阅读说明：本技术 带有接头密封件的电外科器械 (Electrosurgical instrument with joint seal ) 是由 R.魏勒 于 2020-04-17 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种电外科器械(10),该电外科器械(10)带有通过枢转接头(13)而可枢转地支承于彼此处的两个分支(11、12)。枢转接头(13)具有支承销(34)和支承腔(37)。支承销(34)特别地与分支(11)或(12)之一抗扭地连接,并且可旋转地支承于相应的另一个分支(12)或(11)的支承腔(37)中。在分支(11、12)之间设置密封件(45),该密封件(45)密封地邻接于两个分支(11、12)处,并且沿周向方向完全地包绕支承销(34)。优选地,支承销(34)在其轴向端部处与相应的分支(11、12)密封地连接。在这样做时,避免或至少减少污染物从所有侧进入支承销(34)与支承腔(37)之间的区域中或接近的可能性。(The invention relates to an electrosurgical instrument (10), the electrosurgical instrument (10) having two limbs (11, 12) which are pivotably supported on one another by means of a pivot joint (13). The pivot joint (13) has a bearing pin (34) and a bearing cavity (37). The bearing pin (34) is connected in a rotationally fixed manner, in particular, to one of the limbs (11) or (12) and is rotatably mounted in a bearing chamber (37) of the respective other limb (12) or (11). A seal (45) is arranged between the limbs (11, 12), said seal (45) being sealingly adjacent to both limbs (11, 12) and completely surrounding the bearing pin (34) in the circumferential direction. Preferably, the bearing pin (34) is connected at its axial ends in a sealing manner to the respective branch (11, 12). In doing so, the possibility of contaminants entering or approaching the area between the bearing pin (34) and the bearing cavity (37) from all sides is avoided or at least reduced.)

1. Electrosurgical instrument (10) with a first branch (11) and a second branch (12) which are pivotably arranged at each other about a pivot axis (S) by means of a pivot joint (13), wherein the pivot joint (13) comprises a bearing pin (34) and a bearing cavity (37),

with a seal (45), which seal (45) completely surrounds the bearing pin (34) in the circumferential direction about the pivot axis (S) and is sealingly adjoined at the first branch (11) and the second branch (12).

2. Electrosurgical instrument according to claim 1, wherein the seal (45) is elastically deformed in an axial direction (a) parallel to the pivot axis (S).

3. Electrosurgical instrument according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first branch (11) comprises a first abutment surface (46) for the seal (45) and wherein the second branch (12) comprises a second abutment surface (47) for the seal (45).

4. Electrosurgical instrument according to claim 3, wherein at least one distance element (60) is provided, said at least one distance element (60) extending in an axial direction (A) parallel to the pivot axis (S) and defining an axial distance (X) between the first abutment surface (46) and the second abutment surface (47).

5. Electrosurgical instrument according to claim 4, wherein the at least one distance element (60) is rigidly connected with one of the branches (11, 12).

6. Electrosurgical instrument according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the at least one distance element comprises an end face (61) at the free end, the end face (61) forming a friction bearing surface (62) and abutting at the first branch (11) or the second branch (12).

7. Electrosurgical instrument according to any one of claims 4-6, wherein at least three distance elements (60) are provided, which at least three distance elements (60) are arranged at a distance from each other in the circumferential direction about the pivot axis (S).

8. Electrosurgical instrument according to any one of claims 4-7, wherein the seal (45) comprises, in an undeformed initial state, an axial thickness (D) greater than the axial distance (X).

9. Electrosurgical instrument according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a recess (73) for receiving the seal (45) is provided in the first branch (11) and/or the second branch (12).

10. Electrosurgical instrument according to any of the previous claims, wherein the seal (45) has a rectangular cross section.

11. Electrosurgical instrument according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a knife guide cavity (24) is provided in the first branch (11) and/or the second branch (12), in which knife guide cavity (24) a knife (25) is supported in a guided manner movably in the direction of movement (B).

12. Electrosurgical instrument according to claim 11, wherein the bearing pin (34) is arranged offset with respect to the blade guide cavity (24).

13. Electrosurgical instrument according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a biasing element (72) is provided, the biasing element (72) urging the first branch (11) and the second branch (12) towards each other in an axial direction (a) parallel to the pivot axis (S).

14. Electrosurgical instrument according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bearing pin (34) is connected in a rotationally fixed manner with the first branch (11) or the second branch (12) and is rotatably supported in a bearing cavity (37) of the respective other branch (12) or (11).

15. Electrosurgical instrument according to claim 14, wherein the area between the bearing cavity (37) and the bearing pin (34) is sealed by a further sealing element (74).

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an electrosurgical instrument which can be used, for example, for heat fusion and/or sealing or coagulation. The electrosurgical instrument has two branches each having a jaw. Each jaw includes a tissue contacting surface. Electrical current may be conducted through tissue clamped between the tissue contacting surfaces via the tissue contacting surfaces, for example, to seal the tissue.

