HOLDER

Abstract: A holder for connection to a first unit (4), comprising a locking device (6, 8, 10) designed for insertion, in a first position, into a receiving part (14) in the first unit (4) and, in a second position, for locking the holder to the first unit (4), is described. The holder's locking device (6, 8, 10) comprises a threaded locking shaft (6) arranged for axial movement in the holder, a handle (8) with a threaded hole for admitting the locking shaft (6) and a locking element (10) rigidly connected to the locking shaft (6). The holder also contains at least one bevelled shoulder (12) against which the locking element (10) is axially movable, the handle (8) axially pulling the locking shaft (6), as well as the locking element (10), against the bevelled shoulder (12) when rotated for locking, thereby inducing simultaneous rotation of the locking element (10) to lock the holder to the receiving part (4).

Description: Description Holder The present invention relates to a holder according to the preamble to claim 1. When different components are interconnected, such as instruments on devices, rails etc., the connection must be firm and stable. It would also be advantageous if assembly, disassembly and holder repositioning could be performed quickly and simply. One objective of the present invention is to achieve a holder with the desired characteristics. One such holder is achieved according to the invention when it has the features set forth in the characterising part of claim 1. Advantageous improvements and embodiments are evident from the subordinate claims to claim 1. A design with simultaneous axial motion and locking rotation makes it possible to devise a locking element for axial insertion into a groove or corresponding receiving part in the unit to which the holder is to be connected. The locking element is then screwed in, whereupon a bevelled shoulder or shoulders force (s) the locking device to rotate and assume a locking position against contact surfaces in the receiving part. This greatly facilitates both assembly and disassembly. Spring loading of the locking element ensures that the device always reverts to its original position in disassembly. When the locking shaft and locking element are devised as a single component, the number of components in the locking device is kept to a minimum. One embodiment of the holder according to the invention will be described in greater detail, referring to the figures of which FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of the holder according to the invention in a first, non-locking position in respect to a unit; FIG: 2 depicts the embodiment in FIG. 1 in a second, locking position in respect to the unit; FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of a locking element and a locking shaft inside the holder; and FIG. 4 depicts the entire holder. FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the locking principle of the holder according to the invention, and the following description therefore refers to both. The holder comprises a load-bearing part 2 that, in this instance, has been brought to bear against a first unit 4 for connection. A locking shaft 6, one end of which is threaded and connected to a handle 8, is arranged for axial movement in the load-bearing part 2. Turning the handle 8 screws the locking shaft 6 into the handle 8. At its other end, the locking shaft 6 is rigidly attached to a locking element 10. Two bevelled shoulders 12 (only one is shown) are arranged in the load-bearing part 2. The bevelled shoulders 12 are arranged in such a way that the locking element 10 is forced to rotate when the handle 8 performs an axial movement. The first unit 4 comprises a channel 14. The channel 14 is preferably longitudinal and can e.g. consist of a groove, such as a T groove. The first unit 4 has edges 16 at the opening of the channel 14 making the opening narrower than the channel 14. The widths of the opening and the locking element 10 are tailored to each other to enable the locking element 10 to be inserted through the opening. When the holder is connected to the first unit 4, the locking element 10 is accordingly inserted into the channel 14 through the opening in the first unit 4. The handle 8 is then rotated, thereby screwing the locking shaft 6 into the handle 8. The locking element 10 is then pulled against the bevelled shoulders 12, forcing the locking element 10 to rotate. The rotation causes part of the locking element 10 to come into contact with the edges 14, and they are clamped between the load-bearing part 2 and the locking element 10, thereby connecting the holder to the first unit 4. In detachment, the handle 8 is turned in the opposite direction to unscrew the locking shaft 6. The locking element 10 can then be lifted off the bevelled shoulders 14 and turned back to its original position. The holder can then be easily detached from the first unit 4. To facilitate the locking element's 10 return to its original position, a torsion bar 18, in this instance, is arranged in the load-bearing part 2 and attached to the locking shaft 6. The torsion bar 18 is set up so it tensions when the locking element 10 is rotated during locking. The holder could also contain a pressure spring that exerts axial pressure on the locking element 10 when the holder is to be detached. However, this is not shown in the figures. FIG. 3 shows a conjoined locking element 10 and locking shaft 6. It clearly shows the threaded part of the locking shaft 6. The use of a compound component means that the holder has fewer parts and is easier to fabricate and assemble. The depicted design for the locking element 10 also comprises a bevel 20A, 20B on both sides. The contact surfaces 22A, 22B, which will press against the edges of the first unit, are arranged at the bevels 20A, 20B. These bevels 20A, 20B enable the locking element 10 to be relatively tall, thereby increasing handle stability. FIG. 4 shows a version of the holder for the attachment of additional units (not shown in the FIG.) The load-bearing part 2 is essentially L-shaped in this instance. The handle 8 with the locking device (only the locking element 10 is visible) is on one leg. Guiding means 24 are also arranged on the load-bearing part 2. In connection to the first unit, they are also inserted into the opening to contribute stability when the entire handle is subjected to torsional loading. A connector part 26 for additional units is arranged on the other leg of the load-bearing part 2. They can be e.g. screwed onto the load-bearing part 2. One example of the use of the holder according to the invention is in respiratory care. The holder can be connected to a T-groove rail (or the like) carrying a carriage for a respirator. Articulated arms can then be attached to the holder to hold infusion bags or different kinds of instruments. However, the holder can be used in all areas in which detachable connection of different units is desired.

Claims: Claims 1. A holder for attachment to a first unit (4), comprising a locking device (6, 8, 10) designed for insertion, in a first position, into a receiving part (14) in the first unit (4) and for locking, in a second position, the holder to the first unit (4), characterised in that the locking device (6, 8, 10) comprises a threaded shaft (6), capable of axial movement in the holder, a handle (8) with a threaded hole for receiving the threaded shaft (6) and a locking element (10) rigidly connected to the locking shaft (6), and that the holder comprises at least one bevelled shoulder (12) against which the locking element (10) is axially movable, the handle (8) when turned for locking pulling the locking shaft (6), as well as the locking element (10), axially against the bevelled shoulder (12), inducing simultaneous rotation of the locking element (10) in order to lock the holder to the receiving part (4) . 2. The holder according to claim 1, characterised in that at least one spring (18) is arranged in the holder and connected to the locking element (10) to return the locking means (10) to its original position when the handle (8) is turned to detach it. 3. The holder according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the locking shaft (6) and the locking element (8) are devised as a single piece. 4. The holder according to any of the above claims, characterised in that the holder also comprises a holder part (26) for at least a second unit. 5. A receiving part (4) for locking a holder according to any of claims 1-4, characterised in that the receiving part (4) is devised with a largely longitudinal channel (14), deep enough to admit the locking element (10), and has edges (16) against which the locking element (10) is clamped by the rotary and axial movement.

Inventors: VALEIJ THOMAS, VALEIJ, THOMAS
Applicants: SIEMENS ELEMA AB, VALEIJ THOMAS, SIEMENS-ELEMA AB, VALEIJ, THOMAS
Application year: 2000
Main classification: F16B17
IPC codes: A61M16, F16B17, F16B21