Method for manufacturing forceps and forceps components

Abstract

The forceps comprises two gripping members, a support portion, and a covering portion. The gripping members are conductive. The support portion rotatably supports at least one of the two gripping members around the axis of rotation such that the two gripping members move closer together and further apart on the tip side of the axis of rotation. The covering portion is insulating and partially covers each of the two gripping members on the tip side of the axis of rotation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to forceps.

Background Art

[0002] In surgery, forceps are used. As forceps for surgical robots, a forceps device having a movable part attached to the tip side of an elongated shaft is also known. The forceps device is also referred to as a manipulator.

[0003] The movable part is, for example, an openable and closable gripping part. A wire for transmitting a driving force generated by a driving source such as an actuator is connected to the gripping part.

[0004] In surgery using a surgical robot, a forceps device capable of incising or cauterizing living tissue by passing a high-frequency current through a pair of movable parts is used. Such a forceps device is also called a bipolar type forceps (hereinafter also referred to as a bipolar forceps), and can achieve less invasiveness to the patient. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a bipolar forceps in which the current conduction path of a cable is divided.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In bipolar forceps, when high-frequency current is output to the movable part for cutting or other purposes, the current may flow to an unintended area, causing cauterization. For example, conductive substances such as water, saline solution, biological fluids, blood, and carbonized tissue may adhere to the movable part. In this case, a conductive path may be formed in the area of ​​the movable part where the substance is attached, causing the current to flow to an unintended area and resulting in cauterization.

[0007] One aspect of this disclosure is the desire to suppress the occurrence of unintended cauterization. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure is a forceps comprising two gripping members, a support portion, and a covering portion. The gripping members are conductive. The support portion rotatably supports at least one of the two gripping members around a rotation axis such that the two gripping members move closer together and further apart on the tip side of the rotation axis. The covering portion is insulating and partially covers each of the two gripping members on the tip side of the rotation axis.

[0009] With this configuration, it is difficult for an electrical path to form between the covered portions of the two gripping members. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of unintended burns in the area where the covered portion is formed.

[0010] One aspect of the present disclosure may further include a wire and an insulating portion. The wire is connected to the rear end of each of the two gripping members. The insulating portion covers the connection between each of the two gripping members and the wire. The covering portion may be formed on each of the two gripping members from the insulating portion toward the front end of the two gripping members. The two gripping members may include areas beyond the insulating portion toward the front end of the two gripping members that are not covered by the covering portion.

[0011] With this configuration, it is difficult for conductive paths to form in the area where the two gripping members and the electric wire are connected, and in the area where the covering portion is formed from the insulating portion toward the tip side of the two gripping members. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of cauterization in these areas.

[0012] In one aspect of this disclosure, the covering portion may have higher heat resistance than the insulating portion. It may also be further formed on the portion of the insulating portion located on the tip side of the two gripping members.

[0013] With this configuration, it is possible to suppress the melting of the insulating part due to the discharge heat generated when a high-frequency current is supplied to the two gripping members.

[0014] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the covering portion may be formed continuously from a portion of the two gripping members to a portion of the surface of the insulating portion.

[0015] This configuration makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of cauterization near the boundary between the two gripping members and the insulating part.

[0016] In one aspect of this disclosure, the coating may be formed of a ceramic or an insulating compound.

[0017] One aspect of the present disclosure is a method for manufacturing forceps components, comprising: preparing a conductive gripping member; connecting an electric wire to the gripping member; molding an insulating portion to cover the connection between the gripping member and the electric wire using an insulating material; and partially covering the gripping member with an insulating covering material on the tip side of the gripping member beyond the insulating portion.

[0018] This process makes it possible to manufacture the forceps components that make up the forceps described above.

[0019] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the coating material may have a higher heat resistance than the insulating portion. Coating may include further coating a portion of the gripping member located on the tip side of the insulating portion with the coating material.

[0020] According to such a process, it is possible to suppress the melting of the insulating portion due to the discharge heat generated when a high-frequency current is supplied to the gripping member.

[0021] In one aspect of the present disclosure, coating may include continuously coating from a part of the gripping member to a part of the surface of the insulating portion.

[0022] According to such a process, when gripping an object using two gripping members, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of ablation near the boundary between the gripping member and the insulating portion.

[0023] In one aspect of the present disclosure, coating may be realized by using at least one of spraying, vapor deposition, vacuum film formation, and room temperature shock solidification.

