Clamp device for fastening accessories

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a clamp device according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] In the prior art, there are known clamp devices, the purpose of which is the fastening of accessories particularly to operating tables, among others from the British patent publications GB-879 878 and GB-1 065 661.

[0003] Operating tables are provided with rails or bars arranged at the sides in the lengthwise direction, said rails or bars being rectangular in cross-section. Various auxiliary devices, i.e. accessories, are designed to be attached to said rails, i.e. accessory rails, when performing operations. Said accessories can be for example various supports by which the limbs of the patient are supported in a desired position, or supports by which various auxiliary devices or their parts needed in the operation can be attached to the operating table. The accessory rails of operating tables are standardized in measures. Similar accessory rails used in operating tables can also be arranged in other pieces of hospital furniture, such as beds, tables or chairs, for fastening various accessories by which the patient can be helped for example in connection with clinical treatment and/or eating or washing.

[0004] The problem with current clamp devices that are used for fastening accessories to hospital furniture, particularly to operating tables, is how to achieve sufficient holding power. There are several reasons for this, for instance that a sufficient holding power should be achieved by a moderate manual power, by which the clamping elements of the clamp device are pressed to an accessory rail or the like. It is also pointed out that in cross-section, an accessory clamping part is generally circular, which also requires a high friction between the clamping surfaces of the clamping element and the clamping part of the accessory, in order to realize a good and solid grip. In addition, the diameters of various clamping parts of accessories vary, in which case the contact points between the clamping surfaces of a clamping element and the clamping parts of an accessory as well as their areas may change as the diameters vary, in which case the grip of the clamp device of the accessory clamping part also varies.

[0005] The object of the invention is to eliminate the drawbacks connected to the currently used prior art clamp devices. Another object of the invention is to realize a new clamp device that is suited for fastening various different accessories to hospital furniture, particularly to operating tables, which clamp device is simple and functions reliably, holding the accessory in place, fastened in a desired position and locked in place.

[0006] The clamp device according to the invention is characterized by what is set forth in claim 1. The dependent claims represent various preferred embodiments of the clamp device according to the invention.

[0007] The invention relates to a clamp device for detachably fastening an accessory to hospital furniture, such as an operating table or the like, said clamp device comprising first and second clamping elements that are interconnected; in which clamp device, by means of the first clamping elements, the clamp device is detachably fastened to an accessory rail or the like of hospital furniture, such as an operating table, and by means of the second clamping elements, the accessory is detachably fastened to the clamp device, said first clamping elements comprising a fastening frame provided with a channel that is C-shaped in cross-section, in which channel the accessory rail or the like of hospital furniture, such as an operating table, should be fitted; and locking means provided in connection with the fastening frame and the channel, for fastening and locking the frame and at the same time the clamp device detachably to the accessory rail, said second clamping elements comprising jaws, with a gap in between the jaw elements of the jaws; a space for a support element of the accessory in the gap in between the jaws; and a compression element for pressing the jaws together and respectively for opening the jaws for fastening and respectively detaching the support element of the accessory. The compression element is realized as a screw and nut element and the first clamping elements further comprise a first and second frame part, wherein said second frame part is arranged as the nut element of the compression element.

[0008] According to the invention, the second clamping elements of the clamp device also comprise an adjusting element for adjusting the space diameter, said adjusting element being arranged at the jaws, at the second end of the jaw elements, and on the second side of the space, whereas the compression element is arranged at the jaws, at the first end of the jaw elements and on the first side of the space.

[0009] The advantage of the invention is its simple and solid structure. In addition, the invention is rapid and easy to use.

[0010] The invention also is economical to manufacture owing to its simple structure.

[0011] A particular advantage of the invention is that it can be used for fastening various different accessories, particularly accessories with various diameters, to hospital furniture; particularly, however, to operating tables and the like.

[0012] Most relevant prior art to present invention is the document WO-A-2007/095744 in which is provided a clamp device to connect two cylindrical bodies when erecting scaffolding in building sites. However, this document do not suggest or present compression element for pressing together and then opening jaw elements which compression element would be realized as the screw and nut element and in which the second frame part of the first clamping element is used as a nut element. The invention and its further advantages will be described in more detail below, with reference to the appended drawings, where

Figure 1 illustrates a clamp device according to the invention, in partial cross-section viewed from the side;

Figure 2 illustrates a clamp device as viewed at the front;

Figure 3 illustrates the second jaw element of the second clamping elements of a clamp device, as enlarged and viewed at an oblique angle from the side;

Figure 4 illustrates the fastening frame of the first clamping elements of a clamp device, as enlarged and viewed at an oblique angle from the side; and

Figure 5 illustrates how the fastening frame of the first clamping elements of a clamp device and the second jaw element of the second clamping elements are matched together, seen in an enlarged exploded view, at an oblique angle from the side.

[0013] The embodiments and/or examples of the following description which are not covered by the appended claims are considered as not being part of the present invention. The invention is defined in the appended set of claims. An advantageous clamp device according to the invention is illustrated in the drawings. Like numbers for like parts of the clamp device are used in the drawings.
The clamp device is particularly meant for fastening an accessory detachably to hospital furniture, such as an operating table or the like.
The clamp device comprises first and second clamping elements 1, 2 that are interconnected. By means of the first clamping elements 1, the clamp device is detachably fastened to the accessory rail S of a piece of hospital furniture, such as an operating table. By means of the second clamping elements 2, an accessory, particularly the support element T of the accessory, is detachably fastened to the clamp device.

