VARIABLE-PRESSURE SUPPORT AND PATIENT BED, AND METHOD FOR OPERATION

Abstract

A variable-pressure support, a patient bed having such a variable-pressure support, and a method for operating such a variable-pressure support. A plurality of supporting elements is provided. A guiding arrangement is provided which has two guides arranged opposite one another in a transverse direction and extend in a longitudinal direction. The supporting elements are movably mounted at opposite ends in the guides.

Claims

1-15. (canceled)

16. A variable-pressure support, comprising: a guide arrangement with at least two guides disposed to lie opposite one another in a transverse direction and extending in a longitudinal direction; and a plurality of supporting elements movably mounted at opposite ends in said at least two guides.

17. The variable-pressure support according to claim 16, wherein each of said supporting elements has a supporting roller mounted to freely rotate about a rotational axis that is oriented parallel to the transverse direction.

18. The variable-pressure support according to claim 16, wherein each of said supporting elements has, at each of said opposite ends, a running roller for movable mounting in a respective said guide, said running roller being mounted to be rotated freely about a rotational axis that is oriented parallel to the transverse direction.

19. The variable-pressure support according to claim 16, wherein each of two mutually adjoining supporting elements are movably connected to one another at said two opposite ends by way of a respective connecting element.

20. The variable-pressure support according to claim 19, further comprising a preloading arrangement configured to preload the connections between said supporting elements.

21. The variable-pressure support according to claim 16, wherein each of said at least two guides has a plurality of guide elements, and at least some of said guide elements are arranged movably with respect to one another.

22. The variable-pressure support according to claim 21, wherein at least some of said guide elements of each of said at least two guides are mounted elastically.

23. The variable-pressure support according to claim 21, wherein said guide arrangement comprises a plurality of spring elements each supporting one of said guide elements, said spring elements having a first fastening arrangement, and at least some of said guide elements having a second fastening arrangement, with the aid of which said spring elements are releasably fastened non-destructively to that part of said guide elements that have said second fastening arrangement.

24. The variable-pressure support according to claim 16, wherein said guide arrangement has a forward run and a return run configured to enable said supporting elements to be moved circularly.

25. The variable-pressure support according to claim 16, further comprising a flexible supporting roller cover arranged above said supporting elements, said supporting roller cover being formed in multiple pieces from a flexible pad and a protective layer which is arranged between said flexible pad and said supporting elements.

26. The variable-pressure support according to claim 16, further comprising a motorized drive device configured for manual activation and configured to move said supporting elements in the longitudinal direction.

27. The variable-pressure support according to claim 16, further comprising a control device configured to cause a movement of said supporting elements in at least two different operating modes.

28. The variable-pressure support according to claim 16, comprising a control device configured to cause an alarm signal to be emitted if a motor-driven movement of said supporting elements is not possible.

29. A patient bed, comprising a frame and a variable-pressure support according to claim 16 supported by said frame.

30. A method of operating a variable-pressure support, the method comprising: providing a variable-pressure support with a plurality of supporting elements that are movably supported in at least two guides of a guide arrangement, the guides of the guide arrangement lying opposite one another in a transverse direction and extending in a longitudinal direction, and the supporting elements being supported at opposite ends in the guides of the guide arrangement; and moving the supporting elements along the guides of the guide arrangement.

Description

[0058] FIG. 1 shows one example of a variable-pressure support,

[0059] FIG. 2 shows a detail from FIG. 1 in the region of the foot part of the variable-pressure support without illustration of the return run,

[0060] FIG. 3 shows a detail from FIG. 1 in the region of the head part of the variable-pressure support,

[0061] FIG. 4 shows one example of a part of a guide arrangement in a cross section,

[0062] FIG. 5 shows one example of a preloading device, and

[0063] FIG. 6 shows one example of a patient bed.

[0064] FIG. 1 shows one example of a variable-pressure support 1 for decubitus prevention with a plurality of supporting elements 2 which are arranged behind one another along a longitudinal direction L. The variable-pressure support 1 has a guide arrangement with two guides 3a, 3b which are arranged so as to lie opposite one another, the supporting elements 2 being mounted movably at the two opposite ends 2a, 2b thereof in the two guides 3a, 3b. In other words, the guides 3a, 3b and the supporting elements 2 are configured in such a way that the supporting elements 2 can be moved with the aid of the guides 3a, 3b in or counter to the longitudinal direction L.

