SUPPLY SYSTEM WITH A MAIN BODY WHICH HAS AN UNDERCUT

Abstract

A supply system (1a) includes a basic body (2) and at least one supply port (3 through 8), which is flush-mounted in the basic body (2) and provides a supply medium. The basic body (2) extends along a longitudinal axis and includes a plurality of outer wall sections (9 through 12) and at least one connection section (13 through 16). The connection section or each connection section (13 through 16) mechanically connects to one another two outer wall sections (9 through 12), which are adjacent to one another. At least one connection section (13 through 16) has at least one undercut (17 through 24). The undercut or each undercut (17 through 24) has the form of a channel or flute or groove or sectional rail and extends along the longitudinal axis of the basic body (2).

Claims

1. A supply system comprising: a basic body; and at least one supply port, wherein the basic body extends along a longitudinal axis, wherein the at least one supply port is flush-mounted in the basic body and is configured to provide a supply medium, wherein the basic body comprises a plurality of outer wall sections and at least one connection section, wherein the at least one connection section mechanically connects two respective outer wall sections to each other, which two respective outer wall sections are adjacent to one another, and wherein the at least one connection section has at least one undercut, which undercut has a form of a channel or a flute or a groove or a sectional rail and which undercut extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the basic body.

2. A supply system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the at least one connection section has another undercut to provide two undercuts, which two undercuts each have the form of a channel or a flute or groove or a sectional rail, extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the basic body, and are arranged at a spaced location from one another.

3. A supply system in accordance with claim 2, wherein the at least one connection section with the two undercuts has a cross section, in one plane, which is at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the basic body, which cross section has a shape of a mushroom or of a T or of a C or of a circular segment or of an elliptical segment.

4. A supply system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the at least one undercut has a C-shaped or circular segment-shaped or elliptical segment-shaped cross section, in a plane which is at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the basic body, which undercut is bent away from the two adjacent outer wall sections.

5. A supply system in accordance with claim 2, wherein the at least one connection section is mirror symmetrical in relation to a symmetry plane wherein the symmetry plane extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the basic body, and wherein the symmetry plane cuts in half an angle between the two outer wall sections, which are adjacent to the connection section.

6. A supply system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the plurality of outer wall sections comprises n outer wall sections; wherein the at least one connection section is one of n connection sections including at least an additional connection section; wherein the basic body is columnar with the n outer wall sections and the n connection sections, which each connect two outer wall sections, wherein the at least an additional connection section has an additional connection section undercut, which additional connection section undercut has a form of a channel or a flute or a groove or a sectional rail and extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the basic body.

7. A supply system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the basic body has at least one reinforcing structure, wherein the at least one reinforcing structure increases a wall thickness of one of the outer wall sections connected to the at least one reinforcing structure in an area, which adjoins the at least one connection section.

8. A supply system in accordance with claim 7, wherein the basic body further comprises an additional connection section that mechanically connects two respective outer wall sections to each other, which two respective outer wall sections are adjacent to one another and the additional connection section has at least one undercut having a form of a channel or a flute or a groove or a sectional rail and extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the basic body; wherein the basic body has a reinforcing structure for the additional connection section that increases a wall thickness of one of the two respective outer wall sections connected to the additional connection section, in an area which adjoins the at least one connection section.

9. An arrangement comprising: a supply system comprising: a basic body extending along a longitudinal axis, the basic body comprising: a plurality of outer wall sections; and at least one connection section mechanically connecting two of the outer wall sections to each other, the two of the outer wall sections being adjacent to one another, the connection section comprising an undercut having a channel form or a flute form or a groove form or a sectional rail form, the undercut extending parallel to the longitudinal axis; and at least one supply port flush-mounted in the basic body and configured to provide a supply medium; and a component detachably connected or connectable to the basic body, wherein the component comprises an engaging element configured to engage into the undercut at the basic body.

10. An arrangement in accordance with claim 9, wherein the engaging element engages with the undercut to form a detachable connection which holds the component detachably at the basic body.

11. (canceled)

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] In the drawings:

[0048] FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a first embodiment of the supply system according to the present invention;

[0049] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of the supply system according to the present invention;

[0050] FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a third embodiment of a supply system according to the present invention;

[0051] FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing a component fastened detachably in front of an outer wall section and between two connection sections;

[0052] FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing a component fastened detachably in front of an outer wall section and covering both adjoining connection sections; and

[0053] FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing a component fastened detachably to a connection section and extending around same.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0054] Referring to the drawings, in the exemplary embodiment, the present invention is used for a supply system, which supplies at least one medical device with different supply media. Examples of such supply media are different gases, e.g., breathing air, oxygen, different anesthetics, different fluids such as water or cleaning fluids, lubricants as well as an electrical socket and a port, e.g., a USB port, at a data network. The supply system is mounted in a stationary manner, for example, in a pivotable manner, at a ceiling. A medical device can be connected detachably to the stationary supply system. Various medical devices, also different medical devices, can preferably be connected one after the other to the same supply system.

