DE102012112760B4 - ergometer - Google Patents

Abstract

Ergometer (1) for use in carrying out biomagnetic field measurements under load, said ergometer (1) a. is made of non-magnetic material and comprises a flywheel (15) which is set in rotation by means of a hand or foot operation via a transmission (38) with a transmission ratio of 1:10 to 1:20, wherein the transmission (38) has four shafts (7, 26, 22, 14), wherein the fourth shaft (14) is formed as a hollow shaft and coaxially rotatable on the first shaft (7) is mounted, and the third shaft (22) formed as a hollow shaft and coaxially rotatable on the second Shaft (26) is mounted, the flywheel (15) on the fourth shaft (14) is fixed, and wherein the shafts (7, 14, 22, 26) are brought into engagement such that a rotational movement of the first shaft (7) with a first gear ratio to the second shaft (26), transmitted from this to the third shaft (22) and from this with a second gear ratio to the fourth shaft (14), and b. a brake unit (37) which can be actuated by means of pressurized gas or pressurized gas mixture for braking the rotation of the flywheel (15), the braking force of the brake unit (37) being adjustable by means of the pressurized gas or the pressurized gas mixture and the brake unit (37) being a pneumatic cylinder (37) 21) engageable with a brake disc (19) mounted on the fourth shaft (14).

Description

The invention relates to an ergometer for use in the performance of Biomagnetfeldmessungen under stress, in particular the creation of stress-Magnetkardiogrammen and a Biomagnetfeldmessanordnung, in particular Magnetkardiographieanordnung comprising such an ergometer.

Magnetic cardiography (MCG) and magneto-encephalography (MEG) are known methods in which the magnetic activity of the heart or brain is registered without contact. In order to be able to measure the extremely weak magnetic field generated by the human heart or brain, highly sensitive detectors made of superconducting quantum interferometers, so-called SQUIDs, are used.

To detect, for example, cardiac defects, e.g. coronary heart disease, magnetic resonance cardiograms are used to create stress magnetic cardiograms. In doing so, stress on the heart is usually provided pharmacologically by injection of a suitable agent, e.g. Adenosine or dobutamine, induced. Also known is the load by means of an ergometer.

Magnetic cardio - / - encephalography-suitable ergometers are for example from the EP 0 371 156 A1 or the DE 10 2006 056 282 A1 known. Both ergometers are made entirely of non-magnetic components. From the EP 1 714 615 A1 In addition, an ergometer is known which is intended for measurements with a magnetic resonance apparatus and is also made of non-ferromagnetic materials. In this ergometer, a resistance to be overcome is generated by a pneumatic piston-cylinder system.

Out DE 3742513 A1 a bicycle exercise bike is known comprising a frame, a saddle disposed on the frame, an energy absorbing means rotatably mounted on the frame, a substantially horizontal main drive shaft rotatably supported by the frame, pedal crank arms at both ends of the main drive shaft, a pair of co-axled countershafts carried by the frame and two handlebar levers swingably reciprocated on the frame.

The DE 2319301 A describes an ergometer with a mechanical friction brake of a patient driven by a pedal crank disc and an engageable with variable braking force against the brake disc brake shoe. To generate the braking force, a brake cylinder and a control cylinder with opposing piston movement are provided, which work directly or via a transmission gear on the brake shoe, wherein the brake cylinder with a constant, the control cylinder, however, with a speed of the brake disc or pedal cranking so rising pressure is acted upon that the braking torque supplying differential pressure of both cylinders is inversely proportional to the speed. In order to generate the auxiliary force acting on the brake cylinder at a constant pressure, a pump which can be driven directly by the brake disk or the pedal can be provided with a downstream pressure regulator which keeps the pressure constant.

However, there is still a need for an ergometer that is suitable for use in measuring biomagnetic fields under stress, e.g. in a magnetic cardiography or magnetoencephalography, is suitable, in particular the measurement is not impaired and easy, safe and reliable to use.

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide such an ergometer. It is another object of the present invention to provide a suitable for correct and reliable load measurements Biomagnetfeldmessanordnung, in particular Magnetkardiographieanordnung.

