Joint assembly for a spring arm
The joint design with a torsion spring and adjustable force assistance addresses the limitations of existing joints by providing easy operation and reduced complexity, supporting heavier devices with consistent force and multiple degrees of freedom, and facilitating cost-effective manufacturing.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ONDAL MEDICAL SYST
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-12
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-16
AI Technical Summary
Existing joints for medical devices lack the ability to adjust force requirements independently in opposite directions, have limited degrees of freedom, and are complex and expensive to manufacture, making them difficult to operate and assemble.
A joint design featuring a base body with a lateral axis of rotation and a torsion spring that compensates for the device's weight, allowing adjustable force assistance and independent adjustment of degrees of freedom, with components like sleeves and brackets for easy assembly and modular design.
The joint provides easy handling and consistent force requirements in both directions, supports heavier devices, and reduces manufacturing complexity while enabling multiple degrees of freedom, enhancing user-friendliness and cost-effectiveness.
Smart Images
Figure EP2026050592_16072026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Applicant:
[0002] Ondal Medical Systems GmbH
[0003] Joint arrangement for a spring arm
[0004] Technical field
[0005] The present invention relates to joints for holding systems, in particular for spring arms, to enable adjustment of the position and / or inclination of devices. In particular, the invention relates to joints that allow such adjustment with relatively little effort.
[0006] State of the art
[0007] In hospitals and medical treatment rooms, devices such as operating lights or diagnostic and / or monitoring monitors are typically suspended in height-adjustable positions to adapt them to the user's needs. To facilitate the tilting and positioning of such devices, joints are generally used, which, either on their own or in combination with a spring arm and / or a boom, define a predetermined, potential range of motion for the device attached to the joint.
[0008] Such joints typically have multiple degrees of freedom. For example, a ball joint allows the screen to be tilted forwards and backwards as well as left and right, while also allowing it to be rotated left and right. Designs consisting of several interconnected individual joints are also known, which can have axes of rotation perpendicular to each other.
[0009] To compensate for the torque resulting from the weight of the device, such as a monitor, and the lever arm to the joint's axis of rotation, a corresponding degree of freedom can be locked in some joint designs. For example, in the case of a ball joint, the ball can be clamped in the socket. However, the problem is that the individual degrees of freedom can only be locked or restrained simultaneously, which makes operating and aligning the device more difficult. Furthermore, such a design lacks power assistance, meaning that, for example, tilting the device backward requires increased force.
[0010] Designs that rely on force assistance, such as a spring, lack the ability to adjust the required force, meaning the force cannot be adapted to the weight or size of the device. Furthermore, the degrees of freedom in such designs are typically limited and / or provided only by separate, individual joints. This results in a highly complex joint assembly with numerous components, making assembly difficult and manufacturing relatively expensive.
[0011]
[0012] Based on the known prior art, it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved joint. A preferred object is to provide a joint that reduces the force required to rotate or tilt a device attached to the joint, and wherein the force required is preferably the same in opposite directions. Particularly preferred is the force required being adjustable and the degrees of freedom being independently adjustable.
[0013] The problem is solved by the subject matter of independent claim 1. Advantageous further developments arise from the dependent claims, the description, and the figures.
[0014] Accordingly, a joint for a holding system, preferably for a spring arm, is proposed, comprising a base body which has a connection interface at a first longitudinal end region for attaching the joint to the holding system and a cavity at a second opposite longitudinal end region which extends laterally to the longitudinal direction, a lateral axis of rotation which extends through the cavity, and a bracket for receiving a device which is mounted about the lateral axis of rotation by means of at least one torsion spring arranged in the cavity. The lateral axis of rotation is formed by at least one sleeve and a screw guided therein, wherein opposite end regions of the bracket can be fixed to an inner surface of the base body defining the cavity by means of the at least one sleeve and the screw.The advantageous design of the joint allows the force required to absorb a torque supplied by a device attached to the joint to be provided essentially by the at least one torsion spring. In other words, the coupling of the torsion spring to the base body limits or counteracts rotation about the lateral axis, so that the device is supported by the base body and its weight is held by the torsion spring. This is because the torsion spring provides a torque that largely compensates for the device's own weight. In this way, the device's inclination can be adjusted very easily, since only a resulting torque needs to be applied.Accordingly, the joint according to the invention enables easy handling and rotation around the vertical axis of rotation in order to tilt a device forwards or backwards.
[0015] Furthermore, the force required to adjust the tilt of the device is essentially the same in both directions of rotation. This makes fine-tuning the device's position particularly easy. It also prevents the device from rotating too far backward or forward, for example, due to its own weight.
[0016] Similarly, the lockable arrangement of the bracket on the base body allows for the generation of frictional forces that further restrict rotation around the lateral axis. This has the advantage that only a small difference between the torque resulting from the device's own weight and the torque of the torsion spring needs to be compensated for by the locking mechanism in order to maintain the device's position. This allows for low operating forces, ensuring comfortable adjustment and ease of use even with heavier devices.
[0017] Furthermore, the bracket's mounting is adjustable relative to the base body, allowing the resistance to movement to be tailored to the user's needs. A frictional force can be set, enabling further adjustment of the device's position under a given actuating force. However, in the absence of actuation, no rotation occurs due to the balanced torques at the joint. The device can thus maintain its position or inclination in any set position and does not move independently. Similarly, the frictional force can be adjusted so that no positional adjustment is possible under the influence of typical actuating forces. According to the invention, a particularly advantageous combination of force assistance, on the one hand, and adjustable resistance to movement, on the other, is thus achieved, making handling especially user-friendly.Advantageously, both the force support and the adjustment of the bracket's mounting on the base body remain independent of any adjustment of other degrees of freedom or directions of rotation at the joint.
[0018] The joint is preferably designed to be attached to a front joint of a spring arm of a holding system that allows for height adjustment of the device. Preferably, the spring arm is connected to a boom. In this way, the device can be positioned both vertically and in a pivoting direction, with the joint, according to the invention, additionally allowing at least one tilting or rotation forwards and backwards about the lateral axis of rotation, which represents a horizontal axis of rotation in the gravitational field.