[0024] According to such a process, it is possible to coat at a temperature that suppresses the melting of the insulating material forming the insulating portion.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of the forceps device. [Figure 2] It is a side view of the forceps device. [Figure 3] It is a front view of the forceps device. [Figure 4] It is an exploded perspective view of the gripping portion. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart showing a method for manufacturing the forceps device. [Figure 6] It is a diagram for explaining the connection process. [Figure 7] It is a diagram for explaining the molding process. [Figure 8]Figure 8A is a diagram illustrating the coating process. Figure 8B is a diagram illustrating the coating process as seen from a different direction. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0026] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the embodiments described below and may take various forms as long as they fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0027] [1. First Embodiment] [1-1. Structure] [1-1-1. Overall Structure] The forceps device 1 shown in Figures 1 to 3 is used in a surgical robot system. Specifically, the forceps device 1 is a device attached to the manipulator of the surgical robot system.

[0028] The forceps device 1 comprises a pair of gripping parts 10a, 10b, a support part 20, a base part 30, a first wire 71a, a first wire 71b, a second wire 73, and power supply cables 81a, 81b.

[0029] The gripping portion 10a and the gripping portion 10b are independent of each other.

[0030] The support portion 20 independently supports the gripping portions 10a and 10b so that they can rotate around the first rotation axis L1.

[0031] The base portion 30 supports the support portion 20 so that it can rotate around the second rotation axis L2. The axial direction of the second rotation axis L2 intersects with the axial direction of the first rotation axis L1.

[0032] In the following explanation, in the state shown in Figure 1, the direction parallel to the axis direction of the first rotation axis L1 will also be referred to as the X-axis direction. The direction parallel to the axis direction of the second rotation axis L2 will also be referred to as the Y-axis direction. The direction perpendicular to the XY plane will also be referred to as the Z-axis direction. The X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction are intersecting directions. Preferably, the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction are perpendicular directions.

[0033] The X, Y, and Z axes are in a right-handed coordinate system. The positive directions for the X, Y, and Z axes are as shown in Figure 1. That is, the base portion 30, the support portion 20, and the gripping portions 10a and 10b are arranged in order along the positive direction of the Z axis.

[0034] [1-1-2. Structure of the gripping part] As shown in Figure 4, the gripping portions 10a and 10b each have jaw pulleys 11a and 11b and tip portions 12a and 12b, respectively.

[0035] The jaw pulleys 11a and 11b are each roughly disc-shaped and parallel to the YZ plane. The thickness direction of the jaw pulleys 11a and 11b is roughly parallel to the X-axis direction.

[0036] The jaw pulleys 11a and 11b are provided with through holes 113a and 113b in the thickness direction, respectively. The first rotation axis L1 is positioned in the through holes 113a and 113b. The jaw pulley 11a is located on the positive X-axis side of the jaw pulley 11b.

[0037] The jaw pulleys 11a and 11b are formed using insulating materials. For example, the jaw pulleys 11a and 11b are formed using resin materials. Examples of resin materials include PC (polycarbonate), PEEK (polyether ether ketone), PPS (polyphenylene sulfide), PEI (polyetherimide), PSU (polysulfone), PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), FEP (perfluoroethylene propene copolymer), LCP (liquid crystal polymer), etc. The jaw pulleys 11a and 11b may have insulating properties at least on their surfaces.

[0038] The circumferential surface of the jaw pulley 11a is provided with a first wire groove 111a in which the first wire 71a is positioned.

[0039] The circumferential surface of the jaw pulley 11b is provided with a first wire groove 111b in which the first wire 71b is positioned.

[0040] The first wires 71a and 71b, positioned along the grooves 111a and 111b for the first wires, are fixed to a portion of the circumferential surface of the jaw pulleys 11a and 11b, respectively. The portion to which the first wires 71a and 71b are fixed is located on the positive Z-axis side with respect to the first rotation axis L1 in the state shown in Figure 4. As an example, in Figure 4, the first wire 71a is fixed to a fixing portion 114a provided on the positive Z-axis side of the jaw pulley 11a.

[0041] When the jaw pulleys 11a and 11b receive driving force from the first wires 71a and 71b, respectively, they rotate around the first rotation axis L1.

[0042] The circumferential surfaces of the jaw pulleys 11a and 11b are further provided with cable grooves 112a and 112b, in which energizing cables 81a and 81b are arranged, respectively. Cable groove 112a is located on the jaw pulley 11b side (i.e., the negative X-axis side) of the first wire groove 111a. Cable groove 112b is located on the jaw pulley 11a side (i.e., the positive X-axis side) of the first wire groove 111b.

