EP3883516B1 - Device and method for reversibly connecting a rehabilitation mechanism to a bed, and method for operating a rehabilitation mechanism connected to a bed - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a device and a method for the reversible connection of a rehabilitation mechanism to a bed, in particular to a hospital bed, preferably designed to be vertically adjustable.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for operating a rehabilitation mechanism connected to a bed, preferably designed to be vertically adjustable, by means of such a device via a control unit arranged on the transport means.

For automated movement therapy of bedridden patients - in the following, this refers in particular to patients who, whether conscious or unconscious, cannot leave a bed under their own power for a longer period of time for medical reasons - various devices are known from the prior art which make it possible to move a bedridden patient from a horizontal position to an inclined position in order to then move the extremities, in particular the legs of a patient, automatically and under the influence of at least part of his body weight with the help of a robot. WO 00/61059 A1 For example, a standing table that is adjustable in height and inclination and has a drive mechanism for the leg movement of a patient has become known, with the help of which intensive gait training can be carried out to activate the locomotion centers in the patient's spinal cord. However, before using such a standing table, a patient must first be transferred from his hospital bed to such a device, which can be time-consuming and uncomfortable for the patient, if not medically disadvantageous, especially in the case of intensive care patients who are connected to other medical devices via catheters or cable connections, for example. EN 10 2015 117 596 B3 is also a rehabilitation mechanism for bedridden Patients, a method for controlling it and a bed comprising the rehabilitation mechanism, wherein the rehabilitation mechanism has to be manually attached to and removed from a bed by a therapist.

In order to address this problem, mobile movement robots have been developed which can be brought close to a conventional hospital bed to carry out movement therapy and then removed again after the movement therapy has been completed. JP 2005-334 385 A and the JP 2003 225 264 A For example, training devices are known that can be pushed to the side of a hospital bed. EN 41 13 135 A1 teaches, on the other hand, to bring a therapy device for passive leg movement to the foot of a hospital bed with the help of a trolley. EP0 966 906 A2 A mobile physiotherapy device for moving up to and attaching to a bed is also known. With these devices, the respective movement robot remains firmly connected to the respective means of transport during the movement therapy, which entails restrictions regarding the usability of these movement robots in the context of movement therapy under the influence of body weight as described above. For the transfer and attachment of relatively light medical devices such as infusion stands to a hospital bed, US 7 845 601 B1 an equipment transport system for holding medical equipment while a patient is being transported and from the US 5319 816 A an infusion stand on wheels with a removable infusion rack attached to it. The EN 10 2016 115 982 A1 discloses a device for transferring a bed, in particular a hospital bed, from a horizontal position with respect to its long sides to an inclined position, i.e. a device for verticalizing a conventional bed. In one embodiment, it also provides a rehabilitation mechanism for interaction with a bedridden patient, which in one embodiment can be transported to a stationary part of the device disclosed therein with the aid of a means of transport, in particular with a trolley, and can be operatively connected to it. The rehabilitation mechanism is not connected to the bed here, but to the receiving device of the stationary part. As a result, a EN 10 2016 115 982 A1 A bed connected to a rehabilitation mechanism can never be moved together with the rehabilitation mechanism, but is always connected to the stationary part of the device. In connection with the present invention, reference should also be made to the US 5 344 169 A , the US 5 577 279 A and the EP 1 785 115 A2 pointed out.

Proceeding from this, the present invention is based on the object of providing a device for the mobile use of a movement robot which is improved compared to the prior art and which enables the respective movement robot to be used, in particular in the context of movement therapy under the influence of body weight.

This object is initially achieved with the aid of a device and a method for reversibly connecting a rehabilitation mechanism to a bed, in particular to a hospital bed, preferably designed to be vertically adjustable, with the features of independent patent claim 1 and independent patent claim 11, respectively, and by a method for operating a rehabilitation mechanism connected to a bed, preferably designed to be vertically adjustable, by means of such a device with the features of the independent patent claim 12. Further advantageous embodiments and developments, which can be used individually or in combination with one another, are the subject of the dependent claims.

