Surgical device equipped with RFID chip and RFID antenna

Abstract

The surgical device according to this disclosure comprises a surgical application section, in which an RFID chip and an RFID antenna adjacent to the RFID chip are disposed, and has an electrical supply cable that can be coupled to the surgical application section. The surgical application section and the electrical supply cable can be coupled to each other in an OFF state in which the first coupling contacts of the first and second coupling devices are electrically engaged and the second coupling contacts are electrically disengaged, or in an ON state in which both the first and second coupling contacts are electrically engaged. The first and second coupling devices each include an additional coupling contact, which is configured to be electrically engaged and supply energy to the RFID antenna, at least in the OFF state.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a surgical device comprising: a surgical application unit including an electric motor having a motor winding; and an electric supply cable including a plurality of lines corresponding to the number of the motor windings, the electric supply cable being connectable to the surgical application unit for supplying energy to the electric motor. [Background Art]

[0002] A surgical device of this type is known from Patent Document DE 10 2011 050 192 A1. This document describes a surgical coupling system including first and second coupling devices each including coupling contacts mechanically and electrically engageable with each other. The first coupling device is associated with the surgical application unit, and the second coupling device is associated with the electric supply cable. The first and second coupling devices are configured to be capable of assuming two switching states: an OFF state and an ON state. In the OFF state, the type of the surgical application unit coupled to the electric supply cable can be determined by an encoding / detection resistor. In the ON state, based on this information, an electric motor in the surgical application unit is activated and / or started by a control unit connected to the other end of the supply cable. However, since the number of available resistors is limited, only general types of surgical application units such as milling cutters, saws, etc. can be determined, and as a result, further data and / or information cannot be acquired by the control unit.

[0003] In view of this problem, Patent Document WO 2021 / 069662 A1 discloses a surgical device incorporating an RFID reading antenna as a development of the aforementioned surgical device. [Summary of Invention]

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an improved surgical device.

[0005] The above objective is achieved by a surgical device having the configuration of the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments are matters of the dependent claims and / or disclosed in the specification and / or drawings.

[0006] The surgical device according to this disclosure comprises a surgical application section, the surgical application section including an electric motor having motor windings and a first coupling device at one end of the surgical application section. The electric motor may be configured as an AC motor, and more preferably as a three-phase motor having three or a multiple of three motor windings.

[0007] To supply energy to the surgical application section, i.e., the electric motor, the surgical device comprises an electrical supply cable having multiple lines corresponding to the number of motor windings. As a result, when using an AC motor, the electrical supply cable may have two lines. When using a three-phase motor, the electrical supply cable may have three lines to supply energy to a multiple of three motor windings, such as three or six. The electrical supply cable includes at one end a second coupling device configured to be coupled to the first coupling device. At the other end of the electrical supply cable, it is connected to or can be connected to a control unit for controlling the electric motor, for example, by a control unit coupling device.

[0008] The first and second coupling devices described above are configured to be switchable between a discoupled state, an OFF state, and an ON state. In the discoupled state, the first and second coupling devices are completely disengaged, both mechanically and electrically. In the OFF state, the first and second coupling devices are at least partially mechanically engaged, and at least some of the coupling contacts are electrically and mechanically engaged. In the ON state, the first and second coupling devices are fully mechanically engaged, and the coupling contacts used to supply energy to the electric motor are electrically and mechanically engaged. This type of first and second coupling device is already known from DE 10 2011 050 192 A1, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0009] According to this disclosure, in the OFF state, the first coupling contacts of the first and second coupling devices are electrically engaged. The first coupling contact in the first coupling device is connected to the first motor winding, and the first coupling contact in the second coupling device is connected to the first line in the power supply cable. Furthermore, the second coupling contacts of the first and second coupling devices are electrically disengaged. The second coupling contact in the first coupling device is connected to the second motor winding, and the second coupling contact in the second coupling device is connected to the second line in the power supply cable. Therefore, in the OFF state, the energy supply between the second line and the second motor winding is interrupted, and the electric motor does not operate.

[0010] According to this disclosure, in the ON state, the first coupling contact and the second coupling contact of the first and second coupling devices are electrically and mechanically engaged. Therefore, in the ON state, the second motor winding receives energy supply via the second line, and the electric motor is driven.

[0011] The surgical device includes an RFID chip positioned within the first coupling device described above. Preferably, the RFID chip may be configured as a glass-encapsulated passive tag. Multiple data and information may be stored on the RFID chip. For example, the data may include a serial number, maintenance interval, type of maintenance work performed, manufacturing date, service, number of uses, and / or usage period. This provides high transparency in the event of service and / or failure.

[0012] To read the data stored in the RFID chip, the surgical device includes an RFID antenna located within the first coupling device and configured to receive energy. The RFID antenna is located adjacent to, i.e., in direct proximity to, the RFID chip and is configured to excite the RFID chip to transmit and receive data between the RFID chip and the control unit, preferably bidirectionally. Thus, the data stored in the RFID chip can be read by the control unit, and for example, the use of the surgical unit may be permitted by the control unit only if the stored data satisfies predetermined conditions. In this way, for example, the use of an unmaintained surgical unit can be reliably prevented. Preferably, the control unit can also write data to the RFID chip so that the data is updated after use of the surgical unit. The RFID antenna may be configured, for example, as a wire, particularly a copper wire, a printed circuit board having a conductive pattern, a flexible printed circuit board having a conductive pattern, a composite material with an activated conductive pattern formed thereon, a two-component injection molded body having a conductive pattern, or a slot antenna.

[0013] According to this disclosure, the first and second coupling devices each include additional electrical coupling contacts. These additional coupling contacts of the first and second coupling devices are configured to be electrically engaged, at least in the OFF state, to supply energy to the RFID antenna. Thus, in the OFF state, the RFID chip can be read / written. Therefore, a bushing with a contact bridge and an elastic element to return the contact bridge, as used in WO 2021 / 069662 A1, is not required.

[0014] Preferably, the first and second coupling devices may each include a third coupling contact that electrically engages in both the OFF and ON states. As a result, the control unit can measure the first and third motor windings of the electric motor in the surgical application section, particularly their series resistance, and determine the type of electric motor in the surgical application section. This can be done simultaneously with the reception and writing of data to and from the RFID chip.

[0015] Alternatively, the first and second coupling devices may include a third coupling contact that is electrically disengaged in the OFF state and electrically engaged in the ON state. That is, the third coupling contact is electrically engaged at least in the ON state, enabling the supply of energy to the electric motor.

[0016] In particular, the additional coupling contact in the first coupling device can be connected in parallel to the second coupling contact via the RFID antenna.

[0017] Alternatively, the additional coupling contact in the first coupling device may be connected in parallel to the first coupling contact via the RFID antenna.

[0018] Advantageously, in the first coupling device described above, the additional coupling contact and the second coupling contact or the first coupling contact can be connected in parallel to each other via a wire jumper. Thus, a simple connection between the corresponding coupling contacts can be obtained. If necessary, the wire jumper can also be retrofitted to an existing 4-pin first coupling device.

[0019] Furthermore, the additional coupling contact in the second coupling device can be connected in parallel to the second coupling contact. As a result, when the additional coupling contact is electrically engaged in the OFF state, energy can be supplied to the RFID antenna via the second line connected to the second coupling contact in the power supply cable.

[0020] Alternatively, the additional coupling contact in the second coupling device may be connected to the shield of the power supply cable. Therefore, electrical energy can be supplied to the RFID antenna via the shield. Preferably, the shield does not come into contact with the housing of the surgical application section. Furthermore, it is desirable to ensure a clearance distance with a creep distance of at least 4 mm and a height factor of 3.7 mm. In this way, the introduction of external voltages can be suppressed.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the additional coupling contact may be configured to engage electrically even in the ON state. In this way, the formation of the additional coupling contact is facilitated. One of the additional coupling contacts, preferably the additional coupling contact in the first coupling device, may be connected in series with a detection resistor. This configuration is advantageous when each additional coupling contact is connected in parallel with the second coupling contact, and the second coupling contact is bridged by the additional coupling contact in the OFF state. The detection resistor is preferably located within the surgical application section and may be coded according to the surgical application section. Therefore, the surgical application section can be identified by measuring the detection resistor. Furthermore, in the ON state, current does not conduct through the additional coupling contact, but conducts through the second coupling contact.

