EP1738731A1 - Patient transport apparatus for vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

The transport device has detachable fixing units fixing a couch device e.g. stretcher, on a base frame (10). The units include gusset plates (11) to deliver horizontal acceleration forces from a continuous casting section (8) of the couch device to vertical supports (4, 5) of the frame. The plates protrude into a lifting area between the section and the supports. The plates (11) are fastened to the section and the supports. The lifting area is decreased to around 10 percentages by the plates. An independent claim is also included for an adapter for connecting a couch device of a patient transport device with a supporting frame and/or a base frame.

Description

The invention relates to a patient transport device for passenger vehicles, in particular passenger aircraft, which can be set up over rows of seats, with a base frame having substantially vertical supports which is adjustably fixed to seat rails of the passenger vehicle or aircraft, and with a reclining device with a support structure and releasable fixing elements where the reclining device is fixed to the base frame. Another object of the invention is an adapter for connecting a lying device of a patient transport device with a support frame and / or base frame.

There are specially equipped ambulance aircraft for the transport of patients in the air. These aircraft often have special carrying frames for receiving stretchers. These carriers are then used both for transporting patients into and out of the aircraft and as couch surfaces during the flight. If a patient requires intensive care during a flight, the stretcher may be transferred from this support frame to a so-called Intensive Care Unit aboard the aircraft.

It is also known to use commercial passenger aircraft for patient transport. To install Intensive Care Units (also called media units) Rows of seats are removed, the Medivaceinheit as a mobile intensive care unit is then inserted into the seat rails on the aircraft floor and locked there. For the transport of patients without intensive care one tries, however, to avoid the elaborate expansion of the seats. In a standard economy seat configuration, the backrests of the seats are folded forward and the stretchers are mounted over the seats. A base frame is anchored between two seats in the seat rails and takes on the arranged over the seats stretcher. The problem is that in a tightly-seated economy configuration between two seats only little space for a base is available, but on the other hand, must have a sufficient height to bridge the seats. A mounted stretcher with a patient lying on top of it must be able to withstand acceleration tests with an acceleration of 9 g for an aeronautical approval.

Out EP 0 885 604 B1 is a patient transport device known, which is constructed very expensive.

The invention has for its object to provide a patient transport device of the type mentioned, which is easy to handle and inexpensive. According to a further aspect of the invention, a possibility is to be provided for easily umzubetten a patient on a reclining device (stretcher), for example, from a support frame to a Medivaceinheit.

According to a first aspect of the invention, a patient transport device of the type mentioned is provided, which is characterized in that the fixing elements gussets for deriving horizontal forces from the support structure of the reclining device in the substantially vertical supports of the base frame, which in the Light space of the transport device between the support structure and substantially vertical supports project and the support structure and the substantially vertical supports are fastened, wherein the light space of the transport device between the support structure and substantially vertical supports is reduced by not more than 10% by the gusset plates.

First, some terms used in the invention are explained. The patient transport device according to the invention allows the prone transport of patients in passenger vehicles such as rail vehicles or buses, especially in aircraft. It can be set up over rows of seats. This means that it can be mounted without having to first remove the passenger seats in the area in which the assembly is to take place. The lying device with the lying surface is arranged above the seats, where possibly the backrest can be folded forward to reduce the seat height.

The patient transport device has a base frame. The term base frame is to be understood functionally and includes any device that carries the lying device of the lying surface above the rows of seats and in particular during acceleration and deceleration (takeoff or landing) acting on the couch device forces can be diverted into the floor of the vehicle or aircraft. The base frame has for this purpose substantially vertical supports. "Substantially vertical" in the context of the invention is not limited to supports that enclose an angle of 90 ° with the vehicle or aircraft floor. Rather, it should be expressed by this feature that the vertical supports of the reclining device between two seats or two rows of seats down to the vehicle or aircraft floor protrude without being affected by the below Liegeeinrichtung arranged seats to be disabled.
The lying device has a support structure, which may be, for example, a frame of a stretcher. By means of releasable fixing elements, the reclining device can be fastened to the base frame. The term fixation includes in the context of the invention, those components that occur for the derivation of, for example, when starting and landing of an aircraft high acceleration forces in the horizontal direction (approximately parallel to the lying surface) of the reclining device or its support structure in the base frame. In the prior art according to EP 0 885 604 B1 For the derivation of these acceleration forces additional oblique struts (reference numeral 19 in Figure 1 of this document) are provided, which are disadvantageous in several respects. They complicate and increase the cost of construction and assembly and in particular severely limit the available clear space below the lying device. Under the light space of the transport device between the support structure and the essential vertical supports is that space to understand that is available in the assembled state to accommodate on the vehicle floor below the lying device remaining parts such as seats. In the prior art according to EP 0 885 604 B1 If one accepts this reduction of the clearance through the truss braces 19, then it is necessary to construct the base frame in such a way that the vertical supports span only one row of seats. Since the seat pitch of an economy configuration is usually 80 cm or less, the base frame in the longitudinal direction of the aircraft can also span only this length. However, a long lying area (typically at least 1.90 m) must be arranged on this very short base frame, which is structurally complex. In addition, the longitudinal supports of the lying device, which are arranged relatively centrally in the longitudinal direction, interfere with a treatment Doctor trying to approach the patient on the couch.