[0014] The first clamping elements 1 comprise a fastening frame 10, a channel 11 provided therein and locking means 12. The frame 10 is advantageously formed of two interconnected frame parts, a first and second frame part 101, 102.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first frame part 101 is in cross-section a rectangular element provided with an elongate, straight, advantageously C-shaped recess, i.e. a channel 11. An accessory rail S or a corresponding element of a piece of hospital furniture, such as an operating table, should be fitted in this channel 11, when the accessory is installed in connection with said hospital furniture. In connection with the frame 10, particularly the first frame part 101, and the channel 11, there are arranged locking means 12 for fastening and locking the frame and at the same time the whole clamp device detachably to said accessory rail S.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the locking means 12 are realized by a fixing screw 121 arranged in connection with the channel 11. Now the fastening frame 10, particularly the first frame part 101, is at the first edge 11a of the channel 11 provided with a threaded hole 122, in which the fixing screw 121 can be fitted. The hole 122 is arranged preferably at right angles to the channel 11. Respectively the second opposite edge 11b of the channel 11 is provided with a bracket 13, belonging to the fastening frame 10, and in this case to its first frame part 101, by means of which bracket a wedge-shaped groove 14 is configured in the channel. The external free end of the fixing screw 121 is preferably connected to a shift lever 15 or a corresponding shift element, by means of which the fixing screw 121 can be turned in the hole 122 to inside the frame 10; 101, to the closed position, i.e. towards the opposite edge 11b of the channel 11, or to the open position, i.e. out of the frame and channel. In this case the shift lever 15 is pivoted, turnably on one plane, to the protruding end of the fixing screw 121. When the accessory rail S is fitted in the channel 11, the fixing screw 22 is in the open position. When the clamp device is locked in the accessory rail S, the fixing screw 22 is turned to the closed position, and thus as far as possible inwards in the frame and the channel, in which case the fixing screw 22 presses the accessory rail S tightly in the wedge-shaped groove 24 and locks it in place.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the free end of the bracket 13 is provided with a threshold 13a. Now at the side of the free end of the bracket 13, particularly at the inclined side 14a of the groove 14, there is created an angle that prevents the accessory rail S fitted in the channel from slipping out of the channel 11, and it thus ensures a reliable locking between the accessory rail S and the clamp device.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the second frame part 102 constitutes a bracket that is arranged in the middle region of the first frame part 101, advantageously at right angles to the channel 11. In shape, the second frame part 102 is advantageously cylindrical or a truncated cone shaped bracket (or it may have some other corresponding suitable geometric shape). In this embodiment, the second frame part 102 is a hole 103 provided with threadings 104.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the second clamping elements 2 comprise jaws 3, between which there is left a gap 4; a space 5 in the gap for the accessory support element T, and a compression element 6 in connection with the jaws for closing and respectively opening said jaws. The jaws 3 comprise a first and second elongate jaw element 31, 32, and in between the facing surfaces 31a, 32a of said jaw elements, there is left the gap 4. The space 5 for the accessory support element T, such as a round support bar, is located in the gap 4 left between the jaws 3 and thus the jaw elements 31, 32, particularly on their facing inner surfaces 31a, 32a. In this embodiment in particular, the gap 4 is formed between the surfaces 31a, 32a of the jaw elements, relatively near the second end B of the jaw elements.

[0020] The compression element 6 is arranged to connect the jaw elements 31, 32 and to provide a suitable compression force therebetween. The compression element 6 is in the described embodiment realized as a screw and nut combination, i.e. as a combination of a screw element 61 and a nut element 62, for pressing the jaws 3 and thus the jaw elements 31, 32 together, and respectively for opening them for fastening and respectively detaching an accessory, particularly said support bar T or the like.

[0021] The screw element 61 comprises a head part 60a and the screw proper 60b. The screw element 61 is arranged to pass through the first jaw element 31 and the aperture 321 provided therein, so that its head part 60a is supported against the first jaw element 31 around the aperture 321, when using the compression element 6; 61, 62, particularly when tightening it.

