DE20219434U1 - Cycle type medical dynamometer is fully automated so that brake torque and seat height can be set automatically with seat height adjusted relative to pedal height using a positioning drive and motor - Google Patents

Abstract

Medical dynamometer (1) comprises a frame (2) with foot pedals (5) linked to a braking device (6) that is controlled using a control unit (8) that adjusts the braking torque. A patient using the dynamometer sits on a saddle (3) and pedals against the braking torque. A positioning device (14) adjusts the height of the saddle relative to the frame and pedals using a positioning drive (15).

Description

Erqoline GmbH, Medical Measurement Systems, Lindenstraße 5, 72475 Bitz

Ergometer with seat adjustment

The present invention relates to an ergometer which is particularly designed for use in medicine.

Ergometers are well known. They have a base frame that is to be set up on the floor and at the rear end of which there is a seat post with a seat on which a patient can sit. Diagonally below the seat, the frame has a rotatable pedal crank that drives a braking device. The braking device is

Usually controllable or adjustable in order to influence the load on the patient and to be able to adapt it to the patient's physical condition. For this purpose, a corresponding control device is assigned to the braking device.

The ergometer also has a bar that resembles the handlebars of a bicycle and that the patient can hold on to. A display with one or more control elements is usually provided in the area of the handlebars, which are connected to the control device, for example. This allows settings to be made locally on the ergometer. A therapist who operates or monitors a room with several ergometers must go to the individual devices to make the necessary settings or to read the corresponding data.

Based on this state of the art, it is the object of the invention to improve the known ergometers, in particular with regard to operation by the therapist.

This task is solved with the ergometer according to claim:

The ergometer according to the invention preferably has a seat, the height of which can be adjusted by means of a positioning device using external energy. The adjustment is preferably stepless. Alternatively, however, an adjustment device can be provided which moves to a position selected from several possible positions using external energy. The positioning device is preferably dimensioned so that the seat can support a load of up to 200 kg, i.e. with the person sitting on it.

Patients can be moved up and down. The adjustment can be made using buttons on a display or remotely. For example, the ergometer can be connected to a PC on which appropriate software stores the data of individual patients. This means that by entering a patient name or patient code, the ergometer seat can be automatically moved to the correct height. This can be done by the operator either via input on the ergometer's own display or on a central PC.

An additional possible development is that the work or performance required to adjust the seat is recorded in order to draw conclusions about the patient's weight. The data obtained from this can be added to the patient's data set.

The automatic setting of the correct seat height for different patients is a great relief for the operator, especially if this can be done centrally from a PC. The main advantage is that the same conditions (seat/crank distance) are found for each training session, so that measurement results for pulse, blood pressure, etc. from individual training sessions are comparable. If the seat adjustment were left subjectively to the patient, different results could arise in different training sessions due to different seat heights. In addition, the electric seat height adjustment makes it possible to completely remove the patient from the adjustment and only allow the operator to do so. This not only increases the safety of data collection, but also ensures that the exercise on the ergometer is carried out ergonomically correctly.

The positioning device is preferably a linear actuator whose output supports the seat. This is preferably done without an intermediate gear, i.e. the linear actuator unit supports the seat directly. This means that the linear actuator unit with seat can also be easily retrofitted to existing ergometers as a compact module. In addition, this results in a simple construction in which the seat is held in its respective setting position with little or no play, so that even heavier patients can sit securely.

The linear actuator preferably contains an electric motor that operates a spindle lifting gear via a reduction gear. The spindle lifting gear and the level of the reduction are preferably dimensioned so that the positioning device is self-locking. A sufficient locking torque of the electric motor can contribute to this. The advantage of this measure is that the seat height setting is maintained even when the motor is de-energized.

The electric seat height adjustment allows you to adjust the seat height while performing the exercise, for example to place different strains on muscles during the exercise. This can also be an advantage in individual cases.

The control device for the seat height adjustment can be designed independently of the control device for the braking device. However, it is also possible to combine both into a common control device, i.e. to design both control devices in one electronic module. In both cases, however, the seat height adjustment is preferably independent of the operation of the braking device, so that both the braking torque and

the seat height can also be adjusted separately. In a further preferred embodiment, the respective or common control device can be adjusted both locally on the ergometer and via a corresponding interface from a central computer. This allows the operator to work flexibly.

