CN219803752U - Cutting anastomat - Google Patents

Abstract

The utility model relates to a cutting anastomat, which comprises an anastomat body and an execution assembly, wherein the anastomat body comprises: a transmission circuit for transmitting a signal obtained at the distal end of the stapler body towards the control unit at the proximal end; a loading and unloading auxiliary mechanism provided with an elastic member which is operably arranged between the anastomat body and the execution assembly to transmit force, wherein the elastic member can adopt a locking state in which the state of the elastic member is locked and a locking release state, and the elastic member is compressed to provide feedback to an operator during the installation of the execution assembly; the elastic member is elongated in a lock released state of the elastic member during the detachment of the actuator assembly to eject the actuator assembly, and a main portion of the transmission circuit and the loading/unloading auxiliary mechanism are located in different planes and overlap each other in the longitudinal direction. The cutting anastomat has compact overall structure and proper strength, and each part is closely related, so that the interference between the parts can be avoided.

Description

Cutting anastomat

Technical Field

The utility model relates to a cutting anastomat.

Background

Cutting staplers are widely used in a variety of minimally invasive procedures, such as for excision, transection, and anastomosis of tissue in open procedures for abdominal surgery, gynecology, pediatrics, and thoracic surgery. The cutting anastomat mainly comprises an execution assembly for executing operations such as excision, transection, anastomosis and the like, and an anastomat body for operating the execution assembly to execute various functions. The actuating assembly is rotatable relative to the stapler body. The distal end of the stapler body engages the implement assembly, the proximal end having a handle, control unit, etc. The stapler body is sometimes also referred to as an operating assembly. The actuating assembly may be of various types (e.g., the endoscopic stapler includes actuating assemblies that meet different stapling lengths) depending on different surgical requirements, and the stapler body may be engaged with the various types of actuating assemblies. Typically, to reduce the cost of using a cutting stapler, the stapler body is reusable, with the joined actuating components being replaced according to different circumstances. The closing and firing operations of the different types of implement assemblies are different. If the wrong implement assembly is docked with the operating assembly during surgery, the wrong closing and firing operations are performed, which in turn may cause immeasurable medical accidents and/or instrument damage. Therefore, the cutting stapler is provided with identification means to identify the type of the actuating assembly, so as to prevent the wrong actuating assembly from being docked with the stapler body.

However, the prior art cutting staplers have drawbacks in the following respects.

First, the relevant information (e.g., type of the implement assembly) identified by the identification device needs to be transmitted to a control unit in the stapler body, and then the corresponding driving mode is selected to perform the correct closing and firing operations on the implement assembly. Typically, the identification means for the actuation assembly are arranged at the distal end of the stapler body, while the control unit of the cutting stapler is arranged at the proximal end of the stapler body. An elongated shaft is provided between the proximal and distal ends of the stapler body, within which are arranged numerous components that are delicate, complex and capable of relative movement. It is problematic how to transmit the identification signal at the distal end to the remote control unit via such an elongated shaft without damaging or disturbing the stapler body or significantly increasing the stapler size.

Second, the actuating assembly of the cutting stapler is rotatable about a central axis relative to the stapler body. The signal generated by the identification means is transmitted from the distal end of the stapler body to the relatively rotatable proximal end via a transmission line. How to avoid the transmission line from being wound and knotted, etc. when the assembly rotation is performed is problematic.

Third, there is a risk in practice that the surgeon cannot properly install or remove the implement assembly. For example, upon removal of the implement assembly from the stapler body, the surgeon may pull the implement assembly hard out without properly unlocking the implement assembly from the stapler body, resulting in damage to the components. Therefore, there is a need to improve the operability of the load and unload execution assembly.

Disclosure of Invention

The aim of the present utility model is to provide a new cutting stapler which overcomes at least one of the above drawbacks of the prior art.

According to the utility model, the cutting stapler comprises a stapler body and an execution assembly, characterized in that the stapler body comprises: a transmission circuit provided in the stapler body for transmitting a signal about the execution assembly obtained at the distal end of the stapler body towards a control unit located at the proximal end of the stapler body; and a loading and unloading auxiliary mechanism provided with an elastic member operatively interposed between the stapler body and the execution assembly to transmit force between the stapler body and the execution assembly, the elastic member being capable of assuming a locked state in which a telescopic state thereof is locked and an unlocked state in which the locked state thereof is unlocked, the elastic member being capable of being compressed to provide feedback to an operator during installation of the execution assembly; the elastic member is automatically elongated in said unlocked state of the elastic member during detachment of the actuating assembly to eject the actuating assembly from the stapler body, wherein the main portion of the transmission circuit and the loading and unloading auxiliary mechanism are located in different planes in the stapler body and overlap each other in a longitudinal direction of the stapler body.

According to a preferred embodiment, the cutting stapler further comprises a rotary electric connector comprising a fixed disc fixedly mounted in the stapler body, and a rotary disc rotatable relative to the fixed disc and electrically connectable with the fixed disc, the rotary disc of the rotary electric connector being electrically connected with the transmission circuit, the fixed disc being electrically connected with the control unit.

According to a preferred embodiment, the stationary disc of the rotary electrical connector comprises at least one conductive track, the rotary disc comprises at least one resilient contact, the resilient contact of the rotary disc being aligned with and pressed against the conductive track of the stationary disc, the resilient contact being in electrical connection with the conductive track upon rotation of the rotary disc.

According to a preferred embodiment, the stationary disc of the rotary electrical connector comprises a plurality of annular conductive tracks, concentric and insulated from each other, and the rotary disc comprises a plurality of elastic contacts, each aligned with a respective one of the conductive tracks.

According to a preferred embodiment, the rotating disc is substantially U-shaped, and the same number of resilient contacts as the conductive tracks are provided on each of the two arms of the substantially U-shaped rotating disc.

