Medical instruments and medical instrument sets

Abstract

An improved medical instrument is proposed which is easier to clean, comprising a first instrument part and at least one second instrument part, the first instrument part and the at least one second instrument part pivotally attached to each other about a pivot axis and coupled to each other via a connecting element, the longitudinal axis of the connecting element defining the pivot axis, the connecting element having a head part at least partially received in a head recess of the first instrument part, the head recess being arranged on the first instrument part so as to open in a direction away from the at least one second instrument part, the head part having at least one built-in first annular surface oriented away from the longitudinal axis and the head recess having at least one built-in second annular surface oriented towards the longitudinal axis, the at least one first annular surface and the at least one second annular surface being separated from each other in a radial direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis by an annular gap. The present invention proposes that a sealing element is arranged in the annular gap, said sealing element being in contact with said at least one first annular surface and said at least one second annular surface. Also proposed is an improved medical instrument set comprising at least two medical instruments of different shapes, types and / or sizes.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a medical instrument comprising a first instrument part and at least one second instrument part, said first instrument part and said at least one second instrument part being pivotally attached to one another about a pivot axis and coupled to one another via a connecting element, a longitudinal axis of said connecting element defining said pivot axis, said connecting element having a head at least partially received in a head recess of said first instrument part, said head recess being arranged on said first instrument part so as to open in a direction away from said at least one second instrument part, said head having at least one built-in first annular surface oriented away from said longitudinal axis and said head recess having at least one second annular surface oriented towards said longitudinal axis, said at least one first annular surface and said at least one second annular surface being separated from one another in a radial direction perpendicular to said longitudinal axis by an annular gap.

[0002] Additionally, the present invention relates to a medical instrument set comprising at least two medical instruments of different shapes, types and / or sizes. [Background technology]

[0003] Medical instruments of the kind described at the outset are known in various forms and may be configured, for example, as scissors, clamps or needle holders.

[0004] A problem with such medical instruments is that tissue residues, dirt and body fluids can collect and adhere, especially in the annular gap between the head and the head recess of the connecting element. This problem does not concern disposable instruments. However, if such medical instruments are used multiple times, they will need to be reprocessed. Typically, such medical instruments are washed in a dishwasher and then subjected to a superheated steam sterilization process. Since the annular gap is necessary to enable the parts of the medical instrument to be connected to each other, there is a risk that contaminants will not be completely removed from the annular gap during processing of the medical instrument.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE The object of the present invention is therefore to improve medical instruments and instrument sets of the type described at the outset in such a way that they are easier to clean. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This object is achieved by a medical device according to the invention, characterized in that in a medical device of the type described in the introduction, a sealing element is arranged in the annular gap, said sealing element being in contact with said at least one first annular surface and with said at least one second annular surface.

[0007] The medical device proposed according to the invention has a sealing element arranged in the annular gap and in contact with both annular faces, which in particular makes it possible to seal the annular gap, for example completely, so that body fluids or cleaning fluids used during the procedure can be prevented from penetrating into the annular gap (in particular between the mutually facing side surfaces of the adjacent device parts) by capillary action. The sealing element can therefore be used to at least partially (in particular completely) seal the annular gap, thereby preventing the ingress of contaminants.

[0008] In order to achieve a permanently good seal of the annular gap, it is preferred that the sealing element and the annular gap form an interference fit, and therefore the sealing element is preferably larger than the annular gap before being inserted into the annular gap.

[0009] Preferably, in a basic position in which the sealing element is not engaged with respect to the first and / or second annular surface, the sealing element defines a first sealing element shape, and in an assembled position in which the sealing element is arranged in the annular gap, the sealing element defines a second sealing element shape different from the first sealing element shape. Such a configuration of the sealing element allows, in particular, a permanent and reliable sealing or filling of the annular gap. In particular, for this purpose the sealing element may be elastically and / or plastically deformable. Thereby, in particular, manufacturing tolerances of both the annular gap and the sealing element can be easily compensated. In particular, such a configuration of the sealing element allows the dimensions of the sealing element between the mutually facing annular surfaces to be appropriately changed in order to optimally fill and seal the annular gap.

[0010] The sealing element is advantageously configured as an independent component. In particular, this simplifies the manufacturing process of the medical device. During assembly of the medical device, the sealing element only has to be inserted into the annular gap. The sealing element can therefore be configured in a simple manner, for example as an injection-molded part. In particular, it is preferred if the sealing element is removably connectable to the connection element and the first device part. This allows, in particular, replacement of a sealing element that may be damaged. For example, it is conceivable that an elastic sealing element, after being reprocessed several times, loses the elasticity required to completely or partially fill and seal the annular gap in the desired manner. This configuration allows the sealing element to be easily replaced.

[0011] Preferably, the sealing element is connected to the connecting element in a force-locking and / or positive-locking manner. Such a connection can in particular be realised by a clamping or snap connection. The force-locking and / or positive-locking connection of the sealing element to the connecting element can in particular be realised without additional tools, which simplifies the manufacturing process of the medical device.

[0012] It is advantageous if the connecting element has an undercut relative to the longitudinal axis, in which the sealing element engages. This may be the case in particular in the assembled position. The arrangement with respect to the undercut makes it possible to form a positive locking connection between the sealing element and the connecting element, in particular for permanently and reliably holding the sealing element in the annular gap even when the first and second instrument parts are rotating relative to one another.