[0019] The components of the joint can preferably be at least partially supplied as cast parts. For example, the load-bearing components of the joint, such as the base body, can be manufactured as castings, particularly using an aluminum or zinc die-casting process. This not only enables cost-effective production in high volumes but also improves structural stability and simplifies assembly. Similarly, the bracket can preferably be designed as a sheet metal part. In this way, the overall manufacturing costs of the joint can be significantly reduced.
[0020] Furthermore, the provided cavity and the arrangement of both the lateral axis of rotation and the at least one torsion spring within the cavity enable a particularly compact design. This advantageous design also allows the at least one torsion spring to be configured for a specific load capacity, and the at least one torsion spring can be replaced accordingly. In other words, based on the inventive concept, a multitude of different load capacities can be achieved using different torsion springs, so that the majority of the components can be reused in different variants, thus enabling a modular design.
[0021] Preferably, the cavity is formed by two laterally extending recesses, which are opposite each other and arranged parallel to one another. The recesses are connected to each other by means of a through-hole through which the screw is guided. A torsion spring is preferably arranged in each recess. The recesses, which can be essentially cylindrical, preferably have a lateral opening, allowing the torsion springs to be easily inserted into the respective recess. In this way, the assembly of the joint can be considerably simplified, with the torsion springs providing improved holding force for a load-bearing device.
[0022] In order to enable improved rotatability of the bracket and equally improved fixation of the bracket to the base body, the through-hole is preferably provided in a centrally arranged inner wall of the base body, wherein at least one sleeve is provided for each recess and wherein the bracket advantageously engages with the inner wall via the sleeves.
[0023] For example, a single sleeve can be provided in each recess, with the sleeve wall defining a gap to the screw. Such a configuration can be provided, for example, when a spring holder received in the respective recess is screwed to the bracket, and the bracket is supported, preferably exclusively, on the base body via the respective spring holder and a bearing ring received in the respective recess.
[0024] Alternatively, the at least one sleeve can also be designed such that the sleeve wall and the screw are essentially free of play. Such a design is particularly advantageous if the bracket is placed on the respective spring holder and thus not rigidly connected, and the bracket can be supported accordingly via the at least one sleeve. In such a design, the at least one sleeve preferably comprises an outer sleeve made of a metal or metal alloy and an inner sleeve arranged therein, which contacts both the wall of the outer sleeve and the outer surface of the screw. The inner sleeve can particularly preferably be made of a plastic.
[0025] The frictional resistance can be increased by the contact and, optionally, by selecting the preferred material for the outer and inner sleeves, especially since the frictional force is transmitted only through the outer sleeve in this way, and the distance of the friction surface to the axis of rotation and the corresponding friction radius can thus be increased. Alternatively, the dimensions of the sleeve or its wall thickness can also be adjusted.
[0026] Optionally, the frictional resistance can be predetermined by the design of the sleeves. In this way, the corresponding torsion spring can also be omitted due to the mounting of the bracket on the at least one sleeve. This may mean that adjusting the inclination of an attached device requires a higher actuating force. However, this allows for a particularly cost-effective design with reduced manufacturing complexity. Similarly, the respective spring retainer and bearing ring can also be optionally omitted in such a design. Preferably, however, these are accommodated in the respective recess to support rotation limitation of the bracket.
[0027] Preferably, the bracket extends at least partially laterally along the recesses or openings. The bracket can particularly preferably have two legs, which are aligned parallel to each other and connected to the lateral axis of rotation, so that the bracket is preferably U-shaped. The sleeves cause the bracket, or rather the bracket legs, to move towards the inner wall when the screw is tightened, and the bracket is compressed relative to the base body.
[0028] Accordingly, the centrally located inner wall and the use of appropriate sleeves can provide improved fixation of the bracket to the base body.
[0029] The recesses can be mirror images of each other with respect to the centrally located inner wall. This reduces complexity, thus simplifying or reducing the cost of manufacturing the basic body. Furthermore, components located within the recesses can be identical, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing the number of different components.
[0030] The base body is preferably surrounded by cladding parts, which are preferably inserted into one another and snap into place. The cladding parts can laterally define the cavity or recesses and be designed to laterally surround the bracket.
[0031] Preferably, a spring holder is arranged at least partially within the cavity for each torsion spring and is connected to the bracket. The torsion spring and spring holder extend laterally, and each torsion spring is attached to its respective spring holder. The bracket can be advantageously mounted to the base body via or by means of the spring holder, particularly if the spring holder is firmly connected to the bracket, for example, by screws. This design improves the mounting of the bracket and enables a mounting that is essentially independent of the bracket's fixation around the axis of rotation.Thus, the bracket, especially when it is (permanently) connected to the spring holder, can be held relative to the base body even without being fixed by the screw, and the load-bearing capacity of a device, which is transferred to the bracket, can be transferred via the spring holder to the respective torsion spring. The respective spring holder is preferably arranged concentrically with the lateral axis of rotation and the respective torsion spring. Similarly, the bracket can be mounted around the lateral axis of rotation by the spring holder and the torsion spring; the bracket is additionally connected to the lateral axis of rotation via the screw.The respective spring holder is mounted around the lateral axis of rotation, but is not fixed when the screw is tightened, so that the support provided for the device by the at least one torsion spring is also given with (very) small additional frictional forces which can be generated by fixing the bracket by means of the screw and the position of the bracket around the lateral axis of rotation can be adjusted with the corresponding force support.
[0032] According to an alternative preferred embodiment, as described above, the bracket can also be supported via the screw and the sleeves, for example, if the respective spring holder is not screwed to the bracket. In such an embodiment, the load can still be absorbed by the torsion springs, while the sleeves and the screw still provide secure support for the bracket.
[0033] Preferably, two leg springs are provided, wherein one leg spring with a respective spring holder is arranged in a respective recess defining the cavity.
[0034] Each spring holder can be attached to the bracket by screws via receptacles in the bracket, preferably by two screws. Alternatively, the spring holder can be connected to the bracket via a plug-in connection. For example, each spring holder can have two pins that fit into corresponding receptacles on the bracket. The pins are preferably held in the receptacles with a clearance fit. This has the advantage that more generous manufacturing tolerances can be used and assembly can be carried out manually, for example, by simply inserting or pushing the pins into place. Alternatively, the pins can also be connected to the receptacles by friction fit or by means of an interference fit.
