Mobile operating table column with integrated stability system

Abstract

A mobile operating table column (28) including a base (2) and a stability system (4, 5, 29) that ensures that the base (2) rests stably on an uneven surface, the stability system (4, 5, 29) including four retractable and extendable upright support elements (4a-d) located at four different corners of the base (2), and a support surface (29) and actuators for retracting and extending each of the four upright support elements (4a-d). Each upright support element (4a-d) is associated with a support surface (29) and can be retracted and extended relative to it. Furthermore, the stability system (4, 5, 29) has at least two different operating states: i) a parking state in which the base (2) rests on the floor by at least three of the support surfaces (29) and the upright support elements (4a-d) are stowed; ii) a fixed rest state, in which the base (2) rests on a surface by means of at least three support surfaces of the support surface (29) and the support elements (4a-d) are extended so that they contact the surface, thereby ensuring that the base (2) rests stably on the floor; can be taken. [Selection diagram] Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a mobile operating table column with an integrated stability system for use in an operating table. [Background technology]

[0002] Mobile operating table columns are known in the prior art. They usually include a column shaft and a base with casters for moving the operating table column, thereby making it suitable for transporting a patient without further assistance.

[0003] During surgical procedures, a safe upright position of the operating table column on the floor surface needs to be guaranteed. In some operating table columns this is done by locking the casters, while in others the casters can be retracted into the base. The chassis of the base can then be lowered to rest on the floor. For transport purposes, contact between the chassis and the floor can be eliminated.

[0004] 1 and 2 show such a surgical table 1' with a movable surgical table column 7' and a patient support surface 4' connected thereto.

[0005] The operating table column 7' includes a base 2' for placing the table column 7' on the floor of the operating room, and a column shaft 3' arranged vertically on the base 2'. The base 2' has passive retractable and extendable casters 8' (Fig. 2). The column shaft 3' is arranged on the base 2' such that the base 2' can be divided into two sections of different lengths, namely a short base section 2'a and a rectangular base section 2'b (Figs. 1 and 2).

[0006] In this prior art operating table column 7', a stable base on an uneven floor is achieved in that the table column 7' rests only on three upright support elements 5'a-c arranged on the bottom surface of the base 2' after the castors 8' are retracted. Thus, the two upright support elements 5'a and 5'b are arranged at two different corners of the short base section 2'a, whereby the third upright support element 5'c is arranged centrally between two corners of the long base section 2'b (see FIG. 2). Such an arrangement of the upright support elements 5'a-c results in a support triangle D.

[0007] To prevent the operating table column 7' from tipping over if the centre of gravity of the operating table 1' leaves the attached support triangle D, additional base buffers 6'a-b are arranged at the two corners of the rectangular base section 2'b. The support buffers 6'a-b tilt the operating table column 7' slightly before it comes into contact with the floor.

[0008] The drawback here is that although the operating table column 7' will not tip over in this way, a shift in the centre of gravity can still cause movements of the operating table column 7'. Such movements result in displacement of the patient support surface 4', which poses a significant risk to the patient during the surgical procedure.

[0009] US Patent No. 5,564,662 discloses a hydraulic stability system for the base 12 of a mobile operating table 10. It describes a so-called floor lock system having three primary locking elements 30, 32, 34 and two secondary locking elements 56, 58, each equipped with a hydraulic cylinder 38, 40, 42, 60, 62. To stabilize the table base 12 on an uneven surface, a large hydraulic pressure is first applied to the three hydraulic cylinders 38, 40, 42 of the primary locking elements 30, 32, 34. As a result, they extend from the foot 12, thereby lifting the non-retractable casters 26, 28 of the foot 12 off the floor. The arrangement of the primary hydraulic cylinders 38, 40, 42 in the base 12 creates a support triangle corresponding to the support triangle D of the upright support elements 5'a-c described above. The hydraulic cylinders 60, 62 of the secondary locking elements 56, 58 do not provide any lifting force to the operating table 10, instead they have an anti-tilt function to further stabilize the support triangle and thus protect the operating table 10 from shifting.

[0010] However, it is problematic that the floor locking system of US Patent No. 5,564,662 only includes hydraulic elements, and a hydraulic malfunction can cause all hydraulic cylinders 38, 40, 42, 60, 62 to be inadvertently retracted into the feet 12 during the operation. Such a malfunction can cause all or part of the operating table 10 to sag or tilt with force, thus creating a risk of injury to the patient during the surgical operation. Moreover, in this case the operating table 10 rests again on the unlocked casters 26, 28, which can also roll. Even if only the secondary locking elements 56, 58 fail, a shift in the center of gravity can cause the table 10 to shift, which in turn creates a risk for the patient.

[0011] Another common stability system for operating table columns is offered by STERIS®, a company that sells a mobile operating table column with so-called self-leveling floor locks. The system is described in a brochure titled "Steris® 4085 - General Surgical Table - Advancing Care Through Practical Innovation." The brochure was published by STERIS® in 2016 and describes the operating table 4085, which is sold by STERIS®. The brochure can be downloaded from the STERIS® homepage (https: / / www.steris-healthcare.com / medias / docs / 9deef3481749665c78aa9b41446c6478a57a2c44.pdf) and is enclosed with this application.

