GB2590181A - Dismantlable medical instrument - Google Patents

Abstract

A dismantlable medical instrument 10 comprises two separable components, one having two contact faces that face one another and the other having two contact faces that face apart. When the instrument is assembled for use, an elastic part simultaneously presses each face of one component against a respective face of the other component. The elastic element may form one of the contact faces and may be a coil spring 37, 77 or leaf spring (80, Fig. 6), O-ring (67, 87, Fig. 5), or resilient region of either component. Contact surfaces may face both proximally and distally on each component. One component is preferably a handle 50; the other may be a shank 30, e.g. received within the handle with the elastic part forming or resisting its proximal end, or may be a transmission rod 40 with its head 43 received in a recess 74 movable by the handle, e.g. clamped within the recess or wedged into the tapered recess by a flexural neck (47, Fig. 7) of the rod. In another surgical instrument, the handle controls a distal tool via a transmission member, movement of the tool and transmission member being balanced by opposing return springs (27, 57, Fig. 8) on the tool and handle.

Description

Dismantlable medical instrument The present invention relates to a dismantlable medical instrument, in particular a dismantlable microinvasive medical instrument.

Many medical instruments, in particular microinvasive medical instruments, are dismantlable and can be reassembled without tools, non-destructively, therefore fully reversibly, and with simple hand movements. Dismantlability can facilitate cleaning and sterilisation of a medical instrument. Furthermore, it can make a combination of different components possible. For example, alternatively several shanks can be combined with a handling device and/or several tools alternatively can be combined with each shank. Furthermore, dismantlability can facilitate replacement of defective components.

The dismantlability of many medical instruments is brought about by bayonet connections On German often referred to as "Bajonettverbindungen") and by latching and locking connections. The connection between a tool and a distal end of a shank is, for example, often formed as a bayonet connection On German often referred to as "Bajonettverbindung"). The connection of a proximal end of a shank to a handling device is often formed as a latching connection, in which a spring-loaded bolt in the handling device engages a circumferential groove on the outer side of the shank. The mechanical coupling between a proximal end of a connecting rod and a handling device often takes place by way of a coupling ball, which forms a proximal end of the connecting rod and is connected to the distally adjoining rod-shaped region of the connecting rod by way of a thin neck. In the coupled state, the coupling ball engages a borehole which is radial in relation to a pivot axis of a pivotable grip part of the handling device. In this case, the neck is arranged in a slit that opens the borehole laterally, and the neck and the pulling and pushing forces intended for transmission run approximately orthogonal (typically at most 200 or at most 30°) to the direction of the borehole.

There are several competing aims when constructing and manufacturing dismantlable medical instruments, specifically minimal play, minimal friction and manufacturing costs. The lower the manufacturing tolerances are, the more effectively releasable mechanical connections can be fashioned simultaneously with low play and low friction, but the higher the manufacturing costs are. Above all, owing to advances in miniaturisation, that is to say ever-smaller dimensions of medical instruments, the mechanical play which is the result of economically realisable manufacturing tolerances is noticeable in many cases during the intended use of the medical instrument. Although in many cases it has no effect on function and operational safety and therefore on the objective quality of the medical instrument, it can be misunderstood by medical personnel as evidence, or an indication, that the medical instrument is of insufficient quality.

A problem of the present invention consists in producing an improved dismantlable medical instrument in which in particular not the mechanical play is smaller or less noticeable.

This problem is solved by the subject-matters of the independent claims. Further developments are specified in the dependent claims.

A dismantlable medical instrument comprises a first component with a first contact face and a second contact face, a second component with a first contact face and a second contact face and an elastic device on the first component or on the second component, wherein either the first contact face and the second contact face of the first component face away from one another and the first contact face and the second contact face of the second component face one another or the first contact face and the second contact face of the first component face one another and the first contact face and the second contact face of the second component face away from one another, wherein, in a dismantled configuration of the medical instrument, the first component and the second component are not mechanically connected and wherein, in an intended assembled and functional configuration of the medical instrument, the elastic device presses the first contact face of the first component against the first contact face of the second component and simultaneously presses the second contact face of the first component against the second contact face of the second component.

The medical instrument is in particular a microinvasive medical instrument, that is, a medical instrument which is intended and formed for use in the context of microinvasive medical interventions. The medical instrument is dismantlable non-destructively and reversibly, and can be assembled again in one or more different ways, without the use of tools. Nondestructive dismantlability means that the medical instrument can be dismantled without any destruction, i.e. also without any damage and can be assembled again in the intended way without the use of tools, in order to fulfil its intended function again. During dismantling of the medical instrument, in particular no breakage or tearing occurs, nor does any permanent mechanical deformation occur.

The first component is a shank, for example. Alternatively, the first component is a connecting rod or another transmission device, for example, for transmitting a force and/or a torque from a proximal end to a distal end of the dismantlable medical instrument, which is arranged or is to be arranged in or on a shank.

The second component is in particular a handling device with two or more members which are movable in relation to one another. Alternatively, the second component is in particular one of several members of a handling device which are movable relative to one another.

The elastic device is elastically deformable and, during the intended use of the dismantlable medical instrument, is in particular not plastically deformed, or not substantially plastically deformed. The elastic device counteracts deformation with a return force, against which the elastic device is deformable.

In particular during the intended use (comprising the dismantling and assembly) of the medical instrument, the elastic device is permanently connected to the first component or permanently connected to the second component. The elastic device in particular cannot be separated from the associated components without the use of tools and non-destructively.

In the case of the intended assembled and functional configuration of the medical instrument, the elastic return force of the elastic device, directly or indirectly, simultaneously causes the first contact face of the first component to press against the first contact face of the second component and the second contact face of the first component to press against the second contact face of the second component.

A dismantled configuration of the medical instrument is a configuration in which the first component and the second component are not arranged spatially in relation to one another as in the intended assembled and functional configuration, but rather are in particular spaced apart spatially and thus also not mechanically connected.

Without the elastic device, a realistically achievable manufacturing tolerance greater than zero would have the result that the second contact face of the first component would not bear against the second contact face of the second component when the first contact face of the first component bears against the first contact face of the second component, and that the first contact face of the first component would not bear against the first contact face of the second component when the second contact face of the first component bears against the second contact face of the second component. The first component and the second component would be relatively movable in relation to one another between a relative positioning in which the first contact face of the first component bears against the first contact face of the second component, and a relative positioning in which the second contact face of the first component bears against the second contact face of the second component. This movability of the first component relative to the second component represents mechanical play, which can be misunderstood as evidence, or an indication, of poor quality or in some cases could actually impair the function of the dismantlable medical instrument.

Due to the elastic device simultaneously pressing the first contact face of the first component against the first contact face of the second component and the second contact face of the first component against the second contact face of the second component, this mechanical play is avoided or is at least no longer noticeable or only slightly noticeable.

