Control assembly for deployment and retraction of fifth driven wheel of patient support device

Abstract

The present invention generally relates to a patient support device in a health care and care facility having casters attached to a base frame or chassis of the patient support device, and an accessory or a fifth driven wheel, in particular to a control assembly for deploying and retracting the fifth driven wheel. The control assembly may be controlled by a pedal of the central caster control mechanism, or may also be controlled by a servomotor attached to the central caster control mechanism, thus simultaneously controlling the position of the fifth driven wheel and the casters of the patient support apparatus.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally relates to patient support equipment in healthcare and nursing facilities, having casters attached to a base frame or chassis of the patient support equipment, and an accessory or fifth driven wheel, and more particularly to a control assembly for deploying and retracting the fifth driven wheel. This control assembly can be controlled via a pedal of a central caster control mechanism, or via a servo motor attached to the central caster control mechanism, thus simultaneously controlling the position of the fifth driven wheel relative to the casters of the patient support equipment. Existing technology

[0002] Prior art recognizes that patient support devices used in medical and nursing facilities include casters that enable movement from the operating room to the intensive care unit, or between different hospital departments and rooms. Such patient support devices are, for example, hospital beds, cots, stretchers, examination chairs, or other suitable equipment for healthcare facilities, hereinafter referred to as beds or patient support devices. Most such patient support devices include an additional fifth wheel, which is preferably independently driven and controlled.

[0003] Medical facility beds are typically equipped with casters and are designed to move from one position to another or otherwise maneuver within the room. Conversely, when the desired position is reached, brakes are applied to the casters to hold the bed in the selected position. The casters can rotate about both horizontal and vertical axes, allowing the bed to roll and turn between positions. Medical facility beds usually have four casters, and some may be equipped with a fifth wheel. This fifth wheel is an additional auxiliary wheel for easier bed manipulation. The fifth wheel can be positioned under the bed, in the middle of the base frame, and is usually actuated and driven independently by its own drive. Typically, the fifth wheel is a parallel-direction wheel and driven wheel, supporting easier movement and bed manipulation.

[0004] Hospital beds with a base frame equipped with four casters are typically equipped with at least two casters having components that lock the casters in the direction of drive. Some beds in the prior art are equipped with four separate braking and / or steering locking mechanisms and four separate brake pedals or actuation pedals, each associated with only one of the four casters. Later, for safety reasons, central control mechanisms began to be used with hospital beds. At least one actuation or control pedal of the central control mechanism is positioned anywhere on the base frame or any of these casters and simultaneously controls the brakes of all casters. Preferably, the bed is equipped with more than one actuation or control pedal positioned on the base frame to control the movement, braking, or steering locking of these casters from any side of the bed, where a caregiver can stand on that side of the bed at any given time.

[0005] Typically, the central control mechanism has three positions, meaning the actuation pedal of the central control mechanism can be positioned in the following positions: - "Brake" - All casters are stopped from rotating around both the horizontal and vertical axes. - "Unbraked" - All casters can rotate freely around their horizontal and vertical axes, and the bed can move freely in all directions. - "Driving" or "Straight-line movement direction" - The rotation of one or two casters around the vertical axis is locked in a pre-selected position, while the other casters can rotate freely around the horizontal and vertical axes.

[0006] The aforementioned central control mechanism can be mechanically or electrically controlled. When the patient is supported in bed, easier manipulation and operation of the bed are required, leading to the addition of fifth wheels to the bed frame. These fifth wheels can be mechanical or equipped with electric motors that actuate and / or brake the wheels, or unfold and / or retract them for use. Fifth wheels with electric motors have their own electrical control mechanisms for wheel engagement and movement. In cases where medical facility beds are equipped with such fifth wheels, the bed controller needs to include an indicating component or mechanism that indicates the other casters on the bed to be in a "brake" or "unbrake" position, allowing caregivers to safely control the fifth wheels and move the bed safely. This type of solution for manipulating and moving the bed is inconvenient because it requires two completely separate and independent systems to control the four casters mounted in the bed frame and also the fifth wheel. This technical solution increases the weight of the bed, as well as production costs and overall manufacturing complexity.

[0007] Currently, there is a trend towards remotely controlling bed casters. This is particularly convenient when the bed is equipped with a fifth driven wheel. Preferably, the central caster control mechanism is capable of controlling the casters in parallel and simultaneously with the deployment and retraction of the fifth driven wheel. In the solution proposed herein, the central caster control mechanism is coupled to a novel mechanism for deploying and retracting the fifth driven wheel, thereby achieving synchronous control of the casters and the fifth driven wheel. Furthermore, as disclosed below, such control can be performed simultaneously mechanically or electrically without requiring prior indication of the control method used. In most cases, the fifth driven wheel can only be mechanically actuated or only electrically actuated. No patented solutions identified in the prior art disclose a central caster control mechanism that is simultaneously mechanically and electrically actuated, i.e., dual-actuated, and is further coupled to components for deploying and retracting the fifth driven wheel.