[0065] In the example which is shown, each of the supporting elements 2 has a supporting roller 4 which is mounted such that it can be rotated freely about a rotational axis which is oriented transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction L, that is to say extends parallel to a transverse direction Q. The rotational axes of the supporting rollers 4 can be defined, for example, by way of the longitudinal axes of axle elements (not visible in FIG. 1), onto which the supporting rollers 4 can be plugged or pulled, for example.

[0066] It is also conceivable, however, to provide sliding elements (not shown) instead of the supporting rollers 4, which sliding elements are configured for sliding through below the patient. Sliding elements of this type can have, for example, a sliding surface and/or an oval cross section, in order to facilitate the sliding or at least to reduce the sliding friction.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 1, the variable-pressure support 1 forms a type of slatted frame, on which a patient who is susceptible to decubitus, for example is at least partially paralyzed or immobile in some other way, can be supported. On account of the movable mounting of the supporting elements 2, the “slats” of this frame are not arranged in a stationary or static manner, but rather are spatially variable or dynamic. This movability of the supporting elements 2 permits spatially changing pressure loading of the supported patient, by way of which pressure loading (long term) local blood flow disruptions and therefore local tissue damage up to and including necrosis can be effectively and reliably counteracted.

[0068] Unlike what is shown in FIG. 1, a variable-pressure support of this type can also be used in some other way, however, for example as a seat cushion or as a leg rest.

[0069] The supporting rollers 4 of the supporting elements 2 are configured in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 to support the patient, the supporting elements 2 in turn being supported by the guide arrangement, for example by way of seating of the two ends 2a, 2b of each of the supporting elements 2 in the guides 3a, 3b. In the case of a movement of the supporting elements 2 in the longitudinal direction L, the supporting rollers 4 can roll beneath the patient on account of their free rotational mounting. In other words, the supporting rollers 4 achieve a situation where the supporting elements 2 can be moved relative to a patient who is supported by way of the supporting rollers 4. Here, the patient should remain in a stationary manner relative to the variable-pressure support 1 or relative to the guide arrangement.

[0070] For this purpose, a flexible supporting element cover (not shown) can be provided, by way of which the comfort of the patient and/or the operational reliability of the variable-pressure support 1 can be increased at the same time. Here, the supporting element cover is preferably stretched over the supporting rollers 4 and, for example, fastened to the guides 3a, 3b, with the result that the supporting rollers can roll on a side which faces the supporting rollers 4, that is to say the supporting element cover lower side. In addition to a penetration of objects or body parts into intermediate spaces between the supporting elements 2, the supporting element cover which is fixed in a stationary manner as a result can therefore also prevent the patient who is supported by the supporting rollers 2 and in the process lies on the supporting element cover also being moved in the case of a movement of the supporting elements 2.

[0071] In the example which is shown in FIG. 1, the guide arrangement has a forward run 5a and a return run 5b, the forward run 5a and the return run 5b being arranged above one another, that is to say in a stacked manner, as a result of which a slatted frame-like configuration of the variable-pressure support 1 is achieved. Other arrangements of the forward run and return run 5a, 5b relative to one another are fundamentally also conceivable, however.

[0072] Both the forward run 5a and the return run 5b have in each case two guides 3a, 3b which are arranged so as to lie opposite one another. With the aid of the forward and return run 5a, 5b, the supporting elements 2 can be moved in a circulating manner, that is to say on a closed path. For example, the supporting elements 2 can be moved with the aid of the forward run 5a in the longitudinal direction L, for instance from a foot part 6b of the variable-pressure support 1 to a head part 6a of the variable-pressure support 1, while the supporting elements 2 are conveyed back with the aid of the return run 5b counter to the longitudinal direction L from the head part 6a to the foot part 6b. As a result, for example, flushing of blood vessels in the legs of the patient toward his/her torso can be realized in the long term, for instance in order to decrease the risk of thrombosis.

[0073] Here, the guides 3a, 3b preferably have a plurality of guide elements 10 which are mounted in an elastic or resilient manner. For this purpose, the guide arrangement also has a plurality of spring elements 11 which support at least one part of the guide elements 10. Here, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, in each case one spring element 11 can elastically mount one of the guide elements 10. Adjacently arranged guide elements 10 are also mounted movably, at least slightly, relative to one another as a result of the elastic mounting of the guide elements 10.