[0012] The STERIS operating table column comprises a base and a column shaft placed on it. The base is equipped with four passive casters. These protrude at a certain distance from the bottom surface of the base. This means that the casters cannot be retracted into the base. Furthermore, the STERIS base can be adjusted in height via four hydraulic cylinders located in the four corners of the base.

[0013] Once the table column is moved to the desired position, the hydraulic cylinders extend and lift the casters off the floor, ensuring a stable position for the table column. The hydraulic cylinders extend to compensate for uneven floors.

[0014] The drawback of this stability system is that in case of a sudden loss of hydraulic pressure, the hydraulic cylinder ram can retract unintentionally. This causes the table column to sag, which should not happen, especially during a surgical procedure. Furthermore, the table column can then be placed back on the casters and rolled, which is an additional risk during a surgical procedure.

[0015] Document DE 10 2010 051 126 A1 describes a mobile base 10 for an operating table, see figure 1. This base 10 comprises a central support 12 and two foot extensions 14 and 16. According to paragraph 3, the problem consists in enabling a wobble-free positioning of the operating table.

[0016] The proposed required solution is shown in Figure 4. Opposing casters 18, 20 are connected to each other in an articulated manner via a linkage 32 and a spindle drive 30. Each caster 18, 20 is attached to a pivot plate 22, 24, 26, 28. This mechanical system allows two casters 18, 20 of a pair of casters to be folded in and out in order to position the operating table.

[0017] The corresponding kinematics are shown in Figures 3A and 3C. Figure 3A shows the driven position with the casters 18, 20 extended. The four casters 18, 20 rest on the floor B and support the total weight of the operating table.

[0018] When the operating table has been moved to the desired location, it can be transposed to a standing position by folding up the casters 18, 20, as shown in Fig. 3B. In the standing position, all casters 18, 20 are raised off the floor B. The operating table rests on four supports 40, 42.

[0019] The casters 18, 20 are then lowered again so that they contact floor B, as shown in Figure 3C. Placing the casters 18, 20 on floor B prevents the operating table from tipping during the standing position.

[0020] The drawback here is that the support effect provided by the applied casters 18, 20 is not really effective at the ends of the operating table, so that if weight is shifted during surgery, the operating table may still tilt in certain circumstances before the outer supports 40, 42 reach the floor and thus impede movement. Summary of the Invention

[0021] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a mobile operating table column that has a stability system to ensure a stable position on any surface, especially an uneven surface, and that continues to ensure a stable position even in the event of a malfunction, such that danger to the patient is eliminated.

[0022] It is a further object of the present disclosure to provide a surgical table column that always provides a stable, stationary, upright position despite all possible shifts in the center of gravity during use.

[0023] According to the present disclosure, these objects are achieved by the following features: - Bass, - With a stability system to ensure a stable position of the base on uneven surfaces The stability system is achieved with a mobile operating table column having one or more of: - 4 retractable and extendable upright support elements located at the 4 different corners of the base; - actuators for retracting and extending each of the four upright support elements; and characterized in that: - The stability system has four support surfaces located at the four different corners of the base, - each upright support element is associated with a support surface and can be retracted and extended relative thereto; - The stability system must be capable of operating in at least two different operating states: (i) a parked state in which at least three of the support surfaces of the base are resting on a floor and the surface elements are stowed; (ii) a fixed resting state in which the base is seated on the floor by at least three of its support surfaces and the upright support elements are extended so that they contact the floor, thereby ensuring that the base rests stably on the floor; can be assumed.

[0024] By designing the stability system so that the fixed static state is the configuration just described, the following is achieved: - The four upright support elements that contact the floor span a rectangle that covers virtually the entire bottom surface of the base, preventing the mobile operating table column from wobbling or tipping due to a shift in the center of gravity. - In the event that the upright support elements are retracted due to a hydraulic malfunction, the base continues to rest on at least three support surfaces. This further ensures a reliable upright position of the operating table column, excluding any tilting that may occur if the fourth support surface is not in contact with the surface.

[0025] The actuator can be designed to allow simultaneous retraction and extension of all upright support elements. Preferably, it can lock each upright support element in its extended position when stably resting on the floor. The actuator can be a hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric actuator. The actuator can also be arranged such that all upright support elements are extended using substantially the same force.

[0026] A separate positioning member may be assigned to each upright support element to provide for its storage and extension.

[0027] The positioning members may be jointly and centrally controlled by a control device. The control device may include a central drive unit for driving all the positioning members simultaneously. The central drive unit may be a hydraulic pump.

[0028] The control device may further preferably comprise a single central switching unit for simultaneous control of the positioning members. The switching unit may be a hydraulic switching valve, in particular a 5 / 3-way valve. Furthermore, the hydraulic switching valve may be hydraulically connected to the positioning members designed as hydraulic cylinders via inlet and outlet conduits and separate release lines.