[0043] The tips 12a and 12b are connected to the positive Z-axis ends of the jaw pulleys 11a and 11b, respectively, and have an elliptical ring shape that extends in the ZX plane toward the positive Z-axis from these ends. The negative Z-axis ends of the tips 12a and 12b are covered by the jaw pulleys 11a and 11b.

[0044] The tip portions 12a and 12b rotate together with the jaw pulleys 11a and 11b, respectively, around the first rotation axis L1. When the jaw pulleys 11a and 11b rotate in different directions, the tip portions 12a and 12b move closer to or further apart from each other (Figures 1 and 3). When the tip portions 12a and 12b are closest to each other, they overlap in the Y-axis direction. This mechanism allows the tip portions 12a and 12b to grip and release objects. Hereinafter, the state in which the tip portions 12a and 12b are gripping an object is referred to as the gripping state. The state in which the tip portions 12a and 12b are not gripping an object is referred to as the non-gripping state.

[0045] The shape of the tip portions 12a and 12b is not particularly limited as long as it can grip the object. In this embodiment, the surfaces of the tip portions 12a and 12b that face each other are serrated.

[0046] The tip portions 12a and 12b are formed using a conductive material. The conductive material is, for example, a metallic material. Examples of metallic materials include stainless steel, brass, alloys containing brass, aluminum, alloys containing aluminum, titanium, alloys containing titanium, etc.

[0047] The tips 12a and 12b are connected at their ends on the jaw pulley 11a and 11b sides to the first ends of the power cables 81a and 81b, which are arranged along the cable grooves 112a and 112b. The portions where the tips 12a and 12b are connected to the power cables 81a and 81b are covered by the jaw pulleys 11a and 11b, respectively. The tips 12a and 12b, the first ends of the power cables 81a and 81b, and the second ends opposite the first ends of the power cables 81a and 81b are electrically conductive.

[0048] When the tips 12a and 12b grasp biological tissue in the gripping state, a conductive path is formed including the power cable 81a, tip 12a, the portion of the biological tissue grasped by tips 12a and 12b, tip 12b, and power cable 81b. In this state, when a high-frequency current is supplied from the power supply 82 to the conductive path, heat is generated as the high-frequency current flows through the grasped biological tissue. The generated heat causes the grasped biological tissue to be cut or hemostatic. Through this mechanism, the forceps device 1 functions as a bipolar forceps.

[0049] Tip-side covering portions 12Ca and 12Cb are formed on the outer surfaces of the tip portions 12a and 12b. The tip-side covering portions 12Ca and 12Cb are insulating. The tip-side covering portions 12Ca and 12Cb partially cover the tip portions 12a and 12b. The portions of the tip portions 12a and 12b that are covered by the tip-side covering portions 12Ca and 12Cb are insulated. In this embodiment, as an example, the portions of the tip portions 12a and 12b on the jaw pulley 11a and 11b side (i.e., the negative Z-axis side) are covered.

[0050] In the jaw pulleys 11a and 11b, pulley-side covering portions 11Ca and 11Cb are formed on the surfaces facing the tip portions 12a and 12b, using a material with higher heat resistance than the material forming the jaw pulleys 11a and 11b. The heat resistance temperature of the pulley-side covering portions 11Ca and 11Cb is, for example, 2000°C.

[0051] The pulley-side covering portion 11Ca,11Cb may be formed from a material that has high heat resistance as well as high insulation properties. For example, if the material forming the tip-side covering portion 12Ca,12Cb has high heat resistance and high insulation properties, the pulley-side covering portion 11Ca,11Cb may be formed from the same covering material as the tip-side covering portion 12Ca,12Cb.

[0052] The coating material is insulating. Examples of coating materials include ceramics and insulating compounds. Examples of insulating compounds include oxidized metals. Examples of insulating oxidized metals include aluminum oxide, zirconium oxide, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, magnesium oxide, iron oxide, chromium oxide, yttrium oxide, and calcium oxide.

[0053] The dielectric strength of the coating material is, for example, 500V. However, the dielectric strength of the coating material varies depending on the thickness of the coating. The heat resistance temperature of the coating material is, for example, 2000°C. However, the coating material is not limited to ceramics and insulating compounds, and may be a material that has high insulating properties and high heat resistance.

