Hydraulic lifting column and medical device

Abstract

Hydraulic lifting column (1), in particular for a medical device, with a hydraulic cylinder unit, a base element (2), a support element (3) and at least one intermediate element (4, 5), wherein the hydraulic cylinder unit is designed to move the lifting column (1) along a travel axis (FA) between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the at least one intermediate element (4, 5) is arranged at least in the retracted position between the base element (2) and the carrier element (3), wherein the support element (3) and the at least one intermediate element (4, 5) are movable relative to the base element (2) along the travel axis (FA) by the hydraulic cylinder unit engaging the support element (3), wherein the hydraulic lifting column (1) has at least one first driver (6) arranged on the support element (3) and formed separately from the support element (3), wherein the first driver (6) strikes the intermediate element (4, 5) when the lifting column (1) is moved between the retracted position and the extended position and takes the at least one intermediate element (4, 5) with it, wherein the first driver (6) has a damping element (9), wherein the damping element (9) is in particular made of plastic.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a hydraulic lifting column. Furthermore, the invention relates to a medical device having such a lifting column.

[0002] Such lifting columns are used primarily in the medical field, for example, in operating tables, surgical robots, or other medical devices. The goal is to adjust the height of a medical element attached to the lifting column, such as the support surface of an operating table, as smoothly as possible relative to the floor.

[0003] The demands placed on these hydraulic lifting columns have been increasing ever since, not least due to rapid progress in the development and improvement of a wide variety of surgical methods, as well as due to requirements regarding space requirements and the comfort of hydraulic systems. Such lifting columns are often designed in a telescopic design with multiple stages. Carriers located between the stages ensure that the respective stage is moved along as the lifting column moves.

[0004] It may be necessary to move the lifting column, for example, if a patient has to be repositioned during an operation, for example if the height of the operating table has to be changed. When the lifting column or the operating table is moved between the individual step transitions, this can result in noticeable jerking and audible shocks as the respective step is taken along. Such a step transition shock occurs in particular when a driver of one step strikes a driver of another step and the driver begins to take the other step with it. The shock is caused by the static friction suddenly becoming greater than the sliding friction, which has to be overcome by moving the step to be taken along. In order to dampen such step transition shocks, damping drivers are preferably used.

[0005] Hydraulic lifting columns with corresponding drivers are well-known from the state of the art. These utilize complex metal sliding elements between the stages to reduce shocks. These elements must be lubricated, and the gap between the sliding elements must be precisely adjusted. However, very complex and expensive spring-damper systems, such as torsion spring systems, are also used as drivers for damping.

[0006] Consequently, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved hydraulic lifting column with which the step transition shocks during movement of the lifting column can be dampened simply and cost-effectively.

[0007] The problem is solved with a hydraulic lifting column according to claim 1. Advantageous further developments are described in the dependent claims.

[0008] The hydraulic lifting column according to the invention comprises a hydraulic cylinder unit, a base element, a support element, and at least one intermediate element. The hydraulic cylinder unit is designed to move the lifting column along a travel axis between a retracted position and an extended position. The at least one intermediate element is arranged between the base element and the support element, at least in the retracted position. The support element and the at least one intermediate element can be moved relative to the base element along the travel axis by the hydraulic cylinder unit engaging the support element. The lifting column further comprises at least one first driver arranged on the support element and formed separately from the support element, wherein the first driver strikes the intermediate element when the lifting column is moved between the retracted position and the extended position and takes the at least one intermediate element with it.The first driver has a damping element, which is made in particular of plastic. Preferably, the driver is a one-piece driver, i.e., a driver consisting of only a single part.

[0009] This allows the driver to move the intermediate element along with the carrier element as it moves, so that the intermediate element is extended when the carrier element's driver strikes the intermediate element during extension. The driver's damping element dampens the impact upon impact. This impact is also referred to below as a "step transition impact." The plastic damping element advantageously creates a simple and cost-effective driver in a single component.

[0010] The base element is preferably fixed to the floor, for example, by screwing. It is also conceivable, of course, for the base element to be mounted on a chassis. Such a chassis can preferably be locked to the floor, preventing further movement of the chassis relative to the floor.

[0011] Furthermore, the hydraulic lifting column can comprise at least one second driver arranged on the intermediate element and formed separately from the intermediate element, with the first driver abutting the second driver. This allows the intermediate element to be driven along the travel axis by moving the support element. Additional drivers can also be provided, for example, on the base element or on other intermediate elements. The second driver can, for example, have a damping element, which can also be made of plastic. The second driver can also have the same features as the first driver.

