DE102010017748B4 - Drive for a bath lift - Google Patents

Abstract

Drive for a bath lift with seating area, - a drive unit (57), - a manual control, - a housing (55, 56),
- At least two telescoping tubular elements (54, 63) which are connected to the seating area such that by the relative movement of the tubular elements (54, 63) to each other, the seating is moved up and down, with a regenerative brake, suitable for stopping the Drive in the event of a power failure, characterized in that the outer tube element (54) has a at an inner shoulder (69) and a groove (76) fixed seal and the seal a sealing ring (75), at least one plastic ring (74) and a Locking clip (77) includes.

Description

The invention relates to a drive according to the preamble of claim 1.

State of the art

In this context, on the DE 35 04 972 A1 which discloses an invalid lifting device in which an electric motor-transmission device is used with batteries. In the event of a power failure, a regenerative brake is provided. A similar or partially identical device is also in each case in the DE 690 07 024 T2 , the DE 88 06 094 U1 and the DE 92 12 601 U 1 discloses.

From the DE 20 2005 018 433 U1 For example, an electric linear drive for adjustable patient tables, hospital or nursing beds is known. This drive comprises a housing consisting of at least two shells, wherein the connecting edges are formed for a mutual engagement and for receiving a seal and wherein the shells are held together with one or more fastening means, wherein in the shells a reversible electric motor is mounted, the via a gear drives a spindle with a spindle nut, which is connected to a tubular actuating rod which is axially displaced with the spindle movement and guided in a guide. This is a normal linear actuator, however, which is not very suitable for use in connection with a liquid medium, in particular water.

In the DE 101 22 578 A1 and the DE 10 2005 038 002 A1 Bathtub lifters are shown, which serve to lift and deflate people in bathtubs. This is also the subject of the present invention, but is not intended to be so limited. However, it is just in the DE 10 2005 038 002 A1 shown very clearly the connection between the actual support means and the drive, which is why reference is made to this document and in particular in the present case, a closer description of the connection between the drive device and support means is omitted.

Another disadvantage of the bathtub lifter in general is that there is a risk when the bathtub lifter is used and the backrest is loaded, it can lead to collapse of the bathtub lifter when parts of the drive fail. This may result in injury to the user of this bath lift

task

Object of the present invention is to provide a drive which has a total of a cost-effective design and otherwise works efficiently, safely and trouble-free.

Solution of the task

To achieve the object, the features of claim 1.

Spindle, torque tube and protective tube extend telescopically into each other and together significantly improve the stability of the drive. The chosen seal between the individual parts ensures that liquid medium can penetrate into the drive device only to a very limited extent, so that in particular the drive parts and the electric motor are protected against the penetration of the liquid medium, in particular water. To the extent inevitably enters liquid medium, it is ensured that this can easily drain from the device again. Just for the latter purpose, a guide ring between the torque tube and protective tube is provided which is provided with free holes. Should water penetrate into the area between the thrust tube and the protective tube, it can drain away again through the free bores without pressure being able to build up between the two components during the linear displacement of the thrust tube in relation to the thermowell. Instead of free bores, axially parallel channels can also be molded into the inner wall of the guide ring.

Preferably, the guide ring is provided in the mouth region of the protective tube, so that here the torque tube is supported in a favorable manner.

The open end of the torque tube itself should be locked with a bearing pin, which is preferably additionally supported by a ring seal against the torque tube. This journal also has a transverse bore which serves to receive a connecting bolt for connecting the drive device to the carrying device.

The actual movement of the push tube is effected by a nut which rests on the spindle. An internal thread of the nut meshes with the spindle so that the nut runs along the spindle as the spindle rotates.

This nut is used on the one hand with an annular sleeve in the torque tube, where there is again provided a ring seal. On the other hand, the mother braces over other seals against the torque tube, so they definitely prevents penetration of liquid medium in the subsequent drive means and in particular to the electric motor out. So that nevertheless a uniform and undisturbed running of the nut is ensured in the protective tube, is located between two ring seals the nut a Dauerschmiereinrichtung.

The drive of the spindle is preferably effected by an electric motor, which is connected to a pinion on its output shaft in engagement with a gear, which in turn is placed on the spindle.

In the present embodiment, the main drive parts are encapsulated by a housing which consists of two parts. These are sealed together. Furthermore, these housing parts or the housing corresponding mounting options for the support device.

Another feature of the present invention relates to the safety of the lift, and in particular the mechanics of the drive. By an advantageous embodiment of the main nut with at least one additional securing element or the like due to wear or the like can in case of failure of the internal toothing of the mother. be prevented that the torque tube enters the protective tube under load. Because the fuse element wedged in such a case with the thread of the spindle.