Background

Such electrosurgical instruments are known. EP 1372512B 1 discloses an instrument with two branches, each comprising a jaw and hinged thereto.

The electrosurgical instrument may be provided as a single use instrument or a multiple use instrument. In some countries, single-use instruments are also reprocessed for further use by a particular provider. Multi-use instruments are provided for a variety of applications, in any way whatsoever, and must be sterilized and reprocessed after each use.

Disclosure of Invention

It may be considered an object of the present invention to provide an electrosurgical instrument with two branches pivotably supported at each other, which electrosurgical instrument ensures simplified cleaning and/or sterilization.

This object is solved by an electrosurgical instrument with the features of claim 1.

The electrosurgical instrument has a first branch and a second branch. The two limbs are pivotably supported at each other about at least one pivot axis by means of at least one pivot joint. At least one pivot joint has a bearing pin and a bearing cavity. The bearing pin extends into the bearing cavity and particularly defines a pivot axis. According to the invention, a seal is present between the two branches at the pivot joint. The seal completely surrounds the pivot pin in the circumferential direction about the pivot axis. The seal has a sealing action in the axial direction. The axial direction is oriented parallel to the pivot axis. The seal sealingly abuts in the axial direction at the first and second branches. The abutment surfaces of the first and second branches against which the seal abuts may be oriented parallel to each other.

The pivot joint is sealed between the branches by a seal. Contaminants cannot enter the gap surrounding the pivot pin between the branches or at least the entry of contaminants is reduced by the seal. However, the seal ensures that a gap or void can be maintained between the branches so that the area between the branches can be close enough for cleaning.

Preferably, the seal is resistant to heat up to a temperature of at least 140 ℃. The seal is permeable, in particular to steam and ethylene oxide (ETO). In doing so, sterilization is not impeded by the seal.

In one embodiment, the seal is comprised of silicon.

The seal may have a hardness of 60 shore.

For example, the seal may have a rectangular cross-section. The seal may be referred to as a seal disk.

Preferably, the seal is elastically deformed in the axial direction such that the seal is compressed between the branches. In doing so, pressure is generated between the seal and the branch. This pressure produces a good sealing effect.

The first branch may comprise a first abutment surface for abutting the seal and the second branch may comprise a second abutment surface for abutting the seal. The abutment surface surrounds the bearing pin at the first branch or the second branch, respectively.

Preferably, there is at least one distance element. The at least one distance element extends in an axial direction parallel to the pivot axis and defines an axial distance between the first abutment surface of the first branch and the second abutment surface of the second branch. For example, the axial distance may have a length of 0.1 mm to 0.4 mm. In one embodiment, the axial distance has a length of 0.2 mm. The first and second abutment surfaces are preferably oriented parallel to each other.

The area of the pivot joint may be covered or covered by the limbs regardless of the angle of opening of the limbs. Therefore, even if the branch is widely opened to any extent, the area cannot be directly cleaned or wiped by, for example, a brush. Thus, the area is difficult to access for mechanical cleaning. Due to the presence of the at least one distance element, a defined gap or clearance remains between the two limbs in the region of the pivot joint. Thus improving accessibility with respect to the seal. In addition, the defined axial compression or elastic deformation of the seal between the two branches can be defined or realized beforehand by at least one distance element. The at least one distance element may additionally improve the joint stability and avoid twisting and/or warping and/or tilting of the branches.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one distance element is rigidly connected to one of the branches. The at least one distance element may be a component of one of the two branches or a component of a part of one of the two branches. For example, the one branch may comprise a plastic part of a plastic coating, the plastic part comprising or forming the at least one distance element. Alternatively, the at least one distance element may be connected with one of the branches by a connection process (e.g. welding, gluing, etc.).

At least one distance element may have an end face at its free end, which may for example be oriented at right angles to the pivot axis. The end faces can extend parallel to the plane or can be at least partially (in sections) of convex spherical or curved design. The end faces may form friction bearing surfaces. The at least one distance element may be contacted at the first branch or the second branch by an end face or a friction bearing surface. The end faces or friction bearing surfaces are sufficiently small that little friction occurs during relative movement of the branches. Thus, a friction-bearing contact between the two branches is established by the at least one distance element in order to ensure pivotability about the pivot axis. The following is preferable: there are at least three distance elements, and in one embodiment, there are exactly three distance elements. The distance elements may be arranged at a distance from each other in the circumferential direction about the pivot axis. Preferably, the distance elements are substantially evenly distributed about the pivot axis in the circumferential direction.

In an undeformed initial state, the seal has an axial thickness which may be greater than the axial distance between the first abutment surface of the first branch and the second abutment surface of the second branch, so as to produce the elastic deformation. In one embodiment, the axial initial thickness in the undeformed initial state is 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm greater than the axial distance. In another embodiment, the axial initial thickness in the undeformed initial state is greater than the axial distance by about at least 25% or by about at least 50%. The axial initial thickness of the undeformed seal may be up to 200% greater than the axial distance.

