Guide assembly, device having a guide assembly, and method for producing a guide assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a guide assembly (10), in particular for a medical device, wherein the guide assembly (10) comprises a first guide portion (12), which has a first guide surface (14), and a second guide portion (16), which is captively arranged on the first guide portion (12) and has a second guide surface (18) which corresponds to the first guide surface (14). The first guide portion (12) and the second guide portion (16) can be additively manufactured in a manufacturing state in which the first guide surface (14) is spaced apart from the second guide surface (18). The first guide portion (12) and the second guide portion (16) can be brought, by a relative movement, from the manufacturing state into a functional state in which the first guide surface (14) and the second guide surface (18) correspond to one another such that the first guide portion (12) and the second guide portion (16) together form a guide-surface pair which has a guide function for a guided movement. The invention also relates to a device having a guide assembly (10) and to a method for producing a guide assembly (10).

Description

[0001] Guide arrangement, device with guide arrangement and manufacturing method for guide arrangement

[0002] The present invention relates to a guide arrangement, a device with a guide arrangement and a manufacturing method for a guide arrangement.

[0003] Many technical fields require mechanical assemblies with kinematically movable individual parts that are guided in their movement relative to one another. For such guided movement of the individual parts, the mechanical assembly is usually provided with a so-called guide arrangement. The guide arrangement can be designed as a joint or as a bearing that determines the guided movement of the individual parts relative to one another in a sliding and / or rolling manner. The guide arrangement thus enables one of the individual parts of the assembly or a point on one of the individual parts of the assembly to be displaced along a predetermined path relative to one or more other movable individual parts of the assembly.

[0004] According to the relevant definition, such guide assemblies have the task of transmitting mechanical variables such as displacement, speed, acceleration and / or torque, in particular with as little loss as possible. The guide assembly can therefore be a bearing for rotations and longitudinal movements or a joint for a movable connection between two individual parts. The guide assembly designed as a joint can be selected depending on the application with a corresponding degree of freedom for the type of movement taking place within it, namely rotation (swivel joint) and / or displacement (sliding joint). A common manufacturing process for such an assembly with a guide assembly is machining of the individual parts and subsequent assembly of the individual parts. This manufacturing process is costly and time-intensive.Particularly when high precision of the guided movement is required, guide sections of the guide assembly must be manufactured with a tight tolerance to allow as little free movement as possible alongside the guided movement. Furthermore, machining involves high material loss, for example, 50 to 80%. The subsequent assembly of the individual parts also involves considerable effort to ensure the high precision of the guided movement. Automating this assembly is also extremely costly.

[0005] As an alternative to machining the individual parts and then assembling them into an assembly, generative manufacturing (additive manufacturing) of the assembly as a whole, i.e. in a functional state of the assembly, is known. Generative manufacturing offers geometric freedom, so that the individual parts of the assembly do not have to be produced individually, but are produced directly in their functional state. Unlike machining, this type of production eliminates the need for subsequent assembly. With generative manufacturing, in particular, a large number of assemblies can be produced simultaneously in a single production run, thereby significantly reducing complex manufacturing and assembly times and therefore manufacturing costs while maintaining consistent quality. In addition, less logistics and warehousing is required. The production share in production is also higher.Furthermore, product adaptations can be implemented more flexibly, thus more easily and quickly. However, a disadvantage of conventional manufacturing processes is that additive manufacturing requires a manufacturing-related gap between two separate individual parts of a mechanical assembly that are intended to be movable relative to each other in the finished state.

[0006] In additive manufacturing, a material is applied layer by layer to create the components. If the components are produced without such a gap, they are interconnected and would have to be separated after additive manufacturing to allow relative movement. Such post-processing is costly and time-consuming, and the manufacturing-related gap cannot be completely avoided, as separating the interconnected individual parts is almost impossible without material loss at a parting surface. Furthermore, the gap allows for the removal of excess powder, for example, in powder-bed-based manufacturing processes.

[0007] The manufacturing-related gap creates a space within which one individual part can move freely against another individual part or several other individual parts of the assembly. This space reduces the precision of the guided movement. Accordingly, high precision of the guided movement cannot be achieved with these conventional additive manufacturing processes because the guided movement loses precision due to the manufacturing-related space. As an alternative, the individual parts can be manufactured additively, but this entails additional effort due to the required assembly. Particularly when used in a medical field, the mechanical assembly must also be sufficiently cleanable to meet hygiene requirements. This manufacturing-related space in particular creates a space that is difficult to access and in which dirt can accumulate.In the medical field, the assembly should, on the one hand, feature guided movement with high precision, meaning the smallest possible gaps between the moving individual parts, and, on the other hand, easily cleanable gaps, meaning large gaps between the moving individual parts. These requirements must be met, for example, in medical forceps, scissors, and punches, especially when used in endoscopic devices, in order to be able to clean even the finest gaps.

[0008] DE 10 2022 109 652 A1 discloses a printed hinge with two rotatably coupled bodies with opposing radial and axial bearing surfaces which limit the relative position of the rotatably coupled bodies in the radial and axial directions.

[0009] Patent application US 2008 / 0263821 A1 teaches a hinge assembly that is cast in one piece and comprises a male part with a hinged pivot shaft and a female part connected to it. When the male and female parts rotate relative to each other for the first time, the casting openings break off, allowing the male and female parts to rotate freely relative to each other.

[0010] The published patent application DE 10 2017 105 706 A1 shows a medical instrument manufactured using an additive manufacturing process. It consists of two instrument branches that can be moved relative to each other, each with a bearing section. The instrument branch with the male bearing section extends through the instrument branch with the female bearing section.

[0011] The present invention is based on the object of being able to easily manufacture a precisely dimensioned guide assembly. The object can further consist in achieving a guided movement between individual parts of an assembly with high precision in a simple and / or cost-effective and / or user-friendly and / or reliable manner, particularly in a manner that is easy to handle, for example, during manufacturing or reconditioning.

[0012] This object is achieved according to the invention by a guide arrangement, a device with such a guide arrangement and a manufacturing method for such a guide arrangement, as described herein and defined in the claims.

[0013] The guide arrangement comprises a first guide section having a first guide surface, and a second guide section which is arranged captively on the first guide section and which has a second guide surface corresponding to the first guide surface. The first guide section and the second guide section can be additively manufactured in a production state in which the first guide surface is spaced from the second guide surface. The first guide section and the second guide section can furthermore be brought from the production state into a functional state by a relative movement in which the first guide surface and the second guide surface correspond to one another in such a way that the first guide section and the second guide section together form a guide surface pair which has a guide function for a guided movement.

[0014] Furthermore, a device may be provided which comprises the guide arrangement.

[0015] In addition, a manufacturing method for a guide arrangement according to the invention can be provided. The manufacturing method comprises generatively manufacturing a first guide section, which has a first guide surface, and a second guide section, which is arranged captively on the first guide section and which has a second guide surface corresponding to the first guide surface, by generative manufacturing in a manufacturing state in which the first guide surface is spaced from the second guide surface. The first guide section and the second guide section can be brought from the manufacturing state into the functional state by a relative movement, in which the first guide surface and the second guide surface correspond to one another in such a way that the first guide section and the second guide section together form a guide surface pair that has a guiding function for the guided movement.

[0016] The features according to the invention make it possible to easily manufacture a precisely dimensioned guide arrangement. Furthermore, it is possible to achieve a guided movement between individual parts of an assembly with high precision in a simple and / or cost-effective and / or user-friendly and / or more reliable manner. In particular, particularly simple handling can be achieved, for example during production or processing. While the production state offers assembly-free and rework-free production by means of generative manufacturing, a guided movement with high precision can be achieved in the functional state. Furthermore, a high degree of surface quality can be achieved even in the area of ​​moving contact surfaces. Both production and assembly times can be shortened, which is accompanied by corresponding savings potential.Furthermore, it makes it possible to implement mechanical design optimizations that are impossible or very complex to implement by machining relatively easily and cost-effectively. For example, optimally adapted sliding blocks in sliding mechanisms result in significantly more stable mechanical-kinematic designs, since larger support surfaces can be provided. In particular, the features according to the invention allow for the cost-effective production of disposable products.