[0008] A similar prior art solution is Stryker's patent US8701229B2. This patent discloses a mechanical switch assembly for a mechanical or electrical central control mechanism for casters. The medical facility bed includes a central control pedal or central actuation pedal, generally positioned in the middle of the bed frame. The central control or actuation pedal simultaneously and mechanically actuates all four casters, operating them to all positions: braked, unbraked, and in a straight direction of movement (traveling). The central control pedal can be mechanically steered, and the mechanical central control can be switched to electrical central control via a switch. Changes in switch position are sensed by sensors in the mechanical switch. The mechanical central control of the casters is located in one position of the pedal, and the electrical central control of the casters is located in another position. This central control mechanism represents a certain advancement in central control logic, allowing caregivers to select how the braking and movement of the casters will be controlled and operated. A drawback is recognized in the fact that caregivers must always determine whether the central control mechanism is actuated for mechanical or electrical control. If the electric central controller is activated for operation, the mechanical central controller cannot be used unless the control pedal is switched manually (mechanically) and vice versa, and a signal must be sent from the bed controller to notify the switch. This embodiment does not disclose the installation of any fifth driven wheels on the base of the patient support device.

[0009] Another similar prior art is disclosed in Stryker's patent US10806653B2. The disclosed patent system uses both manual mechanical and electrical central control of the casters; however, this solution is very different from the dual central control system for the casters disclosed herein. The bed in the aforementioned patent includes a base frame comprising an electric motor and a linkage assembly attached to an actuation pedal. The mechanical control of the casters operates by actuating or controlling the pedal, while the electric motor operates the electrical control of the casters; however, this is only possible if the actuation pedal for the mechanical control of the casters is always positioned in the initial intermediate position. If the bed is mechanically braked and the actuation pedal is not in the initial intermediate position, the electrical control of the casters cannot be engaged, and vice versa. The electrical control of the casters cannot be used without switching the actuation pedal to the initial intermediate position. Therefore, the caregiver must always physically check the position of the actuation pedal to select the mode of caster control.

[0010] Another known authorized solution in the prior art is patent US11311439 (B2) of Hunterleigh Technology Ltd., which relates to the deployment of a fifth driven wheel. This patent discloses a fifth driven wheel assembly or a pair of driven wheels located between caster frame bases. The disclosed lifting mechanism for deploying (or retracting) the fifth driven wheel includes a lifting block and a lever arm for deploying and retracting the fifth driven wheel. When the lifting block moves relative to the lever arm, the wheel retracts, while the lever arm moves upward along an angled surface. The lifting mechanism includes an arranged surface with multiple pins that engage with forks on a pivotable shaft. This method of deploying and retracting the fifth driven wheel is mechanical, using a pedal. However, due to the large size and weight of this mechanism due to its special structural components, it cannot be connected to a central caster control mechanism, and the braking of other casters on the bed requires separate operation. Furthermore, due to its extremely complex structure, the mechanism cannot be electrically controlled. To control the deployment of the fifth driven wheel, a separate pedal must be installed, which can only be positioned in the center of the base frame. Therefore, it is impossible to control the deployment and retraction of the fifth driven wheel from any position on the bed, and no electrical components can be used. The disclosed mechanism for controlling the fifth driven wheel is too heavy and structurally very complex, requiring significant financial and technical resources.

[0011] Due to the aforementioned reasons and disclosed drawbacks, there is a desire to develop a simpler, faster, and safer central control mechanism for casters. This mechanism could be used for both mechanical and electrical central control of the casters, without requiring any physical checks or signals indicating which control mode is currently active, and thus can be used for operation. Caregivers would not need to consider which control mode to select, and since the components for deploying and retracting the fifth driven wheel are connected to the central caster control mechanism, the position of the fifth driven wheel is clearly defined. Furthermore, safe operation of the bed is enhanced. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The technical solution disclosed herein addresses the aforementioned substantial deficiencies of existing known technical solutions. This technical solution relates to patient support equipment in medical facilities, such as hospital beds, cots, stretchers, medical examination chairs, and any other equipment suitable for use in medical facilities, hereinafter referred to as beds or patient support equipment, having a bed base frame with a central dual control mechanism with casters and a fifth driven wheel.

