Non-locking locking of an additional body relative to a base body

Abstract

An additional body (2) of a device is mounted on a base body (1) of the device and can thus be moved along a path. A locking structure (6) is arranged on the base body (1), and a toothed element (7) is arranged on the additional body (2). The interaction of the locking structure (6) and the toothed element (7) allows movement of the additional body (2) to be blocked. The toothed element (7) has first teeth (8) which, when the additional body (2) is moved, successively pass through an effective region (9) of the locking structure (6). The first teeth (8) follow one another at a grid spacing (a). The locking structure (6) has two locking elements (10, 12) which comprise second teeth (11, 13) and are movable in a respective actuating direction (y, y') extending orthogonally to the direction of movement (x) of the toothed element (7) between a respective release position and a respective actuating position, but are fixed in the direction of movement (x) of the toothed element (7).In the respective release position, the second teeth (11, 13) of the respective locking element (10, 12) do not engage between the first teeth (8) and thus do not block the movement of the additional body (2). In the respective actuated position, the second teeth (11, 13) of the respective locking element (10, 12) engage completely between the first teeth (8) and thus block the movement of the additional body (2). The second teeth (11, 13) of the locking elements (10, 12) are offset from one another by an odd multiple of half the grid dimension (a).

Description

[0001] Regardless of the grammatical gender of a particular term, persons with male, female or other gender identities are included.

[0002] The present invention is based on a device, - wherein the device comprises a base body and an additional body, - wherein the additional body is mounted on the base body by means of a guide, so that the additional body is movable relative to the base body along a path determined by the guide, - wherein a locking structure is arranged on the base body and a toothed element is arranged on the additional body, by the interaction of which a movement of the additional body relative to the base body can be blocked, - wherein the tooth element has a plurality of first teeth which, when the additional body is moved relative to the base body, successively pass through an effective range of the locking structure, so that the passage of the first teeth through the effective range of the locking structure defines a local direction of movement of the tooth element valid for the effective range of the locking structure, - where the first teeth follow one another in a grid pattern, seen in the local direction of movement, - wherein the locking structure comprises a first locking element comprising a number of second teeth and is movable between a release position and an actuating position in an actuating direction orthogonal to the local direction of movement of the tooth element, but is fixed in the local direction of movement of the tooth element, - wherein the second teeth of the first locking element do not engage between the first teeth in the release position and thus do not block the movement of the additional body relative to the base body, - wherein the second teeth of the first locking element in the actuating position are completely inserted between the first teeth and thereby block the movement of the additional body relative to the base body.

[0003] Such a device is well known.

[0004] Patient tables, such as angiography tables, typically have the option of moving the table lengthwise. Furthermore, it is often possible to tilt the table around a horizontal transverse axis, so that one end is higher than the other, viewed lengthwise. Before tilting, the table must be locked lengthwise, as otherwise it would shift on its own due to gravity. Therefore, a locking device must be present to hold the table in its previously set position, viewed lengthwise.

[0005] In the prior art, a braking device comprising a brake disc and brake shoes is typically used to hold the table. The brake disc is mounted on the table and rotates as the table is moved longitudinally. The brake shoes are mounted on a table base and can be actuated by an actuator—usually an electromagnetic actuator. This braking device has the advantage that it can be actuated at any travel position. However, it requires a large installation space and is expensive. Furthermore, the brake disc increases the moment of inertia that must be moved by an operator when manually moving the table.

[0006] Locking devices are also known in which a spring-loaded catch engages a correspondingly designed gear or the like. Such locking devices are simple, robust, and cost-effective. However, locking is only possible at intervals defined by the pitch of the teeth of the gear or the like. Such a locking device is unsuitable for locking at any travel position.

[0007] The German utility model DE 20 2021 101 803 U1 describes an arrangement for a vehicle interior fitting, in particular an armrest, which has a slideway and a guide rail, wherein a carriage is mounted displaceably along the slideway, wherein at least one locking element is provided which is adjustable between a locking and an unlocking position in order to counteract or allow a displacement of the carriage along the slideway.