The device according to the invention comprises at least one connecting element arranged on the rehabilitation mechanism; at least one receiving unit that can be arranged laterally to and/or at the foot end of the bed; the receiving unit being designed to correspond to the connecting element; and a transport means for transporting the rehabilitation mechanism to and from the bed; the transport means and/or the bed being designed to be height-adjustable. It is characterized in that a connecting frame extending at least along a section of the transverse side is arranged on a transverse side of the bed and is pivotably mounted relative to the receiving unit or units via a pivot axis; the at least one receiving unit or, in the case of several receiving units, at least one receiving unit comprises a locking device which is designed to come into operative connection with the connecting frame; a triggering means for direct or indirect interaction with the at least one receiving unit or, in the case of several receiving units, with at least one receiving unit is arranged on the transport means; and wherein the transport means is designed such that it can be used to release and fix the rehabilitation mechanism with the at least one receiving unit or, in the case of several receiving units, with at least one Receiving unit interacts in that, to unlock the receiving unit, the release means arranged on the transport means presses against the connecting frame when approaching the bed, and to lock the receiving unit while the transport means moves away from the bed, the pressure that the release means exerts on the locking device operatively connected to the connecting frame.

The device according to the invention advantageously enables a rehabilitation mechanism to be connected easily and quickly to a conventional hospital bed, in particular one that is designed to be vertical, which can also be designed to be height-adjustable. A movement robot or rehabilitation mechanism that is usually expensive to purchase can therefore be used for several movement therapy sessions on different beds during one day. Existing beds can also be retrofitted quickly and inexpensively by attaching a receiving unit according to the invention and can thus also be advantageously retrofitted with a robot system.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device can advantageously comprise two connecting elements arranged on the rehabilitation mechanism and two receiving units that can be arranged preferably on different sides of a longitudinal axis of the bed. The interaction of two connecting elements arranged on the rehabilitation mechanism with two receiving units that can be arranged preferably on different sides of a longitudinal axis of the bed advantageously allows a uniform distribution of forces in the area of a transverse side of the bed. The introduction of the forces generated on the rehabilitation mechanism can advantageously take place largely directly to the receiving units on the bed, in particular on the long sides near the motors of the rehabilitation mechanism, which counteracts the occurrence of undesirable leverage forces and advantageously contributes to stabilizing the connection between the bed and the rehabilitation mechanism. In addition, a longitudinal arrangement of the receiving units or connecting elements enables both the rehabilitation mechanism to be accommodated near the center of gravity of the means of transport, preferably a trolley, and the arrangement of the rehabilitation mechanism on the bed near a center of gravity of the rehabilitation mechanism, which in turn advantageously increases the stability of the entire arrangement in the operating state.

In a further preferred embodiment, the transport means can be set up to interact with the at least one receiving unit or, in the case of several receiving units, with at least one receiving unit in order to connect the rehabilitation mechanism to the bed and/or to remove the rehabilitation mechanism from the bed. A transport means set up in this way advantageously enables the automatic locking and unlocking of the connecting element(s) in the at least one receiving unit or, in the case of several receiving units, with at least one receiving unit by interaction of the transport means with a receiving unit, without any further intervention by third parties being necessary, and thus advantageously increases operational reliability, in particular during the connection process.

According to the invention, a connecting frame extending at least along a portion of the transverse side is arranged on the transverse side of the bed, which is pivotably mounted relative to the receiving unit(s) via a pivot axis and which can preferably firmly connect two receiving units to one another.