[0054] In the portion where the tip portion 12a and the jaw pulley 11a are connected, the tip-side covering portion 12Ca and the pulley-side covering portion 11Ca may be formed continuously. In the portion where the tip portion 12b and the jaw pulley 11b are connected, the tip-side covering portion 12Cb and the pulley-side covering portion 11Cb may be formed continuously.

[0055] [1-1-3. Support structure] The support portion 20 shown in Figures 1 to 3 is formed using a rigid material. For example, the support portion 20 is formed using SUS material (Steel Use Stainless).

[0056] The support portion 20 includes first clamping portions 21a and 21b, a main body portion 22, and a rotating pulley 23.

[0057] The first clamping portions 21a and 21b are plate-shaped members that extend along the YZ plane. The thickness direction of the first clamping portions 21a and 21b is approximately parallel to the X-axis direction. The first clamping portion 21a is located on the positive X-axis side of the jaw pulley 11a. The first clamping portion 21b is located on the negative X-axis side of the jaw pulley 11b.

[0058] The first clamping portions 21a and 21b are each provided with through holes in the direction of the plate thickness. The first rotation axis L1 is fixed to these through holes.

[0059] The main body portion 22 is a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped member. The main body portion 22 is located on the negative Z-axis side of the jaw pulleys 11a and 11b and between the first clamping portions 21a and 21b.

[0060] The positive X-axis end of the main body 22 is connected to the first clamping portion 21a. The negative X-axis end of the main body 22 is connected to the first clamping portion 21b. The main body 22 is separated from the jaw pulleys 11a and 11b.

[0061] The revolving pulley 23 is a plate-shaped member that extends along the ZX plane. The thickness direction of the revolving pulley 23 is approximately parallel to the Y axis direction. The revolving pulley 23 is provided on the negative Z-axis side of the main body 22.

[0062] The revolving pulley 23 has a through hole in the thickness direction. The second rotation shaft L2 is positioned in this through hole. The portion of the revolving pulley 23 on the negative Z-axis side of the axis of the second rotation shaft L2 is approximately a semi-circular disc shape, with the axis of the second rotation shaft L2 as the center and the negative Z-axis side being arc-shaped.

[0063] The circumferential surface of the revolving pulley 23 is provided with a second wire groove 24 in which the second wire 73 is positioned. The second wire groove 24 is also provided in the first clamping portions 21a, 21b and the main body portion 22, continuously from the circumferential surface of the revolving pulley 23.

[0064] The second wire 73, positioned along the groove 24 for the second wire, is fixed to a portion of the circumferential surface of the revolving pulley 23, similar to how the first wire 71a is fixed to the fixing portion 114a. The portion to which the second wire 73 is fixed is located on the positive Z-axis side with respect to the second rotation axis L2 in the state shown in Figure 1.

[0065] When the revolving pulley 23 receives a driving force from the second wire 73, the gripping parts 10a, 10b and the support part 20 rotate together around the second rotation axis L2.

[0066] [1-1-4. Base section configuration] The base portion 30 is formed using a rigid material. For example, the base portion 30 is formed using SUS material.

[0067] The base portion 30 has second clamping portions 31a, 31b and a cylindrical portion 32.

[0068] The second clamping portions 31a and 31b are plate-shaped members that extend along the ZX plane. The thickness direction of the second clamping portions 31a and 31b is approximately parallel to the Y-axis direction. The second clamping portion 31a is located on the positive Y-axis side of the revolving pulley 23. The second clamping portion 31b is located on the negative Y-axis side of the revolving pulley 23.

[0069] The second clamping portions 31a and 31b are each provided with through holes in the direction of the plate thickness. The second rotation axis L2 is fixed to these through holes.

[0070] The cylindrical portion 32 extends from the negative Z-axis end of each of the second clamping portions 31a and 31b toward the negative Z-axis.

[0071] The Z-axis positive end of the cylindrical portion 32 is connected to the Z-axis negative ends of the second clamping portions 31a and 31b, respectively. The cylindrical portion 32 is separated from the revolving pulley 23.

[0072] [1-1-5. Configuration of Wires and Power Cables] The first wire 71a is connected to a first drive device 72a that generates a driving force to rotate the gripping portion 10a.

[0073] The first wire 71b is connected to a first drive device 72b that generates a driving force to rotate the gripping portion 10b.

[0074] The second wire 73 is connected to a second drive unit 74 that generates a driving force to rotate the support unit 20.

[0075] The power cables 81a and 81b are each connected to a power supply 82 that supplies high-frequency current.