[0022] The nut element 62 comprises a fastening frame 10, particularly a second frame part 102, belonging to the first clamping element 1, in connection with which there is arranged a hole 103 provided with corresponding threadings 104 of the screw element. The screw element 61 of the compression element 6, particularly a screw 60b, is arranged to pass through the jaws and the jaw elements 3; 31, 32, to the side of their first end A (or at least to the vicinity of the first end) and at the same time to the first side of the space 4. The screw 60b of the compression element 6 is arranged to turn in the hole 103 of the fastening frame 10 and of its second frame part 102, when using the compression element 6; 61, 62. Now the second frame part 102 is arranged in the aperture 322 provided in the second jaw element 3; 32, and so that the second frame part 102 extends to the interior of the second jaw element 32. Now the first frame part 101 of the fastening frame 10, particularly the first stop face 21 provided therein, is arranged to rest against the second jaw element 32, particularly against the second stop face 22 provided therein. Both stop faces 21, 22 are annular surfaces; the first stop face 21 is arranged in the first frame part 101, around the second frame part 102 forming a bracket, and the second stop face 22 is arranged around the aperture 322 of the second jaw element 32.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first stop face 21 of the fastening frame 10, particularly of the first frame part 101, and the second stop face 22 of the second jaw element 32, are provided with mutually matching and gripping friction surfaces, gear surfaces or the like. Now it is preferable that the second (or alternatively first) stop face 22 includes a gear ring, provided with radially arranged straight grooves 221 and protrusions 222. Respectively the first (or alternatively second) stop face 21 includes preferably a number, such as three, of elongate radial pins 211 (or alternatively grooves) that match with the gear ring grooves 221 (or pins) of the first stop face. When the tightening of the compression element 6; 61, 62 is loosened, the stop faces 21, 22 are made to disengage, in which case the jaws 3; 31, 32 can be turned with respect to the fastening frame 10, and simultaneously with respect to the accessory bar S attached thereto, and at the same time the position of the accessory arranged in the gap 4 in between the jaws, particularly a support bar T, can be turned with respect to the axis C-C. When the jaws 3; 31, 32 are pressed together by the compression elements 6; 61, 62, i.e. when the compression elements 6; 61, 62 are tightened, the stop faces 21, 22 are clamped and locked together, and the jaws 3; 31, 32 cannot be turned with respect to the fastening frame 10.

[0024] In connection with the compression element 6; 61, 62, there is arranged a spring, advantageously a coil spring 8. This is advantageously arranged around a screw element 61, particularly a screw 60b, and a second frame part 102 in a spring recess 81, which is arranged to extend to both jaw elements 31, 32. The coil spring 8 is arranged to push the jaw elements 31, 32 apart at the same time when the compression element 6; 61, 62 binds the jaw elements 31, 32 together.

[0025] The first jaw element 31 is provided with a recess 31b, located particularly in connection with the first end A of the jaw elements and in connection with the compression elements 6; 61, 62. Respectively, the second jaw element 32 is provided with a bracket 32b, located particularly at the first end A of the jaw elements, and in connection with the compression elements 6; 61, 62. The bracket 32b of the second jaw element 32 is fitted in the recess 31b of the first jaw element 31 so that the jaw elements 31, 32 can move with respect to each other, particularly when the compression element 6; 61, 62 is being used. The recess 31b of the first jaw element and the bracket 32b of the second jaw element are preferably realized by molding the jaw element frames at the first end A of the jaw elements. Alternatively, the recess 31b and the bracket 32b are located in the second 32 and respectively first jaw element 31. The jaw elements 31, 32 are supported against each other by intermediation of the recess 31b and the bracket 32b, and maintain thereby their mutual positions, and consequently cannot be turned with respect to each other.

[0026] As an alternative, the compression element 6 can be realized by other means than the above described screw and nut combination 61, 62 but these other alternatives do not belong to embodiments of the present invention.

[0027] The essential feature with the compression element 6 is that it comprises means by which the jaw elements 31, 32 are interconnected at their first end A, and means by which the jaw elements can be suitably pressed together and locked in a compressed position, and in reverse respectively released from the compressed position, so that the compression of the jaw elements is loosened. Now the compression element 6 can be realized for example as a structure with a pin proceeding through the jaw elements 31, 32 and a turnable compressor (shaft, eccentric etc.) attached at the jaw elements at the protruding end thereof, to which compressor there is connected a drive unit, such as an auxiliary shaft, by which the compressor is manipulated, so that the jaw elements are pressed together or released from compression.

[0028] The space 5 arranged in the gap 4 is preferably realized by recesses 51, 52 arranged at matching points in both jaw elements 31, 32, particularly in their facing surfaces 31a, 32a. In shape, these recesses are advantageously identical, and mirror images with respect to the surfaces 31a, 32a of the jaw elements.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the support surfaces and borderlines of the recesses 51, 52 of the space 5 are advantageously V-shaped or resembling the shape of the letter V. Thus both recess 51, 52 are formed as V-shaped grooves, the sides, i.e. support surfaces, of which are essentially straight and positioned at an angle with respect to each other. In addition, the bottom of both recesses 51, 52 is preferably rounded. Now the accessory and particularly its support element T is clamped and locked in place in the space 5 by finding two fastening points in the support surfaces of both recess 51, 52, particularly on the sides of the V-shaped groove, i.e. four fastening points altogether, in which case the fastening and locking between the support element T and the space 5 is carried out reliably and effectively. It is pointed out that the mutual fastening of the jaw elements 31, 32 is loose in purpose, in order to realize the support of said four fastening points. Thus the accessory to be fastened, particularly its auxiliary part T, finally determines the exact mutual positions of the jaw elements 31, 32.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the second clamping elements 2 of the clamp device also comprise an adjusting element 7 for adjusting the diameter h of the space 5, and at the same time for adjusting the maximum diameter describing the opening of the gap 4. The adjusting element 7 is arranged in between the jaws 3; 31, 32, particularly at the second end B of the jaw elements (or at least in the vicinity of the second end of the jaw elements) and at the same time on the second side of the space 5. The compression element 6 is arranged in between the jaws 3; 31, 32, at the first end A of the jaw elements, in the vicinity of the first ends thereof, and at the same time on the first side of the space 5. The diameter h of the space 5 is adjusted to be suitable according to the diameter of the support element T of the accessory to be installed, or according to a corresponding diameter, so that the support element T can be fitted in the space 5 with a small clearing. Thereafter the jaws 3, particularly the jaw elements 31, 32, are pressed together by the compression element 6, in which case the accessory and particularly its support element T is clamped and locked in place in the space 5 even by a slight compression force.

