ALTERNATING PRESSURE UNDERCOVER AND PATIENT BED AS WELL AS OPERATING PROCEDURES

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an alternating pressure pad, a patient bed with such an alternating pressure pad and a method for operating such an alternating pressure pad.

[0002] During home and / or professional care of bedridden patients, the problem of bedsores (so-called decubitus ulcers) can arise. This is caused by prolonged pressure exerted on the skin, which disrupts blood flow to the skin, leading to local damage to the skin and underlying tissue.

[0003] To counteract this problem, so-called decubitus mattresses (also known as anti-decubitus mattresses) are known. These mattresses are designed to reduce the maximum contact pressure, for example, by providing a larger support surface for the patient or a lying position in which pressure is more evenly distributed. Alternatively or additionally, these mattresses can feature an alternating pressure system that allows for alternating pressure loading and unloading of specific body parts to prevent permanent circulatory disruption. These alternating pressure systems typically comprise several air chambers that can be specifically filled with air or in which the air pressure can be adjusted.

[0004] EP 2 666 451 A1 relates to a system, treatment beds, devices, and methods for preventing pressure ulcers and discloses three movably connected bearing assemblies. Each bearing assembly has rows of bearings on a respective axis, with the axis being attached to a connecting band. The connecting bands can be rotated.

[0005] CN 2 300 399 Y relates to an electric massage device comprising a frame and a massage wheel assembly movable therein. The massage wheel assembly comprises several rollers on multiple axes, which are supported by a wheel frame. The wheel frame is movable within the frame via guide rollers.

[0006] DE 30 18 828 A1 relates to a massage device with rollers attached to revolving conveyor belts or chains. The belts are taut by a tensioning device and guided horizontally by slide rails attached to a frame. Additional rollers mounted on the roller axes can rest on the rails.

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to increase the comfort for a patient lying on an alternating pressure surface and to ensure improved pressure distribution.

[0008] This object is achieved by an alternating pressure pad and a patient bed with such an alternating pressure pad as well as a method for operating such an alternating pressure pad according to the independent claims.

[0009] An alternating pressure support, in particular for pressure ulcer prevention, according to a first aspect of the invention comprises a plurality of support elements, in particular arranged one behind the other along a longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the alternating pressure support comprises a guide arrangement with two guides arranged opposite one another in a transverse direction and extending in the longitudinal direction. The support elements are movably mounted at opposite ends in the guides.

[0010] A movable bearing in the sense of the invention is to be understood in particular as meaning that the support elements can be moved along the longitudinal direction, ie in the longitudinal direction and / or counter to the longitudinal direction, in particular translationally.

[0011] One aspect of the invention is based on the approach of providing an alternating pressure pad with support elements which preferably define a lying surface of the alternating pressure pad and which can be moved along a longitudinal direction, e.g. under a patient lying on the alternating pressure pad, with the aid of a guide arrangement comprising two guides. In other words, it can be provided that the support elements, which preferably extend in a transverse direction, can roll or slide, e.g. under the patient, during movement relative to the patient. This enables a constant or at least intermittent change in the contact pressure. In this way, bedsores can be effectively counteracted or, in the case of pressure ulcers that have already occurred, an aggravation of the symptoms can be prevented or at least delayed.

[0012] The support elements are preferably designed to support the patient. Each support element is preferably movably mounted at its two opposite ends in two guides arranged opposite one another in a transverse direction extending transversely to the longitudinal direction. This allows the patient's weight to be supported by the guides. The guides preferably extend in the longitudinal direction, so that the support elements are movable in and / or counter to the longitudinal direction.

[0013] With this movement of the support elements, the contact points along the patient's body can change essentially continuously or at least intermittently, not only preventing or at least reducing circulatory disorders but also promoting blood circulation in the skin, particularly venous function. In particular, blood vessels can even be smoothed out. This increased circulation can also counteract thrombosis. In other words, the alternating pressure pad also enables thrombosis prophylaxis and improves lymphatic drainage.

[0014] In principle, the diameters of the support elements and the spacing of the individual support elements, particularly along the longitudinal direction, relative to one another can be selected depending on the patient's height and / or weight. These support element diameters and spacing are preferably selected to ensure comfortable support of the body weight, while at the same time ensuring that sufficient areas of skin are completely relieved of pressure and thus supplied with blood. These effects can be achieved, for example, with support element diameters having a longitudinal length of between 2 cm and 20 cm, preferably between 5 cm and 10 cm, in particular of approximately 6 cm, while the support element spacing can be between 5 cm and 45 cm, preferably between 10 cm and 25 cm, in particular approximately 15 cm.

[0015] As already mentioned above, the alternating pressure pad can be used as a "slatted frame" to support a patient at risk of pressure ulcers. However, it is also conceivable to use an appropriately sized alternating pressure pad as a seat pad or "seat cushion," for example, on a wheelchair, armchair, car seat, and / or similar. Alternatively or additionally, such an alternating pressure pad can also be used, for example, during long surgeries as a leg pad or as a support for the entire body, for example, to ensure adequate blood circulation to the legs and / or other body parts.