[0013] Preferably, the sealing element is molded onto the at least one first or at least one second annular surface or is materially bonded to the at least one first or at least one second annular surface, which may in particular be achieved by overmolding, adhesive bonding or vulcanization. Such an arrangement in particular makes it possible to simplify the assembly of the medical device, since when the first and second device parts are connected to one another by means of a connecting element, the sealing element is already arranged on the first device part or on the connecting element.

[0014] According to a further preferred embodiment, at least one recess of the first annular surface opening towards the second annular surface and at least one recess of the second annular surface opening towards the first annular surface are formed, in which the sealing element engages at least partially (in particular fully) in the assembled position. This in particular allows a good connection of the sealing element to the connecting element and / or the first instrument part to be established. Thus, in particular a partial or full positive locking engagement is possible. This in turn allows the sealing element to be simply and reliably held in the desired position in the annular gap.

[0015] To simplify the assembly of the sealing element, it is advantageous if the at least one recess is of circumferential configuration relative to the longitudinal axis, in particular the at least one recess may be in the form of an annular groove.

[0016] Advantageously, the sealing element comprises at least one protrusion which engages in the at least one recess in the assembled position. In particular, said engagement may be of the positive locking type. This allows in particular a permanent and secure connection of the sealing element with the connecting element and / or the first instrument part. In particular, in the case of an interference fit, the at least one protrusion may be formed on the sealing element in such a way that the mere introduction of the sealing element into the annular gap causes a deformation of the sealing element to push or press a part of the sealing element into the at least one recess.

[0017] If the at least one projection is configured in the form of an annular flange oriented towards at least one of the first annular surface or the second annular surface, a sealing element can be formed in a simple manner.

[0018] Preferably, the sealing element defines at least one outer annular surface tapering towards the at least one second instrument part. This tapered outer annular surface may in particular be provided in a basic position, which facilitates the insertion of the sealing element into an annular gap with interference when connecting the first and second instrument parts to one another by means of a connecting element. The tapered outer annular surface may in particular be conical.

[0019] Advantageously, the sealing element defines at least one outer annular surface which, in a longitudinal section, is convexly curved away from the longitudinal axis (radially outward). In particular, the outer annular surface may be formed in the basic position as described above. Such an outer annular surface allows the sealing element to fit in particular into a recess in the second annular surface of the first instrument part.

[0020] Advantageously, the sealing element defines at least one cylindrical outer annular surface facing away from the longitudinal axis (radially outward). In particular, in a basic position, the sealing element may have such an outer annular surface. Such an outer annular surface may be manufactured in a simple manner. In particular, the outer annular surface advantageously extends to an end of the sealing element facing away from the at least one second instrument part. Thereby, the sealing element may completely fill the annular gap, in particular up to a side of the first instrument part facing away from the at least one second instrument part.

[0021] In order to simplify the insertion of the sealing element into the annular gap during assembly of the medical device, it is advantageous if the outer diameter of the sealing element, particularly in the basic position, is smaller at its end pointing towards the at least one second device part than at its end pointing away from the at least one second device part.

[0022] According to a further preferred embodiment, the first instrument part has a through hole formed concentrically with the longitudinal axis, the head recess being configured in the form of a receiving part formed by expanding the inner diameter of the through hole, the head recess extending from a first end of the through hole facing away from the at least one second instrument part towards the at least one second instrument part, in this way making it easier for the first instrument part to receive a connecting element, in particular its head, in the head recess.

[0023] Where the receiver defines a first hollow cylindrical bore, the head recess may be formed in a simple manner, such as by using a twist drill defining a cylindrical outer surface.

[0024] If the through hole comprises a bore portion which tapers adjacent to the receiving portion in the direction towards the at least one second device part, a stop for the head of the connecting element can be formed in a simple manner on the first device part. In particular, the through hole can be conically tapered. The through hole can be formed in a simple manner, for example by using a countersink drill or the like.

[0025] The head recess is preferably provided with a countersink receding from the first end. The countersink may in particular be configured in the form of a countersink section which widens conically in the direction away from the at least one second instrument part. Such a countersink section can be easily produced by means of a countersink drill. In particular, the provision of a countersink facilitates the insertion of a sealing element into the annular gap during assembly of the medical instrument.

[0026] Preferably, the through hole comprises a second hollow cylindrical hole extending from a second end directed towards the at least one second tool part towards the first end. The second hollow cylindrical hole can in particular serve to pass a connecting part of a connecting element in order to engage said connecting part with the at least one second tool part. Moreover, the second hollow cylindrical hole can be easily formed by using a cylindrical drill.

[0027] Preferably, a first inner diameter of the first hollow cylindrical hole is greater than a second inner diameter of the second hollow cylindrical hole, in this way in particular the head of the connecting element can be prevented from passing through the through hole.

[0028] The sealing element in the assembled position preferably extends at least to the first end of the through hole, which in particular allows a flush mounting of the sealing element in the annular gap, which results in a neat appearance of the medical device, and furthermore prevents a protruding edge of the sealing element in the region of the annular gap from protruding from the outer surface of the first device part.

[0029] If the connecting element is configured in the form of a screw or in the form of a rivet, the first and second instrument parts can be connected to one another in a simple manner.

[0030] In order to limit the movement of the sealing element in a direction towards the at least one second instrument part, it is advantageous if the head is provided with an annular stop surface which surrounds the longitudinal axis, extends transversely to the longitudinal axis and faces away from the at least one second instrument part.

[0031] In order to obtain a good seal of the annular gap, it is preferred that the sealing element contacts the annular stop surface in the assembled position.