[0076] The first end of the power cable 81a is electrically connected to the tip 12a. The second end of the power cable 81a, opposite to the first end, is electrically connected to the first electrode of the power supply 82.

[0077] The first end of the power cable 81b is electrically connected to the tip 12b. The second end of the power cable 81b, opposite to the first end, is electrically connected to a second electrode of the power supply 82, which has a different potential from the first electrode.

[0078] In this embodiment, a high-frequency voltage is applied to the first electrode. The second electrode is grounded. However, the embodiment is not limited to this; the first electrode may be grounded and a high-frequency voltage may be applied to the second electrode. Neither the first nor the second electrode is grounded.

[0079] Multiple guide pulleys 41 are provided in the support section 20 and the base section 30 in the areas where the first wires 71a and 71b are positioned.

[0080] The first wire 71a, fixed to the jaw pulley 11a, is guided to the guide pulley 41, passes through the inside of the cylindrical portion 32 of the base portion 30, and is connected to the first drive unit 72a.

[0081] The first wire 71b, fixed to the jaw pulley 11b, is guided to the guide pulley 41, passes through the inside of the cylindrical portion 32 of the base portion 30, and is connected to the first drive unit 72b.

[0082] The second wire 73, fixed to the revolving pulley 23, is connected to the second drive unit 74 via the inside of the cylindrical portion 32 of the base portion 30.

[0083] The power cables 81a and 81b connected to the tip sections 12a and 12b are connected to the power supply 82 via the inside of the cylindrical section 32 of the base section 30.

[0084] [1-2. Method for manufacturing the gripping part] The manufacturing method for the gripping parts 10a and 10b, as shown in Figure 5, comprises a preparation step S10, a connection step S20, a molding step S30, and a coating step S40. The manufacturing method for the forceps device 1 is performed in the order of preparation step S10, connection step S20, molding step S30, and coating step S40. However, the manufacturing method for the forceps device 1 may be performed in the order of preparation step S10, molding step S30, connection step S20, and coating step S40.

[0085] The manufacturing method of the gripping part 10a will be explained below using Figures 6 to 8B. The manufacturing method of the gripping part 10b is the same as that of the gripping part 10a.

[0086] The tip portion 12a shown in Figures 6 to 8B has a tapered tip and has a slightly different external shape from the tip portion 12a shown in Figures 1 to 3, but it is essentially the same structure.

[0087] As shown in Figure 6, a connecting portion 121a is provided at the first end of the tip portion 12a in the direction of its long side. The connecting portion 121a is connected to the first end of the power cable 81a. The tip portion 12a is electrically connected to the conductor of the power cable 81a through the connecting portion 121a. In this embodiment, the connecting portion 121a is the same material as the tip portion 12a (i.e., a part of the tip portion 12a), but the connecting portion 121a may be a different material.

[0088] The connecting portion 121a is provided with a through hole 122a. The through hole 122a is provided so that the first rotation axis L1 can pass through the tip portion 12a in the direction of the shorter side.

[0089] Preparation step S10 is the step of preparing the tip portion 12a. In this step, the tip portion 12a is prepared using a conductive material (for example, metal). The method of preparing the tip portion 12a is not particularly limited. For example, the tip portion 12a can be prepared by machining, plastic deformation, etc.

[0090] The connection step S20 is the step of connecting the power cable 81a to the tip portion 12a. As shown in Figure 6, in the connection step S20, the connection portion 121a of the tip portion 12a and the first end of the power cable 81a are connected. Specifically, in the connection step S20, the connection portion 121a and the conductor exposed from the first end of the power cable 81a are connected by crimping. The connection at the connection portion 121a makes the tip portion 12a and the power cable 81a electrically connected. In the connection step S20, the connection and electrical connection between the tip portion 12a and the power cable 81a may be made by other methods, not limited to crimping the connection portion 121a.

[0091] The molding process S30 is a process for molding the jaw pulley 11a that covers the connection portion 121a. As shown in Figure 7, in the molding process S30, the jaw pulley 11a is molded so as to cover the connection portion 121a. The jaw pulley 11a is molded using an insulating material that has insulating properties.

[0092] The insulating material is, for example, a resin or an insulating compound, but is not limited to these.

[0093] The method for forming the jaw pulley 11a may include, but is not limited to, injection molding using resin material, casting using metal material, or sintering using metal material. By such a method, the jaw pulley 11a and the connecting portion 121a are integrally molded.

[0094] However, the molding of the jaw pulley 11a must be carried out at a temperature that does not melt the tip portion 12a and the wires inside the power cable 81a.