It is advantageous if the connecting frame comprises at least one locking plate, preferably in the middle of its longitudinal extension. On the one hand, such a connecting frame advantageously enables, in the case of two receiving units, these to be fixed at a fixed distance from one another and thus to create an independent structural unit which can be mounted as a whole on the respective bed, for example to retrofit a conventional hospital bed. On the other hand, a connecting frame which is pivotably mounted relative to the receiving unit(s) via a pivot axis advantageously enables the interaction between the transport means and the receiving unit(s) by coming into contact with the transport means. If the connecting frame also comprises at least one locking plate, the interaction between the transport means and the receiving unit(s) can advantageously be triggered by the transport means moving towards the bed and/or by the transport means exerting pressure on the locking plate.

According to the invention, the at least one receiving unit or, in the case of several receiving units, at least one receiving unit also comprises a locking device which is designed to come into operative connection with the connecting frame. As a result, locking and unlocking of the receiving unit can advantageously be achieved by the action of on the connecting frame, in particular on its locking plate.

In a further preferred embodiment, it has proven useful that the at least one receiving unit or, in the case of several receiving units, at least one receiving unit has an opening, preferably tapering towards the floor, for receiving a connecting element of the rehabilitation mechanism. The rehabilitation mechanism can be connected to the bed in a stable but reversible manner using its connecting element(s) via this opening or openings. An opening that tapers towards the floor and is thus comparatively wider on the top of the receiving unit advantageously allows the connecting elements to be easily "threaded" into the receiving units when the rehabilitation mechanism is moved towards the respective bed using the transport means, whereby a further tolerance range is advantageously created for the alignment of the rehabilitation mechanism during the connection process, both in the transverse direction and in the event of any inclination (transverse side of the bed to the transverse side of the rehabilitation mechanism). The tapering of the opening or openings also advantageously offers a type of self-centering mechanism for the rehabilitation mechanism and advantageously defines its position in relation to the bed, making the connection process easier for the user.

It is also advantageous if the opening is made of a plastic and/or coated with a plastic on its inner side facing the bed. The inner wall of an opening designed in this way advantageously reduces the friction between the connecting element and the receiving unit during the connection process and can therefore reduce the mechanical wear of the components, with no further lubrication being necessary. In addition, an inner wall coated with a plastic such as polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon) or made of a plastic such as polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon) reduces any noise caused by friction during the connection process and in this way predestines the device according to the invention for use in sensitive hospital areas.

It is also advantageous if the locking device comprises at least one stamping element and one spring element, wherein the stamping element is designed to come into operative connection with the connecting frame and with the connecting element of the rehabilitation mechanism, and wherein the spring element is designed to interact with the stamping element. Such a locking device advantageously forms a self-locking, "always-locked" mechanism that secures the rehabilitation mechanism from slipping out of the receiving unit, particularly when the bed is in an inclined position, i.e. during verticalization. The spring element can advantageously remain load-free, since the force exerted by the rehabilitation mechanism on the bed is diverted via the stamping element(s).

In a further embodiment of the invention, it has proven useful that at least one receiving unit has at least one means for exchanging information with a verticalization mechanism of a bed, which is set up to interact directly or indirectly with a connecting element of a rehabilitation mechanism. The means for exchanging information can advantageously show the verticalization mechanism of the bed the status of the connection between the rehabilitation mechanism, in particular its connecting elements, and the receiving unit(s) and thus only enable a verticalization movement of the bed when a stable connection exists. This advantageously serves to avoid errors and thus to ensure patient safety.

In addition, a design has proven to be useful in which the transport means is set up in such a way that it can interact with the connecting element to release and fix the rehabilitation mechanism, and in addition with the at least one receiving unit or, in the case of several receiving units, with at least one receiving unit. A transport means set up in this way advantageously ensures that the locking mechanism of the locking device is only actuated when the transport means has moved close enough to the bed to ensure that a connection or release process can be carried out safely.

