EP3158907B1 - Foldable and pivotable support handle, in particular for the sanitary field - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a support folding handle, in particular for the sanitary area, with a base which is designed to be fastened to a holding structure, such as a wall, with a handle area which extends in a longitudinal direction away from the base, and with a folding mechanism which performs a folding movement of the grip area around a folding axis running transversely to the longitudinal direction relative to the base.

Such folding support handles are used in particular in the sanitary area of hospitals, clinics and nursing homes.

Supporting folding handles with the features mentioned at the outset are known. For example, the support flap handles SGK and ESK from Erlau AG are provided with a base that enables the support flap handle to be attached to the wall. The grip area extends horizontally in a position of use so that people can lean on it. In a stowed position, the handle area is folded up against the wall, so that the support folding handle takes up little space. This stowage position allows nursing staff better access to the person being cared for. The document DE 3150765 A1 discloses a support folding handle according to the preamble of claim 1.

The grip areas of the known folding support handles are partly U-shaped, so that the two legs of the U-shape form gripping bars at different heights. However, the height cannot be adjusted after the support arm is attached to the wall. Another disadvantage of the known folding support handles is that they take up an unnecessarily large amount of space in the stowed position.

In view of these disadvantages, the invention has for its object to provide a support folding handle that allows a subsequent adjustment of the handle height with a small storage size. This object is achieved according to the invention for the support folding handle mentioned at the outset by a pivot mechanism which enables a pivoting movement of the handle region relative to the base about a pivot axis extending parallel to the longitudinal direction, the support folding handle being pivotable in a position of use.

The additional swiveling movement makes it possible to pivot the handle area in the stowed position so that it no longer protrudes into the room. In the use position, the pivotability enables the handle area to be adjusted in height.

The following, mutually independent, each considered advantageous and arbitrarily combinable configurations further develop the invention.

The grip area can have at least two gripping bars. The gripping bars can be spaced apart from one another. In the use position, the gripping bars are preferably one above the other, so that the grip area has two different gripping surfaces. At least in some areas, the gripping rods can run parallel to one another, so that a user can grip around without changing the hand position. In a further embodiment, the grip area can be U-shaped, wherein the legs of the U-shape can be formed by the gripping bars. The U-shape is achieved, for example, in that the two gripping rods are connected to one another by an arc piece.

It is particularly advantageous if at least one gripping bar of the grip area runs at a distance from and along the pivot axis. If there are several gripping bars, the pivot axis can extend through one of the two gripping bars, preferably the upper gripping bar, or can be spaced apart from both gripping bars.

It is also particularly advantageous if the pivoting movement is automatically blocked depending on a folding position of the grip area along the folding movement. This means that in some folding positions, for example the use position, the grip area cannot be pivoted, which increases safety.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the swivel mechanism has a locking position and an unlocking position, the pivoting movement being blocked in the locking position and the pivoting movement being released in the unlocking position. This configuration ensures that the grip area can only pivot in a certain position of the pivot mechanism, the unlocking position. The risk of the handle area being accidentally pivoted, for example when a person is supported on it, can thus be reduced.

A further improvement of the swivel mechanism can provide a safety mechanism which interacts with the swivel mechanism. The swivel mechanism can be secured in the locking position, in particular depending on the folding position, by the safety mechanism. This backup or blocking is preferably carried out automatically. A transfer to the unlocking position is only possible with this variant if the safety mechanism releases the swivel mechanism. The safety mechanism can be automatically, in particular forcibly, actuated in a partial area of the folding movement, so that in this partial area the swivel mechanism cannot be transferred from the locking position to the unlocking position.

The area of the folding movement in which the swivel mechanism is secured in the locked position or a transfer of the swivel mechanism from the locked position into the unlocked position is preferably included in the use position. The use position can represent an end position of the folding movement of the grip area. The stowed position can be another end position of the folding movement. The area in which the swivel mechanism is secured in the locking position and can be transferred to the unlocking position can extend, for example, from the use position over approximately 20 ° to 45 ° to the stowed position. If the handle area is folded beyond this area, the swivel mechanism or the safety lock can be automatically unlocked in a variant and the support arm can be pivoted.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, the grip area can be moved relative to the base in the unlocked position relative to the locked position. The grip area can serve as an actuator with which the swivel mechanism is transferred from the locked position to the unlocked position. For this purpose, the grip area can be connected to the swivel mechanism in a motion-transmitting manner.