This object is achieved by the objects specified in claims 1 and 8. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

• a. aus nicht-magnetischem Material besteht und eine Schwungmasse umfasst, die mittels Hand- oder Fußbetätigung über ein Getriebe mit einem Übersetzungsverhältnis von 1:10 bis 1:20 in Rotation versetzbar ist, wobei das Getriebe vier Wellen umfasst, wobei die vierte Welle als Hohlwelle ausgebildet und koaxial drehbar auf der ersten Welle gelagert ist, und die dritte Welle als Hohlwelle ausgebildet und koaxial drehbar auf der zweiten Welle gelagert ist, die Schwungmasse auf der vierten Welle befestigt ist, und wobei die Wellen derart in Eingriff gebracht sind, dass eine Rotationsbewegung der ersten Welle mit einem ersten Übersetzungsverhältnis auf die zweite Welle, von dieser auf die dritte Welle und von dieser mit einem zweiten Übersetzungsverhältnis auf die vierte Welle übertragen wird, und
• b. eine mittels druckbeaufschlagtem Gas oder druckbeaufschlagter Gasmischung betätigbare Bremseinheit zur Abbremsung der Rotation der Schwungmasse umfasst, wobei die Bremskraft der Bremseinheit mittels des druckbeaufschlagten Gases oder der druckbeaufschlagten Gasmischung einstellbar ist und die Bremseinheit einen Pneumatikzylinder umfasst, der mit einer auf der vierten Welle befestigten Bremsscheibe in Eingriff gebracht werden kann.

To solve the problem, the invention provides in a first aspect, an ergometer for use in the performance of Biomagnetfeldmessungen under stress, in particular the creation of stress-Magnetkardio- or -enzephalogrammen, the ergometer

• a. is made of non-magnetic material and comprises a flywheel, which is set in rotation by means of a hand or foot over a transmission with a transmission ratio of 1:10 to 1:20, wherein the transmission comprises four shafts, wherein the fourth shaft is formed as a hollow shaft and coaxially rotatably supported on the first shaft, and the third shaft is formed as a hollow shaft and coaxially rotatably supported on the second shaft, the flywheel is mounted on the fourth shaft, and wherein the shafts are engaged such that a rotational movement of the first shaft having a first gear ratio to the second shaft, is transmitted from this to the third shaft and from this with a second gear ratio to the fourth shaft, and
• b. a brake unit operable by means of pressurized gas or pressurized gas mixture for decelerating the rotation of the flywheel, wherein the braking force of the brake unit is adjustable by means of the pressurized gas or the pressurized gas mixture and the brake unit comprises a pneumatic cylinder engaging with a brake disk mounted on the fourth shaft can be brought.

In the ergometer according to the invention, which is preferably a bicycle ergometer, a flywheel is set in rotation via a transmission. The fact that the flywheel is driven by a transmission with a high gear ratio of 1:10 to 1:20, a particularly uniform and for example. ill patients allows pleasant operation. For e.g. It is often not easy or even impossible for people suffering from heart disease to overcome a resistance that fluctuates greatly over the angle of rotation, which the brake sets against the drive movement. By achieved by means of the high transmission ratio comparatively high speed of the flywheel, a higher energy storage capacity can be achieved even with the often low density of non-magnetic materials with the same space. The invention makes it possible to increase the energy storage capacity of the ergometer to such an extent that overcoming the dead centers of the drive, e.g. the crank drive, even with a braked ergometer is easily possible. Thus, a moderate and targeted burden of patients is possible, for example, to create a magnetic cardiogram under stress.

The gear ratio is preferably 1:10 to 1:18, more preferably 1:10 to 1:15, and most preferably 1:10 to 1:13, for example, about 1:12. Also, intermediate values of the above ranges, e.g. 1:11, 1: 12,25 and other conditions are expressly disclosed here.

