Abstract:
The invention concerns a medical technology device for treatment of the human or animal body, comprising at least one electrical plug connector which is adapted to be connected to a complementary counterpart plug connector of a further medical technology device and which in an active position is arranged projecting upwardly at the top side of the device. To provide a medical technology device which can be used both as an individual device and also in conjunction with a second device as a device arrangement and which in that respect satisfies existing safety and aesthetic demands, it is provided in accordance with the invention that the plug connector is adapted to be movable from the active position into a passive position, wherein in the passive position the plug connector is removed from the top side of the device and the top side is closed in substantially fluid-tight relationship.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/537,319, filed Aug. 7, 2009, now abandoned, by Andreas HÖRLLE entitled MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY DEVICE AND MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY DEVICE ARRANGEMENT, which is based upon and claims the benefit of priority to German Patent Application No. 10 2008 047 339.1, filed Sep. 15, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention concerns a medical technology device for treatment of the human or animal body, comprising at least one electrical plug connector which is adapted to be connected to a complementary counterpart plug connector of a further medical technology device and which in an active position is arranged projecting upwardly at the top side of the device. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     For many years now the many different possible uses of medical technology have led to a large number of specialised end devices such as for example high frequency generators, ultrasound generators or argon plasma units. In order always to provide the physician with an optimum device for various uses, multifunctional devices or device arrangements have been developed. In the simplest case those devices or device arrangements are afforded by electrically and mechanically connecting two or more devices. A known example is connecting an argon plasma unit to a high frequency generator, referred to for brevity as an HF generator. In that case a high frequency current is passed into the argon plasma unit by way of a plug connection to be able to connect the argon plasma/HF manual instrument to the argon plasma unit. 
     The cable connection for transmission of the HF signal between the devices should be kept as short as possible. With increasing length, when carrying high frequency ac voltages, the electrical leakage currents or stray currents increase and electromagnetic compatibility decreases. Preferably therefore the HF plug connection between the devices which are usually disposed in mutually superposed relationship is arranged in the proximity of the output jacks of the manual instruments. 
     The problem which arises with all known device arrangements is that the devices cannot be used, or at least cannot both be used, as an individual device. At least in one of the devices, electrical contacts are exposed in the uncoupled condition so that existing medical device safety standards, for example in relation to protection from spray water, cannot be observed. In addition the uncoupled individual devices generally do not meet the aesthetic demands which are usual nowadays. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Therefore the object of the present invention is to provide a medical technology device which can be used both as an individual device and also in conjunction with a second device as a device arrangement and in that respect satisfies existing safety and aesthetic demands. 
     According to the invention that object is attained by the above-mentioned medical technology device in that the plug connector is adapted to be movable from the active position into a passive position, wherein in the passive position the plug connector is removed from the top side of the device and the top side is closed in substantially fluid-tight relationship. 
     The solution according to the invention has the advantage that the medical technology device can be very easily converted between an individual operating mode and a combination operating mode. The possible uses of the device according to the invention are thus considerably enhanced because it can now be used both as an individual device and also as a combination device. 
     The solution according to the invention can be supplemented by further advantageous configurations. Some such configurations are described hereinafter. 
     Thus the medical technology device can have at least one lift unit by which the plug connector is movably connected to the rest of the device. That has the advantage that the plug connector and therewith the medical technology device can be particularly easily and quickly converted between the active and the passive positions. In particular the lift unit can have a prismatic joint, by means of which the plug connector is movable substantially linearly from the active position into the passive position. One or more cables connected to electric contacts of the plug connector lead to the plug connector. It has been found that the linear movement of the prismatic joint is particularly well suited for carefully passing the cable to the plug connector. It will be appreciated that alternatively the lift unit can also have a rotary joint coupling or any other form of joint coupling. 
     Embodiments with a connecting wire or chain or also the cable as a connecting element are also possible. 
     In order in a simple manner to ensure protection from spray or splash water when the device is used as an individual device, the device can include at least one cover means which closes the top side of the device in the passive position in substantially fluid-tight relationship. In addition the plug connector can be connected to the cover means and arranged in the interior of the device in the passive position. Thus the cover means, for example a cover plate, serves at the same time as a holder for the plug connector. 
     In a further advantageous configuration the device can have at least one drive means which urges the plug connector from the passive position in the direction of the active position. That has the advantage that the plug connector automatically moves from the passive position which involves poor access, in the interior of the medical technology device, into the active position. By way of example a spring element such as a compression coil spring can be used as the drive means. 