[0016] Preferred embodiments of the invention and further developments thereof are described below, which, unless expressly excluded, can be combined with one another as well as with the aspects of the invention described below.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the support elements each have a support roller which is mounted so as to be freely rotatable about an axis of rotation aligned parallel to the transverse direction. Free rotation of a support roller is to be understood in particular as meaning that the support roller can rotate freely independently of any other, for example translational, movement, in particular a movement in and / or counter to the longitudinal direction. When the support elements move beneath the patient supported by support rollers, the freely rotatably mounted support rollers can rotate. In other words, the support rollers can roll during the movement in and / or counter to the longitudinal direction, e.g. on the patient or on a support element cover. This rolling movement enables an essentially continuous or at least intermittent change in the support points along the patient's body.At the same time, the support elements can be moved under the patient with little force thanks to the rolling movement.

[0018] The diameter of the support roller is preferably selected depending on the patient's height and / or weight. The diameter of the support roller can be, for example, between 2 cm and 20 cm, preferably between 5 cm and 10 cm, and especially approximately 6 cm. This allows for comfortable support of the patient, while simultaneously completely relieving pressure on a large area of the body between two adjacent support rollers, thus allowing blood flow.

[0019] Alternatively, the support elements can each have a sliding element designed to slide beneath the patient. The sliding elements preferably each have a sliding surface. At least the sliding surface can be made of a material with a low coefficient of friction, e.g., Teflon. Compared to a version with support rollers, the alternating pressure pad can thus be designed in a simpler and more robust manner.

[0020] In a further preferred embodiment, each of the support elements has a roller at each of the opposite ends for movable mounting in the respective guide. Each roller is preferably mounted so as to be freely rotatable, particularly relative to the support roller, about an axis of rotation aligned parallel to the transverse direction. In other words, the rollers can each be arranged coaxially with the support rollers, but rotate independently of them. It is particularly conceivable for the support elements each to have an axle element designed as a seat for the support roller and / or two rollers, in particular arranged externally. The guides and rollers are preferably designed such that a roller is supported by one of the guides and can roll in the guide, for example on a running surface. This can significantly reduce the friction occurring during the movement of the support elements.In particular, the support elements can be mounted in the guides with virtually no friction thanks to the rollers. This makes it possible to reduce the power or force required to move the support elements relative to the guides or the patient supported by the support rollers.

[0021] Alternatively, the support elements can also be designed for sliding bearings in the two oppositely arranged guides. For this purpose, the support elements can have sliding sections at their two opposite ends. The sliding sections are preferably made of a material with a low coefficient of friction, e.g., Teflon. Compared to the previously described variant with rollers, the support elements can thus be manufactured more lightly and are more robust and less prone to failure.

[0022] In order to enable particularly reliable guidance of the support elements in the guides, the guides can at least partially enclose the rollers or the sliding sections.

[0023] Each of the two guides can, in particular, be formed, at least in sections, in a channel-like manner and / or by a recess in a slat-like guide element extending in the longitudinal direction, for example, to at least reduce the risk of the support elements popping out of the guides. This can further increase operational reliability.

[0024] In a further preferred embodiment, two adjacent, in particular adjacently arranged, support elements are movably connected to one another by a connecting element at each of the two opposite ends, in particular operatively connected and / or chain-like. In other words, a connecting element can be provided in the regions at the two opposite ends of the support elements to connect two adjacent support elements. The connecting elements can, in particular, be connected in a chain-like manner or can form a chain. As a result, a (drive) force can be transmitted between the support elements, for example for moving the support elements along the guides.

[0025] The connecting elements are preferably arranged between the support roller or sliding element on the one hand and a track roller on the other. The connecting elements can, for example, be plugged onto the axle elements. This prevents the connecting elements from hindering movement of the support elements in and / or counter to the longitudinal direction, for example, by catching or wedging in the guides.

[0026] In a further preferred embodiment, two adjacent support elements are elastically connected to one another. For this purpose, adjacent support elements can be connected to one another, for example, by spring connecting elements. In particular, the previously described connecting elements can be elastic, i.e., for example, as spring connecting elements. An elastic connection of the support elements enables, for example, the compensation of changes in the length of the alternating pressure base or at least in the length of the travel path of the support elements, for example when setting up a head and / or foot section and / or when the support elements sag due to elastically designed or at least elastically mounted guides.