The ergometer according to the invention comprises an actuatable by means of pressurized gas or pressurized gas mixture brake unit for braking the rotation of the flywheel. In this case, the braking force of the brake unit by means of the pressurized gas or the pressurized gas mixture is adjustable. The pressurized gas or pressurized gas mixture may be compressed air, nitrogen, oxygen, helium or mixtures thereof. Particularly preferred is the pneumatic adjustment of the braking force of the brake unit by means of compressed air. The use of a compression gas brake, for example a pneumatic brake, has the advantage that the corresponding components, for example lines, can be produced in the shielding chamber from non-magnetic materials such as copper or plastic. In addition, it is advantageous, for example in the case of the use of compressed air, that the ergometer can be connected to the frequently used in hospitals central compressed air supply. Advantageously, a continuously adjustable braking force of the brake unit via a suitable control, so that a defined braking torque for loading the patient is adjustable.

An "ergometer" is understood here to mean a device with the aid of which a person can be subjected to a defined physical stress. A "bicycle ergometer" is understood here to mean an ergometer in which a person uses a crank, for example by means of pedals, to set it against a resistance in, for example, a circular rotational movement. In this case, the rotational movement can be generated by movement of the legs and / or the arms.

"Non-magnetic" means that the materials have no or no appreciable magnetic field interfering with the measurement by the SQUIDs, in particular are not ferromagnetic. Examples of such materials are ceramics such as zirconium oxide (ZrO ₂ ), silicon nitride (SiN ₄ ), plastics such as polyoxymethylene (POM), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or polyetheretherketone (PEEK), or metals such as aluminum and copper.

By a "pressurized gas" or a "pressurized gas mixture" is meant any gas or gas mixture which is pressurized. The term "compression gas" as used herein is synonymous with the terms "pressurized gas" and "pressurized gas mixture" and includes both terms. The gas (s) may be, for example, air, nitrogen, helium, oxygen or any gas mixtures, e.g. a nitrogen-oxygen mixture, act. It may also be a gas or a gas mixture liquefied under pressure and / or cooling, e.g. liquid nitrogen. Preferably, it is compressed air, i. compressed ambient air. The pressure may be, for example, 5 bar, but possibly also lower or higher. By the terms "pressurized gas source", "pressurized gas mixture source" or "compressed gas source" is meant the point from which the pressurized gas originates or is kept before, if appropriate, being passed through corresponding lines. It may, for example, be one or more compressors and / or compressed gas cylinders.

By a "biomagnetic field" is meant here a magnetic field generated by the electrical activity or interaction of cells, for example in the human body. Examples of biomagnetic fields are cardiomagnetic fields, ie magnetic fields generated by electrical activity of the heart, and neuromagnetic fields generated by neurons, eg in the brain. Biomagnetic fields are comparatively weak, for example in the range of a few tens of picotesla (1 pT = 10 ^-12 T) in the case of cardiomagnetic fields and in the range of a few to a few hundred femtotesla (1 fT = 10 ^-15 T) in the case of neuromagnetic fields ,

A "Biomagnetfeldmessanordnung" is understood to mean an arrangement comprising a Biomagnetfeldmessgerät. A "biomagnetic field measuring device" is understood to mean a device that measures biomagnetic fields. Examples of Biomagnetfeldmessgeräte are magnetic cardiographs and Magnetenzephalographen. Examples of a biomagnetic field measuring device are a magnetic cardiography device and a magnetoencephalography device.

The brake unit comprises a pneumatic cylinder, in which a piston is movably arranged, which is preferably frictionally engageable, for example, with a brake disc, so that via the air pressure, the braking force generated by the brake unit is adjustable. The braking force of the brake unit is preferably set via a pressure control. By means of this pressure control, a defined and preferably continuously variable braking effect can be set.