According to a preferred embodiment, the stapler body is provided with a first housing at the proximal portion, the fixation disc being fixedly mounted to the first housing.

According to a preferred embodiment, the stapler body further comprises a second housing distally of the first housing, the rotary disk being rotatably mounted within the second housing.

According to a preferred embodiment, the first housing and the second housing are joined to form together a part of the housing of the stapler body.

According to a preferred embodiment, the holding pan is provided with two mounting flanges of unequal size.

According to a preferred embodiment, the fixation disc is provided with a central hole for the passage of the central shaft of the stapler body, the diameter of the central hole being greater than the diameter of the central shaft.

According to a preferred embodiment, the substantially U-shaped rotary disc is provided with an opening for the passage of the central shaft of the stapler body, the size of the opening being greater than the diameter of the central shaft.

According to a preferred embodiment, the stapler body comprises an elongated sleeve, the resilient member is accommodated in the accommodation space of the sleeve, and the resilient member is inserted onto and movable along a central axis extending longitudinally within the stapler body.

According to a preferred embodiment, the sleeve is provided with a guide slot for the arrangement of the transmission circuit in a portion having a wall thickness of at least 0.4 mm.

According to a preferred embodiment, the wall thickness of the portion of the sleeve for the arrangement of the guide groove is 0.45mm to 1.2mm.

According to a preferred embodiment, the stapler body comprises a movable member movable relative to the sleeve on the outside of the sleeve, a part of the transmission circuit being arranged between the movable member and the sleeve.

According to a preferred embodiment, the movable member is a locking member for releasably locking the actuating assembly to the stapler body, the locking member comprising a flat surface facing the sleeve, the sleeve comprising a flat surface opposite to the flat surface of the locking member, the guide slot being provided in the flat surface of the sleeve.

According to a preferred embodiment, the depth of the guide slot is designed such that the movable member moving relative to the sleeve does not interfere with the transmission circuit accommodated in the guide slot.

According to a preferred embodiment, the transmission circuit is a flexible circuit board.

According to a preferred embodiment, the handling aid is further provided with a force transmission member operatively interposed between the resilient member and the actuating assembly for transmitting force between the actuating assembly and the resilient member.

According to a preferred embodiment, the force transmission member comprises a force transmission cartridge in operative contact with the resilient member for transmitting force between the resilient member and the actuating assembly, the force transmission cartridge being inserted onto and movable along a central shaft extending longitudinally within the stapler body.

According to a preferred embodiment, the force transfer member further comprises a force transfer plate operatively connected to the force transfer cartridge for transferring force between the force transfer cartridge and the actuation assembly.

According to a preferred embodiment, one of the force transmission cylinder and the force transmission plate is provided with a through hole, and the other of the force transmission cylinder and the force transmission plate is provided with a boss that can be inserted into the through hole to connect the force transmission sleeve and the force transmission plate.

According to a preferred embodiment, the elastic member is a spring.

According to a preferred embodiment, the stapler body is provided at the distal end with identification means for identifying the type of the actuation assembly, the signal transmitted by the transmission circuit being a signal generated by the identification means with respect to the type of the actuation assembly.

According to a preferred embodiment, the handling aid is located proximally of the identification means.

According to a preferred embodiment, the loading aid is arranged near the distal end of the stapler body.

According to a preferred embodiment, the rotary electrical connector is arranged near the proximal end of the stapler body.

According to a preferred embodiment, the plane of the loading aid is at an angle of about 60 degrees to about 120 degrees to the plane of the guide slot for the transmission circuit.

According to a preferred embodiment, the plane of the loading aid is at an angle of about 90 degrees to the plane of the guide slot for the transmission circuit.

According to a preferred embodiment, the stapler body comprises an elongated sleeve, in which the main part of the transmission circuit and the loading and unloading auxiliary mechanism are arranged.

Other features of the present application will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments, which refers to the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

The present application will now be described in detail hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. It will be understood that the figures are not necessarily to scale; in addition, components shown in a certain drawing may be omitted from other drawings for convenience of illustration. The drawings are only for purposes of illustrating exemplary embodiments of the application and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the application. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic diagram schematically illustrating the overall structure of a cutting stapler according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the cutting stapler of FIG. 1 with portions of the housing and other components removed to more clearly illustrate the internal structure;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the stapler body of the cutting stapler with portions of the housing and the like removed to more clearly show the internal structure;

fig. 4 is an explanatory view schematically showing a portion of a transmission circuit, a rotary electric connector, a loading assist mechanism, or the like according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application;

fig. 5 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a sleeve of a stapler body;

fig. 6 to 8 are various explanatory views schematically showing a locking member of the stapler body;

fig. 9 to 10 are a plurality of explanatory diagrams schematically showing a transmission circuit;

fig. 11 is a side view schematically illustrating a rotary electrical connector;

fig. 12 is a plan view schematically showing a fixed disk of the rotary electric connector;

fig. 13 is a perspective view schematically showing the first housing to which the fixed disk is mounted;

fig. 14 is a perspective view schematically showing a rotating disc of the rotating electrical connector;

fig. 15 and 16 are a plurality of explanatory views schematically showing the loading assist mechanism;

FIGS. 17 and 18 are perspective views schematically showing a force transmission cylinder of the loading aid;

Fig. 19 is a perspective view schematically showing a force transmission plate of the load assist mechanism;

fig. 20 is a schematic explanatory diagram schematically showing a travel of the execution assembly in the loading operation.

Detailed Description

Exemplary embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that the description of the various embodiments is merely illustrative and not intended as any limitation of the technology of the present application. It should also be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein can be combined in various ways to provide yet additional embodiments.

It should be understood that throughout the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements. In the drawings, the dimensions of some of the elements may be modified, exaggerated, or reduced for clarity; or some components may be omitted or schematically represented in order to highlight certain components.