[0035] The connection between the spring holder and the bracket is preferably provided at a lateral end region of the spring holder, which is arranged around the cavity or the base body and thus surrounds the cavity. In this way, the spring force support provided by the torsion spring, which is arranged in the cavity, can be efficiently transferred to the bracket located outside the cavity; this facilitates the rotation of the bracket relative to the base body, in particular around the base body.
[0036] The at least one torsion spring is preferably attached to the base body and the spring holder by a positive-locking connection. Preferably, one leg of each torsion spring is received in a groove of the respective spring holder, while the other leg of the respective torsion spring is received in a groove of the base body. The grooves are preferably spaced laterally apart to allow for maximum extension and dimensioning of the torsion spring. The groove in the spring holder is preferably located outside of, or adjacent to, the cavity or recess. The groove in the base body is preferably located adjacent to the opposite end region in the cavity, and more preferably adjacent to the centrally located inner wall of the base body.
[0037] To support the mounting of each spring retainer on the base body and to prevent, for example, the at least one torsion spring from accidentally becoming wedged or a component movably arranged in the cavity from accidentally getting caught between the coils of the at least one torsion spring, a bearing ring is preferably provided in the cavity for each torsion spring. The bearing ring is preferably arranged around the respective torsion spring and held securely against rotation on the inner surface of the base body, with each bearing ring being surrounded by a respective spring retainer. In this way, the bracket can be rotated around the at least one bearing ring by means of the at least one spring retainer. The bracket is thus mounted on the base body and can be essentially independent of the fixing of the screw or the sleeve(s).
[0038] The bearing ring(s) can be manufactured particularly advantageously as plastic parts, for example as injection-molded plastic parts, thus ensuring very low individual unit costs. In this way, different bearing rings can also be produced, which are adapted, for example, to the dimensions of the torsion spring and the corresponding spring retainer.
[0039] Furthermore, a wide variety of movement ranges can be achieved through different designs of the bearing ring. Each bearing ring can have at least one radially outward-extending projection that engages with a projection on the respective spring holder, limiting the angle of rotation of the bracket around its lateral axis. This projection of the bearing ring can, for example, be pin-shaped and provide a contact surface or detent for the respective spring holder, thus preventing the spring holder from rotating further relative to the base body.
[0040] For easier alignment of the respective bearing ring within the cavity or recess, each bearing ring preferably has recesses or cutouts at predetermined positions. These recesses are received or engaged by the domes on the base body within the cavity or recess when aligned. This ensures that the bearing ring and at least one projection are aligned to a predetermined rotation limit.
[0041] For various applications or devices, it can also be advantageous to limit the rotation range differently in the opposite directions. This can be helpful, for example, for monitors where mounting to the joint from the underside of the monitor may be necessary, so that, for instance, rotation to the rear is not restricted. Accordingly, the angle of rotation in opposite directions can be limited differently by two circumferentially spaced projections or by a projection extending along the circumference.
[0042] When the bracket is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the base body, the rotation angle is 0°. A rotation towards the first end region can encompass approximately -90° without rotation limitation, and towards the second end region approximately 90° (due to the geometries, the rotation angle may be limited to approximately 85°), so that the total rotation angle is approximately 180°.
[0043] Alternatively, the bearing ring can be designed so that, for example, it has no projection in the lower area but a projection in the upper area. This allows for a rotation range of -60° to approximately -90° backwards. The bracket can thus be tilted backwards to a horizontal position and then forwards again by about 30°. Such a rotation limiter is particularly advantageous for the proper alignment of patient monitors, which are typically mounted from below.
[0044] Preferred alternative rotation limits include, for example, a rotation limit of -60° rearward to 85° forward, from -60° rearward to 45° forward, or from -30° rearward to 30° forward. By varying the design of the respective bearing ring and the corresponding at least one projection, such different rotation ranges can be achieved, allowing the desired rotation range to be quickly and easily defined during assembly by installing the appropriate bearing ring.
[0045] To facilitate the attachment of the device to the bracket, the joint preferably has a connecting plate. The connecting plate can be adapted to the geometry and connection interface of the device. The extension of the connecting plate can also be adapted in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the base body such that, in the assembled state, the device is positioned either at the level of the lateral axis of rotation or above the lateral axis of rotation. The connecting plate is advantageously attached to an outer surface of the bracket.
[0046] Preferably, the connecting plate and the bracket for fastening each have at least two receptacles which are arranged overlapping each other and into which a screw is received, wherein the screws are received on an inner surface of the bracket in a respective pressure sleeve and the bracket is preloaded to the connecting plate exclusively by springs attached to the pressure sleeves.
[0047] In this way, the screws and pressure sleeves provide a mounting for the connection plate, although the pressure sleeves only provide a low clamping force. This is because the clamping force is preferably provided exclusively by the springs connected to the sleeves. The springs are preferably designed as disc springs, which are, for example, received in a corresponding receptacle in the pressure sleeve at an end region opposite the bracket. Due to the low clamping force, but simultaneously the secure mounting of the connection plate, a degree of play is advantageously provided, allowing the connection plate to move slightly relative to the bracket. This enables the joint to have a second axis of rotation in addition to the lateral (horizontal) axis, which allows for lateral tilting.Instead of a rotation around the lateral axis of rotation, which allows rotation backwards and forwards, this second axis of rotation allows the device to tilt to the left and right, relative to the bracket.
[0048] Accordingly, the preferred design of the joint allows for additional degrees of freedom without increasing its complexity. The play provided by the fastening preferably permits a lateral rotation angle in the range of -5° to 5°, with an orientation perpendicular to the lateral axis of rotation defining a rotation angle of 0°.
[0049] A further advantage of this preferred joint design is that the lateral tilt adjustment can occur independently of the holding force provided by the at least one torsion spring and independently of the frictional forces provided by the screw connection. Accordingly, by distributing the degrees of freedom across different axes of rotation, it is possible to selectively brake or assist movements in specific directions, while simultaneously allowing a holding force to be adjusted at least along the lateral axis of rotation.