[0031] As was already stated above, the compression element 6, such as a screw element 61, is arranged in connection with both jaw elements 3; 31, 32, at the first end A thereof (or at least near the first end of the jaw elements), and at the same time on the first side of the space 4. Respectively, the adjusting element 7, such as an adjusting screw 70, is arranged in connection with both jaw elements 3; 31, 32, at the second end B thereof (or at least near the second end of the jaw elements), and at the same time on the second side of the space 4. The distance between the compression element 6 (particularly its imaginary center axis) and the space 4 (particularly the vertical axis passing through its imaginary center point), i.e. the first distance a, is longer than the distance between the adjusting element 7 (particularly its imaginary center axis) and the space 4 (particularly the vertical axis passing through its imaginary center point), i.e. the second distance b. The ratio a/b of the first and second distances is advantageously within the range 1.5-3.0, preferably of the order 2.5, but it may be even larger than this given maximum value.

[0032] In the above described arrangement, the adjusting element 7 is placed a great deal nearer to the space 4 and to the object that is supposed to be fastened thereto, such as accessory support element T, than the compression element 6, by which the clamping strength proper of the jaws is generated. The force directed to the object to be fastened is the sum of the vertical forces generated by the adjusting element 7 and the compression element 6 against the jaw elements. Because the compression element 6 is located further away from the space 4, and from the object T to be fastened in the space, there is created a larger tightening torque than with a structure where for example the compression element 6 and the adjusting element 7 are placed at the same distance from the space 4 and from the object T to be fastened in the space.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the adjusting element 7 is an adjusting screw 70 which is arranged in connection with both jaw elements, at the second end B of the jaw elements 31, 32, or at least near the second end B of the jaw elements 3; 31,32. Both jaw elements 31, 32 are provided with a hole 71, 72 for the adjusting screw 70. The first 71 of the holes is provided with threadings, in which the threaded part 70a of the adjusting screw 70 fits. In diameter, the second of the holes 72 is larger than the adjusting screw 70, so that the adjusting screw has free access to move in the hole. In diameter, the head part 70b of the adjusting screw 70 is larger than the second hole 72. Now the adjusting screw 70 is supported, at the head part 70b, against the area surrounding the second hole 72, when the adjusting screw is used for adjusting the diameter of the gap 4 and at the same time of the space 5, either for reducing or expanding said diameter.

[0034] The adjusting screw 70 is advantageously manually adjusted, in which case there is not needed any tool for adjusting the space 5; 51, 52. It is preferable that the diameter of the head part 70b of the adjusting screw is relatively large, for instance 10-15 mm, and provided with a coarsened surface at least on its outer circumference. Now there is achieved a good and solid grip for fingers at the head part 70b of the adjusting screw, and the adjusting operation itself is made easy.

[0035] As an alternative, the adjusting element 7 can be realized by some other types of means than the above described adjusting screw 70. The essential thing about the adjusting element 7 is that it comprises means by which the jaw elements 31, 32 can be interconnected at their second ends B, and means by which the distance between the jaw elements 31, 32, and at the same time the diameters of the gap 4 and the space 5 can be set as desired (i.e. adjusted) and locked at this selected distance, and also at the selected diameter of the space, and conversely, respectively released from the locking at the selected distance/diameter and readjusted.

[0036] The drive unit 9 of the compression element 6, particularly the screw and nut element 61, 62, is realized as a straight bar, a torsion bar 91. This bar 91 is arranged movably in the longitudinal direction in the hole 92, which is arranged to pass transversally with respect to the longitudinal and rotation axis C-C of the screw element 61, advantageously at right angles thereto, through the head part 60a of the screw element 61. The ends of the bar 91 are advantageously provided with balls 91a, 91b or with corresponding stop elements that allow the bar to slide in the hole between the stop elements, but prevent the bar 91 from sliding out of the hole 92.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the diameter of the hole 92 of the screw element is larger than the diameter of the bar 91. In addition, the hole 92 of the screw element is provided with a spring 93, so that the spring force affects transversally in the bar passing through the hole 92. The bar 91 is free to move lengthwise in the hole 92, but so that the spring 93 allows a slight transverse movement within a suitable trajectory.