The elastic device and the force exerted by the elastic device onto the contact faces of the components can be formed and dimensioned in such a way that, during the intended use of the dismantlable medical instrument, no force that overcomes the elastic return force of the elastic device occurs, such that at all times, simultaneously, the first contact face of the first component bears against the first contact face of the second component and the second contact face of the first component bears against the second contact face of the second component. For example, a significantly smaller force is regularly required to open a pair of scissors or a clamp or a needle holder or a stamping tool than to close the tool against the resistance of a gripped needle or of gripped or cut tissue. The elastic device can be arranged in such a way that it transmits only the smaller force required to open the tool, but not the greater force required to close the tool.

Alternatively, the elastic device can be formed, arranged and dimensioned in such a way that it is further deformed by a force or a torque that occurs during the intended use of the dismantlable medical instrument, and the first contact face of the first component lifts off from the first contact face of the second component or the second contact face of the first component lifts off from the second contact face of the second component. In this case the elastic device can, however, bring about slow lifting-off, such that the mechanical play is less noticeable.

Alternatively, the elastic device is arranged and formed in such a way that, during the intended use in the intended assembled and functional configuration of the medical instrument, no force or no force running in the direction of the return force produced thereby is transmitted, and no torque or no torque parallel to the return torque produced thereby is transmitted.

In a dismantlable medical instrument, as it is described here, the elastic device comprises in particular a helical spring, a spiral spring, an 0-ring or another elastic structural element made of silicone, rubber or another elastic material, a leaf spring or a flexurally elastic region of the first component or of the second component.

In a dismantlable medical instrument, as it is described here, the elastic device forms in particular the first contact face or the second contact face of the first component or forms the first contact face or the second contact face of the second component.

An elastic device, which forms a contact face itself, can enable a particularly simple mechanical construction with a particularly small number of structural elements.

Alternatively, the elastic device itself forms none of the contact faces, but rather acts directly or indirectly on one or more structural elements which form one or more contact faces.

In a dismantlable medical instrument, as it is described here, the first component is in particular a shank, the second component being a handling device or a member of a handling device with a recess for receiving a proximal end of the shank.

The shank is in particular long and thin, and therefore has a length which is significantly (therefore at least ten times or twenty times or fifty times) greater than the diameter or the greatest linear dimension of the cross-section of the shank. The shank can be straight or curved, rigid or elastic. A region of the shank, which forms its proximal end, is in particular formed substantially cylindrically with a circular or another cross-section Departing from the geometry of an ideal cylinder, the shank, near its proximal end and in the region which is intended for being received in the recess in the handling device, can have, for example, an outwardly circumferential groove or another recess, which a locking device can engage, in order to hold the shank in the recess. In this case, the first contact face of the first component is in particular formed by a distally orientated surface region in the groove or the recess in the shank, and the second contact face of the first component is formed by a proximally orientated end face at the proximal end of the shank.

The cross-section of the recess corresponds in particular to the cross-section of the proximal region of the shank, such that the proximal region of the shank is guided with low play and low friction in the recess. The handling device or the member of the handling device comprises in particular a bolt, which can engage the mentioned groove or recess on the shank, in order to hold the shank in the recess. The bolt is in particular spring-loaded and can be moved manually against an elastic return force from a position which engages the groove or the recess into a position which releases the shank.

A proximally orientated surface region on the bolt forms in particular the first contact face of the second component, with a distally orientated surface region in the recess forming the second contact face of the second component.

In a dismantlable medical instrument, as it is described here, a distally orientated surface region of the shank in particular forms the first contact face of the first component, a proximally orientated surface region of the shank forming the second contact face of the first component, a proximally orientated surface region of the handling device or of the member of the handling device forming the first contact face of the second component, a distally orientated surface region of the handling device or of the member of the handling device forming the second contact face of the second component.

In a dismantlable medical instrument, as it is described here, the elastic device comprises in particular a helical spring or an 0-ring, which at least forms either the proximally orientated surface region of the shank or proximally prestresses the proximally orientated surface region of the shank.

In this case, the handling device can be formed conventionally. A helical spring or an 0-ring can be integrated at the proximal end of the shank with little construction and manufacturing outlay.

In a dismantlable medical instrument, as it is described here, the first component is in particular a connecting rod or another force transmission device with a coupling device at its proximal end, the second component comprising a coupling device, which is movable by means of a movable grip part of a handling device, for releasable mechanical connection to the coupling device of the force transmission device.

The force transmission device is intended and formed in particular for the mechanical transmission of a force and/or a torque between the handling device at the proximal end of the dismantlable medical instrument and a tool at the distal end of the dismantlable medical instrument. The force transmission device is arranged in particular in or on a shank or intended and formed for arrangement in or on a shank.

The handling device comprises in particular a first member, which is rigidly connected or connectable to the proximal end of a shank, and a second member which is movable, in particular pivotable, relative to the first member, to which second member the coupling device of the handling device is attached or integrated or with which second member the coupling device of the handling device is mechanically coupled. The two members of the handling device comprise in particular in each case a region in which one or more fingers of a hand can be inserted or onto which one or more fingers of a hand can be placed, for example a lug corresponding to the lug on a pair of scissors.

The coupling device at the proximal end of the force transmission device comprises, for example, a coupling ball on a neck with a diameter that is reduced in comparison with the coupling ball.

The coupling device on the handling device comprises in particular a borehole in a direction orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the force transmission device and a slit that laterally opens the borehole. The coupling device on the handling device can be formed as one piece or monolithically with the second member of the handling device or can be rigidly connected or merely directly or indirectly mechanically coupled to it.

The force transmission device can be mechanically coupled to the handling device, in particular its movable grip part, whereby the coupling ball at the proximal end of the force transmission device is arranged in the borehole and the neck is arranged in the slit that laterally opens the borehole In a dismantlable medical instrument, as it is described here, a distally orientated surface region of the coupling device of the connecting rod in particular forms the first contact face of the first component, with a proximally orientated surface region of the coupling device of the connecting rod forming the second contact face of the first component, a proximally orientated surface region on the coupling device on the handling device forming the first contact face of the second component, and a distally orientated surface region on the coupling device on the handling device forming the second contact face of the second component.

The first contact face of the first component is formed in particular by distally orientated surface regions of the mentioned coupling ball, which surface regions are arranged on both sides of the mentioned neck. The second contact face of the first component is formed in particular by a proximally orientated surface region of the mentioned coupling ball, which surface region is remote from the mentioned neck. The first contact face of the second component is formed in particular by proximally orientated inner surface regions of the mentioned borehole, which surface regions are arranged on both sides of the mentioned slit. The second contact face of the second component is formed in particular by a distally orientated surface region of the mentioned borehole, which surface region is arranged opposite the mentioned slit.