[0074] With the aid of the spring elements 11, at least one part of the guide elements 10, in particular the forward run 5a or the guide elements 10 of the forward run 5a, can also be mounted movably with respect to another part of the guide elements 10, in particular the return run 5b or the guide elements 10 of the return run 5b. Here, the spring elements 11 can elastically connect or couple, in particular, the forward run 5a to the return run 5b which is preferably of rigid configuration and forms a carrier frame. The coupling between the forward and return run 5a, 5b makes particularly comfortable supporting of a patient on the variable-pressure support 1 possible.

[0075] FIG. 2 shows a detail from FIG. 1 in the region of the foot part 6b of the variable-pressure support without illustration of the return run. As a result, an (in particular, chain-like) connection of the supporting elements 2 by way of connecting elements 7 can be seen, which are arranged at the opposite ends (in FIG. 2, in each case only one end 2a of the two opposite ends is visible).

[0076] As a result, a chain of supporting elements 2 is formed which can be moved in the guide 3a.

[0077] Here, each of the connecting elements 7 is arranged between a supporting roller 4 and a running roller 8. Here, the connecting elements 7 and/or the running rollers 8, just like possibly also the supporting rollers 4, can be plugged or placed onto in each case one axle element 9, for example with an oversize fit.

[0078] With the aid of the running rollers 8, the supporting elements 2 are preferably mounted movably in the guide 3a. In order to make particularly secure guidance of the supporting elements 2 possible, the guide 3a here can have a channel-like recess or a groove for receiving the running rollers 8.

[0079] In one alternative embodiment, the supporting elements 2 have, instead of the running rollers 8, sliding portions (not shown) which are configured for sliding in the guides.

[0080] The supporting elements 2 are arranged movably relative to one another by way of the connecting elements 7. As a result, it is possible for the supporting elements 2 which are moved, for example, with the aid of the return run (not shown) counter to the longitudinal direction L to be deflected into the forward run 5a on the foot part 6b of the variable-pressure support.

[0081] As can be seen clearly in FIG. 2, at least one part of the guide elements 10 has in each case a first fastening arrangement 12a, and at least one part of the spring elements 11 has a second fastening arrangement 12b, with the aid of which the spring elements 11 can be fastened to the guide elements 10, in particular in a manner which is releasable without destruction and/or without tools. For this purpose, the first fastening arrangements 12a can in each case have at least one recess or indentation 13a, into which a corresponding (in particular, complementary) projection or bulge 13b of a second fastening arrangement 12b can engage.

[0082] FIG. 3 shows a detail from FIG. 1 in the region of the head part 6a of the variable-pressure support. Here, the head part 6a is configured such that it can be erected. For this purpose, the guide arrangement has hinge elements 14, for example in each case at least one in each guide 3a. Here, each of the hinge elements 14 is preferably arranged between two adjoining guide elements 10 and is configured to make tilting of the two adjoining guide elements 10 with respect to one another possible. With the aid of hinge elements 14 of this type, the head part 6a can be erected, for example, by up to 40°.

[0083] FIG. 4 shows one example of a part of a guide arrangement in a cross section. The guide arrangement has a forward run 5a and a return run 5b, both the forward run 5a and the return run 5b comprising in each case one guide 3a, with the aid of which supporting elements (see FIGS. 1-3) of a variable-pressure support can be guided during a movement. Here, the forward run 5a is connected with the aid of spring elements 11 to the return run 5b. As a result, the guide 3a of the forward run 5a is mounted elastically, as are therefore also the supporting elements which are guided by it.

[0084] The guide 3a is configured to at least partially receive and mount movably in each case one end, in particular one running roller, of the supporting elements. For this purpose, the guide has a recess 15 or groove, into which one end, in particular one running roller, of a supporting element can engage.

[0085] In the example which is shown, a running surface 16 is provided in the recess 15 of the guide 3a of the forward run 5a, on which running surface 16, for example, the running rollers of the supporting elements can roll. Here, the running surface 16 is formed by a belt-like running track 17 which can connect a plurality of guide elements (cf. FIGS. 1-3) of the guide 3a. Here, the belt which forms the running track 17 is preferably inserted into the guide 3a in such a way that the running surface 16 is flush with a side surface of the recess 15. In order to reduce sliding friction or rolling friction during the movement of the supporting elements, the running track 17 can be manufactured from a low-friction material such as, for example, Teflon.

