A patient handling device for raising and lowering a patient with a lifting system

Abstract

A patient handling device (1) for patients comprising a vertical column system (2) connected to a wheeled lower frame (3) and a lift arm (4) projecting from the column system (2), in which lift arm (4) the patient is supported by a lifting element (25), the column system (2) comprises a fixed column part (6) telescopic arranged with a mobile column part (7), wherein the fixed column part is secured to the lower frame (3) and the mobile column part (7) and the lift arm (4) are each arranged for being movable relative to the fixed column part (6) using a lifting system (100). The lifting system (100) comprising a winch (11) connected to a strap system (10) positioned within the column system (2) and a plurality of steering units (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d), wherein the winch (11) is positioned at the bottom of the fixed column part (6) and wherein a first end (10a) of the strap system (10) is fixed to and encompassing the winch (11) and as second end (10b) of the strap system (10) is fixed to the lift arm (4), wherein the winch (11) is configured to move in a turning direction pulling the strap system (10) and causing the strap system (10) to slide on the plurality of steering units (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) within the column system (2), thereby moving the mobile column part (7) a first distance (L) and the lift arm (4) a second distance (H) between a lower limit position and an upper limit position in a synchronized movement.

Description

[0001] A PATIENT HANDLING DEVICE FOR RAISING AND LOWERING A PATIENT WITH A LIFTING SYSTEM

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The present application relates to a patient handling device designed to safely and efficiently raise and lower a patient and which patient handling device is arranged with a lifting system.

[0004] Background art

[0005] In patient care, a patient handling device, i.e. a floor-based lifting apparatus, a floor lift, a hygiene chair among others, may be used for supporting a patient in lowering and raising movements of the patient. In some applications, the patient handling device may be used as a support for the patient while standing, sitting or walking. In other applications, the patient handling device may be used as a lift whereby the patient may be carried in a sling arranged with a lifting arm on the patient handling device. To facilitate operation and steering of the patient handling devices, the patient handling device is arranged with wheels, castors, whereby the patient handling device may be moved or pushed to a desired position or location by an operator. The operator may push, pull and / or steer the patient handling device via a handle arrangement arranged on the patient handling device. To facilitate the movements of the patient handling device, the wheels is electrically driven. Via the handle arrangement, operation of the movement of the patient handling device, as well as lowering and raising of a patient is operated from the handle arrangement. The handle arrangement is in contact with a control box. The control box is arranged to comprise electrical devices arranged to receive input signals from the handle whereby the operator can steer and manage the patient handling device.

[0006] Traditional patient handling devices often rely on hydraulic or actuator-based mechanisms, which can be complex, heavy, and prone to mechanical failure.

[0007] However, one significant issue that can arise during operation of the patient handling device is that the moving parts may move unbalanced and shaky. The patient will then experience uncomfortable and even terrifying feelings when moved by the patient handling device.

[0008] Therefore, an aim is to provide a smooth movement of the patient while ensuring patient safety.

[0009] Summary of the invention

[0010] It is an object of the invention to at least partly overcome one or more of the aboveidentified limitations of the prior art. One object is to provide a synchronized vertical movement of the patient while ensuring patient safety.

[0011] The object, as well as further objects that may appear from the aspects and the description below, may be at least partly achieved by a patient handling device for raising and lowering a patient according to the independent claim, and embodiments thereof being defined by the dependent claims.

[0012] A first aspect relates to a patient handling device for patients comprising a vertical column system connected to a wheeled lower frame, a lift arm projecting from the column system, in which lift arm the patient is supported by a lifting element. The column system comprises a fixed column part telescopic arranged with a mobile column part. The fixed column part is secured to the lower frame and the mobile column part and the lift arm are each arranged for being movable relative to the fixed column part using a lifting system. The lifting system comprising a winch connected to a strap system positioned within the column system and a plurality of steering units. The winch is positioned at the bottom of the fixed column part and wherein a first end of the strap system is fixed to and encompassing the winch and as second end of the strap system is fixed to the lift arm. The winch is configured to move in a turning direction pulling the strap system and causing the strap system to slide on the plurality of steering units within the column system, thereby moving the mobile column part a first distance and the lift arm a second distance between a lower limit position and an upper limit position in a synchronized movement.