[0027] In a further preferred embodiment, the alternating pressure pad has a pretensioning arrangement which is designed to pretension the connections between the support elements or at least to maintain a pretension between the support elements. For this purpose, the pretensioning arrangement can mount a first part of the guide arrangement, e.g. a drive wheel, in particular in the longitudinal direction, movably relative to another second part of the guide arrangement. In particular, the pretensioning arrangement can be designed to pretension the movably mounted first part in or counter to the longitudinal direction relative to the second part of the guide arrangement, i.e. to press it away from the second part of the guide arrangement in or counter to the longitudinal direction. This makes it possible, for example, to achieve particularly uniform spacing of the support elements in the longitudinal direction.

[0028] The prestressing arrangement can comprise a cylinder enclosing a prestressing means. The prestressing means is preferably configured to push a prestressing rod, which is movably mounted relative to the cylinder, out of the cylinder. The prestressing means can be designed, for example, as a prestressed prestressing element, in particular as a compression spring, which is preferably prestressed between an end of the prestressing rod arranged in the cylinder and a cylinder base. Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the prestressing means to be a pressurized gas, which presses against the prestressing rod, which is then preferably designed as a piston.

[0029] The pre-tensioning rod is preferably coupled to at least a part of the support elements or the first part of the guide arrangement, in particular at a head or foot end of the alternating pressure pad, in such a way that the pre-tensioning generated by the pre-tensioning means can be transferred to the connections between the support elements.

[0030] According to the invention, each of the two guides has a plurality of guide elements, at least some of which are arranged so as to be movable relative to one another, in particular along the longitudinal direction. The guide elements of a guide can, for example, be movably connected to one another, in particular such that two adjacent guide elements can be tilted relative to one another about a tilt axis parallel to the transverse direction. In other words, at least a part or section of the two guides can be designed to be deformable or malleable, so that the support elements guided by the two guides arranged opposite one another can be deflected not only along the longitudinal direction, but also at least slightly perpendicular to it, in particular perpendicular to the lying surface of the alternating pressure pad defined by the support elements arranged one behind the other along the longitudinal direction. This can increase lying comfort.In particular, a uniform pressure load on the patient's body can be achieved, which further reduces the risk of pressure ulcers.

[0031] In a further preferred embodiment, at least some of the guide elements of each of the two guides are connected to each other by a respective track. Each of the two tracks is preferably designed as a strip, e.g., 5 mm thick, and has a running surface on which the rollers of the support elements can roll. Such tracks can impart a certain dimensional stability to the guide arrangement and simultaneously enable seamless movement of the support elements at their opposite ends, in particular the rollers, at the transition between two guide elements.

[0032] In order to further reduce the friction when moving the support elements in and / or against the longitudinal direction, the raceways can be made of Teflon and / or extend from a foot end of the alternating pressure pad to a head end of the alternating pressure pad.

[0033] According to the invention, at least some of the guide elements of each of the two guides are elastically mounted. For example, at least some of the guide elements can be mounted in such a way that the support elements guided by the guides can be deflected perpendicular to the lying surface. This further increases patient comfort. In particular, a uniform pressure load on the patient's body can be achieved.

[0034] In a further preferred embodiment, the guide arrangement comprises a plurality of spring elements, each of which supports one of the guide elements. For this purpose, the alternating pressure base can comprise a support frame, particularly a rigid one, preferably designed in the form of a frame, which supports at least part of the guide arrangement, particularly the elastically mounted part of the guide elements of each of the two guides. The spring elements are preferably arranged between the elastically mounted part of the guide elements and the support frame. This makes it easy to achieve deformability of the two oppositely arranged guides.

[0035] It is conceivable that the support frame is formed by another part of the guide arrangement, in particular by the rigid guides of a return line. In other words, the spring elements can elastically support the individual guide elements of a forward line against the return line.

[0036] In a further preferred embodiment, the spring elements each have a first fastening arrangement and at least some of the guide elements each have a second fastening arrangement. Preferably, the spring elements are detachably fastened non-destructively, in particular without tools, using the first and second fastening arrangements, at least to the part of the guide elements that each have a second fastening arrangement. This allows the spring elements to be replaced as needed, for example in the event of a defect or at least signs of wear. It is also conceivable to select spring elements with a stiffness tailored to the patient and thus to elastically mount the guide elements in order to prevent excessive or insufficient deflection of the guide elements and thus also of the support elements perpendicular to the lying surface.

[0037] The first and second fastening arrangements are preferably designed such that the spring elements can be fastened to the guide elements by means of a positive fit. For this purpose, the first and second fastening arrangements can be designed to complement each other, in particular. The first fastening arrangements can, for example, have recesses or indentations into which projections or protrusions of the second fastening arrangements can engage. This allows individual or even all spring elements to be easily replaced.

[0038] In a further preferred embodiment, the guide arrangement has a forward and a reverse motion, so that the support elements can be moved circumferentially. In other words, some of the support elements can be moved in the longitudinal direction, for example, towards a head part of the alternating pressure pad, using the forward motion, while another part of the support elements can be moved counter to the longitudinal direction, e.g., towards a foot end of the alternating pressure pad, using the reverse motion. The forward and reverse motions make it possible, in particular, to operate the alternating pressure pad continuously without having to change the direction of movement of the support elements in the meantime. In particular, the rolling elements that support the patient can be moved continuously in the longitudinal direction beneath the patient, so that, for example, the blood vessels in the legs are spread out towards the torso. This can reduce the risk of thrombosis.