[0086] The guide arrangement which is shown is preferably configured for use with a patient bed, in particular a frame of the patient bed. For this purpose, the return run 5b has a latching or clip mechanism 24, with the aid of which the guide arrangement and therefore also the variable-pressure support can be fastened to or hooked into the patient bed or its frame. The variable-pressure support can thus also be released again from the patient bed or its frame without destruction and/or without tools, for instance by a pin 24a of the clip mechanism 24 being pressed down or bent in such a way that one or more barbs 24b of the pin 24a are released.

[0087] FIG. 5 shows one example of a preloading arrangement 18 for preloading an (in particular, elastic) connection with the aid of connecting elements 7 between supporting elements 2 of a variable-pressure support. The preloading device 18 has a driver wheel 19 which is configured to drive the supporting elements 2 at least in sections during a rotation and is seated on a driver axle 20, and a preloading rod 21 which is mounted movably in a cylinder 22. The preloading rod 21 is connected to the driver axle at an end of the preloading rod 21, which end faces away from the cylinder 22.

[0088] The driver axle 20 can be mounted, for example, rotatably on or in the preloading rod 21, for example in an eye or an eyelet. In this case, the driver wheel 19 is seated on the driver axle 20 such that it cannot rotate. It is also conceivable here that the driver axle 20 is operatively connected to a drive device (not shown), with the result that the driver wheel 19 can be driven, for example, by motor and therefore the supporting elements 2 can be moved. Here, the driver axle 20 can also be called a drive axle.

[0089] As an alternative, the driver axle 20 can also be connected such that it cannot rotate to the preloading rod 21, however. In this case, the driver wheel 19 is mounted rotatably on the driver axle 20.

[0090] A preloading means 23 which is under preload is provided in the cylinder 22 which is arranged in a stationary manner relative to guides (cf. FIGS. 1-3) of a guide arrangement, in particular a carrier frame of the variable-pressure support, which preloading means 23 presses against an end of the preloading rod 21, which end lies in the cylinder 22. In the example which is shown, the preloading means 23 is configured as a spring element, in particular as a compression spring. The preloading means 23 can also be a pressurized gas, however.

[0091] The driver wheel 19 preferably forms a first part of the guide arrangement which is mounted such that it can be moved with respect to a second part of the guide arrangement with the aid of the preloading arrangement 18. Here, the second part of the guide arrangement can, for example, be formed by way of the guides of the guide arrangement.

[0092] FIG. 6 shows one example of a patient bed 50 which has a frame 51 and a variable-pressure support 1. The variable-pressure support 1 and the frame 51 are configured in such a way that the variable-pressure support 1, in particular a guide arrangement with two guides 3a, 3b which are arranged so as to lie opposite one another, is received at least partially by the frame 51. Here, the variable-pressure support 1 can have a latching or clip mechanism, with the aid of which the variable-pressure support 1 can be fastened to the frame 51 such that it can be released without destruction and/or without tools (cf. FIG. 4).

LIST OF DESIGNATIONS

[0093] 1 Variable-pressure support [0094] 2 Supporting elements [0095] 2a, 2b End [0096] 3a, 3b Guide [0097] 4 Supporting roller [0098] 5a, 5b Forward run, return run [0099] 6a, 6b Head part, foot part [0100] 7 Connecting element [0101] 8 Running roller [0102] 9 Axle element [0103] 10 Guide element [0104] 11 Spring element [0105] 12a, 12b First, second fastening arrangement [0106] 13a Indentation [0107] 13b Bulge [0108] 14 Hinge element [0109] 15 Recess [0110] 16 Running surface [0111] 17 Running track [0112] 18 Preloading arrangement [0113] 19 Driver wheel [0114] 20 Driver axle [0115] 21 Preloading rod [0116] 22 Cylinder [0117] 23 Preloading means [0118] 24 Clip mechanism [0119] 24a Pin [0120] 24b Barb [0121] 50 Patient bed [0122] 51 Frame [0123] L Longitudinal direction [0124] Q Transverse direction