Instrument with multiple articulation locks

摘要

An articulating tool includes proximal, central and distal portions, an articulation mechanism, and first and second articulation locks. The articulation mechanism includes a pair of links, the pair comprising a proximal link on the proximal portion of the tool and a distal link on the distal portion of the tool. The first articulation lock has an engaged position and a disengaged position. When in the engaged position, the first articulation lock impedes movement of the proximal link relative to the central portion about a yaw axis, and corresponding relative movement of the distal link. The second articulation lock also has an engaged position and a disengaged position. When in the engaged position, the second articulation lock impedes movement of the proximal link relative to the central portion about a pitch axis, and corresponding relative movement of the distal link.

主权项

1. A tool comprising:
an articulation mechanism comprising a pair of links, the pair comprising a proximal link on a proximal portion of the tool and a distal link on a distal portion of the tool, the mechanism adapted such that movement of the proximal link causes corresponding relative movement of the distal link; a first joint mechanism positioned between the proximal and distal links and pivotable about a yaw axis; a second joint mechanism positioned between the proximal and distal links and pivotable about a pitch axis; a first articulation lock having an engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein in the engaged position, the first articulation lock impedes pivoting movement of the first joint mechanism about the yaw axis by frictionally engaging both a first and a second locking surfaces; a second articulation lock having an engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein in the engaged position, the second articulation lock impedes pivoting movement of the second joint mechanism about the pitch axis by frictionally engaging both a third and a fourth locking surfaces, wherein the engaged position of the first articulation lock is different from the engaged position of the second articulation lock; and a single actuator configured to move between an unlocked position, in which both the first and second articulation locks are moved into the disengaged positions, and a locked position, in which both the first and second articulation locks are moved into the engaged positions.