[0039] In a further preferred embodiment, the alternating pressure base has a flexible support element cover arranged, in particular stretched, over the support elements. The support element cover is preferably arranged such that at least some of the support rollers can roll on the support element cover during movement in and / or against the longitudinal direction. For this purpose, at least some of the support element cover can be fastened, for example, to the guide arrangement, in particular to individual guide elements. The fastening is preferably non-detachable. However, it is also conceivable to design the fastening so that it can be removed without tools, e.g., using snap fasteners.

[0040] Alternatively, or in addition to attachment to the guide assembly, it is also conceivable to attach the support element cover to the support frame or to a frame of a patient bed designed to accommodate the alternating pressure support, in particular the guide assembly. The support element cover can increase the comfort of the patient supported by the support rollers. Furthermore, the support element cover can also increase operational safety, as access to the movable support elements is prevented or at least made more difficult.

[0041] Preferably, the support element cover is designed to be waterproof and / or dirt-repellent, at least in sections. The support element cover can, for example, have a tarpaulin-like plastic layer. This allows the lying surface defined by the support element cover to be easily cleaned. Such a support element cover also enables compliance with hygiene requirements.

[0042] In a further preferred embodiment, the support element cover is formed in several pieces, comprising a flexible support and a protective layer arranged between the flexible support and the support elements. The protective layer preferably rests on the support elements, i.e., the protective layer contacts the support rollers or sliding elements, and the protective layer can be designed to be waterproof and / or dirt-repellent. The protective layer is preferably permanently attached or detachable without tools to the guide arrangement, the support frame, or the frame of the patient bed, for example, in order to effectively and reliably prevent the penetration of liquids, objects, and / or body parts into the area of the support elements or the guide arrangement.

[0043] The flexible overlay, on the other hand, can be detachably attached to the guide assembly, the support frame, or the frame of the patient bed, and possibly also to the protective layer, in a non-destructive manner, particularly without the use of tools. Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the overlay to be unattached at all, but simply rest loosely on the protective layer. This allows the overlay to be replaced without great effort, for example, for hygiene reasons. The flexible overlay can, for example, be designed as a thin mattress, which is designed to cushion the support rollers or sliding elements on the one hand and / or to absorb moisture on the other, without neutralizing the pressure distribution achieved by the support elements.

[0044] In a further preferred embodiment, the guide arrangement has hinge elements which are arranged between a first section of the guide arrangement and a second section of the guide arrangement and which pivotally support the guides in the first section relative to the guides in the second section. This allows the first section of the guide arrangement to be adjustable relative to the second section. The hinge elements can, for example, delimit a height-adjustable head or foot section. By pivoting the guides in the first section relative to the guides in the second section, the patient's lungs can be relieved. At the same time, this can also facilitate patient care.

[0045] The hinge elements are preferably designed to allow the guides in the first section to pivot against the guides in the second section by up to 40°.

[0046] In a further preferred embodiment, the alternating pressure base has a motorized drive device configured to move the support elements in and / or counter to the longitudinal direction. The motorized drive device can be configured, for example, as a motor, in particular an electric motor. This allows for automatic, in particular continuous, movement of the support elements.

[0047] In a further preferred embodiment, the alternating pressure support comprises a manually operable drive device configured to move the support elements in and / or counter to the longitudinal direction. The alternating pressure support may, in particular, comprise a drive device that is both motor-operated and manually operable. The drive device may, for example, have a manual drive, for example in the form of a crank, or be coupled to such a drive. This allows movement of the support elements to be ensured even in emergencies, for example, in the event of technical malfunctions or a power failure, in order to permanently maintain a varying pressure distribution.

[0048] In a further preferred embodiment, the guide arrangement has at least two drive wheels which are mounted in a rotationally fixed manner on a drive axle, in particular one which is operatively connected to the drive device and which are designed to drive the support elements along in sections by rotating the axle. The drive wheels can, for example, be gear-like and / or have recesses or teeth into which the support elements, in particular the support rollers or sliding elements and / or the track rollers, can engage. When the drive wheels rotate, the support elements arranged in the recesses or teeth can thereby be driven along. This movement can be transmitted to all support elements as a translational movement, preferably via the connecting elements or elastic connections between adjacent support elements. With the aid of such drive wheels, the movement of the support elements can therefore be easily achieved.

[0049] Such drive wheels or drive axles are preferably arranged at a head end and / or foot end of the alternating pressure base. The drive wheels can be arranged, in particular, between the forward and return sections of the guide arrangement and can be configured to transfer the support elements from the guides of the forward section to the guides of the return section. This enables reliable circulation of the support elements.

