Snap-fit ​​locking device, and medical equipment equipped with said snap-fit ​​locking device

Abstract

The present invention provides a snap-fit ​​locking device including a locking member (1) and a snap-fit ​​member (2). The locking member (1) has an engagement hole penetrating the body of the locking member (1) and connecting with the snap-fit ​​member (2). The engagement hole is composed of at least two communicating hole positions, one of which is offset at a predetermined angle from the other, forming an obtuse angle on one side of the joint between the two. A protrusion is provided on the inner wall of the hole corresponding to the obtuse angle, and the distance between the inner walls of the hole at the protrusion position is smaller than the diameter of the engagement rod (22) of the snap-fit ​​member. Furthermore, a through-hole (16) is provided in the body of the locking member (1) at a location closely adjacent to the obtuse angle. A medical device including the above-described snap-fit ​​locking device is also provided.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a connecting device, and more particularly to a snap-fit ​​locking device and a medical device equipped with the snap-fit ​​locking device. [Background technology]

[0002] Snap-fit ​​structures are widely used in various fields and are mainly used to connect and fasten two objects together.

[0003] Moving and transporting immobile patients has traditionally been a physically demanding task for medical personnel. Therefore, medical devices, such as sling seats, are available specifically designed for moving and transporting immobile patients. These devices typically utilize a removable snap-fit ​​locking device, as shown in FIG. 1. The device shown in FIG. 1 includes a locking body 9. A central portion of the locking body 9 is provided with a locking hole 90 that interfaces with a catch provided on the sling seat. The locking hole 90 includes a penetration section 91, a first engaging section 92 connected to the penetration section 91, and a second engaging section 93 connected to the first engaging section 92. The first engaging section 92 has two opposing, parallel walls, and the second engaging section 93 also has two opposing, parallel walls. The first engaging section 92 and the second engaging section 93 form an obtuse angle overall. When engaging with the catch member, one end of the catch member is inserted into the penetration section 91, and then slides into the first engaging section 92 and the second engaging section 93 in that order. However, the distance between the two walls of the first engaging section and the second engaging section is larger or slightly larger than the diameter of the catch member. This structure is unreliable and prone to loosening, so when subjected to external force or in the event of an unexpected situation, the catch member can easily slip out of the engaging hole, causing a dangerous accident.

[0004] Currently, there are two main types of nonwoven fabric sling sheet products that are patented and have passed load-bearing tests by international third-party laboratories: four-point type and band type, but both of them must be used with electric lifts or non-electric hoists.

[0005] Conventional snap fits have the following problems:

[0006] 1. Lack of safety: For example, if the patient shakes violently on the hanger, the snap fit may come loose.

[0007] 2. No flexibility in engagement position and can only work with one size of electric lift frame.

[0008] In addition, cross-infection has become a global issue with the use of patient care products. Its seriousness is increasing day by day and has attracted widespread attention. How can we prevent infection between healthcare workers and patients? This issue can be addressed, or at least the only solution, by using disposable or short-lifecycle products. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a highly secure removable snap-fit ​​locking device to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a medical device that includes the removable snap-fit ​​locking device of the present invention. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The present invention provides a snap-fit ​​locking device including a locking member and a snap-fit ​​member. The snap-fit ​​member has a locking head and a locking rod. One end of the locking rod is fixedly connected to the locking head and the other end is connected to an object. The locking member has a locking hole that penetrates the body of the locking member and communicates with the snap-fit ​​member. The locking hole is composed of at least two communicating hole positions. The diameter of one of the holes is larger than the diameter of the locking head of the snap-fit ​​member to allow the locking head to pass through. The diameter of the other hole is smaller than the diameter of the locking head but slightly larger than the diameter of the locking rod to lock the snap-fit ​​member. The two communicating hole positions are offset from each other by a certain angle so that one side of their connection forms an obtuse angle. A protrusion is provided on the inner wall of the hole corresponding to the obtuse angle. The distance between the inner walls of the hole at the position where the protrusion is present is smaller than the diameter of the engaging rod of the snap-fit ​​member. A through hole is provided in the body of the locking member at a location close to the obtuse angle so that the protrusion can be elastically deformed and quickly return to its original state when pressure is applied, and so that the snap-fit ​​member that has passed through the protrusion and entered one of the engaging holes does not easily slip out.