[0022] Alternatively, the additional coupling contact may be configured to be electrically disengaged in the ON state. Therefore, the flow of current through the additional coupling contact is reliably suppressed in the ON state.

[0023] Even when using the additional coupling contacts that are electrically disengaged when in the ON state, one of the additional coupling contacts, preferably the additional coupling contact in the first coupling device, can be connected in series with the detection resistor.

[0024] Therefore, the detection resistor may be located in the first coupling device or the second coupling device. Preferably, the detection resistor is located in the first coupling device and may have a resistance value corresponding to the surgical application unit or the electric motor. The detection resistor may have a resistance value of, for example, 10 ohms. Therefore, the control unit can determine that the OFF state is correctly established by detecting the series resistance between the detection resistor and the resistance of the RFID antenna before and / or during excitation of the RFID antenna. This procedure is mainly advantageous when the third coupling contacts of the first coupling device and the second coupling device are electrically disengaged in the OFF state and the series resistance of the motor winding cannot be measured. However, since the series resistance of the motor winding is in the range of a few ohms, it is still advantageous to provide the detection resistor even when the series resistance of the motor winding can be measured via the third coupling contacts.

[0025] Furthermore, the coupling contact may be configured as a pin in the first coupling device and as a bush in the second coupling device. The pin of the additional coupling contact may be formed to be longer than the pin of the second coupling contact. Therefore, in the OFF state, the additional coupling contact is electrically conductive, while the second coupling contact is electrically and mechanically disengaged. The pin of the additional coupling contact may include an insulating portion configured to be electrically disengaged when the additional coupling contact is ON. In particular, the insulating portion can be formed by covering or coating the shaft portion of the coupling contact, which is configured as a pin, with an insulating layer. Preferably, the insulating layer is formed to be substantially flush with the conductive portion at the tip of the pin. Alternatively, or additionally, the bush of the additional coupling contact may include an insulating portion configured to be electrically disengaged when the third coupling contact is ON. In particular, the insulating portion can be formed by covering the bottom of the bush with an insulating layer. Preferably, the insulating layer is formed to be substantially flush with the conductive portion at the entrance of the bush. In this way, the additional coupling contacts are electrically conductive when the device is OFF, and electrically non-conductive when the device is ON.

[0026] The surgical device according to the present disclosure includes a surgical application portion, and the surgical application portion includes an electric motor having motor windings, and a first coupling device provided at one end of the surgical application portion. The electric motor may be configured as an AC motor, and more preferably is configured as a three-phase motor having three motor windings or a multiple of three motor windings.

[0027] In order to supply energy to the surgical application portion, that is, the electric motor, the surgical device includes an electric supply cable having a plurality of lines corresponding to the number of the motor windings. As a result, when an AC motor is used, the electric supply cable may have two lines. When a three-phase motor is used, the electric supply cable may have three lines for supplying energy to motor windings in a multiple of three, such as three or six. The electric supply cable includes, at one end, a second coupling device configured to be couplable to the first coupling device. The electric supply cable is connected or connectable at the other end to a control unit for controlling the electric motor, for example by a control unit coupling device.

[0028] The first and second coupling devices are configured to be switchable between an uncoupled state, an OFF state, and an ON state. In the uncoupled state, the first and second coupling devices are completely disengaged both mechanically and electrically. In the OFF state, the first and second coupling devices are at least partially mechanically engaged, and at least some of the coupling contacts are electrically and mechanically engaged. In the ON state, the first and second coupling devices are completely mechanically engaged, and the coupling contacts used for supplying energy to the electric motor are electrically and mechanically engaged. Such first and second coupling devices are already known from DE 10 2011 050 192 A1, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0029] According to the present disclosure, in the OFF state, the first coupling contacts of the first and second coupling devices are electrically engaged. The first coupling contact of the first coupling device is connected to a first motor winding, and the first coupling contact of the second coupling device is connected to a first line in the electric power supply cable. Furthermore, the second coupling contacts of the first and second coupling devices are electrically disengaged. The second coupling contact of the first coupling device is connected to a second motor winding, and the second coupling contact of the second coupling device is connected to a second line in the electric power supply cable. Therefore, in the OFF state, energy supply between the second line and the second motor winding is interrupted, and the electric motor does not operate.

[0030] According to the present disclosure, in the ON state, the first coupling contacts and the second coupling contacts of the first and second coupling devices are electrically and mechanically engaged. Therefore, in the ON state, the second motor winding receives energy supply via the second line, and the electric motor is driven.

[0031] The surgical device includes an RFID chip disposed in the first coupling device. The RFID chip may preferably be configured as a glass-encapsulated passive tag. A plurality of data and information may be stored in the RFID chip. For example, the data may include a serial number, maintenance intervals, types of maintenance work performed, manufacturing date, performance, number of uses and / or period of use. Therefore, high transparency can be obtained during service or in the event of a failure.

[0032] To read the data stored in the RFID chip, the surgical device includes an RFID antenna located within the second coupling device and configured to receive energy. The RFID antenna is located adjacent to, i.e., directly near, the RFID chip, at least in the OFF state, and is configured to excite the RFID chip and transmit and receive data between the RFID chip and the control unit, preferably bidirectionally. Thus, the data stored in the RFID chip can be read by the control unit, and for example, the use of the surgical unit may be permitted by the control unit only if the stored data satisfies predetermined conditions. In this way, the use of an unmaintained surgical unit can be reliably prevented. Preferably, the control unit can also write data to the RFID chip so that the data is updated after use of the surgical unit. The RFID antenna may be configured, for example, as a wire, particularly a copper wire, a printed circuit board having a conductive pattern, a flexible printed circuit board having a conductive pattern, a composite material with an activated conductive pattern formed thereon, a two-component injection molded body having a conductive pattern, or a slot antenna.

[0033] According to this disclosure, the first and second coupling devices each include additional electrical coupling contacts. These additional coupling contacts of the first and second coupling devices are configured to be electrically engaged, at least in the OFF state, to supply energy to the RFID antenna. Thus, in the OFF state, the RFID chip can be read / written. As a result, a bushing with a contact bridge and an elastic element to return the contact bridge to its original position, as used in WO 2021 / 069662 A1, is not required.

[0034] Preferably, the first and second coupling devices may each include a third coupling contact that electrically engages in both the OFF and ON states. As a result, the control unit can measure the first and third motor windings of the electric motor in the surgical application section, particularly their series resistance, and determine the type of electric motor in the surgical application section. This can be done simultaneously with the reception and writing of data to and from the RFID chip.

[0035] Alternatively, the first and second coupling devices may include a third coupling contact that is electrically disengaged in the OFF state and electrically engaged in the ON state. That is, the third coupling contact is electrically engaged at least in the ON state, enabling the supply of energy to the electric motor.

[0036] In particular, the additional coupling contact in the first coupling device described above can be connected in parallel to the second coupling contact.

[0037] Alternatively, the additional coupling contact in the first coupling device can be connected in parallel to the first coupling contact.

[0038] Advantageously, in the first coupling device described above, the additional coupling contact and the second coupling contact or the first coupling contact can be connected in parallel to each other via a wire jumper. Thus, a simple connection between the corresponding coupling contacts can be obtained. If necessary, the wire jumper can also be retrofitted to an existing 4-pin first coupling device.

[0039] Furthermore, the additional coupling contact in the second coupling device can be connected in parallel to the second coupling contact via the RFID antenna. As a result, when the additional coupling contact is electrically engaged in the OFF state, energy can be supplied to the RFID antenna via the second line connected to the second coupling contact in the power supply cable.

[0040] Alternatively, the additional coupling contact in the second coupling device may be connected to the shield of the power supply cable via the RFID antenna. Therefore, electrical energy can be supplied to the RFID antenna via the shield. Preferably, the shield does not come into contact with the housing of the surgical application section. Furthermore, it is desirable to ensure a clearance distance with a creep distance of at least 4 mm and a height factor of 3.7 mm. In this way, the introduction of external voltages can be suppressed.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the additional coupling contact may be configured to engage electrically even in the ON state. In this way, the additional coupling contact can be easily formed. One of the additional coupling contacts, preferably the additional coupling contact in the first coupling device, may be connected in series with a detection resistor. This configuration is advantageous when each additional coupling contact is connected in parallel with the second coupling contact, and the second coupling contact is bridged by the additional coupling contact in the OFF state. The detection resistor is preferably located within the surgical application section and may be coded according to the surgical application section. Therefore, the surgical application section can be identified by measuring the detection resistor. Furthermore, in the ON state, current does not conduct through the additional coupling contact, but conducts through the second coupling contact.