Unless otherwise indicated, all terms used in the specification have meanings commonly understood by those skilled in the art. Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity or until such time as they are not germane to the application.

As used in this specification, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. The use of the terms "comprising," "including," and "containing" in the specification mean that the recited features are present, but that one or more other features are not excluded. The use of the phrase "and/or" in the specification includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

In the description, an element is referred to as being "on," "attached" to, "connected" to, "contacting" or the like another element, and the element may be directly on, attached to, connected to, or contacting the other element or intervening elements may be present. This definition applies to similar expressions.

In the description, the terms "first," "second," "third," and the like are used merely for distinguishing between various components and not for limiting the order and function of the various components. Further, the following components such as "second" or "third" may be provided without providing or employing the preceding components such as "first".

In the description, "proximal" refers to the side that is proximal to the operator (e.g., surgeon) of the cutting stapler 1, while "distal" refers to the side that is distal to the operator (i.e., proximal to the patient).

In the specification, unless otherwise indicated, "left", "right", "upper", "lower", "outer", "inner", and the like are with reference to the directions in the drawings. It should be understood that the use of spatial relationships such as "left", "right", "upper", "lower", "outer", "inner", etc., are intended to illustrate the relationship of one feature to another feature in the drawings. It will be appreciated that the spatial relationship terms encompass different orientations of the cutting stapler 1 in use or operation in addition to the orientations shown in the figures.

Next, the basic structure of a cutting stapler 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application will be described with reference to fig. 1, 2. The cutting stapler 1 mainly comprises a stapler body 10 provided with various elements such as a button, a driving unit, a control circuit, etc., and an actuating assembly 20 which can be detachably mounted to the stapler body 10. Proximal end 21 of actuating assembly 20 is insertable into distal end 11 of stapling body 10 (which is also the distal end of elongate sleeve 100 of stapling body 10) so as to be connected to stapling body 10. The actuating assembly 20 and its attached sleeve 100, etc. are integrally rotatable about a central axis 110 (see fig. 16) relative to the proximal portion of the stapler body 10. The execution assembly 20 may be of different types for performing various operations such as cutting and anastomosis. The same stapler body 10 can be used with a plurality of different types of actuating assemblies 20.

< Transmission Circuit >

First, a specific structure of the transmission circuit 200 of the cutting stapler 1 and an arrangement thereof are described.

In order to correctly identify the type of the actuating assembly 20 to take appropriate closing and firing operations, identification means 12 are provided at the distal end 11 of the stapler body 10. The identification means 12 may also be referred to as a signal acquisition unit for acquiring information (e.g. type) about the execution component 20. The identification means 12 are for example provided at the distal end of the elongated sleeve 100 of the stapler body 10, as shown in fig. 2, 4. The electrical signal generated by the identification means 12 will eventually be transmitted by the transmission circuit 200 to a control unit 13 (see fig. 2) provided at the proximal end of the stapler body 10. As shown in fig. 2, the transmission circuit 200 will extend at least through the sleeve 100. The identification means 12 may be, for example, a hall sensor, the specific structure of which may be referred to, for example, in the inventor's prior patent CN217430084U. The control unit 13 controls the cutting stapler 1 as a whole.

In the stapler body 10, as shown in fig. 2, the portion where the sleeve 100 is located is a portion where the cross-sectional dimension is smallest. A plurality of through slots or openings or recesses are provided in the sleeve 100 for the arrangement of a number of fine, complex, relatively movable parts. The sleeve 100 may be regarded as a base for mounting these components and needs to have a certain strength. The provision of these components in the sleeve, and in particular the transmission circuit 200, does not significantly reduce the structural strength of the sleeve 100, does not interfere with the movement of the relevant components in the sleeve, and at the same time avoids damage to the transmission circuit itself by these moving components. Therefore, how to provide the circuit structure in the sleeve 100 portion of the stapler body 10 is problematic.

The inventors of the present application have found, through a large number of tests and verifications, that a depth of the guide groove 103 for the transmission line for laying out the transmission circuit 200 of approximately 0.2mm to 0.3mm is appropriate. Furthermore, the structural strength of the sleeve 100 is not excessively impaired only if the guide groove 103 for the arrangement of the transmission circuit is provided in the region of the sleeve 100 having a wall thickness of at least 0.4mm, for example from 0.45mm to 1.2mm, so that the sleeve can still function correctly without breakage or fracture.

Furthermore, the inventors have found that when the guide grooves 103 for routing the transmission circuit 200 are provided in the surface 101 of the sleeve 100 opposite to the locking member (which is an example of a movable member, the structure and function of which will be described in more detail below), the movement of the relevant components in the sleeve is not disturbed, and damage to the transmission line itself by these moving components can be avoided.

Fig. 4 shows an arrangement of the transmission circuit 200. Here, the outer shell and other extraneous components located outside of the sleeve 100 and locking member 120 are removed. Further, a main portion 203 (described below) of the transmission circuit 200 is hidden from view by the lock member 120.

The structure and arrangement of the sleeve 100, the locking member 120 and the transmission circuit 200 will be described in detail below in connection with fig. 4 to 10.

As shown in fig. 4 and 5, sleeve 100 is a generally hollow tubular member and has a plurality of through slots or openings or recesses or the like provided in the tube wall for receiving or engaging the various components of cutting stapler 1. The structure of the sleeve 100 is very complex and only the sleeve structure and its associated components attached will be described herein in relation to the inventive point of the present disclosure. Further, the sleeve 100 is a one-shot injection molded piece. The injection-molded sleeve is simple and convenient to manufacture, high in precision and low in cost.

