Drive system lockout arrangements for modular surgical instruments

摘要

A surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument may include at least one drive system that is configured to generate control motions upon actuation thereof. At least one drive system defines an actuation axis. The surgical instrument may further include at least one interchangeable shaft assembly that is configured to be removably coupled to the at least one drive system in a direction that is substantially transverse to the actuation axis and transmit the control motions from the at least one drive system to a surgical end effector operably coupled thereto. A lockout assembly may interface with the at least one drive system for preventing actuation of the drive system unless the at least one interchangeable shaft assembly has been operably coupled to the at least one drive system.

主权项

1. A surgical instrument, comprising:
a housing; at least one drive system supported by said housing and comprising a selectively actuatable attachment member configured to generate control motions upon actuation thereof and defining an actuation axis; at least one interchangeable shaft assembly comprising a proximal end that is configured to be removably coupled to the attachment member of the at least one drive system and said housing in a direction that is substantially transverse to the actuation axis, said at least one interchangeable shaft assembly further comprising at least one axially movable drive shaft configured to transmit the control motions from the at least one drive system to a surgical end effector that is operably coupled to a distal end of said interchangeable shaft assembly; and a lockout assembly comprising:
a proximal slot segment in said housing for receiving at least a portion of said attachment member therein prior to attachment of said interchangeable shaft assembly to said housing; anda distal slot segment in said interchangeable shaft assembly and communicating with said proximal slot segment to enable said attachment member to pass from said proximal slot segment to said distal slot segment when said proximal end of said interchangeable shaft assembly is coupled to said housing to permit actuation of said at least one drive system and wherein said at least one drive system is prevented from generating the control motions unless the proximal end of the at least one interchangeable shaft assembly has been operably coupled to the attachment member.