[0008] German utility model DE 20 2021 106 772 U1 describes a headrest for a vehicle seat comprising a locking device for locking a pivoting movement of a cushion support, which is also included and is arranged on a support element. The locking device comprises a locking element and a counter element, which can be brought into a mutually locked state, wherein the locking element is pivotably mounted on the support element about an additional rotation axis.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to create possibilities by means of which an additional body, which is movable relative to a base body, can be locked and held in any desired travel position in a simple and reliable manner.

[0010] The object is achieved by a device having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the device are the subject of dependent claims 2 to 12.

[0011] According to the invention, a device of the type mentioned at the outset is configured in that the locking structure, in addition to the first locking element, has a second locking element which likewise comprises a number of second teeth and is movable between a release position and an actuation position in an actuation direction orthogonal to the local direction of movement of the toothed element, but is fixed in the local direction of movement of the toothed element. Furthermore, in the release position, the second teeth of the second locking element do not engage between the first teeth and thus do not block the movement of the additional body relative to the base body. In the actuation position, however, the second teeth of the second locking element engage completely between the first teeth and thereby block the movement of the additional body relative to the base body.In this respect, there is agreement between the first and second locking elements. However, an important difference is the coordination of the arrangement of the second teeth of the two locking elements relative to each other. This is because, viewed in the local direction of movement of the toothed element, the second teeth of the second locking element are offset from the second teeth of the first locking element by an odd multiple of half the pitch. The offset is therefore half a pitch, one and a half times the pitch, two and a half times the pitch, etc.

[0012] The additional second locking element and the arrangement of its second teeth ensure that, when the arrangement of the second teeth of the first locking element exactly matches the arrangement of the first teeth, the second teeth of the second locking element can fully engage between the first teeth. Conversely, when the arrangement of the second teeth of the second locking element exactly matches the arrangement of the first teeth, the second teeth of the first locking element can fully engage between the first teeth. In these two extreme positions, a single one of the two locking elements completely blocks the movement of the additional body relative to the base body.In positions between these two positions, both locking elements can partially engage their second teeth between the first teeth, with the second teeth of both locking elements resting against opposite flanks of the first teeth. As a result, one locking element prevents the additional body from moving forward along the track, while the other locking element prevents it from moving backward along the track. As a result, the interaction of the two locking elements blocks the movement of the additional body even in positions between these two positions.

[0013] It is possible for the first and second locking elements to each have only a single second tooth. However, it is generally preferable for the first and second locking elements to each have multiple second teeth. In this case, the second teeth of the respective locking element follow one another in the local direction of movement at an integer multiple of the pitch, particularly the pitch.

[0014] Preferably, the respective locking element rests against a respective stop in the respective release position, viewed in the respective actuation direction. This easily results in a defined respective release position.

[0015] In principle, the two locking elements can be actuated using separate actuating elements. In this case, the actuating directions of the two locking elements can also be selected independently of each other. However, it is considerably simpler if the actuating direction of the second locking element coincides with the actuating direction of the first locking element and the locking elements can be moved between their release and actuated positions using a single actuating element.

[0016] Preferably, the actuating element acts on a connecting element that connects the two locking elements. This makes it particularly easy to act on the two locking elements.

[0017] Preferably, the actuating element acts on the connecting element in a region of the connecting element located between the two locking elements. This ensures, in particular, a uniform application of force to the two locking elements.

[0018] Preferably, the connecting element is connected to at least one of the locking elements via an elongated hole. This reliably prevents jamming of the two locking elements against each other. Such jamming of the two locking elements against each other could otherwise occur, particularly if the two locking elements are not moved smoothly from the release position to the actuation position or vice versa.

[0019] Preferably, the actuating element is associated with a spring device that exerts a spring force on the actuating element, so that, in the absence of other forces in the actuating direction of the locking elements, the actuating element applies a force directed toward the actuating position to the locking elements. This makes it possible, in particular, to ensure that the movement of the additional body relative to the base body must be actively released, while in the absence of such a release, the movement is automatically blocked. This increases the operational reliability of the device.

[0020] Preferably, the actuating element is designed as a toggle lever with a first and a second lever arm. This design is simple, robust, and reliable.