The ergometer according to the invention comprises an at least two-stage transmission, which consists of four shafts, wherein two shafts are formed as hollow shafts, which are each arranged coaxially with one of the two other preferably formed as solid shafts waves. In one embodiment as a bicycle ergometer pedal arms are preferably mounted on the preferably designed as a solid shaft first shaft, via which the first wave can be offset by pedaling movements in rotation. Via a first gear stage, the rotational movement is transmitted from the first shaft to the second shaft, which is likewise preferably configured as a solid shaft, and the rotational speed is converted. About the second gear stage, the rotational movement is transmitted from the third shaft formed as a hollow shaft on the likewise formed as a hollow shaft fourth shaft and converted the speed. With the fourth wave, the flywheel is positively or non-positively connected. In this embodiment, the ergometer according to the invention is particularly compact, so that it can be easily integrated, for example, in a lounger.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, an overrunning clutch is arranged between the first and second gear stage. For this purpose, the overrunning clutch can be arranged, for example, between the second shaft and the hollow shaft mounted on it. The integration of a one-way clutch is particularly advantageous to prevent in the case of a bicycle ergometer further rotation of the crank or the pedal arms when the person using the ergometer slower or stops pedaling. For older and / or weakened persons, this is advantageous for safety reasons.

The transmission may be, for example, a gear transmission or a belt transmission. In a preferred embodiment, it is belt transmission. In the case of a belt drive is preferably disposed on the first shaft, a first pulley, on the second shaft, a second pulley on the third shaft, a third pulley and on the fourth shaft, a fourth pulley, wherein the first and second pulley and the third and fourth Pulley are each connected by a belt.

In the ergometer according to the invention a brake disc is positively or non-positively connected to the form of a hollow shaft fourth shaft, which can be brought into engagement with a pneumatic cylinder of the brake unit. In this way, an effective braking of the rotation of the flywheel is made possible. The brake disc and / or the piston of the pneumatic cylinder have a suitable brake pad.

In a second aspect, the present invention also includes a biomagnetic field measuring arrangement, in particular a magnetic cardiography or encephalography arrangement, which comprises an ergometer according to the invention according to the first aspect of the invention. The ergometer can be integrated, for example, in a couch, for example at its foot. It can also be provided as a separate unit. Preferably, the biomagnetic field meter, e.g. the magnetic cardio or encephalograph, and the ergometer disposed in a shielding chamber for shielding external magnetic fields, said ergometer being connected by non-magnetic conduits to a source of pressurized gas or pressurized gas mixture, e.g. a compressed air source connected. The compressed air source can be the central compressed air supply of a clinic. The gas pressure is preferably adjusted by means of a pressure control unit which can be arranged inside or outside the shielding chamber.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the attached figures purely for illustrative purposes. It shows

1 a schematic diagram of the ergometer according to the invention,

2 1 is a representation of an embodiment of an ergometer according to the invention in an (A) front and (B) rear view,

3 an isometric view of the ergometer according to the invention 2 .

4 a schematic representation of a Magnetkardiographieanordnung invention.