[0017] The guide arrangement can, in particular, be an arrangement of several guide sections that are guided relative to one another. The guide arrangement can, in particular, be designed to allow movements of the guide sections in desired degrees of freedom and to prevent movements in undesired degrees of freedom. The guide arrangement can, in particular, be two-part, three-part, or multi-part. The guide arrangement can be a bearing. The guide arrangement can be a radial bearing. The guide arrangement can be an axial bearing. The guide arrangement can be a radial axial bearing. The guide arrangement can be a linear bearing. The guide arrangement can be a plain bearing. The guide arrangement can be a rolling bearing. The guide arrangement can be a joint. The guide arrangement can be a sliding joint. The guide arrangement can be a rotary joint. The guide arrangement can be a plate joint. The guide arrangement can be a rotary-sliding joint.The guide arrangement can be a ball joint. The guide arrangement can be a combination of different joints. The guide arrangement can be a combination of two joints. The guide arrangement can be a combination of three joints. The guide arrangement can be a sliding joint. The guide arrangement can be a link with a sliding block. The guide arrangement can form a notching joint. If the guide arrangement forms a notching joint, the first guide section can be pivoted out of the second guide section in the manufactured position. The guide arrangement can be a locking connection system. The guide arrangement can have a function similar to a key-lock principle.

[0018] The guide arrangement can be designed for a medical device and / or be part of such a device. The guide arrangement can be designed to be suitable for thermal sterilization, chemical sterilization and / or physical sterilization. The guide arrangement can be designed to be autoclavable. This can mean in each case that the guide arrangement can survive the aforementioned process without damage. Alternatively, the guide arrangement can be part of a disposable product, in particular a single-use medical product. In this case, the guide arrangement can be designed to be unsuitable for thermal sterilization, chemical sterilization and / or physical sterilization. The guide arrangement can be designed such that it cannot be autoclaved. This can mean in each case that the guide arrangement cannot survive the aforementioned process without damage.

[0019] The first guide section and the second guide section can each be a technical body or a part of a technical body. The first guide surface and the second guide surface can in particular be designed to come into contact with one another in a planar and / or linear and / or punctiform manner. It is understood that the term “guide surface” here refers to the fact that contact between two real macroscopic objects is always at least planar to a certain extent. The statement that the contact can be linear or punctiform is to be understood accordingly, i.e. even in the case of linear or punctiform contact, the contact occurs over a certain area. The statement can therefore be understood in a functional sense. In other words, the contact can be planar and / or linear and / or punctiform.The second guide surface can have a shape corresponding to the first guide surface. In particular, a contact section of the second guide surface can be designed to correspond to a contact section of the first guide surface, wherein the contact sections can touch one another in the functional state. The first guide surface and the second guide surface can be designed as sliding surfaces. The guide function can include the guide surfaces sliding against one another in at least one spatial direction, whereas movement is inhibited in at least one further spatial direction. The first guide section can comprise a pin and the second guide section can comprise an elongated hole. In some embodiments, the first guide section can comprise a sliding block and the second guide section can comprise a slotted link.

[0020] The captive arrangement of the second guide section on the first guide section can in particular mean that the two guide sections cannot be separated without destruction. The first guide section and the second guide section can be captive in such a way that when the first guide section is held in any orientation, the second guide section is also held and / or that when the second guide section is held in any orientation, the first guide section is also held. It can be provided that the guide sections are neither suitable for assembly onto one another nor for disassembly from one another. The second guide section can in particular be formed contiguously with the first guide section, in particular so as to be non-detachable from it. The second guide section can be arranged so as to be form-connected to the first guide section.The second guide section can enclose the first guide section. In particular, the second guide section can enclose the first guide section by more than twice the angle in at least two virtual planes that are offset from one another by an angle. In particular, the second guide section can enclose the first guide section by more than 120 degrees in at least two virtual planes that are offset from one another by at least 60 degrees. And in particular, the second guide section can enclose the first guide section by more than 180 degrees in at least two virtual planes that are offset from one another by at least 90 degrees.

[0021] The first guide surface and the second guide surface can be spaced apart in the manufacturing state such that generative manufacturing is feasible, in particular without the first guide surface and / or the second guide surface having to be separated from one another after generative manufacturing. This allows simple manufacturability to be combined with high precision with regard to the guide function. The gap between the guide surfaces resulting from the spacing can be suitable for generative manufacturing. The size of the spacing therefore depends in particular on the one hand on the selected generative manufacturing process and on the other hand on the specific manufacturing machine. The first guide section and the second guide section can be designed to be manufacturable by means of free-jet binder application.The first guide section and the second guide section can be configured to be manufactured by means of material extrusion. The first guide section and the second guide section can be configured to be manufactured by means of bath-based photopolymerization. The first guide section and the second guide section can be configured to be manufactured by means of stereolithography or digital light processing. The first guide section and the second guide section can be configured to be manufactured by means of free-jet material deposition. The first guide section and the second guide section can be configured to be manufactured by means of powder-bed-based melting. The first guide section and the second guide section can be configured to be manufactured by means of layer lamination.In particular, the first guide section and the second guide section can be designed to be manufactured using selective laser sintering (SLS) or selective laser melting (SLM) or selective electron beam melting (electro beam melting). The first guide section and the second guide section can be manufactured using multi-jet modeling (MJM). In this method, the first guide section and the second guide section can be built up layer by layer using a print head with multiple linearly arranged nozzles, wherein the print head can function similarly to the print head of an inkjet printer. The first guide section and the second guide section can be designed to be manufactured using a combination of different additive manufacturing processes.The first guide section and the second guide section are not limited to specific materials, but can be manufactured from common additively manufactured materials. The first guide section and the second guide section can therefore be designed to be manufactured from plastic, synthetic resin, ceramic, or metal. The first guide section and the second guide section can in particular be designed to be additively manufactured from the same material. Manufacturing from the same material enables simple, cost-effective recycling, in particular material recovery or reuse of a material. Alternatively, the first guide section and the second guide section can be designed to be additively manufactured from different materials.Manufacturing from different materials enables functionally optimized designs, for example, optimizing sliding friction and / or wear between the first and second guide sections. In some embodiments, the guide sections can be made of a metal suitable for medical applications, for example, steel, stainless steel, titanium, and / or another suitable alloy. The first guide section and the second guide section can, in particular, be designed to be additively manufactured from biocompatible materials.

[0022] The production state can be a production position. The functional state can be a functional area in which the guidance function for the guided movement is given.

[0023] The first guide section and the second guide section can be moved relative to one another in such a way that they can be moved from the manufactured state to the functional state by the relative movement. The functional state differs from the manufactured state in particular in that the first guide surface no longer has to be spaced from the second guide surface and preferably is no longer spaced from one another at all. In other words, the guide surfaces can lie directly next to one another and / or against one another in the functional state. The first guide section with its first guide surface and the second guide section with its second guide surface can be designed in such a way that they can execute the guided movement together in the functional state.This guide function can be achieved by the shape corresponding to each other from the first guide surface to the second guide surface, so that the first guide surface and the second guide surface form the guide surface pair.

[0024] The first guide surface can be spaced apart from the second guide section in the manufacturing state. The second guide surface can be spaced apart from the first guide section in the manufacturing state. The spacing of the guide surfaces from the respective other guide section ensures that the guide surfaces do not have to be separated subsequent to the generative manufacturing. The guide arrangement can therefore be manufactured without rework. The guide surfaces can be spaced apart such that, when viewed perpendicular to the first guide surface, the first guide surface and the second guide surface are arranged next to one another in the manufacturing state. In particular, the guide surfaces are free of overlap and / or do not overlap when viewed perpendicular to the first guide surface.In the manufacturing position, the guide surfaces can be spaced apart from one another by at least 0.05 mm, at least 0.1 mm, at least 0.5 mm, at least 1 mm, at least 2 mm, or at least 3 mm, in particular in a direction perpendicular to the first guide surface and / or perpendicular to a surface normal of the first guide surface. The spacing should be as large as possible to simplify manufacturing, and as small as possible to ensure high mechanical stability of the guide arrangement. The appropriate spacing design therefore depends on the specific application of the guide arrangement.

