Surgical instruments, tooling arrangements for such surgical instruments, and methods for manufacturing such tooling arrangements

Abstract

The present application relates to a surgical instrument, a tool arrangement for such a surgical instrument, and a method for manufacturing such a tool arrangement. A surgical instrument is known that comprises a shaft, a tool arrangement having a first jaw portion, a second jaw portion, and a control assembly, and a handle arrangement. According to the present application, the second jaw portion comprises a receiving recess with a control protrusion of the control assembly. For use in a surgical instrument.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present application relates to a surgical instrument comprising a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis of the shaft, a tool device disposed distally of the shaft and having a first jaw portion and a second jaw portion, the first jaw portion and the second jaw portion being pivotable relative to one another about a pivot axis oriented transverse to the longitudinal axis of the shaft to form an openable and closable tool port, and a gripping device disposed proximally of the shaft and having an operating element operably connected to the tool device via a push-pull element, wherein operation of the operating element causes the push-pull element to move longitudinally. and a gripping device translatable along an axis, wherein the tool device has a control structure with a control pin and at least one control groove, the at least one control groove being formed in a control portion of the first jaw portion, the control pin extending parallel to the pivot axis and axially engaging through the at least one control groove, the control pin being slidable along the control groove between a proximal end position of the control pin and a distal end position of the control pin by longitudinal movement of a push-pull element, thereby applying a torque acting about the pivot axis to the first jaw portion to open and close the tool port. [Background technology]

[0002] A surgical instrument of this type is known from U.S. Patent Application No. 2020 / 0179038 and is provided in the form of an endoscopic forceps instrument for sealing and / or cutting body tissue. This known surgical instrument has an elongate instrument shaft, a gripping device with an operating element, and a tool apparatus with an openable and closable tool port. The tool apparatus is disposed at the distal end of the instrument shaft. The gripping device is disposed at the proximal end of the instrument shaft. The operating element is operably connected to the tool apparatus via a push-pull element, which extends longitudinally within the instrument shaft and is movable in translation to open and / or close the tool port. For this purpose, the push-pull element engages with a control pin of the tool apparatus control structure. The control structure of this known surgical instrument has a first control groove formed in the first jaw portion and a second control groove formed in the second jaw portion. A control pin engages through both control grooves and is slidable along the control grooves between proximal and distal end positions of the control pin by longitudinal movement of the push-pull element, which in this way translates into pivoting of the two jaws about the pivot axis for opening and / or closing the tool port. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] The object of the present application is to make available a surgical instrument of the type mentioned at the outset, a tool arrangement for such an instrument, and a method for such a tool arrangement, each of which offers advantages over the prior art. In particular, the object is to enable a simplified design of the surgical instrument and / or the tool arrangement, and in this connection, an easy manufacture. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] With respect to the surgical instrument, this object is achieved by the fact that the second jaw portion has a receiving recess that at least partially receives the control portion of the first jaw portion, at least one control protrusion protruding inward from the inner wall of the receiving recess in the axial direction of the control pin and forming a control surface of the control structure, and the control pin sliding along and being supported radially on the control protrusion during movement between the proximal and distal end positions of the pin. The solution described herein makes it possible to dispense with a control groove arranged and / or formed in the second jaw portion. Such a control groove is typically manufactured as an oval hole by milling, which is quite complicated. Instead of a conventional control groove, the second jaw portion has at least one control protrusion that protrudes inward from the inner wall of the receiving recess in the axial direction of the control pin and forms a control surface of the control structure. This allows for a relatively simple design and easy manufacture of the tool device, and therefore the surgical instrument. The surgical instrument is preferably provided for grasping, holding, clamping, sealing, and / or cutting body tissue in minimally invasive surgery, particularly laparoscopic surgery. Accordingly, the tool device is preferably in the form of forceps, clamps, and / or scissors, with a first jaw portion and a second jaw portion designed to form the mouth of the forceps, clamp, and / or scissors. The jaw portions may also be designated as instrument branches or tissue branches. The first jaw portion and the second jaw portion are pivotable relative to each other about a pivot axis so that a desired pressure can be applied to body tissue located between the first and second jaw portions. For this purpose, both jaw portions may be pivotable relative to the pivot axis. Alternatively, the first jaw portion may be pivotable and the second jaw portion may be fixed, or vice versa. The control structure serves to convert translational movement of the push-pull element directed along a longitudinal movement axis into pivotal movement of the first jaw portion and / or the second jaw portion about a pivot axis. The longitudinal movement axis is preferably oriented parallel to the shaft longitudinal axis. The pivot axis is preferably oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal movement axis and / or the shaft longitudinal axis.The control groove of the first jaw part is preferably inclined relative to the longitudinal movement axis. If the first jaw part is pivotable about a pivot axis, the corresponding inclination angle of the control groove can vary depending on the pivot position of the first jaw part relative to the longitudinal movement axis. The control surface formed by at least one control protrusion of the second jaw part can be parallel and / or at least partially inclined relative to the longitudinal movement axis. The second jaw part preferably has control protrusions arranged on both sides of the receiving recess in the axial direction of the control pin. The second jaw part can be designed as one piece or in several pieces. In that case, the second jaw part preferably has an active part adapted to act on body tissue and a housing part carrying the receiving recess together with at least one control protrusion, the active part and the housing part being manufactured separately and then preferably connected to each other in a mold-fitting manner.

[0005] In one embodiment of the present application, the second jaw portion has a fixing surface that defines a receiving recess in the axial direction of the control pin, and that positively fixes the control pin against axial displacement as the control pin moves between its proximal and distal end positions. In this way, a separate force-fit and / or adhesive bond connection of the control pin to the push-pull element for axial fixation can be omitted, which further simplifies design and manufacturing. The fixing surface is formed on the inner wall of the receiving recess. In this embodiment of the present application, the receiving recess is closed on both sides of the axial direction of the control pin. As the control pin moves between its proximal and distal end positions, it moves within the receiving recess along the control protrusion and between the fixing surfaces that face opposite in the axial direction.

[0006] In a further embodiment of the present application, the second jaw portion has a pivot bearing surface that defines the pivot axis and that slidingly interacts with a complementary pivot bearing surface of the first jaw portion. In this way, it is possible to eliminate a separate component for forming a pin or bolt connection between the first and second jaw portions that is pivotable about the pivot axis. This reduction in the number of such components allows for a simplified design and, therefore, advantageous manufacturing of the tool device and / or surgical instrument. The pivot bearing surface of the second jaw portion and the complementary pivot bearing surface of the first jaw portion slidingly interact about the pivot axis and positively interact at least to one side, preferably radially inward, relative to the pivot axis. The pivot bearing surface of the second jaw portion is preferably convex, and the complementary pivot bearing surface of the first jaw portion is preferably matchingly concave, or vice versa.