The following is also advantageous: a seal is disposed in the at least one recess. The at least one recess may be present in the first branch and/or the second branch. The position of the seal orthogonal or radial to the pivot axis may be predefined by the recess. The first abutment surface and/or the second abutment surface is formed by the bottom of the at least one recess. By means of the at least one recess, the axial distance between the abutment surfaces can be increased without the need to increase the axial distance between the two branches and thus the axial dimension of the instrument. In doing so, a greater thickness of the seal is possible, which results in a greater compression path or compression stroke in which the seal is elastically deformed in the axial direction. In doing so, the sealing effect can be improved. In this way, manufacturing tolerances can be excellently compensated. In addition, the instrument is less sensitive to changes associated with use and external influences, such as shrinkage and/or wear of the material in the region of the joint.

In the first and/or second branch, a knife guiding lumen may be provided. The knife guide chamber is configured to support a knife movably arranged therein in a guided manner in the direction of movement. The direction of movement is oriented orthogonal to an axial direction parallel to the pivot axis. In this configuration, the pivot pin may be disposed offset relative to the blade guide cavity.

The following is advantageous: there is a biasing element urging or pressing the first and second branches towards each other in an axial direction parallel to the pivot axis. In doing so, tolerances or wear can be compensated for and a reliable and defined abutment or sealing effect can be achieved. This means that the biasing action or force acts on the seal or the area of the joint is fixed. For example, if the material wears or contracts over time, etc., the biasing element can readjust.

In addition to the sealing between the two branches, it is preferred to seal the bearing gap between the bearing pin and the first branch and/or the second branch. For example, the pivot pin may be an integral part of one of the limbs, or may be rigidly and tightly connected with the limb, e.g. may be welded or glued to the limb. Thus, the bearing pin can be arranged in a rotationally fixed manner at the branch. Due to the rigid and tight connection at one axial end of the bearing pin, ingress of contaminants into the gap around the pivot pin can be avoided.

Still other sealing elements may seal a gap between the bearing cavity and a bearing pin rotatably arranged in the bearing cavity with respect to the branch. The further sealing element may be constructed similarly to the seal. The further sealing element may comprise a sealing cover, a fixing element (in particular a fixing disc) or the like.

In an alternative embodiment, the at least one distance element may be provided at the bearing pin or may be formed by a part of the bearing pin.

In one embodiment of the electrosurgical instrument, one limb can form a fork-shaped part, into which the other limb extends, wherein the bearing pin passes through both limbs in the region of the fork-shaped part and pivotably bears the two limbs at one another. In this embodiment, preferably, two seals are provided for the two inner abutment surfaces of the branches. The branch extending into the fork-shaped part is arranged between the seals and is thus sealed on both sides with respect to the fork-shaped part of the other branch in the region of the pivot axis.

Drawings

Advantageous embodiments of the invention emerge from the dependent claims, the description and the figures. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention are explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The attached drawings show that:

figure 1 is a schematic side view of an embodiment of an electrosurgical instrument with two branches pivotally supported at each other,

figure 2 is a schematic side view of a further embodiment of an electrosurgical instrument with two branches pivotally supported at each other,

figure 3 is a schematic exploded illustration of the electrosurgical instrument of figure 2,

figure 4 is a perspective cross-sectional illustration through an embodiment of a pivot joint for pivotally supporting the limbs of figures 1-3,

figure 5 is a schematic perspective cross-sectional illustration of another embodiment of a pivot joint for pivotally supporting the limbs of figures 1-3,

fig. 6 is a schematic view of a branch in the region of the pivot joint, seen on a surface facing the respective other branch and comprising the knife guiding channel and the distance element,

figures 7-11 are a schematic cross-sectional illustration of different embodiments of pivot joints along the pivot axis respectively for pivotably supporting the limbs of figures 1-3,

FIG. 12 is a basic diagram illustrating axial compression of a seal disposed between branches.

Detailed Description

In fig. 1 and 2, different embodiments of an electrosurgical instrument 10 (i.e., configured as a bipolar instrument, for example) are shown highly schematically. The electrosurgical instrument 10 has a first limb 11 and a second limb 12, the first limb 11 and the second limb 12 being pivotably supported at one another about a pivot axis S by means of a pivot joint 13. The direction parallel to the pivot axis S is indicated as axial direction a.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 1, the jaws 14, 15 are mainly shown, the jaws 14, 15 extending in the distal portion starting from the pivot axis S or the pivot joint 13. The first jaw 14 and/or the second jaw 15 may be pivotably supported. In order to open or close the jaws 14, 15, the instrument 10 of fig. 1 comprises an operating unit 16. Further actions may also be performed by the operating unit 16 (e.g. applying a voltage between the first tissue contacting surface 17 at the first jaw 14 and the second tissue contacting surface 18 at the second jaw 15). In doing so, an electrical current may be passed through the tissue clamped or held between the two tissue contacting surfaces 17, 18.