1 schematically shows the structure of an embodiment of the ergometer according to the invention 1 , The ergometer 1 is designed as a bicycle ergometer and mostly made of polyoxymethylene (POM) and one or more other non-ferromagnetic plastics / metals / ceramics. In a housing 2 is a flywheel 15 arranged, for example, made of POM or aluminum and a two-stage gearbox 38 can be rotated. These are by means of bearings 5 . 6 and 17 . 18 two shafts arranged parallel to one another 7 and 26 rotatably in the housing 2 stored. The trained here as a solid shaft first wave 7 is via openings in the housing 2 led to the outside. There are pedal arms 4 with pedals 3 on the shaft 7 assembled. With the help of pedal arms 4 and pedals 3 can the wave 7 be set in rotation. Inside the case 2 is on the wave 7 a pulley 8th fixed that with the shaft 7 is set in rotation. The pulley 8th on the wave 7 is a pulley 9 on the likewise designed as a solid shaft second wave 26 assigned. About a not shown here on the peripheral surfaces of the pulleys 8th . 9 guided belt turns on rotation of the first shaft 7 also the second wave 26 set in rotation. The pulley 8th has a larger diameter than the pulley 9 , so that a corresponding first gear ratio results. Outside on the shaft 26 is coaxial with the shaft 26 by means of bearings 39 . 40 a third shaft designed as a hollow shaft 22 rotatably mounted, in which an overrunning clutch 16 is arranged. On the hollow shaft 22 is a pulley 10 attached. The overrunning clutch 16 is set up so that the hollow shaft 22 and the pulley 10 at the intended direction of rotation with the shaft 26 rotate, in the opposite direction of rotation or slower rotation of the shaft 26 opposite the hollow shaft 22 a decoupling of the hollow shaft 22 opposite the wave 26 he follows. The pulley 10 is a pulley 11 assigned, which on a likewise designed as a hollow shaft fourth wave 14 is mounted by means of bearings 12 . 13 on the wave 7 is stored. A not shown here around the peripheral surfaces of the pulleys 10 . 11 Laid belt transmits the rotational movement of the hollow shaft 22 on the hollow shaft 14 , The pulley 10 here has a larger diameter than the pulley 11 , so that a corresponding second gear ratio results. About the ratios of the diameter of the pulleys 8th . 9 . 10 and 11 to each other, the respective ratios can be adjusted and adjusted to the respective needs. Overall results between the first wave 7 and the fourth wave 14 a gear ratio of at least 1:10, for example, 1: 12.25. On the hollow shaft 14 is an example disk-shaped flywheel 15 attached to the hollow shaft 14 rotates. On the hollow shaft 14 is also a brake disc 19 fastened with a pneumatic cylinder 21 can be engaged so that the friction between the brake disc 19 and the pneumatic cylinder 21 the rotational movement of the hollow shaft 14 and thus the flywheel 15 opposes a corresponding resistance. The contact pressure of the pneumatic cylinder 21 on the brake disc 19 and thus the resistance to the rotational movement of the flywheel 15 can by means of a pressure control unit 20 preferably be adjusted continuously.

When the ergometer 1 is operated in the correct direction, for example, by forward pedaling a patient, is thus on the pedal arms 4 first the wave 7 with the pulley on it 8th set in rotation. This rotational movement is via a belt between the pulley 8th and the pulley 9 having a first gear ratio to that in the housing 2 rotatably mounted to the shaft 7 parallel wave 26 transfer. The overrunning clutch 16 brings the hollow shaft 22 with the wave 26 engaged, so that the hollow shaft 22 with the wave 26 rotates. The thus also set in rotation pulley 10 transmits the rotational movement via a belt that drives the pulley 10 with the pulley 11 connects, with a second gear ratio to the rotatable on the shaft 7 mounted hollow shaft 14 , This will cause the on the hollow shaft 14 arranged flywheel 15 set in rotation. Slows the rotation of the shaft 7 and thus the wave 26 or stops the rotation entirely, for example, because the patient slows down or stops entirely with the pedaling, ensures the between the first and second gear stage arranged overrunning clutch 16 for the pedal arms 4 do not continue to rotate while the flywheel 15 their rotation around the shaft 7 unless they pass through the brake disc 19 acting pneumatic cylinder 21 is slowed down or stopped.

The 2 and 3 show views of an embodiment of the ergometer according to the invention. 2A shows a front view, 2 B a rear view and 3 an isometric view, being a part of the housing 2 each was removed. For a description of the function and the interaction of the individual ergometer components is on to avoid repetition 1 directed. Here is additionally recognizable that the pulleys 8th . 9 . 10 . 11 are preferably designed as a toothed belt wheels. In addition, it can be seen that the flywheel 15 is disc-shaped. The ergometer has a very compact arrangement of the individual components.

4 shows an example of a Magnetkardiographieanordnung, which is an ergometer according to the invention 1 includes. Shown is a magnetic cardiograph 23 over a couch 24 , At the foot end as a load unit an ergometer according to the invention 1 is provided. The magnetic cardiograph 23 and the couch 24 with the load unit 1 are located in a shielding chamber 25 whose interior is shielded from external electromagnetic interference. lounger 24 , Ergometer 1 and inside the shielding chamber 25 Lines lying completely made of non-ferromagnetic materials such as aluminum and suitable plastics. The magnetic cardiograph 23 or its sensor unit are via suitable supply and signal lines 36 with the operating and control unit 28 outside the shielding chamber 25 connected. For optimal adaptation of Magnetkardiographieanordnung to different patient sizes is the ergometer 1 in the longitudinal direction of the bed 24 slidable at the foot of the lounger 24 arranged. With a pressure control unit 20 connected lines 29 serve for the supply of compressed air. Other lines 33 are with one outside the shielding chamber 25 lying compressed air source 27 connected. Instead of compressed air, for example, other gases such as nitrogen can be kept in a pressure vessel. To monitor one on the couch 3 person resting (not shown here) is a housed in a magnetically shielded housing surveillance camera 30 in the shielding chamber 25 assembled. The camera image is taken from the shielding chamber 25 led out signal line 32 to the operating and control unit 28 or transferred to a separate monitor (not shown). All supply or connection lines are via corresponding bushings 34 . 35 . 36 in the shielding chamber 25 placed.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