[0013] A novel and innovative caster assembly is disclosed in International Patent Application WO2022068978, filed by the same applicant, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. This application relates to a triple-cam assembly comprising three different cams, which allows for control of the caster using a force significantly less than that required to control existing conventional casters. A novel and innovative caster assembly is also disclosed in International Patent Application WO2021223782, filed by the same applicant, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. This application relates to a caster including a bidirectional band brake.

[0014] A patient support device with a central dual control system and casters, published under application WO2023222146, filed by the same applicant, discloses a base frame with a dual control mechanism for casters. This application relates to a central caster control mechanism. This control mechanism can use a specially assembled servo motor to control all positions of the central control caster mechanism in parallel. Dual control means that the casters can be manually controlled by pedals or electrically controlled by a controller located on or suspended from the side rails. The controller controls the servo motor connected to the central caster control mechanism without any signals or indications indicating the current position of the caster control pedals. Therefore, the disclosed technical solution eliminates the caster selectivity limitation when the casters can only be electrically controlled or only mechanically controlled, and also eliminates the need for the patient support device to constantly indicate to the caregiver which control method is activated. Therefore, the entire contents of this patent application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0015] The technical solution disclosed herein describes, preferably, the use of two independent caster control types, namely manual control and electrical control, without the need for indication or signal display of which control method is actuated, nor the need to change the position of the pedal of the central caster control mechanism to a central position. The control motor is securely attached to the linkage of the central caster control mechanism to simultaneously control the casters via the pedal of the central caster control mechanism and the motor. Therefore, the disclosed caster control technology is entirely dual, because in mechanical caster control, the motor is internally rearranged, which is made possible by a special innovative internal arrangement that generates minimal resistance. Conversely, in electrical caster control, electricity is transmitted to the linkage of the central caster control mechanism, thereby rearranging the position of the central control pedal, or the position of the caster's control axle, preferably replacing the individual control pedals of each individual caster.

[0016] The motor, preferably a servo motor, is designed to have sufficient force when started and, conversely, to move the internal servo motor assembly with minimal mechanical resistance when stopped. This design of the servo motor allows for dual control via the casters.

[0017] The servo motor includes a gear and a pinion. The combination of the gear and pinion within the servo motor enables dual control of the casters, meaning that all casters are mechanically or electrically controlled regardless of the position of the actuation pedal of the central control mechanism. A toothed wheel refers to a wheel where the gear and pinion move relative to a rack, which includes multiple rack protrusions on its underside. The servo motor is fixed to the linkage of the central control mechanism of the caster via these rack protrusions. The internal arrangement or construction of the servo motor can also utilize another type of transmission, such as a chain drive or a gear / toothed belt. Embodiments using a gear and pinion structure are preferably the most suitable and have the fewest failures compared to other types of transmissions.

[0018] The servo motor further includes a position sensor that senses the position of the gear / toothed wheel, specifically the position of the gear and pinion. The position sensor comprises two mechanical microswitches. Each microswitch has two positions: closed and open. The microswitches transmit information about four positions, while for dual control, information about three basic positions is required: braking, unbraking, and traveling (vertical direction of movement). An intermediate position can preferably be used as a fourth position, meaning the servo motor is positioned in an indeterminate and undefined location, i.e., braking, unbraking, and traveling (vertical direction of movement). Other types of position sensors, such as optical sensors, magnetic sensors, Hall effect sensors, etc., can also be used.

[0019] The technical solution described in this application discloses a patient support device, which includes a patient support platform arranged to support a patient, an upper frame of the patient support device, a lifting mechanism, a bottom frame of the patient support device (i.e., a base frame), casters pinned to the base frame, a pedal of a central caster control mechanism, and a fifth driven wheel. The pedal of the central caster control mechanism always controls two casters connected together by control shafts with hexagonal cross-sections, or controls all four casters by connecting two control shafts with hexagonal cross-sections via a linkage. By using the pedal of the central caster control mechanism, the casters are mechanically positioned in a "driving," "braking," or "unbraked" position.

[0020] The central dual caster control mechanism with specially arranged servo motors, as described above and disclosed, was developed and invented by the same applicant who proposed the solution disclosed herein. Therefore, the applicant innovatively developed a system for easily deploying and retracting the fifth driven wheel. The innovative mechanism or component for deploying and retracting the fifth driven wheel uses the servo motors disclosed above to deploy or retract the fifth driven wheel as needed.