In an advantageous embodiment of the securing mechanism, the nut has a recess into which the securing element can be inserted. The recess may be a wedge-shaped recess which extends in the longitudinal or in the transverse direction of the annular sleeve. It is only important in the recess that the locking element located therein can wedge with the thread of the spindle or lock with the same, if the internal teeth of the nut no longer be in engagement with the thread of the spindle of the drive or not sufficient engagement with it Should have power transmission.

In an advantageous embodiment of the securing mechanism, the recess is substantially annular or wedge-shaped. However, other Ausnehmungsformen are conceivable. It is essential here that the interaction between the securing element and the drive shaft ensures that a wedging or setting of the securing element with the thread of the drive shaft is possible.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the securing mechanism, the securing element is a lock nut which is in engagement with the thread of the drive shaft / spindle with its thread. However, it is also conceivable that this is a safety wedge, which has a thread toothing on one side, which is comb-like in one-sided engagement with the thread of the spindle.

In an advantageous embodiment of the securing mechanism, the securing element is a securing nut, which is positively connected to the nut. But the connection between nut and lock nut can also be a frictional connection. It is only important that the lock nut is connected to the mother so that when reaching an end position or, in particular when the torque tube is completely retracted into the protective tube, a separation of the mother is possible by a lock nut, so that the lock nut another shift the mother or the lock nut along the spindle can block.

An inventive drive for a bath tub lift with seating area has a control. This control is connected via a cable to the drive. Another power source is not necessary. The advantage here is the fact that no unnecessary cables are available, which must provide the drive with power. Any necessary energy is fed from the hand control. An advantageous embodiment of the drive has next to a housing. This housing is preferably made of metal or plastic and waterproof. The advantage here is that the housing protects the drive unit from water.

Another preferred embodiment has at least two telescoping tubular elements, which are connected to the seating area in such a way that the seating area can be moved up and down by the relative movement of the tubular elements relative to one another. Here, the inner tube element is moved relative to the outer tube element, the outer tube element is silent. Due to the telescoping arrangement of the two pipe elements is advantageously achieved that with minimal space requirement for telescoped pipe elements a maximum span is achieved with pushed apart pipe elements.

A preferred embodiment also has a drive unit. This drive unit causes the inner tube element can be pushed or pulled relative to the outer tube element. This is usually an electric motor. The electric motor is driven by the battery located in the manual control. The advantage here is that a relatively small space for the drive unit must be provided.

Another preferred embodiment has for stopping the drive unit in the case of a supply of electrical energy to a regenerative brake, which determines the drive. In such a regenerative brake, the drive motor is used as a generator during braking. The advantage here is that a very low wear occurs and the regenerative brake is located directly in the drive unit.

In an embodiment of the invention, the outer tubular element has an inner shoulder with a smaller diameter. This is preferably present in the lower region of the outer tubular element. This inner paragraph serves to define a seal. The advantage here is that for fixing a seal from the prior art only much more complex procedures are known. In the present embodiment, it only requires the removal of an inner radius of the outer tubular element through a conventional bore. Consequently, an advantage is that the means required to define a seal can be achieved inexpensively.

A seal has a sealing ring. This sealing ring according to the invention prevents that in the telescopic movement of the two pipe elements water can penetrate into the drive. In addition, a preferred embodiment has a fixing clip. This fixing clip is usually made of plastic. By fixing clip a facilitated installation of the seal is achieved in the outer tubular element.

In one embodiment of the invention, a plastic ring is first inserted into the outer tubular element. Then the sealing ring is inserted. This sealing ring is a commercially available version of normal rubber seals. Subsequently, another plastic ring is inserted, which is to define the sealing ring on. Finally, the fixing clip is pushed into the outer tubular element until the first plastic ring is pressed against the inner shoulder and an integrally formed ring of the retaining clip is clipped into a molded groove in the interior of the outer tubular element.

Another preferred embodiment has a head piece on the outer tube element. This headpiece is the conclusion of the outer tubular element upwards to the drive unit. This advantageously creates another barrier for possible penetration of the water.

A preferred embodiment has a profile in the interior of the head piece. This profile serves to fix the inner tube element in a certain position when the inner tube element has been received substantially in the outer tube element. The advantage here is that when completely pulling the two tube elements, the tail of the inner tube member is rotated to a desired position and thus snagging of the tail is prevented at other parts of the bath lift.