In fig. 2, another embodiment of an electrosurgical instrument 10 configured as a scissors is shown. Fig. 3 shows the embodiment of fig. 2 in a schematic exploded view. In this embodiment, the first branch 11 comprises a first claw starting at the pivot axis S in the distal direction and a first operating member 19 starting at the pivot axis S in the proximal direction. Correspondingly, the second branch 12 comprises a second jaw 15 starting at the pivot axis S in the distal direction and a second operating path 20 starting at the pivot axis S in the proximal direction.

In one of the branches, and according to the example, in the first branch 11, a knife guide lumen 24 is additionally provided, the knife guide lumen 24 extending in the region of the pivot joint 13 and outwardly from the pivot joint 13 in a direction towards the proximal end of the first operating member 19. In the knife guide chamber 24, a knife 25 (fig. 3) is movably supported in a guided manner in the direction of movement B. The knife guiding cavity 24 is continuous in a first guiding recess 26 in the first jaw 14 and a second guiding recess 27 in the second jaw 15. The knife 25 can be moved out of the knife guiding cavity 24 along the guiding recesses 26, 27 in the moving direction B by the knife actuating means 28. The tissue held or clamped between the tissue contacting surfaces 17, 18 may then be separated by the knife 25.

As is apparent from fig. 2, the pivot joint 13 or pivot axis S is arranged offset relative to the knife guiding cavity 24 transversely to the direction of movement B. Thus, the knife guide cavity 24 extends through the pivot joint 13.

In fig. 1 and 2, an electrical connection device is shown, which is configured to be connected to an external plug or another suitable connection. In the case of an electrosurgical instrument like a scissors, the connecting means 29 are preferably arranged at one of the branches and, according to the example, at the proximal end at the first branch 11 and thus at the first operating member 19. The two tissue contacting surfaces 17, 18 are electrically connected with the electrical connection means 29 via an undisclosed conductor in the first branch 11.

In an embodiment, the circuit may be closed by an additional neutral electrode (monopolar RF clamping instrument) on the patient's body. In doing so, the two tissue contacting surfaces 17, 18 have the same potential. It is not necessary to electrically isolate the joint area internally.

In the instrument 10 configured as a bipolar instrument, the electrical circuit between the two tissue contacting surfaces 17, 18 is closed via the tissue abutting the two tissue contacting surfaces 17, 18. The two conductors are led to the joint via a connection means 29. Current transmission and/or voltage potential application to the tissue contact surface 18 of the second branch 12 is effected in the region of the joint. In doing so, an electrical insulation is preferably provided in the region of the joint, in particular to ensure potential separation.

In the embodiment of fig. 1, the electrical connection means 29 are arranged at the operating unit 16 and the electrical conductors extend from the operating unit 16 to the tissue contact surfaces 17, 18. The construction of the embodiment of the pivot joint 13 is shown in an exploded view in fig. 3 and in a perspective sectional view along the pivot axis S and orthogonal to the direction of movement B in fig. 4. In this embodiment, the pivot joint 13 comprises a separate bearing pin 34. The bearing pin 34 has a cylindrical shaft portion 35 extending coaxially with the pivot axis S. At the axial ends, the bearing pin 34 has a head 36, the head 36 having a dimension orthogonal to the pivot axis S that is larger than the shaft portion 35. For example, the head 36 may be formed by a disc-shaped and in particular a circular disc-shaped part of the bearing pin 34. The shaft portion 35 and the head portion 36 may be integrally formed or may be formed of separate members rigidly connected to each other.

The first limb 11 has a bearing chamber 37, through which bearing chamber 37 the shaft portion 35 of the bearing pin 34 extends in a rotatably supported manner. The head 26 abuts an outer surface 38 of the first branch 11 facing away from the second branch 12. The free end 39 of the bearing pin 34 opposite the head 36 extends in the through-hole 40 of the second limb 12 or through the through-hole 40. The free end 39 is connected with an end part 41, the end part 41 at least partially comprising a larger dimension transverse to the pivot axis S than the through hole 40. The end piece 41 and/or the bearing pin 34 can be rigidly connected with the second branch 12, for example by welding and/or gluing and/or press fitting and/or another suitable connection. In doing so, the bearing pin 34 is secured against undesired movement in the axial direction a parallel to the pivot axis S. The end piece 41 can be rigidly connected with the bearing pin 34, for example by welding and/or gluing and/or press fitting and/or another suitable connection. In the embodiment shown in fig. 3 and 4, the end part 41 has a disc-or plate-or cap-shaped form.