[0032] In particular, a good tactile sensation of the medical instrument can be achieved if the end of the sealing element pointing away from the at least one second instrument part is, in the assembled position, flush with the outer surface of the first instrument part, which in this case can be made perfectly smooth and flat, even in the area of ​​the head of the connecting element and the through-hole filled by the sealing element.

[0033] According to a further preferred embodiment, a built-in second sealing element is arranged or formed between the first and at least one second instrument part, surrounding the longitudinal axis, said second sealing element being in contact with said first and at least one second instrument part, in particular with the mutually facing side surfaces of said first and at least one second instrument part. This arrangement and formation of the second sealing element in particular prevents body fluids or cleaning fluids penetrating between the mutually facing side surfaces of the first and second instrument parts from migrating into the annular gap, for example by capillary action, from the end of the through-hole facing towards the at least one second instrument part. Furthermore, in conjunction with the sealing element inserted in the annular gap, the annular gap is completely closed, so that the medical instrument can be cleaned in a simpler and more reliable manner.

[0034] Preferably, the first and / or second instrument part comprises a seal element receiver for the second seal element, whereby the second seal element can be positioned in a defined manner in the first and / or second instrument part.

[0035] The sealing element receiving portion may be formed in a simple manner if it is configured in the form of an annular groove concentrically surrounding the longitudinal axis and arranged in the first instrument part so as to open towards the second instrument part or arranged in the second instrument part so as to open towards the first instrument part, for example an annular seal may be inserted into such an annular groove.

[0036] To achieve a reliable seal, the second sealing element and the sealing element receiving portion advantageously form an interference fit.

[0037] In particular, if the second sealing element is configured in the form of a self-contained sealing ring, this allows for a simpler method of manufacturing and assembling the medical device, in which in particular the sealing ring may have a circular cross section in the basic position.

[0038] If the connecting element comprises a connection part protruding from the head in a direction towards the at least one second tool part, the first and second tool parts can be coupled to one another in a simple manner, such a connection part for example allowing a force-locking and / or positive-locking engagement with the at least one second tool part, whereby the first and second tool parts of the medical tool can be coupled to one another in a manner that allows them to move in a desired manner.

[0039] It is advantageous if the at least one second device part is formed with a connection receptacle which is engaged in the connection part in a positive-locking and / or positive-locking manner in the assembled position. Such a connection receptacle allows in particular an easy connection of a connection element to the connection part. The connection receptacle may in particular be configured in the form of a connection hole. If the first and second device parts are connected by rivets, the connection receptacle does not necessarily have to be provided with an internal thread.

[0040] Advantageously, the connection part is provided with an external thread and the connection receptacle is provided with an internal thread corresponding to the external thread. This makes it possible, in particular, to screw a connection element in the form of a screw with a connection part into the connection receptacle. As a result, the first device part is held between the head of the connection element and the at least one second device part so as to be able to move.

[0041] Preferably, the sealing element is made of an elastically and / or plastically deformable plastic material. This also applies to the second sealing element. In particular, by using such a plastic material, a tight fit can be achieved in a simple manner in order to reliably and permanently seal or fill the annular gap.

[0042] The resin material may be or include a natural rubber, an elastic plastic, or an elastomer. In particular, the resin material may be or include a thermoplastic elastomer. In particular, the resin material may include at least one of acrylonitrile butadiene rubber, styrene butadiene rubber, hydrogenated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber, chloroprene rubber, acrylate rubber, ethylene acrylate rubber, fluororubber, perfluororubber, silicone rubber, fluorosilicone rubber, polyurethane rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, epichlorohydrin rubber, natural rubber, and polyisoprene rubber. Such a resin material has the necessary properties for use in sealing an annular gap.

[0043] Preferably, the resin material is sterilizable with superheated steam, the advantage being that the medical device can be reprocessed in a desired manner.

[0044] In order to achieve a reliable and permanent sealing effect, it is preferred that the sealing element is formed integrally, in particular monolithically.

[0045] The object mentioned at the outset is also achieved by a medical instrument set according to the invention, which is characterized in that in a medical instrument set of the type mentioned at the outset, at least two medical instruments are configured in the form of one of the medical instruments mentioned above.

[0046] In this case, the medical instrument set has the advantages already described in connection with the medical instrument according to the preferred embodiment.

[0047] Advantageously, the sealing elements of at least two different medical instruments are colored differently from each other. This allows easy color coding of multiple medical instruments by having such sealing elements at least partially fill the annular gap. Various characteristics of the medical instruments, such as shape and type, can be coded by corresponding colors. For example, the color of the sealing elements can be blue, red, yellow, green, black, white, gray, or brown. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0048] For further explanation, preferred embodiments of the invention are described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0049] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic overall perspective view of a medical device according to one embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2 is an exploded schematic enlarged view of region A in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 3 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 4 shows a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 3 with a sealing element inserted in the annular gap. [Diagram 5]4 shows a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 3 of another embodiment. [Figure 6] 4 shows a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 3 of yet another embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a connecting element and a sealing element colored in different colors. [Figure 8] 4 shows a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 3 of yet another embodiment. [Figure 9] 13 shows a cross-sectional view of a sealing element according to another embodiment. [Figure 10] 13 shows a cross-sectional view of a sealing element according to yet another embodiment. [Figure 11] 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a connecting element according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0050] A medical instrument 10 according to one embodiment is shown diagrammatically in Figure 1. The medical instrument 10 comprises a first instrument portion 12 and a second instrument portion 14. The first instrument portion 12 and the second instrument portion 14 are pivotally attached to one another about a pivot axis 16 and coupled to one another by a connecting element 18.