[0007] In a further embodiment of the present application, the pivot bearing surface of the second jaw portion is formed by the outer periphery of a transverse web portion extending in the axial direction of the control pin above the receiving recess. The transverse web portion creates an adhesive bond connection and / or an integral connection between the inner walls of the receiving recess that are oriented oppositely in the axial direction of the control pin. The transverse web portion may also be designated as a bridge. The transverse web portion extends parallel to the pivot axis. The pivot bearing surface of the second jaw portion is preferably formed by the lower surface or alternatively by the upper surface of the transverse web portion.

[0008] In a further embodiment of the present application, the second jaw portion has a pivot guideway curved concentrically with respect to the pivot axis, which slides and interacts with a complementary pivot guideway of the first jaw portion. The pivot guideway of the first jaw portion and the complementary pivot guideway of the second jaw portion interact in a form-fitting manner so as to be slidable radially about the pivot axis. The pivot guideway and the complementary pivot guideway serve to improve the pivotal guidance of the tool mouth about the pivot axis. If the pivot axis is located in an upper region of the second jaw portion relative to the vertical direction, the pivot axis guideway is preferably located in a lower region of the second jaw portion, or vice versa. The pivot guideway formed between the pivot guideway and the complementary pivot guideway makes it possible to omit separate associated parts and achieve a further simplified design. In other words, the pivot guideway is formed directly between the first jaw portion and the second jaw portion.

[0009] In a further embodiment of the present application, the second jaw portion has a longitudinal guide surface extending parallel to the longitudinal movement axis of the push-pull element, which at least temporarily slidably guides the complementary longitudinal guide surface of the push-pull element during its longitudinal movement. The longitudinal guide between the second jaw portion and the push-pull element counteracts unwanted movements of the push-pull element directed transversely to the longitudinal movement axis. At the same time, this also prevents unwanted movements of the control pin acting on the push-pull element. This supports the intended movement of the control pin along the at least one control protrusion. In particular, it can counteract unwanted lifting of the control pin from the control surface formed by the control protrusion. The longitudinal guide surface is preferably located in the proximal region of the second jaw portion. The complementary longitudinal guide surface is preferably formed by the upper or lower side of the push-pull element. The slidable guide between the second jaw portion and the push-pull element preferably only temporarily acts, for example, when the control pin moves in the region of its proximal end position.

[0010] In a further embodiment of the present application, a stop arranged and / or formed on the second jaw part positively interacts with a complementary stop on the first jaw part about the pivot axis in the open position of the tool mouth, thereby preventing the tool mouth from opening beyond the open position. The complementary stop on the first jaw part is preferably arranged close to its control part. The stop assigned to the second jaw part is preferably arranged and / or formed in the region of the receiving recess. This stop is particularly preferably a wall of the connecting sleeve that can be pressed against the proximal end of the second jaw part.

[0011] In a further embodiment of the present application, the second jaw portion is fixed relative to the pivot axis, and the first jaw portion rotates relative to the second jaw portion about the pivot axis during opening and closing of the tool mouth. In this context, this is also referred to as one-sided pivoting of the tool mouth. This is in contrast to two-sided pivoting, in which both jaw portions rotate about the pivot axis to open and close the tool mouth. Embodiments with one-sided pivoting allow for a further simplified design of the tool apparatus.

[0012] In a further embodiment of the present application, the second jaw part has a housing part made of one piece and an active part attached to the distal side of the housing part, the housing part having at least a receiving recess with at least one control protrusion and / or pivot bearing surface. The active part is preferably attached to the housing part in a mold-fit manner. The active part can be mounted to the housing part rigidly or tiltably about a tilt axis, which preferably extends parallel to the pivot axis. When provided in this way, the pivot bearing surface, pivot guide surface, longitudinal guide surface and / or stop are also preferably formed in the housing part. This type of integrated design offers many advantages in terms of manufacturing and assembly.

[0013] In a further embodiment of the present application, the control groove extends continuously and linearly between the proximal and distal groove ends, which may result in further simplified manufacturing compared to longitudinally angled, partially linear control grooves.

[0014] In a further embodiment of the present application, the control surface has a proximal surface portion and a distal surface portion, which are inclined differently relative to the longitudinal movement axis so that, upon movement of the control pin between its proximal and distal end positions, different transmission ratios are achieved between the longitudinal movement of the push-pull element and the pivoting of the tool port. Correspondingly, the longitudinal force associated with the longitudinal movement and the clamping force associated with the pivoting of the tool port necessarily have different transmission ratios, which can be applied to the tissue located between the jaws. The different inclined surfaces of the control surface allow the tool port to be closed relatively quickly initially and relatively slowly thereafter, starting from the open position of the tool port. In this way, the initial opening of the tool port can be achieved with a relatively small longitudinal movement of the push-pull element, and thus with a small manual operating path of the operating element. In other words, the stroke required for the operating element can be reduced, which is particularly advantageous for people with small hands. At the same time, a relatively large clamping force can be generated at the tool mouth using a relatively small manual operating force on the operating element.Variable transmission in the sense of this embodiment can also be achieved by a non-linear oval bore, i.e. an oval bore with different inclinations in the length direction.

[0015] In a further embodiment of the present application, the proximal surface extends parallel and / or at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal movement axis. This results in a relatively small transmission ratio when the control pin moves along the proximal surface in this embodiment of the present application. Therefore, a relatively small manual operating force on the operating element causes a relatively large clamping force at the tool port. The control pin is preferably located at its proximal end in the region of the proximal surface.

[0016] In a further embodiment of the present application, the distal surface is curved concentrically relative to the pivot axis. Depending on the direction of movement of the control pin, different advantages are realized. In movement toward the proximal end position of the pin, the control pin always has a constant lever arm relative to the pivot axis as it moves along the distal surface. This ensures a constant transmission ratio in the area of ​​the distal surface. This can provide advantages in terms of ease of application and user friendliness. During movement toward the distal end position of the pin, the curved, concentric longitudinal outer edge of the distal surface preferably ensures a constant radial play between the control pin and the distal surface during pivoting. This provides a further advantage, since upon reversal of the movement initiated by the operator, the operator can always expect a constant play, i.e., a constant idle stroke on the operating element. This further improves ease of application and user friendliness.

[0017] In a further embodiment of the present application, the distal surface is linear and tangent to an arc concentrically arranged about the pivot axis, which allows for simplified manufacture of the distal surface compared to previous embodiments of the present application while still providing the same ease of application and user friendliness.

[0018] In a further embodiment of the present application, the control pin is at least temporarily held in the distal groove end of the control groove and rotates together with the first jaw part about the pivot axis when moving towards the distal end position of the control pin, in this way it is possible to counteract excessive radial play between the control pin and the control surface of the control projection, in particular the distal surface part of the control surface.

[0019] The present application also relates to a tool arrangement for a surgical instrument according to the above description, having first and second jaw portions pivotable relative to one another about a pivot axis to form an openable and closable tool port, the tool arrangement having a control structure with a control pin and at least one control groove, the at least one control groove being formed in a control portion of the first jaw portion, the control pin extending parallel to the pivot axis and axially engaging through the at least one control groove, the control pin being slidable along the control groove between a proximal control pin position and a distal control pin position, thereby applying a torque acting about the pivot axis to the first jaw portion to open and close the tool port.