The swivel mechanism can have at least two form-locking elements, in each case at least one form-locking element on the grip area side and at least one complementary socket-side form-locking element, which are brought into engagement with one another in the locking position and disengaged in the unlocking position. The form-locking elements can be under spring tension, so that the locking position is assumed automatically, in particular without any force acting on the swivel mechanism from the outside. The grip area can be connected to one or more of the form-locking elements that can be brought into engagement, in a motion-transmitting, in particular motion-rigid, manner.

In a special embodiment, the handle area in the unlocking position can be moved translationally relative to the base, for example pulled away from the base. The positive-locking elements of the swivel mechanism can be disengaged by this release movement.

The safety mechanism secures the interlocking elements of the swivel mechanism in the locking position by blocking disengagement of the interlocking elements. The triggering movement of the grip area is thus preferably also blocked, so that the grip area in the locked area of the folding movement can only be folded and is otherwise immovable.

The folding mechanism can have a stop which limits the folding movement in an end position, in particular the stowed position. The stop prevents the grip area from hitting the base or the holding structure. The stop can belong to the base-side elements of the folding mechanism and in particular can be stationary with respect to the base.

It is particularly advantageous if the stop interacts with the swivel mechanism. According to an advantageous embodiment, the swivel mechanism can be blocked by the stop in the locking position in a region of the folding movement. For this purpose, the stop can overlap and / or penetrate the pivot mechanism at least in the area of the folding movement in which the handle area is secured in the locking position. In this embodiment, the stop is in particular an element of the safety mechanism.

In a specific embodiment, the part of the swivel mechanism on the handle area can have a receptacle for the stop. The stop can be moved into this receptacle via the locked area of the folding movement. The receptacle and the stop can form a positive lock, which blocks the release movement of the grip area and the positive locking elements of the swivel mechanism in the locked area of the folding movement.

A high mechanical load-bearing capacity of the grip area in different pivot positions along the pivot movement results if the pivot mechanism has a plurality of latching positions in the area of the pivot movement, which are spaced apart from one another along the pivot movement of the grip area. The locking of the grip area in the locking positions leads to simple operation and at the same time an improved force absorption compared to, for example, a frictional fixation of the different positions of the grip area along the pivoting movement.

The swivel mechanism can advantageously be transferred from the unlocked position into the locked position only at discrete latching positions. The locking positions can be arranged symmetrically around a central position. In the middle position, the gripping bars can lie vertically one above the other. The swivel range can extend over ± 45 °, preferably ± 25 °, from this central region.

To achieve the latching positions, the swivel mechanism can have two interlocking toothings, for example a toothed shaft and a toothed sleeve, or end toothing, which are axially displaceable relative to one another. Such gearing takes high forces around the pivot axis and can be released at the same time by a simple release movement, for example by pulling on the handle area.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, the folding movement can have two end positions, the grip area not being pivotable in one end position, preferably the use position, and pivotable in the other end position, the stowed position.

The support folding handle can also have a safety mechanism by means of which the pivot mechanism can be permanently locked in the locked position. This prevents a user from accidentally pivoting the grip area and assuming a different grip height without the user himself being able to restore the original grip height. These cases can occur, for example, in the area of care.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, the support folding handle can have a locking mechanism by means of which the swivel mechanism is permanently blocked, that is to say independently of the folding position in the locking position.

The locking mechanism can have a blocking element that forms a positive connection, which can be inserted into a receptacle of the pivoting mechanism and blocks the pivoting mechanism or its positive-locking elements in the locking position. This locking can be implemented in a structurally simple manner if the blocking element is coaxial to the swivel axis.

The pivot mechanism is preferably arranged between the folding mechanism and the base. In this arrangement, the locking of the swivel mechanism, which is dependent on the folding movement, is particularly easy to implement.