[0029] The control device may further comprise a single central force limiting unit, such as a pressure reducing valve, associated with the inlet and outlet conduits and arranged to reduce the pressure prevailing in said inlet and outlet conduits to a predetermined low pressure by allowing all the positioning members to expand simultaneously. The positioning members may be designed as hydraulic cylinders.

[0030] Each upright support element may be attached to the piston rod of its hydraulic cylinder, preferably by a ball joint.

[0031] Each hydraulic cylinder may have a check valve attached directly to it for the purpose of locking the respective upright support element when it is resting firmly on the floor.

[0032] Each hydraulic cylinder may have a return spring for retracting a respective upright support element.

[0033] In addition to the contact elements, the base may include casters for moving the operating table column across the floor.

[0034] Additionally, the present disclosure relates to a mobile operating table, a mobile table, a mobile table column that can be used in combination with the operating table, a mobile device including equipment, and their use in patient transport and surgical procedures. The present disclosure also relates to methods for operating, moving, and stabilizing the operating table. The present disclosure further includes tables and methods for moving and supporting a human or non-human body, such as a medical training mannequin.

[0035] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described in more detail below with reference to the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0036] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view of a known surgical table including a patient support surface and a movable surgical table column with a base and a column shaft. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the operating table of FIG. 1 with a stability system disposed on the underside of the base, the stability system including upright support elements and contact buffers. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surgical table and its base with a mobile surgical table column in accordance with the present disclosure; [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view from below of the operating table of FIG. 3 showing components of a stability system disposed on the underside of the base in accordance with the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the operating table of FIGS. 3 and 4 without a cover for the base with some elements of the stability system actuator disposed in the base. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a hydraulic circuit of a stability system according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0037] In the following description, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to the drawings, which are not necessarily to scale and are intended merely to illustrate relevant features.

[0038] It should be noted that each of the features and components described below can be combined with each other, regardless of whether they are described in connection with an individual embodiment, and the combination of features in each embodiment is merely illustrative of the basic structure and operation of the claimed device.

[0039] 3 shows an operating table 1 that can be used to support and transport a patient during a surgical procedure. The operating table 1 includes a mobile operating table column 28 according to the present disclosure and a central section 4 of a patient support surface P disposed on top of the operating table column 28.

[0040] From bottom to top, the operating table column 28 comprises a base 2 for positioning the operating table column 28 on a surface, and a column shaft 3 onto which a patient support surface P is rigidly connected. However, in other embodiments of the operating table column 28, the patient support surface P may be removably attached to the column shaft 3.

[0041] The column shaft 3 is designed to be height adjustable and has a housing G which protects the internal height adjustment mechanism from contamination.

[0042] The central section 4 of the patient support area P can be expanded as required by attaching various support area sections. The central section 4 therefore comprises interfaces ST for removable connection with further support area sections (FIG. 3). For example, a patient support surface P may comprise the shown central section 4 as well as a head section, a rear section and a foot section attached to the central section 4. In the following, a distinction is made between a head side KS and a foot side FS of the central section 4 of the patient support section P. The head side KS is the side on which the patient's head rests during a surgical procedure. The foot side FS is the side on which the patient's feet rest during a surgical procedure.

[0043] The base 2 comprises a case 20 and a removable two-part cover 21a-b disposed thereon (FIG. 3). The case 20 is substantially rectangular having two lengths A and two widths B. The length A of the case 20 is concavely curved outwards at its corners of the peripheral region towards the centre M of the base 2 (see FIG. 4).

[0044] The column shaft 3 is disposed along the longitudinal direction of the base 2, offset relative to the center of the base 2 (FIGS. 3 and 4). Thus, the base 2 has a base side width 2a and a base side length 2b, where the base side width 2a is associated with a face side KS of the central section 4, and the base side length 2b corresponds to a foot side FS of the central section 4.

[0045] In Fig. 4 the base 2 is shown in a perspective bottom view. The base plate 18 of the case 20 is shown there and continues vertically upwards through the collar 19, i.e. in the direction of the patient support surface P. The bottom plate 18 is bordered by four bottom contact elements 33.

[0046] Furthermore, the base 2 shown in FIG. 4 includes four retractable and extendable passive casters 6 for moving the operating table column 28 on the surface. The casters 6 are arranged at four different corners of the base 2 in circular recesses in the base plate 18. The surface area spanned by the casters 6 is preferably smaller than the surface area spanned by the upright support elements 4a-d. When the base 2 is viewed from below as in FIG. 4, it can be seen that the casters 6 are arranged further inward than the upright support elements 4a-d, or conversely, the upright support elements 4a-d are further outward from the base 2 than the casters 6. To position the operating table column 28 on the surface, the casters 6 are retracted in the case 20 of the base 2. An extendable drive roller 6' is also shown, which can also be retracted and extended, providing motorized support to the surgical staff when moving the operating table column 28.

[0047] The operating table column 28 according to the present disclosure includes a stability system 4, 5, 29 (see FIG. 4) to ensure that the base 2 is stably positioned on any surface, particularly an uneven surface. The stability system 4, 5, 29 has four support surfaces 29, four upright support elements 4a-d, and an actuator 5 (see FIG. 4 in conjunction with FIG. 6).