[0012] The damping element is preferably formed from a first and a second plastic material, with the first plastic material having greater elasticity than the second plastic material. Advantageously, the damping element has greater elasticity transverse to the travel axis than parallel to the travel axis. However, the stiffness transverse to the travel axis is higher than parallel to the travel axis. This is achieved by using two different plastics with different properties in one component. This results in different stiffness, elasticity, and damping in the direction of the travel axis than in the direction transverse to the travel axis.

[0013] It is advantageous if the damping element is formed as a single piece. Preferably, the damping element is an injection-molded damping element. The single-piece design of the damping element allows it to be produced cost-effectively and without additional components. This also reduces the number of assembly steps and the assembly time. The damping element can also be manufactured using a two-component injection molding process, allowing the damping element to be made from the two different plastic materials described above.

[0014] The damping element is advantageously designed to be elastic in the direction of the travel axis and rigid transverse to the travel axis. In other words, the damping element is preferably more elastic in the direction of the travel axis than transverse to the travel axis. If the driver of the lifting column strikes another driver, the damping element allows elastic deformation in the direction of the travel axis, while deformation or crushing transverse to the travel axis is largely reduced or prevented. This can, for example, prevent the driver from accidentally coming loose or falling out while simultaneously dampening the step transition shocks.

[0015] In addition, the first driver has a first and second end perpendicular to the travel axis, and a web connecting the first and second ends. This allows for geometric directional dependence to be implemented in a single component. This results in greater rigidity of the driver transverse to the travel axis and greater elasticity in the direction of the travel axis, thus ensuring its secure hold in the elements of the lifting column.

[0016] Preferably, the damping element has an elastic section formed from the first plastic element. The web is formed from the second plastic material, and the web divides the elastic section into an upper and lower elastic section in the direction of the travel axis. This ensures the stability of the damping element transversely to the travel axis. The upper and lower elastic sections ensure better shock absorption.

[0017] It is advantageous if an upper, flexible arm section is formed at each of the first and second ends, extending in the direction of the travel axis, and encompasses the upper elastic section such that it is positioned between the web and the upper arm sections. The arm sections prevent the elastic elements from bending sideways. The number of arm sections is not limited. For example, only one flexible arm section can be formed, connecting the first end to the second end.

[0018] It is also advantageous if a lower flexible arm section is formed at each of the first and second ends in the direction of the travel axis and surrounds the lower elastic section in such a way that it is arranged between the web and the lower arm sections.

[0019] Preferably, the first driver has a first plane of symmetry parallel to the direction of the travel axis and preferably a second plane of symmetry perpendicular to the direction of the travel axis. The symmetrical shape of the driver enables simple and quick installation of the driver and consistent damping during the retraction and extension of the lifting column. Thus, for example, only limited attention to a specific orientation is required during installation.

[0020] Preferably, a sliding lining is attached to the support element and to the at least one intermediate element. A sliding lining can preferably also be attached to the base element. With the help of the sliding linings, the static and sliding friction between the support element, the at least one intermediate element and the base element can be reduced, so that the force required when changing steps is reduced. This can reduce the shock during the extension of the lifting column and the audible noise. It is possible for individual areas of the elements to be provided with sliding linings, for example to save costs. However, it is also possible for the majority of the elements to be provided with sliding linings in order to reduce friction to a minimum.

[0021] Furthermore, the invention relates to a medical device with a lifting column as described above.

[0022] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to embodiments illustrated in the figures. These schematically show: Fig. 1 a fully extended lifting column; Fig. 2 Cross-sectional view of the fully extended lifting column from Fig. 1 along the section line BB; Fig. 3 Detailed view of the area Y of carriers in the extended lifting column Fig. 2; Fig. 4 a fully retracted lifting column; Fig. 5 Cross-sectional view of the fully retracted lifting column from Fig. 4 along section line AA; Fig. 6 Detailed view of the area Z of the drivers in the retracted lifting column from Fig. 5; Fig. 7 Top view of the driver; Fig. 8 rear view of the driver; and Fig. 9 Side view of the driver.

[0023] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding or identical elements in the various figures.