[0025] The first guide surface and the second guide section can come closer to each other during the relative movement into the functional state. Additionally or alternatively, the second guide surface and the first guide section can come closer to each other during the relative movement into the functional state. The first guide surface and the second guide surface can come closer to each other during the relative movement into the functional state. Furthermore, it can be provided that the first guide section and the second guide section come closer to each other during the relative movement. If the guide arrangement enables such a relative movement, the gap between the guide sections can be made larger in the manufactured state. A distance or gap between the first guide surface and the second guide section can decrease during the relative movement into the functional state.Additionally or alternatively, a distance or gap between the second guide surface and the first guide section can decrease during the relative movement into the functional state. The first guide section and the second guide section can be configured such that they move toward each other during the relative movement.

[0026] The first guide section and the second guide section can have play in the manufacturing state and be at least substantially free of play in the functional state. The guiding function of the guide surface pair can in particular be formed by positive locking. The at least substantially free of play movement in the functional state improves the precision of the guided movement. The term “at least substantially free of play” refers in particular to the state of a mechanical system in which the movement of the components takes place without any significant play or gap. Play refers to an undesirable movement or gap between two or more moving parts. In particular, the play between two components that are at least substantially free of play is so small that it is negligible for normal use.Configuring the guide function of the guide surface pair through a positive fit is the most advantageous design in terms of precision. The first guide section and the second guide section can be configured such that the first guide surface is in full contact with the second guide surface, at least in one position in the functional state. The first guide section and the second guide section can be configured such that the second guide surface is in full contact with the first guide surface, at least in one position in the functional state. The guide surface pair can, in particular, be in uninterrupted contact.

[0027] The guide surfaces of the pair of guide surfaces can slide against each other during the guided movement in the functional state. Sliding the guide surfaces against each other enables a relative movement that is easier to achieve and yet largely force-free than rolling the guide surfaces. The guide surfaces of the pair of guide surfaces can each be moved perpendicular to their guide surfaces in the functional state. The shape of the guide surfaces of the pair of guide surfaces can determine the shape of the guided movement in the functional state.

[0028] The first guide section can have a first recessed surface. The second guide surface can be opposite the first recessed surface in the manufactured state such that a gap is formed between the second guide surface and the first recessed surface. The second guide section can have a second recessed surface. The first guide surface can be opposite the second recessed surface in the manufactured state such that a gap is formed between the first guide surface and the second recessed surface. The first recessed surface can be opposite the second recessed surface in the functional state.The first set-back surface and / or the second set-back surface ensure in particular that the guide surfaces have a large spacing in the manufacturing state and do not have to be separated after generative manufacturing, in particular because they can already be manufactured separately from one another. The first set-back surface and / or the second set-back surface can be radially set back. The first set-back surface and / or the second set-back surface can be axially set back. The first set-back surface and / or the second set-back surface can be offset in one direction with respect to the first guide surface and / or second guide surface. The first set-back surface and / or the second set-back surface can lie in a different plane than the first guide surface and / or the second guide surface.

[0029] In the manufacturing state, a gap, in particular a substantially uniform gap, can be formed between the first guide section and the second guide section. In generative manufacturing with support material, the gap enables subsequent easy removal of the support material. The uniform gap can be a uniform intermediate space. The first guide section and the second guide section can have a constant distance between them in the manufacturing state. The first guide section and the second guide section can be spaced apart by a fixed distance in the manufacturing distance, at least in one region of the guide surfaces. In other words, the first guide section and the second guide section can extend next to one another at a uniform and homogeneous distance from one another, at least in the region of the guide surfaces.

[0030] In the as-manufactured state, the first guide surface can be circumferentially and / or axially and / or laterally spaced from the second guide surface. The spacing of the guide surfaces can be matched to the movement to be guided. The circumferential spacing is particularly suitable for guided movement in the form of a rotary movement. The axial spacing is particularly suitable for guided movement in the form of a linear movement. The lateral spacing is particularly suitable for guided movement in only one direction. In the as-manufactured state, the first guide surface can be circumferentially spaced from the second guide surface with respect to an axis of rotation or a pivot point of the guided movement. In the as-manufactured state, the first guide surface can be axially spaced from the second guide surface with respect to an axis of rotation of the guided movement.The first guide surface can be spaced apart from the second guide surface in time with respect to a rotational axis of the guided movement.

[0031] The functional state can be defined by a range of motion of the guided movement. The manufacturing state can be defined by a manufacturing position. The first guide section and the second guide section can be brought from the manufacturing state to the functional state by a relative rotational movement and / or a lateral movement. If the manufacturing state is defined as a position and the movement state as a range, the guide arrangement can be implemented with little installation space. Depending on the available installation space, the relative movement from the manufacturing state to the functional state can be adjusted. The movement range can be defined by a distance. The movement range can be defined by an angle. The manufacturing state can be defined by a position of the first guide section and the second guide section relative to one another.

[0032] The first guide section and the second guide section can be designed to generate the guide function during an initial relative movement from the production state to the functional state by applying a force. The functional state does not have to be fully developed after generative manufacturing. For example, it can only be generated during the initial relative movement from the production state to the functional state. A force applied here by a user or a machine can subsequently form the guide surfaces required for the guided movement during generative manufacturing. This post-processing is characterized in that it is not assigned to production, but directly before the guide arrangement is used for the first time. The initial movement can be carried out by a user without any auxiliary device. The initial movement can be carried out without the use of tools.Alternatively, the force can be applied using a clamping device. The force can be applied in one direction, a moment about an axis, or a combination thereof.

[0033] The first guide section and the second guide section can in particular be designed to generate the guide function through plastic deformation of one or both of the guide surfaces. This is in particular an irreversible deformation such that a shape produced by the deformation is retained even after the deformation. The plastic deformation can be accompanied by material abrasion. The shapes and material properties of the first guide surface and the second guide surface can in particular be selected such that, upon appropriate force application during the initial movement, a plastic deformation of one guide surface or both guide surfaces occurs. Such plastic deformation can be used to change a surface of the guide surfaces accordingly, in particular to provide a particularly smooth surface for low-loss sliding of the two guide surfaces.Such plastic deformation can be used to remove disruptive light reflections from a surface. Such plastic deformation can be used to give a visual appearance a high-quality appearance. Furthermore, in the simplest case, an allowance can be provided for the shapes of the first guide surface and the second guide surface in order to press the guide surfaces against one another in such a way that the range of movement in the functional area relative to the guided movement is extremely small or is designed to be essentially free of play. Furthermore, the generative manufacturing of the guide sections is simplified because a tolerance for production-related deviations can be set relatively high. For example, a lower dimensional accuracy may be sufficient in generative manufacturing, particularly with regard to grain size, layer structure and orientation.The production-related deviations can subsequently be corrected by plastic deformation during the initial movement from the production state to the functional state. In this case, a geometric shape of the guide surfaces can be calibrated relative to one another by plastic deformation such that the first and second guide surfaces can be moved relative to one another in a form-fitting manner and without play within a functional range of the functional state. The first guide section and the second guide section can be designed in particular to generate the guide function by deforming one or both of the guide surfaces. The first guide section and the second guide section can be designed in particular to generate the guide function by smoothing the surfaces of one of the two guide surfaces.