A further embodiment has, on the inner tube element, a mushroom-shaped counterpart which is suitable for sliding into the profile of the head piece of the outer tube element. The mushroom shape of the counterpart allows the smoothest possible sliding of counterpart and head piece. The advantage is then that in addition to the fact that the inner tube member is held in a desired position, a wedging is prevented.

list of figures

• 1 die beiden Hälften eines Längsschnitts der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zum Bewegen von Personen in und/oder aus einem flüssigen Medium;
• 2 einen vergrößert dargestellten Ausschnitt aus dem rechten Teil von 1 im Bereich eines Antriebs;
• 3 einen vergrößert dargestellten Ausschnitt aus dem rechten Teil von 1 im Bereich einer Ausmündung eines Schubrohrs aus einem Schutzrohr;
• 4 eine Draufsicht auf ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines Gehäuses als Teil der Vorrichtung gemäß 1;
• 5 eine Draufsicht auf ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel eines Gehäuses entsprechend 1;
• 6.1 eine Hälfte eines Längsschnittes durch einen Teilbereich der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung nach 1 mit einem Sicherungselement des Antriebs der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung im Normalzustand;
• 6.2 den Längsschnitt nach 6.1 bei Verschleiß des Innengewindes der Hauptmutter;
• 7.1 - 7.3 verschiedene Ansichten eines alternativen Sicherungselements;
• 8.1 - 8.3 eine weitere Ausführungsform eines Sicherungselements für den Antrieb der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung;
• 9 ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung;
• 10 eine geschnittene Ansicht eines Teils des Ausführungsbeispiels nach 9;
• 11 eine andere geschnittene Ansicht eines Teils des Ausführungsbeispiels nach 9;
• 12 eine Explosionsdarstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Antriebs;
• 13 eine vergrößerte Ansicht des Teils A aus 12;
• 14 eine vergrößerte Seitenansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Gegenstücks;
• 15 eine Ansicht von oben auf das Gegenstück aus 14.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments and from the drawing; this shows in

• 1 the two halves of a longitudinal section of the device according to the invention for moving persons in and / or from a liquid medium;
• 2 an enlarged detail of the right part of 1 in the area of a drive;
• 3 an enlarged detail of the right part of 1 in the region of a mouth of a push tube from a protective tube;
• 4 a plan view of an embodiment of a housing as part of the device according to 1 ;
• 5 a plan view of a further embodiment of a housing accordingly 1 ;
• 6 .1 a half of a longitudinal section through a portion of the device according to the invention 1 with a securing element of the drive of the device according to the invention in the normal state;
• 6 .2 the longitudinal section after 6 .1 wear of the internal thread of the main nut;
• 7 .1 - 7.3 different views of an alternative security element;
• 8th .1 - 8.3 another embodiment of a securing element for driving the device according to the invention;
• 9 a further embodiment of a device according to the invention;
• 10 a sectional view of a portion of the embodiment according to 9 ;
• 11 another sectional view of a portion of the embodiment according to 9 ;
• 12 an exploded view of a drive according to the invention;
• 13 an enlarged view of the part A from 12 ;
• 14 an enlarged side view of a counterpart according to the invention;
• 15 a view from above of the counterpart 14 ,

One in the 4 and 5 illustrated overall housing 26 exists according to 1 from two housing parts 1 and 2 , In the case 26 there is an engine 4 , in particular an electric motor. This electric motor 4 is through a corresponding connection via a connector 5 supplied with the necessary electrical energy.

On an output shaft 27 of the motor 4 sits a corresponding pinion 28 on that with a gear 6 engaged. The gear 6 turn is a drive spindle 3 mounted on both sides of the gear 6 each against a ball bearing 7.1 or. 7.2 supported.

Below the ball bearing 7.2 sits a stop ring 8.1 on which a mother 9 strikes. This mother 9 stands (see 6 .1) with its internal teeth 31 with the drive spindle 3 engaged and at least partially seated with an annular sleeve 29 in a push tube 11 which is the drive spindle 3 mostly embraces. This ring sleeve 29 is over a ring seal 21 opposite the torque tube 11 sealed.

The mother 9 supports, as in 2 shown over two ring seals 10.1 and 10.2 against a protective tube 12 which also for the most part the torque tube 11 embraces. It should between the two ring seals 10.1 and 10.2 still a Dauerschmiereinrichtung 20 be provided, which ensures that the mother 9 and with her the push tube 11 light in the protective tube 12 slides.