[0050] Preferably, the bracket mountings are designed as elongated slots that extend at least partially laterally. This allows for lateral adjustment of the device based on the geometry of the mountings, with the rotation range also being determined by their geometry. Furthermore, the elongated design of the mountings allows for an optional reduction in the play provided by the pressure sleeves and their associated springs, thus further securing the mounting. Alternatively, the elongated slots can be omitted; the mountings can be designed as circular bores or, preferably, as threaded bores, which allows for only minimal or no lateral tilt adjustment.However, the design using threaded holes has the advantage that disc springs, pressure sleeves, and washers are unnecessary, and a connecting plate can be screwed directly to the bracket. This significantly simplifies assembly.
[0051] Preferably, the joint allows not only rotation about the lateral axis of rotation but also a pivoting movement relative to the holding system. Accordingly, the connection interface at the first end region of the base body preferably defines a vertical axis of rotation, which extends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the lateral extension direction of the base body, wherein the base body is configured to be supported on the holding system about the vertical axis of rotation in the assembled state.
[0052] In this way, additional degrees of freedom can be provided for the arrangement of the device. Accordingly, the device can be rotated not only backwards and forwards around the lateral (horizontal) axis of rotation, but also around the vertical axis. Because the lateral axis of rotation and the holding force for the bracket are located at the second end, rotation around the vertical axis is independent of rotation around the lateral axis. Furthermore, the fixing of the bracket by means of the screw and the associated frictional or braking force for movement around the lateral axis of rotation are also independent of any movement, thus providing a preferred fixing around the vertical axis.
[0053] Accordingly, the preferred design of the joint allows the device to be rotated both forwards and backwards, as well as pivoted about the vertical axis of rotation. Furthermore, lateral tilt adjustment is particularly preferred, achieved through the connection between the bracket and a connecting plate.
[0054] Preferably, the vertical axis of rotation is formed by a through-opening provided in a receptacle of the base body, with a pressure sleeve for a screw being received therein, wherein a rotating disk is arranged around the pressure sleeve at each end face, and wherein a disk is arranged in the receptacle at at least one longitudinal end region of the pressure sleeve, which is held in a rotationally secure manner relative to the base body and is pressed against an adjacent rotating disk by a spring arranged in the receptacle. The through-opening preferably extends perpendicular to the lateral direction of extension of the base body.
[0055] The screw and the rotating discs on the pressure sleeve allow the base body to be attached to a corresponding receptacle in the holding system. The screw is preferably tightened by means of a nut inserted into a recess in the holding system. The nut is preferably held in the recess by a positive locking mechanism. Tightening the screw presses the base body against the receptacle in the base body, aligning it with the receptacle in the holding system. The rotating discs support the rotatable mounting of the base body relative to the holding system, and this mounting can be further improved by the inclusion of at least one anti-rotation disc. This provides relative movement between the rotating disc and the adjacent anti-rotation disc with sliding contact surfaces.
[0056] To prevent unintentional or excessively easy pivoting of the joint on the mounting system, the anti-rotation disc is pressed against the adjacent rotating disc by at least one spring. Accordingly, the spring exerts an axial or perpendicular force on the rotating disc, creating friction between the rotating disc and the anti-rotation disc, which allows the force required for rotation about the perpendicular axis to be adjusted.
[0057] Preferably, a non-rotating disc is provided on each rotating disc, so that both end regions of the pressure sleeve are supported by the respective rotating disc with a non-rotating disc. The non-rotating disc is preferably held in the receptacle by its geometry. The non-rotating disc is particularly preferably designed as a square disc, which is positively locked in a correspondingly shaped pocket in the receptacle.
[0058] To reduce potential wear on the rotary discs and the at least one anti-rotation disc, these components can be made of steel or even hardened steel. The main body can be made of a lighter and less abrasion-resistant material, such as an aluminum alloy.
[0059] The spring is preferably designed as a disc spring. Accordingly, the frictional force can be adjusted not only by the tightening force of the screw, but optionally also by replacing the disc spring and / or the pressure sleeve. Alternatively or additionally, a separate rotation limiter for the vertical axis of rotation can be provided. Preferably, the base body has a recess radial to the pressure sleeve in which a threaded pin with a brake shoe arranged thereon so as to be radially displaceable is arranged, the brake shoe being engaged with the circumference of the pressure sleeve by at least one spring which is arranged between the brake shoe and a receptacle on the threaded pin.
[0060] Accordingly, a lateral fixation or limitation of the vertical axis of rotation can be provided, which is adjustable by the frictional forces that arise from the rotation of the threaded pin and the corresponding preload on the brake shoe at the pressure sleeve.
[0061] Thus, the desired friction can already be provided by the pressure sleeve and the spring or disc spring extending in a vertical direction, whereby the friction is essentially based on the preload of the spring on the torsionally resistant disc.
[0062] Additionally, the separate lateral rotation limiter allows for adjustment of the frictional force, for example, to further limit rotation around the vertical axis or even to fix the base body relative to the holding system. This allows for adjustment with a simple joint design; furthermore, it advantageously remains completely independent of fixing the bracket around the lateral axis and / or adjusting the lateral rotation of a connecting plate on the bracket.
[0063] A preset frictional force can be provided by the spring force and the initial position of the threaded pin. Preferably, the spring is designed as a disc spring to allow for simple mounting in the recess and on the threaded pin. Particularly preferably, several springs are arranged side by side so that the adjustable frictional force can be increased accordingly and / or adjusted with less effort.
[0064] The joint according to the invention is particularly intended for mounting a device such as a monitor or a medical device. To further support the function of the device, additional components, such as cables or hoses, may be required, which must be held relative to the device. To provide a suitable mounting, the joint is preferably coupled to another component.
[0065] Accordingly, it can be provided that the connection interface on a side opposite the holding system in the assembled state has at least two receptacles spaced apart from each other in the direction of rotation for a joint group, wherein the receptacles are arranged eccentrically at the first end area.