The invention is explained in more detail below by way of example using an embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings. In accordance with the above, individual features of the illustrated embodiment can be dispensed with if the advantage associated with this feature is not important in a specific application.

In the various figures, the same reference numerals are used for elements which correspond to one another in terms of structure and / or function for the sake of simplicity.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Seitenansicht einer Ausgestaltung eines erfindungsgemäßen Stützklappgriffes in einer Gebrauchsstellung;

Fig. 2-4

schematische Vorderansichten der Ausführungsform der Fig. 1 in verschiedenen Schwenkstellungen der Gebrauchsstellung;

Fig. 5

eine schematische Vorderansicht der Ausführungsform der Fig. 1 in einer Verstaustellung;

Fig. 6

eine schematische Seitenansicht der Ausführungsform der Fig. 1 in der Verstaustellung;

Fig. 7

eine schematische Draufsicht auf die Ausführungsform der Fig. 1 in der Verstaustellung;

Fig. 8

einen Schnitt entlang der Ebene VIII-VIII der Fig. 1;

Fig. 9

die Ansicht der Fig. 8, wobei sich der Schwenkmechanismus in der Entriegelungsstellung befindet;

Fig. 10

einen Schnitt entlang der Ebene X-X der Fig. 2.

Show it:

Fig. 1

is a schematic side view of an embodiment of a support arm according to the invention in a position of use;

Fig. 2-4

schematic front views of the embodiment of the Fig. 1 in different pivot positions of the position of use;

Fig. 5

is a schematic front view of the embodiment of the Fig. 1 in a stowed position;

Fig. 6

is a schematic side view of the embodiment of the Fig. 1 in the stowed position;

Fig. 7

is a schematic plan view of the embodiment of the Fig. 1 in the stowed position;

Fig. 8

a section along the plane VIII-VIII of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 9

the view of the Fig. 8 , wherein the pivot mechanism is in the unlocked position;

Fig. 10

a section along the plane XX of the Fig. 2 .

In the following, the structure and function of a support folding handle 1 according to the invention are first described with reference to FIG 1 to 7 explained. The 1 to 4 show the support folding handle 1 in a position of use 2, in which it can be used by a user for support. The 5 to 7 show the support folding handle 1 in a stowed position 3, in which it is folded out of the way. The support folding handle 1 shown is intended in particular for the sanitary area and is intended to make it easier for people to use sanitary facilities such as toilets, showers, bathtubs or wash basins.

The support folding handle 1 has a base 4, which is used for fastening to a holding structure 5, for example a wall, as in FIG Fig. 1 is shown schematically. The base 4 can be plate-shaped and / or in several parts.

The support folding handle 1 also has a handle area 6 which extends in a longitudinal direction 7 away from the base 4 and is preferably supported on the base in at least two positions in the use position 2. The grip area 6 can have at least two gripping rods 8, 9, which likewise extend in the longitudinal direction 7 away from the base 4 and in particular can run parallel to one another at least in regions. At least one gripping bar 8, 9 can also be bent transversely to the longitudinal direction 7. The two gripping bars 8, 9 can the end 10 of the grip area 1 facing away from the base 4 can be connected to one another by an arc piece 11, so that the grip area 6 has a U-shape overall. The gripping rods 8, 9 can, as in Fig. 1 shown, lying on top of each other.

At one end 12 of the grip area 6 facing the base 4, for example the end 12 of the upper gripping bar 9, there is a joint arrangement 13 which has a folding mechanism 14 and a pivoting mechanism 15. The folding mechanism 14 enables a folding movement 16 about a folding axis 17 running transversely to the longitudinal direction. The folding movement 16 moves the support folding handle 1 back and forth in particular between the use position 2 and the operating position 3. The use position 2 and the operating position 3 can represent the end positions of the folding movement 16.