According to the invention it is therefore provided that the power dissipation from the lying device or its support structure in the base frame with the aid of so-called. Node plates. The term gusset plate is to be understood functionally and designates those parts or regions of the fixing elements which project into the clearance between the support structure and substantially vertical supports. According to the invention, it is provided that this free light space, i. the available space, from which massive parts, such as seats, can protrude from underneath, through which gusset plates are reduced by a maximum of 10%. The enclosed by the reclining device and the substantially vertical supports of the base frame light space (preferably meant here is the light space in the longitudinal direction of the patient transport device) is thus limited only slightly. The base frame can be designed so that the vertical supports in the longitudinal direction have a much greater distance and span, for example, two economy rows of seats. A maximum of 10% reduction of the clearance space means that it is limited by at most the corresponding proportion, compared to the state without these gusset plates, in which the clearance is defined by the reclining device or its support structure and the substantially vertical supports.

Preferably, the light space is reduced by at most 8%, more preferably at most 5%, more preferably at most 3%.

The gusset plates are preferably designed so that the power dissipation in the base frame is not punctiform, but flat. For example, multiple attachment points the node plate may be provided on the support structure of the lying device and / or the vertical supports of the base frame, in a preferred embodiment, a gusset plate at least partially (preferably form-fitting) engage around either the supporting structure of the lying device or preferably the substantially vertical supports of the base frame.

On the substantially vertical supports, a positioning device can be arranged, which has or forms a lower stop for the support at least partially embracing fastening means. This facilitates the mounting of the reclining device on the base frame, since after the attachment of the gusset plates they are held in the intended mounting position before the final attachment by the positioning device. In addition, it is advantageous if the positioning device has a clamping device for clamping receiving at least a part of the lower edge of the support at least partially embracing fastening means. This clamping device can, for example, include a space narrowing in the direction of attachment of the gusset plate between the vertical support and the inner edge and thus guide and clamp the lower edge of the fastening device of the gusset plate.

The vertical supports of the base frame and the support structure of the lying device may have continuous casting profiles, in particular aluminum extruded sections, with undercut grooves. In these grooves, sliding blocks with threaded holes can be arranged, which serve to fasten the gusset plates to the support structure of the lying device and / or the substantially vertical supports. Such continuous casting profiles are produced commercially in large quantities and are therefore very inexpensive as standard parts. The gusset plate may be bolted to both the support structure of the reclining device and the vertical supports in the manner mentioned. It is advantageous, however, if the gusset plate is bolted to only one of these two assemblies and for attachment to the other module (preferably on the vertical supports) the support at least partially embracing attachment means and the support itself with each other in the mounting state aligned holes for receiving at least one Have Verrieglungsstiftes. Since the fastening device already embraces the support in a form-fitting manner, a secure connection can be established by means of one, possibly by means of two locking pins.

Another object of the invention is an adapter for connecting a lying device of a patient transport device with a support frame or base frame. This adapter can be used in the context of a patient transport device according to the invention, but also be used independently of the connection of other lying devices or wearing with other bases.

• a)horizontalen Stiften zur Aufnahme der Liegeeinrichtung in einer Aufnahmewanne gemäß DIN 13025,
• b)einem Tragegriff zur Aufnahme der Liegeeinrichtung in einem NATO-Littergestell,
• c)Formstücken zum formschlüssigen Einsetzen in eine Aufnahme des Trag- und/oder Grundgestells,
• d)Stiftaufnahmen zur Aufnahme von Verriegelungsstiften.

According to the invention it is provided that this adapter has a fastening device for fastening the lying device, in addition, at least two fastening devices for selectively securing the adapter to at least two different support and / or base frames available. With the help of an adapter according to the invention, a lying device can be easily mounted on different bases, so it is, for example, the transfer of a passenger from a support frame on a Medivaceinheit or in an ambulance possible without the patient must be reburied on another couch. Preferably, the at least two different fastening devices for optional Attachment to the different support and / or base racks selected from the group consisting of:

• a) horizontal pins for receiving the lying device in a receptacle according to DIN 13025,
• b) a carrying handle for receiving the reclining device in a NATO sitter frame,
• c) fittings for positive insertion into a receptacle of the support and / or base frame,
• d) pin receptacles for receiving locking pins.