The sleeve 100 mounts an identification device 12 for identifying the type of the implement assembly at a mounting location 102 located near the distal end (i.e., distal end 11 of the stapler body 10). The sleeve 100 is provided with a guide groove 103 for routing the transmission circuit 200 in a surface 101 at about 60 to 120 degrees, for example about 90 degrees, from the mounting location 102. Surface 101 of sleeve 100 is a generally planar surface and opposes a generally planar surface 122 (see fig. 7, 8) of locking member 120 of the stapler body. The guide slot 103 is parallel or substantially parallel to the axial direction of the sleeve 100 or the central shaft 110. The shape of the guide groove 103 matches the shape of the transmission circuit 200 located therein so that the transmission circuit 200 can fit snugly into the guide groove 103. The guide groove 103 is located outside the sleeve 100, which facilitates assembly of the transmission circuit 200.

In terms of size, the depth of the guide groove 103 is designed to be slightly larger than the thickness of the transmission circuit 200 so that the movement of the locking member 120 relative to the sleeve 100 does not interfere with or damage the transmission circuit 200 accommodated in the guide groove 103, and the transmission circuit 200 does not interfere with the movement of the locking member 120. The depth of the guide groove 103 may be about 0.2mm to 0.3mm. In the region of the surface 101, the wall thickness of the sleeve 100 is at least 0.4mm, preferably 0.45mm to 1.2mm. Therefore, the provision of the guide groove 103 does not affect the overall structural strength of the sleeve 100. It will be appreciated that there may be variations in the wall thickness of the sleeve 100, depending on the actual need.

In the sleeve, the transmission circuit 200 will generally follow the path shown by the dashed line a in fig. 5. Specifically, the transmission circuit 200 is connected at a first end (i.e., distal end) 201 to the identification device 12 at the mounting site 102, thereafter extends to the guide groove 103 via the arcuate connecting groove 104 after extending proximally a distance in the axial direction of the sleeve 100, and finally is connected at a second end (i.e., proximal end) 202 to a rotary electrical connector 300 described later.

With reference to fig. 4, 6, 7, 8, the locking member 120 of the stapler body will be described. Fig. 6 is a front view of the lock member 120, fig. 7 is a plan view of the lock member 120, and fig. 8 is a perspective view of the lock member 120 viewed from the inside. Locking member 120 is used to releasably lock implement assembly 20 relative to stapler body 10, details of which are described below. The locking member 120 is movable back and forth relative to the sleeve 100 in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the sleeve, and is therefore also a movable member. The locking member 120 comprises a surface 121 on the outside and a corresponding surface 122 on the inside. Both of these surfaces are flat or substantially flat surfaces to facilitate axial movement of the locking member 120 relative to the sleeve 100. In the mounted state, the surface 122 of the locking member 120 will be opposite the surface 101 of the sleeve 100 and the guide groove 103 provided therein, sandwiching the transmission circuit 200 between the surface 122 and the surface 101.

Referring to fig. 9, 10, the transmission circuit 200 will be described. Fig. 9 is a front view of the transmission circuit 200, and fig. 10 is a perspective view of the transmission circuit 200. The transmission circuit 200 includes a first end (i.e., distal end) 201 connected to the identification device 12, and a second end (i.e., proximal end) 202 connected to a rotating disk 320 of a rotating electrical connector 300 described later. The main portion 203 of the transmission line shown in fig. 9, 10 is a portion arranged in the guide groove 103. As can be seen, the transmission circuit 200 is complex in shape, including planar portions located in at least one of planes perpendicular to each other or planes parallel to each other, and at least one of a slope portion or an arc portion for connecting these planar portions. Preferably, the transmission circuit 200 is a flexible circuit board, thereby facilitating arrangement in various complex shapes.

Note that in the present application, the term "transmission circuit" or "transmission circuit of the cutting stapler" means the circuit structure arranged between the identification means 12 and the rotary electrical connector 300 (in particular, the rotary disk 320 of the rotary electrical connector 300), at least the main part of the transmission circuit 200 being provided inside the elongated sleeve 100 in the stapler body 10, as shown in fig. 2, 3. In addition, since the space for disposing the transmission circuit in the proximal portion of the stapler body 10 is relatively wide and the degree of freedom of design is relatively large, the circuit structure between the fixed disk 310 of the rotary electric connector 300 and the control unit 13 will not be described again.

< rotating Electrical connector >

Referring now to fig. 2, 4, 11 to 14, a rotary electrical connector 300 of the cutting stapler 1 will be described.

As previously described, the actuating assembly 20 and the sleeve 100 or the like to which it is connected can rotate about the central axis 110 relative to the proximal portion of the stapler body 10 in which the control unit 13 or the like is provided. In this way, the transmission circuit 200, which transmits the electrical signal of the identification device 12 to the control unit 13, runs the risk of entanglement and knotting. To prevent the transmission circuit 200 from being entangled or knotted, the stapler body 10 is provided with a rotary electrical connector 300.

Rotary electrical connector 300 includes a stationary plate 310 fixedly disposed within first housing 130 at a proximal portion of stapler body 10, and a rotary plate 320 rotatable relative to stationary plate 310 and disposed distally of stationary plate 310, as shown in fig. 2, 4, 11. The rotating disk 320 is located within the second housing 140 that is distally engaged with the first housing 130. As shown in fig. 1 and 2, first housing 130 and second housing 140 together form a portion of the housing of stapler body 10. The rotating disk 320 is electrically connected to the fixed disk 310, and is capable of transmitting an electrical signal transmitted thereto to the fixed disk 310. The stationary disc 310 is in turn connected to the control unit 13 via a transmission circuit.