[0051] The first and second instrument sections 12, 14 are each configured as an elongated branch with a finger ring 20, 22 disposed at the proximal end thereof. Cooperative tool elements 24, 26 are disposed or formed on the first and second instrument sections 12, 14, respectively, distal to the pivot axis 16. In the embodiment of Figure 1, the tool elements 24, 26 have mutually facing clamping surfaces 28, by which the medical instrument 10 can be used as a clamp.

[0052] In the embodiment shown diagrammatically in Fig. 2, the connecting element 18 is configured in the form of a connecting screw 30 and is provided with a head 32. The head 32 is received in a head recess 34 of the first instrument part 12. The head recess 34 is provided in the first instrument part 12 such that it opens in a direction away from the second instrument part 14.

[0053] The head 32 has a first built-in annular surface 38 on its outer periphery, facing away from the longitudinal axis 36 of the connecting element 18. Additionally, the head recess 34 has a second built-in annular surface 40 on its inner periphery, facing toward the longitudinal axis 36. The first and second annular surfaces 38, 40 are spaced apart from each other in a radial direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 36 by an annular gap 42.

[0054] Disposed within the annular gap 42 is a sealing element 44. In the assembled position, the sealing element 44 contacts both the first annular surface 38 and the second annular surface 40, as shown diagrammatically in FIG.

[0055] The structure of the connection region of the medical device 10 according to this embodiment, which is shown diagrammatically in Figs. 2 to 4, will be described in detail below.

[0056] In this embodiment, the connecting element 18 is configured, as already mentioned, in the form of a screw 46. A connecting portion 48 projects from the head 32 of the connecting element 18 in a direction towards the second instrument part 14. Said connecting portion 48 is provided with an external thread 50.

[0057] The second device portion 14 is formed with a connection receiving portion 52, for example in the form of a connection hole 54. The connection receiving portion 52 is formed with an internal thread 56 which corresponds to the external thread 50.

[0058] The described configuration of the connection element 18 allows the connection portion 48 to be screwed into the connection receiving portion 52, whereby the connection portion 48 and the connection receiving portion 52 engage in a force-locking and / or positive-locking manner in the assembled position. In this condition, the first instrument part 12 and the second instrument part 14 are movably coupled to one another by the connection element 18.

[0059] Additionally, first instrument portion 12 defines a throughbore 58 concentric with longitudinal axis 36, which defines pivot axis 16. Throughbore 58 has a first end 60 and a second end 62. First end 60 faces away from second instrument portion 14. Second end 62 faces toward second instrument portion 14.

[0060] The head recess 34 is formed by an enlarged inner diameter portion of the through bore 58 in the form of a receiver 64 in the through bore 58. The receiver 64 extends along the longitudinal axis 36 from the first end 60 toward the second instrument part 14 through approximately half the thickness 66 of the first instrument part 12. The receiver 64 is formed by a first hollow cylindrical bore 68.

[0061] Adjacent to the receiving portion 64 in the direction towards the second instrument portion 14 is a conically tapered bore 70 .

[0062] The through hole 58 further comprises a second hollow cylindrical bore 72. The second hollow cylindrical bore 72 extends from the conical tapered bore 70 to the second end 62. An inner diameter (first inner diameter) 74 of the first hollow cylindrical bore 68 is larger than an inner diameter (second inner diameter) 76 of the second hollow cylindrical bore 72, for example, slightly more than 1.5 times larger.

[0063] The head of the connecting element 18 has a conical expansion 78 that expands conically from the connecting portion 48 to a short cylindrical portion 80 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 36. The first annular surface 38 is slightly offset relative to the short cylindrical portion 80 in a direction toward the longitudinal axis 36 (radially inward) to form an annular stop surface 82 that faces away from the second instrument part 14. The annular stop surface 82 on the head 32 surrounds the longitudinal axis 36 and extends laterally (e.g., perpendicularly) from the longitudinal axis 36.

[0064] The first annular surface 38 defines a recess 84 that is open towards the second annular surface 40. The recess 84 has a circumferential configuration extending about the longitudinal axis 36, i.e., the configuration of an annular groove 86. In a longitudinal cross section, the recess 84 is concavely curved such that it opens in a direction away from the longitudinal axis 36 (radially outward).

[0065] 2 and 3, the sealing element 44 is shown diagrammatically in a basic position completely separated from the connecting element 18. The sealing element 44 assumes said basic position after manufacture. The sealing element 44 is formed separately from the connecting element 18.

[0066] The sealing element 44 is configured in the form of a short sleeve extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis 36. The sealing element 44 defines an inner diameter 88 which corresponds to an outer diameter 90 of the head 32 in the region of the first annular surface 38. An inner wall surface 92 of the sealing element 44, which faces in the direction towards the longitudinal axis 36 (radially inwards), is configured in the form of a hollow cylindrical wall surface.

[0067] An outer surface 94 of the sealing element 44 facing away from the longitudinal axis 36 (radially outward) is convexly curved. A tangent 96 to the outer surface 94 in the region of the end towards the second instrument part 14 is at an angle 98 to the longitudinal axis 36, said angle 98 being in the range of 20° to 40°.