[0012] In one embodiment, the engaging hole of the snap-fit ​​locking device is composed of three hole positions communicating in sequence. Of these, the first hole position is used to receive the snap-fit ​​member. The second hole position is offset from the first hole position by a certain angle to one side, so that one side of the connection between the first hole position and the second hole position forms a first obtuse angle. The third hole position is offset from the second hole position by a certain angle to the other side, so that one side of the connection between the second hole position and the third hole position forms a second obtuse angle. The first obtuse angle and the second obtuse angle face opposite directions. A protrusion is provided on the inner wall of the hole corresponding to each obtuse angle, and the distance between the inner walls of the hole at the positions of the protrusions is smaller than the diameter of the engaging rod of the snap-fit ​​member. The main body of the locking member is provided with through holes at locations close to each obtuse angle.

[0013] The second hole position has two opposing side walls spaced apart slightly larger than the diameter of the locking rod but smaller than the diameter of the locking head. The third hole position has two opposing side walls and a ceiling wall spaced apart slightly larger than the diameter of the locking rod but smaller than the diameter of the locking head.

[0014] Preferably, the through hole is designed to have a substantially triangular shape, with the upper end of the triangle facing the obtuse angled portion.

[0015] Preferably, the length of the through hole extends along the obtuse angle toward two adjacent holes and is provided so as to cover a portion of the side walls of the two holes.

[0016] Preferably, strap holes are provided at both the upper and lower ends of the locking member.

[0017] The present invention further provides a medical device, including a sling device, an electric lift for hoisting the sling device, and at least two snap-fit ​​locking devices as described above, wherein a snap-fit ​​member of the snap-fit ​​locking device is fixed to the sling device, and a locking member of the snap-fit ​​locking device is connected to the electric lift via a strap.

[0018] The present invention further provides a medical device, including a lifting device, a non-motorized hoist or transfer frame for lifting the lifting device, and at least two snap-fit ​​locking devices as described above, wherein a snap-fit ​​member of the snap-fit ​​locking device is fixed to the lifting device, and a locking member of the snap-fit ​​locking device is connected to the non-motorized hoist or transfer frame via a strap. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] The present invention effectively overcomes the drawbacks existing in conventional snap fits and greatly improves the reliability and safety of snap fit connections.

[0020] The removable snap-fit ​​locking device and medical device equipped with the snap-fit ​​locking device of the present invention can significantly reduce the physical burden on the user or medical personnel, saving human resources and time, and more importantly, allowing tasks to be completed comfortably in a safe environment, and in the case of medical devices, allowing the injured person to be transported comfortably and safely to the next location for relevant care or treatment. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of the prior art. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the locking member in the snap-fit ​​locking device of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic structural view of the engagement hole shown in FIG. [Figure 4] 4A to 4C are schematic diagrams showing different states of the joining process between the locking member and the snap-fit ​​member in an example of use of the snap-fit ​​locking device of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In the following, the technical means in the embodiments of the present invention will be described clearly and concisely in combination with the drawings according to the embodiments of the present invention.

[0023] It should be understood that in the description of this application, directions or positional relationships indicated by terms such as "top," "bottom," "inside," "outside," "upper," and "lower" are based on illustrations and are intended merely for the convenience and simplification of the description. They do not expressly or imply that the subject devices or components must have a specific orientation, be constructed, or operate in a specific direction. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting the application. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used merely for the convenience of the description and should not be construed as expressing or implying relative importance or the number of technical features in question. Therefore, when a feature is limited to a "first" or "second," it may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise clearly and specifically limited, "plurality" means two or more than two.

[0024] Please refer to Figures 2 to 4. Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the locking member in the snap-fit ​​locking device of the present invention. Figure 3 is a schematic structural diagram of the engagement hole of the locking member shown in Figure 2. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the locking member and snap-fit ​​member being joined together in an example of using the snap-fit ​​locking device of the present invention. The locking member is made of a plastic material having a certain degree of toughness.

[0025] The snap-fit ​​locking device of the present invention includes a locking member 1 and a snap-fit ​​member 2. The locking member 1 has an engaging hole penetrating the body of the locking member for connection with the snap-fit ​​member 2. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the engaging hole is composed of three hole positions that communicate in sequence. The second hole position is offset by a certain angle to one side relative to the first hole position so that one side of the connection point between the first hole position and the second hole position forms a first obtuse angle. The third hole position is offset by a certain angle to the other side relative to the second hole position so that one side of the connection point between the second hole position and the third hole position forms a second obtuse angle. The first obtuse angle and the second obtuse angle are opposite each other.