[0048] The support surfaces 29 are located at the four corners of the base 2 at the bottom of the bottom contact element 33 (Fig. 4). The support surfaces 29 shown in Fig. 4 are designed as additional stabilizing elements 29a, 29b of the stability system 4, 5, 29 and come into contact with the surface when the operating table column 28 is placed underneath. Each support surface 29 comprises two spaced apart auxiliary stabilizing elements 29a, 29b, which can be formed, for example, as circular buffers or blocks.

[0049] The stability system 4, 5, 29 is designed such that each of the four support surfaces 29 is associated with a respective upright support element 4a-d arranged between two additional stability elements 29a, 29b which can move vertically with respect to the support surface 29.

[0050] The four upright support elements 4a-d are designed as the main stabilizing elements. As shown in Fig. 4, they can be, for example, in the form of support plates or disks. The upright support elements 4a-d can be stored in vertical cylindrical holes C provided for this purpose in the case 20 of the base 2, from where they can be re-extended. When extended, they together span the rectangular support surface R of the base 2 on the floor surface (Fig. 4).

[0051] As shown in FIG. 4, the upright support elements 4a-d can be arranged directly within the upright support element 33. However, in alternative embodiments, the upright support elements 4a-d can be arranged adjacent to the four bottom contact elements 33. Depending on the embodiment, the upright support elements 4a-d can be arranged within the support surface 29. The four bottom contact elements 33, the support surface 29, and the upright support elements 4a-d can be arranged peripherally, for example, at the four corners and / or at the outer edge region of the bottom surface, for example, the base plate 18, or at other locations of the mobile base 2. The bottom contact element 33 shown in FIG. 4 is L-shaped. The support surface 29 is circular. However, in further embodiments of the present disclosure, the bottom contact element 33 and the support surface 29 can have different shapes without compromising their function. For example, departing from an angular shape, the bottom contact element 33 can take the form of a square, a rectangle, a circle, or other basic shapes. The support surface 29 can be formed as part of the bottom contact element 33, which is an independent component of the base 2. Alternatively, the support surface 29 may be a simple surface on the bottom side of the base 2 that faces and uniformly contacts the surface.

[0052] The stability system 4, 5, 29 further comprises an actuator 5, by means of which the upright support elements 4a-d can be expanded from and retracted into the cylindrical holes C. The actuator is arranged in a two-part receptacle 22 in the base 2 formed by the case 20 (see Fig. 5).

[0053] The actuator 5 can be designed, for example, as a hydraulic, pneumatic or electric actuator. It is configured to lock each upright support element 4a-d in its extended position. It ensures that, regardless of the distance to the surface, the force-controlled upright support elements 4a-d continue to extend until the operating table column 28 is in a stable position. In this case, the actuator 5 is arranged in such a way that all upright support elements 4a-d can be extended with substantially the same force.

[0054] The operating table column 28 can be moved from a mobile position to a rest position and vice versa by user command. In the mobile position, the casters 6 are extended and the operating table column 28 rests on the casters 6 so that they can be moved on the floor. In the rest position, the casters 6 are retracted and the stability system 4, 5, 29 is activated so that the operating table column with its base 2 rests firmly and stably on the floor.

[0055] The stability system 4, 5, 29 of the operating table column 28 of the present invention can assume three different operating states, namely a raised state and two parked states.

[0056] In the raised state, which occurs when the operating table column 28 is in the moving position, the upright support elements 4a-d are stowed. Both the upright support elements 4a-d and the four support surfaces 29 of the base 2 are raised off the floor and in their raised state, i.e. they are no longer in contact with the floor.

[0057] The operating states of the lowered position include a transition state that lasts only a short time during full operation, the so-called parking state, and a target state called fixed rest state. These two states are characterized in that the casters 6 are retracted and the base 2 is lowered onto a surface and then placed on it.

[0058] In the parked state, the base 2 rests on a surface with at least three of the support surfaces 29 and the upright support elements 4a-d are stowed.

[0059] In a fixed, resting state, the base 2 rests on the floor by at least three of the support surfaces 29, while the upright support elements 4a-d are extended so that they also contact the floor, ensuring that the base 2 rests safely on the floor.

[0060] Figure 6 shows a hydraulic diagram of the stability system 4, 5, 29 including the actuator 5 and the upright support elements 4a-d (without the support surfaces 29). The actuator 5 components are separated from the upright support elements 4a-d by parting lines.

[0061] The actuator 5 includes all components arranged within a polygon defined by the dividing line. The actuator 5 includes four positioning members 30a-d, which are connected to the switching unit 9 of the control device 7 by two hydraulic lines of the hydraulic line system 31, namely the inlet and outlet conduits 10 and the release line 17 (Figure 6).

[0062] Figure 6 shows that each upright support element 4a-d of the base 2 of Figure 4 is associated with a separate positioning member 30a-d, which allows the upright support elements 4a-d to be retracted and extended. In one embodiment of the present stability system 4, 5, 29, four positioning members 30a-d in the form of single acting hydraulic cylinders are used to force control each of the four upright support elements 4a-d (see Figure 6).