[0066] The receptacles are therefore advantageously not arranged centrally, so that they do not impair the attachment of the joint to the mounting system. The receptacles, which can be designed as bores, are preferably arranged on the lower part of the base body and can be radially spaced from a fastening screw at the first end of the base body. Preferably, the receptacles are arranged on a lower edge.
[0067] Preferably, the joint comprises the joint assembly, which is attached to the receptacles on the first end region of the base body by means of screws. A wall of the joint assembly, adjacent to the base body, has a central recess suitable for the contactless reception of a screw end for attaching the joint to the mounting system. The advantageous arrangement of the receptacles on the base body ensures that the joint assembly can be rotated, for example, about a vertical axis of rotation at the first end region of the base body, together with the joint, without the joint assembly impairing the function and / or rotation of the joint and any device attached to it.
[0068] Preferably, the recess is arranged centrally and dimensioned to accommodate an end region of a vertical axis of rotation at the first end region of the base body. Particularly preferably, at least three receptacles are provided on the base body, and more preferably, four, wherein the receptacles are preferably equidistant from one another in the direction of rotation.
[0069] The joint assembly can, for example, be tubular and have a collar with recesses that overlap with the mounting points when assembled. This allows screws to be inserted into the mounting points. To facilitate attachment to the mounting points, the joint assembly can have corresponding openings in the form of elongated holes along its circumference, allowing for lateral insertion and operation of the screws.
[0070] The joint assembly may, for example, have one or more holders for cables, hoses and / or infusion bottles, but may also be set up for an interface of the device, such as a keyboard.
[0071] Brief description of the figures: Preferred further embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail by the following description of the figures. They show:
[0072] Figure 1 shows a side view of a holding system with a joint according to the invention;
[0073] Figure 2 shows a top view of the joint according to the invention in a lateral section;
[0074] Figure 3 is a perspective side view of a basic body of the joint according to the invention; Figure 4 is a perspective side view of a bracket of the joint according to the invention;
[0075] Figure 5 is a perspective side view of a spring holder of the joint according to the invention; Figure 6 is a side view of the joint according to Figure 2 along a longitudinal section;
[0076] Figure 7 shows a side detail view of the first end region of the base body in a preferred embodiment;
[0077] Figure 8 shows a perspective side view of a bearing ring of the joint according to the invention;
[0078] Figure 9 shows a front view of the bearing ring according to Figure 8;
[0079] Figure 10 shows a front view of the bearing ring according to Figure 8 with an additional projection;
[0080] Figure 11 shows a front view of the bearing ring according to Figure 8 with an alternative projection; and a perspective side view of a first joint for the spring arm according to the invention; Figure 12 shows a side view of the joint according to Figure 2 along a longitudinal section with a bearing ring according to Figure 8;
[0081] Figure 13 is a side view of the joint according to Figure 12 in a rearward-rotated position; Figure 14 is a side view of the joint according to Figure 12 in a forward-rotated position; Figure 15 is a front view of a connecting plate in a preferred embodiment of the bracket; Figure 16 is a front view of the connecting plate according to Figure 15 in an inclined position;
[0082] Figure 17 shows a front view of a device attached to the joint with the connecting plate in an inclined position according to Figure 16;
[0083] Figure 18 shows a perspective side view of the spring holder according to Figure 5 with an alternative mounting section; Figure 19 shows a perspective side view of the bracket according to Figure 4, which is designed for attachment to the spring holder according to Figure 18;
[0084] Figure 20 shows a perspective side view of the basic body according to Figure 3 with lower shots for a joint group;
[0085] Figure 21 shows a perspective side view of a joint assembly for attachment to the mounts of the base body according to Figure 20;
[0086] Figure 22 shows a top view of the joint according to the invention in a lateral section according to an alternative embodiment; and
[0087] Figure 23 shows a top view of the joint according to the invention in a lateral section according to a further alternative embodiment.
[0088] Detailed
[0089]
[0090] Preferred embodiments are described below with reference to the figures. Identical, similar, or equivalent elements in the different figures are designated with identical reference numerals. Repeated descriptions of these elements are sometimes omitted to avoid repetition.
[0091] Figure 1 shows a side view of a preferred holding system 100 with a joint 10 according to the invention. The holding system 100 comprises a height-adjustable spring arm 110, which is rotatably mounted on a boom 120. The joint 10 is attached to the front of the spring arm 110. In the present example, the joint 10 is attached to a front joint of the spring arm 110 and also has a connecting plate to which a device 130, in this example a monitor, is attached.
[0092] The joint 10 is shown in further detail in Figure 2 in a top view along a lateral section. The joint 10 has a base body 12, which extends in a longitudinal direction, running from bottom to top in the figure, and in a lateral direction, running from left to right in the figure. The base body 12 has a first longitudinal end region 14 and a second longitudinal end region 16. The first end region 14 is configured for attaching the joint 10, or the base body 12, to the mounting system 100. The second end region 16 is configured for attaching a device 130 and, in particular, for rotatably mounting such a device along a lateral axis of rotation 18, as indicated by the dashed line. The axis of rotation 18 extends through a cavity in the base body 12.To couple the device 130 to the base body 12, a bracket 20 is provided, which has a U-shaped profile and is coupled to the axis of rotation. The bracket 20 has a front mounting section, which is designed for attaching the device.
[0093] To mount the bracket 20 on the base body 12, two torsion springs 22 are provided according to this preferred embodiment, which are arranged in the cavity. The torsion springs 22 are received in respective recesses of the base body, the recesses forming the cavity, as shown in detail in Figure 3. The torsion springs 22 extend laterally along the axis of rotation 18 and surround respective sleeves 24, through which a screw 26 is guided. The screw 26 and the sleeves 24 together form the lateral axis of rotation 18. The screw 26 passes through the end region of the bracket 20 and is held in one end region by a nut 28, which is designed as a press-fit nut and is arranged outside the bracket 20. In this way, tightening the screw 26 causes the sleeves 24 to be pressed together due to the screw force applied to the end regions of the bracket 20.The design of the nut 28 as a press-fit nut prevents the nut 28 from rotating when the screw is tightened.