[0055] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment 1a of a supply system according to the present invention, FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment 1b, and FIG. 3 shows a third embodiment 1c. FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 show in a sectional view the supply system 1a and 1c, respectively, in a horizontal plane, FIG. 2 shows the supply system 1b in a perspective view in a viewing direction from the side.

[0056] The supply system 1a of the first embodiment provides for different supply media six supply ports 3 through 8, which are arranged in the same horizontal plane, and optionally additional supply ports, not shown. The supply system 1b provides three different ports 3 through 5, and the supply system 1c likewise provides a plurality of supply ports, which are not shown.

[0057] In all three embodiments, the supply system 1a, 1b, 1c comprises a basic body 2. This basic body 2 has the form of a column with a rectangular base and extends along a vertical longitudinal axis LA during the operation. The column is mounted at the ceiling and/or on the floor and can preferably be moved in relation to the ceiling or in relation to the floor. The longitudinal axis LA of this column is at right angles to the drawing planes of FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 and lies in the drawing plane of FIG. 2. The basic body 2 is preferably mounted such that it is accessible from all sides.

[0058] The supply ports 3 through 8 are fastened in recesses provided in the basic body 2. The basic body 2 encloses an interior from all sides. The terms “on the inside” and “on the outside” used below refer to this interior. A plurality of parallel supply lines, which carry and/or suction each a supply medium to a supply port in the basic body 2 or establish a current connection or a data connection with a connected medical device, are guided in the interior of the basic body 2.

[0059] The basic body 2 comprises four vertical outer wall sections 9, 10, 11, 12, which are mechanically connected to one another and provide the column with the rectangular base. Each outer wall section 9, 10, 11, 12 extends in a respective vertical plane and the planes of two adjacent outer wall sections adjoin one another in a right angle. FIG. 1 shows the four surface normals V9 through V12 of the outer wall sections 9 through 12, wherein each surface normal V9 through V12 is at right angles to a planar outer wall section 9 through 12. In the perspective view of FIG. 2, only the two outer wall sections 11 and 12 are visible, and the other two outer wall sections 9 and 10 are hidden. Of course, a different number of outer wall sections and/or a different angle between two adjacent outer wall sections is also possible.

[0060] Two respective adjacent outer wall sections 9 through 12 are mechanically connected to one another by a connection section 13, 14, 15, 16, for example, the two adjacent outer wall sections 9 and 12 are mechanically connected to one another by the connection section 13. The four vertical outer wall sections 9 through 12 and the four connection sections 13 through 16 together form a lateral surface of the column-shaped basic body 2. This lateral surface has an outwardly pointing surface, which is preferably made of a material, which can be easily cleaned and disinfected and as a result meets the requirements of a medical facility.

[0061] The two end faces of the column are formed by a basic body top and by a basic body bottom. In the exemplary embodiment, the basic body top and the basic body bottom extend in two parallel horizontal planes, which are parallel to the drawing planes of FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 and are approximately at right angles to the drawing plane of FIG. 2. The basic body top is mechanically connected to all four outer wall sections 9 through 12 as well as to all four connection sections 13 through 16. The same applies to the basic body bottom.

[0062] FIG. 2 shows a basic body top 30 of the basic body 2. This basic body top 30 can be fastened by means of a mounting arm 40 to a ceiling or to an extension arm. The mounting arm 40 comprises a cylindrical spacer element 29, which in one embodiment is configured as telescopic or in a different manner as variable in length, as well as a mounting element 41, which can be fastened to a ceiling or an extension arm. Because the basic body 2 is fastened to the ceiling or close to the ceiling, the area below the basic body 2 remains free, so that a person and/or a medical device may be located there. If the length of the spacer element 29 can be changed, it is possible to bring the basic body 2 into a desired height above the room floor.

[0063] Each connection section 13 through 16 has two respective undercuts 17 through 24, which are arranged at a spaced location from one another and preferably point in two different directions, especially preferably in two opposite directions. Thus, the basic body 2 has a total of 2*4=8 undercuts 17 through 24. Each undercut 17 through 24 has the form of a channel or a flute or a groove or a sectional rail, which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis LA of the basic body 2, namely preferably along the entire basic body 2 from the basic body top 30 to the basic body bottom. For example, the connection section 13 has the two undercuts 17 and 18 and the connection section 16 has the two undercuts 23 and 24, etc. The undercut 17 adjoins the outer wall section 12, the undercut 18 adjoins the outer wall section 9, etc. Each undercut 17 through 24 preferably covers an angle, which is between 20° and 70°, especially preferably between 30° and 60°.