[0063] For this purpose, each upright support element 4a-d is attached to the piston rod 13a-d of its associated hydraulic cylinder 30a-d (FIG. 6). In some embodiments, the upright support elements 4a-d may be pivotally connected to the piston rods 13a-d such that the support surface of each upright support element 4a-d is automatically adjusted to the inclination of the floor. This connection may be achieved, for example, by ball joints 14a-d or swivel joints. The ball joints 14a-d shown in FIG. 6 ensure that the upright support elements 4a-d can lie flat even on uneven surfaces. However, in other embodiments of the stability system 4, 5, 29, the upright support elements 4a-d may be connected to the hydraulic cylinders 30a-d in other ways.

[0064] The piston rods 13a-d are hydraulically extended from the hydraulic cylinders 30a-d.

[0065] Each of the hydraulic cylinders 30a-d also comprises a return spring 16a-d arranged therein (FIG. 6), which serves to allow retraction of the piston rod and thus of the respective upright support element 4a-d.

[0066] Furthermore, each hydraulic cylinder 30a-d has an associated check valve 15a-d arranged in its upper section, which is provided to lock the respective upright support element 4a-d in an extended target position on the surface (Fig. 6). The check valves 15a-d are spring-loaded and are used to block oil flowing in one direction while at the same time allowing oil to flow freely in the opposite direction. In this case, the check valves 15a-d can be released, which is possible by means of a release line 17, although alternative means are also possible.

[0067] All four hydraulic cylinders 30a-d are jointly and centrally controlled by a control device 7 located on the case 20 of the base 2 (FIG. 5). The control device is located on the bottom plate 18 of the base 2.

[0068] The positioning members 30a-d of the exemplary embodiment of the present invention are based on a hydraulic movement and locking system, however, additional stability systems according to the present disclosure may use other types of positioning members 30, such as pneumatic or motorized positioning members, or positioning members moved by electric motors and / or other electrical components.

[0069] The hydraulic or pneumatic positioning members may be locked and unlocked using check valves 15a-d, electronically controlled valves, or other arrangements that retain hydraulic or pneumatic fluid within the positioning member. This will ensure that the positioning member 30 is maintained in the extended position under pressure. When a hydraulic system is used, a variety of known hydraulic fluids may be used.

[0070] The control device 7 comprises a central drive unit 8, a switching unit 9, an oil tank 26, a force limiting unit 12, a motor 25 and parts of a hydraulic line system 31, i.e. pump line 32, outlet line 24, dual tank lines 27a, 27b, as well as sections of the inlet and outlet conduits 10 and the release line 17.

[0071] 6 shows that the drive unit 8 is hydraulically connected to the oil tank 26 via a pump line 32 and to the input side of the switching unit 9 via an outlet line 24. On the input side, the switching unit 9 is further hydraulically connected to the oil tank 26 via double tank lines 27a, b. On the output side, the switching unit 9 is connected to the check valves 15a-d of the hydraulic cylinders 30a-d via inlet and outlet conduits 10 and a release line 17.

[0072] The drive unit 8 shown in Fig. 6 is designed, for example, as a hydraulic pump. The hydraulic pump 8 is coupled to a motor 25 (for example an electric motor). It generates the hydraulic pressure required for all hydraulics of the operating table column 28. It is therefore not simply used to drive all hydraulic cylinders 30a-d simultaneously. It generates a hydraulic pressure P1 (also called oil pressure) in the outlet line 24 of, for example, 140 bar, many times larger than the maximum hydraulic pressure P2 provided to extend the hydraulic cylinders 30a-d.

[0073] A switching unit 9 of the control device 7 is used to allocate the flow of oil from the oil tank 26 to either the inlet and outlet conduits 10, or to the release line 17. The switching unit 9 is preferably in the form of a single hydraulic switching valve, for example a 5 / 3 way valve.

[0074] The 5 / 3-way valve 9 shown in Fig. 6 is an electromagnetic valve having five ports T1 to T5 and can assume three switching positions S1 to S3. The first, third and fifth ports T1, T3 and T5 are arranged on the input side I of the valve 9, and the second and fourth ports T2, T4 are arranged on the output side O of the valve 9. The outlet line 24 is here connected to the first port T1, the release line 17 is connected to the second port T2, the tank line 27b is connected to the third port T3, the supply and discharge lines 10 are connected to the fourth port T4 and the tank line 27a is connected to the fifth port T5.

[0075] In the initial switching state S1 of the 5 / 3-way valve 9 shown on the left side of Figure 6, the first port T1 is connected to the fourth port T4, the second port T2 is connected to the third port T3 and the fifth port T5 is blind, i.e. closed. Thus, the outlet line 24 is hydraulically connected to the inlet and outlet conduits 10 and the release line 17 is hydraulically connected to the tank line 27b. The tank line 27a remains closed.