[0042] Alternatively, the additional coupling contact may be configured to be electrically disengaged in the ON state. Therefore, the flow of current through the additional coupling contact is reliably suppressed in the ON state.

[0043] Even when using the additional coupling contacts that are electrically disengaged when in the ON state, one of the additional coupling contacts, preferably the additional coupling contact in the first coupling device, can be connected in series with the detection resistor.

[0044] Therefore, the detection resistor may be located in the first coupling device or the second coupling device. Preferably, the detection resistor is located in the first coupling device and may have a resistance value corresponding to the surgical application unit or the electric motor. The detection resistor may have a resistance value of, for example, 10 ohms. Therefore, the control unit can determine that the OFF state is correctly established by detecting the series resistance between the detection resistor and the resistance of the RFID antenna before and / or during excitation of the RFID antenna. This procedure is mainly advantageous when the third coupling contacts of the first coupling device and the second coupling device are electrically disengaged in the OFF state and the series resistance of the motor winding cannot be measured. However, even when the series resistance of the motor winding can be measured via the third coupling contacts because the series resistance of the motor winding is in the range of a few ohms, it is still advantageous to provide the detection resistor.

[0045] Furthermore, the coupling contact may be configured as a pin in the first coupling device and as a bush in the second coupling device. The pin of the additional coupling contact may be formed to be longer than the pin of the second coupling contact. Therefore, in the OFF state, the additional coupling contact is electrically conductive, while the second coupling contact is electrically and mechanically disengaged. The pin of the additional coupling contact may include an insulating portion configured to be electrically disengaged when the additional coupling contact is ON. In particular, the insulating portion can be formed by covering or coating the shaft portion of the coupling contact, which is configured as a pin, with an insulating layer. The insulating layer is preferably formed to be substantially flush with the conductive portion at the tip of the pin. Alternatively, or additionally, the bush of the additional coupling contact may include an insulating portion configured to be electrically disengaged when the third coupling contact is ON. In particular, the insulating portion can be formed by covering the bottom of the bush with an insulating layer. Preferably, the insulating layer is formed to be substantially flush with the conductive portion at the entrance of the bush. In this way, the additional coupling contacts are electrically conductive when the device is OFF, and electrically non-conductive when the device is ON.

[0046] The surgical device according to this disclosure comprises a surgical application section, the surgical application section including an electric motor having motor windings and a first coupling device at one end of the surgical application section. The electric motor may be configured as an AC motor, and more preferably as a three-phase motor having three or a multiple of three motor windings.

[0047] To supply energy to the surgical application section, i.e., the electric motor, the surgical device comprises an electrical supply cable having multiple lines corresponding to the number of motor windings. As a result, when using an AC motor, the electrical supply cable may have two lines. When using a three-phase motor, the electrical supply cable may have three lines to supply energy to a multiple of three motor windings, such as three or six. The electrical supply cable includes at one end a second coupling device configured to be coupled to the first coupling device. At the other end of the electrical supply cable, it is connected to or can be connected to a control unit for controlling the electric motor, for example, by a control unit coupling device.

[0048] The first and second coupling devices described above are configured to be switchable between a discoupled state, an OFF state, and an ON state. In the discoupled state, the first and second coupling devices are completely disengaged, both mechanically and electrically. In the OFF state, the first and second coupling devices are at least partially mechanically engaged, and at least some of the coupling contacts are electrically and mechanically engaged. In the ON state, the first and second coupling devices are fully mechanically engaged, and the coupling contacts used to supply energy to the electric motor are electrically and mechanically engaged. This type of first and second coupling device is already known from DE 10 2011 050 192 A1, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0049] According to this disclosure, in the OFF state, the first coupling contacts of the first and second coupling devices are electrically engaged. The first coupling contact in the first coupling device is connected to the first motor winding, and the first coupling contact in the second coupling device is connected to the first line in the power supply cable. Furthermore, the second coupling contacts of the first and second coupling devices are electrically disengaged. The second coupling contact in the first coupling device is connected to the second motor winding, and the second coupling contact in the second coupling device is connected to the second line in the power supply cable. Therefore, in the OFF state, the energy supply between the second line and the second motor winding is interrupted, and the electric motor does not operate.

[0050] According to this disclosure, in the ON state, the first coupling contact and the second coupling contact of the first and second coupling devices are electrically and mechanically engaged. Therefore, in the ON state, the second motor winding receives energy supply via the second line, and the electric motor is driven.

[0051] The surgical device includes an RFID chip positioned within the first coupling device described above. The RFID chip may preferably be configured as a glass-encapsulated passive tag. Multiple data and information may be stored on the RFID chip. For example, the data may include a serial number, maintenance interval, type of maintenance work performed, manufacturing date, performance, number of uses, and / or service life. This provides high transparency in the event of service and / or failure.

[0052] To read the data stored in the RFID chip, the surgical device includes an RFID antenna located within the second coupling device and configured to receive energy. The RFID antenna is located adjacent to, i.e., directly near, the RFID chip, at least in the OFF state, and is configured to excite the RFID chip and transmit and receive data between the RFID chip and the control unit, preferably bidirectionally. Preferably, the RFID antenna is also located adjacent to the RFID chip in the ON state. Thus, the data stored in the RFID chip can be read by the control unit, and for example, the use of the surgical application unit may be permitted by the control unit only if the stored data satisfies predetermined conditions. In this way, for example, the use of an unmaintained surgical application unit can be reliably prevented. Preferably, the control unit can also write data to the RFID chip so that the data is updated after use of the surgical application unit. The RFID antenna may be configured, for example, as a wire, particularly a copper wire, a printed circuit board having a conductive pattern, a flexible printed circuit board having a conductive pattern, a composite material with an activated conductive pattern formed thereon, a two-component injection molded body having a conductive pattern, or a slot antenna.

[0053] Furthermore, the power supply cable is provided with two additional lines. These two additional lines are connected to the RFID antenna in the second coupling device to supply energy to the RFID antenna. These additional lines may have a smaller cross-sectional area than the lines that supply energy to the electric motor. Also, these two additional lines are directly connected to the RFID antenna. This ensures a reliable energy supply to the RFID antenna in both the OFF and ON states.

[0054] One of the two additional lines mentioned above may be formed by the shield of the power supply cable. Therefore, the power supply cable only needs to have one additional line in addition to the line used to supply energy to the electric motor.

[0055] Alternatively, the two additional lines mentioned above can be constructed using coaxial cables. This would suppress the propagation of electromagnetic interference that occurs when supplying energy to the RFID antenna.

[0056] Furthermore, the first and second coupling devices may each include an additional coupling contact. Each additional coupling contact may be connected in parallel to the second coupling contact and configured to be electrically engaged, at least in the OFF state. One of the additional coupling contacts, preferably the additional coupling contact in the first coupling device, may be connected in series with a detection resistor. The detection resistor may be located within the surgical application section and may be coded according to the surgical application section. Therefore, the surgical application section can be identified by measuring the detection resistor. Furthermore, in the ON state, current does not conduct through the additional coupling contact but conducts through the second coupling contact.

[0057] The surgical device according to this disclosure comprises a surgical application section, the surgical application section including an electric motor having motor windings and a first coupling device at one end of the surgical application section. The electric motor may be configured as an AC motor, and more preferably as a three-phase motor having three or a multiple of three motor windings.

[0058] To supply energy to the surgical application section, i.e., the electric motor, the surgical device comprises an electrical supply cable having multiple lines corresponding to the number of motor windings. As a result, when using an AC motor, the electrical supply cable may have two lines. When using a three-phase motor, the electrical supply cable may have three lines to supply energy to a multiple of three motor windings, such as three or six. The electrical supply cable includes at one end a second coupling device configured to be coupled to the first coupling device. At the other end of the electrical supply cable, it is connected to or can be connected to a control unit for controlling the electric motor, for example, by a control unit coupling device.