[0021] The fifth driven wheel assembly includes a suspension assembly attached to the base frame of the caster. This suspension assembly includes a cam with a gear, which is engaged at least one end with a linkage of the central caster control mechanism, and at the opposite end, the gear is attached to the frame of the suspension assembly via a cam. At least one end of the cam is engaged with the gear at a point on the gear shaft of the suspension assembly. The other end of the cam extends into a T-shape. This T-shaped cam includes protrusions at each T-end to provide two necessary positions for the fifth driven wheel. These protrusions on the cam contact a rocker pulley, which moves the fifth driven wheel. The cam is attached to the rocker pulley at one end. The rocker is attached to the pulley and also to a spring element, which at the other end is connected to the linkage of the central caster control mechanism via a connecting pin. At the other end opposite the pulley, the rocker is connected to the suspension assembly of the fifth driven wheel at a point on the rocker shaft of the driven wheel. The fifth driven wheel is attached to the rocker shaft, which is made of tubular material, using two arms. The fifth driven wheel is deployed and retracted using at least one suspension assembly attached to the base frame. This suspension assembly includes at least one gear, one end of which is pivotally attached to a linkage of the central caster control mechanism via a connecting pin. The other end of the gear is attached to a gear shaft of a cam at one edge of the suspension assembly and to the cam itself. The other end of the cam is attached to a rocker pulley, which is attached to a rocker shaft. The rocker arm is attached to the suspension assembly at a point on the rocker shaft. Relative to the rocker pulley, the rocker arm is attached to a spring element, the other end of which is attached to a linkage of the central caster control mechanism. This linkage is attached to a servo motor for dual control of the caster positions and the deployment and retraction of the fifth driven wheel, either manually or electrically.

[0022] These components of the fifth driven wheel include a gear attached to the central caster control mechanism and a T-cam attached to a rocker arm connected to the fifth driven wheel, allowing the caregiver to manually control the fifth driven wheel using a pedal of the central caster control mechanism, or, if the caregiver decides to electrically control the bed via a controller on the bed, to electrically control the fifth driven wheel via a motor controller that controls the position of the central caster control mechanism. This controller can be integrated into a controller located on the side rails, headboard, or footboard of the patient support equipment, but it can also be a stand-alone controller mounted anywhere on the patient support equipment. The controller for controlling the casters and the fifth driven wheel can be remote and wirelessly connected to the control unit or main controller on the bed, for example, using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or any other known wireless system. Attached Figure Description

[0023] When read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, various advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments:

[0024] Figure 1A schematic diagram of a patient support device with a fifth driven wheel fixed to it is shown.

[0025] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a dual control mechanism for casters using servo motors is shown.

[0026] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a dual control mechanism for a caster with a servo motor positioned on a linkage of the caster is shown.

[0027] Figure 4a A side view detail is shown with the fifth driven wheel fixed in the "driving" position.

[0028] Figure 4b The kinematic diagram of the fifth driven wheel in the "driving" position is shown.

[0029] Figure 5a A side view detail is shown with the fifth driven wheel fixed in the "middle" position.

[0030] Figure 5b The kinematic diagram of the fifth driven wheel in the "middle" position is shown.

[0031] Figure 6a A side view detail is shown with the fifth driven wheel fixed in the "brake" position.

[0032] Figure 6b The kinematic diagram of the fifth driven wheel in the "braking" position is shown.

[0033] Figure 7 A top-view detail of the fifth driven wheel being fixed to a mechanism for changing its position using a central caster control mechanism is shown. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention

[0034] Patient support equipment in medical facilities, such as hospital beds, cribs, stretchers, medical examination chairs, and any other suitable devices for use in medical facilities (hereinafter referred to as patient support equipment 1), typically includes a base with casters to allow easy movement of the patient to another position. Figure 1 A patient support device 1 is shown, comprising a patient support frame 4, side rails 2, and a headboard / footboard 3 attached thereto. These side rails 2 and headboard / footboard 3 ensure the safety of the patient lying on the patient support device 1. A lifting mechanism 5 is attached to the bottom side of the patient support frame 4. Figure 1In this embodiment, the lifting mechanism 5 is a scissor lifting mechanism (other types of lifting mechanisms, such as electric telescopic columns or hydraulic lifting mechanisms, can be used in another embodiment). On the other side, the lifting mechanism 5 is attached to the base frame 6, and casters 8 are positioned on the underside of the base frame 6. The casters 8 are positioned within the edge of the base frame 6. The casters 8 are controlled by control pedals 7, which are positioned above the casters 8 and interconnected to allow control of all casters 8 from any side of the patient support device 1. This interconnection of caster control components is called a central caster control mechanism. Figure 1 A fifth driven wheel 10 is also shown, which is attached to the base frame 6 of the caster 8 via a suspension assembly 9. The suspension assembly 9 includes a metal frame, which may be removable and thus an optional accessory for the patient support device 1, but may also be permanently integrated into the base frame 6 of the caster 8. Two types of fifth driven wheels 10 can be coupled to the suspension assembly 9 attached to the underside of the base frame 6: a fifth wheel without any drive, or a fifth driven wheel with a motor. Figure 1 The fifth driven wheel 10 is shown, its actuation mechanism connected to the linkage 12 of the control pedal 7 of the caster 8. The fifth driven wheel 10 is driven by an electric motor located directly inside the fifth driven wheel 10. The fifth driven wheel 10 is designed as an additional module of the base frame 6.