The ergometer according to the invention also preferably has a monitoring device for monitoring the oxygen saturation of the person sitting on the seat. This monitoring device allows the oxygen saturation of the patient to be recorded during work. The oxygen saturation can then preferably be saved as a data set and/or shown as a diagram on the local display of the ergometer or on a display of a connected computer. This gives the treating doctor the opportunity to draw conclusions about the patient's health by recording and evaluating the oxygen saturation during training. The control device that specifies the braking torque can work independently of the recorded oxygen saturation. The patient's heart rate is preferably used to monitor the training with regard to the specified patient load. A separate recording device in the form of a heart rate monitor is preferably provided to record this.

For example, the control device of the ergometer can be set so that a constant preset or set pulse rate is maintained during training or so that the pulse rate follows a preset curve. For example, the braking torque is increased if the current pulse is below the set value and it is reduced if the current pulse is above the set value. In this way, regardless of the

The desired circulatory load can be set and carried out based on the specific training and health status of each patient. Measuring oxygen saturation, particularly in the capillary blood, is a complementary measurement.

The oxygen saturation is preferably monitored using a light measuring probe with an infrared light barrier, the light of which shines through a part of the body that carries capillary blood. A photoelectrode then measures which portions of the light have penetrated the finger. Depending on how well the blood is saturated with oxygen, different portions of the light penetrate the finger. The monitoring device then calculates the oxygen saturation value from this. The measurement is therefore bloodless. The light measuring probe can be connected to a finger clip that the patient wears.

In addition, the display module can be equipped with an acoustic signal generator that emits a signal when a predefined or adjustable oxygen saturation value is undercut. However, this is only considered an additional measure.

The control device for the braking device is preferably provided with an interface via which it can be remotely controlled from a central PC. A further interface can be provided for the monitoring device for monitoring the oxygen saturation. This can also send its data to the central PC. Preferably, both interfaces are combined. This enables the ergometer to be easily networked with a central computer.

The ergometer according to the invention preferably has

an interface device for the alternative or simultaneous connection of measuring devices for the patient's medical values. This creates a modular system in which the user can retrofit various measuring modules. In its basic configuration, the ergometer has at least one frame with a seat, handlebar and pedal crank, which is connected to a controllable braking device. A control device is used for control, which sets the braking torque fixed and independent of the speed or dependent on the speed. In a preferred variant, the basic device already contains a heart rate monitor that is connected to the control device. In this basic version, the patient's load can then be set to a constant pulse or to one that follows a time-dependent curve, for example. However, it is also possible to provide the heart rate monitor as an additional module and to deliver the basic device only with a manually adjustable control device.

The interface device is designed in such a way that additional modules are mechanically and electrically accommodated and connected, for example, to the control device of the ergometer. The control device can access the data provided by the additional modules as required or simply make them available at another interface, e.g. for output to a central computer. It is also possible to assign a storage device to the control device that makes the data provided by the additional modules available for reading. Finally, it is possible to display the data obtained in whole or in part on a display belonging to the ergometer. The display can be connected to the control device directly or alternatively via the above-mentioned interface device in order to be used, for example, as a retrofit module.

For example, an oxygen measuring module, a blood pressure measuring module and an ECG module are provided as retrofit modules. The interface device preferably has its own slot for each module. The slots can be designed identically to one another. If the modules require individual connections, the interface device can also be designed with different slots, each of which is individually assigned to each module.

Advantageous details and developments of the invention emerge from the drawing, the associated description or subclaims. An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the drawing. They show:

Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an ergometer,

Figure 2 shows several ergometers connected to a central computer in a schematic representation as a block diagram,

Figure 3 the ergometer according to Figure 1 with its electrical components as a block diagram,

Figure 4 shows a positioning device for the seat of the ergometer according to Figure 1 in a schematic sectional view,

Figure 5 an infrared light barrier of a SPO2 module for determining the oxygen saturation of the patient’s capillary blood and

Figure 6 the control unit of the ergometer with interface device and additional modules in

schematic representation.