[0050] In a further preferred embodiment, the alternating pressure pad has a control device which is designed to cause the support elements to move in at least two different operating modes, for example by correspondingly controlling the motor drive device. In one operating mode, the support elements can thus, for example, be moved in a circular motion, while in a second operating mode the support elements can be moved back and forth. Alternatively or additionally, the support elements can be moved continuously in one operating mode, while in another operating mode the support elements are moved intermittently. This allows the alternating pressure pad to be used flexibly, for example for patients with pressure ulcers of varying severity or for patients with varying degrees of immobility. In addition, this also enables the efficiency of the alternating pressure pad to be increased, since, for example,For a patient with less pronounced pressure ulcer susceptibility, energy can be saved in intermittent operation.

[0051] Alternatively or additionally, the control device can be configured to receive control commands from an external terminal device coupled to the control device. For example, an application, i.e., a software module, is conceivable that can be executed on a smartphone or tablet and is configured to enable control of the alternating pressure pad, in particular the motorized drive device.

[0052] The control device and / or this application can also be configured to document the operation of the alternating pressure support, in particular the operating modes and their sequence. This allows an overview of the measures for pressure ulcer prevention to be obtained at any time.

[0053] In a further preferred embodiment, the alternating pressure base has a control device which is designed to trigger the output of an alarm signal, in particular one which is independent of the mains power supply, if a motor-driven movement of the support elements is not possible. Mains power independence here is understood in particular to mean the suitability of the control device to retain its functionality even when there is an insufficient power supply from a power grid. For this purpose, the alternating pressure base, in particular the control device, can have an energy storage device, for example in the form of a battery. This can further increase operational reliability, since if necessary, for example in the event of a power failure or a defect, operation can be maintained, for example with the help of the manually operable drive device.

[0054] A patient bed, in particular for pressure ulcer prevention, according to a second aspect of the invention comprises a frame and an alternating pressure base supported by the frame according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0055] The alternating pressure pad can be designed for a non-destructive, particularly tool-free, detachable connection to the frame. For example, the alternating pressure pad can have a locking or clip mechanism with which the alternating pressure pad can be attached to the frame or hung into the frame, in particular by locking or clipping. This allows the alternating pressure pad to be used with conventional patient beds, if necessary. In particular, conventional patient beds can be equipped or retrofitted with an alternating pressure pad for pressure ulcer prevention. At the same time, the alternating pressure pad can also be quickly removed if necessary.

[0056] In a method for operating an alternating pressure pad, in particular for preventing debubitus, according to a third aspect of the invention, a plurality of support elements, in particular arranged one behind the other along a longitudinal direction, are moved in at least two guides of a guide arrangement arranged opposite one another in a transverse direction and extending in the longitudinal direction, in which the support elements are movably mounted at opposite ends, in particular in and / or counter to the longitudinal direction.

[0057] The movement of the support elements can be effected by means of a motorized drive device and / or manually, for example, by means of a manually operable drive device. Preferably, the movement is controlled by a control device that can actuate the motorized drive device accordingly. Various operating modes are particularly conceivable, for example, a circumferential movement of the support elements, a back-and-forth movement of the support elements, a continuous movement of the support elements, and / or an intermittent movement of the support elements.

[0058] The description of preferred embodiments of the invention given so far contains numerous features, some of which are summarized in the individual dependent claims. However, these features can also be considered individually and combined into further meaningful combinations. In particular, these features can each be combined individually and in any suitable combination with the alternating pressure pad according to the first aspect of the invention and the patient bed according to the second aspect of the invention, as well as the method according to the third aspect of the invention.

[0059] The properties, features, and advantages of the invention described above, as well as the manner in which they are achieved, are explained in more detail in conjunction with the figures in the following description of exemplary embodiments of the invention. Throughout the figures, the same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding elements of the invention. For reasons of clarity, where multiple components are present, only one is provided with a reference numeral. The exemplary embodiments serve to explain the invention and do not limit the invention to the combinations of features specified therein, including with regard to functional features.

[0060] They show, at least partially schematically: FIG 1 an example of an alternating pressure pad; FIG 2 a section of FIG 1 in the area of the foot part of the alternating pressure pad without showing the return; FIG 3 a section of FIG 1 in the region of the head part of the alternating pressure support; FIG. 4 shows an example of part of a guide arrangement in a cross-section; FIG. 5 shows an example of a pretensioning device; and FIG. 6 shows an example of a patient bed.

[0061] FIG 1 shows an example of an alternating pressure support 1 for pressure ulcer prevention with a plurality of support elements 2 arranged one behind the other along a longitudinal direction L. The alternating pressure support 1 has a guide arrangement with two oppositely arranged guides 3a, 3b, wherein the support elements 2 are movably mounted at their two opposite ends 2a, 2b in the two guides 3a, 3b. In other words, the guides 3a, 3b and the support elements 2 are designed such that the support elements 2 can be moved in or against the longitudinal direction L using the guides 3a, 3b.