In a dismantlable medical instrument, as it is described here, the coupling device of the handling device comprises in particular a recess for receiving the coupling device at the proximal end of the force transmission device, the elastic device forming an inner surface region of the recess or an outer surface region of the coupling device at the proximal end of the force transmission device.

The recess is in particular the mentioned borehole on the handling device. The elastic device is in particular an elastic structural element made of silicone, rubber or another elastic material, which is immediately adjacent to the borehole, and the surface of which forms part of the inner surface of the borehole. Alternatively, the elastic device comprises an elastic structural element made of silicone, rubber or another elastic material, which for example forms part of the mentioned coupling ball at the proximal end of the force transmission device and part of the outer surface of the coupling ball In a dismantlable medical instrument, as it is described here, the coupling device of the handling device comprises a recess that narrows conically in the direction of a pivot axis of a movable grip part, which recess is for receiving the coupling device at the proximal end of the force transmission device, the elastic device comprising a flexurally elastic region of the force transmission device near the coupling device, and, in the intended assembled and functional configuration of the medical instrument, the flexurally elastic region of the force transmission device pressing the coupling device into the conically narrowing receptacle.

The exact position at which the coupling device On particular the coupling ball) of the force transmission device rests play-free in the conically narrowing recess is dependent on the actual cross-sections of the recess and of the coupling device of the force transmission device within the tolerances. The nominal cross-sections and positions of the recess and of the coupling device of the force transmission device are selected such that the coupling device of the force transmission device always rests play-free in the recess within the given tolerances.

The flexurally elastic region of the force transmission device is, for example, a region with a reduced cross-section, which distally adjoins the coupling device. The elastic return force of the flexurally elastic region presses the coupling device of the force transmission device into the conically narrowing receptacle.

A dismantlable medical instrument, as it is described here, comprises in particular furthermore a hinge between the movable grip part and the rest of the handling device, which hinge defines the pivot axis of the movable grip part relative to the rest of the handling device, wherein, in the intended assembled and functional configuration of the medical instrument, the flexurally elastic region of the force transmission device exerts onto the hinge a force that is orthogonal to the pivot axis.

The force exerted onto the hinge by the elastic return force of the flexurally elastic region of the force transmission device has the effect that mechanical play in the hinge is no longer noticeable or only slightly noticeable. The flexurally elastic region of the force transmission device can therefore simultaneously prevent play in the coupling between the force transmission device and the pivotable grip part and make play in the hinge between the pivotable grip part and the rest of the handling device no longer noticeable.

A medical instrument comprises a tool, which is movable or deformable between a first predetermined configuration and a second predetermined configuration, a shank with a distal end that is mechanically connected or connectable to the tool, a handling device that is mechanically connected or connectable to a proximal end of the shank and is movable or deformable between a first predetermined configuration and a second predetermined configuration, a force transmission device in or on the shank for coupling of the tool to the handling device in such a way that the tool is in its first predetermined configuration when the handling device is in its first predetermined configuration, and that the tool is in its second predetermined configuration when the handling device is in its second predetermined configuration, and an elastic device on the tool, which produces an elastic return force that moves the tool into its first predetermined configuration, and against which the tool can be moved into its second predetermined configuration.

A medical instrument comprises a tool that is movable or deformable between a first predetermined configuration and a second predetermined configuration, a shank with a distal end that is mechanically connected or connectable to the tool, a handling device that is mechanically connected or connectable to a proximal end of the shank and is movable or deformable between a first predetermined configuration and a second predetermined configuration, a force transmission device in or on the shank for coupling of the tool to the handling device in such a way that the tool is in its first predetermined configuration when the handling device is in its first predetermined configuration, and that the tool is in its second predetermined configuration when the handling device is in its second predetermined configuration, a first elastic device on the tool, which produces an elastic return force that moves the tool into its first predetermined configuration, and against which the tool can be moved into its second predetermined configuration, and a second elastic device on the handling device, which produces an elastic return force that moves the handling device into its second predetermined configuration, and against which the handling device can be moved into its first predetermined configuration.

The tool comprises in particular two or more limbs or jaw parts, of which at least one is movable, in particular pivotable. The first predetermined configuration of the tool is in particular an open configuration, in which for example two jaw parts or limbs of the tool are spaced apart from one another and are capable of receiving tissue or another article between them. The second predetermined configuration of the tool is in particular a closed configuration, in which for example two limbs or jaw parts of the tool bear against one another and touch one another punctiformally, linearly or areally. During transition of the tool from the first predetermined configuration to the second predetermined configuration, tissue or another article can be gripped, pinched, stamped, cut or worked or altered in another way between the limbs or jaw parts of the tool.

The handling device comprises, for example, two members which are manually movable relative to one another. The handling device comprises in particular a first member, which is rigidly mechanically connected or connectable to the proximal end of the shank, and a second member which is pivotable relative to the first member about a pivot axis defined by a pivot hinge, which second member is directly or indirectly mechanically coupled to the proximal end of the force transmission device. The first elastic device on the tool and the second elastic device on the handling device each comprise, for example, a leaf spring, a spiral spring, a helical spring or another elastic structural element.

The elastic return forces of the first elastic device on the tool and of the second elastic device on the handling device act in opposite directions, such that, for medical personnel, only the difference between the two elastic return forces and thus at most a small net force or a small net torque is perceptible at the handling device. The elastic return force of the first elastic device, which moves the tool into its first predetermined configuration, has the effect on all the coupling points between the handling device and the tool, which are beset by mechanical play, that those contact faces which also transmit the forces required for movement in the direction of the second configuration from the handling device to the tool bear against one another. Therefore, play is no longer perceptible during use of the dismantlable medical instrument.

Brief description of figures

Embodiments will be described in greater detail hereinafter using the appended figures. In the drawings: Figure 1 shows a schematic depiction of a section through a proximal region of a dismantlable medical instrument; Figure 2 shows a further schematic depiction of a section through the dismantlable medical instrument from Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a further schematic depiction of a section through the dismantlable medical instrument from Figures 1 and 2; Figure 4 shows a schematic depiction of a section through a further dismantlable medical instrument; Figure 5 shows a schematic depiction of a section through a further dismantlable medical instrument; Figure 6 shows a schematic depiction of a section through a further dismantlable medical instrument; Figure 7 shows a schematic depiction of a section through a further dismantlable medical instrument; Figure 8 shows a schematic depiction of a section through a further dismantlable medical instrument.