In a further preferred embodiment, the transport means can preferably comprise at least one rigid or height-adjustable support frame for supporting the rehabilitation mechanism; and release means for direct or indirect Interaction with the at least one receiving unit or, in the case of several receiving units, with at least one receiving unit. A height-adjustable support frame advantageously makes it possible to compensate for height differences independently of the respective hospital bed by the means of transport. The respective hospital bed can remain passive, which advantageously saves on any communication devices between the bed and the means of transport. A rigid support frame advantageously makes it possible to provide a means of transport without a lifting mechanism, which saves corresponding costs and effort. Since many hospital beds are already height-adjustable, the means of transport can remain passive, which in turn advantageously saves on any communication devices between the bed and the means of transport. Finally, the means of transport and the bed can also each be height-adjustable. In this case, distances can advantageously be divided up in height, which in turn allows savings in the lifting mechanisms, even if communication devices between the bed and the means of transport may be an additional requirement for such designs.

Finally, a design of the device has proven to be useful in which the transport means preferably comprises at least one means for centering the transport means with respect to the bed; a holding element for interacting with an anti-tilt device of a rehabilitation mechanism; and/or a control unit which is set up to exchange control signals with the rehabilitation mechanism. A means for centering the transport means advantageously facilitates the rapid approach of the rehabilitation mechanism to the bed in a position suitable for the connection process with respect to the transverse side of the bed. A holding element advantageously prevents the rehabilitation mechanism from tipping forwards, in particular during transport on the transport means. Finally, if the transport means comprises a control unit, the rehabilitation mechanism can advantageously be controlled from the transport means without the need for further control devices.

• ein Rehabilitationsmechanismus auf einem Transportmittel angeordnet ist und in einer Transportstellung zu einem Bett transportiert wird;
• der Rehabilitationsmechanismus mit Hilfe eines höhenverstellbar ausgebildeten Transportmittels und/oder ein höhenverstellbar ausgebildetes Bett in eine erste Verbindungsstellung bewegt wird;
• der Rehabilitationsmechanismus mit Hilfe des Transportmittels und/oder das höhenverstellbar ausgebildete Bett von der ersten Verbindungsstellung in eine zweite Verbindungsstellung bewegt wird,
  • wobei das Transportmittel mit wenigstens einer seitlich zum und/oder am Fußende des Bettes anordenbaren Aufnahmeeinheit zur Entriegelung der Aufnahmeeinheit wechselwirkt,
  • indem zur Entriegelung der Aufnahmeeinheit ein am Transportmittel angeordnetes Auslösemittel beim Heranfahren an das Bett gegen einen an einer Querseite des Bettes angeordneten, sich wenigstens entlang eines Abschnitts der Querseite erstreckenden und über eine Schwenkachse gegenüber der oder den Aufnahmeeinheiten schwenkbar gelagerten, Verbindungsrahmen drückt;
• der Rehabilitationsmechanismus mit Hilfe des höhenverstellbar ausgebildeten Transportmittels und/oder das höhenverstellbar ausgebildete Bett von der zweiten Verbindungsstellung in eine dritte Verbindungsstellung bewegt wird;
  • wobei wenigstens ein am Rehabilitationsmechanismus angeordnetes Verbindungselement mit der wenigstens einen Aufnahmeeinheit oder im Fall von mehreren Aufnahmeeinheiten mit wenigstens einer Aufnahmeeinheit in Wirkverbindung tritt;
• das höhenverstellbar ausgebildete Transportmittel und/oder das höhenverstellbar ausgebildete Bett von der dritten Verbindungsstellung in die Transportstellung bewegt wird; und
• das Transportmittel vom Bett wegbewegt wird,
  • wobei zur Verriegelung der Aufnahmeeinheit während sich das Transportmittel vom Bett entfernt, der Druck, den das Auslösemittel auf eine, mit dem Verbindungsrahmen in Wirkverbindung stehende, Verriegelungsvorrichtung abnimmt.