The second branch 12 and the bearing pin 34 have the same potential. According to this example, the end part 41 effects an electrical insulation of the free end 39 of the bearing pin 34 from the outside and acts as a touch guard. The electrical insulation of the free end 39 of the bearing pin 34 can also be achieved by other means, for example by covering the free end 39 with an insulating material, such as an adhesive. The adhesive may be in exactly the same or similar form as end member 41 after it is cured (e.g., a cap form). In such embodiments, the end member 41 need not provide the function of securing the bearing pin 34 against undesired movement in the axial direction a parallel to the pivot axis S. The shaft portion 35 of the bearing pin 34 may be directly fixed or fastened at the through hole 40 of the second branch 12.

End member 41 is optional. The end piece 41 may also have only an exclusive electrical insulating effect. In this case, the coupled shaft is directly connected to the second branch 12, for example by welding. In this embodiment, the end member 41 substantially corresponds to a cover. Alternatively or additionally, the end member 41 may also comply with mechanical requirements as explained above and may axially retain the joint.

The electrosurgical instrument 10 further comprises a seal 45, the seal 45 being closed in a circumferential direction about the pivot axis S in an annular manner. The seal 45 may have a circular ring-shaped profile. In fig. 12, the seal 45 is schematically shown in cross-section. The shape of the seal 45 in an initial state without elastic deformation is shown in broken lines. In an axial direction a parallel to the pivot axis S, the seal 45 has an axial thickness D. In the assembled state, the seal 45 is compressed in the axial direction a between the two branches 11, 12, and the thickness of the seal 45 is reduced. As a result of this compression in the axial direction a, the cross-sectional dimension of the seal 45 radially to the pivot axis S increases, as is schematically shown in fig. 12. The seal 45 shown in solid and hatched cross-sectional areas corresponds to a state of being compressed in the axial direction a.

The seal 45 abuts in a sealing manner in the axial direction a at a first abutment surface 46 at the first branch 11 and at the opposite side in the axial direction a at a second abutment surface 47 of the second branch 12. The first abutment surface 46 surrounds the bearing chamber 37 in an annular manner. The second abutment surface 47 surrounds the through hole 40 in an annular manner. The first and second abutment surfaces 46, 47 face each other and are arranged with an axial distance X between each other in the axial direction a. Thus, the seal 45 has a thickness in the axial direction a in a compressed state corresponding to the axial distance X between the first 46 and second 47 abutment surfaces.

Preferably, the axial distance X has a length of at least 0.1 mm and at most 0.4 mm. In the embodiment shown here, the axial distance X is about 0.2 mm. In the undeformed initial state, the seal 45 has an axial thickness D, for example, of 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm greater than the axial distance X (fig. 12). Preferably, in the undeformed initial state, the axial thickness D is at least 25% greater or at least 50% greater or at least 100% greater than the axial distance X. The following is further preferred: the axial thickness D in the undeformed initial state is at most 200% greater than the axial distance X.

According to this example, the sealing member 45 has a rectangular cross-section and can thus also be indicated as sealing disk. In one embodiment, the hardness of the seal 45 is in the amount of 60 shore. Preferably, the seal 45 consists of a plastic material or a composite material or silicon. The seal 45 is permeable to steam and ethylene oxide (ETO). The material of the seal 45 is resistant to heat up to temperatures in the range of 140 ℃ up to 250 ℃ or up to 300 ℃ or up to 400 ℃.

The bearing area between the two branches is sealed by a seal 45. Contaminants cannot enter or only in small amounts enter the bearing gap between the bearing pin 34 and the bearing chamber 37 or the through-hole 40 between the two limbs 11, 12.

In order to avoid contamination ingress also at the axial ends (i.e. the head 36 and the free end 39), in an embodiment the bearing pin 34 is sealed in the region of the axial end 39, for example by a cap-shaped end part 41 and/or an adhesive and/or welded connection with the second branch 12. The end piece 41 can abut tightly and sealingly at the second limb 12 and is preferably connected sealingly with the second limb 12 by an adhesive, adhesive or welded connection. For example, there may be an adhesive or welded connection extending all around in the circumferential direction.

In order to seal the bearing pin 34 in the region of the head 36, in this embodiment there is a cover 48, which cover 48 covers the head 36 and is sealingly adjoined at the first limb 11 and, according to the example, at the outer surface 38 of the first limb 11. The cover 48 may be rigidly connected with the first branch 11, for example by an adhesive connection, a welded connection or the like, in order to avoid the ingress of contaminants between the cover 48 and the first branch 11. For example, an adhesive connection or a welded connection extending all around in the circumferential direction may be provided. The bearing pin 34 can be arranged rotatably relative to the cover 48 about the pivot axis S.

A first cavity 49 may be introduced in the outer surface 38, in which first cavity 49 the head 36 and a ring 50 surrounding the head 36 in the circumferential direction about the pivot axis S may be at least partially accommodated. The cover 48 has a circumferential edge 51, the circumferential edge 51 extending radially outwardly from the ring 50 away from the pivot axis S and abutting the outer surface 38 outside the first cavity 49.