[0035] Figure 2 A dual control mechanism 11 for the caster 8 is shown, including a special servo motor 15 capable of dually controlling all positions of the caster 8: mechanically controlled using the control pedal 7 of the caster 8, interconnected via a linkage 12 of the central control mechanism, and electrically controlled using the dual electric servo motors 15. The function of the servo motors 15 is remotely controlled by a remote controller (not shown), which can be wired or wirelessly connected to the servo motors 15 and can be located on the side rails of the patient support equipment, on any panel—headboard or footboard—or suspended from any part of the support frame or side rails. Figure 2 The diagram shows casters 8 interconnected between at least one pair of casters 8 via a connecting shaft 13 having a hexagonal cross-section, and attached to control pedals 7 that control the respective positions of the casters 8. The control shafts 13 of the casters 8 are attached to another pair of casters 8 via connecting members 14 and a link 12 of a central control mechanism, and these casters 8 are again connected via control shafts 13, such that at least one control pedal 7 can control all casters 8. A special servo motor 15 is attached to the link 12 of the central caster control mechanism, thereby enabling dual control. The entire mechanism for dual control of the casters is disclosed in patent application WO2023222146, filed by the same applicant as this application. The entire contents of that application are therefore incorporated herein by reference.

[0036] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of caster 8 and its arrangement is shown. Figure 3 Another embodiment is shown, in which a different type of servo motor 15 is attached for dual control of the caster 8. The dual control mechanism is disclosed in patent application WO2023222146, filed by the same applicant as this application. Therefore, the entire contents of that application are incorporated herein by reference. Figure 3 Four casters 8 are shown, with at least two pairs of casters 8 interconnected by a control shaft 13. These two pairs of casters 8 are connected to each other via a connecting member 14 and a linkage 12 of a central control mechanism. Figure 3 An electric servo motor 15 with a dual control mechanism is shown, which is located on at least one control shaft 13 of at least one pair of casters 8, such that the servo motor 15 controls the respective positions of the control pedals 7 of the casters 8. Changing the position of the control pedals 7 via the control shaft 13 also controls the position of the linkage 12, which then controls the control shaft 13 of the other pair of casters 8, thus controlling the positions of the control pedals 7 and casters 8 on the other side as well.

[0037] The two figures above are schematic diagrams, showing only the control pedals 7 for two pairs of casters 8. However, patient support equipment in healthcare facilities preferably includes more control pedals 7 for controlling the casters 8; typically, each caster 8 has one control pedal 7, such as... Figure 1 As shown, Figure 1 The patient support device 1, including the fifth driven wheel 10, is shown. Figure 1 The arrangement of the dual-control servo motor 15 for the casters 8 is not shown, but as can be seen from the above, the electric motor or servo motor 15 for dual control can be located anywhere on the base frame 6 of the casters 8. The servo motor 15 can be located on the linkage 12 of the central control mechanism to control all casters 8, including the fifth driven wheel 10; or it can be located anywhere on the side to be attached to at least one pair of casters 8, that is, to the control shaft 13 of at least one pair of casters 8, wherein the control shaft 13 is interconnected with another control shaft 13 of another pair of casters 8 via the linkage 12 of the central caster control mechanism, thereby controlling the other casters 8 and the fifth driven wheel.