[0020] With regard to the tool arrangement, the object stated at the outset is achieved by the fact that the second jaw part has a receiving recess for at least partially receiving the control part of the first jaw part, at least one control protrusion protruding inward from the inner wall of the receiving recess in the axial direction of the control pin and forming a control surface of the control structure, the control pin sliding along and being supported radially on the control protrusion in its movement between the proximal and distal end positions of the pin. Regarding the advantages associated with the tool arrangement according to the present application, explicit reference is made to the above description to avoid repetition. What has been said with regard to the tool arrangement of the surgical instrument according to the present application also applies in the same way to the tool arrangement according to the present application. Advantageous embodiments of the tool arrangement according to the present application will be clearly apparent from the features of the tool arrangement of the embodiments of the surgical instrument according to the present application.

[0021] The present application also relates to a method for manufacturing a tool arrangement according to the above description. The method comprises a step of molding a second jaw part, wherein at least one housing part of the second jaw part carrying at least one control projection is provided by molding. The molding is preferably carried out by powder injection molding (metal injection molding). The design of the second jaw part according to the present application allows for the use of a relatively simply designed molding tool. In particular, slides, stamps, etc. can be omitted in the molding tool.

[0022] In a further embodiment of the present application, the method includes positively joining the first jaw portion and the molded housing portion together, wherein a pivot bearing surface of the second jaw portion formed on the housing portion and a complementary pivot bearing surface of the first jaw portion form a pivot axis, are slidable about the pivot axis, and are fixed to each other in a mold-fit manner in a radial direction relative to the pivot axis. Thus, to form the pivotability of the tool port, the first jaw portion and the second jaw portion are not connected to each other by, for example, a separate pin, shaft, or bolt element. Rather, the first jaw portion and the second jaw portion are mold-fitted to be directly slidable about the pivot axis in a radial direction thereof. This mating connection is formed between the pivot bearing surface of the second jaw portion and the complementary pivot bearing surface of the first jaw portion.

[0023] Further advantages and features of the present application will become apparent from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments of the present application, as illustrated in the claims and the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic side view of an embodiment of a surgical instrument according to the present application having a gripping device and an elongated shaft, and an embodiment of a tool device according to the present application. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a tool arrangement having a first jaw portion and a multi-piece second jaw portion, as well as further components of the surgical instrument. [Figure 3] 5 shows a housing part assigned to the second jaw part along the section III-III according to FIG. 4; FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the housing part according to FIG. 3; [Figure 5] 5A and 5B show a modification of the housing part according to FIGS. 3 and 4; [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of a first jaw portion. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a plan view of the first jaw part according to FIG. 6; [Figure 8] 9 to 13. FIG. 9 is a schematic plan view of the tool arrangement, including stepwise cross-sections IX-IX associated with FIGS. [Figure 9] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a tool arrangement with a tool mouth formed by the first and second jaw portions in an open position; FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a further cross-sectional view of the tool apparatus with the tool mouth being moved from an open position towards a closed position; FIG. [Figure 11] 10 is a further cross-sectional view of the tool apparatus, with the tool port in a closed position; FIG. [Figure 12] 10 is a further cross-sectional view of the tool apparatus while the tool port is closed and moving towards an open position; FIG. [Figure 13] 10 is a further cross-sectional view in the functional position further towards the open position. [Figure 14] 1 is a schematic diagram in which the opening angle of the tool mouth is plotted over the operating path of the operating element of the gripping device. [Figure 15] 5A-5C are schematic diagrams illustrating method steps for manufacturing a tool arrangement. [Figure 16] FIG. 4 is a further schematic diagram illustrating further method steps. [Figure 17] FIG. 4 is a further schematic diagram illustrating further method steps. [Figure 18] FIG. 4 is a further schematic diagram illustrating further method steps. [Figure 19] 10A-10C are further schematic diagrams illustrating further method steps relating to mounting a tool device at a fixed angle on a shaft. [Figure 20] 10A-10C are further schematic diagrams illustrating further method steps relating to the articulated mounting of the tool device on the shaft. [Figure 21] 10A-10C are further schematic diagrams illustrating further method steps relating to the articulated mounting of the tool device on the shaft. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] According to FIG. 1, the surgical instrument 1 has a shaft 2 extending longitudinally along a shaft longitudinal axis L, a tool device 3 arranged distally of the shaft 2, and a grip device 4 arranged proximally of the shaft 2.

[0026] The tooling device 3 has a first jaw portion 5 and a second jaw portion 6. The two jaw portions 5, 6 are oriented transversely to the shaft longitudinal axis L and are pivotable relative to each other about a pivot axis S (FIG. 2) to form an openable and closable tool mouth M.

[0027] In the illustrated embodiment, the second jaw portion 6 is of a multi-piece design and includes a proximal housing portion 7 and a distal active portion 8 that is positively secured to the distal end of the housing portion 7 in a manner that will be described in more detail below. While such a multi-piece design of the second jaw portion 6 is advantageous, it is not considered essential in view of the teachings of the present application. Therefore, in the embodiment not shown, the second jaw portion is of a single-piece design.

[0028] The gripping device 4 has a manually operable operating element 9 operably connected to the tool device 3 via a push-pull element 10. As a result, the tool mouth M can be opened and / or closed by operating the operating element 9 in order to grasp and clamp body tissue located between the jaws 5, 6.

[0029] The design of the gripping device 4 shown in FIG. 1 should be considered purely by way of example. In this example, the gripping device 4 is formed from multiple housing parts (not specified in further detail) and has a housing on which and / or in which further components of the gripping device, in particular the operating element 9, are mounted. Only one housing half (not specified in further detail) of the aforementioned housing is shown in FIG. 1 . For the movable mounting of the operating element 9 on the housing, the gripping device 4 has an operating mechanism 41, the design of which is known in principle and is described, for example, in German Patent Application No. 10 2017 109 891. Furthermore, a coupling mechanism 42 is provided, which is also described in the aforementioned patent application and serves to couple the operating element 9 to the push-pull element 10 in a force- and movement-transmitting manner. The operating element 9, which is not shown in more detail in the figures, can be manually moved back and forth relative to the housing of the gripping device 4 between a distal end position ( FIG. 1 ) and a proximal end position. The operating element 9 can be locked in the proximal end position in a manner known per se by a locking mechanism 43, also called a rotation lock. The operating mechanism 41 can have a spring element, not specified in more detail, to assist the movement of the operating element 9 in the direction of the distal end position.

[0030] The push-pull element 10 is translatable along a longitudinal movement axis L' by the aforementioned reciprocating movement of the operating element 9. In the illustrated embodiment, the longitudinal movement axis L' of the push-pull element 10 coincides with the shaft longitudinal axis L. At its distal end, the push-pull element 10 is operably connected to a control structure 11 of the tool arrangement 3 in a manner described in detail below. The control structure 11 is configured to convert the translational movement of the push-pull element 10 into a pivoting movement of the first jaw portion 5 and / or the second jaw portion 6 about the pivot axis S.