[0034] The first guide section and / or the second guide section can have a transition surface which is inclined with respect to the guided movement and which adjoins the first or second guide surface at a transition between the production state and the functional state. The inclined transition surface brings about a smooth transition from the production state with the production-related gap and to the functional state with as little gap as possible. Such a transition between the production state and the functional state increases the reliability of the guide arrangement and, in particular, supports the application of force for the initial movement from the production state to the functional state. The gap can be reduced evenly during the transition from the production state to the functional state. The transition can be stepless. An angle between the inclined transition surface and the first or second guide surface can be selected.The angle between the inclined transition surface and the first or second guide surface can be an angle of less than 90 degrees, in particular less than 80 degrees, less than 70 degrees, less than 60 degrees, or less than 50 degrees. The angle influences the forces required for plastic deformation between the guide surfaces. The flatter the angle, the lower the required deformation forces. A transition section between the first or second guide surface and the inclined transition surface can preferably be rounded with a radius.

[0035] The guide arrangement can further comprise a lubricant, in particular a forming lubricant. The lubricant can be provided on the first guide surface, the second guide surface, the first transition surface, and / or the second transition surface. The relative movement between the guide surfaces can be facilitated by the lubricant. Furthermore, if plastic deformation is intended during the initial movement from the manufacturing state to the functional state, this can be improved or simplified. Particular reference is made here to special forming lubricants, which can, in particular, prevent scoring (so-called "fretting") between the guide surfaces or between the guide surfaces and the transition surfaces. Furthermore, the required force application can be reduced here too. The lubricant can be a forming lubricant to prevent scoring.The lubricant can be a forming lubricant for cold forging. The lubricant can be a self-evaporating lubricant.

[0036] The first guide section and the second guide section can further be designed to be brought from the functional state into a processing state by a relative movement, in which the first guide surface is spaced from the second guide section and / or in which the second guide surface is spaced from the first guide section in such a way that an intermediate space for sterilization is formed. The intermediate space for sterilization can in particular be formed in such a way that hot steam can come into contact with the guide surfaces. The first guide section and the second guide section can in particular consist of a heat-resistant material. This can mean that the guide arrangement can survive the aforementioned process without damage. During sterilization, in particular with an autoclave, it is advantageous if all critical areas are accessible to the hot steam during sterilization by means of excess pressure and hot steam.If, in the preparation state, there are no hairline gaps and all gaps between the components that are movable relative to one another can be made comparatively large, these critical areas for sterilization (e.g. for the hot steam during autoclaving with an autoclave) are much easier to reach and the sterilization process becomes safer. Alternatively or additionally, the first guide section and the second guide section can be further designed to be able to be brought from the functional state into a preparation state by a relative movement, in which the first guide surface is spaced from the second guide section and / or in which the second guide surface is spaced from the first guide section in such a way that an intermediate space is formed for cleaning, in particular for rinsing out foreign bodies from the intermediate space. If, in the preparation state, the hairline gaps between a high-precision mechanism, iethe gaps between the guide surfaces are eliminated, and all gaps between the components that move relative to one another can be made comparatively large, all gaps can be reached during cleaning (manually and / or mechanically) with cleaning agent and rinsing liquid, and can be cleaned much more reliably and dirt and cleaning agent can be rinsed out. The provided space improves manual cleaning, for example by hand brushing, and / or cleaning with a dishwasher and / or in an ultrasonic bath, and can be used in particular for rinsing out dirt. The preparation state can also be helpful for removing material residues from generative manufacturing, in particular for removing support material. Preferably, the preparation state can be used for cleaning the guide arrangement in an ultrasonic bath.The safety of the cleaning process is particularly high, as no other materials come into contact with the guide assembly during cleaning. This reprocessed state is particularly helpful for keeping the medical device hygienically clean, especially when the guide assembly is used in a medical device.

[0037] The first guide section and / or the second guide section can have a cleaning opening for cleaning, in particular for flushing out foreign bodies, which in the preparation state connects / connects the intermediate space to an outer side of the guide arrangement. The cleanability or flushability of the intermediate space and its accessibility is improved by providing one or more cleaning openings. In particular, the cleaning openings can be designed so that the intermediate space can be flushed through during cleaning. The one or more cleaning openings can be formed by round, oval, elongated rectangular, rounded, conical, concave and / or convex passages. The one or more cleaning openings can in particular be formed by a bore.The one or more cleaning openings can be designed such that the flow through the cleaning opening(s) and the intermediate space has / have the lowest possible flow resistance. Preferably, the cross-section of the cleaning opening(s) is larger than the cross-section of the intermediate space. This enables particularly effective flushing of the intermediate space.

[0038] The reconditioning state can correspond to the manufacturing state. In particular, the reconditioning state can be defined by the manufacturing position. Combining the reconditioning state with the manufacturing state enables a compact guide arrangement that is also easy to clean. A reconditioning position can therefore be a manufacturing position. The first guide section and the second guide section can be configured to form a uniform gap between them in a manufacturing state or reconditioning state, which is suitable for flushing out foreign bodies.

[0039] The captive arrangement of the second guide section on the first guide section can be retained during the relative movement into the functional state. Maintaining the captive arrangement prevents accidental disassembly of the guide assembly. The guide assembly is therefore more reliable to operate. Alternatively, the captive arrangement of the second guide section on the first guide section can be lost during the relative movement into the functional state. For example, a section of the first guide section and / or a section of the second guide section that provides the captive security can break during the relative movement. The break can occur in a section that does not impair the guide function.

[0040] The guide arrangement can further comprise an additional pair of guide surfaces for forming the guide function for the guided movement, which pair of guide surfaces is arranged on an opposite side of the first guide section and / or the second guide section with respect to the pair of guide surfaces. An additional pair of guide surfaces for the guided movement can be used for improved support of the forces generated during guidance. The guide function can support the guided movement, in particular, from opposite sides. The additional pair of guide surfaces can block a relative movement of the first guide section to the second guide section in one degree of freedom.

[0041] The relative movement from the production state to the functional state can transition directly into the guided movement. The guide arrangement is designed more reliably due to the direct transition. Furthermore, a guide arrangement with the direct transition can be designed particularly compactly. Therefore, no further state can be provided between the production state and the functional state, such as a preparation state or an intermediate state in which, in particular, neither production is possible nor a guiding function is provided. The direct transition can prevent incorrect operation by a user.

[0042] The relative movement from the manufacturing state to the functional state can be a movement perpendicular to the guided movement. A guide arrangement in which a guided movement is a rotational movement can be designed to be particularly compact. The first guide surface can, in particular, have a convex shape and / or the second guide surface can have a concave shape in order to define the guided movement as a rotational movement. A path from the manufacturing state to the functional state can, in particular, be rectilinear. The path of the relative movement can preferably correspond to a distance between the pair of guide surfaces.

[0043] The guide surfaces can have a radius that increases, in particular gradually, in a circumferential direction around a movement axis or a movement point of the guided movement. In this case, the guided movement can, in particular, be configured in the form of a rotary movement. This configuration, in turn, offers a short path from the manufacturing state to the functional state. The guide arrangement can thus be designed to be particularly compact. The guide surfaces can be arranged radially offset. The radially offset guide surfaces can represent additional pairs of guide surfaces.

[0044] The guide arrangement can further comprise at least two additional guide surface pairs to form the guide function for the guided movement. The at least three guide surface pairs can be arranged distributed around a movement axis or a movement point. These additional guide surface pairs can evenly absorb a load resulting from the guide function during a rotational movement. The guide function of the guide arrangement can thus be designed more precisely and reliably. The guide surface pairs can be arranged so that a load can be absorbed in at least three different directions. The guide surface pairs can be arranged so that a load can be absorbed in at least three directions that are perpendicular to one another.

[0045] The guide arrangement can comprise an additional pair of guide surfaces to form the guide function for the guided movement. The two pairs of guide surfaces can be arranged axially offset with respect to a movement axis of the relative movement. This axially offset design is particularly suitable for designing the guide arrangement as a rotary joint or a sliding joint, since the pairs of guide surfaces can evenly absorb the forces generated during guidance along a rotation axis or a sliding axis. The two pairs of guide surfaces can be arranged directly axially offset with respect to a movement axis of the relative movement. In particular, the pair of guide surfaces can merge directly into the additional pair of guide surfaces.