[0013] In one embodiment, the strap system comprises a strap clamp, which separates the strap system into a first section and the second section. In one embodiment, the first section is configured to encompass a first steering unit and a second steering unit of the plurality of steering units within the column system, and the second section is configured to encompass a third steering unit of the plurality of steering units within the column system. In one aspect, the first steering unit is positioned within the fixed column part, the second and third steering units are positioned within the mobile column part.

[0014] In one embodiment, a gap between the third steering unit and the top of the fixed column changes as the winch turns, with the second section of the strap system filling this gap by rolling on the third steering unit and pulling on the lift arm, thereby moving the lift arm relative to the mobile column part and the mobile column part relative to the fixed column part.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first section is configured to encompass a fourth steering unit of the plurality of steering units, which is positioned within the fixed column part.

[0016] In one embodiment, the second distance is twice the first distance. In one aspect, the mobile column moves up to 0.7 meters and the lift arm moves up to 1.4 meters during a full stroke of the winch.

[0017] In one embodiment, a safety unit is positioned a third distance below the top of the fixed column part. In one aspect, the third distance is between 0.05 to 0.15 meters.

[0018] In one embodiment, a lifting system for a patient handling device is provided. The lifting system comprises a winch connected to a strap system and a plurality of steering units positioned within a telescopic column system of the patient handling device. The column system comprises a fixed column part and a mobile column part. The winch is positioned at the bottom of the fixed part of the column system. A first end of the strap system is fixed to and encompassing the winch and a second end of the strap system is fixed to a lift arm of the patient handling device. The winch is configured to move in a turning direction pulling the strap system and causing the strap system to slide on the plurality of steering units within the column system, thereby moving the mobile column part a first distance and the lift arm a second distance between a lower limit position and an upper limit position in a synchronized movement. Brief description of the drawings

[0019] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0020] Fig 1 illustrates an overview of a patient handling device.

[0021] Fig 2a-b illustrates a patient handling device at a low position and a high position.

[0022] Fig 3a-b illustrates a cross-section view of a lifting system of the patient handling device in a low position and a high position.

[0023] Fig 4a-b illustrates a cross-section view of a lifting system of the patient handling device in a low position and a high position.

[0024] Fig 5a-e illustrates a cross-section view of a lifting system of the patient handling device.

[0025] Detailed description of preferred embodiment of the invention

[0026] Fig 1 illustrates a patient handling device 1, a floor-based lifting apparatus. The lifting apparatus 1 comprises a lift mast 2, a lift arm 4, a control box 23, a handle arrangement 5, and a base frame 3. The lift mast 2 is vertically arranged, connected, to the base frame 3. The base frame 3 is arranged with castors 26, wheels, for moving or transporting the The lifting apparatus 1. The base frame 3 is arranged with two front castors and two rear castors. The lift arm 4 is projecting from the lift mast 2 at the front side 20 of the lift mast 2 and supporting a lifting element 25 for patient engagement. The lift arm 4 is movable arranged along the lift mast 2 and adopted for raising and lowering the lift arm 4 to a desired position for lifting and / or carrying a patient. The patient may be arranged in a sling or chair arranged from the lift arm 4 (not shown in figure). The control box 23 is arranged, connected, against the lift mast 2. The handle arrangement 5 is arranged against the rear side 24 of the lift mast 2 and at a height allowing a caregiver or operator to comfortably hold his or her hands on it for pushing and steering the lifting apparatus. The control box 23 and the handle arrangement 5 is arranged on a rear side 21 of the lift mast 2. The lift arm 4 is arranged on a front side 20 of the lift mast 2. The rear side 21 and the front side 20 of the lift mast 2 is arranged opposite each other. Below the control box 23 an electrical source is arranged (not shown in figure). The electrical source is a battery providing electricity to the functionality of the lifting apparatus 1. The electrical source is releasable arranged against the rear side 21 of the lift mast 2 whereby it may be moved to a charging station for charging. During use of the lifting apparatus 1, an operator, for example a patient care professional, may be arranged on the rear side of the lift mast 2 for steering and operating the lifting apparatus 1 when the patient is arranged in a sling or chair connected to the lift arm 4 on the front side 20 of the lift mast 2.