[0059] The first and second coupling devices described above are configured to be switchable between a discoupled state, an OFF state, and an ON state. In the discoupled state, the first and second coupling devices are completely disengaged, both mechanically and electrically. In the OFF state, the first and second coupling devices are at least partially mechanically engaged, and at least some of the coupling contacts are electrically and mechanically engaged. In the ON state, the first and second coupling devices are fully mechanically engaged, and the coupling contacts used to supply energy to the electric motor are electrically and mechanically engaged. Such first and second coupling devices are already known in DE 10 2011 050 192 A1, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0060] According to this disclosure, in the OFF state, the first coupling contacts of the first and second coupling devices are electrically engaged. The first coupling contact in the first coupling device is connected to the first motor winding, and the first coupling contact in the second coupling device is connected to the first line in the power supply cable. Furthermore, the second coupling contacts of the first and second coupling devices are electrically disengaged. The second coupling contact in the first coupling device is connected to the second motor winding, and the second coupling contact in the second coupling device is connected to the second line in the power supply cable. Therefore, in the OFF state, the energy supply between the second line and the second motor winding is interrupted, and the electric motor does not operate.

[0061] According to this disclosure, in the ON state, the first coupling contact and the second coupling contact of the first and second coupling devices are electrically and mechanically engaged. Therefore, in the ON state, the second motor winding receives energy supply via the second line, and the electric motor is driven.

[0062] The surgical device includes an RFID chip positioned within the first coupling device described above. The RFID chip may preferably be configured as a glass-encapsulated passive tag. Multiple data and information may be stored on the RFID chip. For example, the data may include a serial number, maintenance interval, type of maintenance work performed, manufacturing date, performance, number of uses, and / or service life. This provides high transparency in the event of service and / or failure.

[0063] To read the data stored in the RFID chip, the surgical device includes an RFID antenna located within the first coupling device and configured to receive energy. The RFID antenna is located adjacent to, i.e., in direct proximity to, the RFID chip and is configured to excite the RFID chip to transmit and receive data between the RFID chip and the control unit, preferably bidirectionally. Preferably, the RFID antenna is located adjacent to the RFID chip even when it is ON. Thus, the data stored in the RFID chip can be read by the control unit, and for example, the control unit may permit the use of the surgical application unit only if the stored data satisfies predetermined conditions. In this way, for example, the use of an unmaintained surgical application unit can be reliably prevented. Preferably, the control unit can also write data to the RFID chip so that the data is updated after use of the surgical application unit. The RFID antenna may be configured, for example, as a wire, particularly a copper wire, a printed circuit board having a conductive pattern, a flexible printed circuit board having a conductive pattern, a composite material with an activated conductive pattern formed thereon, a two-component injection molded body having a conductive pattern, or a slot antenna.

[0064] Furthermore, the power supply cable is provided with two additional lines. These two additional lines are connected to the RFID antenna in the second coupling device to supply energy to the RFID antenna. These additional lines may have a smaller cross-sectional area than the lines that supply energy to the electric motor. Also, these two additional lines are directly connected to the RFID antenna. This ensures a reliable energy supply to the RFID antenna in both the OFF and ON states.

[0065] One of the two additional lines mentioned above may be formed by the shield of the power supply cable. Therefore, the power supply cable only needs to have one additional line in addition to the line used to supply energy to the electric motor.

[0066] Alternatively, the two additional lines mentioned above can be constructed using coaxial cables. This would suppress the propagation of electromagnetic interference that occurs when supplying energy to the RFID antenna.

[0067] Furthermore, the first and second coupling devices may each include an additional coupling contact. Each additional coupling contact may be connected in parallel to the second coupling contact and configured to be electrically engaged, at least in the OFF state. One of the additional coupling contacts, preferably the additional coupling contact in the first coupling device, may be connected in series with a detection resistor. The detection resistor may be located within the surgical application section and may be coded according to the surgical application section. Therefore, the surgical application section can be identified by measuring the detection resistor. Furthermore, in the ON state, current does not conduct through the additional coupling contact but conducts through the second coupling contact.

[0068] The surgical device according to this disclosure comprises a surgical application section, the surgical application section including an electric motor having motor windings and a first coupling device at one end of the surgical application section. The electric motor may be configured as an AC motor, and more preferably as a three-phase motor having three or a multiple of three motor windings.

[0069] To supply energy to the surgical application section, i.e., the electric motor, the surgical device comprises an electrical supply cable having multiple lines corresponding to the number of motor windings. As a result, when using an AC motor, the electrical supply cable may have two lines. When using a three-phase motor, the electrical supply cable may have three lines to supply energy to a multiple of three motor windings, such as three or six. The electrical supply cable includes at one end a second coupling device configured to be coupled to the first coupling device. At the other end of the electrical supply cable, it is connected to or can be connected to a control unit for controlling the electric motor, for example, by a control unit coupling device.

[0070] The first and second coupling devices described above are configured to be switchable between a discoupled state, an OFF state, and an ON state. In the discoupled state, the first and second coupling devices are completely disengaged, both mechanically and electrically. In the OFF state, the first and second coupling devices are at least partially mechanically engaged, and at least some of the coupling contacts are electrically and mechanically engaged. In the ON state, the first and second coupling devices are fully mechanically engaged, and the coupling contacts used to supply energy to the electric motor are electrically and mechanically engaged. This type of first and second coupling device is already known from DE 10 2011 050 192 A1, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0071] According to this disclosure, in the OFF state, the first coupling contacts of the first and second coupling devices are electrically engaged. The first coupling contact in the first coupling device is connected to the first motor winding, and the first coupling contact in the second coupling device is connected to the first line in the power supply cable. Furthermore, the second coupling contacts of the first and second coupling devices are electrically disengaged. The second coupling contact in the first coupling device is connected to the second motor winding, and the second coupling contact in the second coupling device is connected to the second line in the power supply cable. Therefore, in the OFF state, the energy supply between the second line and the second motor winding is interrupted, and the electric motor does not operate.

[0072] According to this disclosure, in the ON state, the first coupling contact and the second coupling contact of the first and second coupling devices are electrically and mechanically engaged. Therefore, in the ON state, the second motor winding receives energy supply via the second line, and the electric motor is driven.

[0073] The surgical device includes an RFID chip positioned within the first coupling device described above. The RFID chip may preferably be configured as a glass-encapsulated passive tag. Multiple data and information may be stored on the RFID chip. For example, the data may include a serial number, maintenance interval, type of maintenance work performed, manufacturing date, performance, number of uses, and / or service life. As a result, high transparency is obtained in the event of service or failure.

[0074] To read the data stored in the RFID chip, the surgical device includes an RFID antenna located within the first coupling device and configured to receive energy. The RFID antenna is located adjacent to, i.e., directly near, the RFID chip and is configured to excite the RFID chip to transmit and receive data between the RFID chip and the control unit, preferably bidirectionally. Thus, the data stored in the RFID chip can be read by the control unit, and for example, the use of the surgical unit may be permitted by the control unit only if the stored data satisfies predetermined conditions. In this way, the use of an unmaintained surgical unit can be reliably prevented. Preferably, the control unit can also write data to the RFID chip so that the data is updated after use of the surgical unit. The RFID antenna may be configured, for example, as a wire, particularly a copper wire, a printed circuit board having a conductive pattern, a flexible printed circuit board having a conductive pattern, a composite material with an activated conductive pattern formed thereon, a two-component injection molded body having a conductive pattern, or a slot antenna.

[0075] Each of the first and second coupling devices has two RFID coupling contacts, which are electrically engaged at least in the OFF state. Preferably, the two RFID coupling contacts of the first and second coupling devices are also electrically engaged in the ON state. The two RFID coupling contacts in the first coupling device are connected to the RFID antenna. That is, the RFID antenna in the first coupling device is connected between the two RFID coupling contacts. The two RFID coupling contacts in the second coupling device are connected to two additional lines provided in the power supply cable to supply energy to the RFID antenna. Therefore, the RFID antenna can be reliably supplied with energy. If the RFID coupling contacts are electrically engaged even in the ON state, the RFID chip can be read by the RFID antenna even while the surgical application unit is in operation.