[0021] Preferably, when the locking elements move from their release positions to their actuating positions, the actuating element always passes through an intermediate position, regardless of the extent to which the additional body is moved relative to the base body, in which the first and second lever arms form an angle of 180°. This ensures that the toggle lever has a self-locking effect.

[0022] The path determined by the guide can be a circular path. However, the path determined by the guide is usually a linear path. This situation arises, for example, when the additional body is designed as a table for a patient couch, and the base body is designed as a support element of the patient couch that supports the table.

[0023] The above-described properties, features, and advantages of this invention, as well as the manner in which they are achieved, will become clearer and more readily understood in connection with the following description of the embodiments, which are explained in more detail in conjunction with the drawings. Herein, in schematic representation: Fig. 1 a device with a base body and an additional body, Fig. 2 a modification of the device of Fig. 1, Fig. 3 a locking structure and a tooth element in a release position, Fig. 4 the locking structure and the tooth element of Fig. 3, wherein a first locking element of the locking structure is in an actuating position, Fig. 5 the locking structure and the tooth element of Fig. 3, wherein a second locking element of the locking structure is in an actuating position, and Fig. 6 the locking structure and the tooth element of Fig. 3, wherein a first and a second locking element of the locking structure are each partially in an actuating position.

[0024] According to Fig. 1, a device comprises a base body 1 and an additional body 2. The additional body 2 is mounted on the base body 1 by means of a guide. As a result, the additional body 2 is movable relative to the base body 1 along a path determined by the guide. In the present case, the additional body 2 is designed as a table of a patient bed. A patient 3 can therefore be placed on the patient bed. Furthermore, in the present case, the base body 1 is designed as a support element of the patient bed, which supports the table. In principle, however, the device can be of any nature. Furthermore, according to Fig. 1 the path determined by the guide is a linear path. By a double arrow 4 in Fig. 1 indicates the forward and backward directions in which the table or, more generally, the additional body 2 can be moved. Alternatively, it could also be a circular path.

[0025] According to Fig. 2, for example, in the case of a patient couch, an intermediate element 1', which can be considered a component of the base body 1, can be raised on one side. This also raises the couch table on one side. If the couch table could not be locked, the couch table (possibly including the patient 3 lying on the couch table) would move to the lowest possible position by itself due to gravity. This is shown in Fig. 2 is indicated by an arrow 5 pointing diagonally downwards.

[0026] To prevent such an undesired movement of the bed table or generally of the additional body 2 relative to the base body 1, Fig. 3, a locking structure 6 is arranged on the base body 1, and a toothed element 7 is further arranged on the additional body 2. The locking structure 6 and the toothed element 7 can interact in such a way that they block movement of the additional body 2 relative to the base body 1. In this case, the toothed element 7 is a rack because the path is linear. If the path were a circular path, the toothed element 7 would be a gear.

[0027] The tooth element 7 has a plurality of teeth 8. Of the teeth 8, Fig. 3 (and also in the Fig. 4 to 6) only a few are provided with their reference number. The teeth 8 are arranged in such a way that when the additional body 2 moves relative to the base body 1 they successively pass through an effective area 9 of the locking structure 6. The passage of the teeth 8 through the effective area 9 of the locking structure 6 thus defines a direction of movement x of the toothed element 7. It is possible that the direction of movement x is uniform for the entire toothed element 7. However, the direction of movement x is valid at least locally for the effective area 9 of the locking structure 6. The teeth 8 follow one another in the local direction of movement x at a grid dimension a. The teeth 8 of the toothed element 7 are referred to below as first teeth to distinguish them from teeth of other elements.

[0028] The locking structure 6 has according to Fig. 3 has a first locking element 10. The first locking element 10 comprises a number of teeth 11, hereinafter referred to as second teeth to distinguish them from the first teeth 8. Of the second teeth 11, Fig. 3 (and also in the Fig. 4 to 6), only one is provided with its reference symbol. As a rule, the number of second teeth 11 is greater than 1. The first locking element 10 therefore generally has several second teeth 11. In this case, the second teeth 11 follow one another in the local direction of movement x at an integer multiple of the pitch a. In individual cases, this may be double, triple, etc. the pitch a. As a rule, however, the second teeth 11 follow one another at the pitch a.