[0038] The invention is not restricted to the above described embodiment only, but many modifications are possibly within the scope of the inventive idea defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A clamp device for detachably fastening an accessory support element (T) to hospital furniture, for instance to an operating table or the like, said clamp device comprising first and second clamping elements (1, 2) that are interconnected, , said clamp device being suitable to be detachably fastened to an accessory rail (20) or the like of hospital furniture, such as an operating table, by means of first clamping elements (1), and an accessory support element being suitable to be detachably fastened to the clamp device by means of second clamping elements (2), wherein

- the first clamping elements (1) comprise a fastening frame (10) provided with a channel (11) that is C-shaped in cross-section, wherein the channel is suitable for installing the accessory rail (20) or the like of hospital furniture, such as an operating table; the first clamping elements (1) further comprising locking means (22) provided in connection with the fastening frame (10) and the channel (11) for fastening and locking the frame and at the same time detachably fastening the clamp device to the accessory rail,

- the second clamping elements (2) comprise jaws (3), wherein in between the jaw elements (31, 32) of said jaws, there is a gap (4); the second clamping elements (2) further comprising a space (5) for the accessory support element (T) provided in the gap (4) ; the second clamping elements (2) further comprising a compression element (6) for pressing the jaws (3; 31, 32) together and opening them for respectively fastening and detaching the accessory support element (T);

- wherein the second clamping elements (2) further comprise an adjusting element (7) for adjusting the diameter (h) of the space (5), wherein said adjusting element (7) is arranged in the jaws (3; 31, 32) at a second end (B) of the jaw elements, and on a second side of the space (5), whereas the compression element (6) is arranged in the jaws (3; 31, 32) at a first end (A) of the jaw elements and on a first side of the space (5),

characterized in that the compression element (6) is realized as a screw and nut element and the first clamping elements (1) further comprise a first and second frame part (10; 101, 102), wherein said second frame part (102) is arranged as the nut element (62) of the compression element (6).

2. A clamp device according to claim 1, characterized in that the distance between the compression element (6) and the space (4), i.e. the first distance (a) is longer than the distance between the adjusting element (7) and the space (4), i.e. the second distance (b), and that the ratio (a/b) of the first and second distances is advantageously within the range 1.5-3.0, preferably of the order 2.5.

3. A clamp device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the space (5) is realized by recesses (51, 52) arranged at respective points in both jaw elements (31, 32) and that both recesses (51, 52) are advantageously formed of V-shaped grooves with a bottom that is preferably rounded.

4. A clamp device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the compression element (6) is realized as a screw and nut element, which comprises a screw element (61) and a nut element (62), said screw element being arranged to pass through both jaw elements (3; 31, 32) at the first end (A) of the jaw elements.

5. A clamp device according to claim 4, characterized in that in connection with the compression element (6), there is arranged a spring, advantageously a coil spring (8), which is fitted in a spring recess (81) arranged to extend to both jaw elements (31, 32).

6. A clamp device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the drive unit (9) of the compression element is realized as a straight bar (91) that is fitted in the hole (92), movably in the longitudinal direction, and arranged to pass through the head part (60a) of the screw element (6; 60), transversally with respect to the rotation axis (C-C).

7. A clamp device according to claim 6, characterized in that the diameter of the hole (92) of the screw element (6; 60) is larger than the diameter of the torsion bar (91), and that the hole (92) is provided with a spring (93), so that the torsion bar is free to move elastically in the hole, also in the transverse trajectory.

8. A clamp device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjusting element (7) is an adjusting screw (70), which is arranged in connection with both jaw elements (3; 31, 32) at the second end (B) of the jaw.

9. A clamp device according to claim 8, characterized in that both jaw elements (31, 32) are provided with a hole (71, 72) for the adjusting screw (70), the first (71) of said holes having threadings, with which the threading of the adjusting screw matches; and that the diameter of the second hole (72) is larger than the diameter of the adjusting screw (70).

10. A clamp device according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking means (12) included in the first clamping elements (1) are realized by means of a fixing screw (121) arranged in connection with the channel (11), so that the fastening frame (10), particularly the first frame part (101), is provided, at the first edge (11a) of the channel (11), with a threaded hole (122), in which the fixing screw (121) can be fitted, and respectively the second opposite edge (11b) of the channel (11) is provided with a bracket (13), by means of which a wedge-shaped groove (14) is configured in the channel.

11. A clamp device according to claim 11, characterized in that the free end of the bracket (23) is provided with a threshold (23a), and that the side of said threshold that is located on the side of the groove (24) forms an angle with the side of the wedge-shaped groove that is located on the side of the bracket.

12. A clamp device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the first frame part (101) of the fastening frame (10), particularly the first stop face (21) provided therein, is arranged to rest against the second jaw element (32), particularly against the second stop face (22) provided therein, and that the first stop face (21) and respectively the second stop face (22) are provided with mutually matching friction surfaces or the like.

13. A clamp device according to claim 12, characterized in that both stop faces (21, 22) are annular surfaces, of which the first stop face (21) is arranged around the second frame part (102) forming a bracket in the first frame part (101), and the second stop face (22) is arranged around the aperture (322) provided in the second jaw element (32).

14. A clamp device according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the second stop face (22) includes a gear ring, provided with radially arranged straight grooves (221) and protrusions (222), and respectively the first stop face (21) includes preferably a number, such as three, of elongate radial pins (211, 212, 213) or grooves that match with the gear ring.