[0046] The guide arrangement can further be designed to form a joint, in particular a rotary and / or sliding joint or a ball joint, during the guided movement in the functional state. A respective shape of the guide sections and a respective material of the guide sections can therefore be designed for an articulated movement. The first guide section and the second guide section can further be designed to form a gap in the guided state, which allows production by selective laser sintering and / or selective laser melting. Production by selective laser sintering (SLS) or selective laser melting (SLM) has the advantage that the guide surfaces can be manufactured relatively precisely and with relatively high strength. The gap can, on the one hand, be as small as possible for a compact design with short paths, and on the other hand, be as large as possible for the removal of a support material.The gap can be made just large enough to allow the support material to be removed, thus providing the most compact guide arrangement possible. The gap can be at least 1 mm, at least 2 mm, or at least 3 mm wide at the manufacturing location, particularly with respect to a direction perpendicular to the first guide surface and / or a surface normal of the first guide surface.

[0047] The device can comprise a first functional element that forms the first guide section, and a second functional element that forms the second guide section. The device can further comprise a further functional element that comprises a further guide section that, with a further first or second guide section of the first functional element or the second functional element, forms a further pair of guide surfaces to form the guide function for the guided movement. By providing additional functional elements, the guided movement can be designed as complex as desired. The device can be designed in multiple parts, in particular in two parts, three parts, or four parts. The device can be a pair of forceps. The device can be an endoscopic instrument. The device can form a handle mechanism. The device can be a distal bending mechanism in a flexible endoscope.The device can be a locking mechanism in an endoscopic instrument, e.g., between a shaft and a functional unit, such as a forceps shaft and forceps insert, or between a shaft and a proximal handle, such as an outer shaft and endoscope housing. The device can be a complete endoscopic product. The complete endoscopic product or its mechanical structure can be manufactured in a single production process. The device can be a complete endoscopic forceps with a distal jaw part with distal mechanics, a shaft with a force-displacement transmission element, such as push-pull rods, and a proximal handle with movable grip part(s), whereby the complete endoscopic forceps can be manufactured together in a single production process. The device can be a disposable product.

[0048] The manufacturing method can further comprise a relative movement of the first guide section and the second guide section from the manufactured state to the functional state. This is particularly advantageous when the relative movement is associated with a high expenditure of force. The relative movement of the first guide section and the second guide section into the functional state can be carried out during production, so that it does not have to be done by a user. The relative movement can be brought about by a tensile force. In some cases, plastic deformation is easier and / or more reproducible under a tensile force, in particular when the plastic deformation does not occur perpendicularly along a deformation surface. Alternatively or additionally, the relative movement can be brought about by a compressive force. The relative movement can be brought about by a moment.The manufacturing method can further include generating the guide function during an initial relative movement from the manufacturing state to the functional state by applying force. This is particularly advantageous when the initial relative movement involves a high level of force. The initial relative movement can be performed using a clamping device.

[0049] The guiding function can also be created by plastic deformation of the guide surfaces. Plastic deformation of the guide surfaces has the advantage that a high tolerance can be selected during additive manufacturing, since deviations can be compensated for by plastic deformation. The manufacturing process is thus simplified with regard to additive manufacturing. Additive manufacturing can, in particular, be carried out with a relatively high tolerance. Plastic deformation can, in particular, involve smoothing the guide surfaces. Plastic deformation can, in particular, reduce the roughness of the guide surfaces.

[0050] The manufacturing method may further comprise applying a lubricant, in particular a forming lubricant, to the first guide surface, the second guide surface, the first transition surface, and / or the second transition surface. Applying the lubricant during manufacturing improves handling by a user. The lubricant can be applied using a dosing device. The lubricant can be applied by spraying.

[0051] It is particularly noted that all features and properties described with reference to a device or arrangement, as well as procedures, are transferable to methods and applicable within the meaning of the invention and are considered to be included in the disclosure. The same applies in reverse. This means that structural features mentioned with reference to methods, i.e., features related to the device, can also be considered, claimed, and included in the disclosure within the scope of the device claims.

[0052] The present invention is described below by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. Those skilled in the art will expediently consider the features individually and use them in meaningful combination within the scope of the claims.

[0053] If there is more than one example of a particular object, only one of them is provided with a reference symbol in the figures and in the description. The description of this example can be transferred accordingly to the other examples of the object. If objects are named in particular using numerical words, such as first, second, third object, etc., these serve to name and / or assign objects. Accordingly, a first object and a third object, but not a second object, can be included. However, a number and / or sequence of objects can also be derived from numerical words. The drawings, the description and the claims contain numerous features in combination.It is understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the respective combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following schematically show:

[0054] Fig. 1 is a schematic side view of a device with a guide arrangement in a manufacturing state according to an embodiment;

[0055] Fig. 2 is a schematic side view of the device in a functional state according to the embodiment;

[0056] Fig. 3 is a schematic enlarged side view of the guide arrangement of the device in the manufacturing state according to the embodiment;

[0057] Fig. 4 is a schematic enlarged side view of the guide arrangement in the functional state according to the embodiment;

[0058] Fig. 5 is a schematic enlarged perspective view of the guide arrangement of the device in the manufacturing state according to the embodiment;

[0059] Fig. 6 is a schematic enlarged perspective view of the guide assembly in the functional state according to the embodiment;

[0060] Fig. 7 is a schematic plan view of a device of a guide arrangement in a manufacturing state according to another embodiment;

[0061] Fig. 8 is a schematic plan view of the device in a functional state according to the further embodiment;

[0062] Fig. 9 is a schematic enlarged plan view of the device in the manufacturing state according to the further embodiment;

[0063] Fig. 10 is a schematic enlarged plan view of the device in the functional state according to the further embodiment;

[0064] Fig. 11 is a schematic enlarged perspective view of the device in the manufacturing state according to the further embodiment;

[0065] Fig. 12 is a schematic enlarged perspective view of the device in the functional state according to the further embodiment;

[0066] Fig. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a guide arrangement in a manufacturing state according to a further embodiment;

[0067] Fig. 14 is a schematic perspective view of the guide arrangement in a functional state according to the further embodiment;

[0068] Fig. 15 is a schematic plan view of the guide arrangement in the manufacturing state according to the further embodiment;

[0069] Fig. 16 is a schematic plan view of a guide arrangement in a manufacturing state according to a further embodiment;

[0070] Fig. 17 is a schematic sectional view of the guide arrangement in the manufacturing state according to the further embodiment;

[0071] Fig. 18 is a schematic plan view of the guide arrangement in a functional state according to the further embodiment;

[0072] Fig. 19 is a sectional view of the guide arrangement in the functional state according to the further embodiment; and

[0073] Fig. 20 shows a schematic flow diagram of a manufacturing method for a guide assembly according to another embodiment. Fig. 1 shows a side view of a device 100 with a guide assembly 10 in a manufacturing state according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 shows a side view of the device 100 in a functional state according to the embodiment.

[0074] The device 100 shown as an example is designed as a simple, movable forceps insert, i.e., as a medical device. The device 100 is made of medical-grade steel, for example.

[0075] The device 100 comprises a first functional element 26 and a second functional element 28. The device 100 further comprises a further functional element 30, which is provided with further guide sections, which will not be discussed further below. The device 100 is thus designed in at least three parts. The functional elements 26, 28 are, for example, forceps limbs. It is understood, however, that this embodiment is merely chosen for illustrative purposes. Particularly in the field of medical mechanical instruments, different functional elements that can move relative to one another can be used, which can be designed differently depending on the intended application. The guide sections, which define the movement paths of the functional elements, are primarily decisive for the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0076] Fig. 3 shows an enlarged side view of the guide assembly 10 of the device 100 in the manufactured state from a side not shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 4 shows an enlarged side view of the guide assembly 10 in the functional state from a side not shown in Fig. 2.