[0031] In the illustrated embodiment, the second jaw portion 6 is fixed relative to the pivot axis S, and the first jaw portion 5 is pivotable relative to the pivot axis S. In this sense, only the first jaw portion 5 is pivoted to open and close the tool mouth M. In this context, it is also referred to as one-sided pivoting. This is in contrast to two-sided pivoting, in which both jaw portions are pivotable relative to the pivot axis S. In embodiments not shown in the drawings, such two-sided pivoting can be provided.

[0032] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the entire tool arrangement 3 is fixed to the shaft 2 so that it can be bent about the shaft longitudinal axis L. A bending mechanism 12, 13 is provided for bending the tool arrangement 3, with an operating unit 12 on the grip side and a swivel unit 13 on the shaft side. The structure and function of the bending mechanisms 12, 13 are known in principle and are described, for example, in EP 2 688 501. Alternatively, the tool arrangement 3 can also be fixed to the shaft 2 rigidly and / or so that it can only rotate about the shaft longitudinal axis L.

[0033] In this embodiment, the push-pull element 10 is strip-shaped and extends longitudinally within the shaft 2 (FIG. 2). In order to improve the longitudinal guidance of the push-pull element 10, especially within the shaft 2, a guide element 21 is arranged in this example within the shaft.

[0034] At its proximal end, the push-pull element 10 interacts with a component 421 of the linkage mechanism 42. At its distal end, the push-pull element 10 interacts with a control pin 14 of the control structure 11.

[0035] The control structure 11 has at least one control groove 51 (FIG. 6) and at least one control protrusion 71. The at least one control groove 51 is assigned to the first jaw part 5. The at least one control protrusion 71 is assigned to the second jaw part 6 and, in this example, is formed on its housing part 7. During translational movement of the push-pull element 10, the control pin 14 slidingly interacts with the control groove 51 and the control protrusion 71. Before considering further functions of the control structure 11 in opening and closing the tool mouth 12, further features of the first jaw part 5 and the second jaw part 6 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7.

[0036] As shown in particular in Figures 3 and 4, the second jaw part 6 has, in this example, a receiving recess 72 in its housing part 7. At least one control protrusion 71 projects inward from an inner wall 73 of the receiving recess 72 in the axial direction A (Figure 2) of the control pin 14. The at least one control protrusion 71 forms a control surface 74 of the control structure 11, which control surface 74 interacts with the control pin 14 in a manner that will be explained in more detail below. In the illustrated embodiment, the control surface 74 extends at different inclination angles in parts relative to the shaft longitudinal axis L and / or the longitudinal movement axis L' in a manner that will be explained in more detail below. In embodiments not shown, the control surface can instead extend continuously parallel or inclined relative to said longitudinal axis.

[0037] The second jaw part 6, and in particular its housing part 7, has a mirror-symmetrical design in this example (FIG. 4). Thus, in the axial direction A, the control pin 14 is provided with a further control protrusion 71', which protrudes inward from the inner wall 73' of the recess 72. This further control protrusion 71' forms a further control surface 74'. During its movement, the control pin 14 interacts in a sliding manner with both control protrusions 71, 71' and the control surfaces 74, 74' formed thereon. For details of the control protrusions 71 and their control surfaces 74, 74', reference is made to the first embodiment to avoid repetition. The content disclosed in that connection also applies accordingly to the control protrusions 71' and control surfaces 74'. The same applies to other aspects.

[0038] The housing part 7 extends between a proximal end and a distal end along its longitudinal axis L1. In the illustrated embodiment, the receiving recess 72 is located approximately centrally between the proximal and distal ends of the housing part 7 and is open distally relative to the longitudinal axis L1 and upward relative to the drawing plane of FIG. 3. In the ready-to-operate state, the proximal end of the housing part 7 is form-fittedly fixed to the distal end of the shaft 2 (FIG. 2). The active part 8 is located at the proximal end of the housing part 7 and form-fittedly attached to the receiving part 75 of the housing part 7 so as to be tiltable along the longitudinal axis L1 about the tilt axis K (FIG. 2). The active part 8 is adapted to act on body tissue and, in a not-illustrated embodiment, is rigidly attached to the housing part 7. In a further embodiment, the active part 8 can be formed as a single piece together with the housing part 7.

[0039] In the assembled state ready for operation, the control pin 14 is located in the receiving recess 72. The control pin 14 is held in a form-fit manner in the axial direction A between the inner walls 73, 73'. The inner walls 73, 73' here form fixing surfaces 76, 76' for axially fixing the control pin 14. The two inner walls 73, 73', and therefore the two fixing surfaces 76, 76', are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction A by a distance slightly greater than the axial length of the control pin 14.

[0040] In this example, the second jaw part 6, or more precisely its housing part 7, has a pivot bearing surface 77 which interacts with a complementary pivot bearing surface 52 (FIG. 6) of the first jaw part 5, forming the pivot axis S. In this example, the pivot bearing surface 77 is formed by the outer periphery of a transverse web part 78 which extends in the axial direction A of the control pin 14 above the receiving recess 72. The transverse web part 78 can also be called a bridge. The pivot bearing surface 77 is formed by the underside of the transverse web part 78 with respect to the drawing plane of FIG. 3. The pivot axis S is located above the control surface 74. In the assembled state ready for operation, the control part 53 of the first jaw part (FIG. 6), which carries the control groove 51, engages under the transverse web part 78, and the complementary pivot bearing surface 52, which is pivotable about the pivot axis S, is supported radially inwardly on the pivot bearing surface 77 in a form-fitting manner.

[0041] Furthermore, in this example, the second jaw part 6, or more precisely its housing part 7, has a pivot guide surface 79. The pivot guide surface 79 is located in this example at the distal end of the receiving recess 72. In this case, the pivot guide surface 79 extends concentrically and curvedly relative to the pivot axis S. In the assembled state ready for operation, the pivot guide surface 79 slidably interacts about the pivot axis S and radially outwardly relative to the pivot axis S in a form-fitting manner with a complementary pivot guide surface 54 (FIG. 6) of the first jaw part. Here, a further pivot guide surface 79′ is provided. The two pivot guide surfaces 79, 79′ of the housing part 7 are arranged and / or designed mirror-symmetrically relative to their longitudinal axis L1. The further pivot guide surface 79′ interacts in a corresponding manner with a further complementary pivot guide surface of the first jaw part 5, not shown in detail. In embodiments not shown in the drawings, only one pivot guide surface and one complementary pivot guide surface are provided.