For rotational support, a bushing 52 may be provided between the shaft portion 35 and the first branch 11. The bushing 52 is electrically insulated, for example, with respect to the first branch 11. One of the electrical conductors, starting from the connecting means 29, is connected to the bushing 52. The bushing 52 forms a sliding contact (contact) for supporting the pin 34. Thus, an electrical connection with the second branch 12 can be established via the bearing pin 34.

The end piece 41 has a central portion 53, according to the example, the central portion 53 having a cylindrical shape and being housed in a second cavity 54 in an outer surface 55 of the second branch 12 facing away from the first branch 11. The circumferential edge 56 of the end part 41 surrounds the pivot axis S and extends radially outwards away from the pivot axis S starting from the central portion 53. A circumferential edge 56 is disposed outside of the second cavity 54 and abuts the outer surface 55 of the second leg 12.

The branches 11 and 12 preferably comprise a metal core, which provides structural rigidity and may also serve as a current conductor. According to this example, the outer surfaces of branches 11 and 12 (i.e., outer surfaces 38 and 55) are non-conductive and electrically insulated with respect to the metal core. The metal core is for example coated, clad or overmolded.

Thus, the pivot joint 13 is secured by the seal 45 to prevent contaminants from entering the area of the joint at the axial ends and between the branches 11, 12. In doing so, cleaning of such an electrosurgical instrument 10 is simplified.

In order to ensure a defined axial distance X between the first and second abutment surfaces 46, 47, the first branch 11 and/or the second branch 12 comprises at least one distance element 60 extending in the axial direction a. In the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 4, one of the distance elements 60 provided is shown in the cross-sectional plane, which distance element 60 is a component of the second limb 12 and extends away from the second limb 12 toward the first limb 11.

Each distance element 60 is rigidly connected to one of the two branches 11 or 12. In the embodiment shown here, all distance elements 60 are rigidly connected with the second branch 12 and are preferably component parts of the second branch 12 (e.g. a plastic body or a plastic coating of the second branch 12). Each distance element 60 may also be part of the metal core of one of the branches 11, 12. In this case, the metal core is coated, covered or overmoulded, or electrically insulated in any other way with respect to the outside (for example by a plastic body or a plastic coating). Preferably, there are a plurality of distance elements 60. As is apparent from fig. 6, according to this example three distance elements 60 are provided at the second branch 12, which distance elements 60 are arranged at a distance from each other in the circumferential direction about the pivot axis S. The radial distance between the pivot axis S and the distance element 60 may be equal or may have different lengths. Preferably, the distance elements 60 are arranged along a common circumcircle line (circumcircleline) in the circumferential direction about the pivot axis S and are regularly distributed about the pivot axis S. In this way, the jaws 14, 15 of the branches 11, 12 or of both branches 11, 12 are secured against accidental tilting with respect to each other. Due to the distance between the distance elements 60 in the circumferential direction and due to the preferably provided radial distance from the seal 45, sufficient space is provided for cleaning with cleaning liquid, by means of which cleaning is improved.

In an embodiment, at least some of the distance elements 60 may have a cylindrical profile.

In an embodiment, each distance element 60 has an end face 61, the end face 61 facing the first branch 11 and being slidingly adjoined at the first branch 11. According to this example, the end surface 61 extends in a plane orthogonal to the pivot axis S. As an alternative to this, the end face may also be convexly curved. The end surface 61 of each distance element 60 forms a friction bearing surface 62 for the first branch 11. During the pivoting of the two branches 11, 12 relative to each other about the pivot axis S, the first branch 11 slides at the friction bearing surfaces 62 of the distance element 60, respectively, on a circular arc-shaped path about the pivot axis S.

It has to be noted that in other embodiments the profile, number and arrangement of the distance elements 60 may also differ from the illustration in fig. 6.

In fig. 6, it is also apparent that the knife guiding cavity 24 extends in the direction of movement B between one of the distance elements 60 and the pivot axis S. This arrangement is advantageous because the distance of the knife guide cavity 24 from the pivot axis S should be chosen as small as possible. Thus, the available space between the outer circumference of the seal 45 and the knife guiding cavity 24 or the knife 25 may not be sufficient for arranging the distance element 60, according to the example, the distance element 60 is thus provided at the other side of the knife guiding cavity 24.

In fig. 5, an embodiment is shown which is modified compared to the example of fig. 4. As for the same portions of these embodiments, refer to the above description. In addition to the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 4 and described so far, the possibility of electrical contacting of the conductor 63 with the bearing pin 34 is also shown. According to this example, the conductor 63 extends along the first branch 11 as far as the bushing 52 and is connected electrically conductively with the bushing 52. Bushing 52 is electrically conductive. Since the pivot joint acts between the bushing 52 and the bearing pin 34, preferably a spring contact 65 can be arranged in the annular cavity 64, which spring contact 65 is, on the one hand, electrically conductively connected with the bearing pin 34 and, on the other hand, biases the spring contact 65 radially outwards against the inner surface 52 away from the pivot axis S.