Ansprüche

1. Klemmvorrichtung zum lösbaren Befestigen eines Zubehörträgerelements (T) an Krankenhausmobiliar, beispielsweise an einem Operationstisch oder Ähnlichem, wobei die Klemmvorrichtung erste und zweite Klemmelemente (1, 2) umfasst, die miteinander verbunden sind, wobei die Klemmvorrichtung dafür geeignet ist, an einer Zubehörschiene (20) oder Ähnlichem von Krankenhausmobiliar wie einem Operationstisch mittels erster Klemmelemente (1) lösbar befestigt zu werden, sowie einem Zubehörträgerelement, das dafür geeignet ist, an der Klemmvorrichtung mittels zweiter Klemmelemente (2) lösbar befestigt zu werden, wobei

- die ersten Klemmelemente (1) eine Befestigungsfassung (10) umfassen, die mit einem Kanal (11) versehen ist, der im Querschnitt C-förmig ist, wobei der Kanal zum Montieren der Zubehörschiene (20) oder von Ähnlichem von Krankenhausmobiliar wie einem Operationstisch geeignet ist; wobei die ersten Klemmelemente (1) ferner Arretiermittel (22) umfassen, die in Verbindung mit der Befestigungsfassung (10) und dem Kanal (11) zum Befestigen und Arretieren der Fassung und gleichzeitigen lösbaren Befestigen der Klemmvorrichtung an der Zubehörschiene vorgesehen sind,

- die zweiten Klemmelemente (2) Backen (3) umfassen, wobei sich zwischen den Backenelementen (31, 32) der Backen eine Lücke (4) befindet; wobei die zweiten Klemmelemente (2) ferner einen Zwischenraum (5) für das Zubehörträgerelement (T) umfassen, der in der Lücke (4) vorgesehen ist; wobei die zweiten Klemmelemente (2) ferner ein Druckelement (6) zum Zusammendrücken und Öffnen der Backen (3; 31, 32) zum Befestigen beziehungsweise Lösen des Zubehörträgerelements (T) umfassen;

- wobei die zweiten Klemmelemente (2) ferner ein Einstellelement (7) zum Einstellen des Durchmessers (h) des Zwischenraums (5) umfassen, wobei das Einstellelement (7) in den Backen (3; 31, 32) an einem zweiten Ende (B) der Backenelemente und auf einer zweiten Seite des Zwischenraums (5) angeordnet ist, während das Druckelement (6) in den Backen (3; 31, 32) an einem ersten Ende (A) der Backenelemente und auf einer ersten Seite des Zwischenraums (5) angeordnet ist,

dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Druckelement (6) als Schraube und Mutternelement ausgeführt ist und die ersten Klemmelemente (1) ferner einen ersten und zweiten Fassungsteil (10; 101, 102) umfassen, wobei der zweite Fassungsteil (102) als das Mutternelement (62) des Druckelements (6) angeordnet ist.

2. Klemmvorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Abstand zwischen dem Druckelement (6) und dem Zwischenraum (4), d.h. der erste Abstand (a), länger ist als der Abstand zwischen dem Einstellelement (7) und dem Zwischenraum (4), d.h. der zweite Abstand (b), und dass das Verhältnis (a/b) aus dem ersten und zweiten Abstand vorteilhafterweise innerhalb des Bereichs 1,5 bis 3,0 liegt, vorzugsweise in der Größenordnung 2,5.

3. Klemmvorrichtung nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Zwischenraum (5) durch Aussparungen (51, 52) umgesetzt ist, die an jeweiligen Punkten in beiden Backenelementen (31, 32) angeordnet sind, und dass beide Aussparungen (51, 52) vorteilhafterweise aus V-förmigen Rillen mit einem Grund gebildet sind, der vorzugsweise abgerundet ist.

4. Klemmvorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Druckelement (6) als Schraube- und Mutternelement ausgeführt ist, das ein Schraubenelement (61) und ein Mutternelement (62) umfasst, wobei das Schraubenelement so angeordnet ist, dass es durch beide Backenelemente (3; 31, 32) am ersten Ende (A) der Backenelemente verläuft.

5. Klemmvorrichtung nach Anspruch 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass in Verbindung mit dem Druckelement (6) eine Feder, vorteilhafterweise eine Spiralfeder (8) angeordnet ist, die in einer Federaussparung (81) eingepasst ist, die so angeordnet ist, dass sie zu beiden Backenelementen (31, 32) verläuft.

6. Klemmvorrichtung nach Anspruch 4 oder 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Antriebseinheit (9) des Druckelements als gerade Stange (91) ausgeführt ist, die in der Längsrichtung bewegbar in das Loch (92) eingepasst ist und so angeordnet ist, dass sie durch den Kopfteil (60a) des Schraubenelements (6; 60) hindurch bezogen auf die Drehachse (C-C) quer verläuft.

7. Klemmvorrichtung nach Anspruch 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Durchmesser des Lochs (92) des Schraubenelements (6; 60) größer ist als der Durchmesser der Drehstange (91), und dass das Loch (92) mit einer Feder (93) versehen ist, sodass sich die Drehstange frei elastisch in dem Loch bewegen kann, auch auf dem Querweg.

8. Klemmvorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Einstellelement (7) eine Einstellschraube (70) ist, die in Verbindung mit beiden Backenelementen (3; 31, 32) am zweiten Ende (B) der Backe angeordnet ist.