[0027] Fig 2a-b illustrates cross view of a lifting apparatus 1. The lifting apparatus 1 is designed to lift and transport patients safely. The lift mast 2, a column system, of the lifting apparatus 1 comprises a fixed column part 6 secured to the lower frame 3 and telescopically arranged within a mobile column part 7. The lift arm 4 is movable arranged against the column system 2 and adopted for lifting, carrying or supporting a patient via the lifting element 25. The patient may be arranged in a sling arranged from the lift arm 4 (not shown in figure). The lift arm 4 is arranged against the mobile column part 7.

[0028] The mobile column part 7 is arranged to move up or down in the direction D. The direction D is parallel to the extension of the fix column part 6. A front side 20 of the column system 2 is defined as the side where the lift arm 4 is arranged and the side where a patient may be carried or supported by the lifting apparatus 1. During use, the operator may be positioned opposite the front side 20, on a rear side 21 of the column system 2. At the rear side 21, the handle arrangement 5 is arranged.

[0029] Fig 2a illustrates a lifting system 100 of the lifting apparatus comprising the telescopic column system 2 including the fixed column part 6, the mobile column part 7 and the lift arm 4 in their lowest position. Fig 2b illustrates the lifting system 100 comprising the fixed column part 6, the mobile column 7 and the lift arm 4 in their highest position.

[0030] The columns parts 6, 7 and lift arm 4 are set in motion using a strap system 10 and a winch 11. The strap system 10 and winch 11 are arranged within the column system 2 and is arranged to move in the direction D together with the mobile column part 7 and lift arm 4. The winch 11 is arranged at the bottom of the fixed column part 6. Figure 3a and 4a illustrate the lifting system 100 inside the lift arm 3 when the mobile column part 7 and lift arm 4 at their lowest position. In this position, the patient is at floor level and the winch 11 is empty from strap of the strap system 10.

[0031] Figure 3b and 4b illustrate the lifting system 100 inside the lift arm 3 when the mobile column part 7 and lift arm 4 at their highest position. In this position, the patient is at above floor level and the winch 11 is full of the strap of the strap system 10 from strap of the strap system 10.

[0032] The lifting system 100 includes the winch 11 and the strap system 10. The lifting system 100 further comprises a plurality of steering units (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d). Figure 3b illustrates an embodiment where the lifting system 100 includes 3 steering units 9a, 9b, 9c. Figure 4b illustrates an embodiment where the lifting system 100 includes 3 steering units 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d

[0033] The winch 11 is positioned at the bottom of the fixed column part 6, where the fixed column part 6 is connected with the base frame 3. A first end 10a of the strap system 10 is fixed to and encompasses the winch 11 and as second end 10b of the strap system 10 is fixed to the lifting arm 4. The winch 11 is configured to move in a turning direction pulling the strap system 10 and causing the strap system 10 to slide on the plurality of steering units 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, wheels or pulleys, within the column system 2, the lift mast, thereby moving the mobile column part 7 a first distance L and the lifting arm 4 a second distance H between a lower limit position and an upper limit position in a synchronized movement.

[0034] When we want to raise a patient, the winch 11 is activated in a turning movement and pulls the strap system 10, which activates the steering units 9a, b, c, d for the columns 6, 7 and lift arm 4. When the winch 11 has done approximately 6 complete turns, the columns 6, 7, lift arm 4 and patient are in their highest position, shown in figure 2b, 3b, 4b. The patient moves up approximately 1.4m from his original position.

[0035] The telescopic column system is divided in different key features. There is a fixed column 6, a mobile column 7 and a lift arm 4. The lift arm 4 moves with the mobile column 7 and the mobile column 7 moves on the fixed column 6 both with the use of steering units 9a-d, they move by being pulled by the strap system 10. The mobile column 7 and lift arm 4 are both attached to the fixed column 6 with the same strap system 10, divided in two sections 10c, lOd with the use of a strap clamp 13.

[0036] A first and second steering unit 9a, 9b are attached within the fixed column 6, a third and fourth pulley 9c and 9d are attached within the mobile column 7 and the lift arm 4 is attached to the second end 10b of the strap system 10.

[0037] When the patient handling device 1 is in its lowest position, shown in figure 2a, 3a and 4a, the entire strap of the strap system 10 is used in the column system 6, 7 and the winch 11 is empty. When the winch 11 turns, the strap of the strap system 10 slides on the plurality of steering units 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d and the lift arm 4 are raised.