[0068] A first end face 100 of the sealing element 44, facing towards the second instrument portion 14, is configured in the form of a flat annular surface extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 36. A second end face 102 of the sealing element 44, facing away from the second instrument portion 14, is configured in the form of a flat annular surface extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 36.

[0069] The maximum outer diameter 104 of the sealing element 44 is slightly larger than the first inner diameter 74 of the receiving portion 64. The sealing element 44 is made of a resilient plastic material, which allows the sealing element 44 to be pressed over the head 32, for example, until the first end face 100 abuts the annular stop surface 82, and the inner wall surface 92 can abut the first annular surface 38.

[0070] The connecting element 18 thus prepared for assembling the medical instrument 10 may be threaded until the conical expansion 78 and the conical tapered bore 70 abut, while guiding the connecting portion 48 into the first end 60 of the through hole 58 and then into the connecting portion receiving portion 52. As the connecting element 18 is further threaded into the second instrument part 14, the connecting element 18, together with the side 106 facing towards the first instrument part 12, retracts against the side 108 of the first instrument part 12 facing towards the second instrument part 14.

[0071] When the connecting element 18 is screwed in, the curved outer surface 94 facilitates the insertion of the sealing element 44 into the annular gap 42. This causes a slight compression of the sealing element 44. Compared to an original thickness 110 in the basic position, the sealing element 44 is compressed to a thickness 112 in the assembled position that corresponds to the distance 114 between the first annular surface 38 and the second annular surface 40. This creates an interference fit between the sealing element 44 and the annular gap 42.

[0072] The compression of the sealing element 44 as described above results in the sealing element 44 defining a first sealing element shape in a basic position out of engagement with the first and second annular surfaces 38, 40, and in an assembled position disposed within the annular gap 42, the sealing element 44 defining a second sealing element shape that is different from the first sealing element shape.

[0073] In this embodiment, the sealing element 44, as described above, is configured as a stand-alone component and is removably connected to the connecting element 18 and the first instrument portion 12. Furthermore, as described above, the sealing element 44 is connected to the connecting element 18 in a force-locking and / or positive-locking manner (e.g., by a clamp connection in the case of the embodiment of Figures 3 and 4).

[0074] That is, the sealing element 44 has a convexly curved outer annular surface 116 facing away from the longitudinal axis 36 (radially outward) in the longitudinal cross-section shown diagrammatically in Figure 3, which convexly curved outer annular surface 116 is defined by the outer surface 94 in the home position. Furthermore, with respect to the outer diameter of the sealing element 44 in the home position, the outer diameter 118 at the transition (from the outer surface 94) to the first end face 100 is smaller than the outer diameter 120 at the transition (from the outer surface 94) to the second end face 102.

[0075] In the assembled position shown diagrammatically in FIG. 4, second end face 102 of seal element 44 is flush with outer surface 122 of first instrument portion 12.

[0076] The embodiment of Figures 3 and 4 includes a second sealing element 124. However, the second sealing element 124 may be omitted.

[0077] A second seal element 124 is disposed between the first and second instrument portions 12, 14 and is self-contained and circumscribes the longitudinal axis 36. The second seal element 124 contacts both the first and second instrument portions 12, 14, specifically contacting opposing sides 106, 108 thereof.

[0078] 3 and 4, a seal element receiving portion 126 for the second seal element 124 is formed in the first instrument portion 12. The seal element receiving portion 126 is in the form of an annular groove 128 that concentrically surrounds the longitudinal axis 36 and is open toward the second instrument portion 14.

[0079] Second seal element 124 is configured in the form of a self-contained seal ring 130 of circular cross section. To achieve a good seal between first instrument portion 12 and second instrument portion 14, an interference fit is also formed between second seal element 124 and seal element receiver 126. In other words, second seal element 124 is deformed during assembly of medical instrument 10 so as to fit within seal element receiver 126 on the one hand and come into face contact with side surface 106 of second instrument portion 14 on the other hand.

[0080] Each of the seal elements 44, 124 is monolithically formed.

[0081] A cross-sectional view of a medical device 10 according to another embodiment is shown diagrammatically in Figure 5. The medical device 10 shown in Figure 5 corresponds in large part to the configuration shown in Figure 3, and the same reference numerals are used for components that are identical or functionally similar to the embodiment of Figures 2 to 4.

[0082] The first difference from the embodiment of Fig. 3 (Figs. 2 to 4) is the configuration of the sealing element 44. In the embodiment of Fig. 5, the two end faces 100, 102 of the sealing element 44 are identical, which differs from the embodiment of Fig. 3 in that the first end face 100 is narrower than the second end face 102. However, even in the embodiment of Fig. 5, the outer surface 94 is convexly curved in a direction away from the longitudinal axis 36 (radially outward).

[0083] In this embodiment, there is also an interference 132 that is half the difference between the maximum outer diameter 104 of the sealing element 44 in the basic position and the first inner diameter 74 of the receiving portion 64 .

[0084] To facilitate insertion of the connecting element 18, having the sealing element 44 disposed on the head 32, into the head recess 34, a countersink 134 is recessed from the outer surface 122 of the first instrument portion 12. The countersink 134 defines a countersink surface 138 that tapers conically toward the second instrument portion 14. A countersink angle 136 formed between the countersink surface 138 and the longitudinal axis 36 is in the range of about 20° to about 30°.

[0085] The countersink 134 cooperates with the convexly curved outer surface 94 (which defines an angle 98 between a tangent 96 to the outer surface 94 and the longitudinal axis 36, similar to the embodiment of FIG. 3) to facilitate deformation of the sealing element 44 having an interference 132 in the basic position.