 ergometer

2

 casing

3

 pedals

4

 pedal arm

5

 camp

6

 camp

7

 wave

8th

 pulley

9

 pulley

10

 pulley

11

 pulley

12

 camp

13

 camp

14

 wave

15

 Inertia

16

 Overrunning clutch

17

 camp

18

 camp

19

 brake disc

20

 Pressure control unit

21

 pneumatic cylinder

22

 wave

23

 Magnetkardiograph

24

 lounger

25

 shielding chamber

26

 wave

27

 Source of pressurized gas or pressurized gas mixture

28

 Control and control unit

29

 cables

30

 Security Camera

31

 Supply and signal lines

32

 signal line

33

 cables

34

 execution

35

 execution

36

 execution

37

 brake unit

38

 transmission

39

 camp

40

 camp

Claims (8)

Ergometer ( 1 ) for use in performing biomagnetic field measurements under load, wherein the ergometer ( 1 ) a. made of non-magnetic material and a flywheel ( 15 ), which can be moved by hand or foot over a transmission ( 38 ) with a transmission ratio of 1:10 to 1:20 in rotation, wherein the transmission ( 38 ) four waves ( 7 . 26 . 22 . 14 ), the fourth wave ( 14 ) formed as a hollow shaft and coaxially rotatable on the first shaft ( 7 ) and the third wave ( 22 ) formed as a hollow shaft and coaxially rotatable on the second shaft ( 26 ), the flywheel ( 15 ) on the fourth wave ( 14 ), and wherein the waves ( 7 . 14 . 22 . 26 ) are engaged such that a rotational movement of the first shaft ( 7 ) with a first transmission ratio to the second shaft ( 26 ), from this to the third wave ( 22 ) and from this with a second gear ratio to the fourth wave ( 14 ), and b. a brake unit actuatable by means of pressurized gas or pressurized gas mixture ( 37 ) for braking the rotation of the flywheel ( 15 ), wherein the braking force of the brake unit ( 37 ) is adjustable by means of the pressurized gas or the pressurized gas mixture and the brake unit ( 37 ) a pneumatic cylinder ( 21 ) with one on the fourth wave ( 14 ) fixed brake disc ( 19 ) can be engaged. Ergometer ( 1 ) according to claim 1, wherein the gear ratio is 1:10 to 1:18, more preferably 1:10 to 1:15, and most preferably 1:10 to 1:13. Ergometer ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pressurized gas or the pressurized gas mixture is compressed air, nitrogen, oxygen, helium, or mixtures thereof. Ergometer ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second shaft ( 7 . 26 ) are each formed as a solid shaft. Ergometer ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein between the second shaft ( 26 ) and the third wave ( 22 ) an overrunning clutch ( 16 ) is arranged. Ergometer ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transmission ( 38 ) is a belt transmission. Ergometer ( 1 ) according to claim 6, wherein on the first shaft ( 7 ) a first pulley ( 8th ), on the second wave ( 26 ) a second pulley ( 9 ), on the third wave ( 22 ) a third pulley ( 10 ) and on the fourth wave ( 14 ) a fourth pulley ( 11 ), and wherein the first and second pulley ( 8th . 9 ) and the third and fourth pulley ( 10 . 11 ) are each connected via a belt. Biomagnetic field measuring arrangement, comprising the ergometer ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 7.

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