[0042] In this example, the second jaw part 6 has a longitudinal guide surface 80 in its housing part 7. The longitudinal guide surface 80 extends parallel to the longitudinal movement axis L' of the push-pull element 10 and serves to support the push-pull element 10 vertically on one side. For this purpose, the longitudinal guide surface 80 interacts at one end in a form-fitting manner with a complementary longitudinal guide surface 101 of the push-pull element 10, which slides along the longitudinal movement axis L' and in a vertical direction perpendicular to the longitudinal movement axis L'. In this example, the complementary longitudinal guide surface 101 is formed by an upper flat side surface of the push-pull element. In this example, the slidable support of the push-pull element 10 is only temporary and is enabled by the respective displacement state of the control pin 14 along the control surface 74, as will be discussed in more detail below. The longitudinal guide surface 80 is arranged at the proximal end of the housing part 7.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, the control surface 74 has a proximal surface portion 741 and a distal surface portion 742. The two surfaces 741, 742 extend at different inclinations relative to the longitudinal axis L1 and thus relative to the shaft longitudinal axis L and / or the longitudinal movement axis L' aligned parallel thereto. The proximal surface portion 741 extends parallel to the longitudinal movement axis L'. The distal surface portion 742, on the other hand, extends at an inclination. The inclination of the distal surface portion 742 is distal from top to bottom (FIG. 3). The distal surface portion 742 is linear and oriented tangent to a concentrically arranged arc relative to the pivot axis S.

[0044] A variant with a different configuration of distal face 742a is shown in Figure 5, which depicts only the symmetrically opposed faces 741' and 742'a. In contrast to the distal face 742 of the variant according to Figures 3 and 4, distal face 742a is curved and extends concentrically with respect to pivot axis S. The variant shown in Figure 5 is identical to the embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4, apart from the design of distal face 742a. ​​In this example, distal face 742a is spaced apart from pivot axis S by a radius R.

[0045] Compared to the curved distal surface 742a, the straight distal surface 742 is relatively easy to manufacture. In contrast, the curved design of the distal surface 742a offers advantages that will be explained in more detail below, particularly with regard to guiding the control pin 14 with as little play as possible.

[0046] The first jaw portion 5 extends along a longitudinal axis L2 between a distal end and a proximal end. A control portion 53 carrying a control groove 51 is located on the proximal side. Like the second jaw portion 6, the first jaw portion 5 has an active portion 55 located on the distal side. In contrast to the active portion 8 of the second jaw portion 6, the active portion 55 is integrated with the rest of the first jaw portion 5. In other words, the first jaw portion 5 is constructed as a single piece as a whole, although this is not absolutely necessary. For example, electrodes or insulating components for sealing against body tissue can also be located in the first jaw portion 5. In the illustrated embodiment, in addition to the control groove 51, the control portion 53 also has a complementary pivot bearing surface 52 and a complementary pivot guide surface 54. The complementary pivot bearing surface 52 is located on the upper side of the control portion 53 (relative to the drawing plane of FIG. 6 ). The complementary pivot guide surface 54 is located on the lower surface 54. The control groove 51 extends between a proximal groove end 511 and a distal groove end 512. In this example, the control groove 51 between the groove ends 511, 512 is continuously linear and not, for example, angled or curved. This may be provided in embodiments not shown in the drawings. The control groove 51 extends at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis L2 of the first jaw portion 5. The longitudinal inclination here is from the bottom toward the distal upward direction. In either case, in the closed position of the tool mouth M (FIG. 11), the longitudinal axis L2 of the first jaw portion 5 is oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis L1 of the second jaw portion 6 and thus also parallel to the shaft longitudinal axis L and / or the longitudinal movement axis L'. In the closed position, the control groove 51 is inclined at an angle α (FIG. 6) relative to the aforementioned longitudinal axes L, L', L1, L2. The tilt angle α is of course invariant with respect to the longitudinal axis L2 and with respect to the pivot position of the first jaw part 5 about the pivot axis S. In contrast, the tilt angle α also varies with respect to the longitudinal axes L, L', L1 with the pivot position.

[0047] In this example, the first jaw part 5 also has a stop 56 which interacts with a complementary stop 151 (FIG. 17) assigned to the second jaw part 6 in order to limit the open position. The complementary stop 151 is arranged on the sleeve 15 in the embodiment shown. In an embodiment not shown in the drawings, the complementary stop portion can instead be formed directly on the housing part. In the embodiment shown, the stop 56 protrudes proximally in the form of a pin from the control part 53.

[0048] As shown in Figure 7, the first jaw part 5 in the illustrated embodiment has a mirror-symmetric design with respect to its longitudinal axis L2. The control part 53 has a receiving slot 57 which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis L2 and is provided for receiving the distal end of the push-pull element 10. The receiving slot 57 subdivides the control part 53 and the functional surfaces and / or parts arranged thereon into sub-surfaces and / or sub-parts which are arranged and designed in a mirror-symmetric manner. In this sense, for example, reference can be made to a control groove 51 and a further control groove separated by the receiving slot 57. However, for simplicity, only the control groove 51 will be referred to below.

[0049] The control pin 14, which is radially fixed in a bore 102 (FIG. 2) on the push-pull element 10, projects in the assembled state ready for operation through the control groove 51 in the axial direction A. At its end projecting axially from the control groove 51, the control pin 14 interacts radially with a control surface 74, 74' (FIG. 4). In the context of the following functional description with reference to FIGS. 8 to 13, for the sake of simplicity, only the control surface 74 or the control projection 71 will be considered.

[0050] 9 shows the open position of the tool mouth M. In this position, the first jaw part 5 is pivoted relative to the second jaw part 6 by an angle (not specified) about the pivot axis S, so that body tissue can be grasped between the two jaw parts 5, 6, more precisely between the active parts 8, 55. In the open position of the tool mouth M, the control pin 14 is in its distal pin end position. The operating element 9 is in the position shown in FIG. 1. The push-pull element 10 is moved along the longitudinal movement axis L' to its distal end position.

[0051] To move the tool mouth M toward the closed position (FIG. 11), the operating element 9 is manually moved proximally in a pivot and / or stroke movement. The operating mechanism 41 and the coupling mechanism 12 convert the proximal stroke movement of the operating element 9 into a proximal longitudinal movement of the push-pull element 10 in a manner that is essentially known. In this way, the control pin 14 shifts relative to the control groove 51 and the control surface 74 (FIG. 9) starting from the distal end position of the pin. In this example, in the distal end position, the control pin 14 is located in the region of the distal end of the distal surface 742a and simultaneously in the region of the distal groove end 512. From there, the control pin 14 moves proximally along the distal surface 742a and applies a torque to the first jaw 5 about the pivot axis S. Due to the existing longitudinal inclination of the distal surface 742a, the control pin 14 is displaced proximally and simultaneously vertically upward relative to the drawing plane of FIGS. 9 to 13. In addition to the translational movement, the push-pull element 10 here also undergoes a slight rotation about a pivot axis (not specified in detail and oriented parallel to the pivot axis S) in the region of the linkage 42. The distal face portion 742a is concentrically curved with a radius R about the pivot axis S, so that the control pin 14 is guided here on a circular path of radius R about the pivot axis S.

[0052] In the case of the linear angled guide path according to FIGS. 3 and 4, the control pin 14 does not follow the circular path described above, but is instead guided linearly along the distal face 742 .