[0086] 5 also includes a second sealing element 124. However, also in this embodiment, the second sealing element 124 may optionally be omitted.

[0087] In Fig. 6, a medical device 10 according to yet another embodiment is shown diagrammatically in a cross-sectional view similar to Fig. 3. The medical device 10 of Fig. 6 differs from the configuration of Fig. 3 in the configuration of the sealing element 44 and in the configuration of the head 32 of the connecting element 18. In the following, only the differences with respect to the embodiment of Fig. 3 will be described. In all other respects, reference is made to the description of the embodiment shown in Fig. 3.

[0088] At the head 32, the first annular surface 38 is provided with an undercut 140 adjacent the annular stop surface 82. The undercut 140 serves to receive in a positive-locking manner an annular flange 142 provided on the sealing element 44 so as to project radially inwards towards the longitudinal axis 36. The annular flange 142 is delimited on the one hand by the first end face 100 and on the other hand by an annular surface 144 which extends parallel to the first end face 100 and faces away from the second instrument part 14.

[0089] A leading edge (radially inner edge surface) 146 of the annular flange 142 tapers conically from the annular surface 144 towards the first end face 100. Correspondingly, the undercut portion 140 is formed with a corresponding conical surface 148. Thus, in the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the sealing element 44 can be connected to the connecting element 18 in a force-locking and / or positive-locking manner by a clamping or snap connection.

[0090] The sealing element 44 may be used to identify the medical instrument 10. Different types or sizes of medical instruments 10 may be coded, for example, by using sealing elements 44 of different colors.

[0091] 7 shows three different sealing elements 44 colored in different colors. These sealing elements 44 may optionally be connected to the connecting element 18.

[0092] Of course, the sealing elements 44 of the above-described embodiments may be provided in any color to identify or code the corresponding medical instrument 10 in a desired manner.

[0093] Figure 8 shows diagrammatically a medical device 10 according to yet another embodiment, in a cross-sectional view similar to that of Figure 3. Again, only the differences with respect to the embodiment of Figure 3 will be described below.

[0094] 8, there is no second seal element 124. As mentioned above, the second seal element 124 can in principle be omitted even in the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0095] The sealing element 44 has a cylindrical sleeve shape. The inner wall surface 92 and the outer surface 94 are formed concentrically. A protrusion 150 protrudes from the inner wall surface 92 in a direction toward the longitudinal axis 36 (radially inward). The protrusion 150 has a self-contained annular form. In a similar manner, a protrusion 151 protrudes from the outer surface 94. The protrusion 151 faces away from the longitudinal axis 36 (radially outward) and also has a self-contained annular form.

[0096] The protrusion 150 is formed corresponding to the recess 84 in the head 32 of the connecting element 18. Opposite the recess 84, a recess 85 corresponding to the protrusion 151 is formed in the second annular face 40. The recesses 84, 85 are dimensioned such that the protrusions 150, 151 are received in the recesses 84, 85 in a positive locking manner when the sealing element 44 formed with the interference 132 is received in the annular gap 42.

[0097] In this embodiment, the sealing element 44 defines a cylindrical outer annular surface, for example by an outer surface 94, facing away from the longitudinal axis 36 (radially outward).

[0098] 9, yet another embodiment of the sealing element 44 is shown diagrammatically. The inner wall surface 92 extends concentrically about the longitudinal axis 36. The portion of the outer surface 94 defining a cylindrical outer annular surface 152 originates at the second end face 102 and extends toward the first end face 100. Adjacent to the cylindrical outer annular surface 152 in the direction toward the first end face 100 is a conically tapered outer annular surface 154.

[0099] A further embodiment of the sealing element 44 is shown diagrammatically in Figure 10. The sealing element 44 of Figure 10 differs from the embodiment of Figure 9 in that instead of the cylindrical outer annular surface 152, the sealing element 44 of Figure 10 is provided with an outer annular surface 116 that is convexly curved facing away from the longitudinal axis 36 (radially outward).

[0100] The embodiment of the sealing element shown in Figures 9 and 10 can in particular be combined with all connecting elements 18 already described.

[0101] Furthermore, the embodiment of the sealing element shown in Figures 9 and 10 may be combined with a connecting element 18, which is shown diagrammatically in Figure 11. The connecting element 18 in Figure 11 has a flat end face 156 facing away from the connecting portion 48. Adjacent to the connecting portion 48 is a conical expansion 78 which expands conically from the connecting portion 48 and which transitions into a short cylindrical portion 80. Adjacent to the short cylindrical portion 80 is an annular stop surface 82 which faces away from the connecting portion 48 and the conical expansion 78. In contrast to the above-mentioned embodiment, the first annular surface 38 is configured without a recess 84 being formed.

[0102] In the embodiment shown diagrammatically in FIG. 11, the connecting element 18 is configured as a rivet 158 ​​.

[0103] In a variant generally corresponding to the configuration of FIG. 11, the connecting portion 48 may be formed with an external thread 50 so that the connecting element 18 can be used as the screw 46 .

[0104] In an embodiment not shown, the above-mentioned sealing element 44 may be molded onto or materially bonded to the first annular surface 38, for example by overmolding, overmolding, adhesive bonding, or vulcanization.

[0105] In further embodiments, a similar sealing element 44 may be molded onto or materially bonded to the second annular surface 40, for example by overmolding, overmolding, adhesive bonding, or vulcanization.