[0026] The first hole position is a receiving hole 11, the second hole position is a first position fixing hole 12, and the third hole position is a second position fixing hole 13. The snap-fit ​​component 2 also has an engaging head portion 21 and an engaging rod 22. One end of the engaging rod 22 is fixedly connected to the engaging head portion, and the other end is connected to an object.

[0027] The receiving hole 11 of the locking member 1 is generally circular and open at the top. The diameter of the receiving hole 11 is larger than the diameter of the engaging head portion 21 of the snap-fit ​​member 2 so that the engaging head portion 21 of the snap-fit ​​member 2 can freely enter and exit the receiving hole 11. The first position fixing hole 12, which is connected to and communicates with the receiving hole 11, has two opposing side walls 121, 122. The distance D1 between the two side walls 121, 122 is slightly larger than the diameter of the engaging rod 22 of the snap-fit ​​member 2 but smaller than the diameter of the engaging head portion 21 of the snap-fit ​​member 2. The second position fixing hole 13, which is connected to and communicates with the first position fixing hole 12, has two opposing side walls 131, 132 and a ceiling wall. The distance D2 between the two side walls 131, 132 is slightly larger than the diameter of the engaging rod 22 of the snap-fit ​​member 2 but is smaller than the diameter of the engaging head portion 21 of the snap-fit ​​member 2.

[0028] A first protrusion 14 is provided on the inner wall of the hole corresponding to the first obtuse angle. A distance D3 between the inner wall of the hole at the position of the first protrusion 14 is smaller than the distance D1 between the two side walls 121, 122 of the first position fixing hole 12 and is smaller than the diameter of the locking rod 22. Similarly, a second protrusion 15 is provided on the inner wall of the hole corresponding to the second obtuse angle. A distance D4 between the inner wall of the hole at the position of the second protrusion 15 is smaller than the distance D2 between the two side walls 131, 132 of the second position fixing hole 13 and is smaller than the diameter of the locking rod 22.

[0029] Preferably, the surfaces of the first and second projections are both arc-shaped.

[0030] Through holes 16 are provided near the first obtuse angle and the second obtuse angle, respectively. The one located at the first obtuse angle is a first through hole 161, and the one located at the second obtuse angle is a second through hole 162. The two through holes may be designed to form a substantially lateral triangle, with the upper end of the triangle facing the obtuse angle. The two through holes 161, 162 are close to the first obtuse angle and the second obtuse angle, respectively. This design is intended to enable the first protrusion 14 and the second protrusion 15 to undergo elastic deformation when subjected to an external force.

[0031] Specifically, when the snap-fit ​​component enters the receiving hole 11 and the locking rod 22 is forced into the first position fixing hole 12, it must pass through the first protrusion 14. Because the distance D3 between the inner wall of the hole at the first protrusion 14 is smaller than the diameter of the locking rod 22, the locking rod 22 encounters resistance when pressed into the first position fixing hole 12. However, due to the presence of the first through-hole 161, the first protrusion 14 elastically deforms and expands outward when subjected to a certain external force, and then quickly returns to its original state after the locking rod 22 has passed through. After the locking rod 22 passes through the first protrusion 14 and enters the first position fixing hole 12, the first protrusion 14 prevents the snap-fit ​​component 2 from slipping out of the first position fixing hole 12. To further lock the snap-fit ​​component 2 so that it does not come out, the engaging rod 22 of the snap-fit ​​component 2 may be pushed further into the second position fixing hole 13, but must pass through the second protrusion 15. In this case as well, the second through-hole 162 causes the second protrusion 15 to elastically deform and expand outward when subjected to a certain external force, and then quickly return to its original state after the engaging rod 22 has passed through. The second protrusion 15 also prevents the snap-fit ​​component 2 from coming out of the second position fixing hole 13.

[0032] The double snap-fit ​​design of the above structure greatly improves the reliability and safety of the snap-fit ​​connection.

[0033] It should be noted that in the above embodiments, the shape and structure of the through hole are not limited to a lateral triangle, but any other suitable shape may be used as long as it can elastically deform the protrusion and expand outward to prevent the snap-fit ​​member from coming off.