[0029] The first locking element 10 is movable in an actuation direction y. The actuation direction y runs orthogonally to the local movement direction x of the toothed element 7. However, in the local movement direction x of the toothed element 7, the first locking element 10 is fixed. Therefore, the first locking element 10 is not movable in the local movement direction x.

[0030] The first locking element 10 is movable in the actuation direction y between a release position and an actuation position. If the first locking element 10 is in the release position (in this position, the first locking element 10 is in Fig. 3), the second teeth 11 of the first locking element 10 do not engage between the first teeth 8 of the toothed element 7. Consequently, in the release position, they do not block the movement of the additional body 2 relative to the base body 1. However, if the first locking element 10 is in the actuating position (in this position, the first locking element 10 is in Fig. 4), the second teeth 11 of the first locking element 10 are completely inserted between the first teeth 8. Consequently, in the actuated position, they block the movement of the additional body 2 relative to the base body 1.

[0031] The locking structure 6 has according to Fig. 3 further comprises a second locking element 12. The second locking element 12 also comprises a number of teeth 13, hereinafter referred to as second teeth 13 of the second locking element 12 to distinguish them from the first teeth 8 and the second teeth 11 of the first locking element 10. Of the second teeth 13, Fig. 3 (and also in the Fig. 4 to 6) only one is provided with its reference number. As a rule, the number of second teeth 13 of the second locking element 12 is greater than 1. The second locking element 12 therefore generally has a plurality of second teeth 13. In this case, the second teeth 13 of the second locking element 12 follow one another in the local direction of movement x at an integer multiple of the grid dimension a. In individual cases, this can be double, triple, etc. the grid dimension a. As a rule, however, the second teeth 13 of the second locking element 12 follow one another at the grid dimension a.

[0032] The second locking element 12 is movable in an actuation direction y'. The actuation direction y' also runs orthogonally to the local movement direction x of the toothed element 7. The actuation direction y' of the second locking element 12 can, in particular, coincide with the actuation direction y of the first locking element 10. However, in the local movement direction x of the toothed element 7, the first locking element 10 is fixed. It is therefore not movable in the local movement direction x.

[0033] The second locking element 12 is also movable in the actuation direction y' between a release position and an actuation position. If the second locking element 12 is in the release position (in this position, the second locking element 12 is in Fig. 3), the second teeth 13 of the second locking element 12 do not engage between the first teeth 8. Consequently, in the release position, they do not block the movement of the additional body 2 relative to the base body 1. However, if the second locking element 12 is in the actuating position (in this position, the second locking element 12 is in Fig. 5), the second teeth 13 of the second locking element 12 are completely inserted between the first teeth 8. Consequently, in the actuated position, they block the movement of the additional body 2 relative to the base body 1.

[0034] The structure, function, and mode of operation of the second locking element 12 thus correspond to the structure, function, and mode of operation of the first locking element 10. However, viewed in the local direction of movement x of the toothed element 7, the second teeth 13 of the second locking element 12 are offset relative to the second teeth 11 of the first locking element 10 by an odd multiple of half the grid dimension a. The relationship V = (n + 1 / 2) a, where n is a natural number, therefore applies to the offset V of a specific second tooth 13 of the second locking element 12 relative to any second tooth 11 of the first locking element 10.

[0035] Due to the offset V, the situation arises that if, due to the specific position of the first teeth 8 of the toothed element 7, the first locking element 10 can be transferred into its actuating position, the second locking element 12 cannot be transferred into its actuating position. This situation is in Fig. 4. Due to the offset V, the reverse situation also arises, that is, if the second locking element 12 can be moved into its actuating position due to the specific position of the first teeth 8 of the toothed element 7, the first locking element 10 cannot be moved into its actuating position. This situation is shown in Fig. 5. Due to the fact that in both cases one of the two locking elements 10, 12 can be transferred into its actuating position, a reliable blocking of the movement of the additional body 2 relative to the base body 1 can nevertheless be achieved in both cases.