In fig. 7 to 11, further embodiments for realizing the pivot joint 13 are shown highly schematically in cross-section along the pivot axis S orthogonal to the direction of movement B.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 7, the free end 39 of the bearing pin 34 is connected to the second branch 12 by a peripherally extending joint 70 (e.g. a welded joint or an adhesive joint) so that contaminants are prevented from entering the gap between the bearing pin 34 and the through hole 40. A further peripherally extending joint 70 is provided between the first branch 11 and the cover 48, which joint 70 can also be realized as a welded joint or as an adhesive joint.

In this embodiment, unlike the embodiments described so far, the distance element 60 is provided at the first branch 11 or is a component thereof.

The embodiment schematically illustrated in fig. 8 provides at least one distance element 60 arranged at or as a component part of the second branch 12. In this embodiment, the bearing pin 34 is also a component part of one of the branches 11, 12 and, according to the example, of the second branch 12. The through-hole 40 and the head 36 are omitted. According to this example, the shaft portion 35 extends away from the second abutment surface 47 through the bearing cavity 37 to the free end 39. In this embodiment, the free end 39 extends from the bearing cavity 37 and is secured by an end member 41 (which may be disc-shaped according to this example) and/or the shaft portion 35. The disk-shaped end part 41 is connected sealingly and rigidly to the free end 39 or the shaft portion 35 of the bearing pin 34 via a peripherally extending joint 70. The end part 41 abuts at the outer surface 38 of the first branch 11 on an annular area of sufficient radial dimension by forming a friction connection in a sealing manner. In doing so, the ingress of contaminants into the bearing gap between the shaft portion 35 and the bearing cavity 37 is at least impeded or avoided.

The embodiment of the pivot joint 13 schematically shown in fig. 9 comprises a bearing pin 34, at which bearing pin 34 the at least one distance element 60 is formed by at least one radial projection 71, which radial projection 71 projects radially outwards from the pivot axis S with respect to the shaft portion 35. In the embodiment shown in fig. 9, a single radial projection 71 is provided, the radial projection 71 extending all around, so that the radial projection 71 thus forms an annular collar. It is also possible to provide a plurality of radial projections 71 (in particular, at least three such radial projections 71), which radial projections 71 are arranged at a distance from one another in the circumferential direction about the pivot axis S.

In another embodiment, at least one distance element 60 is arranged between the seal 45 and the pivot axis S, viewed radially with respect to the pivot axis S. At least one distance element 60 may be surrounded by a seal 45 and may, as it were, be arranged in the sealing area of the pivot joint 13. This configuration is also possible by modifying one of the embodiments of fig. 7, 8 and 10 by arranging at least one distance element 60 radially more inwards than the seal 45, or by arranging at least one distance element 60 centrally.

At the at least one radial projection 71, a friction bearing surface 62 is provided, the friction bearing surface 62 being intended to be in sliding abutment with one of the branches (according to the example, the first branch 11). Unlike the embodiments described so far, the at least one distance element 60 is therefore not provided at one of the branches, but at the bearing pin 34. The distance element 60 is located in the area sealed by the seal 45. Viewed radially with respect to the pivot axis S, the seal 45 further faces away from the pivot axis S as a radial projection 71.

In the region of the free end 39, the shaft part 35 of the bearing pin 34 extends out of the bearing chamber 37, and is connected in a sealing manner here to the end part 41 by means of a circumferentially extending joint 70, similar to the embodiment of fig. 8. Unlike the embodiment of fig. 8, in this embodiment the end member 41 is configured as a biasing element 72 which generates a biasing force between the two branches 11, 12. The biasing element 72 generates a biasing force on the bearing pin 34 in the axial direction a and thus urges the friction bearing surface 62 against the first branch 11. At the end opposite the free end 39, the bearing pin 34 is rigidly connected to the second limb 12, in particular in the region of the outer surface 55 of the second limb 12, by means of a circumferentially extending joint 70. Thus, it may be ensured by the biasing element 72 that the axial distance X is maintained or deliberately reduced in order to further ensure the sealing effect of the seal 45 despite manufacturing tolerances and/or wear and/or shrinkage processes.

It is also apparent in fig. 9 that the seal 45 may be arranged in the recess 73. In an embodiment, a recess 73 may be provided in the first branch 11. The recess 73 opens towards the second abutment surface 47 of the second branch 12. The bottom of the recess 73 forms at least part of the first abutment surface 46. Additionally or alternatively, a recess 73 may also be provided in the second branch 12. The at least one recess 73 has the following advantages: the axial thickness D of the seal 45 in the undeformed initial state can be selected to be large, and thus a long compression path or stroke can be utilized without the need to increase the axial dimension of the electrosurgical instrument in the axial direction a. Additionally, the position of the seal 45 orthogonal to the pivot axis S or the bearing pin 34 may be defined and maintained by the at least one recess 73.