[0094] By compressing the bracket 20, it can be advantageously attached to the base body 12. This is because the base body 12 contains a centrally located inner wall 30 within the cavity, which separates the recesses and has only one through-opening to guide the screw through the entire cavity. When the ends of the bracket are compressed by the screw and nut, the sleeves 24 are pressed against the inner wall 30, generating a frictional force. This allows the bracket 20 to be fixed relative to the base body 12 or enables the application of the force required to rotate the bracket 20.
[0095] In addition to the potential mounting of the bracket 20 relative to the base body 12, a bearing ring 32 and a spring retainer 34 are provided for each torsion spring 22. The bearing ring 32 is arranged around the respective torsion spring 22, and the spring retainer 34 is mounted around the respective bearing ring 32. The bearing ring is attached to the base body 12 by means of recesses into which domes of the base body 12 engage. The spring retainers 34 are each connected to the bracket 20 and have a corresponding front mounting section for this purpose. To mount the bracket 20 to the base body 12 via the spring retainers 34 and the bearing rings 32, each torsion spring 22 is positively connected to both the base body 12 and the respective spring retainer 34 via corresponding legs 36.Accordingly, a bearing for the bracket 20 on the base body 12 is provided, which is independent of the fastening of the screw 26 or a set frictional force, whereby a predetermined load-bearing capacity of a device 130 can be absorbed via the torsion springs 22. In order to transfer the load-bearing capacity to the bracket 20 and the torsion springs 22, a connecting plate 38 is provided on the bracket, which can be adapted to the device 130 and the desired height.
[0096] Figure 3 shows the base body 12 in further detail without any components in the cavity. A lateral recess 40 is shown (the other recess 40 is located on the opposite side), with a through-opening 42 in the inner wall 30 providing a connection between the recesses 40 and allowing the screw 26 to pass through the cavity. Adjacent to the inner wall 30, a groove 44 extends radially, oriented such that a leg 36 of the leg spring 22, which is received therein, is held against rotation and positively locked to the base body 12.
[0097] At the first end region 14 of the base body 12, a receptacle 46 and a through-opening 48 are provided. The receptacle 46 and the through-opening 48 are designed for the rotatable mounting and fastening of the base body 12 to the holding system 100, as further described with reference to Figures 6 and 7.
[0098] An exemplary bracket 20 is shown in Figure 4. In this example, the bracket has four elongated holes 50, each designed to receive a screw. The elongated holes 50 allow a connecting plate 38 to be attached to the bracket 20, and the lateral extension of the elongated holes 50 enables lateral tilting of the connecting plate 38 and any device 130 attached to it. This is further described with reference to Figures 15 to 17.
[0099] The U-shaped bracket 20 further comprises two legs extending parallel from the front face, each defining an end region 52 of the bracket 20. Each end region 52 has a receptacle through which the screw 26 can be inserted.
[0100] A preferred embodiment of a spring holder 34 is shown in a perspective side view in Figure 5. The spring holder 34 has an annular section that defines a cavity 54 and an adjacent groove 58. The cavity 54 is particularly advantageous because it allows the spring holder 34 to accommodate the bearing ring 32 and a section of the torsion spring 22 surrounded by the bearing ring 32. The spring holder 34 can thus be easily placed onto the outer lateral end region of the bearing ring 32 and the torsion spring 22, with the groove 58 providing a means of fastening the spring holder 34 to the torsion spring 22. In this way, the spring holder 34 is mounted on the base body 12 via the torsion spring 22 and the bearing ring 32.
[0101] The spring holder 34 has a mounting section 56 on its front side. In this example, the mounting section 56 has two superimposed receptacles in the form of bores for receiving a screw. The receptacles are dimensioned and arranged such that they overlap with receptacles in the bracket 20 that are not designed as elongated holes 50. An example of such receptacles in the bracket is shown in Figure 4 on the respective sides of the end face of the bracket 20.
[0102] In addition to the lateral axis of rotation 18, the joint 10 preferably also has a vertical axis of rotation 59, as shown in Figures 6 and 7. In Figure 6, the joint 10 is accordingly attached to a holding system 100, in particular to a front joint of the holding system 100, the front joint being mounted on the spring arm 110. A device 130 is also attached to the opposite side of the joint 10 and is connected to the bracket 20 by means of the connecting plate 38.
[0103] The vertical axis of rotation 59 is defined by a pressure sleeve 62 and a screw 60 guided therein. The pressure sleeve 62 and the screw 60 are received in the receptacle 46 and guided through the through-opening 48. Rotating discs 64 are arranged at the end regions of the pressure sleeve 62, which are rotatably mounted relative to the base body 12. Adjacent to the rotating discs 64 is a respective anti-rotation disc 66, which is positively engaged in the receptacle 46 of the base body 12. In this way, the base body 12 is mounted on the holding system 100 via the rotating discs 64 and the anti-rotation discs 66, whereby the rotating discs 64 and the anti-rotation discs 66 define correspondingly sliding contact surfaces with each other.
[0104] In the mounting 46, a spring 70, preferably designed as a disc spring, is mounted on one side. The spring 70 exerts a preload force on the adjacent anti-rotation disc 66, pressing the anti-rotation disc 66 against the adjacent rotary disc 64, thus providing a predetermined frictional force. This frictional force allows the pivoting movement of the joint 10 on the mounting system 100 to be performed with only a predetermined (but small) force. When the screw 60 is tightened with a nut 68, the frictional force can be decoupled from the tightening force. To limit movement of the joint 10 about the vertical axis of rotation 59 or to specify the force required for this, the joint 10 preferably has an adjustable brake element at its first end region 14, as shown in Figure 7.Accordingly, the base body 12 can have a radial recess for the pressure sleeve 62, into which a threaded pin 72 is received. A brake shoe 74 is arranged on the threaded pin 72, which is radially displaceable and radially preloaded by one or more springs 76. When the threaded pin 72 is rotated, the spring 76 is positioned closer to the brake shoe 74, thereby increasing the preload force and the associated frictional force between the brake shoe 74 and the pressure sleeve 62. Thus, a desired frictional force can be set by adjusting the position of the threaded pin, which is completely independent of the device's bearing arrangement at the second end region 16.