As shown in fig. 12, the fixed disk 310 is a substantially circular disk-shaped member. The fixed disk 310 includes a central hole 311 for passing the central shaft 110 (see fig. 16) of the stapler body 10 therethrough. The central hole 311 has a diameter larger than that of the central shaft 110 so as not to interfere with the central shaft 110 passing therethrough. The central bore 10 is preferably non-circular. In addition, the stationary plate 310 further includes at least one annular conductive trace 314 disposed on a surface opposite the rotating plate 320. The conductive traces 314 are insulated from each other. Preferably, four conductive traces 314 are provided, which are respectively in electrical contact with elastic contacts 322 on a rotating disk 320 described later. The conductive line 314 is finally connected to the control unit 13 of the stapler body 10 by means of a transmission line.

Furthermore, the fixing disk 310 is also provided on the circumferential outer side thereof with a mounting portion for fixedly mounting the fixing disk 310 in the first housing 130 of the stapler body 10. For example, the stationary plate 310 is provided with mounting flanges 312 and 313 as mounting portions. As shown in fig. 13, the first housing 130 is provided at an open end 131 as a distal end with mounting grooves 132 and 133 engaged with mounting flanges 312 and 313, respectively. Preferably, the two mounting flanges 312 and 313 are of unequal size so as to be able to prevent mounting of the fixation disc 310 in the first housing 130 in the wrong orientation when mounting the fixation disc 310, i.e. to ensure that the conductive tracks 314 of the fixation disc are directed distally of the stapler body when mounted, thereby cooperating with the rotating disc 320.

As shown in fig. 14, the rotary disk 320 is generally U-shaped, having an opening 321 for passing through the central shaft 110 (see fig. 16) of the stapler body 10. The size of the opening 321 is larger than the diameter of the central shaft 110 so as not to interfere with the central shaft 110 passing therethrough. The shape of the opening 321 is not particularly limited. The rotating disk 320 includes at least one resilient contact 322 disposed on a surface opposite the stationary disk 310. In the assembled state, the spring contact 322 will be pressed against the conductive trace 314 of the mounting plate 310, thereby making electrical contact with the conductive trace 314. Preferably, a plurality of resilient contacts 322 are provided on two arms 323 and 324, respectively, of the generally U-shaped rotary disk 320. For example, four spring contacts 322 are provided on each of the arms 323 and 324, respectively, in electrical contact with the four conductive traces 314 of the mounting plate 310. Such a rotating disc arrangement facilitates force equalization when the rotating disc 320 is pressed against the stationary disc 310.

The rotary disk 320 is mounted within the second housing 140 of the stapler body 10, which second housing 140 engages the first housing 130 distally thereof. A second end of the transmission circuit 200 is electrically connected to the rotating disk 320. The rotary disk 320 is rotatable about the central axis 110 within the second housing 140 integrally with the actuator assembly 20, the sleeve 100 and the transmission circuit 200. Moreover, during rotation, the elastic contact pieces 322 of the rotating disk 320 can always slide on the conductive traces 314 of the fixed disk 310 in an electrical contact manner, thereby achieving the transmission of signals. Since electrical contact is made between the fixed disk 310 and the rotating disk 320 through the elastic contact pieces 322 and the conductive traces 314 which are separately provided, electrical connection can be stably made during rotation of the rotating disk 320 as well, and the problems of wire winding and knotting in the prior art can be avoided.

< auxiliary mechanism for attachment and detachment >

Referring now to fig. 15 to 20, a handling assistance mechanism 400 for cutting the actuation assembly 20 of the stapler 1 will be described.

The load assist mechanism 400 is a mechanism for assisting in the attachment/detachment of the actuator assembly 20 to/from the stapler body 10, thereby improving the operability of the load actuator assembly 20 and avoiding damage to the components of the cutting stapler when the actuator assembly 20 is attached or detached.

In the stapler body 10, as previously described, the rotary electrical connector 300 has been provided near the proximal end of the handle, so that there is no longer sufficient space for the handling assistance mechanism 400 described below. How to provide a loading assist mechanism without interfering with other components of the cutting stapler, without significantly compromising the overall structural strength and increasing the size of the stapler body is problematic.

The inventors have found through extensive testing and verification that the loading aid 400 may desirably be disposed at the distal end of the stapler body 10, i.e., the engagement end 11. In particular, the loading aid 400 may desirably be disposed at the distal end of the elongate sleeve 100 of the stapler body 10. Preferably, the loading aid 400 is disposed proximal of the mounting site 102 in the sleeve 100 adjacent to the mounting site 102 of the stapler body 10 for mounting the identification device 12. In this way, the handling assistance mechanism 400 will be located proximal (i.e., rearward) of the identification device 12, such that the movable handling assistance mechanism 400 does not interfere with the identification device 12. Further, more preferably, the loading assist mechanism 400 overlaps with the transmission circuit 200 in the axial direction of the center shaft 110, whereby a compact structure can be obtained. Further preferably, in the stapler body 10, the loading assist mechanism 400 is located in a different plane from the guide groove 103 for laying the transmission circuit 200. For example, the loading/unloading assisting mechanism 400 makes an angle of about 60 degrees to 120 degrees, for example, about 90 degrees with the guide groove 103 for laying the transmission circuit 200, thereby avoiding interference between the loading/unloading assisting mechanism 400 and the transmission circuit 200.

The specific structure and action mechanism of the loading aid 400 are described below.

As shown in fig. 4, 15, and 16, the loading assist mechanism 400 includes an elastic member 410 as the most fundamental member. The elastic member 410 can take a locked state in which its telescopic state is locked, and an unlocked state in which its locked state is unlocked. The elastic member 410 is accommodated in the accommodation space 105 of the sleeve 100 of the stapler body 10. Furthermore, the elastic member 410 is movably inserted onto a central shaft 110 extending longitudinally within the sleeve 100 of the stapler body 10. In other words, the elastic member 410 is capable of expanding and contracting along the central axis 110 within the accommodation space 105 of the stapler body 10. The distal end of the resilient member 410 is operably connected to the actuating assembly 20. "operatively connected" does not mean that the resilient member 410 must be in direct contact or connection with the actuator assembly 20, but that an intermediate member may also be present therebetween, so long as force can be transferred between the resilient member 410 and the actuator assembly 20. In this sense, it can be said that resilient member 410 is operatively interposed between stapler body 10 and actuation assembly 20.