The swivel mechanism 15 enables a swivel movement 18 about a swivel axis 19 running parallel to the longitudinal direction 7. The swivel movement 18 allows the grip area 6 or a plane 20 spanned by it to be swiveled such that the upper gripping bar 9 and the lower gripping bar 8 are perpendicular to one another or horizontally and vertically offset from each other. Due to the pivoting movement 18, depending on the position of the pivot axis 19 relative to the gripping rods 8, 9, in the course of the pivoting movement 18 at least one gripping rod 8, 9 comes to lie at a different height. Due to the height difference 21 between those in the 2 to 4 Different pivot positions 22 to 24 shown can consequently be realized with different handle heights. The handle height of a gripping bar 8, 9 changes with the pivoting movement 18, the greater the distance from the pivot axis 19.

The handle area 6 is supported on the base 4 on the other end 25 of the handle area 6 facing the base 4 or the end 25 of the lower gripping bar 8. A buffer 26 can be provided at the end 25 for this purpose. The buffer 26 also forms the stop which limits the folding movement of the grip area 6 downwards in the use position 2.

While in the use position 2 the longitudinal direction 7 of the grip area 6 extends essentially transversely to a fastening plane 27 spanned by the base 4, the longitudinal direction 7 in the stowed position 3 runs essentially parallel to the fastening plane 27. In the stowed position 3, the grip area 6 is preferably opposite the pivot positions 22, 23, 24, which are only shown by way of example, are further pivoted so that the grip area 6 runs largely parallel to the fastening plane 27 of the base 4. In the case of curved gripping bars 8, 9 with sections bent out of the plane 20, a different pivot position can be used of the grip area 6 in the stowed position 3 may be necessary so that the support folding handle 1 protrudes as little as possible from the holding structure 5.

The grip area 6 is preferably secured against inadvertent pivoting, at least in the use position 2. This securing can be automatically canceled in an area 16 of the folding movement. This is below with reference to the 8 to 10 explained.

Compared to the stowed position 3, in the use position 2, the plane 20 runs perpendicular to the fastening plane 27.

Based on Fig. 8 and 9 the function and structure of the folding mechanism 14 and of the swivel mechanism 15 are explained in more detail below.

The swivel mechanism 15 is located between the folding mechanism 14 and the handle area 6.

The folding mechanism 14 can have at least one holder 30 which is fastened to the base 4 and projects away from it. In particular, how Fig. 8 shows, two spaced-apart holders 30 may be provided, between which the pivot mechanism 15 and the grip area 6 are arranged. The holders 30 have a central opening 31, into each of which a bearing shell 32 is inserted or which themselves form a bearing shell. In the bearing shell 32, an axle stub 34 formed by a preferably one-piece pivot bearing sleeve 33 can protrude. Axle stub 34 and bearing shell 32 each form a folding bearing 35 designed as a plain bearing. The folding axis 17 preferably runs coaxially with the at least one central opening 31, as does the axle stub 34 and the pivot bearing sleeve 33. The pivot bearing sleeve 33 forms the part of the folding mechanism 14 on the handle area side of the folding bearing 35.

By using two holders 30 at a distance from one another, torques which arise from the use of the grip area 6 can be better supported.

The pivot bearing sleeve 33 is simultaneously part of the folding mechanism 14 and of the pivot mechanism 15. It forms in particular part of a pivot bearing 36 in that elements 37, 38 on the handle area side are rotatably received in the pivot bearing sleeve 33. The two elements 37, 38 are, for example, firmly connected to one another by means of a screw and can also be designed in one piece. The elements 37, 38 are rigidly connected to the grip area 6.

At least one of the elements 37, 38 is supported on the base side, here on the pivot bearing sleeve 33, via an intermediate spring 39. Against the action of the spring 39, the elements 37, 38 are movable in the triggering direction 40, in particular in the longitudinal direction 7, relative to the base 4. One of the elements 37, 38, for example the element 38 facing the grip area 6, is provided with form-fitting elements 41, for example a toothing, which are in engagement with corresponding socket-side form-fitting elements 41. The base-side positive locking elements 41 can be configured on the swivel bearing sleeve 33.