[0053] In the functional position shown in FIG. 10 , the control pin 14 has shifted beyond the distal surface 742a to the proximal surface 741. The tool mouth M is not yet fully closed, but instead is open by an opening width a. In this functional position, preferably, no clamping force, or at least no significant clamping force, is exerted on the body tissue located between the jaws 5, 6. Rather, the clamping force is increased starting from the functional position shown in FIG. 10 . To fully close the tool mouth M and the associated increase in clamping force, the control pin 14 moves further proximally starting from the position shown in FIG. 10 . Here, the control pin 14 slides along the proximal surface 741, which is oriented parallel to the longitudinal movement axis L′. At the same time, further vertical movement of the push-pull element 10 is prevented by the longitudinal guide surface 80.

[0054] The closed position of the tool mouth M is shown in Figure 11. In this position, an additional increase in clamping force can be achieved by further proximal movement of the control pin 14. The parallel orientation of the proximal face 741 and its positioning relative to the pivot axis S results in a particularly advantageous lever ratio for transmitting force and / or torque to the first jaw 5. The general lever ratio can be described by the lever arms b, c in the functional position shown in Figure 11.

[0055] Starting from the closed position (FIG. 11), the operating element 9 is moved distally in a stroke or pivotal movement, if necessary after the rotation lock 43 has been previously released, in order to open the tool port M. The push-pull element 10 thus moves distally along the longitudinal movement axis L'. The control pin moves distally along the proximal face 741 (FIG. 12).

[0056] A further functional position when opening the tool port M is shown in Figure 13. In this position, the control pin 14 has moved further distally and is located at the transition between the proximal face 741 and the distal face 742a. ​​At the same time, in this functional position, the control pin 14 is held in the distal groove end 512 of the control groove 51. As a result, excessive radial play is prevented with respect to the distal face 742a during further movement of the control pin 14.

[0057] FIG. 14 shows the relationship between the opening angle of the tool mouth M and the translational movement of the push-pull element 10, which may also be referred to as the stroke, and is shown on the horizontal axis. The unspecified opening angle of the tool mouth M is shown on the vertical axis. The curve K1 shows the course of the opening angle over the stroke of the design described in particular with reference to FIGS. 9 to 13. The curve K1 can be approximately divided into two linearly extending curved sections K11 and K12. In this example, the origin of the coordinates corresponds to the distal end position of the pin and therefore to the open position of the tool mouth M (FIG. 9). The course of the curve can be subdivided into two regions B1 and B2.

[0058] Starting from the distal end of the pin, the opening angle initially has a relatively steep slope over the stroke (curve portion K11). Here, the control pin 14 moves along the distal surface 742a. ​​In this example, the transition between the distal surface 742a and the proximal surface 741 is at a stroke of approximately 2 mm. As the stroke increases further, the control pin 14 enters the proximal surface 741. Thereafter, the profile of the opening angle becomes noticeably flatter (curve portion K12).

[0059] This means that a relatively large reduction in the opening angle is first realized at a relatively small stroke (region B1). This is the region where the applied force is small (no increase in clamping force) and so the reduction in stroke does not adversely affect the operating force required of the operating element 9. At the transition to region B2, the change in stroke remains the same but the change in opening angle decreases. The actual increase in clamping force between the jaws 5, 6 occurs in region B3.

[0060] As a result, the present design of the control surface 74 results in an overall shorter stroke of the operating element 9, a larger opening angle of the tool feature M, and a reduced operating force for the operating element 9. In this way, improved user friendliness is achieved.

[0061] In contrast, the example curve K2 shows the contour of the opening angle over the stroke for a purely horizontal control surface. With a purely horizontal control surface, only about half the opening angle is achieved over the same stroke, which is a disadvantage.

[0062] The steps of the method according to the present invention for manufacturing the tool arrangement 3 described above are shown diagrammatically in FIGS.

[0063] In the step shown in FIG. 15 , the first jaw part 5 is inserted, control part 53 first, into the receiving recess 72 of the housing part 7. In this case, the control part 53 is guided obliquely from above to below and proximally under the transverse web part 78 and simultaneously rotated clockwise ( FIG. 15 ). The pivot bearing surface 77 and the complementary pivot bearing surface 52 now come into contact with each other, thereby forming the pivot axis S. Furthermore, the pivot guide surface 79 and the complementary pivot guide surface 54 come into contact with each other. The connection thus formed between the first jaw part 5 and the housing part 7 is, on the one hand, pivotable about the pivot axis S and, on the other hand, is molded radially relative to the pivot axis S, which makes it possible, in particular, to dispense with a separate pin, axle or bolt connection for forming the pivot axis.

[0064] In a further step, the push-pull element 10 is inserted into the longitudinal slot 57 of the control part 53, and the control pin 14 is inserted along its axial direction through the control groove 51 and the receiving bore 102. This occurs when the first jaw part is maximally opened relative to the housing part 7, which can also be referred to as the assembled position (FIG. 16). The control pin 14 is still located outside the receiving recess 72 and in the area of ​​the insertion opening E formed in the distal end of the control protrusion 71.

[0065] Starting from the assembled position, the first jaw part 5 is manually pivoted clockwise about the pivot axis so that the control pin 14, when appropriately positioned, passes through the insertion opening E into the receiving recess 72 and into the area of ​​the control surface 74. The control pin 14 is now guided along its axial direction between the opposing fixing surfaces 76, 76'.

[0066] In a further step (FIGS. 17 and 18), the sleeve 15 is pushed axially past the push-pull element 10 and the proximal end of the housing part 7. As a result, the push-pull element 10 is fixed between the inner surface (not specified in detail) of the sleeve 15 and the longitudinal guide surface 80 of the housing part 7 so as to be vertically movable. In this way, the push-pull element 10 can move as intended in a limited vertical direction between the inner surface of the sleeve 15 and the longitudinal guide surface 80. The pivoting ability of the first jaw part 5 is positively limited on one side by the stop 56 and the complementary stop 151 of the sleeve 15. This prevents the first jaw part 5 from moving beyond the open position (FIG. 17) to the assembled position (FIG. 16) and also prevents the control pin 14 from unintentionally leaving the receiving recess 72. In other words, the control structure 11 is essentially fixed by the sleeve 15.

[0067] In the next step (FIG. 19), the shaft 2 is guided axially over the push-pull element 10 and seated in the housing part 7. In this way, a crimp connection is formed between the housing part 7 and the shaft 2. For this purpose, the housing part 7 has a recess (e.g., FIG. 4), not specified in more detail, which interacts with a tab (not numbered) arranged at the distal end of the shaft 2. As a result of the crimp connection, the sleeve 15 is, simply put, "clamped" between the shaft 2 and the housing part 7.

[0068] In a further step, the active part 8 of the second jaw part 6 is further fixed to the housing part 7 by a form-fit connection in the region of the tilting axis K. As Fig. 19 makes clear, the active part 8 in this embodiment can be tilted relative to the housing part 7 by several angles about the tilting axis K.