[0095] In this embodiment, the jaw pulley 11a is further provided with a through hole 113a through which the first rotation shaft L1 can pass. The through hole 113a is located coaxially with the through hole 122a of the connecting portion 121a.

[0096] The coating step S40 is a step of coating a portion of the tip portion 12a with an insulating coating material. The coating material may also have heat resistance. The coating material is, for example, a ceramic or an insulating compound, but is not limited to these.

[0097] In coating step S40, as shown in Figures 8A and 8B, a tip-side coating portion 12Ca is formed that partially covers the tip portion 12a. Figure 8B is a perspective view of Figure 8A from direction P. The tip-side coating portion 12Ca is formed to encircle the tip portion 12a. In the example shown in Figures 8A and 8B, the tip-side coating portion 12Ca is formed on the jaw pulley 11a side of the tip portion 12a.

[0098] The formation of the tip-side coating portion 12Ca must be carried out at a temperature that does not melt the tip portion 12a and the jaw pulley 11a. For example, the formation of the tip-side coating portion 12Ca can be achieved using at least one of thermal spraying, vapor deposition, vacuum deposition, and room-temperature impact solidification. An example of a coating method using room-temperature impact solidification is ERIN®.

[0099] The flame temperature for thermal spraying is, for example, 1500°C to 4000°C, more preferably 2000°C to 3000°C. The application temperature for thermal spraying (i.e., the temperature of the workpiece) is 1000°C or less, more preferably 200°C or less. Examples of thermal spraying types include flame spraying, high-velocity flame spraying (HVOF), atmospheric plasma spraying (APS), low-pressure plasma spraying (LPS), and cold spraying (CS).

[0100] The thickness of the coating is such that the insulating properties of the coated portion are ensured. For example, the coating thickness is in the range of 30 μm to 500 μm.

[0101] In this embodiment, a pulley-side covering portion 11Ca is further formed on the surface of the jaw pulley 11a on the tip portion 12a side. The method for forming the pulley-side covering portion 11Ca is the same as the method for forming the tip-side covering portion 12Ca.

[0102] The tip-side coating portion 12Ca and the pulley-side coating portion 11Ca may be formed together in a single process. There may also be portions where the tip-side coating portion 12Ca and the pulley-side coating portion 11Ca are formed continuously.

[0103] In this way, a gripping part 10a is manufactured, which has a jaw pulley 11a, a pulley-side covering part 11Ca, a tip part 12a, and a tip-side covering part 12Ca. The tip part 12a and the power-carrying cable 81a are electrically connected. A gripping part 10b is manufactured in the same manner. The tip part 12b and the power-carrying cable 81b are electrically connected.

[0104] [1-3. Effects] According to the embodiments described above, the following actions and effects can be obtained.

[0105] (1a) The portions of the tip portions 12a and 12b that are covered by the tip-side covering portions 12Ca and 12Cb are insulated.

[0106] With this configuration, when a high-frequency current is supplied to the tip portions 12a and 12b, a conductive path is unlikely to form between the tip-side coating portion 12Ca and the tip-side coating portion 12Cb, thereby suppressing the occurrence of cauterization. In particular, even when conductive substances such as moisture, physiological saline solution, biological fluids, blood, or carbonized tissue are attached to the tip-side coating portions 12Ca and 12Cb, a conductive path is unlikely to form between the tip-side coating portion 12Ca and the tip-side coating portion 12Cb. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of cauterization unintended by the user.

[0107] (1b) Furthermore, in this embodiment, the tip-side covering portions 12Ca and 12Cb are formed on the portion of the tip portions 12a and 12b that is on the jaw pulley 11a and 11b side (i.e., the portion on the negative side of the Z axis; hereinafter also referred to as the rear end side). On the other hand, the tip-side covering portions 12Ca and 12Cb are not formed on the portion of the tip portions 12a and 12b that is on the opposite side of the jaw pulley 11a and 11b (i.e., the portion on the positive side of the Z axis; hereinafter also referred to as the tip side).

[0108] With this configuration, conductive paths can be formed on the tip side of the tip portions 12a and 12b, while preventing the formation of conductive paths on the rear end side of the tip portions 12a and 12b. Therefore, it is easy to cause cauterization by forming conductive paths on the tip side, which is easier to grasp biological tissue, and it is possible to prevent cauterization by preventing the formation of conductive paths on the rear end side, which is more difficult to grasp biological tissue.