[0076] In the second switching state S2 (intermediate state) of the 5 / 3-way valve 9, shown in Fig. 6, the fourth port T4 is connected to the fifth port T5, so that the inlet and outlet conduits 10 are hydraulically connected to the tank line 27a. Furthermore, the second port T2 is connected to the third port T3, such that the release line 17 is connected to the tank line 27b leading to the oil tank 26. The first port T1 remains closed together with the outlet line 24.

[0077] The 5 / 3-way valve 9 further has a third switching state S3, in which the fourth port T4 is connected to the fifth port T5, the first port T1 is connected to the second port T2, while the third port T3 is blind connected. In this state, the inlet and outlet conduits 10 are hydraulically connected to the tank line 27a so that hydraulic oil can drain into the oil tank 26. The outlet line 24 is hydraulically connected to the release line 17. The tank line 27b is closed.

[0078] The hydraulic pressure P1 generated by the hydraulic pump 8 is conducted via the outlet line 24 to the 5 / 3 way valve 9 where it can either be blocked in an intermediate state S2 by the blind switched first connection T1 or passed to the inlet and outlet conduits 10 for extending the hydraulic cylinders 30a-d (initial switching state S1), or to the release line 17 for retracting the hydraulic cylinders 30a-d (third switching state S3).

[0079] The control device 7 further comprises a force limiting unit 12, such as a pressure reducing valve. The pressure reducing valve 12 is arranged as a safety valve in the inlet and outlet conduits 10 between the 5 / 3-way valve 9 and the check valves 15a-d (Fig. 6). The pressure reducing valve 12 is further connected to the tank line 27a via a branch Z. In case of overpressure, i.e. if the hydraulic pressure in the inlet and outlet conduits 10 exceeds the intended maximum low pressure P2, for example 20 bar, the pressure reducing valve 12 opens the branch Z. Thus, the hydraulic fluid is returned to the tank 26 until the pressure falls below 20 bar again, at which time the branch Z is closed again. This ensures that the hydraulic pressure in the inlet and outlet conduits 10 supplied to the hydraulic cylinders 30a-d does not exceed the predetermined maximum low pressure P2.

[0080] The function of the stability systems 4, 5, 29 of the operating table column 28 according to the present disclosure is described below.

[0081] The purpose of the stability system 4, 5, 29 is to provide a proper and reliable upright position of the operating table column 28 during a surgical procedure. This is automatically activated as soon as the user moves the operating table column 28 to the desired location, e.g. the deactivation of the operating table column 28 is triggered via a remote control. Upon such user input, the operating table column 28 changes from its moving position to its resting position. In other words, first the casters 6 are retracted in the base 2 so that the base 2 rests on the floor. Then the stability system 4, 5, 29 is activated.

[0082] When the base 2 rests on the floor, it first rests on at least three of the support surfaces 29. More specifically, initially it rests on at least six of the eight buffers 29a, 29b. Whether it rests on three or four support surfaces depends on the uniformity of the surface on which it is placed. It is possible that the floor of the operating room is not perfectly flat and the base rests only on three support surfaces. This can lead to the operating table column tilting when the center of gravity shifts, which is undesirable during a surgical procedure. To eliminate this, the operating table column 28 is equipped with stability systems 4, 5, 29. The aforementioned state corresponds to the parking state of the stability systems 4, 5, 29. In normal functioning, the parking state is only a short, temporary state until the upright support elements 4a-d are extended and the stability systems 4, 5, 29 move to a fixed rest state. The upright support elements 4a-d extend until they come into contact with the floor. They all extend simultaneously and with the same pressure of 20 bar. Depending on the local characteristics of the floor, the upright support elements 4a-d can be expanded to different degrees. In this way, any irregularities are flattened. The base 2 is therefore firmly in contact with the floor at all four corners. This eliminates the possibility of tilting. The upright support elements 4a-d are purposely expanded using a low pressure of only 20 bar. This pressure is sufficient to ensure that the upright support elements 4a-d rest firmly on the floor. However, it is too low to support the heavy weight of the operating table column 28. The expansion of the upright support elements 4a-d therefore does not allow the base 2 to be lifted off the floor.

[0083] Thus, in the fixed rest state of the stability system 4,5,29, the upright support elements 4a-d are in an extended position such that they are in contact with the floor. When the platform column 28 is placed on a level floor, preferably none of the upright support elements 4a-d are extended to extend vertically in the direction of the floor beyond the adjacent contact area 29a-d on the floor. When the platform column 28 is placed on an uneven surface, at least one of the upright support elements 4a-d may be extended vertically all the way to the floor and beyond the associated contact area 29a-d that does not contact the floor.

[0084] Preferably, the extended upright support elements 4a-d are preferably prestressed or under sufficient pressure to exert pressure against the floor and thus prevent the operating table column 28 from wobbling or tilting. However, the prestress or pressure is insufficient to lift off the floor or tilt part or all of the operating table 1 or column 28. Suitable pressures for each of the upright support elements 4a-d can be, for example, approximately 20 bar, 15-30 bar, 10-40 bar, and / or 5-50 bar. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the pressure corresponds to a predetermined hydraulic pressure P2 selected for the system. In other embodiments, the pressure is limited by a pressure reducing valve 12, which is calibrated to reduce the high pressure to a predetermined value (e.g., P2). The pressure level or prestress can be selected based on the weight of the device to be stabilized (e.g., operating table 1).