[0076] One of the two additional lines mentioned above may be formed by the shield of the power supply cable. Therefore, the power supply cable only needs to have one additional line in addition to the line for supplying energy to the electric motor.

[0077] Alternatively, the two additional lines mentioned above can be constructed using coaxial cables. This would suppress the propagation of electromagnetic interference that occurs when supplying energy to the RFID antenna.

[0078] Furthermore, the first and second coupling devices may each include an additional coupling contact. Each additional coupling contact may be connected in parallel to the second coupling contact and configured to be electrically engaged, at least in the OFF state. One of the additional coupling contacts, preferably the additional coupling contact in the first coupling device, may be connected in series with a detection resistor. The detection resistor may be located within the surgical application section and may be coded according to the surgical application section. Therefore, the surgical application section can be identified by measuring the detection resistor. Furthermore, in the ON state, current does not conduct through the additional coupling contact but conducts through the second coupling contact. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0079] The present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. [Figure 1] This figure shows a surgical device including a surgical application section and an electrical supply cable, which are coupled together in the OFF state. [Figure 2] This figure shows a surgical device including a surgical application section and an electrical supply cable, which are coupled together in the ON state. [Figure 3] This is a diagram showing the surgical application section. [Figure 4] This is a diagram showing the first coupling device for the surgical application section. [Figure 5] This is a diagram showing a cross-section of the surgical application section. [Figure 6] This is a diagram showing an electrical supply cable. [Figure 7] This diagram shows the coupling pin of the second coupling device of the electrical supply cable. [Figure 8] This is a rotated view of the coupling pin of the second coupling device described above. [Figure 9] This diagram shows a cross-section of the first coupling device and the second coupling device when they are coupled to each other in the OFF state. [Figure 10] This figure shows a detailed cross-section of the first coupling device and the second coupling device in the OFF state, coupled to each other. [Figure 11] This figure shows a more detailed cross-section of the first coupling device and the second coupling device when they are coupled to each other in the OFF state. [Figure 12] This figure shows another detailed cross-section of the first coupling device and the second coupling device coupled to each other in the OFF state. [Figure 13] This figure shows a detailed cross-section of the first coupling device and the second coupling device when they are coupled to each other in the ON state. [Figure 14] This figure shows a more detailed cross-section of the first coupling device and the second coupling device when they are coupled to each other in the ON state. [Figure 15] This is a schematic circuit diagram in the OFF state. [Figure 16] This is a schematic circuit diagram showing the conduction path for measuring the series resistance of two motor windings when the motor is OFF. [Figure 17] This is a schematic circuit diagram showing the conductive path for supplying energy to the RFID antenna when it is in the OFF state. [Figure 18] This is a schematic circuit diagram of the ON state. [Figure 19] This is a diagram showing the first coupling device for the surgical application section. [Figure 20] This is a schematic circuit diagram showing the conductive path for supplying energy to the RFID antenna when it is in the OFF state. [Figure 21] This is a schematic circuit diagram of the ON state. [Figure 22]This is a schematic circuit diagram in the OFF state. [Figure 23] This is a schematic circuit diagram in the OFF state. [Figure 24] This is a schematic circuit diagram in the OFF state. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0080] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The same or functionally corresponding parts and / or components will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0081] Figures 1 and 2 show a surgical device 1 comprising a surgical application section 2 (e.g., a milling cutter, saw, etc.) and an electrical supply cable 4. At the distal end of the surgical application section 2 is a tool 6 that can be driven by an electric motor 34 (see Figure 15) located within the surgical application section 2. At its proximal end, the surgical application section 2 is connected to the electrical supply cable 4 by a coupling system 8 (known by DE 10 2011 050 192 A1). The coupling system 8 is configured to allow two switching or coupling states, namely, an OFF state (Figure 1) and an ON state (Figure 2).

[0082] Figure 3 shows the surgical application section 2 in a disconnected state, i.e., in a state where the coupling system 8 is disengaged. In this embodiment, the surgical application section 2 is configured as a surgical application section that can be held and / or operated by hand, and therefore includes a handle 10. The first coupling device 12 of the coupling system 8 is located at the proximal end of the surgical application section 2. In this embodiment, the coupling device 12 is configured as a coupling pin 14 with a coupling sleeve 16 formed inside it.

[0083] Figure 4 shows details of the coupling device 12. Within the coupling sleeve 16 are four coupling contacts, configured as pins in this embodiment: a first coupling contact 18, a second coupling contact 20, a third coupling contact 22, and a fourth coupling contact (additional coupling contact) 24. The RFID chip 26 is formed here as a glass-encapsulated passive tag and is positioned on the inner surface of the coupling sleeve 16 of the first coupling device 12, substantially flush with the inner surface of the coupling sleeve 16.

[0084] Figure 5 shows a cross-section of the first coupling device 12 in the plane of the second coupling contact 20 and the fourth coupling contact 24. It can be seen that the second coupling contact 20 is shorter than the fourth coupling contact 24. Furthermore, the fourth coupling contact 24 includes two parts: a conductive part 28 at the tip and an insulating part 30 at the shaft. In addition, a wire jumper 32 is shown.

[0085] The connections of coupling contacts 18, 20, 22, and 24 will be explained with reference to Figure 15. The first coupling contact 18 is connected to the first motor winding 36. The second coupling contact 20 is connected to the second motor winding 38. The third coupling contact 22 is connected to the third motor winding 40. The fourth coupling contact 24 is connected in parallel to the first coupling contact 18 via a wire jumper 32 within the surgical application section 2.

[0086] Figure 6 shows an electrical supply cable 4 having a second coupling device 42 at its distal end. The second coupling device 42 is configured as a coupling sleeve 44 with coupling pins 46 formed inside. Thus, the second coupling device 42 is configured to be mechanically engageable with the first coupling device 12. The second coupling device 34 is connected to a control unit coupling device 50, which is configured to be connectable to a control unit for operating the electric motor 34, via a cable section 48 on which multiple lines corresponding to the number of motor windings extend.

[0087] Figures 7 and 8 show details of the coupling pin 46 with the coupling sleeve 44 removed. Four coupling contacts, namely the first coupling contact 52, the second coupling contact 54, the third coupling contact 56, and the fourth coupling contact (additional coupling contact) 58, are embedded in or inserted into the coupling pin 46. In this embodiment, the coupling contacts 52, 54, 56, and 58 are configured as bushings that mechanically engage with coupling contacts 18, 20, 22, and 24, which are configured as pins. The RFID antenna 60 is embedded in a predetermined groove formed on the outer surface of the coupling pin 46. In this embodiment, the RFID antenna 60 is a copper wire loop. The copper wire loop initially extends axially on the outer surface of the coupling pin 46 to the end face of the coupling pin 46. From there, the loop extends circumferentially along the coupling pin 46, i.e., parallel to the end face of the coupling pin 46, by a predetermined angle, such as 180°. Subsequently, the loop returns to the vicinity of its starting point via the axial and circumferential portions. Therefore, the RFID antenna 60 can be easily placed on the outer surface of the coupling pin 46. Note that this type of RFID antenna 60 is illustrative, and other antenna shapes such as serpentine, spiral, coil, or helix shapes are also possible. Alternatively, other types of antennas may be used, such as printed circuit boards with conductive patterns, flexible printed circuit boards with conductive patterns, composite materials with activated conductive patterns, two-component injection molded bodies with conductive patterns, or slot antennas.

[0088] The second coupling device 42 includes an electrical circuit 62 connected to the RFID antenna 60. The electrical circuit 62 may be configured to tune the RFID antenna 60, enabling reliable data transmission and reception between the RFID chip 26 and the control unit via the RFID antenna 60. Alternatively, or additionally, the electrical circuit 62 may be configured to process the data received from the RFID antenna 60 and transmit it to the control unit via lines 64, 66 of the power supply cable 4 (see Figure 15), for example using one-wire technology, and / or to process the data received from the control unit, for example using one-wire technology, and write it to the RFID chip 26. As a result, the power supply cable 4 can have a longer length without hindering data transmission and reception.