[0109] In addition, if the jaw pulleys 11a and 11b are made of a material with low heat resistance, the discharge heat generated when a high-frequency current is supplied to the tip portions 12a and 12b may cause the jaw pulleys 11a and 11b to melt.

[0110] In contrast, with the above configuration, the heat of discharge is generated at the tip end 12a, 12b, away from the jaw pulleys 11a, 11b. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the melting of the jaw pulleys 11a, 11b due to the heat of discharge.

[0111] (1c) At the Z-axis negative ends of the tip portions 12a and 12b, the portions where the tip portions 12a and 12b are connected to the power supply cables 81a and 81b are covered by jaw pulleys 11a and 11b, respectively. The jaw pulleys 11a and 11b are formed using insulating material.

[0112] With this configuration, the ends of the tip portions 12a and 12b that are connected to the negative Z-axis end and the energizing cables 81a and 81b are insulated, thus suppressing the occurrence of cauterization.

[0113] (1d) Pulley-side covering portions 11Ca and 11Cb are formed on the portions of the jaw pulleys 11a and 11b that face the tip portions 12a and 12b, and are partially covered with a material that has higher heat resistance than the material forming the jaw pulleys 11a and 11b.

[0114] With this configuration, it is possible to suppress the melting of the jaw pulleys 11a and 11b due to the heat of discharge. In particular, even if the location where the biological tissue is cauterized is not sufficiently far from the jaw pulleys 11a and 11b, it is possible to suppress the melting of the jaw pulleys 11a and 11b due to the heat of discharge.

[0115] (1e) The coating material forming the tip-side coating portion 12Ca, 12Cb and the pulley-side coating portion 11Ca, 11Cb has high heat resistance. The heat resistance temperature of the coating material is, for example, 2000°C.

[0116] With this configuration, it is possible to suppress the peeling of the tip-side coating portion 12Ca, 12Cb and the pulley-side coating portion 11Ca, 11Cb due to discharge heat.

[0117] (1f) In the portion where the tip portion 12a and the jaw pulley 11a are connected, the tip-side covering portion 12Ca and the pulley-side covering portion 11Ca may be formed continuously. In the portion where the tip portion 12b and the jaw pulley 11b are connected, the tip-side covering portion 12Cb and the pulley-side covering portion 11Cb may be formed continuously.

[0118] With this configuration, the area near the boundary between the tip portions 12a, 12b and the jaw pulleys 11a, 11b is insulated by the tip-side covering portions 12Ca, 12Cb and the pulley-side covering portions 11Ca, 11Cb. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of cauterization near the boundary.

[0119] (1g) The molding of the jaw pulleys 11a and 11b is carried out at a temperature that does not melt the wires inside the power cables 81a and 81b.

[0120] This method makes it possible to suppress the melting of the wires inside the power cables 81a and 81b when molding the jaw pulleys 11a and 11b.

[0121] (1h) The formation of the tip-side coating 12Ca,12Cb and the pulley-side coating 11Ca,11Cb is carried out at a temperature in which the tip portions 12a,12b and the jaw pulleys 11a,11b do not melt. For example, the formation of the tip-side coating 12Ca,12Cb and the pulley-side coating 11Ca,11Cb is achieved using at least one of thermal spraying, vapor deposition, vacuum deposition and room-temperature impact solidification.

[0122] This method makes it possible to suppress the melting of the tip portion 12a, 12b and the jaw pulley 11a, 11b when molding the tip portion 12Ca, 12Cb and the pulley portion 11Ca, 11Cb.

[0123] (1i) The pulley-side covering portion 11Ca, 11Cb may be formed from the same covering material as the tip-side covering portion 12Ca, 12Cb.

[0124] With this configuration, the pulley-side coating portion 11Ca,11Cb and the tip-side coating portion 12Ca,12Cb can be formed simultaneously. Therefore, the process of forming the tip-side coating portion 12Ca,12Cb and the pulley-side coating portion 11Ca,11Cb can be reduced.

[0125] (1j) The coating process S40 may be carried out using at least one of thermal spraying, vapor deposition, vacuum deposition, and room temperature impact solidification.

[0126] This method allows for the simultaneous formation of the tip-side coating portion 12Ca, 12Cb and the pulley-side coating portion 11Ca, 11Cb. Therefore, the steps involved in forming the tip-side coating portion 12Ca, 12Cb and the pulley-side coating portion 11Ca, 11Cb can be reduced.

