SUPPORT JOINT FOR A CARRIER ARM OF A MEDICAL STAND DEVICE

Abstract

A carrier arm joint device for a carrier arm of a stand device for arranging in the operating room and for displacing a medical device held on the carrier arm is configured for setting a payload corresponding to a weight of the medical device to be taken up by the carrier arm. The device includes at least one pivot axis for mounting at least one strut of the carrier arm, respectively; and a support axis for supporting a lever configured to transmit forces holding the carrier arm between the strut and the carrier arm joint device A distance between the axes is adjustable within an adjustment range in order to set the payload; the size and/or the extent of the adjustment range is independent of the position of the pivot axis. It is possible to maximize the adjustment range and therefore the payload spectrum in a comparatively compact and structurally rigid joint. A carrier system and a stand device can include at least one such carrier arm joint device.

Claims

1. A carrier arm joint device for a carrier arm of a stand device for arranging in the operating room and for displacing a medical device held on the carrier arm, wherein the carrier arm joint device is configured for setting a payload corresponding to a weight of the medical device to be taken up by the carrier arm, the carrier arm joint device comprising: at least one pivot axis for mounting at least one strut of the carrier arm, respectively; and a support axis to support a lever configured to transfer forces holding the carrier arm between the strut and the carrier arm joint device; wherein a distance between the pivot axis and the support axis is adjustable within an adjustment range in order to set the payload; and wherein the size and/or the extension of the adjustment range is independent of the position of the pivot axis.

2. The carrier arm joint device according to claim 1, wherein the pivot axis is arranged and/or dimensioned relative to the support axis such that pivot axis and the support axis do not overlap, in particular regarding the axial orientation thereof.

3. The carrier arm joint device according to claim 1, wherein the pivot axis is dimensioned and/or partitioned/divided in portions in a way that the relative position of the support axis in relation to the pivot axis may be set independent of the position of the pivot axis or the lever, in particular the axial distance may be minimized.

4. The carrier arm joint device according to claim 1, wherein the pivot axis is partitioned in at least two partitions, adjacent to or between which a cavity is formed, in particular centered in the carrier arm joint device, wherein the adjustment range is arranged in the cavity, and wherein the cavity is preferably configured to accommodate the lever between the axial portions or adjacent to a respective axial portion.

5. The carrier arm joint device according to claim 1, further comprising: a bearing elements, in particular a bearing block, which defines the position of the support axis and is coupable to the level; and adjustment means for setting the axial distance in the adjustment range, wherein the bearing element is coupled to the adjustment means.

6. The carrier arm joint device according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment means are configured to guide the bearing element past to the pivot axis and/or to position it in a/the cavity adjacent to the pivot axis such that the axial distance is minimized.

7. The carrier arm joint device according to claim 1, wherein the carrier arm joint device, in particular a casing of the carrier arm joint device, defines a stop, on which a/the bearing element defining the support axis may abut in an arrangement with a minimum axial distance, wherein the stop is preferably arranged below the pivot axis.

8. The carrier arm joint device according to claim 1, wherein at least one separate portion of the pivot axis is separately supported in a casing wall and preferably also in a corresponding casing tongue, which is arranged on a side of the adjustment range, respectively.

9. The carrier arm joint device according to claim 1, further comprising guiding means configured to guide a/the bearing element defining the support axis along a predefined movement path in the adjustment range, in particular along a straight line, wherein guiding means provided for adjustment of the axial distance are preferably positioned between the guiding means and the pivot axis.

10. The carrier arm joint device according to claim 1, wherein the carrier arm joint device is a cast part, in particular made from aluminum.

11. The carrier arm joint device according to claim 1, wherein the casing of the carrier arm joint device comprises a second stop opposite to the stop which defines an abutment plane, and wherein the bearing element comprises a bearing extension which protrudes from a central part of the bearing element in a direction opposite to the at least one pivot axis, thus the support axis is positioned in the position thereof spaced apart from the at least one pivot axis in the maximum distance thereto in the region of the abutment plane.

12. A carrier system for a stand device for arranging in the operating room and for displacing a medical device having a predefined mass, the carrier system comprising: at least one carrier arm for holding a medical device with at least one strut supported in a pivot axis respectively, wherein a/the strut is held by means of a lever in addition to a support axis; and at least one carrier arm joint device with the at least one pivot axis and with the support axis, wherein the support axis is displaceable and positionable in relation to the pivot axis in an adjustment range for setting a payload of the carrier arm joint device in relation to the mass to be held; wherein a strut of the carrier arm is supported on at least one portion on the pivot axis adjacent to the adjustment range in which the support axis is arranged and is arrangeable in different positions within the adjustment range, wherein the pivot axis is spatially decoupled from the adjustment range.