[0106] In any case, a secure connection between the sealing element 44 and the connecting element 18 on the one hand and the first instrument part 12 on the other hand can be established.

[0107] As mentioned above, all the above-mentioned sealing elements 44 are made of an elastically and / or plastically deformable resin material.

[0108] The resin material may consist of or include natural rubber, elastic plastic, elastomer (particularly, thermoplastic elastomer), etc. In particular, the resin material may be acrylonitrile butadiene rubber, styrene butadiene rubber, hydrogenated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber, chloroprene rubber, acrylate rubber, ethylene acrylate rubber, fluororubber, perfluororubber, silicone rubber, fluorosilicone rubber, polyurethane rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, epichlorohydrin rubber, natural rubber, or polyisoprene rubber.

[0109] To allow for the processing of medical instrument 10 in dishwashers and steam sterilizers, the resin material used to form sealing element 44 is sterilizable with superheated steam.

[0110] The medical device 10 according to the above-described embodiment has a sealing element 44 inserted in the annular gap 42 between the head 32 and the receiver 64 of the connecting element 18, thereby preventing the ingress of cleaning fluids, body fluids, or other contaminants into the annular gap 42. This may improve the cleanability of the medical device 10, as the risk of contamination of the annular gap 42 is significantly reduced. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 10 Medical Equipment 12 First instrument part 14 Second instrument part 16 Swivel Axis 18 Connection Elements 20 Finger Ring 22 Finger Ring 24 Tool Elements 26 Tool Elements 28 Clamping Surface 30 Connection screw 32 Head 34 Head recess 36 Longitudinal Axis 38 First Circular Surface 40 Second Circular Surface 42 Annular Gap 44 Sealing element 46 Screw 48 Connection 50 Male thread 52 Connection receiving part 54 Connection hole 56 Female thread 58 Through hole 60 First end 62 Second End 64 Receptor 66 Thickness 68 First hollow cylindrical hole 70 Cone tapered hole 72 first hollow cylindrical hole 74 First inner diameter 76 Second inner diameter 78 Conical expansion 80 Short cylindrical section 82 Annular stopper surface 84 Recess 85 Recess 86 Circular Groove 88 Inner diameter 90 Outer diameter 92 Inner wall surface 94 Exterior 96 Ridgeline 98 angle 100 First end face 102 Second end face 104 Outer diameter 106 Side 108 Side 110 Thickness 112 Thickness 114 distance 116 Convexly curved outer annular surface 118 Outer diameter 120 Outer diameter 122 External surface 124 Second sealing element 126 Seal element receiving portion 128 Circular groove 130 Seal ring 132 Tightening margin 134 Countersink 136 Countersink angle 138 Countersink surface 140 Undercut section 142 Annular flange 144 Annular Surface 146 Leading Edge 148 Cone Surface 150 Protrusion 151 Protrusion 152 Outer annular surface 154 Outer annular surface 156 End face 158 Rivet

Claims

1. A medical device (10) comprising a first device portion (12) and at least one second device portion (14), the first instrument portion (12) and the at least one second instrument portion (14) are pivotally attached to one another about a pivot axis (16) and are coupled to one another via a connecting element (18); a longitudinal axis (36) of said connecting element (18) defining said pivot axis (16); the connecting element (18) has a head (32) at least partially received within a head recess (34) of the first tool portion (12); the head recess (34) is provided in the first tool portion (12) so as to open in a direction away from the at least one second tool portion (14); The head (32) has at least one built-in first annular surface (38) oriented away from the longitudinal axis (36); the head recess (34) has at least one built-in second annular surface (40) oriented toward the longitudinal axis (36); the at least one first annular surface (38) and the at least one second annular surface (40) are spaced apart from each other in a radial direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (36) by an annular gap (42); A sealing element (44) is disposed in the annular gap (42), the sealing element (44) is in contact with the at least one first annular surface (38) and the at least one second annular surface (40), Medical equipment.

2. The sealing element (44) and the annular gap (42) form an interference fit. The medical device according to claim 1 .

3. (a) in a basic position in which the sealing element (44) is not engaged with the first annular surface (38) and / or the second annular surface (40), the sealing element (44) defines a first sealing element shape, and in an assembled position in which the sealing element (44) is disposed in the annular gap (42), the sealing element (44) defines a second sealing element shape that is different from the first sealing element shape; and / or (b) the sealing element (44) is configured as a separate component, in particular removably connected to the connecting element (18) and the first appliance portion (12); and / or (c) said sealing element (44) is connected to said connecting element (18) in a force-locking and / or positive-locking manner, in particular by a clamping or snap connection; The medical device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the connecting element (18) has an undercut (140) relative to the longitudinal axis (36) in which the sealing element (44) engages, particularly in the assembled position; The medical device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. the sealing element (44) is molded to the at least one first annular surface (38) or the at least one second annular surface (40) or is materially bonded to the at least one first annular surface (38) or the at least one second annular surface (40), in particular by overmolding, adhesive bonding or vulcanization; The medical device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. At least one recess (84, 85) is formed among a recess (84) in the first annular surface (38) that opens toward the second annular surface (40) and a recess (85) in the second annular surface (40) that opens toward the first annular surface (38), said sealing element (44) at least partially, in particular fully, engages in said at least one recess (84, 85) in the assembled position; especially, (a) the at least one recess (84) is in the form of a circumferential groove relative to the longitudinal axis (36), in particular in the form of an annular groove (86); and / or (b) said sealing element (44) comprises at least one protrusion (150, 151) which in the assembled position engages in said at least one recess (84, 85), in particular in a positive locking manner; In particular, said at least one protrusion (150, 151) is configured in the form of an annular flange oriented towards at least one of said first annular surface (38) or said second annular surface (40). The medical device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. (a) the sealing element (44) defines at least one outer annular surface (154) that tapers, in particular conically, towards the at least one second instrument part (14), in particular in a base position; and / or (b) the sealing element (44) defines at least one outer annular surface (116) that, in a longitudinal cross section, is convexly curved in a direction away from the longitudinal axis (36), particularly in a basic position; and / or (c) the sealing element (44) defines at least one cylindrical outer annular surface (152) facing away from the longitudinal axis (36), particularly in the base position; and / or (d) the outer diameter (118) of the sealing element (44) is smaller at the end facing towards the at least one second instrument portion (14) than at the end facing away from the at least one second instrument portion (14), in particular in the base position; The medical device according to claim 1 or 2.