[0127] [1-4. Correspondence between terms] In the above embodiment, the gripping portions 10a, 10b and the support portion 20 correspond to an example of forceps, the gripping portions 10a, 10b correspond to an example of two gripping members, the tip portions 12a, 12b correspond to an example of the tip side of a gripping member, the jaw pulleys 11a, 11b correspond to an example of an insulating portion, and the pulley-side covering portions 11Ca, 11Cb and the tip-side covering portions 12Ca, 12Cb correspond to an example of a covering portion. The surfaces of the jaw pulleys 11a, 11b on the tip portion 12a, 12b side correspond to an example of the portion of the insulating portion that faces the two gripping members.

[0128] Preparation step S10 corresponds to an example of preparing the gripping member, connection step S20 corresponds to an example of connecting the electric wire, molding step S30 corresponds to an example of molding the insulating part, and covering step S40 corresponds to an example of partially covering the gripping member. Connection part 121a corresponds to an example of the connection part between the gripping member and the electric wire.

[0129] [2. Other Embodiments] While embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, it goes without saying that this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above and can take various forms.

[0130] (2a) In the above embodiment, the tip-side covering portions 12Ca and 12Cb are formed on the jaw pulley 11a and 11b side (i.e., the negative Z-axis side) of the tip portions 12a and 12b. However, the location where the tip-side covering portions 12Ca and 12Cb are formed is not limited to this. For example, the tip-side covering portions 12Ca and 12Cb may be formed on the positive Z-axis side of the tip portions 12a and 12b.

[0131] (2b) In the above embodiment, the gripping portions 10a and 10b are each independently supported by the support portion 20 to rotate around the first rotation axis L1. However, it is not necessary for both gripping portions 10a and 10b to be supported to rotate; it is sufficient if at least one of the gripping portions 10a and 10b is supported to rotate.

[0132] (2c) Multiple functions of one component in the above embodiment may be realized by multiple components, or one function of one component may be realized by multiple components. Multiple functions of multiple components may be realized by one component, or one function realized by multiple components may be realized by one component. Some of the configurations of the above embodiment may be omitted. At least some of the configurations of the above embodiment may be added to or replaced with the configurations of other above embodiments. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0133] 1...Forceps device, 10a,10b...Gripping part, 11a,11b...Jaw pulley, 11Ca,11Cb...Pulley side covering part, 12a,12b...Tip part, 12Ca,12Cb...Tip side covering part, 121a...Connecting part, 20...Support part, 81a,81b...Power supply cable, L1...First rotation axis.

Claims

1. It is a forceps, Two conductive gripping members, A support portion that rotatably supports at least one of the two gripping members around the rotation axis such that the two gripping members move closer to and further apart from the tip of the two gripping members on the tip side of the rotation axis, A covering portion that has insulating properties and partially covers the two gripping members on the tip side of the two gripping members relative to the rotating shaft, The electric wires connected to the rear ends of each of the two gripping members, An insulating portion covering the connection between each of the two gripping members and the electric wire, Equipped with, The aforementioned covering portion is In each of the two gripping members, it is formed from the insulating portion toward the tip side of the two gripping members, Having higher heat resistance than the aforementioned insulating part, Further formed in the insulating portion is the portion located on the tip side of the two gripping members, The two gripping members include a region on the tip side of the two gripping members, which is not covered by the covering portion, in the region of the two gripping members that is closer to the tip side of the insulating portion. forceps.

2. The forceps according to claim 1, The covering portion is formed continuously from a part of the two gripping members to a part of the surface of the insulating portion. forceps.

3. The forceps according to claim 1 or claim 2, The coating portion is formed of a ceramic or an insulating compound. forceps.

4. A method for manufacturing forceps components, To provide a gripping member that has conductivity, Connecting the electric wire to the gripping member, The insulating portion covering the connection between the gripping member and the electric wire is molded using an insulating material. The gripping member is partially covered with an insulating covering material on the tip side of the gripping member, beyond the insulating portion. Includes, The covering material has higher heat resistance than the insulating part. The aforementioned covering includes further covering the portion of the insulating part located on the tip side of the gripping member with the covering material. A method for manufacturing forceps components.

5. A method for manufacturing forceps components according to claim 4, The aforementioned covering includes continuously covering from a part of the gripping member to a part of the surface of the insulating part. A method for manufacturing forceps components.

6. A method for manufacturing forceps components according to claim 4 or claim 5, The aforementioned coating is achieved using at least one of thermal spraying, vapor deposition, vacuum deposition, and room-temperature impact solidification. A method for manufacturing forceps components.

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