[0089] The connections of coupling contacts 52, 54, 56, and 58 will be explained with reference to Figure 15. The first coupling contact 52 is connected to the first line 64. The second coupling contact 54 is connected to the second line 66. The third coupling contact 56 is connected to the third line 68. As described above, lines 64, 66, and 68 extend within the cable portion 48 of the power supply cable 4. The fourth coupling contact 58 is connected to the second line 66 via the RFID antenna 60 within the second coupling device.

[0090] The switching states of the coupling system 8 are described below. In Figure 9, the first coupling device 12 and the second coupling device 42 are partially engaged to reach the OFF state. It can be seen that the third coupling contact 22 and the fourth coupling contact 24, i.e., the conductive parts 28, partially protrude into the corresponding coupling contacts 56 and 58 within the coupling pin 46, respectively. As a result, the insulating part 30 is located outside the fourth coupling contact 58. Furthermore, a wire jumper 32 connecting the first coupling contact 18 and the fourth coupling contact 24 is visible. From the viewpoint shown in Figure 9, the antenna 60 has a loop portion positioned circumferentially behind the illustrated plane so that it is positioned adjacent to the RFID chip 26.

[0091] Figure 10 also shows the case when the coupling system 8 is in the OFF state. Since the second coupling contact 20 is shorter than the other coupling contacts 18, 22, and 24, it can be seen that in the OFF state it does not protrude into the corresponding second coupling contact 54 within the coupling pin 46. Therefore, the connection between the second line 66 and the second motor winding 38 is interrupted, and the operation of the electric motor 34 is stopped. Furthermore, Figure 10 shows the arrangement of the RFID antenna 60 adjacent to the RFID chip 26 in the OFF state, in particular the arrangement of the portion that extends along the circumferential direction of the coupling pin 46.

[0092] Figure 11 shows cross-sections along the plane of the third and fourth coupling contacts 22, 24, 56, and 58. It can be seen that only the conductive portion 28 of the fourth coupling contact 24 protrudes into the corresponding fourth coupling contact 58 within the coupling pin 46. The fourth coupling contact 58 within the coupling pin 46 has a conductive portion 70 on its inlet side and an insulating portion 72 on its bottom side. In the OFF state, the conductive portion 28 of the fourth coupling contact 24 and the conductive portion 70 of the fourth coupling contact 58 are engaged both mechanically and electrically.

[0093] Figure 12 shows cross-sections along the planes of the first and second coupling contacts 18, 20, 52, and 54. In the OFF state, it can be seen that the second coupling contact 20 and its corresponding second coupling contact 54 are disengaged.

[0094] Furthermore, Figures 11 and 12 show a wire jumper 32 extending between the first coupling contact 18 and the fourth coupling contact 24 to connect them in parallel. In this embodiment, the first coupling contact 18 and the fourth coupling contact 24 are arranged diagonally, but these two coupling contacts 18 and 24 may be arranged side by side.

[0095] Figure 13 shows a cross-section of the coupling system 8 in the ON state in the plane of the third and fourth coupling contacts 22, 24, 56, and 58. It can be seen that the first coupling device 12 is fully engaged with the second coupling device 42, and as a result, the coupling pin 46 is fully inserted into the coupling sleeve 16. In this configuration, the insulating portion 30 of the fourth coupling contact 24 faces the conductive portion 70 of the fourth coupling contact 58, and the conductive portion 28 of the fourth coupling contact 24 faces the insulating portion 72 of the fourth coupling contact 58. Therefore, although the fourth coupling contacts 24 and 58 are mechanically engaged, they are electrically disengaged, i.e., non-conductive, due to the arrangement of the insulating portions 30 and 72 and the conductive portions 28 and 70 described above. Consequently, the conductivity between the fourth coupling contacts 24 and 58 is interrupted, preventing a short circuit of the motor windings 36 and 38 of the electric motor 34 (see Figure 15).

[0096] Figure 14 shows a cross-section of the coupling system 8 in the ON state in the plane of the first coupling contacts and the second coupling contacts 18, 20, 52, and 54. It can be seen that the second coupling contact 20 and its corresponding second coupling contact 54 are also electrically and mechanically engaged. As a result, a conductive connection is formed between the second line 66 and the second motor winding 38. Thus, in the ON state, all three motor windings 36, 38, and 40 are electrically conductively connected to the lines 64, 66, and 68 provided for them in the power supply cable 4, making it possible to operate the electric motor 34 in response to control by the control unit.

[0097] With the configuration of coupling contacts 18, 20, 22, 24 in the first coupling device 12 and coupling contacts 52, 54, 56, 58 in the second coupling device 42 described above, the following electrical connections are obtained in the OFF state and the ON state.

[0098] As shown by the arrows in Figure 16, in the OFF state, a conductive connection is obtained via the first line 64, the first coupling contact 52, the first coupling contact 18, the first motor winding 36, the third motor winding 40, the third coupling contact 22, the third coupling contact 56, and the third line 68. Therefore, the control unit may be configured to apply a measurement signal, which is in particular a predetermined current or a predetermined voltage, to the first line 64 and the third line 68 in order to determine the series resistance of the first motor winding 36 and the third motor winding 40. As a result, the control unit can determine the type of electric motor 34 incorporated into the surgical application unit 2 based on the measured series resistance.

[0099] Furthermore, as indicated by the arrows in Figure 17, in the OFF state, conductive connections are obtained via the first line 64, the first coupling contact 52, the first coupling contact 18, the wire jumper 32, the third coupling contact 24, the third coupling contact 58, the RFID antenna 60, and the second line 66. Therefore, energy is supplied to the RFID antenna 60, which can excite and read data from an adjacent RFID chip 26, or write data to the RFID chip 26. As a result, data can be transmitted and received between the RFID chip 26 and the control unit. For example, before using the surgical application unit 2, data can be read from the RFID chip 26, and the control unit can verify whether the surgical application unit 2 is suitable for its intended use. After use, the data in the RFID chip 26 can be updated. This procedure can also be performed, for example, before and after maintenance.

[0100] Figure 18 shows the case where the coupling system 8 is in the ON state. In this state, the fourth coupling contacts 24 and 58 are electrically disengaged, and the coupling contacts 18, 20, and 22 of the first coupling device 12 are electrically engaged with the corresponding coupling contacts 52, 54, and 56 of the second coupling device 42. This makes it possible to operate the electric motor 34 in response to control by the control unit.

[0101] One embodiment of the present invention has been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and the following modifications can be applied.

[0102] The tool 6 may include yet another RFID chip. In this case, another RFID antenna may be placed adjacent to the other RFID chip within the surgical application section 2 to read from and / or write data to the other RFID chip. The RFID antenna 60 and the other RFID antenna may be connected in series with the control unit and / or the electrical circuit 62. Alternatively, the RFID antenna 60 and the other RFID antenna may be connected in parallel with the control unit via separate electrical circuits 62 for synchronizing these RFID antennas. By providing another RFID chip in the tool 6 and an RFID antenna in the surgical application section 2, the control unit can also read / write additional data via the tool 6. As a result, transparency in servicing or failure is further improved.

[0103] Figure 19 shows another embodiment of the first coupling device 12. In this first coupling device 12, the fourth coupling contact 24 is formed without an insulating portion 30. In this case, the fourth coupling contact 58 in the second coupling device 42 is also formed without an insulating portion 72.

[0104] As shown in Figure 20, the RFID antenna 60 is located within the second coupling device 42. The fourth coupling contact 24 is connected in parallel to the second coupling contact 20 in the first coupling device 12, preferably via a wire jumper 32. The fourth coupling contact 58 is connected in parallel to the second coupling contact 54 in the second coupling device 42. Furthermore, the fourth coupling contact 24 is connected in series with the detection resistor 61. As a result, the detection resistor 61 is located within the surgical application unit 2 and may be coded according to the type of surgical application unit 2, thereby allowing the type of surgical application unit 2 to be determined by measuring the resistance between the first line 64 and the second line 66 in the OFF state. In the OFF state, energy can be supplied to the RFID antenna 60 along the arrows in Figure 20.

[0105] Figure 20 further shows an embodiment in which the third coupling contacts 22 and 56 are electrically and mechanically disengaged in the OFF state. This configuration can also be applied to the embodiments described with reference to Figures 16-18.