     The invention further includes a medical technology device arrangement for treatment of the human or animal body, comprising at least two medical technology devices which are electrically and mechanically connected together by way of a plug connector arrangement, wherein the plug connector arrangement includes a plug connector connected to the first device and a counterpart plug connector which is connected to the second device and which is of a complementary configuration to the plug connector. In order to be able to use both devices separately the first medical technology device is designed in accordance with one of the foregoing embodiments. 
     In a particularly advantageous configuration of the device arrangement the first device can be an ultrasound generator and the second device can be an HF generator. There are many uses for ultrasound generators and HF generators as individual devices and also as a combination device so that this affords very many possible uses for the device arrangement. 
     To connect combined ultrasound-HF instruments, the device arrangement can be so adapted that in operation both a high frequency current signal and also a signal for an ultrasound instrument can be taken off simultaneously at the ultrasound generator. Combined ultrasound-HF instruments produce for example ultrasound energy for tissue cutting and use HF energy for coagulating the tissue prior to cutting. 
     The invention is described in greater detail hereinafter by means of embodiments by way of example illustrated in the drawings. The different features can be combined together as desired, as also in the above-described embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  shows a diagrammatic view of an embodiment by way of example of a device arrangement according to the invention, 
         FIG. 2  shows a diagrammatic view of a first embodiment by way of example of a medical technology device according to the invention from above, 
         FIG. 3  shows a diagrammatic view of the medical technology device of  FIG. 2  from below, 
         FIG. 4  shows a diagrammatic view of an embodiment by way of example of a counterpart plug of the device arrangement of  FIG. 1 , 
         FIG. 5  shows a diagrammatic view of the counterpart plug connector of  FIG. 4  from above, 
         FIG. 6  shows a diagrammatic view of a further embodiment by way of example of a medical technology device according to the invention in an active position, 
         FIG. 7  shows a diagrammatic view of the medical technology device of  FIG. 6  in a passive position, 
         FIG. 8  shows a diagrammatic view of an embodiment by way of example of a counterpart plug for a device arrangement with the device of  FIGS. 6 and 7 , 
         FIG. 9  shows a diagrammatic view of a further embodiment by way of example of a medical technology device according to the invention in an active position, 
         FIG. 10  shows a diagrammatic view of the medical technology device of  FIG. 9  in a passive position, 
         FIG. 11  shows a diagrammatic view of a plug connector of a further embodiment by way of example of a medical technology device according to the invention, and 
         FIG. 12  shows a diagrammatic view of the device arrangement according to the invention as shown in  FIG. 1  with connected devices. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     A medical technology device arrangement  1  in  FIG. 1  includes an ultrasound generator  2  and an HF generator  3 . 
     At the front side  4  the ultrasound generator  2  has a touch screen operating panel  5  and output jacks  6   a ,  6   b . On its housing cover  7  at the top side, in the proximity of the front side  4 , the ultrasound generator  2  has an upwardly projecting plug connector  8 . Two holding bars  10  are disposed also projecting upwardly but laterally as a prolongation of the side walls  9 . 
     The output jacks  6   a  are adapted for the connection of surgical ultrasound instruments and the output jacks  6   b  are adapted for the connection of combined HF/ultrasound instruments. Combined HF/ultrasound instruments can produce an ultrasound signal and in addition have one or more electrodes for the delivery of HF energy to the tissue to be treated. As the ultrasound generator  2  itself cannot generate any HF energy for the combined HF/ultrasound instruments, it is passed by way of the plug connector  8  from the HF generator  3  into the ultrasound generator  2 , as described in greater detail hereinafter with reference to  FIGS. 2 through 11 . By way of the touch screen operating panel  5  the user can perform the necessary settings both for the individual mode of operation and also the combination mode of operation. The holding bars  10  arrest the ultrasound generator  2  in relation to the HF generator  3  in the combined state and can be fixed to the generators  2 ,  3  with fixing means such as for example screws. Alternatively the holding bars  10  for example can also be arranged as a prolongation of the rear wall. 
     Similarly as in the case of the ultrasound generator  2 , arranged at the front side  11  of the HF generator  3  there are also a touch screen operating panel  12  and various output jacks  13 . Provided in the bottom  14  of the housing of the HF generator  3 , though not visible in  FIG. 1 , is a counterpart plug connector  15  of a complementary configuration to the plug connector  8  of the ultrasound generator  2 . The configuration of the counterpart plug connector  15  is shown in  FIG. 4  and is described in greater detail hereinafter. 