8. a through-bore (58) formed in the first instrument portion (12) concentric with the longitudinal axis (36); The head recess (34) is configured in the form of a receiving portion (64) formed by expanding the inner diameter of the through hole (58), the head recess (34) extends from a first end (60) of the through hole (58) facing away from the at least one second tool portion (14) toward the at least one second tool portion (14); The medical device according to claim 1 or 2.

9. (a) the receiving portion (64) defines a first hollow cylindrical bore (68); and / or (b) the through-hole (58) comprises a bore (70) which tapers in particular conically adjacent to the receiving portion (64) in the direction towards the at least one second device part (14); and / or (c) the head recess (58) is formed with a countersink (134) extending from the first end (60), in particular in the form of a countersink portion (138) that widens conically in a direction away from the at least one second tool portion (14); and / or (d) the through-bore (58) comprises a second hollow cylindrical bore (72) extending from a second end (62) directed towards the at least one second instrument portion (14) towards the first end (60), in particular a first inner diameter (74) of the first hollow cylindrical bore (68) being greater than a second inner diameter (76) of the second hollow cylindrical bore (72); and / or (e) the sealing element (44) in the assembled position extends to at least the first end (60) of the through hole (58); The medical device according to claim 8 .

10. said connecting element (18) being in the form of a screw (46) or in the form of a rivet (158); The medical device according to claim 1 or 2.

11. The head (32) is provided with an annular stop surface (82), the annular stop surface (82) surrounds the longitudinal axis (36), extends transversely to the longitudinal axis (36) and faces away from the at least one second instrument portion (14); In particular, the sealing element (44) in the assembled position is in contact with the annular stop surface (82). The medical device according to claim 1 or 2.

12. an end of the sealing element (44) facing away from the at least one second instrument portion (14) being flush with the outer surface (122) of the first instrument portion (12) in the assembled position; The medical device according to claim 1 or 2.

13. a built-in second seal element (124) is disposed or formed between said first instrument portion (12) and said at least one second instrument portion (14) and surrounds said longitudinal axis (36); the second sealing element (124) contacts the first instrument portion (12) and the at least one second instrument portion (14), and in particular contacts opposing side surfaces (106, 108) of the first instrument portion (12) and the at least one second instrument portion (14); The medical device according to claim 1 or 2.

14. (a) the first instrument part (12) and / or the second instrument part (14) comprise a sealing element receiving portion (126) for the second sealing element (124), in particular the sealing element receiving portion (124) being configured in the form of an annular groove (128) concentrically surrounding the longitudinal axis (36) and opening towards the second instrument part (14) in the first instrument part (12) or opening towards the first instrument part (12) in the second instrument part (14); and / or (b) the second seal element (124) and the seal element receiving portion (126) form an interference fit; and / or (c) the second sealing element (124) is configured in the form of a self-contained sealing ring (130); The medical device of claim 13.

15. the connecting element (18) comprises a connecting portion (48) projecting from the head portion (32) in a direction toward the at least one second tool portion (14); In particular, said at least one second appliance part (14) is formed with a connection receiving part (52), in particular in the form of a connection hole (54), which is engaged in a force-locking and / or positive-locking manner with said connection part (48) in the assembled position, In particular, the connecting portion (48) is formed with a male thread (50), and the connecting portion receiving portion (52) is formed with a female thread (56) corresponding to the male thread (50). The medical device according to claim 1 or 2.

16. The sealing element (44) is made of an elastically and / or plastically deformable resin material, in particular (a) the resin material is or includes natural rubber, elastic plastic, or elastomer, in particular a thermoplastic elastomer, in particular at least one of acrylonitrile butadiene rubber, styrene butadiene rubber, hydrogenated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber, chloroprene rubber, acrylate rubber, ethylene acrylate rubber, fluororubber, perfluororubber, silicone rubber, fluorosilicone rubber, polyurethane rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, epichlorohydrin rubber, natural rubber, and polyisoprene rubber; and / or (b) the resin material is sterilizable with superheated steam; The medical device according to claim 1 or 2.

17. the sealing element (44, 124) is integrally formed, in particular monolithically formed; The medical device according to claim 1 or 2.

18. A medical instrument set comprising at least two medical instruments (10) of different shapes, types, and / or sizes, The at least two medical devices (10) are configured in the form of a medical device (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2, In particular, the sealing elements (44) of the at least two different medical instruments (10) are colored differently from one another, in particular blue, red, yellow, green, black, white, gray or brown. A medical instrument set characterized by:

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