13. The carrier system according to claim 12, wherein the strut of the carrier arm is supported in two separate portions of the pivot axis, wherein the portions are supported in a casing of the carrier arm joint device respectively, wherein the adjustment range is limited by the casing laterally outside.

14. The carrier system according to claim 12, wherein the carrier arm is adapted as a parallelogram-like carrier arm, and wherein the carrier arm joint device defines two pivot axes for one of the struts of the carrier arm, respectively, wherein the support axis is arranged above both pivot axes and the axial distance may be minimized between the support axis, and an upper pivot axis in order to set the minimum payload.

15. A stand device for arranging in the operating room and for displacing at least one medical device in the operating room, comprising at least one carrier arm joint device according to claim 1 and/or at least one carrier system according to claim 11, wherein the at least one medical device comprises a predefined mass and is held on a carrier arm of the carrier system, in particular on an end of the carrier arm, wherein the carrier arm joint device is set to a payload corresponding to a weight of the medical device to be taken up by the carrier arm, wherein a support axis of the carrier arm joint device is arranged/arrangeable independent of the position of the pivot axis of the carrier arm joint device in relation to the pivot axis, in particular in an adjustment range spatially separated from the pivot axes.

16. An usage of the carrier arm joint device for setting a payload of a medical carrier system, in particular a carrier arm joint device according to claim 1, wherein a support axis of the carrier arm joint device is arranged in an adjustment range, which extends in relation to at least one pivot axis of the carrier arm joint device such that the support axis is arrangeable spatially independent of the position of the pivot axis, in particular optionally adjacent or above or below the pivot axis, preferably laterally offset of the pivot axis.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] The invention will be explained in greater detail in the following figures based on an exemplary embodiment. Illustrated are:

[0045] In FIG. 1A, 1B in a partly sectioned and perspective view, a carrier arm joint or a carrier arm according to the state of the art;

[0046] In FIG. 2A, 2B, 2C in a partly sectioned and perspective view, a carrier arm joint device or a carrier arm device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, wherein a bearing element is arranged in an upper position;

[0047] In FIG. 3A, 3B, 3C in a partly sectioned and perspective view, a carrier arm joint device or a carrier arm device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention with a bearing element in a lower position;

[0048] In FIG. 4 in a partly sectioned view, a carrier arm device with a carrier arm joint device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention with the bearing element in a centered position; and

[0049] In FIG. 5A, 5B in a partly sectioned and perspective view components of the stand device with a medical device, a carrier arm device, and a carrier arm joint device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0050] When describing the following Figures, for reference numbers that are not explicitly explained in a Figure, reference is made to the other Figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] In FIG. 1A a carrier arm joint 10a according to the state of the art is shown, in particular adapted as welded design. A carrier arm 20a is rotatably supported around an axis of rotation D by means of the carrier arm joint 10a on a spindle 4 in a rotary bearing portion 11. The carrier arm joint 10a comprises an adjustment mechanics 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 for adjusting a biasing in the carrier arm 20a.

[0052] Two struts 21, 23 of the carrier arm 20a engage with the carrier arm joint 10a. The upper strut comprises a lever bearing 21.1 and a spring 21.2, in particular a compression spring, which exerts pressure on a threaded spindle, which transfers this compression force as traction force to a lever. The lever bearing 21.1 is adapted as sliding bearing and connects a lever 13 with a spring spindle 21.3. The spring 21.2 generates a counterforce to the weight or mass of a medical device (not shown) which is fastened on an end opposite of the carrier arm joint 10a on the carrier arm 20a. The upper strut 21 may be denoted as spring tube that accommodates a spring assembly and acts as a support of the complete load exerted on the carrier arm by a medical device.

[0053] The upper strut 21 is supported on an upper pivot axis 17.1a on the carrier arm joint 10a, and the lower strut 23 is supported on a lower pivot axis 17.2 on the carrier arm joint 10a. This way, a parallelogram-like arrangement may be defined, for which reaction forces are generated in the spring 21.2 and in the lever 13 during pivoting the carrier arm or the medical device upwards or downwards. The lever 13 supports the parallelogram-like arrangement in an additional bearing point, that is, on the support axis or bearing block axis X.