In this embodiment, the elastic member 410 is a spring that is elastically deformable. It is contemplated that the resilient member 410 may also be other components capable of rebounding, such as a resilient sheet metal, a resilient resin, or the like.

As shown in fig. 16-19, the loading aid 400 may further include a force transfer member 420 operably disposed between the resilient member 410 and the implement assembly 20 for transferring an operating force applied by an operator operating the cutting stapler on the implement assembly 20 to the resilient member 410 and transferring a force of the resilient member 410 to the implement assembly 20.

Force transfer member 420 may include a force transfer cylinder 421. The force transmission cylinder 421 is provided with an axial hole 422. Force transmission cartridge 421 is inserted onto central shaft 110 of stapler body 10 at this axial hole 422 and is axially movable along central shaft 110. Further, the resilient member 410 can be at least partially inserted into the axial bore 422 from a proximal end of the axial bore 422. The distal end of the axial hole 422 is provided with an abutment 423 (see fig. 15) for preventing the elastic member 410 from coming out of the distal end of the axial hole 422. In this manner, the force transfer cylinder 421 can be in operable contact with the resilient member 410 for transferring force between the implement assembly 20 and the resilient member 410.

As shown in fig. 16, 19, force transfer member 420 of handling assist mechanism 400 may further include a planar force transfer plate 425 configured to be operably connected with force transfer cylinder 421 at a distal end (left end of fig. 16) of force transfer cylinder 421. Further, the distal end of force transfer plate 425 is configured to be in operative contact with implement assembly 20. Force transfer plate 425 is used to transfer force between force transfer drum 421 and implement assembly 20. Force transfer member 420 may also include additional components so long as it is capable of performing its function.

To achieve a connection between the force transmission cylinder 421 and the force transmission plate 425, the force transmission plate 425 is provided with a through hole 426, the force transmission cylinder 421 being provided at the distal end with a boss 424 which can be inserted into the through hole 426. Boss 424 may be beveled on one side for ease of assembly. Furthermore, it is contemplated that force transfer plate 425 may be provided with a boss and force transfer cylinder 421 provided with a corresponding through hole. That is, one of the force transmission tube 421 and the force transmission plate 425 may be provided with a through hole, and the other may be provided with a boss.

Before describing the mechanism of action of the handling aid 400, the movement in the mounting and dismounting of the actuator assembly 20 with respect to the stapler body 10 will first be described in connection with the schematic illustration of fig. 20. In this embodiment, the functional guide path of the execution assembly 20 during loading and unloading is generally L-shaped. Here, the "L-shaped functional guide path" refers to a guide path capable of realizing L-shaped movement of the execution unit 20, and L-shaped movement of the execution unit 20 may be realized by one guide path or a plurality of guide paths provided at different positions. The first path L1 of the L-shaped guide path (horizontal path in fig. 20) is parallel to the direction of the central axis 110 of the stapler body 10 (i.e., axial direction, arrow M1 direction). The actuating assembly 20 is only linearly movable (i.e., back and forth) in the first path L1 relative to the stapler body 10 in the axial direction, and is not rotatable. The second path L2 (vertical path in fig. 20) of the L-shaped guide path is substantially perpendicular to the first path and extends along the circumferential direction (i.e., arrow M2 direction) of the sleeve 100 of the stapler body 10. The actuating assembly 20 is only rotatable in the second path L2 relative to the stapler body 10 in the circumferential direction and cannot be moved back and forth.

Next, the mechanism of operation of the loading assist mechanism 400 will be described.

First, a case where the actuator assembly 20 is mounted to the stapler body 10 will be described. In the early stages of the installation process, after the engaged end 21 of the actuating assembly 20 and the engaging end 11 of the stapler body 10 are aligned with each other, starting from point D1 of the first path L1, the operator inserts the actuating assembly 20 into the stapler body 10 a length in the direction of arrow M1, substantially without obstruction, until the engaged end 21 of the actuating assembly 20 comes into contact with the force transmitting plate 425 at point D2. Thereafter, actuation assembly 20, which is further advanced in the direction of arrow M1, urges force-transmitting plate 425 such that force-transmitting plate 425 also moves proximally of stapler body 10 in the direction of arrow M1, thereby compressing resilient member 410 in the direction of arrow M1 via force-transmitting cartridge 421. The operator may obviously feel an increase in the operating force due to the resistance generated by compressing the elastic member 410. That is, the compression of the resilient member 410 at this time conveys a significant feedback to the operator: the installation process of the actuating assembly 20 has reached a later stage, the installation speed should be slowed down and the installation force adjusted accordingly so as not to damage the components of the cutting stapler. At point D3, the implement assembly 20 reaches the end of its axial advance stroke. At this time, the elastic member 410 is compressed to the maximum extent. Thereafter, the operator rotates the actuating assembly 20 relative to the stapler body 10 in the direction of arrow M2. Once in the second path L2, the elastic member 410 is in a locked state in which its compressed state is locked. Meanwhile, even if receiving the reaction force of the elastic member 410 in a compressed state or the operation force of the operator in the axial direction, the actuator assembly 20 cannot move back and forth in the axial direction with respect to the stapler body 10. At point D4, the stapler body 10 is rotated into position. After being rotated into place, the previously described locking member 120 (see fig. 6-8) will protrude (e.g., by the action of a spring) from point D5 into the second path L2 to prevent rotation of the actuating assembly 20 in the direction opposite to arrow M2. Thereby, the execution assembly 20 is locked to the stapler body 10, and the installation process thereof is completed. In addition, the elastic member 410 continues to remain in a compressed, locked state.