[0077] The guide arrangement 10 comprises a first guide section 12, which has a first guide surface 14, and a second guide section 16, which is arranged captively on the first guide section 12 and which has a second guide surface 18 corresponding to the first guide surface 14. The first guide section 12 and the second guide section 16 can be additively manufactured in a manufacturing state, as shown in Fig. 3, in which the first guide surface 14 is spaced from the second guide surface 18.

[0078] In the present case, the guide arrangement 10 or the device 100 is manufactured, for example, using selective laser sintering (SLS). This is done in a generally known manner by first creating a 3D model of the guide arrangement 10 or the device 100 on the computer. This model is then divided into layers to generate printing instructions for the SLS printer. A powdered material, in this case a suitable steel, is used for production. The selected material is provided in a container. The SLS printer then begins the printing process by spreading a thin layer of the powder material on a build platform. The layer thickness can vary depending on the printer, but is typically in the range of 0.1 to 0.2 mm. A powerful laser beam or other suitable processing beam is directed specifically onto the powder layer.The laser heats the powder at the locations where the guide assembly 10 and / or device 100 is to be produced until it melts or sinters. After a layer has melted or sintered, the build platform is lowered and another layer of powder material is applied. The laser beam repeats the process to solidify the next layer and bond it to the previous layer. This layer buildup continues until the entire guide assembly 10 or device 100 is printed. After the printing process, the component is cooled and stabilized in the powder bed. After cooling, the manufactured guide assembly 10 or device 100 is removed from the printer and cleaned of excess powder. This can be done manually or using mechanical processes.

[0079] Alternatively, the guide assembly 10 or the device 100 can be manufactured, for example, using a process known as multi-jet modeling (MJM). In this process, the guide assembly 10 or the device 100 is built up layer by layer using a print head with multiple linearly arranged nozzles, wherein the print head functions similarly to the print head of an inkjet printer.

[0080] In some embodiments, it may be expedient to print multiple guide assemblies 10 and / or devices 100 simultaneously. This depends on the size of the guide assembly 10 and / or device 100 as well as the size of the build platform used.

[0081] The first guide section 12 and the second guide section 16 can be brought from the manufacturing state into a functional state, as shown in Fig. 4, by a relative movement, in which the first guide surface 14 and the second guide surface 18 correspond to one another in such a way that the first guide section 12 and the second guide section 16 together form a pair of guide surfaces that has a guiding function for a guided movement. In this case, the relative movement and the guided movement are a rotational movement.

[0082] In the manufactured state, as shown in Fig. 3, the first guide surface 14 is spaced from the second guide section 16 and the second guide surface 18 is spaced from the first guide section 12. The first guide surface 14 and the second guide section 16 come closer to each other during the relative movement into the functional state, as shown in Fig. 4. Likewise, the second guide surface 18 and the first guide section 12 come closer to each other during the relative movement into the functional state. The first guide section 12 and the second guide section 16 have play in the manufactured state shown in Fig. 3 and are essentially free of play in the functional state shown in Fig. 4. The guiding function of the guide surface pair is formed by positive locking. The guide surfaces 14, 18 of the guide surface pair slide on one another during the guided movement in the functional state.

[0083] The first guide section 12 has a first recessed surface 20. In the manufacturing state shown in Fig. 3, the second guide surface 18 lies opposite the first recessed surface 20 such that a gap 21 is formed between the second guide surface 18 and the first recessed surface 20. The second guide section 14 has a second recessed surface 22. In the manufacturing state shown in Fig. 3, the first guide surface 14 lies opposite the second recessed surface 22 such that a gap 21 is formed between the first guide surface 14 and the second recessed surface 22. As shown in Fig. 4, in the functional state, the first recessed surface 20 lies opposite the second recessed surface 22. In the manufacturing state shown in Fig. 3, the first guide surface 14 is circumferentially spaced from the second guide surface 18.The functional state is defined by a range of motion of the guided movement, with the manufacturing state being defined by a manufacturing position shown in Fig. 3. The first guide section 12 and the second guide section 16 can be brought from the manufacturing state to the functional state by a relative rotational movement, wherein they come into surface contact with each other in the functional state.

[0084] The first guide section 12 and the second guide section 16 generate the guide function during an initial relative movement from the production state to the functional state by applying force. The initial relative movement is a rotational movement. The first guide section 12 and the second guide section 16 generate the guide function through plastic deformation of both guide surfaces 14, 18, with the guide surfaces 14, 18 being provided with an allowance.

[0085] The first guide section 12 has a transition surface 23 that is inclined with respect to the guided movement and adjoins the first guide surface at a transition between the production state and the functional state. In the present embodiment, the guide arrangement 10 can optionally be provided with a forming lubricant that is provided on the first guide surface 14, the second guide surface 18, and the inclined transition surface 23. A respective angle between the inclined transition surfaces 23 and the guide surfaces 14 influences the forces required for the plastic deformation between the guide surfaces 14, 18. The flatter the angle, the lower the required deformation forces. Preferably, a respective transition section between the inclined transition surfaces 23 and the guide surfaces 14 can be rounded with a radius.

[0086] During the relative movement into the functional state, the captive arrangement of the second guide section 16 on the first guide section 12 is maintained. The relative movement from the production state to the functional state immediately transitions into the guided movement. The relative movement from the production state to the functional state and the guided movement occur around a common movement axis 24.

[0087] The manufacturing state shown in Fig. 3 is also a processing state. The first guide surface 12 is spaced from the second guide section 16 and the second guide surface 18 is spaced from the first guide section 12 such that the intermediate space 21 can be used for cleaning, in particular for flushing out foreign bodies from the intermediate space 21. In addition, the intermediate space 21 can be used for sterilizing the guide arrangement 10 in an autoclave. For example, the second guide section 16 could have a cleaning opening (not shown) for better flushing out foreign bodies, which in the processing state shown in Fig. 3 connects the intermediate space 21 to an outer side of the guide arrangement 10.The optional cleaning opening could, for example, run perpendicular to the movement axis 24, so that, when flushed in, foreign bodies located in the gap 21 are flushed out of the gap 21 along the movement axis 24. Fig. 5 shows an enlarged perspective view of the guide assembly 10 in the manufactured state according to the embodiment. Fig. 6 shows an enlarged perspective view of the guide assembly 10 in the functional state according to the embodiment.

[0088] Due to the spacing in the manufacturing state, the guide arrangement 10 and / or the device 100 can be manufactured generatively. In particular, excess powder can be easily removed at the end of production. Furthermore, the guide surfaces 12, 18 can be manufactured without the production of one of the guide surfaces 12, 18 impairing the production of the other of the guide surfaces 12, 18. Due to the spacing, both guide surfaces 12, 18 can be manufactured with a high surface quality and there is no unwanted fusion or sintering with an immediately adjacent part of the guide arrangement 10 and / or device 100. Nevertheless, in the functional state, play-free and very precise guidance can be achieved because the guide surfaces 12, 18 are guided towards one another during movement into the functional position. This is particularly evident from the combination of Figures 3 and 4.

[0089] The guide arrangement 10 comprises a further pair of guide surfaces, shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, for forming the guide function for the guided movement, which is arranged on an opposite side of the first guide section 12 and the second guide section 16 with respect to the pair of guide surfaces. The first guide section 12 has a third guide surface 15, and the second guide section 16 has a fourth guide surface 19 designed to correspond to the third guide surface 15. During the relative movement from the production state to the functional state, the third guide surface 15 and the fourth guide surface 19 correspond to one another in such a way that the first guide section 12 and the second guide section 16 together form the further pair of guide surfaces, which has a guide function for the guided movement.The guide surfaces 15, 19 of the further pair of guide surfaces slide against each other during the guided movement in the functional state. The third guide surface 15 is laterally spaced apart in the as-manufactured state shown in Fig. 5. In the functional state, the guide surfaces 15, 19 perform the guiding function of a plate joint. The guide arrangement 10 is therefore a rotary and sliding joint during the guided movement in the functional state.

