in sections, i.e. for one or more turns 25, deviates from or is different from the pitch 22 of the turns 25 of the spiral 20 in a relaxed state of the spiral 20. The turns 25 of the spiral 20 can in particular be fixed at least partially to first openings 31 and to one or more second openings 32, as explained with reference to Figures 5a and 5b.

[0269] By fixing the turns 25 to the outer tube 30 at least partially deviating from the pitch 22, the internal thread of the internal thread part 40 and the external thread of the external thread part 50 have, in particular, a final tolerance 18 or a final play 18. The final tolerance 18 or the final play 18 shown in Fig. 6b represents, in particular, a tolerance or a play which is formed in the axial direction A on an outer section of the turns 25, 55 of the internal thread part 40 and the external thread part 50 in the radial direction R, and which deviates from the initial tolerance 17 or the initial play 17. The final tolerance 18 or the final clearance 18 is based in particular on the initial tolerance 17 or on the initial clearance 17, as shown in Fig. 6a, wherein the initial tolerance 17 or the initial clearance 17 is changed by the spacing of the successively fixed turns 25 which deviates from or is different from the pitch 22.

[0270] While the initial tolerance 17 or the initial play 17, as shown by way of example in Fig. 6a, enables a continuous smooth rotation of the internal thread part 40 relative to the external thread part 50, the final tolerance 18 or the final play 18, as shown by way of example in Fig. 6b, enables the targeted adjustment of a frictional force between the internal thread part 40 and the external thread part 50, and accordingly the adjustment of a necessary force or a necessary moment for rotating the internal thread part 40 and the external thread part 50 relative to one another.

[0271] Fig. 7 shows an exemplary medical tool 1 .

[0272] As shown in Fig. 7, the medical tool 1 can comprise one or more screw gears 60, as described by way of example with reference to Figs. 1 to 6. Due to the one or more screw gears 60, the medical tool 1 can, in particular, be a longitudinally movable medical tool 1 and / or a medical tool 1 with adjustable rigidity.

[0273] As shown in Fig. 7, the medical tool 1 can in particular comprise a catheter 5, which is designed in particular for insertion into a body, for example, for insertion into a living or dead body. The catheter 5 can in particular comprise a tube, for example, made of or made of plastic, rubber, silicone, metal, or glass. As shown in Fig. 7, a means 6 can be arranged at least partially in the catheter 5, in particular arranged substantially concentrically to the catheter 5 in the catheter 5.

[0274] The means 6 can be arranged in the catheter 5 so that it can move relative to the catheter 5. The means 6 can, in particular, be arranged in the catheter 5 so that it can rotate relative to the catheter 5 and / or move translationally relative to the catheter 5.

[0275] The catheter 5 can in particular be arranged at one end of the screw gear 60 or be indirectly connected to the screw gear 60.

[0276] The catheter 5 and / or the means 6, which is guided and / or held in the catheter 5, can, for example, be coupled or connected to one of the internally threaded part 40 and the externally threaded part 50. The coupling or connection is designed in particular such that a rotational movement of the externally threaded part 50 relative to the internally threaded part 40 leads to a corresponding rotational and / or translational movement of the catheter 5 and / or the means 6.

[0277] As shown in Fig. 7 by means of the translational arrow t and the rotational arrow r, the medical tool 1 can, for example, comprise an actuator or a conversion mechanism, wherein a rotational movement of the catheter 5 and / or a means 6 which is guided and / or held in the catheter 5 is converted into a translational or longitudinal movement.

[0278] The medical tool 1 can be designed, in particular, for positioning medical inserts, such as stents, for targeted drug delivery, and / or for guiding an optical system and / or a cutting means. Accordingly, a means 6 guided and / or held in the catheter 5 can, for example, comprise one or more medical inserts, such as one or more stents, one or more drugs, one or more optical systems, and / or one or more cutting means.