In contrast, without the provision of the loading assist mechanism 400 according to the present application, the implement assembly 20 advances one way toward the stapler body 10 at a substantially unobstructed high speed until the implement assembly 20 suddenly collides with the stapler body 10 to thereby normally stop the advance stroke. At this time, the components involved in the violent collision are likely to be damaged. With the loading assist mechanism 400 according to the present application, feedback can be provided to the operator in time before the end of the propulsion stroke is reached, so that violent collision and damage of the components can be avoided.

Next, a case of detaching the actuator assembly 20 from the stapler body 10 will be described. First, the operator actuates the button 123 (see fig. 4) to retract the locking member 120 rearward from the second path L2, thereby releasing the rotational lock of the locking member 120 to the execution assembly 20. Thereafter, the operator rotates the actuating assembly 20 in a direction opposite to arrow M2 until the proximal end (rightmost end in fig. 8) of the first path L1 is reached. At this time, the lock on the forward and backward movement or the pushing stroke of the actuator 20 with respect to the stapler body 10 is released, and the compression lock on the elastic member 410, that is, the lock release state in which the elastic member 410 starts to be released is also released. Due to the elastic force of the elastic member 410 in a compressed state, the execution assembly 20 will be pushed to move along the first path L1 in the direction opposite to the arrow M1 until the final execution assembly 20 is completely pushed out of the stapler body 10, i.e. the detachment of the execution assembly 20 is completed. Note that when the actuator assembly 20 is rotated into position during the disassembly operation, the actuator assembly 20 is automatically ejected from the stapler body 10 by the elastic force of the elastic member 410. That is, in the disassembly operation, only the operation that the operator needs to perform is to unlock the rotation of the execution assembly 20 and rotate the execution assembly 20 into place. The ease of disassembly operations reduces the likelihood of errors during operation.

In contrast, without the loading and unloading assistance mechanism 400 according to the present application, the operator first needs to unlock the rotation of the actuator assembly 20 relative to the stapler body 10, then rotate the actuator assembly 20 to a position that can move in the axial direction relative to the stapler body 10, and finally pull the actuator assembly 20 out of the stapler body 10. However, it is difficult for an operator to determine when the implement assembly 20 is rotated into place. Thus, there is a risk that the operator pulls out the stapler body 10 without rotating the executing assembly 20 to a position movable in the axial direction with respect to the stapler body 10. Moreover, the operator may also attempt to pull the implement assembly 20 multiple times or increase the pull-out force without successfully pulling out the implement assembly 20 at this time. This can damage the internal structure of the cutting stapler or deform certain components. With the loading and unloading assisting mechanism 400 according to the present application, it is possible to avoid occurrence of these errors.

In the above and in the drawings, described is an example in which the actuator assembly 20 moves in an L-shape. However, the present application is not limited thereto. For example, the following examples can be envisaged. During installation of the execution assembly 20, when the execution assembly 20 reaches the point D3 of the first path L1 (i.e., reaches the end of its axial insertion advancement stroke), the execution assembly 20 is locked to the stapler body 10, while also locking the state in which the elastic member 410 is compressed. That is, the second path L2 does not exist at this time. When the actuator 20 is detached, after the lock between the actuator 20 and the stapler body 10 is released, that is, the locked state of the elastic member 410 is released, the elastic member 410 of the attachment/detachment assisting mechanism 400 automatically expands to eject the actuator 20. That is, the loading assist mechanism 400 according to the present application is applicable regardless of the moving path of the actuator assembly 20 during loading and unloading.

The novel cutting stapler 10 according to the present application has a compact overall structure and a proper strength, and the various parts are closely associated, while avoiding interference between the parts.

Although the figures illustrate and describe cutting stapler 10 as including transmission circuit 200, rotary electrical connector 300, and loading and unloading assistance mechanism 400, cutting stapler 10 need not all include the three. For example, cutting stapler 10 can include only at least one of transmission circuit 200, rotary electrical connector 300, and loading and unloading assistance mechanism 400, and can solve at least one of the problems associated with the prior art.

While the application has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the application is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims (30)

1. A cutting stapler, the cutting stapler (1) comprising a stapler body (10) and an actuation assembly (20), characterized in that the stapler body (10) comprises:

a transmission circuit (200) provided in the stapler body (10) for transmitting a signal concerning the execution assembly obtained at the distal end of the stapler body towards a control unit (13) located at the proximal end of the stapler body; and

A loading assist mechanism (400) provided with a resilient member (410) operatively interposed between the stapler body (10) and the execution assembly (20) to transfer force between the stapler body and the execution assembly, the resilient member (410) being capable of assuming a locked state in which its telescopic state is locked, and an unlocked state in which its locked state is unlocked, the resilient member (410) being capable of being compressed to provide feedback to an operator during installation of the execution assembly (20); the elastic member (410) automatically stretches in the unlocked state of the elastic member during the detachment of the actuating assembly (20) to eject the actuating assembly (20) from the stapler body (10),

wherein the main part of the transmission circuit (200) and the loading and unloading auxiliary mechanism (400) are located in different planes in the anastomat body (10) and overlap each other in the longitudinal direction of the anastomat body.

2. The cutting stapler according to claim 1, wherein the cutting stapler (1) further comprises a rotary electrical connector (300) comprising a stationary disc (310) fixedly mounted in the stapler body (10), and a rotary disc (320) rotatable relative to the stationary disc and electrically connectable to the stationary disc, the rotary disc (320) of the rotary electrical connector (300) being electrically connected to the transmission circuit (200), the stationary disc (310) being electrically connected to the control unit (13).