       FIG. 1  shows the ultrasound generator  2  and the HF generator  3  in a position before they are connected.  FIG. 12  shows the device arrangement  1  with connected generators  2 ,  3 , as they are disposed in the combination mode of operation. It will be appreciated that other medical technology devices can also be connected with the plug connector according to the invention. 
     In the combination mode of operation the HF generator  3  transmits HF energy by way of the counterpart plug connector  15  coupled to the plug connector  8 , to the ultrasound generator  2 . Otherwise the HF generator  3  also has all features of a commercially available HF generator, which will not be discussed in greater detail here. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 2 and 3  to describe in greater detail a first embodiment of the medical technology device  2  according to the invention with the plug connector  8 . For the sake of enhanced clarity the parts which are not relevant to the plug connector  8 , such as for example the front side, of the ultrasound generator  2 , have been omitted from  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
       FIG. 2  shows the plug connector  8  in an active position in which the plug connector  8  is extended and projects upwardly beyond the housing cover  7 .  FIG. 3  shows the plug connector  8  in a passive position in which it is retracted into the interior of the ultrasound generator  2  so that the plug connector does not project above the housing cover  7 . 
     In the embodiment of  FIGS. 2 and 3  the plug connector  8  is connected to a lift unit  16  fixed to the housing cover  7 . The lift unit  16  with the plug connector  8  is arranged in a rectangular opening  26  in the housing cover  7 . In  FIGS. 2 and 3  the lift unit  16  is screwed to the housing cover  7  and the plug connector  8  is screwed to the lift unit  16 . Alternatively however they can also be welded, riveted, glued or fixed in some other fashion. The lift unit  16  has a rectangular flange frame  17  to which the plug connector  8  is connected. The flange frame  17  is movably coupled to a linear guide in the form of four guide rods  18 . The guide rods  18  which are of equal length and which extend in mutually parallel relationship are respectively fixed relative to each other at the ends. The upper ends are connected to the housing cover  7  by way of a reinforcing plate  19 . The lower ends are connected to a substantially U-shaped fixing plate  20 . Compression coil springs  21  are arranged around the guide rods  18 , between the flange frame  17  and the fixing plate  20 . 
     The plug connector  8  is arranged linearly movably by the lift unit  16 . The flange frame  17 , with the guide rods  18 , forms a prismatic joint  22 , by means of which the plug connector  8  is movable substantially linearly between the active position in  FIG. 2  into the passive position in  FIG. 3  in a direction of movement R. The direction of movement R extends substantially at a right angle to the plane of the housing cover  7 . To reduce friction between the guide rods  18  and the flange frame  17  anti-friction bushes for example can be fitted into the flange frame  17 . 
     The flange frame  17  is of a substantially two-stage structure and has a wide lower flange and a narrow upper flange. The wide lower flange is connected to the guide rods  18  and is always disposed in the interior of the ultrasound generator  2 . The narrow upper flange is connected to the plug connector and projects above the housing cover  7  in the active position. In the center the flange frame  17  has a cable opening through which the cables (not shown) can be passed to the plug connector. 
     The lift unit  16  can be arrested in the active position in  FIG. 2  to prevent unwanted lowering movement of the plug connector  8 , for example when the two generators  2 ,  3  are being fitted together. The arresting action can be effected for example by screwing or however also by latching. 
     The compression coil springs  21  are provided as a drive unit which always urges the lift unit  16  and therewith the plug connector  8  in the direction of the active position. It is thus particularly easy for the operator to move the plug connector  8  from the inwardly disposed passive position in which access to the plug connector  8  is difficult, into the active position. 
     The ultrasound generator  2  further includes a cover portion  23  which closes the housing cover  7  in substantially fluid-tight relationship in the passive position. The cover portion  23  is produced for example from a metal plate screwed to the housing cover  7 . To enhance the sealing effect a seal can be arranged between the cover portion  23  and the housing cover  7 . The cover portion  23  can also serve at the same time as an arresting means which holds the lift unit  16  in the passive position. It will be appreciated that alternatively a latching means or similar can also be provided as a means for arresting the lift unit  16  in the passive position. 
       FIG. 4  shows the counterpart plug connector  15  fitted in the HF generator  3 . The counterpart plug connector  15  is connected to a funnel-shaped holder  44  fixed to the housing bottom  14 . The funnel-shaped configuration of the holder  44  facilitates positioning of the plug connector  8  relative to the counterpart plug connector  15  when coupling the two generators  2 ,  3 . The counterpart plug connector  15  with the holder  44  remains unchanged when separating or connecting the two generators  2 ,  3 . The electrical contacts (not shown) in the counterpart plug connector  15  are so arranged that they cannot be touched by the operator when the devices  2 ,  3  are separated. 