Description of the embodiments

Figure 1 shows a schematic depiction of a section through a proximal region of a dismantlable medical instrument 10. The section plane in Figure 1 contains a longitudinal and symmetrical axis of a shank 30 of the dismantlable medical instrument 10. The shank 30 has a channel-shaped cavity 31, which reaches from the distal end of the shank 30, not visible in Figure 1, at the distal end of the dismantlable medical instrument 10 to a proximal end 33 of the shank 30. The shank 30 has a circumferential groove 34 at its outer periphery near its proximal end 33. Furthermore, the shank 30 has a helical spring 37, which forms its outermost proximal end 33.

In the channel-shaped cavity 31 of the shank 30, a connecting rod 40 is arranged as a force transmission device for transmitting a force to a tool at the distal end, not depicted in Figure 1, of the dismantlable medical instrument 10. The connecting rod 40 is intended and formed to transmit a force in its longitudinal direction, in particular a tensile force, therefore a force that places the connecting rod 40 under tension. Moreover, the connecting rod 40 is intended and formed to transmit a force in the opposite direction. Alternatively or additionally, departing from the depiction in Figure 1, the connecting rod 40 can be intended and formed to transmit a torque.

The connecting rod 40 has a neck 41 with a reduced cross-section near its proximal end 43. The immediate proximal end 43 of the connecting rod 40 is formed by a coupling ball 44.

The dismantlable medical instrument furthermore has a handling device 50 with a first member 60 and a second member 70. The first member 60 and the second member 70 of the handling device 50 are connected to one another in an articulated manner by a hinge 55, which defines a pivot axis 58 orthogonal to the plane of the drawing in Figure 1. Ends of the members 60, 70, which ends are remote from the hinge 55, are each, in the depicted example -similarly to the lugs of a pair of scissors -formed as a ring or eyelet through which the one or more respective fingers of a hand can be passed. The second member 70 is pivotable relative to the first member 60 about the pivot axis 58 defined by the hinge 55.

The first member 60 of the handling device 50 has a recess 63 in the form of a stepped through-bore. The cross-section of the shank 30 near its proximal end 33 and the cross-section of the recess 63 in the first member 60 are matched to one another in such a way that the proximal end 33 of the shank 30 can be inserted with low play into the recess 63 up to the assembled configuration depicted in Figure 1. In the assembled and functional configuration of the dismantlable medical instrument 10 depicted in Figure 1, the proximal region of the shank 30, which region adjoins the proximal end 33 of the shank 30, almost completely fills the recess 63 in the first member 60 of the handling device 50 and is guided therein with low play. The connecting rod 40 protrudes through an aperture, which proximally extends the recess 63, in the first member 60 of the handling device 50.

The first member 60 of the handling device 50 furthermore has a bolt 64, which engages the groove 34 on the shank 30. In the depicted example, the bolt 64 is formed by a disc-or plate-shaped structural element. The bolt 64 is arranged orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the connecting rod 40. The bolt 64 is movable in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the connecting rod 40 and parallel to the plane of the drawing in Figure 1. The bolt 64 has an aperture through which the shank 30 protrudes. An elastic return force of a spring moves the bolt 64 into the position depicted in Figure 1, in which position the bolt 64 -more precisely: the edge of its aperture -engages the groove 34 on the shank 30. As a result of manual pressure on a free end of the bolt 64, the bolt can be moved against the return force of the spring into a position in which the bolt 64 no longer engages the groove 34 on the shank 30 and the shank 30 can be pulled out distally from the recess 63 in the first member 60 of the handling device 50.

The second member 70 of the handling device 50 has a slit 71 and a borehole 74. The slit 71 lies in the plane of the drawing in Figure 1, which also contains the axis of the borehole 74. The slit 71 distally opens the borehole 74 laterally. In the assembled and functional configuration of the dismantlable medical instrument 10 depicted in Figure 1, the neck 41 of the connecting rod 40 is arranged in the slit 71 and the coupling ball 44 that forms the proximal end 43 of the connecting rod 40 is arranged in the borehole 74.

The second member 70 of the handling device 50 furthermore comprises a helical spring 77 and a stamp 78. The stamp 78 forms a part of the inner surface of the borehole 74. The stamp 78 is pushed distally into the borehole 74 by the elastic return force of the helical spring 77, in the radial direction in relation to the longitudinal axis of the borehole 74. By means of the stamp 78, the helical spring 77 therefore presses the coupling ball 44 that forms the proximal end 43 of the connecting rod 40 into its most extreme distal position possible inside the borehole 74.

Figure 2 shows a schematic depiction of a further section through the proximal region of the dismantlable medical instrument 10 depicted using Figure 1. The section plane in Figure 2 is orthogonal to the section plane in Figure 1 and contains, like the latter, the longitudinal axis and axis of symmetry of the shank 30 and of the connecting rod 40. The depiction in Figure 2 is enlarged in comparison with the depiction in Figure 1.

Figure 3 shows a further schematic depiction of a section through the dismantlable medical instrument depicted using Figures 1 and 2. The section plane in Figure 3 corresponds to the section plane in Figure 2. In contrast to Figures 1 and 2, in which the dismantlable medical instrument 10 is shown in its assembled and functional configuration intended for use of the medical instrument 10, the dismantlable medical instrument 10 in Figure 3 is shown in a dismantled configuration. The shank 30 and the connecting rod 40 are arranged outside the recess 63 and spatially spaced apart from the members 60, 70 of the handling device.

In Figure 2 and above all in Figure 3, all the contact faces on the components 30, 40, 60, 70 of the dismantlable medical instrument can be seen clearly and are provided with reference numbers.

A distally orientated side wall of the groove 34 in the shank 30 forms a first contact face 35 on the shank 30. A proximally orientated surface region on the helical spring 37 forms a second contact face 36 of the shank 30. A proximally orientated surface region on the bolt 64 forms a first contact face 65 on the first member 60 of the handling device. A distally orientated inner surface region 66 in the recess 63 forms a second contact face 66 of the first member 60 of the handling device.

In the assembled and functional configuration of the dismantlable medical instrument 10 depicted in Figures 1 and 2, owing to the elastic return force of the helical spring 37, simultaneously the distally orientated first contact face 35 of the shank 30 bears against the proximally orientated first contact face 65 of the bolt 64 and thus of the first member 60 of the handling device 50 and the proximally orientated second contact face 36 of the shank 30, formed by the helical spring 37, bears against the distally orientated second contact face 66 of the first member 60 of the handling device 50.

Instead of the helical spring 37, an 0-ring made of an elastic material or another elastic device can be provided on or near the proximal end 33 of the shank 30.

Substantially distally orientated surface regions of the coupling ball 44 that forms the proximal end 43 of the connecting rod 40 form a first contact face 45 of the connecting rod 40. These first contact faces 45 are arranged on both sides next to the coupling ball 44. A proximally orientated surface region of the coupling ball 44, remote from the neck 41, forms a second contact face 46 of the connecting rod 40.