[0279] In exemplary embodiments, the means 6 arranged in the catheter 5 can be coupled to the externally threaded part 50, and the catheter 5 can be coupled to the internally threaded part 40. The externally threaded part 50 and the internally threaded part 40 together form, in particular, a screw gear 60, as described above. The coupling of the catheter 5 to the internally threaded part 40 and / or the coupling of the means 6 to the externally threaded part 50 can, for example, comprise a substantially rigid connection.

[0280] By rotating the external thread part 50 relative to the internal thread part 40, the means 6 can be arranged in the catheter 5 so that it can be moved translationally relative to the catheter 5. As a result, the means 6 is designed to be at least partially extendable from the catheter 5 and at least partially retractable into the catheter 5.

[0281] In further exemplary embodiments, the means 6 can be a rotation transmission means, wherein the rotation transmission means can be driven, for example, in the direction of rotation, for example by a rotation drive, which can in particular be coupled to a control and / or regulating unit.

[0282] The rotation transmission means can be coupled, in particular, substantially rigidly coupled, to one of the external threaded part 50 and the internal threaded part 40. The other of the external threaded part 50 and the internal threaded part 40 can, for example, be arranged in a rotationally fixed manner, in particular, on the catheter 5, without being limited thereto.

[0283] By rotating the rotation transmission means, the external thread part 50 can advantageously be rotated relative to the internal thread part 40, and a translational movement of the external thread part 50 relative to the internal thread part 40 can be effected, for example towards an organ or away from an organ.

[0284] In this case, one or more medical inserts can be arranged at a distal end of at least one of the externally threaded part 50 and the internally threaded part 40. The one or more medical inserts can, for example, comprise one or more stents, be configured for targeted drug delivery, and / or be configured to guide an optic and / or a cutting means.

[0285] The present medical tool 1 can be designed, for example, for artificial nutrition, for the intravenous supply of nutrients and / or medications, in particular chemotherapeutic agents, to the body, for example by infusions.

[0286] Furthermore, the present medical tool 1 may comprise or form a fixed catheter, and further in particular may comprise a port, wherein the port may connect the catheter 5 to a vein.

[0287] In further exemplary embodiments, the medical tool 1 can be designed for use in keyhole surgery, particularly on the coronary arteries and / or the leg arteries. In this case, calcified arteries can be dilated and / or stents can be implanted. The medical tool 1 can, for example, comprise or form a balloon catheter with which narrowed arteries can be dilated.

[0288] The balloon catheter can optionally be coated with one or more active substances to keep the arteries open for a longer period. This is because dilatation can cause damage to the arteries, which increases the risk of the vessel narrowing again. To prevent this, the balloon catheter can be coated with a substance that inhibits cell growth and prevents re-closure.

[0289] In exemplary embodiments, the medical tool 1 can comprise one or more stents, which can be implanted, for example, in leg arteries. For this purpose, the medical tool 1 can comprise an inner catheter to which the stent is mounted. This can be guided by a movable outer catheter, such as shown as catheter 5 in Fig. 7. The inner and outer catheters can be pushed into the artery, and the stent can be released by a translational relative movement between the external thread part 50 and the internal thread part 40, in particular to unfold in the blood vessel. A long stent can, for example, have a length of more than 200 mm.

[0290] However, a long stent can lead to complications in areas of the body subject to high levels of movement, such as the knee. As an alternative to a long stent, several short stents can be mounted on the inner catheter, each shorter than the long stent. In this case, several short stents can be positioned one after the other at different narrow points in the artery.

[0291] By means of the screw gear 60, comprising the external thread part 50 and the internal thread part 40, the medical inserts, such as in particular stents, and furthermore, for example, medications, nutrients, optics, cutting agents and / or a port, can advantageously be positioned exactly in the body.

[0292] If the external thread part 50 and the internal thread part 40 comprise, for example, a nickel-titanium alloy, the sterility or hygiene as well as the flexibility of the medical tool 1 can be advantageously improved.