[0062] In the example shown, each of the support elements 2 has a support roller 4, which is mounted so as to be freely rotatable about a rotation axis oriented transversely to the longitudinal direction L, ie extending parallel to a transverse direction Q. The rotation axes of the support rollers 4 can, for example, be defined by the longitudinal axes of FIG 1 non-visible axle elements onto which the support rollers 4 can be plugged or pulled, for example.

[0063] However, it is also conceivable to provide sliding elements (not shown) instead of the support rollers 4, which are designed to slide underneath the patient. Such sliding elements can, for example, have a sliding surface and / or an oval cross-section to facilitate sliding or at least reduce sliding friction.

[0064] The alternating pressure base 1 forms, as in FIG 1 Shown is a type of slatted frame on which a patient prone to pressure ulcers, for example, one who is at least partially paralyzed or otherwise immobile, can be positioned. Due to the movable mounting of the support elements 2, the "slats" of this frame are not fixed or statically arranged, but rather locally variable or dynamic. This mobility of the support elements 2 allows for locally changing pressure loads on the positioned patient, which can effectively and reliably counteract (permanent) local circulatory disorders and thus local tissue damage up to necrosis.

[0065] Unlike in FIG 1 As shown, such an alternating pressure pad can also be used for other purposes, e.g. as a seat pad or as a leg rest.

[0066] The support rollers 4 of the support elements 2 are in the FIG 1 The embodiment shown is designed to support the patient, wherein the support elements 2 are in turn carried by the guide arrangement, for example by the two ends 2a, 2b of each of the support elements 2 being seated in the guides 3a, 3b. Upon movement of the support elements 2 in the longitudinal direction L, the support rollers 4 can roll beneath the patient due to their free rotational bearings. In other words, the support rollers 4 ensure that the support elements 2 can be moved relative to a patient supported by the support rollers 4. The patient should remain stationary relative to the alternating pressure support 1 or the guide arrangement.

[0067] For this purpose, a flexible support element cover (not shown) can be provided, which can simultaneously increase the comfort of the patient and / or the operational reliability of the alternating pressure pad 1. The support element cover is preferably stretched over the support rollers 4 and fastened, for example, to the guides 3a, 3b, so that the support rollers 4 can roll on a side facing the support rollers 4, i.e. the underside of the support element cover. The support element cover, which is thus fixed in place, can not only prevent objects or body parts from penetrating the spaces between the support elements 2, but also prevent the patient, supported by the support rollers 2 and lying on the support element cover, from being moved when the support elements 2 move.

[0068] The management order indicates in FIG 1 In the example shown, the printing press comprises a feed line 5a and a return line 5b, wherein the feed line 5a and the return line 5b are arranged one above the other, ie in a stack, thereby achieving a slatted frame-like configuration of the alternating pressure base 1. In principle, however, other arrangements of the feed line and return line 5a, 5b relative to one another are also conceivable.

[0069] Both the forward run 5a and the return run 5b each have two guides 3a, 3b arranged opposite one another. With the help of the forward and return runs 5a, 5b, the support elements 2 can be moved circumferentially, i.e. on a closed path. For example, the support elements 2 can be moved in the longitudinal direction L using the forward run 5a, for example from a foot section 6b of the alternating pressure pad 1 to a head section 6a of the alternating pressure pad 1, while the support elements 2 can be conveyed back against the longitudinal direction L from the head section 6a to the foot section 6b using the return run 5b. This allows, for example, the permanent spreading of blood vessels in the patient's legs towards their torso, for example to reduce the risk of thrombosis.

[0070] The guides 3a, 3b preferably comprise a plurality of guide elements 10 that are elastically or spring-mounted. For this purpose, the guide arrangement also comprises a plurality of spring elements 11 that support at least a portion of the guide elements 10. For example, as shown in FIG 1 As shown, each spring element 11 of one of the guide elements 10 is elastically mounted. Due to the elastic mounting of the guide elements 10, adjacent guide elements 10 are also mounted so as to be movable, at least slightly, relative to one another.

[0071] With the help of the spring elements 11, at least some of the guide elements 10, in particular the forward section 5a or the guide elements 10 of the forward section 5a, can be movably mounted relative to another part of the guide elements 10, in particular the return section 5b or the guide elements 10 of the return section 5b. In this case, the spring elements 11 can elastically connect or couple, in particular, the forward section 5a to the return section 5b, which is preferably rigid and forms a support frame. The coupling between the forward and return sections 5a, 5b enables a particularly comfortable positioning of a patient on the alternating pressure support 1.

[0072] FIG 2 shows an excerpt from FIG 1 in the area of the foot part 6b of the alternating pressure base without showing the return path. This shows a particularly chain-like connection of the support elements 2 by connecting elements 7, which are arranged at the opposite ends (in FIG 2 only one end 2a of the two opposite ends is visible). This forms a chain of support elements 2 that can be moved in the guide 3a.