Substantially proximally orientated surface regions in the borehole 74 immediately next to the slit 71 in the second structural element 70 form first contact faces 75 of the second member 70 of the handling device. A distally orientated surface region of the stamp 78, which is simultaneously part of the inner surface of the borehole 74, forms a second contact face 76 of the second member 70 of the handling device.

Owing to the elastic return force of the helical spring 77, in the assembled and functional configuration of the dismantlable medical instrument 10 depicted using Figures 1 and 2, simultaneously the first contact faces 45 of the connecting rod 40 bear against the first contact faces 75 of the second member 70 of the handling device 50 and the second contact face 46 of the connecting rod 40 bears against the second contact face 76 of the second member 70 of the handling device 50.

Instead of the helical spring 77, an 0-ring made of an elastic material or another elastic device can be provided in order to press the stamp 78 against the coupling ball 44.

In the dismantlable medical instrument 10 depicted using Figures 1 to 3, the helical springs 37, 77 therefore eliminate both the mechanical play between the shank 30 and the first member 60 of the handling device and the mechanical play between the connecting rod 40 and the second member 70 of the handling device 50.

Figure 4 shows a schematic depiction of a section through a further dismantlable medical instrument, which, in some features, characteristics and functions, is similar to the dismantlable medical instrument depicted using Figures 1 to 3. The nature of the depiction corresponds to that in Figure 3. In particular, the position and the orientation of the section plane in Figure 4 correspond to that in Figure 3. Furthermore, the dismantlable medical instrument is depicted in a dismantled configuration in Figure 4, similar to Figure 3. In particular, features, characteristics and functions of the dismantlable medical instrument shown in Figure 4 are described hereinafter, in which said dismantlable medical instrument differs from the dismantlable medical instrument depicted using Figures 1 to 3.

The shank 30 of the dismantlable medical instrument shown in Figure 4 has a helical spring 37, similarly to the shank of the dismantlable medical instrument depicted using Figures 1 to 3. This helical spring 37, however, does not form the immediate proximal end 33 and the proximally orientated contact face 36 of the shank 30. The proximally orientated contact face 36 of the shank 30, rather, is rigidly connected to the rest of the shank 30.

Departing from the dismantlable medical instrument depicted using Figures 1 to 3, in the dismantlable medical instrument shown in Figure 4, the shank 30 has an annular structural element 38, which is arranged immediately proximally adjoining the groove 34 and forms the distally orientated first contact face 35 of the shank 30. The annular structural element 38 is movable relative to the rest of the shank 30 in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shank 30 and is distally prestressed by the elastic return force of the helical spring 37.

The movability of the ring 38 and its distal prestressing by the helical spring 37 have the effect that, in an assembled and functional configuration of the dismantlable medical instrument similar to the configuration depicted using Figures 1 and 2, simultaneously the first contact face 35 of the annular structural element 38 and thus of the shank 30 bears against the first contact face 65 of the bolt 64 and thus of the first member 60 of the handling device and the second contact face 36 of the shank 30 bears against the second contact face 66 of the first member 60.

Instead of the helical spring 37, an 0-ring made of an elastic material or another elastic device can be provided in order to distally prestress the annular structural element 38.

The dismantlable medical instrument shown in Figure 4 further differs from the dismantlable medical instrument depicted using Figures 1 to 3 in that the second member 70 of the handling device has, instead of a helical spring and a stamp, an elastic silicone insert 79, which forms a distally orientated surface region in the recess 74 as a second contact face 76.

The elastic return force of the elastic silicone insert 79 has the effect that, in the intended assembled and functional configuration of the dismantlable medical instrument (cf. Figure 1, 2), simultaneously the distally orientated first contact faces 45 of the coupling ball 44 bear against the proximally orientated first contact faces 75 in the recess 74 and the proximally orientated second contact face 46 of the coupling ball 44 bears against the distally orientated second contact face 76 of the elastic silicone insert 79 and thus of the second member 70.

Figure 5 shows a schematic depiction of a section through a further dismantlable medical instrument, which, in some features, characteristics and functions, is similar to the dismantlable medical instruments depicted using Figures 1 to 4. The nature of the depiction corresponds to the nature of the depiction in Figures 3 and 4. In particular, the position and the orientation of the section plane in Figure 5 correspond to that in Figures 3 and 4. Furthermore, in Figure 5 the dismantlable medical instrument is depicted in a dismantled configuration similarly to Figures 3 and 4. In particular, features, characteristics and functions of the dismantlable medical instrument shown in Figure 5 are described hereinafter, in which said dismantlable medical instrument differs from the dismantlable medical instruments depicted using Figures 1 to 4.

The dismantlable medical instrument shown in Figure 5 differs from the dismantlable medical instrument depicted using Figures 1 to 4 in particular in that an elastic device is not provided on the shank 30, but rather on the first member 60 of the handling device.

The shank 30 does not have a helical spring and does not have another elastic device. Instead, an 0-ring 67 is arranged in an annular groove in the recess 63 in the first member of the handling device. In the mechanically stress-free or low-stress situation shown in Figure 5, the cross-section of the 0-ring 67 protrudes slightly out of the groove and into the recess 63 in the first member 60 of the handling device. The 0-ring 67 forms a distally orientated second contact face 66 at the proximal end of the recess 63. During the insertion of the shank 30 into the recess 63 up to a position in which the bolt 64 in the first member 60 of the handling device 50 can engage the groove 34 on the shank 30 (cf. Figure 1, 2), the 0-ring 67 is deformed elastically against its elastic return force.

In the intended assembled and functional configuration (cf. Figures 1, 2) of the dismantlable medical instrument, the elastic return force of the 0-ring 67 has the effect that simultaneously the distally orientated first contact face 35 of the shank 30 bears against the first contact face 65 of the bolt 64 and thus of the first member 60 of the handling device and the proximally orientated second contact face 36 of the shank 30 bears against the second contact face 66 of the 0-ring 67 and thus of the first member 60.

Instead of the 0-ring 67, a helical spring or another elastic device can be provided on the first element 60 of the handling device.

The dismantlable medical instrument shown in Figure 5 differs from the dismantlable medical instrument depicted using Figures 1 to 4 further in that the second member 70 of the handling device does not have an elastic device.