[0293] List of reference symbols

[0294] 1 medical tool

[0295] 5 catheters

[0296] 6 remedies

[0297] 10 elongated blank

[0298] 15 Cutting gap of the laser 17 Initial tolerance or initial play

[0299] 18 final tolerance or final game

[0300] 20 spiral or helix or coil

[0301] 22 pitch (of the spiral, in an unloaded state)

[0302] 23 extended pitch

[0303] 24 compressed pitch

[0304] 25 turns (of the spiral)

[0305] 30 outer tube

[0306] 31 first opening

[0307] 32 second opening

[0308] 35 Fixatives

[0309] 37 first end (of the outer tube)

[0310] 38 second end (of the outer tube)

[0311] 40 internal thread part

[0312] 50 external thread part

[0313] 52 Rest (of the elongated blank)

[0314] 55 turns (of the external thread part)

[0315] 60 screw gears

[0316] A axial direction r rotating arrow

[0317] R radial direction

[0318] S10-S30 Steps of a method for manufacturing a helical gear

[0319] S60-S80 Steps of a method for manufacturing an internally threaded part

[0320] S110-S120 Steps of using a helical gear t translatory arrow u circumferential direction

Claims

Patent claims 1 . A method for producing a helical gear (60), the method comprising the steps of: - providing an elongated blank (10), such as a wire or a tube; - laser cutting a spiral or helix or coil (20) from the elongated blank (10), such that the remainder (52) of the elongated blank (10) forms an externally threaded part (50) of the screw gear (60) substantially with an external thread corresponding to the cut-out spiral (20); and - fixing the spiral (20) to an outer tube (30) to form an internal thread part (40) of the screw gear (60), substantially corresponding to the external thread part (50) of the screw gear (60).

2. A method for producing an internally threaded part (40), the method comprising the steps of: - providing an elongated blank (10), such as a wire or a tube; - laser cutting a spiral or helix or coil (20) from the elongated blank (10); and - Fixing the spiral (20) to an outer tube (30) to form the internal thread part (40).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in the step of fixing the spindle (20) to the outer tube (30), the spiral (20) is fixed to the outer tube (30) such that a predetermined number of turns (25) of the spiral (20) protrude from the outer tube (30).

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer tube (30) has an outer diameter of less than about 4 mm, in particular less than about 3 mm, preferably less than about 2 mm, for example less than about 1 mm; and / or wherein the elongate blank (10) has an outer diameter of less than about 3.7 mm, in particular less than about 2.7 mm, preferably less than about 1.7 mm.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the step of fixing the spiral (20) to the outer tube (30), one or more turns (25) of the spiral (20) are fixed to the outer tube (30) such that the pitch (22; 23) of the one or more turns (25) is compressed or stretched relative to the pitch (22) of the spiral (20) as cut from the elongate blank (10).

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the step of fixing the spiral (20) to the outer tube (30), one or more turns (25) of the spiral (20) are fixed to the outer tube (30) at exactly one location per turn (25).

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising the step: - introducing openings (31; 32) into the outer tube, wherein the openings are spaced apart from one another in the axial direction (A) of the outer tube (30) which substantially corresponds to the pitch (22) of the spiral (20).

8. A helical gear (60) comprising an internally threaded part (40) and an externally threaded part (50), wherein the internally threaded part (40) has an internal thread and the externally threaded part (50) has an external thread substantially corresponding to the internal thread of the internally threaded part (40), wherein the internally threaded part (40) is formed in several pieces such that the internally threaded part (40) has a spiral or helix or coil (20) and an outer tube (30), wherein the spiral (20) is fixed to the outer tube (30).

9. Internal thread part (40) which has an internal thread, wherein the internal thread part (40) is formed in several pieces, such that the internal thread part (40) has a spiral or helix or coil (20) and an outer tube (30), wherein the spiral (20) is fixed to the outer tube (30).

10. The helical gear (60) according to claim 8 or the internally threaded part (40) according to claim 9, wherein the spiral (20) protrudes from the outer tube (30) with a predetermined number of turns (25).

11. A medical tool (1) comprising at least one helical gear (60) according to one of claims 8 or 10.

12. Use of a helical gear (60) according to one of claims 8 or 10, comprising the step of: - rotating at least one of the internally threaded part (40) and the externally threaded part (50) relative to the other of the internally threaded part (40) and the externally threaded part (50).

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