[0085] If a malfunction occurs in the hydraulic system and the upright support elements 4a-d are suddenly retracted in an undesirable way, during the operation on the patient, the stability system 4, 5, 29 simply switches from the fixed rest state to the parked state. The table column 28 is then no longer as resistant to tilting as before. However, since it then continues to rest on at least three support surfaces 29, this malfunction does not appear as a sudden undesirable wobble or sagging of the table column 28. Only an undesirable shift of the center of gravity causes a slight tilt on uneven surfaces. This is tolerable until the hydraulics can be repaired.

[0086] If the operating table column 28 is to be moved again, the user issues an appropriate command (e.g. via a remote control), which causes the stability system 4, 5, 29 to be deactivated, i.e. the upright elements 4a-d to be retracted again. The castors 6 are then extended until the operating table column 28 is resting on them.

[0087] The stability system disclosed herein, in contrast to the fully hydraulic stability system of, for example, U.S. Patent No. 5,564,662, includes additional non-movable (so-called stationary) support surfaces 29 located at all corners of the base 2 on the bottom surface of the bottom contact element 33. Thus, the functioning of the stability system according to the present disclosure does not rely solely on hydraulics or electricity.

[0088] The disclosed system is designed in such a way that malfunctions of the hydraulic upright support elements 4a-d have only a small effect on the stability of the operating table column 28. In fact, the upright support elements 4a-d are expanded to compensate for any unevenness of the floor, preventing the patient support surface P from wobbling without lifting the feet 2 off the floor. On a flat floor, the total weight of the table column 28 is supported by the support surface 29 and thus simultaneously by the lower contact element 33, so that the upright support elements 4a-d do not extend beyond the contact point of the support surface 29 with the floor. On an uneven surface, depending on the unevenness, only two or three of the support surfaces 29 may be in direct contact with the floor. Each upright support element 4a-d associated with a support surface 29 that is not in contact with said surface extends only up to the distance between the support surface 29 that is not in contact with the floor and the floor itself. This distance is usually very small, for example less than one or two centimeters, and often only a few millimeters. In case of malfunction of the hydraulic and / or electrical parts of the stability system and the upright support elements 4a-d are retracted into the base 2, the weight of the platform column 28 continues to be supported by the support surface 29. This prevents the operating table 1 from sagging or tipping over suddenly and minimizes wobbling on very uneven surfaces. The stability system according to the present disclosure is therefore characterized by a particularly high reliability and safety during surgery.

[0089] The hydraulic processes of the stability systems 4, 5, 29 during activation and deactivation will now be described.

[0090] Activation of hydraulic parts of stability systems 4, 5, 29 To activate the actuators 5 of the stability system 4, 5, 29 of the invention, the hydraulic pump 8 is first switched on to draw hydraulic oil from the oil tank 26, for example via the suction valve. After a short delay, the 5 / 3-way valve 9 is actuated and thus changes to the first position S1. The pumped hydraulic oil is sent to the hydraulic pump 8 through the pump line 32 and then through the outlet line 24 and the 5 / 3-way valve 9. The hydraulic oil is further directed to the inlet and outlet conduits 10 through the pressure reducing valve 12. In this way, the hydraulic pressure P1 is reduced to a predetermined hydraulic pressure P2 and the hydraulic oil is further pumped towards the four hydraulic cylinders 30a-d via the four check valves 15a-d. The flow passes through the piston chambers of the hydraulic cylinders 30a-d. The piston rods 13a-d of all hydraulic cylinders 30a-d simultaneously expand until the support elements 4a-d attached to them contact the floor with the applied pressure P2 and support themselves. As long as the hydraulic pressure P2 is maintained in the inlet and outlet conduits 10, the upright elements 4a-d will contact the surface with the same force.

[0091] Subsequently, switching the 5 / 3-way valve 9 to the intermediate position S2 creates a pressure drop in the inlet and outlet conduits 10 and closes the check valves 15a-d. At the same time, the pump 8 is switched off. The closed check valves 15a-d ensure that the hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic cylinders 30a-d is maintained and the upright support elements 4a-d remain locked in position even after the hydraulic pump 8 has stopped pumping oil. This operating state corresponds to a fixed rest state of the stability system 4, 5, 29 and any wobbling or tilting of the operating table column 28 is eliminated.

[0092] Deactivation of hydraulic parts of stability systems 4, 5, 29 To deactivate the inventive stability system 4, 5, 29, the hydraulic pump 8 is switched on again and, after a short delay, the 5 / 3-way valve 9 is activated and thus changed to position S3. In this way, hydraulic pressure is applied to the release line 17. This pressure unlocks the check valves 15a-d integrated in the hydraulic cylinders 30a-d. The unlocked check valves 15a-d allow the hydraulic oil to flow freely from the hydraulic cylinders 30a-d via the supply and discharge lines 10, the valves 9 and the associated tank line 27a to the oil tank 26.