The form-locking elements 41 block a pivoting movement 18 and at the same time absorb torques about the longitudinal direction 7 of the grip area 6, which can arise during its use. A pivoting movement is only possible if the form-locking elements 41 have been disengaged in the course of a triggering movement in the triggering direction 40. In the exemplary embodiment shown, this is done translationally and is carried out, for example, by pulling on the grip area 6 in the longitudinal direction. Of course, other triggering movements, such as pressing, are also possible.

When pulling on the grip area 6, the elements 37, 38 are moved together with the grip area 6 with respect to the pivot bearing sleeve 33 along the release direction 40 against the action of the spring 39 and the form-locking elements 41 disengage. Then the grip area 6 can be pivoted about the pivot axis 19 and the positive locking elements 41 can be brought into engagement again in the new pivot position. Depending on the design of the form-locking elements 41, only certain discrete pivot positions, for example those in FIGS 2 to 4 shown swivel positions possible. During the pivoting movement 19, the elements 37, 38 rotate in the pivot bearing sleeve 33.

In order to be able to swivel the grip area 6, the swivel mechanism 15 must first of all Fig. 8 locking position 42 shown in the in Fig. 9 unlocking position 43 shown are transferred. In the locking position 42, the pivoting movement 19 is blocked while it is released in the unlocking position 43. As below with reference to the Fig. 10 is explained, the pivot mechanism 15 can in a region 16b ( Fig. 1 ) the pivoting movement 16 are automatically locked in the locking position.

The swivel mechanism 15 can be permanently fixed in the locking position 42. A locking mechanism 44 is used for this purpose. The locking mechanism 44 blocks the relative movement of the grip area-side elements 37, 38 relative to the base-side element 33 of the swivel mechanism 15 in the triggering direction 40 Fig. 8 he follows this by means of a screw 45, which is brought into engagement with a receptacle 46 and serves as a stop for at least one of the elements 37, 38 of the swivel mechanism 15 in the release direction 40 as soon as it protrudes into the receptacle 46. The receptacle 46 can simultaneously accommodate the spring 39.

In the use position 2, the pivoting movement 18 should be permanently blocked, if possible, so that the grip area 6 is not accidentally transferred to the unlocking position 43 and swiveled under load, so that the person supported on the support folding handle 1 falls. To prevent this, the swivel mechanism 15 is automatically locked in the locking position 42 depending on the folding movement 16.

In particular, it is provided that the swivel mechanism 15 is automatically locked in the locking position 42 when the handle area 6 is in the use position 2 or in an area 16b of the folding movement 16 which adjoins the use position 2 and which extends up to approximately 45 ° or less, for example, up to about 25 °, from the use position 2 to the stowage position 3. Only when the folding movement 16 has left the locked area 16b can the unlocking position 43 be assumed. This is below with reference to the Fig. 10 explained.

How Fig. 10 shows, a stop 50 is provided, for example a pin extending between the holders 30 at a distance from the folding axis 17, preferably parallel to the latter. The stop 50 is stationary with respect to the base 4 and, in the use position 2, dips at least in sections into an element 37, 38, here the element 38, of the swivel mechanism 15. The element 37, 38 on the handle region is provided with a receptacle 51 in which the Stop 50 is receivable. As long as the stop 50 protrudes into the receptacle 51, these two elements form a positive connection which prevents a relative movement of the element 37, 38 on the handle area in the triggering direction 40 and thus prevents the pivoting mechanism 15 from being transferred from the locking position 42 to the unlocking position 43. The approximate position in which the stop 50 is located as soon as the locking position 42 is no longer secured is in Fig. 9 shown in dashed lines under reference number 52. The stop 50 thus forms a safety lock on the swivel mechanism.

Of course, a different arrangement than in FIG Fig. 10 be used. For an effective blockage of the swivel mechanism 15, it is initially only a question of a positive fit there is a predetermined angular range 16b between the elements of the swivel mechanism 15 which are movable relative to one another in the triggering direction 40 and an element which is stationary with respect to the base, the stop 50, which preferably comprises the use position 2.