Figure 1 shows an ergometer 1 which has a base frame 2. The base frame 2 carries a seat 3 and a handlebar 4, which are arranged like a bicycle. A pedal crank 5 is rotatably mounted diagonally below the seat 3, like a bicycle. The pedal crank 5 is connected to a braking device 6, which applies a braking torque that opposes the movement of the pedal crank 5. The braking device 6 has at least one control input 7. The braking torque applied by the braking device 6 depends on the signal received at the control input 7. A control device 8, which generates the control signal, is connected to the control input 7. The control device 8 is preferably connected to an interface 9, via which it can be connected to an external computer 11 (Figure 2). In addition, the control device 8 is connected via suitable connecting means, e.g. cables, to an operating module 12, which is arranged, for example, above the handlebar 4 and has a display and operating elements.

The seat 3 is connected to the base frame 2 via a positioning device 14, which supports the seat 3 with its output 15. The positioning device 14 is shown schematically in Figure 4. The output 15 is a rod which is non-rotatably mounted in a housing 16 and which has a thread on at least part of its length. A threaded nut 19 is seated on this, which is supported by two axial bearings 17, 18 and is connected to an electric motor 22 via a reduction gear 21, for example a planetary gear. A rotation of the armature 23 of the electric motor 22 is thereby converted into a linear actuating movement of the output 15. The positioning device 14 is self-locking, i.e. a load on the output 15 in the axial direction does not generate any rotation.

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hung of the armature 23. This can be achieved by an appropriate choice of the thread of the threaded nut 19 and/or by a certain locking torque of the electric motor.

As shown in Figure 1, the positioning device 14 is connected to a second control device 24 which is connected to the operating module 12 via a cable. Buttons are provided on the operating module 12 which allow the height of the seat 3 to be adjusted. In addition, the control device 24 can be connected to an interface 25 which is used to connect to the central computer 11. A further interface 26 can be used to connect the operating module 12 to the computer 11. The interfaces 9, 25, 26 can be combined to form a common interface 27, for example in the form of a computer network data connection. The interfaces 9, 25, 26 are then operated by a network card which can be integrated into a conventional computer network.

The control devices 8, 24 can be combined to form a common control unit 29, which, however, controls the positioning device 14 and the braking device 6 separately. The control unit can thus perform several functions in parallel.

Figure 2 illustrates several ergometers 1, la, 1b, which are connected to the common computer 11 via their interfaces 27. The computer 11, which is provided, for example, by a PC with its own input device (keyboard, mouse) and its own display device (screen), is provided with software that manages the different ergometers 1, la, 1b. In addition, a patient database can be stored on the computer 11, which, in addition to other patient specifics, contains data on

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the desired seat height and the desired training sequence
The computer 11 thus controls the control devices
8, 24 can be controlled in such a way that the patient, when identified on the computer 11, finds the settings that belong to him. This ensures that
his training, regardless of which ergometer he uses,
under the conditions assigned to it. He can also use the control modules 12, 12a or
12b. The ergometers 1, 1a or 1b then pass this information, for example via the interface 27, to the computer 11, which stores the associated setting data
via the same interface. As a result, the ergometer 1, la or Ib automatically adjusts to the patient, even if the patient
has never used the device.

In a particularly simple basic form, the control device 7 can specify the braking torque in a fixed manner and independently of the speed or depending on the patient. However, it is advantageous
the braking torque of the braking device 6 based on
of data or signals that represent the current relative
The patient's stress level. One parameter that characterizes this is, for example, the heart rate
.

Figure 3 illustrates an ergometer with patient P sitting on it using several functional blocks.
These include the control device 8, which has the bidirectional
Interface 9 with the computer 11 and a
bidirectional input/output 31 is connected to the module 12. In addition, the control device has an input 32 to which a pulse module 33 is connected. The
The pulse module 33, referred to as a heart rate monitor, is connected, for example, to a chest strap that is placed around the patient P during a training session and measures the heart rate

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senses.

In a first operating mode, the control device 8 sets the braking torque of the braking device 6 via the control input 7 so that a desired heart rate of the patient or a certain heart rate sequence is established over a predetermined time. This allows different load profiles to be set. The setting, i.e. the corresponding programming, of the control device 8 takes place via the operating module 12 and the input/output 31. In a first embodiment, the default data can be stored in the operating module 12 and in a second embodiment can be adopted and stored by the control device 8.