[0036] Even between these two extremes, in which one locking element 10 or 12 can be fully transferred into its confirmation position and the other locking element 12 or 10 cannot be transferred into its actuation position, due to the offset V of the second teeth 13 of the second locking element 12 relative to the teeth 11 of the first locking element 10, a blocking of the movement of the additional body 2 relative to the base body 1 can be achieved by the interaction of the two locking elements 10, 12 with the toothed element 7. For in positions of the toothed element 7 between these two extremes, according to Fig. 6 both locking elements 10, 12 are each partially inserted between the first teeth 8 of the toothed element 7. Here, the second teeth 11, 13 of the two locking elements 10, 12 are located according to Fig. 6 on opposite flanks of the first teeth 8. For example, in the specific situation of Fig. 6, the first locking element 10 causes the toothed element 7 and thus the additional body 2 to move to the right, while the second locking element 12 causes the toothed element 7 and thus the additional body 2 to move to the left. The reverse is also possible.

[0037] The Fig. Figures 3 to 6 illustrate not only the basic principle of the present invention, but also some embodiments. These embodiments can be implemented independently of one another, provided they do not necessarily build on one another.

[0038] Thus, the locking structure 6 has a stop 14 for each of the two locking elements 10, 12. In the release position of the respective locking element 12, 14, Fig. 3 the respective locking element 10, 12, viewed in the respective actuation direction y, y', at its respective stop 14.

[0039] Furthermore, the locking structure 6 has a uniform actuating element 15, by means of which the locking elements 10, 12 can be displaced between their release positions and their actuating positions. For example, the actuating element 15 can act on a connecting element 16, via which the two locking elements 10, 12 are connected to one another. The actuating element 15 can act on the connecting element 16, in particular, in a region of the connecting element 16 that is located between the two locking elements 10, 12, in particular approximately or exactly centrally between the two connecting elements 10, 12.

[0040] As explained above and in particular from the illustrations in the Fig. 4 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 5, the second teeth 11, 13 of the two locking elements 10, 12 penetrate between the first teeth 8 to different extents depending on the position of the first teeth 8 of the toothed element 7 relative to the second teeth 11, 13. If there were a play-free connection of the connecting element 16 to both locking elements 10, 12, this could easily lead to jamming. To prevent such jamming, the connecting element 16 is connected to at least one of the locking elements 10, 12 via an elongated hole 17. The extent to which the elongated hole 17 is an elongated hole is shown in the Fig. Figures 3 to 6 are clearly exaggerated to better illustrate the situation.

[0041] For reasons of operational safety, a spring device 18 is preferably assigned to the actuating element 15. The spring device 18 exerts a spring force F on the actuating element 15. The spring force F is directed such that the actuating element 15 applies a force directed towards the actuating position to the locking elements 10, 12 in the absence of a release force F' exerted on the actuating element 15 in the (common) actuating direction y, y'. The spring device is in the Fig. 3 to 6 are designed as compression springs. However, they could also be designed as tension springs.

[0042] Currently, according to the presentation in the Fig. 3 to 6, it is preferred that the actuating element 15 is designed as a toggle lever with a first and a second lever arm 19, 20. This can in particular ensure that the actuating element 15 is moved when the locking elements 10, 12 are moved from their release positions (see Fig. 3) into their operating positions (see Fig. 4 to 6) passes through an intermediate position in which the first and second lever arms form an angle of 180°. This always applies, regardless of the extent to which the additional body 2 has moved relative to the base body 1. It therefore applies both when, as shown in Fig. 4 the first locking element 10 can be moved completely into its actuating position, as well as when, as shown in Fig. 5 the second locking element 12 can be moved completely into its actuating position, as well as when, as shown in Fig.6 the first and second locking elements 10, 12 can each only be partially moved into their actuated positions. The transfer of the locking elements 10, 12 from their (fully or partially) actuated positions to their release positions can be effected by exerting the release force F'.

[0043] It was further explained above that the two locking elements 10, 12 are arranged one behind the other, as seen in the local direction of movement x. However, this is not absolutely necessary. The two locking elements 10, 12 can also be arranged side by side.