[0073] Each of the connecting elements 7 is arranged between a support roller 4 and a track roller 8. The connecting elements 7 and / or the track rollers 8, as well as the support rollers 4 if necessary, can each be plugged or mounted onto an axle element 9, for example, with an interference fit.

[0074] The support elements 2 are preferably movably mounted in the guide 3a by means of the rollers 8. To enable particularly secure guidance of the support elements 2, the guide 3a can have a channel-like recess or groove for accommodating the rollers 8.

[0075] In an alternative embodiment, the support elements 2 have sliding sections (not shown) instead of the rollers 8, which are designed to slide in the guides.

[0076] The connecting elements 7 allow the support elements 2 to be movable relative to one another. This makes it possible to redirect the support elements 2, which are moved counter to the longitudinal direction L, for example, using the return path (not shown), at the base part 6b of the alternating pressure base into the forward path 5a.

[0077] As in FIG 2 As can be clearly seen, at least some of the guide elements 10 each have a first fastening arrangement 12a, and at least some of the spring elements 11 have a second fastening arrangement 12b, with the aid of which the spring elements 11 can be fastened to the guide elements 10, in particular in a non-destructive and / or tool-free manner. For this purpose, the first fastening arrangements 12a can each have at least one recess or indentation 13a, into which a corresponding, in particular complementary, projection or bulge 13b of a second fastening arrangement 12b can engage.

[0078] FIG 3 shows an excerpt from FIG 1 in the area of the head section 6a of the alternating pressure base. The head section 6a is designed to be tiltable. For this purpose, the guide arrangement has hinge elements 14, for example, at least one in each guide 3a. Each of the hinge elements 14 is preferably arranged between two adjacent guide elements 10 and is configured to allow the two adjacent guide elements 10 to tilt relative to each other. With the aid of such hinge elements 14, the head section 6a can be tilted, for example, by up to 40°.

[0079] FIG 4 shows an example of part of a guide arrangement in a cross-section. The guide arrangement has a forward section 5a and a return section 5b, wherein both the forward section 5a and the return section 5b each comprise a guide 3a, with the aid of which support elements (see FIG 1-3 ) of an alternating pressure support during a movement. The forward guide 5a is connected to the return guide 5b by means of spring elements 11. The guide 3a of the forward guide 5a is thus elastically mounted, and thus also the support elements guided by it.

[0080] The guide 3a is designed to at least partially accommodate and movably support one end, in particular a roller, of each support element. For this purpose, the guide has a recess 15 or groove into which one end, in particular a roller, of a support element can engage.

[0081] In the example shown, a running surface 16 is provided in the recess 15 of the guide 3a of the advance 5a, on which, for example, the rollers of the support elements can roll. The running surface 16 is formed by a belt-like track 17, which supports several guide elements (see Fig. FIG 1-3 ) of the guide 3a. The band forming the raceway 17 is preferably inserted into the guide 3a such that the running surface 16 is aligned with a side surface of the recess 15. To reduce sliding or rolling friction when moving the support elements, the raceway 17 can be made of a low-friction material such as Teflon.

[0082] The guide arrangement shown is preferably designed for use with a patient bed, in particular a frame of the patient bed. For this purpose, the return 5b has a locking or clip mechanism 24, with the aid of which the guide arrangement and thus also the alternating pressure pad can be fastened or suspended on the patient bed or its frame. The alternating pressure pad can thus also be detached from the patient bed or its frame non-destructively and / or without the use of tools, for example by pressing down or bending a pin 24a of the clip mechanism 24 in such a way that one or more barbs 24b of the pin 24a are released.

[0083] FIG 5 shows an example of a pretensioning arrangement 18 for pretensioning a connection, in particular an elastic one, using connecting elements 7 between support elements 2 of an alternating pressure pad. The pretensioning device 18 has a driver wheel 19, which is designed to drive the support elements 2 at least partially during rotation and is seated on a driver axle 20, as well as a pretensioning rod 21, which is movably mounted in a cylinder 22. At an end of the pretensioning rod 21 facing away from the cylinder 22, the pretensioning rod 21 is connected to the driver axle 20.

[0084] The driver axle 20 can, for example, be rotatably mounted on or in the preload rod 21, for example, in an eyelet or a lug. In this case, the driver wheel 19 sits non-rotatably on the driver axle 20. It is also conceivable for the driver axle 20 to be operatively connected to a drive device (not shown), so that the driver wheel 19 can be driven, for example, by a motor, and thus the support elements 2 can be moved. The driver axle 20 can also be referred to as the drive axle.

[0085] Alternatively, the drive shaft 20 can also be secured to the preload rod 21 in a rotationally fixed manner. In this case, the drive wheel 19 is rotatably mounted on or on the drive shaft 20.