[0064] In the exemplary embodiment, each connection section 13 through 16 and therefore also the two undercuts of this connection section 13 through 16 are mirror symmetrical to one another in relation to a vertical symmetry plane S13 through S16. The connection section 13 is mirror symmetrical to the symmetry plane S13, etc. The two undercuts 17 through 24 of a connection section 13 through 16 have therefore the same distance from the symmetry plane of this connection section 13 through 16. The vertical symmetry plane S13 through S16 of a connection section 13 through 16 preferably cuts in half the angle between the two outer wall sections 9 through 12, which are connected to one another by this connection section 13 through 16.

[0065] The connection sections 13 through 16 of the first embodiment according to FIG. 1 have the shape of mushrooms thanks to the undercuts 17 through 24. Each undercut 17 through 24 has the shape of an embedded rounding and extends in the form of a flute, which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis LA of the basic body 2, i.e., is at right angles to the drawing plane of FIG. 1. Each undercut 17 through 24 of the first embodiment has the shape of a circular segment, which covers an angle, which is preferably between 100° and 170°, especially preferably between 120° and 150°. It is also possible that this circular segment covers an angle of greater than 170° or even greater than 180°.

[0066] In the first embodiment according to FIG. 1, each connection section 13 through 16 comprises a respective reinforcing structure 25 through 28, which points towards the interior in the basic body 2 and belongs to the outer wall sections 9 through 12 and to the connection sections 13 through 16 and increases the wall thicknesses thereof in the area of the undercuts 17 through 24. Because the reinforcing structure 25 through 28 points towards the interior and is not arranged on the surface pointing outwards, this reinforcing structure 25 through 28 does not lead to unevennesses on the outer surface of the basic body 2. Such an unevenness is undesired, especially because dirt can collect there and because cleaning is made difficult.

[0067] Thanks to this optional reinforcing structure 25 through 28, the basic body 2 has in the area of a connection section 13 through 16 an increased mechanical strength, especially an increased stiffness and/or an increased buckling strength, compared with outer wall sections 9 through 12, which are also planar on the inside, and compared with a configuration without reinforcing structure. The reinforcing structure 25 through 28 of a connection section 13 through 16 is preferably also mirror symmetrical to the symmetry plane S13 through S16 of this connection section 13 through 16. In the exemplary embodiment being shown, the basic body 2 comprises for each connection section 13 through 16 a respective reinforcing structure 25 through 28 on both sides of the connection section 13 through 16.

[0068] In the third embodiment according to FIG. 3, each connection section 13 through 16 has the shape of a quarter-circular segment or quarter-elliptical segment. Each connection section thus has the shape of a segment of a circle or of an ellipse, wherein the segment preferably covers an angle of 70° to 110°, especially preferably 90°. Each connection section 13 though 16 is curved outwards, thus away from the basic body 2. The two undercuts 17 through 24 of a connection section 13 through 16 are present between the quarter-circular segment and the two outer wall sections 9 through 12, which adjoin one another and are connected to one another. Such a connection section 13 through 16 can in many cases be produced more easily than a connection section of a different shape and has a higher mechanical stability.

[0069] At least one component 50 can be fastened to the basic body 2. Examples of such a component 50 are a tray for medical instruments, a mounting arm for an additional device, a light, an operating unit or a display unit. It is possible to fasten a plurality of different components, also components of different sizes and/or of different shapes, one after the other to the same basic body 2. It is also possible to mount on a basic body 2 a plurality of components 50 above one another and/or next to one another at different positions. The basic body 2 prevents, on the one hand, the fastened component 50 from falling or slipping downwards. The basic body 2 prevents the fastened component 50 from moving obliquely or horizontally to the side, on the other hand.

[0070] Thanks to the undercuts 17 through 24 and the reinforcing structure 25 through 28 at the corners of the basic body 24, it is selectively possible to mount a component 50 in front of an outer wall section 9 through 12 or in front of a corner, i.e., in front of a connection section 13 through 16. A large component 50 can also be mounted such that it covers both an outer wall section 9 through 12 and a connection section 13 through 16 in the horizontal direction. As a result, the supply system 1a, 1b, 1c provides more possible mounting places for at least one component 50 than the prior-art supply systems.

[0071] At least one holding element 51 is fastened to the basic body in one embodiment in order to prevent the fastened component 50 from falling or slipping downwards. The component 50 is supported by this holding element 51, for example, from below. Or a hook or another fastening element of the component 50 engages (meshes) with a corresponding opening of the holding element 51.

