FR2884893A1 - Electricity and fluid distribution support`s arm for operation theatre, has braking device with one configuration where device brakes relative displacement between partial arms, and another configuration where arms are free in displacement - Google Patents

Abstract

The arm has a braking device (10) adopting a braking configuration in which the device (10) brakes a relative displacement between two partial arms (4, 6), and a releasing configuration in which the arms (4, 6) are free in a displacement around an axis of rotation. A triggering device brings the device (10) towards the braking configuration when the arms (4, 6) approach a stopping configuration defined by a stop. Two complementary stop units integrate with the respective rings having an angular position which is adjustable relative to the arm (4).

Description

The present invention relates to an arm for a dispensing support,

type including

  two partial arms articulated to one another about an axis of rotation, at least one stop limiting the relative displacement of these two partial arms around the axis of rotation and defining a stop configuration of the two arms; partial.

  It applies in particular to the support arms for dispensing fluid and electricity in operating theaters.

  There are known dispensing supports which are attached to the ceiling of an operating room, and which carry a supply of fluid and electricity. These supports comprise an articulated arm which consists of two or more partial arms. To avoid the inadvertent movement of the power supply, two partial arms are provided with a braking device which blocks the relative movement between these two partial arms.

  Furthermore, the arms are provided with a stop which limits the relative movement of two partial arms, for example to prevent damage to power lines located inside the arm. These stops are sometimes provided with rubber members to dampen the force acting on the power supply when the partial arms abut. Rubber stops have a short life span and do not dampen impact much.

  These stops have the disadvantage of requiring rubber members that increase the cost of the support.

  The invention aims to overcome these disadvantages, and to provide an articulated arm that is economical to manufacture, and provides a satisfactory damping, while having. a long life.

  For this purpose, the subject of the invention is an articulated arm of the aforementioned type, characterized in that it comprises a braking device that can assume a braking configuration in which it brakes the relative displacement between the two partial arms and a configuration of release in which the two partial arms are free moving around the axis of rotation, and in that it comprises a trigger device adapted to bring the braking device to its braking configuration when the partial arms approach the configuration of stop.

  According to particular embodiments of the invention, the articulated arm comprises one or more of the following features: the braking device comprises a braking member; a force-generating element that permanently solicits; the braking member to a braking position corresponding to the braking configuration, and - a release member adapted to cancel the action of the force generating member; The triggering device comprises a sensor adapted to detect the approach of the partial arms of the abutment configuration, an actuator of the sensor, and an inhibition element adapted to inhibit the action of the actuator. release element; the actuator of the sensor is adjustable, so that the configuration of the two partial arms in which the trigger device is triggered is adjustable; the braking device comprises a lever, the force-generating element acts on this lever, and the lever acts on the braking member; the force-generating element is a spring; the abutment comprises an abutment element fixed to a first of the partial arms and a corresponding abutment element fixed on a second of the partial arms; the corresponding abutment element and the actuating member are integral; and the sensor is fixed on the first partial arm, and the corresponding stop element is adapted to act on the sensor when the partial arms approach their abutment configuration.

  The invention will be better understood on reading the description which will follow, given solely by way of example, and with reference to the appended drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an articulated arm according to the invention; - Figure 2 is a longitudinal section of the arm of Figure 1; - Figure 3 is a perspective view of the arm joint according to the invention; - Figure 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the arm joint according to the invention; and - Figure 5 is a block diagram of the actuator.

  In Figure 1 is shown in perspective an articulated arm according to the invention, designated by the general reference 2.

  This articulated arm 2 comprises an upper partial arm 4 and a lower partial arm 6. The upper partial arm 4 is articulated to a not shown support, which is fixed to the ceiling of an operating room.

  At the free end of the lower partial arm 6 is fixed a fluid distribution block and electricity not shown.

  Each of the partial arms 4 and 6 comprises a hollow section.

  The articulated arm 2 comprises a hinge 8, which connects the two partial arms 4 and 6 in rotation about a vertical axis of rotation X-X, as well as a braking device 10 (see FIG. 2). The braking device 10 can take a braking configuration, in which it is adapted to brake a relative displacement between the two partial arms 4 and 6 around the axis of rotation XX, as well as a release configuration in which the two partial arms 4 and 6 are free to move relative to each other about the axis XX.