[0086] In cylinder 22, which is relative to guides (cf. FIG 1-3 ) of a guide arrangement, in particular a support frame of the alternating pressure base, a prestressed prestressing means 23 is provided, which presses against an end of the prestressing rod 21 located in the cylinder 22. In the example shown, the prestressing means 23 is designed as a spring element, in particular as a compression spring. However, the prestressing means 23 can also be a pressurized gas.

[0087] The drive wheel 19 preferably forms a first part of the guide arrangement, which is movably mounted relative to a second part of the guide arrangement by means of the preloading arrangement 18. The second part of the guide arrangement can be formed, for example, by the guides of the guide arrangement.

[0088] FIG 6 shows an example of a patient bed 50, which has a frame 51 and an alternating pressure support 1. The alternating pressure support 1 and the frame 51 are designed such that the alternating pressure support 1, in particular a guide arrangement with two oppositely arranged guides 3a, 3b, is at least partially received by the frame 51. The alternating pressure support 1 can have a locking or clip mechanism, with the aid of which the alternating pressure support 1 can be detachably fastened to the frame 51 in a non-destructive and / or tool-free manner (cf. FIG 4 ). List of reference symbols

[0089] 1Variable pressure pad 2Support elements 2a, 2bEnd 3a, 3bGuide 4Support roller 5a, 5bAdvance, return 6a, 6bHead section, foot section 7Connecting element 8Roller 9Axle element 10Guide element 11Spring element 12a, 12burst, second fastening arrangement 13aIndentation 13bBump 14Hinge element 15Recess 16Running surface 17Track 18Preload arrangement 19Drive wheel 20Drive axle 21Preload rod 22Cylinder 23Preload means 24Clip mechanism 24aPin 24bBarb 50Patient bed 51Frame LLongitudinal direction QTransverse direction

Claims

1. Variable-pressure support (1) having a plurality of supporting elements (2), and a guide assembly having at least two guides (3a, 3b) which are arranged so as to lie opposite each other in a transverse direction (Q), run in a longitudinal direction (L), and in which the supporting elements (2) are movably mounted at opposite ends (2a, 2b) in the longitudinal direction (L), characterized in that each of the two guides (3a, 3b) has a plurality of guide elements (10), at least a part of which is arranged movably with respect to each other, wherein at least a part of the guide elements (10) of each of the two guides (3a, 3b) is mounted elastically.

2. Variable-pressure support (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the supporting elements (2) each have a supporting roller (4) which is freely rotatably mounted about a rotational axis oriented parallel to the transverse direction (Q).

3. Variable-pressure support (1) according to either of Claims 1 or 2, characterized in that each of the supporting elements (2) has, at the opposite ends (2a, 2b), in each case one running roller (8) for movable mounting in the respective guide (3a, 3b), which running roller is mounted such that it is freely rotatable about a rotational axis oriented parallel to the transverse direction (Q).

4. Variable-pressure support (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in each case two adjacent supporting elements (2) are movably connected to each other by in each case one connecting element (7) at the two opposite ends (2a, 2b).

5. Variable-pressure support (1) according to Claim 4, characterized by a preloading arrangement (18) which is designed to preload the connections between the supporting elements (2).

6. Variable-pressure support (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide assembly has a carrying frame which carries at least a part of the guide assembly, and a plurality of spring elements (11) which each support one of the guide elements (10) on the carrying frame, wherein the spring elements (11) each have a first fastening arrangement (12a) and at least a part of the guide elements (10) each have a second fastening arrangement (12b), with the aid of which the spring elements (11) are fastened in a non-destructively releasable manner at least to that part of the guide elements (10) which each have a second fastening arrangement (12b).

7. Variable-pressure support (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide assembly has a forward run (5a) and a return run (5b), with the result that the supporting elements (2) can be moved in a circulating manner.

8. Variable-pressure support (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a flexible supporting roller cover arranged over the supporting elements (2), wherein the supporting element cover is formed in multiple pieces from a flexible pad and a protective layer which is arranged between the flexible pad and the supporting elements (2).

9. Variable-pressure support (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a motorized drive device which can also be operated manually and is designed to move the supporting elements (2) in the longitudinal direction (L).

10. Variable-pressure support (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a control device which is designed to cause a movement of the supporting elements (2) in at least two different operating modes.

11. Variable-pressure support (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a control device which is designed to cause the output of an alarm signal if a motorized movement of the supporting elements (2) is not possible.

12. Patient bed (50) with a frame (51) and a variable-pressure support (1) according to one of the preceding claims which is supported by the frame.

13. Method for operating a variable-pressure support (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 11, wherein the plurality of supporting elements (2) are moved in the longitudinal direction (L) in the at least two guides (3a, 3b) of a guide assembly which are arranged so as to lie opposite one another in a transverse direction (Q), run in a longitudinal direction (L), and in which the supporting elements (2) are mounted movably at opposite ends (2a, 2b).