[0090] Fig. 7 shows a plan view of a device 100' with a guide arrangement 10 in a manufactured state according to a further embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 8 shows a plan view of the device 100' in a functional state according to the further embodiment. Fig. 9 shows an enlarged plan view of the device 100' in the manufactured state according to the further embodiment and Fig. 10 shows an enlarged plan view of the device 100' in the functional state according to the further embodiment. Fig. 11 shows an enlarged perspective view of the device 100' in the manufactured state according to the further embodiment and Fig. 12 shows an enlarged perspective view of the device in the functional state according to the further embodiment.

[0091] The device 100' illustrated as an example is designed as a double-movable forceps insert for use in the medical field, i.e., as a medical device. The device 100' comprises a first functional element 26', which forms the first guide section 12', and a second functional element 28', which forms the second guide section 16'. The device 100' further comprises a further functional element 30', which comprises a further guide section 32', which, together with the further first / second guide section 34' of the first functional element 26' or the second functional element 28', forms a further guide surface pair for forming the guide function for the guided movement.

[0092] The guide arrangement 10' comprises a first guide section 12', which has a first guide surface 14', and a second guide section 16', which is arranged captively on the first guide section 12' and which has a second guide surface 18' corresponding to the first guide surface 14'. The first guide section 12' and the second guide section 16' can be additively manufactured in a manufacturing state, as shown in Fig. 9, in which the first guide surface 14' is spaced from the second guide surface 18'. The first guide section 12' and the second guide section 16' can be transformed from a manufacturing state into a functional state, as shown in Fig.10, in which the first guide surface 14' and the second guide surface 18' correspond to one another in such a way that the first guide section 12' and the second guide section 16' together form a guide surface pair that has a guiding function for a guided movement. The relative movement and the guided movement are, in this case, a lateral movement.

[0093] The guide arrangement 10' comprises a further pair of guide surfaces, shown in Fig. 11 and Fig. 12, for forming the guide function for the guided movement. During the relative movement from the manufactured state to the functional state, a third guide surface 15' and a fourth guide surface 19' correspond to one another in such a way that together they form the further pair of guide surfaces, which has a guide function for the guided movement. The guide surfaces 15, 19 of the further pair of guide surfaces slide on one another during the guided movement in the functional state. The third guide surface 15 is laterally spaced apart in the manufactured state shown in Fig. 11. The guide surfaces 15, 19 have a guide function of a disengaging rotary joint in the functional state. During the guided movement in the functional state, the guide arrangement 10' is therefore a rotary and sliding joint.

[0094] Fig. 13 shows a perspective view of a guide arrangement 10" in a manufacturing state according to a further embodiment, Fig. 14 shows a perspective view of the guide arrangement 10" in a functional state according to the further embodiment, and Fig. 15 shows a plan view of the guide arrangement 10" in the manufacturing state according to the further embodiment.

[0095] The guide arrangement 10" largely corresponds to the guide arrangement 10, with the difference that in the manufactured state a substantially uniform gap 25" is formed between the first guide section 12" and the second guide section 16". Here, the first guide section 12" and the second guide section 16" are also brought from the manufactured state to the functional state by a relative rotational movement about a movement axis 24".

[0096] Fig. 16 shows a perspective view of the guide arrangement 10'" in a manufacturing state according to a further embodiment, Fig. 17 shows a sectional view of the guide arrangement 10'" in the manufacturing state according to the further embodiment, Fig. 18 shows a plan view of the guide arrangement 10'" in a functional state according to the further embodiment, and Fig. 19 shows a sectional view of the guide arrangement 10'" in the functional state according to the further embodiment.

[0097] The guide arrangement 10'" largely corresponds to the guide arrangement 10, wherein the guide arrangement 10'" further comprises a further pair of guide surfaces for forming the guide function for the guided movement, which pair is arranged radially offset from the guide surface pair with respect to a movement axis 24'" of the guided movement in the guide function. Furthermore, the guide surfaces have a gradually increasing radius in a circumferential direction around a movement axis 24'" of the guided movement. The guide arrangement 10'" comprises five further pairs of guide surfaces for forming the guide function for the guided movement, wherein the total of six pairs of guide surfaces are arranged distributed around the movement axis 24. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 17 and Fig. 19, two pairs of guide surfaces are arranged axially offset with respect to the movement axis 24 of the relative movement.

[0098] In some embodiments, a device intended for single use can be produced using the described functional principles, arrangements, and / or geometries. This can be a disposable product or a single-use device. In particular, the device or at least a guide arrangement of the device is manufactured from plastic using additive manufacturing. This can be done analogously to the embodiments described above. In particular, plastic 3D printing can be used for this purpose. Any other 3D printing process or additive manufacturing process can then be used as the additive manufacturing process instead of laser sintering or laser melting.

[0099] In general, the guide arrangements and / or devices described herein can be manufactured, for example, by means of free jet binder deposition, material extrusion, layer lamination and / or photopolymerization.

[0100] In general, all guide assemblies and / or devices described herein can be manufactured without machining. This means, in particular, that no machining process is used in their manufacture and / or that they are free of components manufactured by machining.

[0101] From the above description it becomes clear how one of the guide arrangements 10 described above is manufactured in a manufacturing process.

[0102] Fig. 20 shows a schematic flow diagram of a method according to another embodiment. The sequence of the manufacturing method also follows from the above explanations.

[0103] By way of example, one of the guide assemblies 10 described above is manufactured by the manufacturing method. The manufacturing method comprises a step S1 of additive manufacturing of a first guide section 12, which has a first guide surface 14, and a second guide section 16, which is arranged captively on the first guide section 12 and which has a second guide surface 18 configured to correspond to the first guide surface 14, by additive manufacturing in a manufacturing state in which the first guide surface 14 is spaced from the second guide surface 18.The first guide section 12 and the second guide section 16 can be brought by a relative movement from the manufacturing state into a functional state in which the first guide surface 14 and the second guide surface 18 correspond to one another in such a way that the first guide section 12 and the second guide section 16 together form a guide surface pair which has a guide function for the guided movement.

[0104] The manufacturing method further comprises a step S2 of applying a forming lubricant to the first guide surface 14 and the second guide surface 18.

[0105] The manufacturing method further comprises a step S3 of relatively moving the first guide section 12 and the second guide section 16 from the manufacturing state to the functional state, and generating the guide function during an initial relative movement from the manufacturing state to the functional state by applying force. The guide function is generated by plastic deformation of the guide surfaces 14, 18.

[0106] The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. It is understood that the aforementioned features can be used not only in the respective combination specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the present invention. The invention relates to a guide arrangement 10, in particular for a medical device, wherein the guide arrangement 10 comprises a first guide section 12, which has a first guide surface 14, and a second guide section 16, which is arranged captively on the first guide section 12 and which has a second guide surface 18 configured to correspond to the first guide surface 14. The first guide section 12 and the second guide section 16 can be produced additively in a manufacturing state in which the first guide surface 14 is spaced from the second guide surface 18.The first guide section 12 and the second guide section 16 can be brought from the manufacturing state into a functional state by a relative movement, in which the first guide surface 14 and the second guide surface 18 correspond to one another such that the first guide section 12 and the second guide section 16 together form a guide surface pair that has a guide function for a guided movement. The invention further relates to a device with a guide arrangement 10 and a manufacturing method for a guide arrangement 10. List of reference numerals.