[0024] In Fig. 1 shows a lifting column 1 in a fully extended state. The lifting column 1 is designed in a telescopic manner and has a base element 2, a support element 3, a first intermediate element 4 and a second intermediate element 5. The first and second intermediate elements 4 and 5 are arranged at least partially between the base element 2 and the support element 3. The second intermediate element 5 is arranged at least partially within the support element 3. The first intermediate element 4 is arranged at least partially within the second intermediate element 5 and the base element 2 is arranged at least partially within the first intermediate element 4. The base element 2 can, for example, fasten the lifting column 1 to the floor or to a movable chassis (not shown) via a base plate (not shown). In particular, medical devices (not shown) can be fastened to the support element 3, such asOperating tables, surgical robots, or the like. Of course, the lifting column 1 can also have only the first intermediate element 4 or more than two intermediate elements.

[0025] The lifting column 1 further comprises a hydraulic cylinder unit (not shown) which is designed to move the lifting column 1 along a travel axis FA between a retracted position and an extended position. The retracted position describes the position of the lifting column 1 in the fully retracted state, as shown in Fig. 4. The extended position describes the position of the lifting column 1 in the fully extended state, as shown in Fig. 1 is shown.

[0026] Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the fully extended lifting column 1 from Fig. 1 along the plane BB. The lifting column 1 comprises a plurality of drivers 6, which will be described in more detail later. Two of the drivers 6 are arranged on the base element 2, wherein the two drivers 6 are arranged in the upper half of the base element 2 (in the travel axis FA). Two further drivers 6 are arranged on the support element 3 in the lower half (in the travel axis FA) of the support element 3. The drivers 6 arranged on the support element 3 can also be referred to as first drivers within the meaning of the invention. On the first intermediate element 4, two of the drivers 6 are arranged in the lower half (in the travel axis FA) of the first intermediate element 4 and two of the drivers 6 are arranged in the upper half (in the travel axis FA) of the first intermediate element 4. The second intermediate element 5 has the same number and arrangement of drivers 6 as the first intermediate element 4. The drivers 6 arranged on the intermediate elements 4, 5 can also be referred to as second drivers within the meaning of the invention.The drivers 6 are formed separately from the base element 2, the first and second intermediate elements 4, 5, and the support element 6. The drivers 6, which are arranged in the upper half of the elements, are hereinafter referred to as "upper drivers." The drivers 6, which are arranged in the lower half of the elements, are hereinafter referred to as "lower drivers."

[0027] Through-openings 7 are provided on the base element 2, the first and second intermediate elements 4, 5, and the support element 3, in which the drivers 6 are arranged such that the drivers 6 project inward and outward from the respective element. A through-opening 7 is provided for each driver 6.

[0028] The hydraulic cylinder unit is operatively connected to the base element 2 and engages the support element 3. If the hydraulic cylinder unit is pressurized in the conventional manner, the lifting column 1 extends. The lifting column 1 can retract due to gravity or (additionally) by applying appropriate pressure.

[0029] Starting from the fully retracted lifting column 1, as shown in Fig. 4, the hydraulic cylinder unit first moves the support element 3 axially upwards along the travel axis FA, since the hydraulic cylinder unit engages the support element 3. If the support element 3 is extended far enough that the drivers 6 of the support element 3 reach the upper drivers 6 of the second intermediate element 5, the drivers 6 of the support element 3 strike the upper drivers 6 of the second intermediate element 5. As a result, the second intermediate element 5 is carried along and, like the support element 3, is moved in the direction of the travel axis FA. If the lifting column 1 is extended further, the lower drivers 6 of the second intermediate element 5 strike the upper drivers 6 of the first intermediate element 4, as shown in the detailed view in Fig. 3. This drives the first intermediate element 4 and, like the support element 3 and the second intermediate element 5, moves in the direction of the travel axis FA. The lifting column 1 can be extended until the lower drivers 6 of the first intermediate element 4 strike the drivers 6 of the base element 2. This position of the lifting column 1 is also referred to as the extended position, as shown in Fig. 2 shown.

[0030] Further extension of the lifting column 1 is no longer possible because all carriers 6 of the respective outer elements are attached to the corresponding carriers 6 of the respective inner elements. The order of the elements to be moved can be arbitrary; for example, the first intermediate element 4 can be moved first, followed by the second intermediate element 5, and finally the support element 3.

[0031] Retracting the lifting column 1 works in reverse analogue to extending the lifting column 1, as described above. Fig. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the fully retracted lifting column from Fig. 4 along the section line AA. The lifting column 1 is retracted until the drivers 6 of the outer elements strike the drivers 6 of the inner elements in the opposite direction.