[0054] In the following, the adjustment mechanics will be described. A bearing block 12 supports the lever 13 on the carrier arm joint 10a and may introduce spring forces into the carrier arm joint 10a. The bearing block 12 defines the position of the support axis or the bearing block axis X where the lever 13 is supported. A casing 18 of the carrier arm joint and may again specify the different possible positions of the bearing block 12. A distance dz between the bearing block or the bearing block axis X and the pivot axis 17.1a may be adjusted. The maximum possible distance defines an adjustment range Vz which is predetermined by the carrier arm joint. Here, the adjustment range Vz equals a movement range, in which the bearing element 12 or the bearing block or the bearing block axis X may be positioned in a relative distance to the upper pivot axis 17.1a. The adjustment range Vz is also defined by a first stop 19.1, on which the bearing element 12 may abut with a minimum axial distance (pivot axis 17.1, 17.2, and support axis X), and defines a second stop 19.2 positioned opposite to it. Both stops 19.1, 19.2 are here formed by the casing 18 or the carrier arm joint device, but may also be implemented by one or more additional parts. The second stop defines a stop plane E. The setting of the distance dz and thus the payload of the carrier arm may be performed by using adjustment means 14, in particular configured as setscrew. A locking screw 15 may thus mount and secure the adjustment means 14 without play. The bearing block 12 is guided by guiding means, in particular guiding bolts. Primarily, the guiding means 16 accommodate forces that are aligned horizontally. Vertically oriented forces will be forwarded to the adjusting means 14, at least to a considerable extent. Due to a jamming with the guiding means 16, it is not possible to avoid a transfer of also vertical force components to the guiding means 16 at least in parts.

[0055] The bearing element 12 comprises a bearing extension 12.2 which protrudes from a central part of the bearing element 12 in a direction opposite to the at least one pivot axis 17.1, 17.2, thus the support axis X is positioned in its position Pmax at the maximum distance from the at least one pivot axis 17.1, 17.2 in the region of the abutment plane E, in particular in the abutment plane E. Here, the abutment plane E is positioned at the maximum distance remote from the at least one pivot axis 17.1, 17.2 in a direction defined by the adjustment range Vz.

[0056] The spring biasing of the carrier arm 20 and thus the preload may be set at the factory to the maximum value for the respective (desired) payload range, for example 12 to 18 kg. For this, a mass of the medical device may be taken into account. A fine tuning of the payload is performed by moving the bearing block 12 or the bearing block axis X within the adjustment range Vz, that is from the (depicted) top position downwards to the upper pivot axis 17.1a. The movement is performed by turning a setscrew 14. Depending on the direction of rotation of the setscrew 14, the bearing block 12 goes up or down and thus changes the angle of the lever 13 and thus an effect caused by the spring 21.2.

[0057] In the upper position of the bearing block 12 (maximum distance dz, Pmax) the carrier arm 20 may then accommodate the maximum load of 18 kg for example, and in the lower position of the bearing block 12 (dz=0), that is in a position adjacent to the upper pivot axis 17.1a only the minimum load, for example 12 kg, is supported. The bearing block 12 may thus not be guided past the upper pivot axis 17.1a, but only to a position adjacent to the pivot axis. In this range of the spring biasing preset at the factory it is not possible to set payloads smaller than the said 12 kg, that are described here as example. In order to enable smaller payloads, a different spring biasing has to be preset at the factory or also another spring 21.2 is required.

[0058] In FIG. 1B the arrangement of the support axis or of the bearing block axis X in relation to the upper pivot axis 17.1a is shown. Here the upper pivot axis 17.1a extends along the complete length between two outer casing walls 18.1, 18.2 of the carrier arm joint.

[0059] In the FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C a carrier arm joint device 10 is shown, which provides a comparatively large adjustment range for the support axis or the bearing block axis X and thus a large adjustment range for payloads. A spring 21.2, in particular a compression spring, creates biasing forces which are transferred to the lever 13 via the spring spindle 21.3 as traction forces. For this end, the compression spring may be biased between two points in the spring tube 21. On a side facing the carrier arm joint device 10, forces are exerted against a constriction in the spring tube and on the opposite side forces are exerted against the threaded spindle 21.3, which passes through the spring 21.2, and onto which a biasing nut is screwed to set (in particular factory-set) of the biasing, as shown in FIG. 5B. This way, a traction force may be exerted by using the compression spring 21.2 to the threaded spindle 21.3, which is transferred via the lever bearing and the lever to the bearing element/the bearing block 12.