[0044] The present invention offers many advantages. The moving masses when manually moving the additional body 2 relative to the base body 1 can be kept small. The expense of a magnetically actuated disc brake or the like can be avoided. Nevertheless, blocking the movement of the additional body 2 relative to the base body 1 is possible at any position of the additional body 2.

Claims

[1] Device, - wherein the device comprises a base body (1) and an additional body (2), - wherein the additional body (2) is mounted on the base body (1) by means of a guide, so that the additional body (2) is movable relative to the base body (1) along a path determined by the guide, - wherein a locking structure (6) is arranged on the base body (1) and a toothed element (7) is arranged on the additional body (2), by the interaction of which a movement of the additional body (2) relative to the base body (1) can be blocked, - wherein the toothed element (7) has a plurality of first teeth (8) which, when the additional body (2) is moved relative to the base body (1), successively pass through an effective area (9) of the locking structure (6), so that the passage through the effective area (9) of the locking structure (6) by the first teeth (8) defines a local movement direction (x) of the toothed element (7) valid for the effective area (9) of the locking structure (6), - wherein the first teeth (8) follow one another in a grid dimension (a) as seen in the local direction of movement (x), - wherein the locking structure (6) comprises a first and a second locking element (10, 12), each comprising a number of second teeth (11, 13) and being movable in a respective actuating direction (y, y') orthogonal to the local direction of movement (x) of the tooth element (7) between a respective release position and a respective actuating position, but being fixed in the local direction of movement (x) of the tooth element (7), - wherein the second teeth (11, 13) of the respective locking element (10, 12) do not engage between the first teeth (8) in the respective release position and thus do not block the movement of the additional body (2) relative to the base body (1), - wherein the second teeth (11, 13) of the respective locking element (10, 12) in the respective actuating position are completely inserted between the first teeth (8) and thereby block the movement of the additional body (2) relative to the base body (1), - wherein, viewed in the local direction of movement (x) of the toothed element (7), the second teeth (13) of the second locking element (12) are offset relative to the second teeth (11) of the first locking element (10) by an odd multiple of half the grid dimension (a). [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by that the first and the second locking element (10, 12) each have a plurality of second teeth (11, 13) and that the second teeth (11, 13) of the respective locking element (10, 12) follow one another in an integer multiple of the grid dimension (a), in particular in the grid dimension (a), as seen in the local direction of movement (x). [3] Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the respective locking element (10, 12) rests against a respective stop (14) in the respective release position, seen in the respective actuating direction. [4] Device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized by that the actuating direction (y') of the second locking element (12) corresponds to the actuating direction (y) of the first locking element (10) and that the locking elements (10, 12) can be displaced between their release positions and their actuating positions by means of a uniform actuating element (15). [5] Device according to claim 4, characterized by that the actuating element (15) acts on a connecting element (16) via which the two locking elements (10, 12) are connected to one another. [6] Device according to claim 5, characterized bythat the actuating element (15) acts on the connecting element (16) in a region of the connecting element (16) which is located between the two locking elements (10, 12). [7] Device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by that the connecting element (16) is connected to at least one of the locking elements (10, 12) via an elongated hole (17). [8] Device according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized by that the actuating element (15) is assigned a spring device (18) which exerts a spring force (F) on the actuating element (15) so that the actuating element (15) acts on the locking elements (10, 12) with a force directed towards the actuating position in the absence of other forces (F') in the actuating direction (y, y') of the locking elements (10, 12). [9] Device according to one of claims 4 to 8, characterized bythat the actuating element (15) is designed as a toggle lever with a first and a second lever arm (19, 20). [10] Device according to claim 9, characterized by that the actuating element (15) always passes through an intermediate position in which the first and second lever arms (19, 20) form an angle of 180° when the locking elements (10, 12) are moved from their release positions into their actuating positions, regardless of the extent to which the additional body (2) is moved relative to the base body (1). [11] Device according to one of the above claims, characterized by that the path determined by the guide is a linear path. [12] Device according to one of the above claims, characterized by that the additional body (2) is designed as a table for a patient bed and the base body (1) is designed as a supporting element of the patient bed, which supports the table.

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