[0105] Figures 8 to 11 show various embodiments of a bearing ring 32. In addition to the at least one projection 78, recesses or cutouts are also provided on the circumference of the bearing ring 32, which, when installed in the cavity of the base body 12, engage with domes of the base body 12. The predetermined arrangement of the recesses ensures that the bearing ring 32 is received in a predetermined orientation within the cavity, so that the at least one projection 78 enables the desired limitation of the rotation angle.
[0106] In Figures 8 and 9, the projection 78 is arranged and dimensioned such that the bracket 20 and the associated device 130 can be rotated approximately -60° rearward and approximately 85° forward. In the embodiment according to Figure 10, this rotation angle range lies between -60° rearward and 45° forward, while the rotation angle range according to Figure 11 lies between -60° and -90° rearward.
[0107] A corresponding example is shown in Figures 12 to 14, where the bearing ring 32 corresponds to the bearing ring 32 according to Figures 8 and 9. Accordingly, the device 130 and the bracket 20 according to Figure 12 are inclined approximately about the vertical direction of extension, with a projection of the spring holder 34 not engaging with the projection 78. When the device 130 is rotated backward, however, the projection of the spring holder 34 abuts the projection 78, so that a rotation beyond -60° is not possible. When the device 130 is rotated forward, the projection of the spring holder 34 does not abut the projection 78. In the present example, a further rotation beyond approximately 85° is not possible due to the geometry and dimensions of the joint 10. Figure 12 further shows in detail how the connecting plate 38 can preferably be connected to the bracket 20.Screws 80 can be inserted into receptacles on the connecting plate 38 and in the bracket 20, which are received on the inside of the bracket 20 by respective pressure sleeves 82. In this way, the connecting plate 38 is held on the bracket 20 essentially without clamping force. However, springs 84 are provided for improved retention, which are preferably designed as disc springs and are received on the respective pressure sleeve 82. The springs 84 press the bracket 20 against the connecting plate 38 with a predetermined contact force. This creates a predetermined amount of play, which allows the connecting plate 38 to be slightly inclined relative to the bracket 20.
[0108] Figures 15 to 17 show a connecting plate 38, which is connected to a preferred embodiment of the bracket 20 according to Figure 4. These figures show that, in addition to the lateral axis of rotation 18 and preferably also the vertical axis of rotation 59, the joint 10 allows for lateral tilt adjustment. This tilt adjustment is preferably achieved, as described above, by using pressure sleeves 82 and springs 84. The elongated holes 50 also allow for further lateral tilt adjustment. Thus, the connecting plate 38 is rotated laterally relative to the bracket 20 according to Figure 16. This slight tilt adjustment can, however, already result in a perceptible lateral tilt of the typically larger device 130, as shown in Figure 17.
[0109] An alternative embodiment of a spring holder 34 is shown in Figure 18. The construction of the spring holder 34 essentially corresponds to that of the spring holder 34 according to Figure 5, but features an alternative mounting section 56. According to this embodiment, no receptacles for screws are provided; instead, the mounting section has corresponding pins which can be inserted into the receptacles of the bracket 20. A corresponding embodiment of the bracket 20 is shown in a perspective side view in Figure 19.
[0110] Figures 20 and 21 show the base body 12 of the joint 10 in a preferred embodiment for connection with a joint assembly 88. For connecting the joint assembly 88, the base body 12 has four receptacles 86 on its underside at the first end region 14, which are designed as bores for receiving a screw. The receptacles 86 are arranged eccentrically and at the edge. In this way, the receptacle 46 and the through-hole 48 for the vertical axis of rotation 59 are not affected by the receptacles 86. The receptacles 86 are also spaced uniformly apart from each other in the circumferential direction, which enables improved mechanical fastening of the joint assembly 88.
[0111] The joint assembly 88 itself has corresponding receptacles 92 for screws on a collar 90 adjacent to the base body 12. To facilitate screw connections, elongated holes are provided on the circumference of the joint assembly 88 at the level of the receptacles 92, defining a respective internal cavity. In this way, screws can be easily inserted into the corresponding receptacles 92 and fastened via the respective elongated hole 94. Furthermore, Figure 21 also shows the edge region of the recess 96, which is centrally located and designed to receive an end region of the screw 60 for the vertical axis of rotation 59 without contact. Accordingly, the end region of the joint assembly 88 is designed such that the components intended for the vertical axis of rotation 59 do not engage with the joint assembly 88 even when the joint 10 pivots about the vertical axis of rotation 59.
[0112] Figure 22 shows the joint 10 according to the invention in a top view and a lateral section. This alternative embodiment of the joint 10 is constructed similarly to the embodiment shown in Figure 2, but differs in that the spring retainers 34 are not rigidly connected or screwed to the bracket 20, but are inserted into receptacles of the bracket 20 via pins of the respective spring retainer 34 and a clearance fit. To ensure adequate support of the bracket 20, the bracket 20 is supported by the sleeves 24 and the screw 26. Accordingly, the sleeves 24 are dimensioned differently compared to the sleeves 24 in the embodiment according to Figure 2 and are connected to the outer surface of the screw 26 by friction or sliding action, so that there is no gap or only a minimal gap.Instead of a single sleeve 24 in the respective recess, it can also be provided that the sleeve 24 is designed in two parts or in multiple parts and has an outer sleeve and at least one inner sleeve arranged therein, wherein the outer sleeve and the inner sleeve are preferably made of different materials.
[0113] In the embodiment according to Figure 23, the bracket 20 is also mounted via the sleeves 24 and the screw 26. In the present example, the bracket 20 is limited or fixed around the axis of rotation solely by the mounting, and no spring retainers, bearing rings, or torsion springs are provided. A frictional force sufficient for the secure mounting of a device, and optionally allowing manual adjustment of the inclination, can be provided by tightening the screw and the design of the sleeves 24. Where applicable, all individual features shown in the exemplary embodiments can be combined and / or interchanged without departing from the scope of the invention.