In the embodiment of fig. 9, in addition to the distance element 60 formed at the bearing pin 34, further measures for stabilizing (e.g. to prevent undesired tilting) the pivot joint 13 may be provided. For example, further distance elements 60 such as shown in fig. 4 to 8 may be provided. Such further distance elements 60 will for example only have the task of stabilizing the seal but not limiting or adjusting the axial compression of the seal 45.

The embodiment of the pivot joint 13 shown in fig. 10 substantially corresponds to the embodiment according to fig. 8. Unlike the embodiment of fig. 8, the embodiment shown in fig. 10 is provided with a further sealing element 74. According to this example, a further sealing element 74 is arranged between the end part 41 and the first limb 11 or the outer surface 38 of the first limb 11. Further sealing elements 74 may be configured corresponding to the seals 45. The further sealing element 74 completely surrounds the free end 39 extending from the bearing chamber 37 or the shaft portion 35 of the bearing pin 34 and seals the gap between the end part 41 and the first limb 11. In addition, reference may be made to the description of fig. 8. The additional sealing element 74 can also be used as a further modified embodiment of the embodiment shown in fig. 9.

The embodiments of the pivot joint 13 described so far relate to a unilateral bearing. Thereby, the first branch 11 and the second branch 12 are arranged next to each other along the pivot axis S, rather than engaging each other. In the embodiment shown in fig. 11, one of the branches (and for example the first branch 11) has a fork 76 in the region of the pivot joint 13, the fork 76 having a first arm 77 and a second arm 78 arranged at a distance from each other in the axial direction a. The bearing pin 34 passes through the two arms 77, 78 and is rigidly and sealingly connected, at the respective axial ends, to the arms 77 or 78 by means of a peripherally extending joint 70, in particular a welded joint or an adhesive joint. The second branch 12 with the bearing cavity 37 extends in the free space between the arms 77, 78, wherein the shaft portion 35 of the bearing pin 34 passes through the bearing cavity 37. A first seal 45a is arranged between the second branch 12 and the first arm 77, and a second seal 45b is arranged between the second branch 12 and the second arm 78, and respectively sealingly abuts between the respective arm 77 or 78 on one side and the second branch 12 on the other side. Alternatively, at least one distance element 60 may be arranged between at least one of the two arms 77, 78 (and according to the example, the two arms 77, 78) and the second branch 12, so as to define an axial distance X, similar to the embodiments described so far, and so as to define an axial compression of the seals 45a, 45 b.

It has to be noted that the embodiments of the pivot joint 13 shown in the figures can also be combined with each other. For example, in each embodiment, at least one recess 73 may be provided for receiving the seal 45.

In each embodiment of the pivot joint 13, a biasing element 72 may be provided to bias or urge the two branches 11, 12 towards each other in the axial direction a with a biasing force. In addition, in each embodiment, a further sealing element 74 can also be provided in order to seal the region of the axial end, and in particular the free end 39 of the bearing pin 34, against the bearing gap between the shaft part 35 and the bearing cavity 37.

The invention relates to an electrosurgical instrument 10 with two branches 11, 12 which can be pivotally supported at each other by a pivot joint 13. The pivot joint 13 has a bearing pin 34 and a bearing cavity 37. The bearing pin 34 is in particular connected in a rotationally fixed manner to one of the limbs 11 or 12 and is rotatably mounted in a bearing chamber 37 of the respective other limb 12 or 11. A seal 45 is arranged between the limbs 11, 12, which seal 45 sealingly adjoins both limbs 11, 12 and completely surrounds the bearing pin 34 in the circumferential direction. Preferably, the bearing pin 34 is sealingly connected at its axial ends with the respective branches 11, 12. In doing so, the possibility of contaminants entering or approaching the area between the bearing pin 34 and the bearing cavity 37 from all sides is avoided or at least reduced.

List of reference symbols:

10 electrosurgical instrument

11 first branch

12 second branch

13 pivoting joint

14 first jaw

15 second jaw

16 operating unit

17 first tissue contacting surface

18 second tissue contacting surface

19 first operating member

20 second operating member

24-knife guide cavity

25 knife

26 first guide recess

27 second guide recess

28 knife actuating device

29 electric connection device

34 support pin

35 bearing pin shaft portion

36 head of support pin

37 support chamber

38 outer surface of the first branch

39 free end of the bearing pin

40 through hole

41 end part

45 sealing element

45a first seal

45b second seal

46 first abutment surface

47 second abutment surface

48 cover

49 first chamber

50 cover ring

51 circumferential edge

52 shaft bushing

53 center part

54 second chamber

55 outer surface of the second branch

56 peripheral edge

60 distance element

61 end face

62 friction bearing surface

63 conductor

64 annular chamber

65 spring contact

70 joint

71 radial projection

72 biasing element

73 recessed part

74 additional sealing element

76 fork-shaped part

77 first arm

78 second arm

Axial direction A

d axial thickness

S pivot axis

x axial distance.