[0032] Fig. 6 shows a detailed view of the area Z of the drivers 6 in the retracted lifting column 1 from Fig. 5. It can be seen that in the retracted position, the drivers 6 of the respective outer elements strike the drivers 6 of the respective inner elements from above. In the extended position, however, the drivers 6 of the respective outer elements strike the drivers 6 of the respective inner elements from below, as shown in Fig. 3 shown.

[0033] Furthermore, sliding linings 8 are attached to the first and second intermediate elements 4, 5 and the support element 6. The sliding linings can be attached to an inner and / or outer side of the first and second intermediate elements 4, 5 and to an inner side of the support element 6. Additional sliding linings 8 can also be attached to an outer side of the base element 2. The sliding linings 8 reduce friction between the individual elements when the lifting column 1 is moved. Lubrication- and grease-free sliding linings 8 are preferably used for medical devices.

[0034] In the following, the driver 6 will be described with reference to the Fig. 7 to 9. In this exemplary embodiment, all drivers 6 are identically designed. However, it is of course also conceivable for the drivers 6 to be designed differently. For example, the drivers 6 of the support element 3 bear the greatest weight when the lifting column 1 is fully extended, so it may be advisable to reinforce these drivers 6 under certain circumstances.

[0035] Fig. Figure 7 shows a top view of the driver 6. The driver 6 has a damping element 9 that dampens a shock when the driver 6 strikes. The damping element 9 is made, in particular, of plastic. Preferably, the damping element 9 is formed from a first and a second plastic material. The first plastic material has greater elasticity than the second plastic material. The second plastic material, in contrast, has greater rigidity than the first plastic material.

[0036] Preferably, the damping element 9 is a one-piece damping element, i.e., a damping element consisting of only a single part. The damping element 9 is manufactured, for example, using an injection molding process. The damping element 9 can also be manufactured from the first and second plastic materials using a two-component injection molding process.

[0037] The damping element 9 has an upper elastic section 10 in the direction of the travel axis FA. The damping element 9 also has a lower elastic section 11 in the direction of the travel axis FA. Furthermore, the driver 6 has a first end 12 and a second end 13 transverse to the travel axis FA. Between the first and second ends 12 and 13, a web 14 is formed, which connects the first end 12 to the second end 13. The upper elastic section 10 and the lower elastic section 11 are divided by the web 14. The web 14 prevents deformation of the driver 6 in the direction transverse to the travel axis FA.

[0038] The upper and lower elastic sections 10 and 11 are formed from the first plastic material with the higher elasticity. The web 14 and the first and second ends 12 and 13 are formed from the second plastic material with the higher rigidity. As a result, the damping element 9 is elastic in the direction of the travel axis FA and rigid transversely to the travel axis FA.

[0039] The damping element 9 further comprises two upper, more flexible arm sections 15 in the direction of the travel axis FA, one of which is attached to the first end 12 and one to the second end 13. The upper arm sections 15 encompass the upper elastic section 10, so that the latter is arranged between the web 14 and the upper arm sections 15. The upper arm sections 15 are formed from the second plastic material. The upper arm section 15 has a narrowed section 16 connected to the first end 12. The narrowed section 16 makes the upper arm section 15 bendable and allows elastic deformation of the upper elastic section 10.

[0040] The damping element 9 further comprises two lower, more flexible arm sections 17 in the direction of the travel axis FA, one of which is attached to the first end 12 and one to the second end 13. The lower arm sections 17 encompass the lower elastic section 11, so that the latter is arranged between the web 14 and the lower arm sections 17. The lower arm sections 17 are formed from the second plastic material. The lower arm section 17, like the upper arm section 15, includes the narrowed section 16, which is connected to the first end 12.

[0041] Due to the narrowed section 16, the lower arm section 17 is designed to be flexible and allows an elastic deformation of the lower elastic section 10.

[0042] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the driver 6 has a first plane of symmetry SE1, which is parallel to the direction of the travel axis FA. The first plane of symmetry SE1 runs through the median line of the web 14, so that the upper elastic section 10 is symmetrical to the lower elastic section 11 and the upper arm sections 15 are symmetrical to the lower arm sections 17. Furthermore, the driver 6 has a second plane of symmetry SE2, which is perpendicular to the direction of the travel axis FA.