[0038] The lift arm 4 and mobile column 7 move in synchronicity, meaning they both raise at a certain rhythm and arrive in the highest position, shown in figure 2b, 3b, 4b simultaneously. The synchronized movement is possible because of a strap clamp 13. The strap clamp 13 separates the strap of the strap system 10 in a first sections 10c and a second section lOd. The first section 10c encompasses the winch 11 and at least the first and second steering units 9a, 9b, shown in figure 3a-b. In one embodiment, the first section 10c encompasses the winch 11 and at least the first, second and fourth steering units 9a, 9b, 9d shown in figure 4a-b. The second section 10b encompasses the third steering unit 9c and the lift arm 4. The second section 10b of the strap of the strap system 10 is clamped to the top 15 of the fixed column 6. The strap clamp 13 produce a synchronous and smooth movement of the mobile part 7 and the lift arm 4, since both rise at the same time.

[0039] Without the safety clamp the lift arm 4 rise alone until it reaches the top of the mobile column part 7. At that moment, a jerky transition would occur, the mobile column part 7 and the lift arm 4 would rise simultaneously.

[0040] In one embodiment, the first and second strap sections are two separate strap part without a strap clamp. The end of each strap section is fastened on the top 15 of the fixed column part 6, at the same position as the strap clamp 13 is provided.

[0041] When the winch 11 turns and the lift arm is raised, a gap G between the third steering unit 9c and the top 15 of the fixed column 6 increases. The second section 10b of the strap system 10 fills this gap G by rolling on third steering unit 9c and pulling on the lift arm 4. In turn, the lift arm 4 is raised relative to the mobile column 7 while the mobile column 7 is raised relative to the fixed column 6.

[0042] The lift arm 4 moves a second distance H which is twice the first distance L that the mobile column 7 moves. For each 1mm of movement from the mobile column 7, the lift arm 4 moves 2mm.

[0043] In one embodiment, for a full stroke, the mobile column 7 including the second and the third steering unit pulleys 9b, 9c moves up to 0.7 meters L and the lift arm 4 moves up to 1.4m H.

[0044] Figure 5a-e shows a cross view of the column system 2 with a safety unit 14. The safety unit 14, a stopper, consists of two pins embedded in the fixed column 6, shown in figure 5c, and serves as a final safety measure in case the limit switch system malfunctions and fails to stop the upward movement at the upper limit position. The stopper 14 is positioned a third distance d below the top 15 of the fixed column part 6. In one aspect, the distance d is between 0.05 to 0.15 meters. If the movement does not stop normally at the upper limit, these two pins 14 come into contact with the internal lower part 8 of the moving column 7. This contact mechanically stops the movement, causing an increase in the current drawn by the winch 11, which triggers the overcurrent protection and shutting off the power to the winch 11.

[0045] Figure 5a shows the mobile column part 7 at middle stroke of the winch 11 where the internal lower part 8, the bottom, of the mobile column part is far away from the stopper 14.

[0046] Figure 5b shows the same position as in figure 5a with the mobile column part 7 hidden.

[0047] Figure 5d shows the mobile column part 7 at full stroke of the winch 11 where the internal lower part 8, the bottom, of the mobile column part is in contact with the stopper 14.

[0048] Figure 5e shows the same position as in figure 5d with the mobile column part 7 hidden.

[0049] The advantage of this stopper 14 is that it prevents damage to the telescopic mechanism and eliminates any risk to the patient in case of a malfunction of the upper limit stop.

[0050] From the description above follows that, although various embodiments of the invention have been described and shown, the invention is not restricted thereto but may also be embodied in other ways within the scope of the subject-matter defined in the following claims.