[0106] Furthermore, the fourth coupling contacts 24 and 58, including the insulating portions 30 and 72, can also be applied to the embodiment shown in Figure 20. Therefore, the detection resistor 61 can be omitted.

[0107] Figure 21 shows that in the ON state, the second coupling contacts 20 and 54 are also electrically engaged. Due to the detection resistor 61, the current from the second line 66 no longer flows through the fourth coupling contacts 24 and 58, but flows through the second coupling contacts 20 and 54.

[0108] In the embodiment described above, the RFID antenna 60 was always located within the second coupling device 2. However, it is also possible to position the RFID antenna 60 adjacent to the RFID chip 26 in the first coupling device 12. The RFID antenna 60 is connected in series with the additional coupling contact 24. Therefore, in this case, the RFID antenna 60 is not located on the coupling pin 46.

[0109] Furthermore, other embodiments are also possible, as described with reference to Figures 22-24.

[0110] Figure 22 shows a circuit diagram in the OFF state according to another embodiment. The first coupling device 12 and the second coupling device 42 are found to include only the first to third coupling contacts 18, 20, 22, 52, 54, and 56. The RFID antenna 60 is located within the second coupling device 42 and is positioned adjacent to the RFID chip 26 in the OFF state, and preferably in the ON state as well. The RFID antenna 60 is connected via two lines 59A and 59B (provided in the power supply cable 4 in addition to the first to third lines 64, 66, and 68) and can receive energy supply. The two lines 59A and 59B are preferably made of coaxial cable. This type of energy supply allows reading / writing of the RFID chip 26 even when the surgical application unit 2 is operating. However, it is also possible that one of the lines 59A or 59B is made of the shield 69 of the power supply cable.

[0111] Figure 23 shows a circuit diagram in the OFF state according to yet another embodiment. In this embodiment, the RFID antenna 60 is located within the first coupling device 12. The first coupling device 12 and the second coupling device 42 each include first RFID coupling contacts 25A, 63A and second RFID coupling contacts 25B, 63B, respectively, which are electrically engaged at least in the OFF state, and preferably also in the ON state. Within the first coupling device 12, the RFID antenna 60 is connected between the first RFID coupling contact 25A and the second RFID coupling contact 25B. Within the second coupling device 42, the first RFID coupling contact 63A is connected to line 59A, and the second RFID coupling contact 63B is connected to line 59B. The RFID coupling contacts 25A, 25B, 63A, and 63B described above may be configured to have a smaller diameter than the coupling contacts 18, 20, 22, 52, 54, and 56 used to supply energy to the electric motor 34. Therefore, even when the electric motor 34 is operating, energy can be reliably and favorably supplied to the RFID antenna 60.

[0112] Figure 24 shows a circuit diagram in the OFF state, similar to the circuit diagram in Figure 22. The first coupling device 12 and the second coupling device 42 are provided with fourth coupling contacts (additional coupling contacts) 24 and 58. The fourth coupling contact 24 is connected in series with the detection resistor 61. Therefore, the detection resistor 61 is located within the surgical application section 2 and can be coded according to the surgical application section 2. Thus, the type of surgical application section 2 can be determined by measuring the resistance between the first line 64 and the second line 66 in the OFF state. This configuration, in which the fourth coupling contacts 24 and 58 and the detection resistor 61 are connected in series, is also applicable to the embodiment shown in Figure 23. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0113] 1. Surgical devices 2 Surgical Application Department 4. Power supply cable 6 Tools 8 coupling systems 10 handles 12 First coupling device 14 coupling pins 16 Jointing Sleeves 18 1st coupling contact 20 Second coupling contact 22 Third coupling contact 24 4th coupling contact 25A 1st RFID coupling contact 25B 2nd RFID coupling contact 26 RFID chips 28 Conductive part 30 Insulation part 32 Wire Jumper 34 Electric motor 36 First motor winding 38 Second motor winding 40 Third motor winding 42 Second coupling device 44 Connecting sleeves 46 coupling pins 48 Cable section 50 Control unit coupling device 52 1st coupling contact 54 2nd coupling contact 56 Third coupling contact 58 4th coupling contact 59A Line 59B Line 60 RFID Antennas 61 detection resistor 62 Electrical Circuits 63A 1st RFID coupling contact 63B 2nd RFID coupling contact 64 First Line 66 Second Line 68 Third Line 69 Shields 70 Conductive part 72 Insulation part

Claims

1. A surgical device (1), A surgical application section (2) includes an electric motor (34) having motor windings (36, 38, 40) and a first coupling device (12) at one end, An electrical supply cable (4) having multiple lines corresponding to the number of motor windings (36, 38, 40), including a second coupling device (42) at one end that can be coupled to the first coupling device (12), and the other end connected to or connectable to a control unit that controls the electric motor (34), Equipped with, The first and second coupling devices (12, 42) described above are In a state of being uncoupled from each other, or The first coupling contacts (18, 52) of the first and second coupling devices (12, 42) are electrically engaged, and the second coupling contacts (20, 54) of the first and second coupling devices (12, 42) are electrically disengaged in an OFF state, or The ON state is when both the first coupling contacts (18, 52) and the second coupling contacts (20, 54) are electrically engaged. It is configured to be switchable, The RFID chip (26) placed in the first coupling device (12) described above, An RFID antenna (60) is located within the first coupling device (12) described above, configured to receive energy supply, positioned adjacent to the RFID chip (26), and configured to excite the RFID chip (26) to transmit and receive data between the RFID chip (26) and the control unit, particularly bidirectionally. Equipped with, moreover, The first and second coupling devices (12, 42) each include additional coupling contacts (24, 58), The additional coupling contacts (24, 58) are configured to be electrically engaged, at least in the OFF state, and to supply energy to the RFID antenna (60). A surgical device characterized by the following features.

2. In the surgical device (1) according to claim 1, The first and second coupling devices (12, 42) described above include a third coupling contact (22, 56) that electrically engages in both the OFF and ON states. A surgical device characterized by the following features.

3. In the surgical device (1) according to claim 1, The first and second coupling devices (12, 42) described above include a third coupling contact (22, 56) that is electrically disengaged in the OFF state and electrically engaged in the ON state. A surgical device characterized by the following features.

4. In the surgical device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The additional coupling contact (24) in the first coupling device (12) is connected in parallel to the second coupling contact (20) via the RFID antenna (60). A surgical device characterized by the following features.

5. In the surgical device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The additional coupling contact (24) in the first coupling device (12) is connected in parallel to the first coupling contact (18) via the RFID antenna (60). A surgical device characterized by the following features.

6. In the surgical device (1) according to claim 4 or 5, The additional coupling contact (58) in the second coupling device (42) is connected in parallel to the second coupling contact (54). A surgical device characterized by the following features.

7. In the surgical device (1) according to claim 4 or 5, The additional coupling contact (58) in the second coupling device (42) is connected to the shield (69) of the power supply cable (4). A surgical device characterized by the following features.

8. In the surgical device (1) according to any one of claims 4, 6, or 7, The above additional coupling contacts (24, 58) are configured to engage electrically even when in the ON state. One of the additional coupling contacts (24, 58), preferably the additional coupling contact (24), is connected in series with the detection resistor (61). A surgical device characterized by the following features.

9. In the surgical device (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 7, The above additional coupling contacts (24, 58) are configured to be electrically disengaged when in the ON state. A surgical device characterized by the following features.

10. In the surgical device (1) according to claim 9, One of the additional coupling contacts (24, 58), preferably the additional coupling contact (24), is connected in series with the detection resistor (61). A surgical device characterized by the following features.

11. In the surgical device (1) according to claim 9 or 10, The coupling contacts (18, 20, 22, 24) in the first coupling device (12) described above are configured as pins. The coupling contacts (52, 54, 56, 58) in the second coupling device (42) described above are configured as bushings. In the first coupling device (12) described above, the additional coupling contact (24) is formed to be longer than the second coupling contact (20). The above additional coupling contacts (24, 58) include insulating portions (30, 72) configured to be electrically disengaged when in the ON state. A surgical device characterized by the following features.