The method according to the invention for the reversible connection of a rehabilitation mechanism to a bed, in particular to a vertically adjustable hospital bed, is distinguished from generic methods in that

• a rehabilitation mechanism is arranged on a transport means and is transported to a bed in a transport position;
• the rehabilitation mechanism is moved into a first connection position by means of a height-adjustable transport means and/or a height-adjustable bed;
• the rehabilitation mechanism is moved from the first connection position to a second connection position by means of the means of transport and/or the height-adjustable bed,
  • wherein the transport means interacts with at least one receiving unit which can be arranged laterally to and/or at the foot end of the bed for unlocking the receiving unit,
  • in order to unlock the receiving unit, a release means arranged on the transport means presses, when approaching the bed, against a connecting frame arranged on a transverse side of the bed, extending at least along a section of the transverse side and pivotably mounted via a pivot axis relative to the receiving unit or units;
• the rehabilitation mechanism is moved from the second connection position to a third connection position by means of the height-adjustable transport means and/or the height-adjustable bed;
  • wherein at least one connecting element arranged on the rehabilitation mechanism comes into operative connection with the at least one receiving unit or, in the case of several receiving units, with at least one receiving unit;
• the height-adjustable transport means and/or the height-adjustable bed is moved from the third connection position into the transport position; and
• the means of transport is moved away from the bed,
  • wherein, in order to lock the receiving unit while the transport means moves away from the bed, the pressure which the release means exerts on a locking device which is operatively connected to the connecting frame is reduced.

The method according to the invention advantageously enables a simple and quick, reversible connection of a rehabilitation mechanism with a conventional, in particular a vertically designed or vertically adjustable, Hospital bed and ensures the greatest possible safety for the user at every step of the procedure.

Finally, the invention also relates to a method for operating a rehabilitation mechanism connected to a bed, in particular a hospital bed designed or capable of being verticalized, by means of a device as described above; wherein the transport means comprises at least one control unit which is designed to exchange control signals with the rehabilitation mechanism; and wherein at least one receiving unit has at least one means for exchanging information with a verticalization mechanism of a bed, which is designed to interact directly or indirectly with a connecting element of the rehabilitation mechanism.

The operating method according to the invention is distinguished from other operating methods of the same type in that the rehabilitation mechanism exchanges control data with a verticalization mechanism of the bed via a direct interaction between at least one connecting element arranged on the rehabilitation mechanism and at least one receiving unit that can be arranged to the side and/or at the foot end of the bed. Alternatively, the operating method according to the invention is distinguished from other operating methods of the same type in that the rehabilitation mechanism exchanges control data with a verticalization mechanism of the bed via a direct interaction between at least one connecting element arranged on the rehabilitation mechanism and at least one receiving unit that can be arranged to the side and/or at the foot end of the bed, and with a control unit arranged on the transport means. The operating method according to the invention advantageously enables coordinated, user-friendly control of the rehabilitation mechanism and, if applicable, the verticalization mechanism and, if present, a lifting mechanism of the bed directly from the transport means without the need for additional devices.

Additional details and further advantages of the invention are described below with reference to preferred embodiments, to which the present invention is not limited, and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1a

eine Ausgestaltung einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung in einer Seitenansicht;

Fig. 1b

die Vorrichtung aus Fig. 1a in einer perspektivischen Ansicht;

Fig. 2

eine Ausgestaltung eines erfindungsgemäßen Transportmittels in einer perspektivischen Ansicht;

Fig. 3

einen Tragrahmen des Transportmittels aus Fig. 2 in einer vergrößerten perspektivischen Ansicht;

Fig. 4a

eine Ausgestaltung eines Verbindungsrahmens mit zwei daran angeordneten Aufnahmeeinheiten in einer perspektivischen Ansicht;

Fig. 4b

den Verbindungsrahmen und die Aufnahmeeinheiten aus Fig. 4a in einer Draufsicht;

Fig. 4c

den Verbindungsrahmen und die Aufnahmeeinheiten aus Fig. 4a und Fig. 4b in einer Rückansicht;

Fig. 5a

eine Ausgestaltung einer Aufnahmeeinheit in einer Seitenansicht;