[0093] The driving force required for this is the result of the spring forces of the return springs 16a-d of the hydraulic cylinders 30a-d. The pressure applied to the hydraulic cylinders 30a-d is then successively reduced, causing the piston rods 13a-d of the hydraulic cylinders 30a-d to retract. As a result, contact between the support elements 4a-d attached to the piston rods 13a-d and the substrate is eliminated. In this parking state, the base 2 is only resting on the floor by at least three of the support surfaces 29.

Claims

1. A movable operating table column (28), - Base (2) and a stability system (4, 5, 29) that ensures that said base (2) rests stably on uneven floors; Including, The base (2) includes four retractable and extendable casters (6) respectively disposed at four different corners of the base (2); The stability system (4, 5, 29) - four retractable and extensible upright support elements (4a-d) arranged at four different corners of said base (2), an actuator (5) for retracting and extending each of said upright support elements (4a-d); Including, - said stability system (4, 5, 29) comprises four support surfaces (29) respectively arranged at said four different corners of said base; - each upright support element (4a-d) is associated with a respective support surface (29) and is retractable and extensible relative thereto; said stability system (4, 5, 29) has three different operating states: i) a parked state, in which the base (2) rests on the floor by at least three of the four support surfaces (29) and the four upright support elements (4a-d) are stowed; ii) a fixed rest state, in which the base (2) rests on the floor by at least three of the four support surfaces (29) and the four upright support elements (4a-d) are extended so that they are in contact with the floor, thereby ensuring that the base (2) rests stably thereon; iii) a raised state in which the four support surfaces (29) are raised from the floor and the four upright support elements (4a-d) are stowed and raised from the floor; When the stability system (4, 5, 29) is in the parked state and in the fixed rest state, the four casters (6) are retracted and elevated from the floor; When the stability system (4, 5, 29) is in the raised position, the four castors (6) are extended and rest on the floor. The movable operating table column (28).

2. The mobile operating table column of claim 1, wherein the actuator (5) is configured to lock each of the upright support elements (4a-d) in an extended position in the fixed rest state.

3. The mobile operating table column according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the actuator (5) is configured such that the actuator (5) allows simultaneous retraction and extension of all upright support elements (4a-d).

4. The mobile operating table column according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a separate positioning member (30a-d) is associated with each upright support element (4a-d) allowing retraction and extension thereof.

5. The mobile operating table column according to claim 4, wherein all the positioning members (30a-d) are jointly and centrally controlled by a control device (7).

6. The mobile operating table column of claim 5, wherein said control device (7) comprises a central drive unit (8) for simultaneously driving all said positioning members (30a-d).

7. The mobile operating table column according to any one of claims 5 or 6, wherein the control device (7) comprises a single switching unit (9) for simultaneous control of the positioning members (30a-d).

8. 8. The mobile operating table column according to claim 7, wherein the actuator (5) is a hydraulic actuator and the switching unit (9) is a hydraulic switching valve.

9. 9. The mobile operating table column according to claim 8, wherein the hydraulic switching valve is hydraulically connected to the positioning members (30a-d) designed as hydraulic cylinders (30a-d) via inlet and outlet conduits (10) and separate release lines (17).

10. 10. The mobile operating table column of claim 9, wherein said control device (7) further comprises a single central force limiting unit (12) associated with said inlet and outlet conduits (10) and arranged to reduce the pressure prevailing in said inlet and outlet conduits to a predetermined low pressure by allowing all positioning members (30a-d) to expand simultaneously.

11. The mobile operating table column according to any one of claims 4 to 10, wherein the positioning members (30a-d) are hydraulic cylinders.

12. 12. The mobile operating table column according to claim 11, wherein each upright support element (4a-d) is connected to a piston rod (13a-d) of a hydraulic cylinder (30a-d) by a ball joint (14a-d).

13. The mobile operating table column of any one of claims 11 or 12, wherein each hydraulic cylinder (30a-d) has a check valve (15a-d) associated with and arranged directly on each hydraulic cylinder (30a-d) for locking each upright support element (4a-d) when the upright support element (4a-d) is stably placed on the floor.

14. The mobile operating table column according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein each hydraulic cylinder (30a-d) has a return spring (16a-d) for retracting each upright support element (4a-d).

15. The mobile operating table column according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the actuator (5) is a pneumatic or electric actuator.

16. The mobile operating table column of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the actuator (5) is configured such that all upright support elements (4a-d) are extended with substantially the same force.

17. The mobile operating table column according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the support surface (29) is spaced apart from the casters (6).

18. The mobile operating table column of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the stability system (4, 5, 29) is in the raised state when the mobile operating table column (28) is in a moving position, and in the moving position, the casters (6) are extended and the mobile operating table column (28) is placed on the casters (6) so as to be movable on the floor.

19. The mobile operating table column of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the mobile operating table column (28) is not movable on the floor when the stability system (4, 5, 29) is in the parked state.

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