  In what follows, the expressions axially and radially will be used with respect to this axis X-X.

  As illustrated in more detail in FIG. 2, it can be seen that the hinge 8 comprises a first flange 12 fixed to the upper partial arm 4, as well as a second flange 14 attached to the lower partial arm 6. Between these two flanges 12, 14 two crowns of rolling needles 16 and 18 are arranged.

  The braking device 10 comprises two braking pads 20 of cylindrical general shape with circular section each of which is provided with a brake lining 22 (not shown).

  The second flange 14 comprises two cylindrical housings 24, in which the pellets 20 are housed axially movable between a braking position, corresponding to the braking configuration, in which they bear against the first flange 12, and a corresponding release position. in the release configuration, in which it is disengaged from the first flange 12.

  The braking device 10 further comprises a spring 26, which is formed in this case a stack of Belleville washers. The spring 26 is disposed outside the lower partial arm 6 thus facilitating adjustment. The spring 26 is radially offset from the pellets 20.

  The braking device 10 further comprises a lever 28 which is articulated around a Y-Y axis of the lever, extending perpendicularly to the X-X axis and being shifted therefrom. The lever axis Y-Y is disposed on the lower partial arm 6. The lever 28 is disposed inside the partial arm 6.

  The lever 28 is applied to the pellets 20, and is connected to the spring 26. Thus, the spring 26 biases the pellets 20 permanently towards their braking position.

  The pellets 20 and the spring 26 are radially offset from the Y-Y axis. The spring 26 and the pellets 20 are on the same side of the lever 28 with respect to the axis of the Y-Y lever. Thus, the length of the lever 28 is small.

  The braking device 10 further comprises release means which are adapted to move the pellets 20 out of their braking position towards their release position by canceling the action of the spring 26 on the pellets 20.

  These release means comprise an actuator 30 which is adapted to act on the lever 28 and cancel the actuation of the spring 26. The actuator 30 is in the example described a pneumatic actuator membrane, but can be an electromagnetic actuator . As illustrated in Figure 2, the actuator 30 is disposed on the same side of the lever 28 as the spring 26, which keeps the length of the lever 28 low.

  The release means further comprise a controllable solenoid valve 31, the output of which is connected to the actuator 30, and means for supplying fluid under pressure P. In the rest position, the solenoid valve 31 connects the actuator 30 to the ambient air, while in actuated position, the actuator 30 is connected to the fluid under pressure.

  The release means further comprise a switch I which makes it possible to bring the solenoid valve 31 into its actuated position, in order to allow the arm to move.

  Referring to Figures 2 and 4, the arm 2 comprises two stops 32, 34 which are adapted to limit the relative displacement around the axis of rotation XX of the two partial arms 4, 6. The abutments 32, 34 comprise an element single stop 36 which is fixed on the second flange 14, and a complementary stop element 38, 40 fixed on the flange 12. Each of the stops 32, 34 limits the relative displacement of the two partial arms 6, 4 in one of the two directions of rotation about the axis XX. When one of the stop members 38, 40 is applied to the abutment member 36, the two partial arms 4, 6 are in an abutment configuration. Each of the complementary abutment elements 38, 40 is integral with one of two rings 42, 44, which are releasably attached to the partial arm 4 and more precisely to the flange 14. Thus, the angular position of the two rings 42, 44 relative to the partial arm 4 is adjustable, so that the stop configurations are also adjustable.

  The arm 2 comprises a trigger device 50 which is adapted to bring the braking device 10 to its braking configuration when the partial arms 4, 6 approach one of the stop configurations. The triggering device 50 comprises two sensors 52, 54, in the form of microswitches. Each of the microswitches 52, 54 is adapted to detect the approach of the partial arms 4, 6 to one of the abutment configurations. The triggering device 50 is further provided with two actuating members 56, 58 each of which is adapted to actuate one of the microswitches 52, 54.

  Advantageously, the actuating members 56, 58 are arranged on the rings 42, 44, and more particularly, the members 56, 58 are identical to the complementary abutment elements 38, 40. Thus the corresponding abutment element 38, 40, and the actuating member 56, 58 are integral.