[0034] Optionally, the length of the first through hole 161 extends along the first obtuse angle in both directions toward the receiving hole and the first position fixing hole, covering a portion of the side walls of the receiving hole and the first position fixing hole. The length of the second through hole 162 extends along the second obtuse angle in both directions toward the first position fixing hole and the second position fixing hole, covering a portion of the side walls of the first position fixing hole and the second position fixing hole. By extending in this manner, the first through hole 161 and the second through hole 162 almost entirely cover the range of the two side walls of the first position fixing hole 12 located at the second hole position. In other words, the side walls opposite the first protrusion 14 and the second protrusion 15 are also in close contact with the through hole. As a result, when the snap-fit ​​component 2 passes through the first protrusion 14 or the second protrusion 15, a certain amount of elastic deformation also occurs in the side walls opposite the first protrusion 14 or the second protrusion 15. This allows the snap-fit ​​member 2 to pass through easily, but also allows the snap-fit ​​member 2 to quickly return to its original state so that it does not easily slip out of the position fixing hole, thereby significantly improving safety.

[0035] Optionally, depending on the application, the locking member is provided with at least one strap hole for connecting a strap. In the embodiment shown in Figures 2 to 4, strap holes 17 are provided at both the top and bottom ends of the locking member.

[0036] Alternatively, depending on the application, the locking member of the present invention may be designed as a single snap-fit ​​structure using the above principle. For example, the locking member may include only the receiving hole and the first position fixing hole, one of which is offset from the other by a certain angle so that an obtuse angle is formed at the connection point between them. A protrusion may be formed on the backside of the obtuse angle, i.e., on the inner wall of the hole corresponding to the obtuse angle. The distance between the inner walls of the hole at the position of the protrusion is smaller than the diameter of the locking rod of the snap-fit ​​member, thereby preventing the snap-fit ​​member from disengaging from the locking hole. Furthermore, the locking member may have a through hole at a location close to the obtuse angle. This allows the locking rod to pass through the protrusion by elastically deforming when an external force is applied. The through hole may have a structure similar to that of the through hole described in the above embodiment.

[0037] When it is necessary to remove the snap-fit ​​member, it is only necessary to apply an external force from the locking member to the snap-fit ​​member, which causes the snap-fit ​​member to pass through each protrusion one by one and disengage from each associated hole in the locking member.

[0038] In one embodiment, the present invention further provides a medical device, including a lifting device specifically designed for moving / transporting an immobile patient, an electric lift for lifting the lifting device, and at least two of the above-described snap-fit ​​locking devices, wherein a snap-fit ​​member of the snap-fit ​​locking device is fixed to the lifting device, and a locking member of the snap-fit ​​locking device is connected to the electric lift via a strap. The lifting device may be, for example, a sling sheet, a hammock, a hanger, etc.

[0039] In another embodiment, the present invention further provides a medical device, including a lifting device specifically designed for moving / transporting an immobile patient, a non-motorized hoist or transfer frame for use in lifting or transporting the lifting device, and at least two of the above-described snap-fit ​​locking devices, wherein the snap-fit ​​members of the snap-fit ​​locking devices are secured to the lifting device, and the locking members are connected to the non-motorized hoist or transfer frame via straps. The lifting device may be, for example, a sling sheet, a hammock, a hanger, or the like.

[0040] When the sling device is used and connected, at least two of the above snap-fit ​​locking devices are attached to each side of the sling device, and preferably a plurality of the above snap-fit ​​locking devices are attached to each side of the sling device and the front edge of the patient's seat.

[0041] The snap-fit ​​locking device firmly connects the snap-fit ​​component with the locking component. The through-hole allows the protrusion in the locking component to undergo large elastic deformation. This allows the snap-fit ​​component's engaging rod to easily pass through when a certain amount of pressure is applied to the protrusion, but prevents the snap-fit ​​component from slipping out of the engaging hole due to general external forces, greatly improving safety.

[0042] When the medical device is not in use, removal can be completed by separating the locking member and the snap-fit ​​member of the snap-fit ​​locking device, which is convenient for, for example, cleaning, disinfecting, disposing of, or otherwise treating the sling device to prevent cross-infection, or for storage.