Reference numerals

1

Support arm

2nd

Position of use

3rd

Stowage

4th

base

5

Holding structure

6

Grip area

7

Longitudinal direction

8th

(lower) gripping bar

9

(upper) handle

10th

End of the handle area facing away from the base

11

Bow piece

12th

end of a gripping rod facing the base or one end of the grip area

13

Joint arrangement

14

Folding mechanism

15

Swivel mechanism

16

Folding movement

16a

Area of folding movement in which the swivel mechanism can be unlocked

16b

Range of the folding movement, in which the swivel mechanism is preferably locked automatically

17th

Folding axis

18th

Swivel motion

19th

Swivel axis

20th

plane spanned by the grip area

21

Difference in height due to swivel movement

22-24

different pivot positions of the handle area in the use position

25th

end of the lower gripping rod facing the base or other end of the grip area on the base side

26

buffer

27

Mounting level

30th

holder

31

Central opening of the holder

32

Bearing shell

33

Swivel bearing sleeve

34

Stub axle

35

Folding storage

36

Swivel bearing

37

Grip area element of the swivel bearing

38

further element of the swivel bearing on the grip area

39

feather

40

Release direction

41

Positive locking elements

42

Locking position

43

Unlocked position

44

Locking mechanism

45

screw

46

admission

50

attack

51

admission

52

Position of the stop in the unlocked position

Claims (15)

1. Folding support handle (1), in particular for the sanitary field, having a base (4) adapted to be attached to a supporting structure (5), such as a wall, a gripping portion (6) extending away from the base (4) in a longitudinal direction (7), and a folding mechanism (14) enabling a folding movement (16) of the handle portion (6) about a folding axis (17) transverse to the longitudinal direction (7) relative to the base (4), characterized by a pivoting mechanism (15) enabling a pivoting movement (18) of the gripping portion (6) relative to the base (4) about a pivot axis (19) parallel to the longitudinal direction (7), wherein the folding support handle (1) can be pivoted in a position of use (2).
2. Folding support handle (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that in a range (16b) of the folding movement (16) the pivoting mechanism (15) is automatically blocked in a latching position (42).
3. Folding support handle (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the pivoting mechanism (15) has a latching position (42) and an unlatching position (43), wherein in the latching position (42) the pivoting movement (18) is blocked and in the unlatching position (43) the pivoting movement (18) is enabled.
4. Folding support handle (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that in in the unlatching position (43) as opposed to the latching position (42) the gripping portion (6) is moveable relative to the base (4).
5. Folding support handle (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that in in the unlatching position (43) as opposed to the latching position (42) the gripping portion (6) is moveable in the longitudinal direction (7) relative to the base (4).
6. Folding support handle (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that a safety lock (50) is provided on the base side, through which the pivoting mechanism (15) is automatically blocked in a range (16b) of the folding movement (16) by positive engagement.
7. Folding support handle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the folding mechanism (14) has a stop (50) cooperating with the pivoting mechanism (15) to limit the folding movement (16) in one direction.
8. Folding support handle (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the stop (50) forms the lock element
9. Folding support handle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the pivoting mechanism (15) in the range of the pivoting movement (18) has a plurality of latched pivoting positions (22, 23, 24) that are spaced in the course of the pivoting movement (18) of the gripping portion (6).
10. Folding support handle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the pivoting movement (18) is blocked at least in the position of use (2) in which the longitudinal direction (7) of the gripping portion (6) extends substantially transverse to the mounting plane (27) of the base (4) and/or the gripping portion (6) is supported on the base (4) with a base side end (25).
11. Folding support handle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the folding movement (16) has two end positions (2, 3) and that the gripping portion (6) is pivotable in the one end position (3) and not pivotable in the other end position (2).
12. Folding support handle (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that a locking mechanism (44) is provided by which the pivoting mechanism (15) can be fixed in the latching position (42) irrespective of the folding movement (16).
13. Folding support handle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the pivoting mechanism (15) is disposed between the folding mechanism (14) and the base (4).
14. Folding support handle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the gripping portion (6) has at least two grip rods (8, 9) parallel to each other.
15. Folding support handle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the gripping portion (6) has at least one grip rod (8, 9) extending at a distance from the pivot axis (19).

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