The horizontal pins for receiving the reclining device in a receptacle acc. For example, DIN 13025 can be used to accommodate the lying device in a standard ambulance, which have such receptacles. The pins are horizontal, that is, they extend substantially parallel to the lying surface.

The NATO forces frequently use so-called NATO carriers for transporting ambulances, which have handles with which the NATO stretcher can simultaneously be deployed and stored in a so-called NATO litter frame. The adapter according to the invention can also have such a carrying handle.

A third variant is a fitting for positive insertion into a receptacle of the support and / or base frame. Such recordings are often found for example on Medivaceinheiten. Finally, still pin receptacles may be provided for receiving locking pins.

At least one of the at least two fastening devices is preferably detachably connected to the adapter. In this way, this fastening device can only be attached to the adapter when it is actually needed.

The insertion of a reclining device in a NATO litter frame is cumbersome because the end pieces of the carrying handles must be lifted into corresponding receptacles of the litter frame. According to the invention, it can be provided that the carrying handle has a roller at its end region pointing away from the lying device. This facilitates the insertion into the litter frame substantially, since with the help of the rollers, the lying device can be inserted into the frame. In a further embodiment, the shaped piece for the positive insertion of a receptacle of the support and / or base frame additionally have a roller, which also offers the possibility of insertion into the corresponding receptacle.

Figur 1:

Schematisch eine erfindungsgemäße Patiententransporteinrichtung;

Figur 2:

eine Ansicht des Knotenblechs;

Figur 3:

eine Detailansicht des Positionierbleches;

Figur 4:

ein erfindungsgemäßes Adapterstück;

Fig. 5 bis 8:

schematisch verschiedene Einbausituationen unter Verwendung des erfindungsgemäßen Adapters.

Embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawing. Show:

FIG. 1:

Schematically a patient transport device according to the invention;

FIG. 2:

a view of the gusset plate;

FIG. 3:

a detailed view of the positioning plate;

FIG. 4:

an inventive adapter piece;

5 to 8:

schematically different installation situations using the adapter according to the invention.

FIG. 1 shows schematically an overall view of a patient transport device according to the invention. The generally designated 1 base frame has locking elements 2, which can be anchored in the seat rails at the bottom of a conventional passenger aircraft. These fasteners 2 carry a transverse continuous casting 3, which is designed as a double profile and on which the vertical supports 4, 5 are attached. The vertical supports 4, 5 are stabilized by a diagonal strut 6 and a cross brace 7.

The connection of the individual parts of the base frame with each other and with the still to be explained support structure of the reclining device is made by connecting plates which are bolted to arranged in the grooves of the extruded profile sliding blocks.

The reclining device has a support structure which consists of four continuous casting profiles 8 connected at the ends via a corner. The support structure carries a lying surface 9, which may be designed to be adjustable within the scope of the invention. The support structure rests on the tops of the vertical supports 4, 5 and is supported by mounting plates 10. However, these mounting plates are not sufficient to derive the occurring during flight high acceleration or deceleration forces or occurring in possible accidents forces safely on the base frame in the aircraft floor.

According to the invention, therefore, additional gusset plates 11 are provided, which are shown in a single view in FIG. The gusset plate has an elongated region 12 with a plurality of holes, by means of which it on the inside of the profiles 8 of the support structure of the lying device is screwed. In the grooves of these extruded sections 9 are for this purpose the previously described sliding blocks with threaded holes. For connection to the vertical supports 4, 5, the gusset plate on a region 13 which surrounds the supports 4, 5 from three sides form fit. A bore 14 is aligned in the mounted state with a corresponding hole in the vertical supports 4 and 5, so that these aligned holes can receive a locking pin.

The lower edge of the region 13 of the gusset plate 11 abuts in the mounted state on a positioning plate 15 which is mounted on the vertical supports 4, 5. This positioning plate 15 has a clamping device indicated at 16 (FIG. 3) in the form of a clamping plate 16 extending in a curve from the vertical supports 4, 5. The clamping plate 16 includes between itself and the associated vertical support 4, 5 a narrowing due to the curve gap in which the lower edge of the region 13 is clamped and held.

For mounting the patient transport device according to the invention, the fastening elements 2 of the base frame are anchored to the aircraft floor, for example between two rows of seats. In the light space between the base frame and the support structure of the reclining device, the rows of seats (preferably with Vorklappter backrest) remain, disassembly is not required. The gusset plates 11 scarcely restrict this clearance, but can absorb the forces required for aviation certification and transmit them to the base frame.

FIG. 4 shows schematically an adapter according to the invention. This has a base plate 17, which serves for attachment to the support structure of a reclining device. Vertical From the base plate upstanding sheets 18 are used to secure anchoring of the base plate 17 on a second surface of the support structure.