[0043] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and does not limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, etc. made using the specifications and drawings of the present invention within the spirit and principle of the present invention shall all be included in the scope of protection of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0044] 1 Locking member 2 Snap-fit ​​components 11 Receiving hole 12 1st position fixing hole 13 2nd position fixing hole 14 1st protrusion 15 2nd protrusion 16 through holes 17 Strap hole 21 Engagement head 22 Engagement rod 121, 122 Two side walls of the first position fixing hole 12 131, 132 Two side walls of the second position fixing hole 13 161 First through hole 162 Second through hole D1 Distance between the two side walls 121 and 122 D2 Distance between the two side walls 131 and 132 D3: Distance between the inner walls of the hole at the position where the first protrusion 14 is present D4: Distance between the inner walls of the hole at the position where the second projection 15 is present

Claims

1. a locking member having a locking head and a locking rod, one end of the locking rod being fixedly connected to the locking head and the other end being connected to an object; a locking hole penetrating the body of the locking member and linking with the snap-fit ​​member, the locking hole being composed of at least two communicating hole positions, the diameter of one of which is larger than the diameter of the locking head of the snap-fit ​​member to allow the locking head to pass through, and the diameter of the other hole position being smaller than the diameter of the locking head but slightly larger than the diameter of the locking rod to lock the snap-fit ​​member; and the two communicating hole positions being arranged so that one side of the connection between them forms an obtuse angle and one is offset at a certain angle from the other, a protrusion is provided on the inner wall of the hole corresponding to the obtuse angle, the spacing of the inner wall of the hole at the position of the protrusion is smaller than the diameter of the engaging rod of the snap-fit ​​member, and a through hole is provided in the body of the locking member at a location closely adjacent to the obtuse angle so that the protrusion can undergo elastic deformation when subjected to pressure and can quickly return to its original state, and so that the snap-fit ​​member that has passed through the protrusion and entered one of the engaging holes does not easily slip out.

2. 2. The snap-fit ​​locking device according to claim 1, wherein the engaging hole is composed of three hole positions communicating in sequence, of which a first hole position is used to receive the snap-fit ​​member, the second hole position is offset from the first hole position by a certain angle to one side so that one side of a connecting point between the first hole position and the second hole position forms a first obtuse angle, and the third hole position is offset from the second hole position by a certain angle to the other side so that one side of a connecting point between the second hole position and the third hole position forms a second obtuse angle, the first obtuse angle and the second obtuse angle facing opposite directions, protrusions are provided on the inner walls of the holes corresponding to each obtuse angle, and the spacing between the inner walls of the holes at the positions of the protrusions is smaller than the diameter of the engaging rod of the snap-fit ​​member, and the main body of the locking member is provided with through-holes at locations close to each obtuse angle.

3. 3. The snap-fit ​​locking device according to claim 2, wherein the second hole position has two opposing side walls, the distance between the two side walls being slightly larger than the diameter of the locking rod but smaller than the diameter of the locking head portion; and the third hole position has two opposing side walls and a ceiling wall, the distance between the two side walls being slightly larger than the diameter of the locking rod but smaller than the diameter of the locking head portion.

4. 2. The snap-fit ​​locking device according to claim 1, wherein the through-hole is designed to have a substantially triangular shape on both sides, with the upper end of the triangle facing the obtuse angled portion.

5. 3. The snap-fit ​​locking device according to claim 2, wherein the shape of each of the through holes is designed to be approximately triangular on both sides, with the upper end of the triangle facing the obtuse angle portion.

6. 5. The snap-fit ​​locking device according to claim 4, wherein the length of the through hole extends along the obtuse angle toward the two adjacent holes and covers a portion of the side walls of the two holes.

7. 6. The snap-fit ​​locking device according to claim 5, wherein the length of each of the through holes extends along the obtuse angle toward two adjacent holes and covers a portion of the side walls of the two holes.

8. 2. The snap-fit ​​locking device according to claim 1, wherein strap holes are provided at both upper and lower ends of the locking member.

9. A medical device comprising: a sling device; an electric lift for hoisting the sling device; and at least two snap-fit ​​locking devices according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a snap-fit ​​member of the snap-fit ​​locking device is fixed to the sling device, and a locking member of the snap-fit ​​locking device is connected to the electric lift via a strap.

10. 9. A medical device comprising: a lifting equipment; a non-electric hoist or transfer frame for lifting the lifting equipment; and at least two snap-fit ​​locking devices according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a snap-fit ​​member of the snap-fit ​​locking device is fixed to the lifting equipment, and a locking member of the snap-fit ​​locking device is connected to the non-electric hoist or transfer frame via a strap.

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