9. Klemmvorrichtung nach Anspruch 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass beide Backenelemente (31, 32) mit einem Loch (71, 72) für die Einstellschraube (70) versehen sind, wobei das erste (71) der Löcher ein Gewinde aufweist, zu dem das Gewinde der Einstellschraube passt; und dass der Durchmesser des zweiten Lochs (72) größer ist als der Durchmesser der Einstellschraube (70).

10. Klemmvorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Arretiermittel (12), die in den ersten Klemmelementen (1) eingeschlossen sind, mit einer Fixierschraube (121) ausgeführt sind, die in Verbindung mit dem Kanal (11) angeordnet ist, sodass die Befestigungsfassung (10), insbesondere der erste Fassungsteil (101), am ersten Rand (11a) des Kanals (11), mit einer Gewindebohrung (122) versehen ist, in die die Fixierschraube (121) eingedreht werden kann, und entsprechend der zweite gegenüberliegende Rand (11b) des Kanals (11) mit einer Halterung (13) versehen ist, mit der in dem Kanal eine keilförmige Rille (14) gestaltet ist.

11. Klemmvorrichtung nach Anspruch 11, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das freie Ende der Halterung (23) mit einer Erhebung (23a) versehen ist, und dass die Seite der Erhebung, die sich auf der Seite der Rille (24) befindet, einen Winkel mit der Seite der keilförmigen Rille bildet, die sich auf der Seite der Halterung befindet.

12. Klemmvorrichtung nach Anspruch 10 oder 11, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der erste Fassungsteil (101) der Befestigungsfassung (10), insbesondere die darin vorgesehene erste Anschlagfläche (21), so angeordnet ist, dass sie an dem zweiten Backenelement (32), insbesondere an der darin vorgesehenen zweiten Anschlagfläche (22) anliegt, und dass die erste Anschlagfläche (21) beziehungsweise die zweite Anschlagfläche (22) mit zueinander passenden Reibflächen oder Ähnlichem versehen ist.

13. Klemmvorrichtung nach Anspruch 12, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass beide Anschlagflächen (21, 22) ringförmige Flächen sind, von denen die erste Anschlagfläche (21) um den zweiten Fassungsteil (102) herum angeordnet ist, der eine Halterung im ersten Fassungsteil (101) bildet, und die zweite Anschlagfläche (22) um die Öffnung (322) herum angeordnet ist, die in dem zweiten Backenelement (32) vorgesehen ist.

14. Klemmvorrichtung nach Anspruch 12 oder 13, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die zweite Anschlagfläche (22) einen Zahnring aufweist, der mit radial angeordneten geraden Rillen (221) und Vorsprüngen (222) versehen ist, und entsprechend die erste Anschlagfläche (21) vorzugsweise mehrere, beispielsweise drei, längliche radiale Stifte (211, 212, 213) oder Rillen aufweist, die auf den Zahnring abgestimmt sind.

Revendications

1. Dispositif de serrage pour la fixation détachable d'un élément support d'accessoire (T) sur un meuble d'hôpital, par exemple sur une table d'opération ou similaire, ledit dispositif de serrage comprenant des premiers et seconds éléments de serrage (1, 2) qui sont interconnectés, ledit dispositif de serrage étant apte à être fixé de manière détachable sur un rail d'accessoire (20) ou similaire de meuble d'hôpital, comme une table d'opération, au moyen de premiers éléments de serrage (1), et un élément support d'accessoire étant apte à être fixé de manière détachable au dispositif de serrage au moyen de seconds éléments de serrage (2),

- les premiers éléments de serrage (1) comprenant un cadre de fixation (10) pourvu d'un canal (11) qui est en forme de C dans sa section transversale, le canal étant adapté pour l'installation du rail d'accessoire (20) ou similaire de meuble d'hôpital, comme une table d'opération ; les premiers éléments de serrage (1) comprenant en outre un moyen de verrouillage (22) prévu en connexion avec le cadre de fixation (10) et le canal (11) pour fixer et verrouiller le cadre et en même temps fixer de manière détachable le dispositif de serrage sur le rail d'accessoire,

- les seconds éléments de serrage (2) comprenant des mâchoires (3), sachant que, entre les éléments de mâchoire (31,32) desdites mâchoires, il y a un intervalle (4) ; les seconds éléments de serrage (2) comprenant en outre un espace (5) pour l'élément support d'accessoire (T) prévu dans l'intervalle (4) ; les seconds éléments de serrage (2) comprenant en outre un élément de compression (6) pour compresser les mâchoires (3 ; 31,32) ensemble et les ouvrir pour fixer et détacher respectivement l'élément support d'accessoire (T) ;

- les seconds éléments de serrage (2) comprenant en outre un élément d'ajustement (7) pour ajuster le diamètre (h) de l'espace (5), ledit élément d'ajustement (7) étant disposé dans les mâchoires (3 ; 31,32) à une seconde extrémité (B) des éléments de mâchoire et sur un second côté de l'espace (5), tandis que l'élément de compression (6) est disposé dans les mâchoires (3 ; 31,32)) à une première extrémité (A) des éléments de mâchoire et sur un premier côté de l'espace (5),

caractérisé en ce que l'élément de compression (6) est réalisé sous la forme d'un élément à vis et écrou et que les premiers éléments de serrage (1) comprennent en outre une première et une seconde pièces de cadre (10 ; 101,102), ladite seconde pièce de cadre (102) étant disposée sous forme d'élément écrou (62) de l'élément de compression (6).

