Retractor and operating method

An operating method for a retractor comprising the following steps:

• a) bringing a first shaft portion and a second shaft portion of the retractor to an extended position, the first shaft portion pivotably coupled to the second shaft portion, and the first shaft portion having an actuation device that is guided movably within,
• b) moving the actuation device in a distal direction as far as a predetermined end position, thereby moving a transmission arm along a slot of a peg-and-slot connection and entraining a slide, thereby obtaining a release state of a coupling device, wherein
• the slot of the peg-and-slot connection extends parallel to a longitudinal axis when the shaft portions are extended,
• one end of the transmission arm is articulated on a distal end of the actuation device, and at the other end is articulated eccentrically with respect to a rotation axis of the shaft portions, on the second shaft portion,
• the slide is part of the coupling device and is movably guided within the second shaft portion, and
• the transmission arm is operatively coupled to the slide in order to move the slide longitudinally, and a longitudinal travel of the slide makes available the release state of the coupling device,
• c) guiding a coupling end of a retraction structure to the coupling device of the second shaft portion and connecting it to the coupling device, the opposite end of the retraction structure being connected to a distal end of the second shaft portion,
• d) moving the actuation device in the proximal direction, thereby entraining the slide and transferring the coupling device to a locked state, and locking the coupling end of the retraction structure in the coupling device.