The coupling 44 at the proximal end 43 of the connecting rod 40 comprises a distal structural element 84, which is rigidly connected to the neck 41 and to the distally adjoining region of the connecting rod 40, in particular is formed monolithically, and a proximal structural element 85. The proximal structural element 85 is formed in an annular manner and encloses a guide pin 86, which protrudes proximally out of the distal structural element 84. The guide pin 86 restricts the movement of the proximal structural element 85 relative to the distal structural element 84 to a linear movement along a straight path. A configuration of the guide pin 86 and of the proximal structural element 85, which is not depicted in Figure 5, can prevent, for example in a form-fitting manner, a separation of the proximal structural element 85 from the distal structural element 84. An 0-ring 87, which is made of an elastic material and encloses the guide pin 86, is arranged between the distal structural element 84 and the proximal structural element 85 of the coupling 44. The distal structural element 84 and the proximal structural element 85 of the coupling 44 together have approximately the form of a ball.

In the mechanically stress-free or low-stress situation of the 0-ring 87 between the distal part 84 and the proximal part 85 of the coupling 44, shown in Figure 5, the coupling 44 does not fit into the borehole 74 in the second member 70 of the handling device. During the insertion of the coupling 44 at the proximal end 43 of the connecting rod 40 into the borehole 74 in the second member 70 of the handling device, the proximal structural element 85 must be moved distally against the elastic return force of the 0-ring 87 towards the distal structural element 84 of the coupling 44. A surface region of the proximal structural element 85, which surface region is orientated proximally and surrounds the guide pin 86 in an annular manner, forms a second contact face 46 of the coupling 44 at the proximal end of the connecting rod 40.

In the intended assembled and functional configuration (cf. Figure 1, 2) of the dismantlable medical instrument shown in Figure 5, the 0-ring 87 has the effect that, simultaneously, the distally orientated first contact faces 45 of the coupling ball 44 bear against the proximally orientated first contact faces 75 in the recess 74 and the proximally orientated second contact face 46 of the coupling ball 44 bears against the distally orientated second contact face 76 of the second member 70 Figure 6 shows a schematic depiction of a section through a proximal region of a further dismantlable medical instrument 10, which, in some features, characteristics and functions, is similar to the dismantlable medical instruments depicted using Figures 1 to 5. As in Figures 1 and 2, the intended assembled and functional configuration of the dismantlable medical instrument 10 is also depicted in Figure 6. The nature of the depiction in Figure 6 corresponds to that in Figure 1. In particular, features, characteristics and functions of the dismantlable medical instrument 10 shown in Figure 6, in which said dismantlable medical instrument differs from the dismantlable medical instruments depicted using Figures 1 to 5, are described hereinafter.

The shank 30, the connecting rod 40 and the first member 60 of the handling device 50 are formed as in the dismantlable medical instrument depicted using Figures 1 to 3. Alternatively, the shank 30, the connecting rod 40 and the first member 60 of the handling device 50 can be formed as in one of the dismantlable medical instruments depicted using Figures 4 and 5.

The second member 70 of the handling device 50 of the dismantlable medical instrument 10 shown in Figure 6 differs from the second members of the handling devices of the dismantlable medical instruments depicted using Figures 1 to 5 in that neither a stamp pressed by a helical spring into the recess 74 nor an elastic silicone insert is provided as the elastic device. Instead, a leaf spring 80 is provided on the second member 70 of the handling device 50. The borehole 74 in the second member 70 of the handling device 50 is initially cut in such a way that a proximal subregion of its outer surface is missing. The leaf spring 80 replaces this missing proximal subregion of the outer surface and forms a distally orientated second contact face on the second member 70 of the handling device 50.

The leaf spring 80 is arranged such that, in the intended assembled and functional configuration of the dismantlable medical instrument 10, shown in Figure 6, it is elastically deformed by the coupling ball 44 at the proximal end of the connecting rod 40. The elastic return force of the leaf spring 80 distally pushes the coupling ball 44 at the proximal end 43 of the connecting rod 40. Therefore, in the intended assembled and functional configuration of the dismantlable medical instrument 10, shown in Figure 6, simultaneously the distally orientated first contact faces 45 (cf. Figures 2 to 5) on the coupling ball 44 bear against the proximally orientated first contact faces 75 in the recess 74 on the second member 70 of the handling device 50 and simultaneously the proximally orientated second contact face 46 of the coupling ball 44 bears against the distally orientated second contact face 76 on the leaf spring 80.

Figure 7 shows a schematic depiction of a section through a proximal region of a further dismantlable medical instrument 10, which, in some features, characteristics and functions, is similar to the dismantlable medical instruments depicted using Figures 1 to 6. As in Figures 1, 2 and 5, the intended assembled and functional configuration of the dismantlable medical instrument 10 is also depicted in Figure 7. The nature of the depiction in Figure 7 corresponds to that in Figures 1 and 6. In particular, features, characteristics and functions of the dismantlable medical instrument 10 shown in Figure 7, in which said dismantlable medical instrument differs from the dismantlable medical instruments depicted using Figures 1 to 6, are described hereinafter.

The shank 30, the connecting rod 40 and the first member 60 of the handling device 50 are formed as in the dismantlable medical instrument depicted using Figures 1 to 3. Alternatively, the shank 30, the connecting rod 40 and the first member 60 of the handling device 50 can be formed as in one of the dismantlable medical instruments depicted using Figures 4 and 5.

In the dismantlable medical instrument 10 shown in Figure 7, the neck of the connecting rod 40, which neck is arranged distally in relation to the coupling ball 44, is lengthened to form a long and thin and therefore flexurally elastic region 47. The recess 74 in the second member 70 of the handling device 50 is formed slightly conically. In the intended assembled and functional configuration of the dismantlable medical instrument 10, shown in Figure 7, the flexurally elastic region 47 of the connecting rod 40 is elastically deformed, specifically bent. The elastic return force of the flexurally elastic region 47 presses the coupling ball 44 at the proximal end 43 of the connecting rod 40 into the conical recess 74 in the second member 70 of the handling device 50 in such a way that, simultaneously, the distally orientated first contact faces 45 on the coupling ball 44 (cf. Figures 3 to 5) bear against the proximally orientated first contact faces 75 of the recess 74 of the second member 70 of the handling device 50 and the proximally orientated second contact faces 46 of the coupling ball 44 bear against the distally orientated second contact face 76 in the recess 74 in the second member 70.

The various types of play-free mechanical connection, or of mechanical connection that reduces the noticeability of a mechanical play, of the proximal end of the shank 30 to the first member 60 of the handling device which are depicted using Figures 1 to 7, on the one hand, and the various types of play-free mechanical connection, or of mechanical connection that reduces the noticeability of mechanical play, of the connecting rod 40 to the second member 70 of the handling device 50 which are depicted using Figures 1 to 7, can be combined as desired, in particular also in another way than as depicted in Figures 1 to 7. Furthermore, only the connection of the shank 30 to the first member 60 of the handling device 50 can be configured in one of the types depicted using Figures 1 to 7 or only the connection of the connecting rod 40 to the second member 70 of the handling device 50 can be configured in one of the types depicted using Figures 1 to 7.