3. The cutting stapler according to claim 2, wherein the stationary disc (310) of the rotary electrical connector (300) comprises at least one conductive track (314), the rotary disc (320) comprises at least one resilient contact (322), the resilient contact (322) of the rotary disc (320) is aligned with the conductive track (314) of the stationary disc (310) and pressed against the conductive track (314), the resilient contact (322) being in electrical connection with the conductive track (314) upon rotation of the rotary disc (320).

4. A cutting stapler according to claim 3, wherein the fixed disk (310) of the rotary electrical connector (300) comprises a plurality of annular conductive tracks (314), said plurality of annular conductive tracks (314) being concentric and insulated from each other, the rotary disk (320) comprising a plurality of elastic contacts (322), each elastic contact (322) being aligned with a respective one of the conductive tracks (314).

5. The cutting stapler according to claim 4, wherein the rotary disk (320) is substantially U-shaped, and wherein the two arms (323, 324) of the substantially U-shaped rotary disk (320) are provided with the same number of elastic contacts (322) as the conductive tracks, respectively.

6. The cutting stapler according to any one of claims 2-5, wherein the stapler body (10) is provided with a first housing (130) at a proximal portion, the fixation disc (310) being fixedly mounted within the first housing (130).

7. The cutting stapler according to claim 6, wherein the stapler body (10) further comprises a second housing (140) located distally of the first housing (130), the rotary disk (320) being rotatably mounted within the second housing (140).

8. The cutting stapler according to claim 7, wherein the first housing (130) and the second housing (140) are joined to form together a part of the housing of the stapler body (10).

9. The cutting stapler according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the fixed disk (310) is provided with two mounting flanges (312, 313) of unequal size.

10. Cutting stapler according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the fixed disk (310) is provided with a central hole (311) for passing through the central shaft (110) of the stapler body (10), the diameter of the central hole (311) being greater than the diameter of the central shaft (110).

11. The cutting stapler according to claim 5, wherein the substantially U-shaped rotary disk (320) is provided with an opening (321) for passing through the central shaft (110) of the stapler body (10), the opening (321) being of a size greater than the diameter of the central shaft (110).

12. The cutting stapler according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the stapler body (10) comprises an elongated sleeve (100), the resilient member (410) is accommodated within the accommodation space (105) of the sleeve (100), and the resilient member (410) is inserted onto a central shaft (110) extending longitudinally within the stapler body (10) and is movable along the central shaft (110).

13. Cutting stapler according to claim 12, wherein the sleeve (100) is provided with a guide groove (103) for routing the transmission circuit (200) in a portion having a wall thickness of at least 0.4 mm.

14. The cutting stapler according to claim 13, characterized in that the wall thickness of the portion of the sleeve (100) for laying the guide slot (103) is 0.45mm to 1.2mm.

15. The cutting stapler according to claim 13, wherein the stapler body (10) comprises a movable member movable with respect to the sleeve (100) outside the sleeve (100), the main portion of the transmission circuit (200) being arranged between the movable member and the sleeve (100).

16. The cutting stapler according to claim 15, wherein the movable member is a locking member (120) for releasably locking the actuating assembly (20) to the stapler body (10), the locking member (120) comprising a flat surface (122) facing the sleeve (100), the sleeve (100) comprising a flat surface (101) opposite the flat surface (122) of the locking member, the guiding slot (103) being provided in the flat surface (101) of the sleeve.

17. The cutting stapler according to claim 15, wherein the depth of the guiding slot (103) is designed such that the movable member moving relative to the sleeve (100) does not interfere with the transmission circuit (200) housed in the guiding slot (103).

18. The cutting stapler according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the transmission circuit (200) is a flexible circuit board.

19. The cutting stapler according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the handling assistance mechanism (400) is further provided with a force transmission member (420) operatively interposed between the elastic member (410) and the actuation assembly (20) to transmit force between the actuation assembly (20) and the elastic member (410).

20. The cutting stapler according to claim 19, wherein the force transfer member (420) comprises a force transfer cartridge (421) in operable contact with the resilient member (410) for transferring force between the resilient member (410) and the actuation assembly (20), the force transfer cartridge (421) being inserted onto a central shaft (110) extending longitudinally within the stapler body (10) and being movable along the central shaft (110).

21. The cutting stapler according to claim 20, wherein the force transfer member (420) further comprises a force transfer plate (425) operatively connected to the force transfer cartridge (421) for transferring force between the force transfer cartridge (421) and the actuation assembly (20).

22. The cutting stapler according to claim 21, wherein one of the force transmission cylinder (421) and the force transmission plate (425) is provided with a through hole (426), and the other of the force transmission cylinder (421) and the force transmission plate (425) is provided with a boss (424) insertable into the through hole (426) to connect the force transmission cylinder (421) and the force transmission plate (425).

23. The cutting stapler according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the resilient member (410) is a spring.

24. Cutting stapler according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the stapler body (10) is provided at the distal end with identification means (12) for identifying the type of the actuation assembly (20), the signal transmitted by the transmission circuit (200) being a signal generated by the identification means (12) concerning the type of the actuation assembly (20).

25. The cutting stapler according to claim 24, wherein the loading aid mechanism (400) is located proximal to the identification device (12).

26. The cutting stapler according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein a loading assist mechanism (400) is provided near the distal end of the stapler body (10).

27. The cutting stapler according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein a rotary electrical connector (300) is provided near the proximal end of the stapler body (10).

28. The cutting stapler according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the loading aid (400) is positioned at an angle of about 60 degrees to about 120 degrees to a plane in which the guiding slot (103) for routing the transfer circuit (200) is positioned.

29. The cutting stapler according to claim 28, wherein the loading and unloading auxiliary mechanism (400) is positioned at an angle of about 90 degrees with respect to the plane of the guiding slot (103) for the routing of the transmission circuit (200).

30. The cutting stapler according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the stapler body (10) comprises an elongated sleeve (100), the main part of the transmission circuit (200) and the handling assistance mechanism (400) being provided in the sleeve (100).