In the mouth area of the protective tube 12 is a guide ring 19 provided for guiding the torque tube 11 serves as this in 3 is shown. This guide ring 19 has free holes 23 on, ensure that liquid that has penetrated between the torque tube and the thermowell when linearly adjusting the torque tube relative to the thermowell can escape without resistance, so that no pressure builds up between the thermowell and the torque tube during movement. Here it is also conceivable that the guide ring 19 or its the torque tube 11 facing inner wall is formed star-shaped, so that here parallel axis drainage channels arise.

Into the open end of the push tube 11 is also a journal 13 inserted and by means of a ring seal 22 sealed. This journal 13 is from a hole 24 crossed, into which a fastening bolt 25 can be used to set on a support means not shown in detail.

In 3 is after the journal 13 another, the drive spindle 3 surrounding stop ring 8.2 provided, which can be configured in its diameter at the same time that it also serves to guide the torque tube.

The marginal edges of the two housing parts 1 and 2 are as sealing edges 18 formed, as they are flat on each other, so that a seal can be easily inserted.

The two housing parts 1 and 2 own holes 17 , the inclusion of housing screws for assembling the two housing parts 1 and 2 serve. Furthermore, on the housing 26 at least one fastening eye 15 provided with a Einhängebohrung for connection to the support means. According to 5 this can additionally a fastening strap 16 be provided.

In 6 .1 is an embodiment of the nut 9.1 shown with its internal teeth 31 in engagement with the thread 37 the spindle 3 stands. In the mother 9.1 is a recess in the upper section 35 provided in which a lock nut 30 is housed. The recess 35 extends transversely to the longitudinal direction of the nut 9.1 and passes through their one wall completely and the opposite wall only partially, wherein the lower edge region of the recess 35 is substantially inclined or wedge-shaped relative to the upper edge region.

In the event that the internal toothing 31 mother 9.1 is worn and no longer engaged with the thread 37 the spindle 3 can stand, as in 6 .2, the lock nut will become 30 with the thread of the spindle 3 wedge. In order to prevents the lock nut 30 an unrestrained move of the mother 9.1 opposite the spindle 3 and thus an insertion of the torque tube 11 in the protective tube 12 , Without this lock nut, the backrest connected to the device according to the invention would essentially travel unrestrained downward under load and fold down, since the push tube can then retract into the protective tube without resistance.

In the 7 .1 to 7.3 is an alternative security element 32 pictured with an alternative mother 9.2 cooperates to unrestricted retraction of the torque tube 11 in the protective tube 12 to prevent if the internal teeth of this nut 9.2 should be worn or not properly with the thread 37 the spindle 3 interacts.

For this purpose, the mother acts 9.2 with a safety wedge 32 together. In the mother 9.2 is a wedge-shaped chamber 36 formed, which extends in the longitudinal direction of the nut, in which the safety wedge 32 is used. The safety wedge 32 stands, like the mother 9.2 , with a rack 38 in engagement with the thread 37 the spindle 3 ,

In case of failure of interaction of internal teeth 31 mother 9.2 with the thread 37 the spindle 3 grips the rack 38 of the safety wedge 32 in the thread 37 the spindle 3 and prevents unrestrained retraction of the torque tube 11 in the protective tube 12 , Because the mother 9.2 pushes because of the wedge-shaped recess 36 the safety wedge 32 against the thread 37 the spindle 3 when the torque tube 11 in the protective tube 12 is pressed so that a safe retraction can take place, even if the mother 9.2 not engaged with the thread 37 the spindle 3 stands.

In 8th FIGS. 1 to 8.3 show a further embodiment of a securing mechanism for driving the device according to the invention. 8th .1 shows a mother 9.3 , the form-fitting over driver 39 with a lock nut 33 connected is. The locknut 33 can also be stuck with the mother 9.3 be connected, for example via an adhesive connection. Shown, however, is a positive connection, in the projections of the lock nut as a driver 39 in recesses of the mother 9.3 intervention.

8th .2 shows the mother 9.3 without internal toothing 31 or without effective intervention in the thread of the spindle 3 , Will in this case the spindle 3 driven or the spindle loaded in the direction of the protective tube, the lock nut runs 33 along the thread 37 the spindle 3 in the direction of ball bearings 7.1 , with the subsequent mother 9.3 when retracting the torque tube 11 in the protective tube 12 prevented until she, as in 8th .3 shown against a limit switch ring 40 strikes. The locknut 33 runs into this limit switch ring 40 a, separates from the mother 9.3 and finally hits the end face of the ball bearing 7.1 on. By the separation of mother 9.3 and locknut 33 will further drive the same and further retraction of the torque tube 11 in the protective tube 12 is prevented. The locknut 33 keep turning blank

In the 9 another embodiment is shown. There is first a housing 53 shown, in which in turn the drive 4 located. In this embodiment, the power transmission takes place via a worm gear. A worm wheel 42 is between two ball bearings 41 appropriate. Below the one ball bearing 41 is a collar bolt 43 to recognize. Besides, there is a mother 45 to recognize.