[0038] Figure 4a The position of the fifth driven wheel 10 is shown, which is in the "driving" position. Figure 4a A side view of the fifth driven wheel 10 is shown, which is attached to the chassis frame 6 via a suspension assembly 9. The fifth driven wheel 10 is shown in the "driving" position, meaning that the fifth driven wheel 10 is deployed and in contact with the ground. Figure 4aA portion of the base frame 6 with the linkage 12 of the central caster control system is shown. The suspension assembly 9 of the fifth driven wheel 10 is attached to the base frame 6, which includes a metal frame that connects to the base frame 6 of the patient support device 1. From this view, it is clearly seen that the gear 17 of the cam 18 is attached at one end to the linkage 12 of the central caster control mechanism via a connecting pin 16. At the other end, the gear 17 is coupled to the gear shaft 23 and attached to the underside of the suspension assembly 9. At the point of the gear shaft 23, the gear 17 is attached to the cam 18, which has a T-shaped end on the other side, the upper edge of the T being machined into a wave shape, or a portion of an arc or semicircle, each end including a protrusion for locking position on the pulley 19 of the rocker arm 20. The rocker arm 20 includes a pulley 19 at one end, and a spring element 21 is provided relative to the pulley 19. The spring element 21 is attached to the link 12 of the central caster control mechanism at the other end. The spring element 21 is a gas spring, or in another embodiment, a steel spring attached to the rocker arm 20 at least one end. The spring element 21 pushes the rocker arm 20 of the fifth driven wheel 10, causing the fifth driven wheel 10 to move away from the base frame 6 when the control pedal 7 is positioned in the "drive" position. Optionally, power generated by the servo motor 15 of the (disclosed above) dual control mechanism can be transmitted to the link 12, through which the positions of the caster 8 and the fifth driven wheel 10 can be electrically controlled and positioned. The rocker arm 20 includes a pulley 19 at at least one end, which preferably contacts a cam 18. At the other end, the rocker arm 20 and the fifth driven wheel 10 are attached to the frame of the suspension assembly 9 at a point on the rocker arm axis 22 using a connecting pin 16. The fifth driven wheel 10 is attached to the rocker shaft 22, and the fifth driven wheel 10 is located in the gap in the middle of the base frame 6 of the caster 8.

[0039] Figure 4b A kinematic view is shown of the fifth driven wheel 10 in the "driving" position. Figure 4b A gear 17 is shown, which is attached to a connecting rod 12 (not shown) via a connecting pin 16 and to a cam 18 at the other end. A rocker arm 20 is attached via a spring element 21, such as a gas spring. The spring element 21 is attached to the base frame 6 at the other end. The figure clearly shows the relative positions of the cam 18 and the pulley 19, which affect the position of the rocker arm 20.

[0040] The rocker arm 20 is pivotally attached to the suspension assembly 9 at the point on the rocker arm axis 22. In this position, the pulley 19 of the rocker arm 20 is not in contact with the cam 18, so the spring element 21 pushes the fifth driven wheel 10 toward the ground with its full force.

[0041] Link 12 is attached to the control pedal 7 of caster 8 and the servo motor 15 for dual control of the caster. The position of the fifth driven wheel 10 changes by changing the position of link 12, either manually by the control pedal 7 of caster 8 or by the servo motor 15.

[0042] Figure 5a The image shows the “middle” position when the fifth driven wheel 10 is retracted above the ground. Figure 5a The suspension assembly 9 of the fifth driven wheel 10 is shown. The suspension assembly 9 of the fifth driven wheel 10 is attached to the base frame 6 of the caster 8. Same as the previous figure. Figure 5a The gear 17 is shown attached at one end to the link 12 (not shown) of the central caster control mechanism via a connecting pin 16. At the other end of the gear 17, it is attached to the suspension assembly 9 at a point on the gear shaft 23. At this point, the gear 17 extends to the cam 18. On the underside of the suspension assembly 9 where the gear shaft 23 is located, the visible point of the rocker shaft 22 of the fifth driven wheel 10 is located at the other end of the point on the gear shaft 23, or opposite to the point on the gear shaft 23. A rocker arm 20 is attached at this point on the rocker shaft 22, which includes a pulley 19 at the other end that contacts the cam 18. The rocker arm 20 is attached to a spring element 21, which is a gas spring. The spring element 21 is attached at the other end to the link 12 of the central caster control mechanism via a connecting pin 16. In this configuration, the spring element 21 helps to keep the fifth driven wheel 10 in a neutral position above the ground, allowing control of the other casters and movement of the patient support device. The positional change of the spring element 21 is supported by a cam 18, which contacts the pulley 19 of the rocker arm 20, thereby affecting the position of the fifth driven wheel 10.

[0043] Figure 5b A kinematic view of the fifth driven wheel 10 at the aforementioned intermediate position is shown. Figure 5b A portion of the suspension assembly 9 attached to the base frame 6 is shown to clearly and explicitly demonstrate the ease of use of the assembly for deploying and retracting the fifth driven wheel 10, which can be manually or electrically controlled, i.e., dually controlled by a servo motor 15 (not shown), also developed by the applicant.

[0044] Figure 5b A gear 17 is shown, which is attached to a connecting rod 12 (not shown) via a connecting pin 16 and to a cam 18 at the other end. A rocker arm 20 is attached at one end by a spring element 21, such as a gas spring. The spring element 21 is attached at the other end to the base frame 6. The figure clearly shows the relative positions of the cam 18 and the pulley 19, which affect the position of the rocker arm 20.