[0069] The steps shown in FIG. 19 relate to a variant with a tool device that cannot be bent relative to the shaft 2. A bendable variant is shown in FIGS. 20 and 21. In this variant, a joint tension band Z is provided. The joint tension band Z is shown in dashed lines in the covered area and interacts with the operating unit 12 and the swiveling unit 13 of the bending mechanism 12, 13 in a manner that is essentially known. The joint tension band Z runs as a loop along the shaft 2 along a groove (not shown in detail) in the housing part 7. The individual pivots 131, 132, 133 of the swiveling device 13 allow the tool device 3 to bend. The arrangement shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 is preferably held together solely by the tensile force of the joint tension band Z, so that no further positive connections are required to secure the arrangement. In the region of the groove N of the housing part 7, a sleeve 15 secures the joint tension band Z against slipping off in all directions. The items listed below were included in the claims of the original patent application. (Item 1) A surgical instrument (1), a shaft (2) extending along a shaft longitudinal axis (L); a tool device (3) disposed distally of the shaft (2) and having a first jaw portion (5) and a second jaw portion (6), the first jaw portion and the second jaw portion (5, 6) being pivotable relative to each other about a pivot axis (S) oriented transversely to the shaft longitudinal axis (L) to form an openable and closable tool mouth (M); a gripping device (4) arranged proximally on the shaft (2) and having an operating element (9) operably connected to the tool device (3) via a push-pull element (10), wherein the push-pull element (10) is translatable along a longitudinal movement axis (L') by operation of the operating element (9); Equipped with the tool device (3) comprises a control structure (11) having a control pin (14) and at least one control groove (51), the at least one control groove (51) being formed in a control portion (53) of the first jaw portion (5); the control pin (14) extends parallel to the pivot axis (S) and is axially engaged through the at least one control groove (51); the control pin (14) is slidable along the control groove (51) between a proximal end position of the control pin (14) and a distal end position of the control pin (14) by longitudinal movement of the push-pull element (10), thereby applying a torque acting about the pivot axis (S) to the first jaw portion (5) to open or close the tool port (M); the second jaw portion (6) has a receiving recess (72) that at least partially receives the control portion (3) of the first jaw portion (5), at least one control protrusion (71) protruding inward from an inner wall (73) of the receiving recess (72) in the axial direction (A) of the control pin (14) and forming a control surface (74) of the control structure (11), the control pin (14) sliding along and being radially supported on the control protrusion (71) during movement of the control pin (14) between the proximal end position and the distal end position. (Item 2) Item 1. The surgical instrument (1) according to item 1, characterized in that the second jaw portion (6) has a fixing surface (76, 76') that defines the receiving recess (72) in the axial direction (A) of the control pin (14), and the fixing surface (76, 76') positively fixes the control pin (14) against axial displacement when the control pin (14) moves between the proximal end position and the distal end position. (Item 3) 3. The surgical instrument (1) according to item 1 or 2, characterized in that the second jaw portion (6) has a pivot bearing surface (77) which forms the pivot axis (S) and which slidingly interacts with a complementary pivot bearing surface (52) of the first jaw portion (5). (Item 4) Item 4. The surgical instrument (1) according to item 3, characterized in that the pivot bearing surface (77) of the second jaw portion (6) is formed by the outer periphery of a transverse web portion (78) extending in the axial direction (A) of the control pin (14) above the receiving recess (72). (Item 5) 5. The surgical instrument (1) according to any one of items 1 to 4, characterized in that the second jaw portion (6) has a pivot guideway (79) that is concentrically curved with respect to the pivot axis (S), the pivot guideway (79) slidingly interacting with a complementary pivot guideway (54) of the first jaw portion. (Item 6) 6. The surgical instrument (1) according to any one of items 1 to 5, characterized in that the second jaw part (6) has a longitudinal guide surface (80) extending parallel to the longitudinal movement axis (L') of the push-pull element (10), the longitudinal guide surface (80) slidably guiding a complementary longitudinal guide surface (101) of the push-pull element (10) at least temporarily during its longitudinal movement. (Item 7) 7. The surgical instrument (1) according to any one of items 1 to 6, characterized in that a stop (151) arranged and / or formed on the second jaw portion (6) positively interacts with a complementary stop (56) on the first jaw portion (5) about the pivot axis (S) in the open position of the tool mouth (M). (Item 8) 8. The surgical instrument (1) according to any one of items 1 to 7, characterized in that the second jaw portion (6) is fixed relative to the pivot axis (S), and the first jaw portion (5) rotates relative to the second jaw portion (6) about the pivot axis (S) during opening and closing of the tool port (M). (Item 9) 9. The surgical instrument (1) according to any one of items 1 to 8, characterized in that the second jaw portion (6) comprises a housing portion (7) consisting of one piece and an active portion (8) attached to the distal side of the housing portion (7), the housing portion (7) comprising at least the receiving recess (72) together with the at least one control protrusion (71) and / or the pivot bearing surface (77). (Item 10) 10. The surgical instrument (1) according to any one of items 1 to 9, wherein the control groove (51) extends continuously and linearly between the proximal groove end (511) and the distal groove end (512). (Item 11) 11. The surgical instrument (1) according to any one of items 1 to 10, wherein the control surface (74) has a proximal surface portion (741) and a distal surface portion (742, 742a), the proximal surface portion and the distal surface portion being inclined differently with respect to the longitudinal movement axis (L') so that different transmission ratios are achieved between the longitudinal movement of the push-pull element (10) and the pivoting of the tool port (M) during movement of the control pin (14) between the proximal end position and the distal end position of the control pin (14). (Item 12) Item 12. The surgical instrument (1) according to item 11, characterized in that the proximal surface (741) extends parallel and / or at least substantially parallel to the longitudinal movement axis (L'). (Item 13) 13. The surgical instrument (1) according to item 11 or 12, wherein the distal surface portion (742a) is curved concentrically with respect to the pivot axis (S). (Item 14) 13. The surgical instrument (1) according to item 11 or 12, wherein the distal surface portion (742) is linear and tangent to an arc concentrically arranged with respect to the pivot axis (S). (Item 15) 15. The surgical instrument (1) according to any one of items 10 to 14, wherein the control pin (14) is at least temporarily held in the distal groove end (512) of the control groove (51) upon movement of the control pin (14) towards the distal end position and rotates together with the first jaw portion (5) around the pivot axis (S). (Item 16) 16. A tool assembly (3) for a surgical instrument (1) according to any one of items 1 to 15, having a first jaw portion (5) and a second jaw portion (6) pivotable relative to each other about a pivot axis (S) to form an openable / closable tool port (M), wherein the tool assembly (3) has a control structure (11) having a control pin (14) and at least one control groove (51), the at least one control groove (51) being formed in a control portion (53) of the first jaw portion (5), the control pin (14) extending parallel to the pivot axis (S) and axially engaging through the at least one control groove (51), and the control pin (14) is movable along the control groove (51) between a proximal end position of the control pin (14) and a distal end position of the control pin (14). a control pin (14) configured to slide between a first jaw portion (5) and a second jaw portion (6) and a second jaw portion (6) configured to apply a torque acting about the pivot axis (S) to the first jaw portion (5) to open and close the tool port (M); the second jaw portion (6) has a receiving recess (72) that at least partially receives the control portion (53) of the first jaw portion (5); at least one control protrusion (71) protrudes inward from an inner wall (73) of the receiving recess (72) in the axial direction (A) of the control pin (14) and forms a control surface (74) of the control structure (11); and the control pin (14) slides along and is radially supported on the control protrusion (71) during movement of the control pin (14) between the proximal end position and the distal end position. (Item 17) Item 17. A method for manufacturing a tool device (3) according to item 16, comprising a step of forming the second jaw portion (6), wherein at least one housing portion (7) of the second jaw portion (6) carrying the at least one control projection (71) is provided by forming the at least one housing portion (7). (Item 18) Item 18. The method according to item 17, comprising the step of positively joining together the first jaw portion (5) and the molded housing portion (7), wherein a pivot bearing surface (77) of the second jaw portion (6) formed on the housing portion (7) and a complementary pivot bearing surface (52) of the first jaw portion (5) form the pivot axis (S), are slidable about the pivot axis (S), and are fixed to each other in a form-fitting manner radially relative to the pivot axis (S).