[0114]
[0115] 10 joint
[0116] 12 basic shapes
[0117] 14 first end area 16 second end area 18 lateral axis of rotation 20 bracket
[0118] 22 Leg spring
[0119] 24 sleeve
[0120] 26 screw
[0121] 28 Mother
[0122] 30 Interior wall
[0123] 32 bearing ring
[0124] 34 spring holders
[0125] 36 thighs
[0126] 38 Connection plate
[0127] 40 recess
[0128] 42 Through opening 44 Groove
[0129] 46th recording
[0130] 48 Through opening 50 Slotted hole
[0131] 52 End range
[0132] 54 recess
[0133] 56 Fastening section 58 Groove
[0134] 59 vertical axis of rotation 60 screw
[0135] 62 Pressure sleeve
[0136] 64 turntable
[0137] 66 Write
[0138] 68 Mother
[0139] 70 springs
[0140] 72 Threaded pin
[0141] 74 brake shoe
[0142] 76 spring
[0143] 78 lead
[0144] 80 Screw Pressure sleeve Spring Mount Joint assembly Collar Mount Slotted hole
[0145] recess
Claims
Claims 1. Joint (10) for a holding system (100), preferably for a spring arm (110), comprising a base body (12) which has a connection interface for attaching the joint (10) to the holding system (100) at a first longitudinal end region (14) and has a cavity at a second opposite longitudinal end region (16) which extends laterally to the longitudinal direction, a lateral axis of rotation (18) which extends through the cavity, and a bracket (20) for receiving a device (130), which is mounted about the lateral axis of rotation (18) by means of at least one torsion spring (22) arranged in the cavity, wherein the lateral axis of rotation (18) is formed by at least one sleeve (24) and a screw (26) guided therein, and wherein opposite end regions (52) of the bracket (20) can be fixed to an inner surface of the base body (12) defining the cavity by the at least one sleeve (24) and the screw (26).
2. Joint (10) according to claim 1, wherein the cavity is formed by two laterally extending recesses (40) which are opposite each other and arranged parallel to each other, wherein the recesses (40) are connected to each other by means of a through-opening (42) through which the screw (26) is guided.
3. Joint (10) according to claim 2, wherein the through-opening (42) is provided in a centrally arranged inner wall (30) of the base body (12), wherein at least one sleeve (24) is provided for each recess (40) and wherein the bracket (20) engages with the inner wall (30) via the sleeves (24).
4. Joint (10) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein for each torsion spring (22) a respective spring holder (34) is arranged at least partially in the cavity, which is connected to the bracket (20), wherein the torsion spring (22) and the spring holder (34) extend laterally and wherein each torsion spring (22) is attached to the respective spring holder (34).
5. Joint (10) according to claim 4, wherein one leg (36) of each leg spring (22) is received in a groove (58) of the respective spring holder (34) and wherein the respective other leg (36) of the respective leg spring (22) is received in a groove (44) of the base body (12).
6. Joint (10) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein a bearing ring (32) is provided in the cavity for each leg spring (22), which is arranged around the respective leg spring (22) and is held in a rotationally secure manner on the inner surface of the base body (12), and wherein each bearing ring (32) is surrounded by a respective spring retainer (34).
7. Joint (10) according to claim 6, wherein each bearing ring (22) has at least one radially outwardly extending projection (78) which can engage with a projection on the respective spring holder (34) and limits a rotation angle of the bracket (20) about the lateral axis of rotation (18).
8. Joint (10) according to claim 7, wherein the angle of rotation in opposite directions is limited differently by two circumferentially spaced projections (78) or by a projection (78) extending along the circumferential direction.
9. Joint (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a connecting plate (38) which is attached to an outer surface of the bracket (20), wherein the connecting plate (38) and the bracket (20) have at least two receptacles which are arranged overlapping each other and wherein a screw (80) is received in each receptacle, wherein the screws (80) are received on an inner surface of the bracket (20) in a respective pressure sleeve (82) and the bracket (20) is biased to the connecting plate (38) exclusively by springs (84) attached to the pressure sleeves (82).
10. Joint (10) according to claim 9, wherein the receptacles of the bracket (20) are designed as elongated holes (50) which extend at least partially laterally.
11. Joint (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection interface at the first end region (14) of the base body (12) defines a vertical axis of rotation (59) which extends perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and to the lateral extension direction of the base body (12), and wherein the base body (12) is arranged to be mounted about the vertical axis of rotation (59) on the holding system (100) in the assembled state.
12. Joint (10) according to claim 11, wherein the vertical axis of rotation (59) is formed by a through-opening provided in a receptacle (46) of the base body (12) with a pressure sleeve (62) for a screw (60) received therein, wherein a respective rotary disk (64) is arranged around the pressure sleeve (62) at the end faces of the pressure sleeve (62), and wherein a disk (66) is arranged in the receptacle (46) at at least one longitudinal end region of the pressure sleeve (62), which is held in a rotationally secure manner relative to the base body (12) and is pressed against an adjacent rotary disk (64) by a spring (70) arranged in the receptacle (46).
13. Joint (10) according to claim 12, wherein the base body (12) has a recess radially to the pressure sleeve (62) in which a threaded pin (72) with a brake shoe (74) arranged thereon in a radially displaceable direction is arranged, wherein the brake shoe (74) is engaged with the circumference of the pressure sleeve (62) by means of at least one spring (76) which is arranged between the brake shoe (74) and a receptacle on the threaded pin (72).
14. Joint (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection interface on a side opposite the holding system (100) in the assembled state has at least two receptacles (86) spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction for a joint group (88), wherein the receptacles (86) are arranged eccentrically on the first end region (14).
15. Joint (10) according to claim 14, comprising the joint assembly (88) which is attached by means of screws to the receptacles (86) on the first end region (14) of the base body (12), wherein a wall of the joint assembly (88) which adjoins the base body (12) has a central recess (96) which is suitable for receiving an end region of a screw (60) for fastening the joint (10) to the holding system (100) without contact.
16. Holding system comprising a spring arm (110), wherein the spring arm (110) comprises a joint (10) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 15, wherein the joint (10) is preferably attached to a front joint of the holding system.