[0045] The rocker arm 20 is pivotally attached to the suspension assembly 9 at a point on the rocker arm axis 22. In this intermediate position, the pulley 19 of the rocker arm 20 contacts the cam 18, so that the spring element 21 is pushed (compressed), and the fifth driven wheel 10 retracts from the ground.

[0046] Figure 6a The image shows the fifth driven wheel 10 in the "braking" position, at which point the fifth driven wheel 10 is in its maximum retracted and raised position above the ground. Figure 6a A side view of the fifth driven wheel 10 is shown, which is attached to the base frame 6 via a suspension assembly 9. From this view, it is clearly seen that the gear 17 of the cam 18 is attached at one end to the link 12 of the central caster control mechanism via a connecting pin 16. At the other end, the gear 17 is connected to a gear shaft 23 and attached to the bottom side of the suspension assembly 9. The cam 18 is attached to the gear shaft 23 at one end and extends into a "T" shape at the opposite end, where it is attached to the pulley 19 of the rocker arm 20. The rocker arm 20 is attached to a spring element 21 near the pulley 19, which is attached at the opposite end to the link 12 (not shown) of the central caster control mechanism via a connecting pin 16. Relative to the pulley 19, the rocker arm 20 is attached to the suspension assembly 9 at a point on the rocker arm shaft 22. Figure 6a The position of cam 18 is shown to be influenced by gear 17, which is controlled by linkage 12 of the central caster control mechanism. The figure shows that at least one top of cam 18 contacts pulley 19 of rocker arm 20, in which case pulley 19 is raised to an elevated position, and when rocker arm 20 retracts via spring element 21, the opposite end of which is attached to linkage 12—thus its position is controlled. Figure 6a The fifth driven wheel 10 is shown in the retracted (raised) position when the brake casters are engaged. This position can be mechanically controlled by the control pedal 7 of the central control unit, or electrically controlled by a remote controller via a servo motor 15 located on the side rails 2 or the headboard / footboard 3, or suspended from any part of the patient support device 1 (not shown).

[0047] Figure 6b A kinematic view of the fifth driven wheel 10 in the aforementioned "braking" position is shown. Figure 6b The brake caster 8 is shown with the fifth driven caster 10 retracted in the raised position.

[0048] Figure 6bA gear 17 is shown, which is attached to a connecting rod 12 (not shown) via a connecting pin 16 and to a cam 18 at the other end. A rocker arm 20 is attached at one end by a spring element 21, such as a gas spring. The spring element 21 is attached at the other end to the base frame 6. The figure clearly shows the relative positions of the cam 18 and the pulley 19, which affect the position of the rocker arm 20.

[0049] The rocker arm 20 is pivotally attached to the suspension assembly 9 at a point on the rocker arm axis 22. In this "brake" position, the pulley 19 of the rocker arm 20 contacts the cam 18, thus actuating the spring element 21 and retracting the fifth driven wheel 10 from the ground.

[0050] Figure 7 An exploded view of the entire lifting mechanism of the fifth driven wheel 10 is shown. The figure shows the profile components of the base frame 6 of the caster 8 (not shown). These components of the base frame 6 are interconnected by metal profiles to attach the bearing assembly of the fifth driven wheel 10 to the deployment and retraction mechanism of the fifth driven wheel 10. The fifth driven wheel 10 is located between the profiles of the base frame 6 and is pivotally movable on the rocker shaft 22 of the fifth driven wheel 10. The deployment and retraction mechanism of the fifth driven wheel 10 is attached to at least one profile of the base frame 6, to which the suspension assembly 9 is attached. The suspension assembly 9 is shown on the front of the base frame 6, but may be located on two components of the base frame 6 profile, or on two profiles of the base frame 6 opposite each other. The figure clearly shows that only one component of the suspension assembly 9 includes a gear 17 with a cam 18. Cam 18 is shown exploded outside suspension assembly 9, but as clearly seen from the previous figure, this component is located at and attached to suspension assembly 9. At least one end of gear 17 is attached to link 12 of central caster control mechanism via connecting pin 16, and the other end with cam 18 is attached to a point on gear shaft 23. At this point, cam 18 and gear 17 are engaged with suspension assembly 9, as previously shown. At least one end of cam 18 contacts pulley 19 of rocker arm 20 at one end, rocker arm 20 being attached to suspension assembly 9 on one side. On the same side as pulley 19, rocker arm 20 is also positioned there and attached to spring element 21. One end of spring element 21 is attached to rocker arm 20, and the other end is attached to link 12 of central caster control mechanism of caster 8 and fifth driven wheel 10.