[0060] Also in this exemplary embodiment, the adjustment range Vz is defined by a first stop 19.1, on which the bearing element 12 may abut with a minimum distance between the axes (pivot axis 17.1, 17.2, and support axis X) and a second stop 19.2 that is positioned opposite thereto. Both stops 19.1, 19.2 are formed by the casing 18 or the carrier arm joint device in the present exemplary embodiment, but may also be implemented by one or more additional parts. The second stop defines an abutment plane E. The bearing element 12 again comprises a bearing extension 12.2 which protrudes from a central part of the bearing element 12 in a direction opposite to the at least one pivot axis 17.1, 17.2, thus the support axis X is positioned in its position Pmax at the maximum distance from the at least one pivot axis 17.1, 17.2 in the region of the abutment plane E, in particular in the abutment plane E. Here, the abutment plane E is positioned at the maximum distance remote from the at least one pivot axis 17.1, 17.2 in a direction defined by the adjustment range Vz.

[0061] The carrier arm joint device 10 is formed as cast part, in particular made from aluminum. The cast casing 18 comprises also tongues 18.1a, 18.2a in addition to the walls 18.1, 18.2. The upper pivot 17.1 does not completely extend between the walls 18.1, 18.2, but is partitioned into two individual, separate portions, which extend between one of the walls 18.1, 18.2 and a corresponding tongue 18.1a, 18.2a, respectively. Each portion of the pivot axis is only supported in one of the walls 18.1, 18.2. Each portion of the pivot axis is supported in the corresponding tongue 18.1a, 18.2a.

[0062] Also in this arrangement, the payload of the carrier arm may be set by moving the bearing block 12 along the guiding bolt 16 by means of the setscrew 14. However, a maximum adjustment range Vz may be provided, and the carrier arm is thus configured for a broader payload spectrum. Hereto, the upper pivot axis 17.1 is adapted as partitioned axis. This way, the bearing block 12 may be moved in the lower position between the single portions/parts of the axis 17.1 without clashing with the axis 17.1. In the embodiment shown, the movement range of the bearing block 12 is possibly only limited by the inner contour of the carrier arm joint 20. The bearing block 12 may be moved across a comparatively large adjustment arrange Vz and thus ensure a comparatively large range for setting the payload. This enables, for example with a factory setting of the spring biasing set to the maximum of for example 21 kg, to directly set or readjust the payload range of the carrier arm between 1.5 kg and 21 kg, for example, by means of the adjustment means 14 on-site.

[0063] In FIG. 2A the distance dz is at its maximum. The securing element 12 is arranged in a top position.

[0064] The arrangement of the setscrew 14 between the guiding bolt 16 and the support axis X may ensure an advantageous stress distribution in the cast casing 18.

[0065] The alignment of the setscrew 14 and of the guiding bolt 16 is vertically or orthogonally to the struts 21, 23 aligned in the horizontal direction. This way, an especially large pivot range of the carrier arm device 20 may be provided. The kinematics of the parallelogram-like carrier arm 20 may here advantageously be coupled to the carrier arm joint device. In addition, in this vertical alignment of the setscrew 14 and the guiding bolt 16, the carrier arm joint device 10 may be performed in a simple way.

[0066] The achievable pivot range is, from the horizontal arrangement, for example to 45° upwards and to −70° downwards.

[0067] The carrier arm joint 10 may for example be adapted as an aluminum cast design. The configuration as a cast part has the advantage of a comparatively simple, robust mounting of both portions of the upper pivot axis 17.1. The cast casing 18 may also be provided with a high torsional strength and rigidity, also for a partitioned pivot axis 17.1. However, a welded construction would have to be supported in a complex way.

[0068] In FIG. 2B is shown that the upper strut 21 comprises two extensions 21.4, 21.5 which are supported separately on one of the separate axial portions of the upper pivot axis 17.1, respectively, in particular between two casing extensions, respectively.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 2C, the casing 18 defines 4 bearing points 18.3a, 18.3b, 18.3c, 18.3d, wherein each half axis or each axial portion of the upper pivot axis 17.1 is supported in two of the bearing points. The bearing points 18.3a, 18.3b, 18.3c, 18.3d may form a transition fit in combination with the respective axis portion.

[0070] Further, in FIG. 2C an adjustment range Vz is shown, which extends downwards to a stop 19 on the casing 18. The bearing block 12 may abut on a planar abutment surface 19.1 (lowest position).