2. Dispositif de serrage selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la distance entre l'élément de compression (6) et l'espace (4), c'est-à-dire la première distance (a), est plus longue que la distance entre l'élément d'ajustement (7) et l'espace (4), c'est-à-dire la seconde distance (b), et que le rapport (a/b) entre les première et seconde distances se situe avantageusement dans la plage de 1,5 à 3,0, de préférence à environ 2,5.

3. Dispositif de serrage selon la revendication 1 ou 2, caractérisé en ce que l'espace (5) est constitué par des retraits (51,52) pratiqués à des points respectifs dans les deux éléments de mâchoire (31,32) et que les deux retraits (51,52) sont avantageusement formés de gorges en forme de V avec un fond qui est de préférence arrondi.

4. Dispositif de serrage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que l'élément de compression (6) est réalisé sous forme d'un élément à vis et écrou qui comprend un élément vis (61) et un élément écrou (62), ledit élément vis étant conçu pour passer à travers les deux éléments de mâchoire (3 ; 31,32) à la première extrémité (A) des éléments de mâchoire.

5. Dispositif de serrage selon la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce que, en connexion avec l'élément de compression (6), il est prévu un ressort, avantageusement un ressort hélicoïdal (8), qui est ajusté dans un retrait de ressort (81) conçu pour s'étendre jusqu'au deux éléments de mâchoire (31,32).

6. Dispositif de serrage selon la revendication 4 ou 5, caractérisé en ce que l'unité d'entraînement (9) de l'élément de compression est réalisée sous forme d'une barre droite (91) qui est ajustée dans le trou (92) de manière à être mobile dans le sens longitudinal et conçue pour passer à travers la partie sommitale (60a) de l'élément vis (6 ; 60) transversalement par rapport à l'axe de rotation (C-C).

7. Dispositif de serrage selon la revendication 6, caractérisé en ce que le diamètre du trou (92) de l'élément vis (6 ; 60) est supérieur au diamètre de la barre de torsion (91), et que le trou (92) est pourvu d'un ressort (93), de sorte que la barre de torsion est libre de bouger élastiquement dans le trou, donc dans la trajectoire transversale.

8. Dispositif de serrage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que l'élément d'ajustement (7) est une vis d'ajustement (70) qui est disposée en connexion avec les deux éléments de mâchoire (3 ; 31,32) à la seconde extrémité (B) de la mâchoire.

9. Dispositif de serrage selon la revendication 8, caractérisé en ce que les deux éléments de mâchoire (3 ; 31,32) sont pourvus d'un trou (71,72) pour la vis d'ajustement (70), le premier (71) desdits trous comportant des filetages auxquels le filetage de la vis d'ajustement correspond ; et que le diamètre du second trou (72) est supérieur au diamètre de la vis d'ajustement (70).

10. Dispositif de serrage selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que les moyens de verrouillage (12) inclus dans les premiers éléments de serrage (1) sont réalisés au moyen d'une vis de fixation (121) disposée en connexion avec le canal (11), de sorte que le cadre de fixation (10), particulièrement la première pièce de cadre (101), est pourvu, au premier bord (11a) du canal (11), d'un trou fileté (122) dans lequel la vis de fixation (121) peut être ajustée, et que le second bord opposé (11b) du canal est pourvu respectivement d'un support (13) au moyen duquel une gorge de forme cunéiforme (14) est configurée dans le canal.

11. Dispositif de serrage selon la revendication 11, caractérisé en ce que l'extrémité libre du support (23) est pourvue d'un seuil (23a) et que le côté dudit seuil qui se trouve sur le côté de la gorge (24) forme un angle avec le côté de la gorge de forme cunéiforme qui se trouve sur le côté du support.

12. Dispositif de serrage selon la revendication 10 ou 11, caractérisé en ce que la première pièce de cadre (101) du cadre de fixation (10), particulièrement la première face d'arrêt (21) prévue dedans, est conçue pour reposer contre le second élément de mâchoire (32), particulièrement contre la seconde surface d'arrêt (22) prévue dedans, et que la première face d'arrêt (21) et respectivement la seconde face d'arrêt (22) sont pourvues de surfaces de friction se correspondant mutuellement ou similaires.

13. Dispositif de serrage selon la revendication 12, caractérisé en ce que les deux faces d'arrêt (21,22) sont des surfaces annulaires dont la première face d'arrêt (21) est disposée autour de la seconde pièce de cadre (102) en formant un support dans la première pièce de cadre (101), et que la seconde face d'arrêt (22) est disposée autour de l'ouverture (322) pratiquée dans le second élément de mâchoire (32).

14. Dispositif de serrage selon la revendication 12 ou 13, caractérisé en ce que la seconde face d'arrêt (22) comporte une couronne dentée pourvue de gorges droites (221) et de saillies (222) disposées radialement et que la première face d'arrêt (21) comporte respectivement de préférence un certain nombre, tel que trois, de broches radiales allongées (211,212,213) qui correspondent à la couronne dentée.

Drawing