       FIG. 5  shows a view of the counterpart plug connector  15  from below. The counterpart plug connector  15  includes a mechanical orientation projection  24  to prevent incorrect insertion, and bores for fixing screws. In addition it has a plurality of contact pins  25  for transmission of various electrical signals such as for example HF signals for monopolar and bipolar applications and signals for connection recognition. The counterpart plug connector  15  is of a complementary configuration to the plug connector  8 . 
     A further embodiment of the device  2  according to the invention with an alternative lift unit  27  is shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7  and described hereinafter. For the sake of brevity only the differences in relation to the above-described embodiment are considered here.  FIG. 6  shows the housing cover  7  transparent, for the sake of clarity.  FIG. 6  shows the plug connector  8  with an alternative lift unit  27  in the active position, while  FIG. 7  shows them in the passive position. 
     The lift unit  27  in  FIGS. 6 and 7  includes a receiving shell  28 , a turning plate  29  and an intermediate portion  30  to which the plug connector  8  is fixed. The lift unit  27  also has a connecting wire  31  as a mechanical movable connection between the turning plate  29  and the receiving shell  28 . An electrical connecting cable  32  connects the contacts (not shown) of the plug connector  8  to the corresponding contacts (not shown) in the interior of the ultrasound generator  2 . The connecting cable  32  is longer than the connecting wire  31  to avoid tensile forces on the connecting cable  32 . The receiving shell  28  has a receiving depression  33  in which the turning plate  29  extends in the active position in  FIG. 6 . The contact pins  25  of the plug connector  8  extend substantially parallel to the flat turning plate  29  which extends substantially at a right angle to the housing cover  7  in the receiving depression  33 . Thus in the active position the plug connector  8  projects above the housing cover  7 . 
     To move the plug connector  8  into the passive position the turning plate  29  is removed from the receiving depression  33  and placed on the receiving shell  28  in a position of being turned through 90° so that the plug connector  8  is in the interior of the receiving depression  33 . The passive position is shown in  FIG. 7  with a view on to the ultrasound generator  2  from above. The turning plate  29  can be fixed in the passive position by fixing means such as for example screws (not shown). 
       FIG. 8  shows a holder  35  for the counterpart plug connector  15 , that is suited for the embodiment of  FIGS. 6 and 7 . Unlike the holder  44  in  FIG. 4  the holder  35  has a shaped depression  36  into which the turning plate  29  can engage from below when the devices  2 ,  3  are connected. 
     A further embodiment of the device  2  according to the invention with an alternative lift unit  37  is shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10  and described hereinafter. For the sake of brevity only the differences in relation to the above-described embodiments are considered here.  FIG. 9  does not show the housing cover  7  of the ultrasound generator  2 .  FIG. 9  shows the plug connector  8  with an alternative lift unit  37  in the active position while  FIG. 10  shows them in the passive position. 
     Like the embodiment of  FIG. 6  the lift unit  37  of the embodiment of  FIGS. 9 and 10  also includes a receiving shell  38 , a turning plate  39  and an intermediate portion  40  to which the plug connector  8  is fixed. A connecting wire  41  in this case also connects the turning plate  39  to the receiving shell  38 . It will be noted however that the turning plate  39  has to be rotated through 180° to move the lift unit  37  from the active position in  FIG. 9  into the passive position in  FIG. 10 . The turning plate  39  can also be secured in the passive position in  FIG. 10  for example with fixing screws (not shown). For this embodiment it is also possible to use the counterpart plug connector  15  with the holder  23  from  FIG. 4 . 
     A further embodiment of the invention is shown in  FIG. 11 .  FIG. 11  shows a double plug connector  42  in which a plug connector  8  is arranged at each end. The plug connectors  8  are fixed in a housing  43  and the contacts thereof (not shown) are respectively connected together in the interior of the housing. For use of the double plug connector  42  both the ultrasound generator  2  and also the HF generator  3  are equipped with the holder  44  and the counterpart plug connector  15  of  FIG. 4 . In the active position the double plug connector  42  is fitted on to the counterpart plug connector  15  of the ultrasound generator  2 . Thus the ultrasound generator  2  can be connected to the HF generator  3 . For the passive position the double plug connector  42  is removed and a cover plate closes the housing cover  7  in fluid-tight relationship.