Figure 8 shows a schematic depiction of a section through a further dismantlable medical instrument 10, which, in some features, characteristics and functions, is similar to the dismantlable medical instruments depicted using Figures ito 7. The section plane in Figure 8 corresponds to the section planes in Figures 1, 6, 7. As in Figures 1, 2, 6, 7, the intended assembled and functional configuration of the dismantlable medical instrument 10 is also shown in Figure 8. As distinct from Figures 1, 6, 7, both (specifically at the top right) a proximal region of the dismantlable medical instrument 10 On particular the handling device 50) and (specifically at the bottom left) the distal end 12 of the dismantlable medical instrument 10 are depicted in Figure 8. In particular, features, characteristics and functions of the dismantlable medical instrument 10 shown in Figure 8, in which said dismantlable medical instrument differs from the dismantlable medical instruments depicted using Figures 1 to 7, are described hereinafter.

The distal end 12 of the dismantlable medical instrument 10 is formed by a tool that has two limbs 23, 24 which are movable relative to one another. In the example depicted, a fixed limb 23 is rigidly connected to a distal end 32 of the shank 30. A movable limb 24 is connected in a pivotable manner to the the fixed limb 23 and to the distal end 32 of the shank 30 by a hinge 25. The hinge 25 defines a pivot axis 26 orthogonal to the plane of the drawing in Figure 8.

In Figure 8, the tool 20 at the distal end 12 of the dismantlable medical instrument 10 is depicted in an open configuration, and the handling device 50 at the proximal end of the dismantlable medical instrument 10 is depicted in a closed configuration. The connecting rod 40 couples the tool 20, specifically the movable limb 24 at the distal end 12 of the dismantlable medical instrument, to the handling device 50 in such a way that, in the closed configuration of the handling device 50 shown in Figure 8, the limbs 23, 24 of the tool 20 bear against one another. The open configuration of the tool 20 shown at the bottom left in Figure 8, in which the limbs 23, 24 are spaced apart from one another, is only present when the second member 70 of the handling device 50, departing from the depiction in Figure 8, pivots counterclockwise away from the first member 60 of the handling device 50 and the connecting rod 40 is distally displaced.

The dismantlable medical instrument 10 shown in Figure 8 differs from the dismantlable medical instruments depicted using Figures 1 to 7 in that neither the shank 30 nor the first member 60 of the handling device 50, neither the connecting rod 40 nor the second member 70 of the handling device 50 has one of the elastic devices described using Figures 1 to 7. Instead, a leaf spring 28 is provided on the tool 20 and a leaf spring 57 is provided on the handling device 50.

One end of the leaf spring 28 is rigidly connected to the movable limb 24, the other end of the leaf spring 28 bears against the fixed limb 23. An elastic return force of the leaf spring 28 moves the movable limb 24 into the open configuration depicted at the bottom left in Figure 8 One end of the leaf spring 57 is rigidly connected to the second member 70 of the handling device 50, the other end of the leaf spring 57 bears against the first member 60 of the handling device 50. The elastic return force of the leaf spring 57 between the members 60, 70 of the handling device 50 moves the second member 70 into the closed configuration shown in Figure 8. Starting from the closed configuration shown in Figure 8, the second member 70 can be moved counterclockwise relative to the first member 60 of the handling device 50 and into an open configuration against the elastic return force of the leaf spring 57.

The leaf spring 28 on the tool 20 at the distal end 12 and the leaf spring 57 on the handling device 50 therefore act in opposite directions. This has the effect that, in all the mechanical connections of the dismantlable medical instrument 10 beset by play, the contact faces that bear against one another are those which bear against one another during closure of the limbs 23, 24 against a resistance (for example in the gripping, pinching, cutting or stamping of tissue). The leaf spring 28 on the tool 20 and the leaf spring 57 on the handling device 50 are dimensioned in particular such that their elastic return forces substantially compensate one another.

Instead of the leaf springs 28, 57, other elastic devices, for example helical springs, spiral springs, 0-rings or other bodies made of elastic materials can be provided.

A dismantlable medical instrument 10 comprises a first component 30; 40 with a first contact face 35; 45 and a second contact face 36; 46, a second component 60; 70 with a first contact face 65; 75 and a second contact face 66; 76, and an elastic device 37; 47; 67; 77; 79; 80; 87 on the first component 30; 40 or on the second component 60; 70. Either the first contact face 35; 45 and the second contact face 36; 46 of the first component 30; 40 face away from one another and the first contact face 65; 75 and the second contact face 66; 76 of the second component 60; 70 face one another. Or the first contact face and the second contact face of the first component face one another and the first contact face and the second contact face of the second component face away from one another. In a dismantled configuration of the medical instrument 10, the first component 30; 40 and the second component 60; 70 are not mechanically connected. In an intended assembled and functional configuration of the medical instrument 10, the elastic device 37; 47; 67; 77; 79; 80; 87 presses the first contact face 35; 45 of the first component 30; 40 against the first contact face 65; 75 of the second component 60; 70 and simultaneously presses the second contact face 36; 46 of the first component 30; 40 against the second contact face 66; 76 of the second component 60; 70.

Reference numbers dismantlable medical instrument 12 distal end of the medical instrument 10 tool at the distal end 32 of the shank 30 23 fixed limb of the tool 20 24 movable limb of the tool 20 hinge between the movable limb 24 and the fixed limb 23 26 pivot axis defined by the hinge 25 27 leaf spring between the limbs 23, 24 shank of the dismantlable medical instrument 10 31 channel-shaped cavity in the shank 30 32 distal end of the shank 30 33 proximal end of the shank 30 34 circumferential groove near the proximal end 33 of the shank 30 distally orientated contact face in the circumferential groove 34 36 proximally orientated contact face at the proximal end 33 of the shank 30 37 spring at the proximal end of the shank 30 38 annular structural element distally prestressed by the spring 37, forming the distally orientated contact face 36 in the groove 34 connecting rod as a force transmission device in the channel-shaped cavity 34 in the shank 30 41 neck near the proximal end 43 of the connecting rod 40 42 distal end of the connecting rod 40 43 proximal end of the connecting rod 40 44 coupling ball as the proximal end of the connecting rod 40 distally orientated surface region as the contact face of the coupling ball 44 46 proximally orientated surface region as the contact face of the coupling ball 44 47 flexurally elastic region of the connecting rod 40 handling device of the dismantlable medical instrument 10 hinge of the handling device 50, between the first member 60 and the second member 57 leaf spring between the members 60, 70 of the handling device 50 58 pivot axis defined by the hinge 55 first member of the handling device 50, to connect to the shank 30 63 recess in the first member 60 of the handling device 50, for receiving the proximal end 33 of the shank 30 64 bolt for engaging the groove 34 for locking the shank 30 in the recess 63 proximally orientated contact face on the bolt 64 66 distally orientated contact face at the proximal end of the recess 63 67 0-ring as an elastic device in the recess 63, forming the distally orientated contact face second member of the handling device 50, to couple to the connecting rod 40 71 slit in the second member 70 74 borehole as a recess in the second member 70, as a coupling device for receiving the coupling ball 44 proximally orientated surface region in the recess 74 as a contact face 76 distally orientated surface region in the recess 74 as a contact face 77 helical spring as an elastic device on the second member 70 78 stamp, prestressed into the recess 74 by the helical spring 77 79 elastic silicone insert as an elastic device leaf spring on the second member, adjacent to the recess 74 84 distal structural element of the coupling 44 proximal structural element of the coupling 44 86 guide pin on the distal part 84 of the coupling 44, for guiding the proximal part 85 of the coupling 44 87 0-ring between the distal part 84 and the proximal part 85 of the coupling 44