[0043] Fig. Figure 8 shows a rear view of the driver 6. The driver 6 has a concave portion 18 and a convex portion 19 formed on the upper and lower arm portions 15 and 17. The concave portion 18 protrudes beyond the convex portion 19. The shape of the concave portion 18 corresponds to the shape of the convex portion 19.

[0044] As in the Fig. 3 and Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the convex portion 19 of the driver 6 protrudes inward from the respective element, and the concave portion 18 protrudes outward. When the drivers 6 strike during movement of the lifting column 1, the convex portion 19 of one driver 6 strikes the concave portion 18 of another driver 6.

[0045] Fig. Figure 9 shows a side view of the driver 6. The driver 6 has locking lugs 20, each formed at the first and second ends 12 and 13. The locking lugs 20 engage the inside of the respective element and form a barb. This ensures that the drivers 6 are securely fixed in the respective through-openings 7. To disassemble the drivers 6, they are elastically deformed by moving the locking lugs 20 toward each other, i.e., in the direction of the first plane of symmetry SE1. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 1 hydraulic lifting column 2 Basic element 3 support element 4 first intermediate element 5 second intermediate element 6 drivers 7 Passage opening 8 Escort coating 9 Damping element 10 upper elastic section 11 lower elastic section 12 first end 13 second end 14 jetty 15 upper flexible arm section 16 narrowed section 17 lower flexible arm section 18 concave section 19 convex section 20 locking lug

Claims

[1] Hydraulic lifting column (1), in particular for a medical device, with a hydraulic cylinder unit, a base element (2), a support element (3) and at least one intermediate element (4, 5), wherein the hydraulic cylinder unit is designed to move the lifting column (1) along a travel axis (FA) between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the at least one intermediate element (4, 5) is arranged at least in the retracted position between the base element (2) and the carrier element (3), wherein the support element (3) and the at least one intermediate element (4, 5) are movable relative to the base element (2) along the travel axis (FA) by the hydraulic cylinder unit engaging the support element (3), wherein the hydraulic lifting column (1) has at least one first driver (6) arranged on the support element (3) and formed separately from the support element (3), wherein the first driver (6) strikes the intermediate element (4, 5) when the lifting column (1) is moved between the retracted position and the extended position and takes the at least one intermediate element (4, 5) with it, wherein the first driver (6) has a damping element (9), wherein the damping element (9) is in particular made of plastic. [2] Hydraulic lifting column (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that it comprises at least one second driver (6) arranged on the intermediate element (4, 5) and formed separately from the intermediate element (4, 5), wherein the first driver (6) abuts the second driver (6). [3] Hydraulic lifting column (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the damping element (9) is formed from a first and a second plastic material, wherein the first plastic material has a higher elasticity than the second plastic material. [4] Hydraulic lifting column (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the damping element (9) is formed in one piece and is manufactured by an injection molding process. [5] Hydraulic lifting column (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the damping element (9) is elastic in the direction of the travel axis (FA) and rigid transversely to the travel axis (FA). [6] Hydraulic lifting column (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the first driver (6) has a first and second end (12, 13) transverse to the travel axis (FA), and further has a web (14) which connects the first and second ends (12, 13). [7] Hydraulic lifting column (1) according to claim 6, characterized bythat the damping element (9) has an elastic section (10, 11) which is formed from the first plastic material, the web (14) is formed from the second plastic material and the web (14) divides the elastic section (10, 11) into an upper and lower elastic section (10, 11) in the direction of the travel axis (FA). [8] Hydraulic lifting column (1) according to claim 7, characterized by that at each of the first and second ends (12, 13) an upper flexible arm section (15) is formed in the direction of the travel axis (FA) and surrounds the upper elastic section (10) so that the latter is arranged between the web (14) and the upper arm sections (15). [9] Hydraulic lifting column (1) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized bythat at each of the first and second ends (12, 13) a lower flexible arm section (17) is formed in the direction of the travel axis (FA) and surrounds the lower elastic section (11) so that the latter is arranged between the web (14) and the lower arm sections (17). [10] Hydraulic lifting column (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the first driver (6) has a first plane of symmetry (SE1) which is parallel to the direction of the travel axis (FA), and preferably has a second plane of symmetry (SE2) which is perpendicular to the direction of the travel axis (FA). [11] Hydraulic lifting column (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a sliding coating (8) is attached to the carrier element (3) and to the at least one intermediate element (4, 5). [12] Medical device with a hydraulic lifting column (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 11.

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