In an unspecified recess of the housing 53 is a protective tube 46 inserted. In this protective tube 46 there is a drive spindle 47 and a push tube 48 , There is also an attachment 49 shown. This is used to attach the device eg. With a support device for a person.

Next is in 10 a sectional view of a portion of the embodiment of 9 shown. The cutting line is in 9 With A-A ' characterized. There is good to see, as in the case 53 the collar bolt 43 and the mother 45 are stored. Last is also a bag 52 shown.

It is also in 11 another sectional view of part of 9 shown. The cutting line is in 9 With A-A ' characterized. However, in 11 only the case 53 and the protective tube located therein 46 to recognize which a Formwulst 51 formed.

In 12 an exploded view of a drive according to the invention is shown. The outer pipe element 54 is on the lower part of the housing 55 firmly attached. The lower housing part 55 forms together with an upper housing part 56 the housing. In the housing is a drive unit 57 firmly stored. This drive unit 57 will about the access 58 driven by a handpiece, not shown. In addition, there is a translation in the housing 59 , It serves to translate the drive shaft 60 the drive unit 57 on a spindle 61 , The spindle 61 again has a corrugation 62 on, which derived from the drive unit kinetic energy to the inner tubular element 63 passes. In addition, the rack is 38 shown. In the housing lower part 55 is not shown in detail profile, which with a counterpart 64 interacts. The counterpart 64 sits in the upper area of the inner pipe element 63 and becomes in the movement of the inner tube 62 towards the lower housing part 55 rotated in accordance with the predetermined by the profile position.

In the 14 and 15 is another embodiment of the counterpart 64 shown. The mushroom-shaped shape, just as in 14 can be seen causes a sliding of the counterpart 64 with the housing in the lower part 55 predetermined profile without this wedging can occur. In 15 the arrows should indicate that from the crests 65 away the counterpart to the points 66 is formed sloping.

Next to it is in 14 another recording area 67 for receiving the inner tubular element 63 shown. Last is in 13 the enlargement of the part A the 12 to recognize. This is a sectioned side view. There is shown how the outer tube element 54 and the inner tube element 63 are arranged one inside the other. Here is the arrow 68 show that the inner tube element 63 in comparison to the outer tube element 54 can be moved.

The outer pipe element 54 here has a paragraph 69 on. This paragraph 69 arises because of the lower area 70 of the outer tubular element 54 has a larger diameter than the upper portion 71 , A diameter 72 is larger than a diameter 73 ,

According to the diameter 73 is a plastic ring 74 at the inner heel 69 created. Below the plastic ring 69 there is a rubber seal 75 , Again below the rubber seal 75 there is another plastic ring 74 , Besides, it is in the lower area 70 a gutter 76 in the outer tube element 54 formed. Last is a fixing clip 77 shown which one ring 78 having. This ring 78 is on the fixing clip 77 formed.

Claims (7)

Drive for a bath lift with seating area, - a drive unit (57), - a hand control, - a housing (55, 56), - at least two telescoping tubular elements (54, 63), which are connected to the seating area such that relative movement of the tubular elements (54, 63) to each other, the seating area is moved up and down, with a regenerative brake, suitable for stopping the drive in case of power failure, characterized in that the outer tube element (54) on an inner shoulder (69 ) and a groove (76) fixed seal and the seal comprises a sealing ring (75), at least one plastic ring (74) and a fixing clip (77). Drive to Claim 1 , characterized in that the regenerative brake in the drive unit (57) is arranged. Drive to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the at least one plastic ring (74) supports the sealing ring (75) against the inner shoulder (69). Drive according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a further plastic ring (74) supports the sealing ring (75) against the fixing clip (77). Drive according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixing clip (77) has an integrally formed ring (78) which can be introduced into the molded-in groove (76) in the interior of the outer tubular element (54). Drive according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (55, 56) comprises a profile. Drive to Claim 6 , characterized in that the inner tube member (63) comprises a mushroom-shaped counterpart (64) which cooperates with the profile when retracting into the housing (55, 56), adapted to the inner tube member (63) in a desired position to rotate with respect to the outer tubular element (54).

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