Claims (1)

1. Claims A dismantlable medical instrument (10), having: a first component (30; 40) with a first contact face (35; 45) and a second contact face (36; 46); a second component (60, 70) with a first contact face (65, 75) and a second contact face (66; 76), an elastic device (37; 47; 67; 77; 79; 80; 87) on the first component (30; 40) or on the second component (60; 70), wherein either the first contact face (35; 45) and the second contact face (36; 46) of the first component (30; 40) face away from one another and the first contact face (65; 75) and the second contact face (66; 76) of the second component (60; 70) face one another or the first contact face and the second contact face of the first component face one another and the first contact face and the second contact face of the second component face away from one another, wherein, in a dismantled configuration of the medical instrument (10), the first component (30, 40) and the second component (60; 70) are not mechanically connected, wherein, in an intended assembled and functional configuration of the medical instrument (10), the elastic device (37; 47; 67; 77; 79; 80; 87) presses the first contact face (35; 45) of the first component (30; 40) against the first contact face (65; 75) of the second component (60; 70) and simultaneously presses the second contact face (36; 46) of the first component (30; 40) against the second contact face (66; 76) of the second component (60; 70) The dismantlable medical instrument (10) according to the preceding claim, in which the elastic device comprises a helical spring (37; 77), a spiral spring, an 0-ring (67; 87) or another elastic structural element (79) made of silicone, rubber or another elastic material, a leaf spring (80) or a fiexurally elastic region (47) of the first component (40) or of the second component.The dismantlable medical instrument (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the elastic device (37; 67; 79; 80; 87) forms the first contact face or the second contact face (36) of the first component (30) or forms the first contact face or the second contact face (66; 76) of the second component (60; 70).The dismantlable medical instrument (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the first component is a shank (30), the second component is a handling device (50) or a member (60) of a handling device (50) with a recess (63) for receiving a proximal end (33) of the shank (30).The dismantlable medical instrument (10) according to the preceding claim, in which a distally orientated surface region (35) of the shank (30) forms the first contact face of the first component, a proximally orientated surface region (36) of the shank (30) forms the second contact face of the first component, a proximally orientated surface region (65) of the handling device (50) or of the member (60) of the handling device (50) forms the first contact face of the second component; a distally orientated surface region (66) of the handling device (50) or of the member (60) of the handling device (50) forms the second contact face of the second component.The dismantlable medical instrument (10) according to the preceding claim, in which the elastic device comprises a helical spring (37) or an 0-ring, which at least forms either the proximally orientated surface region (36) of the shank (30) or proximally prestresses the proximally orientated surface region (36) of the shank (30).The dismantlable medical instrument (10) according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, in which the first component is a connecting rod (40) or another force transmission device with a coupling device (44) at its proximal end (43), the second component comprises a coupling device (74), which is movable by means of a movable grip part (70) of a handling device (50), for releasable mechanical connection to the coupling device (44) of the force transmission device (40).The dismantlable medical instrument (10) according to the preceding claim, in which a distally orientated surface region (45) of the coupling device (44) of the connecting rod (40) forms the first contact face of the first component, a proximally orientated surface region (46) of the coupling device (44) of the connecting rod (40) forms the second contact face of the first component, a proximally orientated surface region (75) on the coupling device (74) on the handling device (50) forms the first contact face of the second component; a distally orientated surface region (76) on the coupling device (74) on the handling device (50) forms the second contact face of the second component.The dismantlable medical instrument (10) according to any one of Claims 7 and 8, in which the coupling device of the handling device (50) comprises a recess (74) for receiving the coupling device (44) at the proximal end (43) of the force transmission device (40), the elastic device (79; 80) forms an inner surface region (76) of the recess (74) or an outer surface region of the coupling device (44) at the proximal end (43) of the force transmission device (40).10. The dismantlable medical instrument (10) according to any one of Claims 7 and 8, in which the coupling device of the handling device (50) comprises a recess (74) that narrows conically in the direction of a pivot axis (58) of a movable grip part (70), which recess is for receiving the coupling device (44) at the proximal end (43) of the force transmission device (40), the elastic device comprises a flexurally elastic region (47) of the force transmission device (40) near the coupling device (44), in the intended assembled and functional configuration of the medical instrument (10) the flexurally elastic region (47) of the force transmission device (40) presses the coupling device (44) into the conically narrowing receptacle (74).11 The dismantlable medical instrument (10) according to the preceding claim, furthermore having: a hinge (56) between the movable grip part (70) and the rest of the handling device (60), which hinge defines the pivot axis (58) of the movable grip part (70) with respect to the rest of the handling device (60), wherein, in the intended assembled and functional configuration of the medical instrument (10), the flexurally elastic region (47) of the force transmission device (40) exerts onto the hinge (56) a force that is orthogonal to the pivot axis (58).12. A medical instrument (10), having: a tool (20), which is movable or deformable between a first predetermined configuration and a second predetermined configuration; a shank (30) with a distal end (32) that is mechanically connected or connectable to the tool (20), a handling device (50) that is mechanically connected or connectable to a proximal end (33) of the shank (30) and is movable or deformable between a first predetermined configuration and a second predetermined configuration; a force transmission device (40) in or on the shank (30), for coupling of the tool (20) to the handling device (50) in such a way that the tool (20) is in its first predetermined configuration when the handling device (50) is in its first predetermined configuration, and that the tool (20) is in its second predetermined configuration when the handling device (50) is in its second predetermined configuration; a first elastic device (28) on the tool (20), which produces an elastic return force that moves the tool (20) into its first predetermined configuration, and against which the tool (20) can be moved into its second predetermined configuration, a second elastic device (57) on the handling device (50), which produces an elastic return force that moves the handling device (50) into its second predetermined configuration, and against which the handling device (50) can be moved into its first predetermined configuration.