Claims

1. A tool device (3) for a surgical instrument (1), comprising: The tool device (3) has a first jaw portion (5) and a second jaw portion (6), the first jaw portion and the second jaw portion (5, 6) being pivotable relative to each other about an imaginary pivot axis (S) to form an openable and closable tool mouth (M); the tool device (3) comprises a control structure (11) having a control pin (14) and at least one control groove (51), the at least one control groove (51) being formed in a control portion (53) of the first jaw portion (5); the control pin (14) extends parallel to the pivot axis (S) and engages with the at least one control groove (51) by passing through the at least one control groove (51) along an axial direction (A) of the control pin (14); the control pin (14) is slidable along the longitudinal direction of the control groove (51) between a proximal end position and a distal end position within the control groove (51), thereby applying a torque acting about the pivot axis (S) to the first jaw portion (5) to open or close the tool port (M); the second jaw portion (6) has a receiving recess (72) that at least partially receives the control portion (53) of the first jaw portion (5), at least one control protrusion (71) protrudes inward from an inner wall (73) of the receiving recess (72) along a direction corresponding to the axial direction (A) of the control pin (14) and forms a control surface (74) extending along a direction perpendicular to the pivot axis (S), the control pin (14) sliding along the control surface (74) in the extension direction of the control surface (74) when the control pin (14) moves between the proximal end position and the distal end position, and is supported on the control surface (74) in the radial direction of the control pin (14).

2. 2. The tool device (3) according to claim 1, characterized in that the second jaw portion (6) has a fixing surface (76, 76') that defines the receiving recess (72) in the axial direction (A) of the control pin (14), and the fixing surface (76, 76') positively fixes the control pin (14) against axial displacement when the control pin (14) moves between the proximal end position and the distal end position.

3. 3. A tool arrangement (3) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second jaw part (6) has a pivot bearing surface (77) which defines the pivot axis (S) and which interacts in sliding relation with a complementary pivot bearing surface (52) of the first jaw part (5).

4. 4. The tool device (3) according to claim 3, characterized in that the pivot bearing surface (77) of the second jaw portion (6) is formed by the outer periphery of a bridge (78) extending along a direction coinciding with the axial direction (A) of the control pin (14) so ​​as to connect the inner walls (73) of the receiving recess (72).

5. 5. A tool arrangement (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the second jaw part (6) has a pivot guideway (79) that is curved concentrically with respect to the pivot axis (S), the pivot guideway (79) interacting in sliding relation with a complementary pivot guideway (54) of the first jaw part.

6. 6. A tool arrangement (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a stop (151) arranged and / or formed on the second jaw portion (6) abuts a complementary stop (56) on the first jaw portion (5) in the open position of the tool mouth (M), thereby preventing the tool mouth (M) from opening beyond the open position.

7. 7. The tool arrangement (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the second jaw portion (6) is fixed relative to the pivot axis (S) and the first jaw portion (5) rotates about the pivot axis (S) relative to the second jaw portion (6) during opening and closing of the tool mouth (M).

8. 4. The tool device (3) according to claim 3, characterized in that the second jaw part (6) has a housing part (7) consisting of one piece and an active part (8) attached to the distal side of the housing part (7), the housing part (7) having at least the receiving recess (72) together with the at least one control protrusion (71) and / or the pivot bearing surface (77).

9. 9. A tool device (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the control groove (51) extends continuously and linearly between a proximal groove end (511) and a distal groove end (512).

10. A surgical instrument (1), comprising: a shaft (2) extending along a shaft longitudinal axis (L); A tool device (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, arranged distally on the shaft (2); a gripping device (4) arranged proximally on the shaft (2) and having an operating element (9) operably connected to the tool device (3) via a push-pull element (10), wherein the push-pull element (10) can be translated along a longitudinal movement axis (L') by operating the operating element (9); Equipped with The control pin (14) of the tool device (3) is slidable along the longitudinal direction of the control groove (51) between the proximal end position and the distal end position within the control groove (51) by longitudinal movement of the push-pull element (10), thus applying a torque acting about the pivot axis (S) to the first jaw portion (5) to open and close the tool port (M).

11. 11. The surgical instrument (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the second jaw part (6) has a longitudinal guide surface (80) extending parallel to the longitudinal movement axis (L') of the push-pull element (10), the longitudinal guide surface (80) slidably guiding a complementary longitudinal guide surface (101) of the push-pull element (10) at least temporarily during its longitudinal movement.

12. 12. The surgical instrument according to claim 10, wherein the control surface (74) has a proximal surface portion (741) and a distal surface portion (742, 742a), the proximal surface portion (741) and the distal surface portion (742, 742a) having different inclination angles with respect to the longitudinal movement axis (L'), such that when a transmission ratio is defined as a ratio between the distance of the longitudinal movement of the push-pull element (10) and an opening angle of the tool port (M) about the pivot axis (S), the transmission ratio when the control pin (14) slides along the proximal surface portion (741) is different from the transmission ratio when the control pin (14) slides along the distal surface portion (742, 742a).

13. A surgical instrument (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that said proximal face (741) extends parallel to said longitudinal axis of movement (L').

14. 14. A surgical instrument (1) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the distal surface (742a) is curved concentrically with respect to the pivot axis (S).

15. 14. The surgical instrument (1) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the distal surface (742) is linear and tangent to an arc of a circle arranged concentrically with respect to the pivot axis (S).

16. 2. A method for manufacturing a tool device (3) according to claim 1, comprising a step of molding the second jaw part (6), wherein at least one housing part (7) of the second jaw part (6) carrying the at least one control projection (71) is provided by molding.

17. 17. The method according to claim 16, comprising the step of positively joining together the first jaw part (5) and the molded housing part (7), wherein a pivot bearing surface (77) of the second jaw part (6) formed on the housing part (7) and a complementary pivot bearing surface (52) of the first jaw part (5) define the pivot axis (S), are slidable about the pivot axis (S), and mate with each other in a radial direction of the pivot axis (S).

Images