Surgical stapling instruments with rotary joint assemblies

摘要

A rotary support joint assembly for coupling a first portion of a surgical instrument to a second portion of a surgical instrument. In various forms the joint assembly includes a first annular race in the first portion and a second annular race in the second portion. The second race is configured for substantial registration with the first annular race when the second portion is joined with the first portion. A ring-like bearing is supported within the registered first and second annular races.

主权项

1. A surgical stapling device, comprising:
an elongate shaft assembly having a distal end and defining a longitudinal tool axis; an articulation joint; and an end effector, wherein the end effector is configured to be articulated relative to the elongate shaft assembly in directions transverse to the longitudinal tool axis by way of the articulation joint, the end effector comprising:
an elongate channel assembly including a portion configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge therein; andan anvil movably supported relative to the elongate channel assembly, wherein the surgical stapling device further comprises a rotary joint coupling the elongate channel assembly to the articulation joint to facilitate selective rotation of the elongate channel assembly about the longitudinal tool axis relative to the articulation joint; wherein the rotary joint comprises:
a first annular race groove in one of the elongate shaft assembly and the elongate channel assembly;a second annular race groove in the other one of the elongate channel assembly and the elongate shaft assembly and being configured for substantial registration with the first annular race groove; anda ring-like bearing comprising a pair of spaced ring-like bearing surfaces and including a pair of free ends such that at least one of the free ends is completely housed within the first and second annular race grooves to rotatably affix the elongate shaft assembly and the elongate channel assembly together.