[0107] 10 Guide arrangement

[0108] 12 first guide section

[0109] 14 first guide surface

[0110] 15 third guide surface

[0111] 16 second guide section

[0112] 18 second guide surface

[0113] 19 fourth guide surface

[0114] 20 first recessed area

[0115] 21 space

[0116] 22 second recessed area

[0117] 23 inclined transition surface

[0118] 24 Movement axis

[0119] 25 gap

[0120] 26 first functional element

[0121] 28 second functional element

[0122] 30 additional functional elements

[0123] 32 further guide sections

[0124] 34 further first guide section

[0125] 100 device

Claims

Claims 1. A guide arrangement (10), in particular for a medical device, comprising: a first guide section (12) having a first guide surface (14); and a second guide section (16) which is arranged captively on the first guide section (12) and which has a second guide surface (18) corresponding to the first guide surface (14); wherein the first guide section (12) and the second guide section (16) can be produced additively in a manufacturing state in which the first guide surface (14) is spaced from the second guide surface (18);and wherein the first guide section (12) and the second guide section (16) can be brought by a relative movement from the manufacturing state into a functional state in which the first guide surface (14) and the second guide surface (18) correspond to one another in such a way that the first guide section (12) and the second guide section (16) together form a pair of guide surfaces which has a guide function for a guided movement.; 2. Guide arrangement (10) according to claim 1, wherein in the manufacturing state the first guide surface (14) is spaced from the second guide section (16) and the second guide surface (18) is spaced from the first guide section (12).

3. Guide arrangement (10) according to claim 2, wherein the first guide surface (14) and the second guide section (16) come closer to each other during the relative movement into the functional state; and / or wherein the second guide surface (18) and the first guide section (12) come closer to each other during the relative movement into the functional state.

4. Guide arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first guide section (12) and the second guide section (16) have play in the manufacturing state and are at least substantially free of play in the functional state.

5. Guide arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the guide function of the pair of guide surfaces is formed by positive locking.

6. Guide arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the guide surfaces (14, 18) of the guide surface pair slide on one another during the guided movement in the functional state.

7. Guide arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first guide section (12) has a first recessed surface (20), wherein in the manufactured state the second guide surface (18) is opposite the first recessed surface (20) such that a gap (21) is formed between the second guide surface (18) and the first recessed surface (20).

8. Guide arrangement (10) according to claim 7, wherein the second guide section (14) has a second recessed surface (22), wherein in the manufactured state the first guide surface (14) is opposite the second recessed surface (22) such that a gap (21) is formed between the first guide surface (14) and the second recessed surface (22).

9. Guide arrangement (10) according to claim 8, wherein in the functional state the first recessed surface (20) is opposite the second recessed surface (22).

10. Guide arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the manufacturing state an at least substantially uniform gap (25) is formed between the first guide section (12) and the second guide section (16).

11. Guide arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first guide surface (14) in the manufacturing state is separated from the second Guide surface (18) is spaced circumferentially and / or axially and / or laterally.

12. Guide arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the functional state is defined by a range of movement of the guided movement.

13. Guide arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the manufacturing state is defined by a manufacturing position.

14. Guide arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first guide section (12) and the second guide section (16) can be brought from the manufacturing state into the functional state by a relative rotational movement and / or a lateral movement.

15. Guide arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first guide section (12) and the second guide section (16) are designed to generate the guide function by applying force during a first relative movement from the manufacturing state to the functional state.

16. Guide arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first guide section (12) and the second guide section (16) are designed to produce the guide function by plastic deformation of one or both of the guide surfaces (14, 18).

17. Guide arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first guide section (12) and / or the second guide section (16) has a transition surface (23) inclined with respect to the guided movement, which adjoins the first / second guide surface at a transition between the manufacturing state and the functional state.

18. Guide arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a lubricant, in particular a forming lubricant, wherein the lubricant is provided on the first guide surface (14), the second guide surface (18), and / or the inclined transition surface (23).

19. Guide arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first guide section (12) and the second guide section (16) are further designed to be able to be brought from the functional state into a processing state by a relative movement, in which the first guide surface (14) is spaced from the second guide section (16) and / or in which the second guide surface (18) is spaced from the first guide section (12) in such a way that an intermediate space (21) is formed for cleaning, in particular for rinsing out foreign bodies from the intermediate space (21), and / or for sterilization.

20. Guide arrangement (10) according to claim 19, wherein the first guide section (12) and / or the second guide section (16) has / have a cleaning opening for cleaning, in particular for flushing out foreign bodies, which in the processing state connects / connects the intermediate space (21) to an outer side of the guide arrangement (10).

21. Guide arrangement (10) according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the preparation state corresponds to the manufacturing state.

22. Guide arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the captive arrangement of the second guide section (16) on the first guide section (12) is maintained during the relative movement into the functional state.

23. Guide arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a further pair of guide surfaces for forming the guide function for the guided movement, which pair of guide surfaces is arranged on an opposite side of the first guide section (12) and / or the second guide section (16) with respect to the pair of guide surfaces.

24. Guide arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the relative movement from the manufacturing state to the functional state passes directly into the guided movement.

25. Guide arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the relative movement from the manufacturing state to the functional state and the guided movement take place around a common movement axis (24).

26. Guide arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the relative movement from the manufacturing state to the functional state is a movement perpendicular to the guided movement.

27. Guide arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a further pair of guide surfaces for forming the guide function for the guided movement, which pair is arranged radially offset from the pair of guide surfaces with respect to a movement axis (24) or a movement point of the guided movement in the guide function.

28. Guide arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the guide surfaces (14, 18) have a radius which increases, in particular in steps, in a circumferential direction around a movement axis (24) or a movement point of the guided movement.

29. Guide arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least two further pairs of guide surfaces for forming the guide function for the guided movement, wherein the at least three pairs of guide surfaces are arranged distributed around a movement axis (24) or a movement point.

30. Guide arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a further pair of guide surfaces for forming the guide function for the guided movement, wherein the two pairs of guide surfaces are arranged axially offset with respect to a movement axis (24) of the relative movement.

31. Guide arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, further designed to form a joint, in particular a rotary and / or sliding joint or a ball joint, during the guided movement in the functional state.

32. Guide arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first guide section (12) and the second guide section (16) are further configured to form a gap (25) in the manufacturing state, which allows manufacturing by selective laser sintering and / or selective laser melting and / or multi-jet modeling.

33. Device (100) with a guide arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in particular a medical device, comprising: a first functional element (26) forming the first guide section (12); and a second functional element (28) forming the second guide section (16).

34. Device (100) according to claim 33, further comprising a further functional element (30) which comprises a further guide section (32) which, with a further first / second guide section (34) of the first functional element (26) or the second functional element (28), forms a further pair of guide surfaces for forming the guide function for the guided movement.

35. Manufacturing method for a guide arrangement (10), in particular according to one of claims 1 to 30, comprising: Additive manufacturing of a first guide section (12) having a first guide surface (14), and of a second guide section (16) which is arranged captively on the first guide section (12) and which has a second guide surface (18) corresponding to the first guide surface (14), by additive manufacturing in a manufacturing state in which the first guide surface (14) is spaced from the second guide surface (18), wherein the first guide section (12) and the second guide section (16) can be brought from the manufacturing state into a functional state by a relative movement in which the first guide surface (14) and the second guide surface (18) correspond to one another in such a way that the first guide section (12) and the second guide section (16) together form a pair of guide surfaces which has a guiding function for a guided movement.

36. Manufacturing method according to claim 35, further comprising relatively moving the first guide portion (12) and the second guide portion (16) from the manufacturing state to the functional state.

37. Manufacturing method according to claim 35 or 36, further comprising generating the guide function during a first relative movement from the manufacturing state to the functional state by means of force application.

38. Manufacturing method according to claim 37, wherein the guide function is produced by plastic deformation of the guide surfaces (14, 18).

9. Manufacturing method according to one of claims 35 to 38, further comprising applying a lubricant, in particular a forming lubricant, to the first guide surface (14) and / or the second guide surface (18), and / or to a first transition surface (20) and / or a second transition surface (22) of the guide arrangement (10).

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