[0051] Reference numbers

[0052] 1 patient handling device / floor-based lifting apparatus

[0053] 2 lift mast / column system

[0054] 3 base frame

[0055] 4 lift arm

[0056] 5 handle arrangement

[0057] 6 fix column part

[0058] 7 mobile column part

[0059] 8 lower end part of the mobile column part

[0060] 9 a-d steering units (first, second, third and fourth)

[0061] 10 strap system

[0062] 10a first end of strap system

[0063] 10b second end of strap system / jib connection

[0064] 10c first section of strap system lOd second section of strap system

[0065] 11 winch

[0066] 13 strap clamp

[0067] 14 safety unit / stopper

[0068] 15 top of fixed column part

[0069] 20 front side of column system

[0070] 21 rear side of column system

[0071] 22a, b side (left and right) of column system

[0072] 23 control box

[0073] 24 electrical source / battery

[0074] 25 lifting element

[0075] 26 wheel / castor

[0076] 100 lifting system d third distance

[0077] G gap

[0078] D moving direction

[0079] L first distance H second distance

Claims

CLAIMS1. A patient handling device (1 ) for patients comprising a vertical column system (2) connected to a wheeled lower frame (3), a lift arm (4) projecting from the column system (2), in which lift arm (4) the patient is supported by a lifting element (25), the column system (2) comprises a fixed column part (6) telescopic arranged with a mobile column part (7), wherein the fixed column part is secured to the lower frame (3) and the mobile column part (7) and the lift arm (4) are each arranged for being movable relative to the fixed column part (6) using a lifting system (100) wherein the lifting system (100) comprising a winch (11 ) connected to a strap system (10) positioned within the column system (2) and a plurality of steering units (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d), wherein the winch (1 1 ) is positioned at the bottom of the fixed column part (6) and wherein a first end (10a) of the strap system (10) is fixed to and encompassing the winch (11 ) and as second end (10b) of the strap system (10) is fixed to the lift arm (4), wherein the winch (11 ) is configured to move in a turning direction pulling the strap system (10) and causing the strap system (10) to slide on the plurality of steering units (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) within the column system (2), thereby moving the mobile column part (7) a first distance (L) and the lift arm (4) a second distance (H) between a lower limit position and an upper limit position in a synchronized movement.

2. The patient handling device (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the strap system (10) comprises a strap clamp (13), which separates the strap system (10) into a first section (10c) and the second section (10d).

3. The patient handling device (1 ) according to claim 2, wherein the first section (10c) is configured to encompass a first steering unit (9a) and asecond steering unit (9b) of the plurality of steering units within the column system (2), and the second section (10d) is configured to encompass a third steering unit (9c) of the plurality of steering units within the column system (2).

4. The patient handling device (1 ) according to claim 3, wherein the first steering unit (9a) is positioned within the fixed column part (6), the second and third steering units (9b, 9c) are positioned within the mobile column part (7).

5. The patient handling device (1 ) according to claim 4, wherein a gap (G) between the third steering unit (9c) and the top (15) of the fixed column (6) changes as the winch (11 ) turns, with the second section (10d) of the strap system (10) filling this gap by rolling on the third steering unit (9c) and pulling on the lift arm (4), thereby moving the lift arm (4) relative to the mobile column part (7) and the mobile column part (7) relative to the fixed column part (6).

6. The patient handling device (1 ) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the first section (10c) is configured to encompass a fourth steering unit (9d) of the plurality of steering units, which is positioned within the fixed column part (6).

7. The patient handling device (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second distance (H) is twice the first distance (L).

8. The patient handling device (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the mobile column (7) moves up to 0.7 meters (L) and the lift arm (4) moves up to 1 .4 meters (H) during a full stroke of the winch (11 ).

9. The patient handling device (1 ) to claim 1 , wherein a safety unit (14) is positioned a third distance (d) below the top (15) of the fixed column part (6).

10. The patient handling device (1 ) according to claim 9, wherein the third distance (d) is between 0.05 to 0.15 meters.11 . A lifting system 100 for a patient handling device (1 ), comprising a winch (11 ) connected to a strap system (10) and a plurality of steering units (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) positioned within a telescopic column system (2) of the patient handling device (1 ), wherein the column system (2) comprises a fixed column part (6) and a mobile column part (7), wherein the winch (11 ) is positioned at the bottom of the fixed part (6) of the column system (2) and wherein a first end (10a) of the strap system (10) is fixed to and encompassing the winch (11 ) and a second end (10b) of the strap system (10) is fixed to a lift arm (4) of the patient handling device, and wherein the winch (11 ) is configured to move in a turning direction pulling the strap system (10) and causing the strap system (10) to slide on the plurality of steering units (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) within the column system (2), thereby moving the mobile column part (7) a first distance (L) and the lift arm (4) a second distance (H) between a lower limit position and an upper limit position in a synchronized movement.

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