12. A surgical device (1), A surgical application section (2) includes an electric motor (34) having motor windings (36, 38, 40) and a first coupling device (12) at one end, An electrical supply cable (4) having multiple lines corresponding to the number of motor windings (36, 38, 40), including a second coupling device (42) at one end that can be coupled to the first coupling device (12), and the other end connected to or connectable to a control unit that controls the electric motor (34), Equipped with, The first and second coupling devices (12, 42) described above are In a state of being uncoupled from each other, or The first coupling contacts (18, 52) of the first and second coupling devices (12, 42) are electrically engaged, and the second coupling contacts (20, 54) of the first and second coupling devices (12, 42) are electrically disengaged in an OFF state, or The ON state is when both the first coupling contacts (18, 52) and the second coupling contacts (20, 54) are electrically engaged. It is configured to be switchable, The RFID chip (26) placed in the first coupling device (12) described above, An RFID antenna (60) is disposed within the second coupling device (42) described above, configured to receive energy supply, and is positioned adjacent to the RFID chip (26) at least in the OFF state, and is configured to excite the RFID chip (26) and transmit and receive data between the RFID chip (26) and the control unit, particularly bidirectionally. Equipped with, moreover, The first and second coupling devices (12, 42) each include additional coupling contacts (24, 58), The additional coupling contacts (24, 58) are configured to be electrically engaged, at least in the OFF state, and to supply energy to the RFID antenna (60). A surgical device characterized by the following features.

13. In the surgical device (1) according to claim 12, The first and second coupling devices (12, 42) described above include a third coupling contact (22, 56) that electrically engages in both the OFF and ON states. A surgical device characterized by the following features.

14. In the surgical device (1) according to claim 12, The first and second coupling devices (12, 42) described above include a third coupling contact (22, 56) that is electrically disengaged in the OFF state and electrically engaged in the ON state. A surgical device characterized by the following features.

15. In the surgical device (1) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, The additional coupling contact (24) in the first coupling device (12) is connected in parallel to the second coupling contact (20). A surgical device characterized by the following features.

16. In the surgical device (1) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, The additional coupling contact (24) in the first coupling device (12) is connected in parallel to the first coupling contact (18). A surgical device characterized by the following features.

17. In the surgical device (1) according to claim 15 or 16, The additional coupling contact (58) in the second coupling device (42) is connected in parallel to the second coupling contact (54) via the RFID antenna (60). A surgical device characterized by the following features.

18. In the surgical device (1) according to claim 15 or 16, The additional coupling contact (58) in the second coupling device (42) is connected to the shield (69) of the power supply cable (4) via the RFID antenna (60). A surgical device characterized by the following features.

19. In the surgical device (1) according to any one of claims 15, 17, or 18, The above additional coupling contacts (24, 58) are configured to engage electrically even when in the ON state. One of the additional coupling contacts (24, 58), preferably the additional coupling contact (24), is connected in series with the detection resistor (61). A surgical device characterized by the following features.

20. In a surgical device (1) according to any one of claims 15 to 18, The above-mentioned additional coupling contacts (24, 58) are configured to be electrically disengaged when in the ON state. A surgical device characterized by the following features.

21. In the surgical device (1) according to claim 20, One of the additional coupling contacts (24, 58), preferably the additional coupling contact (24), is connected in series with the detection resistor (61). A surgical device characterized by the following features.

22. In the surgical device (1) according to claim 20 or 21, The coupling contacts (18, 20, 22, 24) in the first coupling device (12) described above are configured as pins. The coupling contacts (52, 54, 56, 58) in the second coupling device (42) described above are configured as bushings. In the first coupling device (12) described above, the additional coupling contact (24) is formed to be longer than the second coupling contact (20). The above additional coupling contacts (24, 58) include insulating portions (30, 72) configured to be electrically disengaged when in the ON state. A surgical device characterized by the following features.

23. A surgical device (1), A surgical application section (2) includes an electric motor (34) having motor windings (36, 38, 40) and a first coupling device (12) at one end, An electrical supply cable (4) having multiple lines corresponding to the number of motor windings (36, 38, 40), including a second coupling device (42) at one end that can be coupled to the first coupling device (12), and the other end connected to or connectable to a control unit that controls the electric motor (34), Equipped with, The first and second coupling devices (12, 42) described above are In a state of being uncoupled from each other, or The first coupling contacts (18, 52) of the first and second coupling devices (12, 42) are electrically engaged, and the second coupling contacts (20, 54) of the first and second coupling devices (12, 42) are electrically disengaged in an OFF state, or The ON state is when both the first coupling contacts (18, 52) and the second coupling contacts (20, 54) are electrically engaged. It is configured to be switchable, The RFID chip (26) placed in the first coupling device (12) described above, An RFID antenna (60) is positioned within the second coupling device (42) described above, configured to receive energy supply, and is positioned adjacent to the RFID chip (26) at least in the OFF state, preferably in the ON state as well, and is configured to excite the RFID chip (26) to transmit and receive data between the RFID chip (26) and the control unit, particularly bidirectionally. Equipped with, The power supply cable (4) is provided with two additional lines (59A, 59B), which are connected to the RFID antenna (60) in the second coupling device (42) to supply energy to the RFID antenna (60). A surgical device characterized by the following features.

24. In the surgical device (1) according to claim 23, One of the two additional lines (59A, 59B) mentioned above is formed by the shield (69) of the power supply cable (4). A surgical device characterized by the following features.

25. In the surgical device (1) according to claim 23, The two additional lines mentioned above (59A and 59B) are made of coaxial cable. A surgical device characterized by the following features.

26. In the surgical device (1) according to any one of claims 23 to 25, The first and second coupling devices (12, 42) each include additional coupling contacts (24, 58), The above additional coupling contacts (24, 58) are each connected in parallel to the above second coupling contacts (20, 54) and are electrically engaged at least in the OFF state. One of the additional coupling contacts (24, 58), preferably the additional coupling contact (24), is connected in series with the detection resistor (61). A surgical device characterized by the following features.

27. A surgical device (1), A surgical application section (2) includes an electric motor (34) having motor windings (36, 38, 40) and a first coupling device (12) at one end, An electrical supply cable (4) having multiple lines corresponding to the number of motor windings (36, 38, 40), including a second coupling device (42) at one end that can be coupled to the first coupling device (12), and the other end connected to or connectable to a control unit that controls the electric motor (34), Equipped with, The first and second coupling devices (12, 42) described above are In a state of being uncoupled from each other, or The first coupling contacts (18, 52) of the first and second coupling devices (12, 42) are electrically engaged, and the second coupling contacts (20, 54) of the first and second coupling devices (12, 42) are electrically disengaged in an OFF state, or The ON state is when both the first coupling contacts (18, 52) and the second coupling contacts (20, 54) are electrically engaged. It is configured to be switchable, The RFID chip (26) placed in the first coupling device (12) described above, An RFID antenna (60) is located within the first coupling device (12) described above, configured to receive energy supply, positioned adjacent to the RFID chip (26), and configured to excite the RFID chip (26) to transmit and receive data between the RFID chip (26) and the control unit, particularly bidirectionally. Equipped with, The first and second coupling devices (12, 42) each include two RFID coupling contacts (25A, 25B, 63A, 63B), The two RFID coupling contacts (25A, 25B, 63A, 63B) described above are electrically engaged, at least in the OFF state, and preferably even in the ON state. The two RFID coupling contacts (25A, 25B) in the first coupling device (12) described above are connected to the RFID antenna (60), The two RFID coupling contacts (63A, 63B) in the second coupling device (42) are connected to two additional lines (59A, 59B) provided in the power supply cable (4) to supply energy to the RFID antenna (60). A surgical device characterized by the following features.

28. In the surgical device (1) according to claim 27, One of the two additional lines (59A, 59B) mentioned above is formed by the shield (69) of the power supply cable (4). A surgical device characterized by the following features.

29. In the surgical device (1) according to claim 27, The two additional lines mentioned above (59A and 59B) are made of coaxial cable. A surgical device characterized by the following features.

30. In the surgical device (1) according to any one of claims 27 to 29, The first and second coupling devices (12, 42) each include additional coupling contacts (24, 58), The above additional coupling contacts (24, 58) are electrically engaged at least in the OFF state. At least one of the additional coupling contacts (24, 58), preferably the additional coupling contact (24), is connected in series with the detection resistor (61). A surgical device characterized by the following features.

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