The base plate 17 carries on its side facing away from the support structure underside of a rail 19 in which various fasteners for attachment to different support and / or base racks can be used. A carrying handle 20 is inserted into this rail 19 and locked therein by means of a locking pin 21. The carrying handle 20 is used for manual carrying and for receiving the lying device in a NATO litter frame. A roller 22 on the side facing away from the reclining end portion of the carrying handle 20 facilitates insertion into a NATO litter frame.

The reference numeral 23 denotes a shaped piece for positive insertion into a receptacle of the support and / or base frame. A roller 24 arranged thereon can facilitate the insertion. The reference numeral 25 denotes a pin receptacle for receiving a locking pin 26th

The fourth attachment is a horizontal pin for inclusion in a receptacle according to DIN 13025. This pin is not visible in Figure 4, it extends parallel to the base plate 17 of the fitting 23 and will be explained in more detail below.

FIG. 5 shows the use of the adapter for fastening a lying device on a so-called median unit by means of the pin receivers 25. The adapter is mounted on the underside of the support structure 8 of a lying device. The pin holder 25 and the pin 26 lock the Adapter with a corresponding device 27, which is arranged on the Medivaceinheit.

FIG. 6 shows the mounting of the lying device in a so-called NATO litter frame using the carrying handles 20. The lying device is mounted in rails 28 of this litter frame. The lateral insertion is facilitated by the rollers 22.

FIG. 7 shows the holder on a median unit by means of the shaped pieces 23. These lie in a form-fitting manner against corresponding counterparts 29, 30 of the holder and are held therein.

FIG. 8 shows the use of the adapter for fastening the lying device in a receptacle according to DIN 13025. Here one recognizes the horizontal pin 31, by means of which the lying device is inserted into the associated receptacle 32 standardized according to DIN 13025.

Claims (13)

Patient transport device for passenger vehicles, in particular passenger aircraft, which can be set up over rows of seats, with a base frame (10) with substantially vertical supports (4, 5) which is adjustably fixed to seat rails of the vehicle, and with a reclining device with a support structure (8) as well detachable fixing elements, with which the lying device can be fixed to the base frame, characterized in that the fixing elements have gusset plates (11) for discharging horizontal forces from the support structure of the lying device into the substantially vertical supports (4, 5) of the base frame which enter the clearance the transport device between support structure (8) and substantially vertical supports (4, 5) protrude and on the support structure (8) and the substantially vertical supports are fastened, the light space of the transport device between the support structure (8) and substantially vertical supports ( 4, 5) through the knobs sheets (11) is reduced by a maximum of 10%. Patient transport device according to claim 1, characterized in that the clearance of the transport device between the support structure (8) and substantially vertical supports (4, 5) through the gusset plates (11) by at most 8%, preferably at most 5%, more preferably at most 3% reduced becomes. Patient transport device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the fastening means (13) for fastening the gusset plates (11) to the substantially vertical supports these supports (4, 5) at least partially surrounds. Patient transport device according to claim 3, characterized in that on the substantially vertical supports (4, 5) a positioning device (15) is arranged, which has a lower stop for the support at least partially embracing fastening means (13). Patient transport device according to claim 4, characterized in that the positioning device (15) comprises a clamping device (11) for clamping receiving at least a portion of the lower edge of the support at least partially embracing fastening means. Patient transport device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the substantially vertical supports (4, 5) of the base frame and the support structure (8) of the lying device have continuous casting profiles with undercut grooves. Patient transport device according to claim 6, characterized in that in the undercut grooves Nutensteine are arranged with threaded holes, which serve the attachment of the gusset plates (11) on the support structure (8) of the lying device and / or the essential vertical supports (4, 5). Patient transport device according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the support (4, 5) at least partially embracing fastening means (13) and the support aligned bores (14) for receiving at least one locking pin exhibit. Adapter for connecting a lying device of a patient transport device to a support frame and / or base frame, characterized by the following features: a) a fastening device (17, 18) for fastening the adapter to the lying device, b) at least two fastening devices for selectively securing the adapter to at least two different support and / or base frames. Adapter according to claim 9, characterized in that the at least two fastening devices for selectively fastening the adapter to at least two different support and / or base frames are selected from the group consisting of: a) horizontal pins (31) for receiving the lying device in a receptacle according to DIN 13025, b) a carrying handle (20) for receiving the reclining device in a NATO litter frame, c) shaped pieces (23) for positive insertion into a receptacle of the support and / or base frame, d) pin receptacles (25) for receiving locking pins (26). Adapter according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that at least one of the at least two fastening means for selectively attaching the adapter to at least two different support and / or base racks is releasably connected to the adapter. Adapter according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the carrying handle (20) for receiving the lying device in a NATO litter frame at its end facing away from the lying device end portion a roller (22). Adapter according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the shaped piece (23) for positive insertion into a receptacle of the support and / or base frame additionally comprises a roller (24).

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