[0072] At least one undercut, preferably two undercuts 17 through 24 of two different adjacent connection sections 13 through 16, or the two undercuts 17 through 24 of the same connection section 13 through 16, act in an embodiment as a respective guide rail each for the fastened component 50. Thanks to these guide rails, it is sufficient that the holding element 51 is in contact with the component 50 in a single point. Nevertheless, the component 50 is held securely in a position predefined by the construction of the basic body 2. It is possible that a plurality of holding elements 51 at right angles or obliquely above one another are fastened to the basic body 2, so that a plurality of components 50 can be detachably fastened above one another to the basic body 2. The undercuts 17 through 24 act as guide rails for these components 50 fastened above one another. It is also possible to fasten a component 50 selectively in a first position or in a second position to the basic body 2, wherein the first position is located above the second position. Moreover, it is possible to move the component 50 along the longitudinal axis LA. An embodiment without a holding element 51 is also possible.

[0073] The component 50 has on the side pointing towards the basic body 2 at least one engaging element, which engages with an undercut 17 through 24 from outside, for example, a bracket. It is possible that a plurality of engaging elements, which are arranged above one another on the inside at the component 50, engage with the same undercut 17 through 24. The component 50 preferably has a plurality of engaging elements, which are arranged next to one another and engage with at least two different undercuts 17 through 24. These engaging elements prevent the component 50 from slipping downwards. In addition, it is possible that the component 50 is wedged, as desired, into the undercuts 17 through 24 and also is held as a result.

[0074] The embodiments with the engaging element at the component 50 and with the holding element 51 at the basic body 2 can be combined with one another.

[0075] FIG. 4 through FIG. 6 schematically show the respective outer contour of a component 50. The longitudinal axis LA of the basic body 2 is at right angles to the drawing planes of FIG. 4 through FIG. 6. This component 50 is detachably fastened to the basic body 2 of the first embodiment. In addition, the component 50 is optionally held by the holding element 51, which is not shown in FIG. 4 through FIG. 6.

[0076] In the example of FIG. 4, a engaging element of the component 50 and/or the inner contour of the component 50, which inner contour points towards the basic body 2, engages with the two undercuts 17 and 24, and the component 50 is located between the two guide rails 17 and 24. The component 50, for example, a tray, is located below the supply port 8.

[0077] In the example of FIG. 5, the inner contour of the component 50 engages into the two undercuts 21 and 24 and optionally additionally into the two adjacent undercuts 23 and 22. The component 50 is thus held and optionally guided by at least two vertical undercuts 21 and 24 and optionally additionally by two additional vertical undercuts 22 and 23. The component 50 fully encloses the two connection sections 15 and 16.

[0078] In the example of FIG. 6, the component 50 is held and guided by the two undercuts 21 and 22 of the connection section 15, i.e., by two undercuts of the same connection section. The component 50 fully encloses the connection section 15. Especially thanks to the reinforcing structure 27 at the connection section 15, the basic body 2 also has a sufficient strength in this corner 15.

[0079] While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown and described in detail to illustrate the application of the principles of the invention, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise without departing from such principles.

LIST OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS

[0080] 1a Supply system according to the present invention according to the first embodiment; it comprises a basic body 2 [0081] 1b Supply system according to the present invention according to the second embodiment; it comprises a basic body 2 [0082] 1c Supply system according to the present invention according to the third embodiment; it comprises a basic body 2 [0083] 2 Basic body; it comprises the outer wall sections 9 through 12, the connection sections 13 through 16, the basic body top cover 30 and a basic body bottom [0084] 3 through 8 Supply port, flush-mounted in a recess in an outer wall section 9 through 12 of the basic body 2 [0085] 9 through 12 Vertical outer wall section; it belongs to the basic body 2; it has the surface normal V9 through V12 [0086] 13 through 16 Connection section; it connects two adjacent outer wall sections 9 through 12 to one another; it belongs to the basic body 2; it has two undercuts 17 through 24 [0087] 17 through 24 Undercuts of a connection section 13 through 16; they extend parallel to the longitudinal axis LA; they are capable of holding a component 50 detachably at the basic body 2 [0088] 25 through 28 Reinforcing structure of a connection section 13 through 16; it is arranged in the interior of the basic body 2 [0089] 29 Cylindrical spacer element; it belongs to the mounting arm 40; it is connected mechanically to the basic body bottom 30 and to the mounting element 41 [0090] 30 Basic body bottom; it is connected mechanically to all outer wall sections 9 through 12 and to all connection sections 13 through 16 [0091] 40 Mounting arm; it comprises the cylindrical spacer element 29 [0092] 41 Mounting element; it can be fastened to a ceiling; it is connected mechanically to the spacer element 29 [0093] 50 Component, which can be detachably fastened to the basic body 2; it engages with two undercuts 17 through 24 [0094] 51 Optional holding element at the basic body 2; it is capable of detachably holding a component 50 [0095] LA Longitudinal axis of the basic body 2 [0096] S13 through S16 Symmetry plane of the connection section 13 through 16; it extends parallel to the longitudinal axis LA [0097] V9 through V12 Surface normal; it is at right angles to a planar outer wall section 9 through 12 and at right angles to the longitudinal axis LA