[0071] In FIG. 3A, 3B, 3C a bearing element 12 or the support axis X is shown in a bottom position, corresponding to the smallest possible payload of the carrier arm device 20. The planar lower side 12.1 of the bearing element 12 abuts on the planar surface portion 19.1 of the casing 18 or the stop 19. The distance Dz is 0. As can be seen in FIG. 3B, the arrangement of the bearing element 12 is independent of the position of the upper pivot axis 17.1. The bearing element 12 is guided past the pivot axis 17.1 and overlaps with it. Then, the support axis is arranged almost at the height of the pivot axis 17.1. Optionally the support axis may also be arranged further downwards, but here the effect of the spring is more and more weakened.

[0072] In FIG. 4 a centered position of the support axis X in the center of the adjustment range Vz is shown. The bearing block 12 is arranged at least approximately in the center between the lower stop 19 and a corresponding upper stop in the casing 18. The bearing block 12 or the support axis X may be arranged independent of the position of the upper pivot axis 17.1. Holding forces FS, in particular traction forces, may be transferred to the lever 13, thus the carrier arm 20 may be stabilized in a desired orientation, for example horizontally. In the arrangement of the lever 13 shown, a force FS with a predefined amount causes a middle impact as the lever arm between the support axis X and the upper pivot axis 17.1 is set to a middle value.

[0073] In the FIGS. 5A, 5B single components of the stand device 1 are shown, comprising a medical device 2, a carrier system 30 with at least one carrier arm 20 extending along a longitudinal axis L and at least one carrier arm joint device 10 and a spindle or a pin 4.

[0074] The medical device 2 exerts a weight FG, which is a taken up via the lever 13 and the support axis in the carrier arm joint device 10, and is transferred to the spindle 4. In the shown arrangement of the support axis X with a maximum distance dz relative to the upper pivot axis the highest payload may be supported. The spindle 4 may be supported in a bushing or a ceiling flange, for example.

[0075] The invention may be summarized as follows. A payload of the carrier arm joint or a carrier system may be set over a broad spectrum such that a support axis of the carrier arm joint is arrangeable independent of the position of a pivot axis in relation to this pivot axis in a predefinable distance or with a predefined lever, in particular in a comparatively small distance. The support axis may be arranged in a support element or bearing block, and the support element may be moved past the pivot axis, thus the supporting element may be geometrically configured and arranged independent of the position of the pivot axis. Such a carrier arm joint may be formed in an especially stable, rigid, and robust way and may provide a maximum adjustment range in relation to the dimensions of the carrier arm joint. Finally, a broad payload spectrum may be covered with a comparatively small, compact and carrier arm joint having a high structural rigidity. This enables, for example, to reduce the number of variants for this carrier arm joint.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0076] 1 Stand device, in particular ceiling stand device [0077] 2 Medical device [0078] 4 Spindle or pin [0079] 10a State of the art carrier arm joint [0080] 10 Carrier arm joint device [0081] 11 Rotary bearing portion [0082] 12 Bearing element/supporting element, in particular bearing block [0083] 12.1 Planar lower side of the bearing element [0084] 12.2 Bearing extension of the bearing element/bearing block [0085] 13 Lever [0086] 14 Adjustment means, in particular setscrew [0087] 15 Locking screw [0088] 16 Guiding means, in particular guiding pin [0089] 17.1, 17.2, 17.1a Pivot axis for strut [0090] 18 Casing [0091] 18.1; 18.2 Casing wall [0092] 18.1a, 18.2a Casing tongue [0093] 18.3a, 18.3b, 18.3c, 18.3d Bearing points on the casing [0094] 19 Stop or step or protrusion [0095] 19.1 Planar surface portion of the stop [0096] 19.2 Second stop [0097] 20a State of the art carrier arm [0098] 20 Carrier arm device (spring arm, cantilever) [0099] 21 First strut, in particular spring tube [0100] 21.1 Lever bearing in first strut [0101] 21.2 Spring [0102] 21.3 Spring spindle [0103] 21.4; 21.5 Strut extension [0104] 23 Second strut [0105] 30 Carrier system [0106] dz Adjustable distance between the bearing block and the pivot axis [0107] D Axis of rotation for spindle, in particular vertically aligned height axis [0108] E Stop plane (of the second stop) [0109] FG Weight of the medical device [0110] FS Holding force (traction or compression force) [0111] L Longitudinal axis of the carrier arm [0112] Vz Adjustment range [0113] X Support axis or bearing block axis

[0114] The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. All of the U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patent applications and non-patent publications referred to in this specification and/or listed in the Application Data Sheet are incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety. Aspects of the embodiments can be modified, if necessary to employ concepts of the various patents, applications and publications to provide yet further embodiments.

[0115] These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by the disclosure.