Just as the setting via the input/output 31 is possible, the setting via the interface from the central computer 11 is also possible. The data recorded by the pulse module 33 can also be sent to the computer 11 in order to be able to recognize and display critical patient conditions as quickly as possible.

The control device 8 can also be part of the control unit 29, which also controls the positioning device 14. This setting can also be made via the operating module 12 as well as via the computer 11. The control unit 29 can also be connected to further measuring modules 34. These include, for example, an oxygen saturation module 35, a blood pressure module 36 and an ECG module 37. These modules can be connected to the control device 8 in order to influence the braking torque or simply to deliver the data received without influencing the braking torque via the interface 9 or 27 to the computer 11 and/or the operating module 12.

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The oxygen saturation module 35 has, for example, a finger clamp 38 which contains an infrared light barrier 39 indicated in Figure 5. This illuminates a part of the patient's body that carries capillary blood, for example his finger. Depending on the oxygen saturation of the patient's capillary blood, certain light components of the infrared light are absorbed. This is detected by means of a photoelectrode, for example in the form of a phototransistor 41, and converted into an electrical signal. This is passed via a line to a suitable connection point 42, which is provided, for example, on the operating module 12. A processing module inserted here or elsewhere in the ergometer 1, which belongs to the oxygen saturation module 35, then processes the signals from the phototransistor 41 and calculates the oxygen saturation value of the blood from this.

The blood pressure module 36 can be provided accordingly, which is equipped with an inflatable armband (not shown in more detail), a small compressor and a microphone that listens to the blood flow in the vicinity of the armband. The armband and the microphone are connected via corresponding lines to the part of the blood pressure module 36 located on the ergometer -1. The measured values supplied by the blood pressure module 36 are processed or forwarded by the control device 8.

The same applies to the ECG module 37, which consists of a processing part and several electrodes that are to be attached to the patient. The signals derived from the ECG module are fed to the operating module 12 and/or the interface 27 and displayed by the operating module 12 or the computer 11, and if necessary processed, stored or checked for abnormalities.

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As Figure 6 illustrates, the control device 8 or, alternatively, the combined control unit 29 can be provided with an interface device 43 to which the oxygen saturation module 35, the blood pressure module 36 and the ECG module 37 can be coupled. The interface device 43 can be designed in the form of suitable slots that are arranged next to one another or at various suitable locations on the ergometer 1. The slots serve to mechanically accommodate and electrically contact the relevant modules. The pulse module 33 can be permanently installed as basic equipment and connected to the control unit 29. Alternatively, like the other modules, it can be coupled to the control unit 29 via the interface module 43. This can be provided with a storage unit 44 in order to temporarily store values provided by the modules and their time course and to make them available for further processing. The values can be read out to the computer 11 immediately or subsequently via the bidirectional interface 27.

The modular design of the ergometer 1 creates a modular system whose basic component is an ergometer with a control unit 29, but without an oxygen saturation module 35, without a blood pressure module 36, without an ECG module 37 and possibly also without a pulse module 33. In this state, the ergometer is fully functional with basic functionality. By adding modules 35, 36 and/or 37, it can be expanded step by step without fundamental changes being necessary. The interface module 43 connects the modules 35, 36, 37 to the control unit 29 and also to the computer 11 via the interface 27. The ergometer 1 can thus be retrofitted without any further manipulation of the ergometer 1 or the entire system. By querying the computer 11

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determine which modules are installed on which ergometer 1, la, Ib and evaluate their signals.

The use of the ergometer 1 is as follows:

The ergometers shown schematically in Figure 2 are initially configured according to individual requirements. For example, an ergometer 1 can be set up without an additional module, while the other ergometers 1a, 1b are equipped with one or more of the modules 35, 36, 37. If a patient is to be tested with the ergometer, he is first assigned the ergometer that is equipped according to the examinations to be carried out. Characteristic patient data, such as name and/or date of birth or other identification data, are entered via the computer 11 by entering it on its keyboard or by entering it on the corresponding control module 12 of the respective ergometer. The patient then takes a seat on the seat 3. The therapist now adjusts the seat height by pressing a button on the control module 12 until the patient is at the correct height to the pedal crank 5. This height is assigned to the patient data and saved. The training or test parameters, such as load in watts or pulse frequency, load time or other values, are then entered and also saved. In addition, the finger clamp 38 or measuring electrodes, inflatable bracelets or other probes or devices of the modules 35, 36, 37 are applied. The exercise is then carried out. For example, in the simplest case, a constant pulse frequency is used for a predetermined time. To do this, the pulse module 33 constantly measures the patient's pulse. The control device 8 regulates the braking torque of the braking device 6 so that the pulse assumes the desired value. The other

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Measuring modules 35, 36, 37 collect data and deliver them to the storage unit 44 or directly to the central computer 11. The collected data are assigned to the patient data set and are thus available to the doctor at any time.

The doctor can evaluate the data immediately or later on the central computer 11 or a computer connected to it. He can also specify the parameters of the next training session here and assign these to the patient's data set. As soon as the patient shows up for the next training session, his data set is activated and the associated data is transferred to the ergometer 1, la or lb on which he is to complete his session. The positioning device 14 automatically sets the stored seat height. The control device 8 either sets the load according to the specification or it stores a target pulse value or a temporal target pulse profile, based on which it determines the braking torque by comparing it with the actual pulse.

An ergometer 1 is designed as an extension system. In its basic form, it has a seat, a pedal crank 5 with a braking device 6 and a handlebar 4. The braking device 6 is controlled by a control device 8, which is part of the basic equipment. An interface device 43 allows the connection of measuring modules. A pulse module 33 can be provided for controlling the braking device 6 via the control device 8. Additional modules that can be connected to the control device 8 or a control unit 29 are an oxygen saturation module 35, a blood pressure module 36 and an ECG module 37. These modules are preferably connected via an interface device 43, which is designed in the form of one or more slots. The seat

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• t ·· ·

height can be adjusted automatically via a positioning unit 14. The ergometer can also be adjusted via a
Interface 27 networked with a central computer
This contains a patient database with the associated setting and training parameters. The computer can also save and evaluate patient data recorded during training or keep it available for evaluation.

Claims (10)

1. Ergometer ( 1 ), particularly for use in medicine,
with a frame ( 2 ) having a controllable braking device ( 6 ) connected to a pedal crank ( 5 ) which is connected to a first control device ( 8 ) for specifying a braking torque,
with a seat ( 3 ) which is held on the frame ( 2 ) by means of a positioning device ( 14 ) which has an actuator ( 22 ) and an actuator gear ( 15 , 19 , 21 ) in order to be able to adjust the distance between the seat ( 3 ) and the pedal crank ( 5 ). 2. Ergometer according to claim 1, characterized in that the positioning device ( 14 ) is a linear actuator, the output of which carries the seat ( 3 ). 3. Ergometer according to claim 1, characterized in that the seat ( 3 ) is held on the positioning device ( 14 ) without an intermediate gear and is supported by the latter. 4. Ergometer according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuating gear ( 15 , 19 , 21 ) has a reduction gear ( 21 ) and a linear gear ( 15 , 19 ) in order to convert the slow rotary movement reduced by the reduction gear ( 21 ) into a linear actuating movement. 5. Ergometer according to claim 1, characterized in that the positioning device ( 14 ) is connected to a second control device ( 24 ) which can be controlled by an operating module ( 12 ) arranged within reach of a person sitting on the seat. 6. Ergometer according to claim 1, characterized in that the positioning device ( 14 ) is connected to a second control device ( 24 ) which can be controlled by an operating device ( 11 ) arranged out of reach of a person sitting on the seat. 7. Ergometer according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the first control device ( 8 ) and the second control device ( 24 ) are combined to form a common control device ( 29 ). 8. Ergometer according to claim 1, characterized in that the first control device ( 8 ) is provided with a first interface ( 9 ) via which the first control device ( 8 ) can be remotely controlled. 9. Ergometer according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the second control device ( 24 ) is provided with a second interface ( 25 ) via which the second control device ( 24 ) can be remotely controlled. 10. Ergometer according to claim 7 and 8, characterized in that the interfaces ( 9 , 25 ) are combined to form a common interface ( 27 ).