[0051] The link 12 of the central caster control mechanism is shown separately above the profile of the base frame 6. The figure shows that the link 12 includes a pivoting pin and a connecting pin 16, through which the spring element 21 (not shown) is attached.

[0052] Cam 18 extends into the shape of the letter T at its other end, where it contacts pulley 19 of rocker arm 20. Rocker arm 20 is located on the arm of pivotable shaft 22, on which the bearing arm of fifth driven wheel 10 is also located. Suspension arm 24 of fifth driven wheel 10 is attached to rocker shaft 22 at the opposite end of suspension assembly 9 via rocker arm 20. Fifth driven wheel 10 moves up and down along rocker shaft 22 according to the position of control pedal 7 of central caster control mechanism. Changes in position of fifth driven wheel 10 are achieved mechanically using control pedal 7, or electrically controlled by a special servo motor 15 for dual control of casters 8, which is controlled by a controller on actuation display or by a suspended or remote controller located anywhere on the side rails 2, headboard / tailboard 3, or frame 4 of patient support device 1.

[0053] Figure Labels 1) Patient support equipment 2) Side railing 3) Headboard / Footboard 4) (The frame of the patient support frame) 5) Lifting mechanism (scissor type) 6) (Cast wheel) Base frame 7) One or more control pedals for the casters 8) Casters 9) Suspension components 10) Fifth driven wheel 11) Dual control mechanism 12) Linkage (of the central caster control mechanism) 13) Control axis 14) Connecting components 15) (Dual-controlled) servo motor 16) Connecting pin 17) Gear 18) Cam 19) (The joystick's) pulley 20) Joystick 21) Spring elements (gas springs) 22) Rocker shaft with driven wheel 23) Cam-equipped gear shaft 24) The suspension arm of the fifth driven wheel

Claims

1. A control assembly for deploying and retracting a fifth driven wheel (10), comprising a central caster control mechanism located in a base frame (6), the central caster control mechanism further comprising two pairs of casters (8) having at least one control pedal (7), wherein the two casters (8) are always interconnected to each other via control shafts (13), wherein the two control shafts (13) are interconnected to each other via connecting pins (16) and a link (12) of the central caster control mechanism, wherein a servo motor (15) is located on the link (12), characterized in that, At least one suspension assembly (9) is attached to the base frame (6), wherein the at least one suspension assembly (9) includes at least one gear (17) which is pivotally attached at one end to the link (12) of the central caster control mechanism via a pivot pin, and at the other end to a camshaft (23) at one edge of the suspension assembly (9) and attached to a cam (18), the cam (18) contacting a pulley (19) of a rocker arm (20) at the other end, the rocker arm (20) being in a The rocker arm (20) is attached to a rocker shaft (22) at one end, wherein the rocker arm is attached to a suspension assembly (9) at a point on the rocker shaft (22), and the end of the rocker arm (20) positioned relative to the pulley (19) is attached to a spring element (21), the spring element (21) being attached to the link (12) of the central caster control mechanism at the other end, and the servo motor (15) being attached to the link (12) to manually or electrically control all positions of the caster (8) and deploy the fifth driven wheel (10).

2. The control assembly for deploying and retracting the fifth driven wheel (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one suspension component (9) includes at least one cam (18) having the shape of the letter T, having a hook-shaped protrusion on one side of the letter T, and an upper side shaped as a semi-circular arc.

3. The control assembly for deploying and retracting the fifth driven wheel (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one suspension assembly (9) includes at least one rocker arm (20) which is attached to the suspension assembly (9) at least at one point.

4. The control assembly for deploying and retracting the fifth driven wheel (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rocker arm (20) includes a pulley (19) at at least one end, the rocker arm (20) is located next to the pulley (19), and the rocker arm (20) includes a spring element (21), the spring element (21) being attached at least on one side to the link (12) of the central caster control mechanism of the caster (8).

5. The control assembly for deploying and retracting the fifth driven wheel (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pulley (19) of the rocker arm (20) contacts at least one end of the cam (18) which is T-shaped.

6. The control assembly for deploying and retracting the fifth driven wheel (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cam (18) contacts the gear (17) at one end, wherein at least one end of the gear (17) is attached to the link (12) of the central caster control mechanism of the caster (8) via a connecting pin (16).

7. The control assembly for deploying and retracting the fifth driven wheel (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spring element (21) is preferably a gas spring.

8. The control assembly for deploying and retracting the fifth driven wheel (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rocker arm (20) includes a flat plate, the pulley (19) is attached to one side of the flat plate, and on the other side, the rocker arm shaft (22) protrudes in the form of a bearing tube of the fifth driven wheel (10).

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