  Moreover, the sensors 52, 54 are controllably connected to the solenoid valve 31 (see FIG. 2), so that when one of the sensors 52, 54 is actuated, the action of the switch I is canceled. and the solenoid valve 31 is tilted to its rest position.

  The sensors 52, 54 are connected to the solenoid valve 31 by a delay element T. The arm according to the invention operates as follows.

  As is apparent from the diagram of Figure 5, when the switch I is closed, the actuator 30 cancels the force of the spring 26 and brings the pellets 20 in their release position.

  In addition, a switch t is provided, which is controlled by the timer element T. In the idle state, the switch t is closed. When one of the switches 52 or 54 is closed, the switch t is instantly open and is kept in the open state for a predetermined delay or latency time.

  Thus, the two partial arms 4, 6 can be moved relative to each other about the X-X axis.

  When the partial arms 4, 6 approach one of their abutment configurations, the actuator 56 or 58 closes the microswitch 52 or 54, which cancels the action of the switch I. Thus, the pellets 20 apply against the flange 12 and slow the relative movement between the two partial arms 4, 6.

  After a period of latency, the delay element T interrupts the connection between the switches 52 or 54 and the solenoid valve 31, which again releases the two partial arms 4, 6.

  The arm according to the invention has the following advantages.

  Thanks to the use of the same braking device 10 to dampen the impact of abutment as well as to curb a mutual displacement of the two partial arms 4, 6, the arm 2 is economic.

  Moreover, thanks to the two adjustable rings 40, 42, the position from which braking is performed is adjustable, and this for both directions of movement individually.

  It should be noted that the system according to the invention is also applicable to positive braking devices, that is to say braking devices which comprise a controllable actuator which is adapted to urge the braking pads 20 against the flange 12 In this case, when sensors 52, 54 detect the approach of the stop configuration, the actuator is triggered so as to slow down the relative movement between the two partial arms 4 and 6.

Claims (9)

  1. Arm for distribution support, of the type comprising: - two partial arms (4, 6) articulated to each other 5 about an axis of rotation (XX), - at least one stop limiting the relative displacement of these two partial arms (4, 6) around the axis of rotation (XX) and defining an abutment configuration of the two partial arms (4, 6), characterized in that it comprises a braking device (10) which can taking a braking configuration in which it brakes the relative displacement between the two partial arms (4, 6) and a release configuration in which the two partial arms are free in displacement around the axis of rotation (XX), and it comprises a triggering device (50) adapted to bring the braking device (10) to its braking configuration when the partial arms (4, 6) approach the stop configuration.   2. Support arm according to claim 1, characterized in that the braking device comprises - a braking member (20), - a force-generating element (26) permanently biasing the braking member (20). ) to a braking position corresponding to the braking configuration, and - a releasing element (30) adapted to cancel the action of the force generating element (26).   3. Support arm according to claim 2, characterized in that the triggering device (50) comprises a sensor (52, 54) adapted to detect the approach of the partial arms (4, 6) of the stop configuration. - an actuator (56, 58) of the sensor, and - an inhibiting element (31) adapted to inhibit the action of the release element (30).   4. Support arm according to claim 3, characterized in that the actuating member (56, 58) of the sensor (52, 54) is adjustable, so that the configuration of the two partial arms (4, 6) wherein the triggering device (50) is triggered is adjustable.   Support arm according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the braking device comprises a lever (28), in that the force-generating element (26) acts on this lever (28), and in that the lever (28) acts on the braking member (20).   Support arm according to claim 2 or any claim dependent on claim 2, characterized in that the force generating element is a spring (26).   7. support arm according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the stop (32, 34) comprises an abutment member (36) attached to a first partial arm (6) and a stop member corresponding (38, 40) fixed on a second of the partial arms (4).   8. Support arm according to at least claims 3 and 7 taken together, characterized in that the corresponding abutment member (38, 40) and the actuating member (56, 58) are integral.   Support arms according to at least claims 3 and 7 taken together, characterized in that the sensor (52, 54) is attached to the first partial arm (6), and that the corresponding stop element (38) , 40) is adapted to act on the sensor (52, 54) when the partial arms (4, 6) approach their abutment configuration.