Fig. 5b

einen Schnitt entlang A-A durch die Aufnahmeeinheit aus Fig. 5a;

Fig. 5c

einen Schnitt entlang B-B durch die Aufnahmeeinheit aus Fig. 5a und 5b;

Fig. 6

einen Teil einer Ausgestaltung eines Rehabilitationsmechanismus mit einem daran angeordneten Verbindungselement in einer Seitenansicht; und

Fig. 7a bis 7f

eine Bilderserie zur Illustration eines ersten exemplarischen Ablaufs des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens zur reversiblen Verbindung eines Rehabilitationsmechanismus mit einem Bett.

It shows schematically:

Fig. 1a

an embodiment of a device according to the invention in a side view;

Fig. 1b

the device from Fig. 1a in a perspective view;

Fig. 2

an embodiment of a transport means according to the invention in a perspective view;

Fig.3

a supporting frame of the means of transport Fig. 2 in an enlarged perspective view;

Fig. 4a

an embodiment of a connecting frame with two receiving units arranged thereon in a perspective view;

Fig. 4b

the connecting frame and the support units Fig. 4a in a top view;

Fig. 4c

the connecting frame and the support units Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b in a rear view;

Fig. 5a

an embodiment of a receiving unit in a side view;

Fig. 5b

a section along AA through the recording unit Fig. 5a ;

Fig. 5c

a section along BB through the recording unit Fig. 5a and 5b ;

Fig.6

a part of an embodiment of a rehabilitation mechanism with a connecting element arranged thereon in a side view; and

Fig. 7a to 7f

a series of images to illustrate a first exemplary sequence of the method according to the invention for the reversible connection of a rehabilitation mechanism to a bed.

In the following description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, like reference numerals designate like or comparable components.

Fig. 1a shows an embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention in a side view; Fig. 1b the device from Fig. 1a in a perspective view. The device 1 shown comprises at least one connecting element 31 arranged on the rehabilitation mechanism 30, shown here for example as a connecting bar, and at least one receiving unit 12 that can be arranged laterally to and/or at the foot end 801 of the bed 80; the receiving unit 12 being designed to correspond to the connecting element 31, in particular the connecting bar. Preferably, the device 1 can also comprise two connecting elements 31; arranged on the rehabilitation mechanism 30; and two receiving units 12; that can be arranged, preferably on different sides of a longitudinal axis 85 of the bed 80.

In addition, a device 1 according to the invention comprises at least one transport means 13 for transporting the rehabilitation mechanism 30 to the bed 80 and away from the bed 80, wherein the transport means 30 and/or the bed 80 can be designed to be height-adjustable; and wherein the transport means 13 can be set up in such a way that it interacts with the at least one receiving unit or, in the case of several receiving units, with at least one receiving unit to release and fix the rehabilitation mechanism. The transport means 13 can advantageously be designed, for example, as a trolley, with the aid of which the rehabilitation mechanism 30 can be moved comfortably and without great effort. The transport means 13, in particular the trolley, can advantageously comprise a height adjustment device 1331, preferably a telescopic device, whereby the rehabilitation mechanism 30 can advantageously be brought into a comparatively low position close to the ground when moving and also when parking away from a bed 80 and thus a comparatively low center of gravity can be generated in the system transport means 13 - rehabilitation means 30 in order to advantageously increase the tipping stability of the entire system. Alternatively, the transport means 13 or the trolley can also be designed to be rigid, in particular when it is used with height-adjustable beds 80.

Fig.2 shows an embodiment of a transport means 13 according to the invention in a perspective view. The transport means 13 is designed to interact with the at least one receiving unit 12 or, in the case of several receiving units 12, with at least one receiving unit 12 for connecting the rehabilitation mechanism 30 to the bed 80 and/or for removing the rehabilitation mechanism 30 from the bed 80, by interacting with the connecting frame 11 and/or the at least one receiving unit 12 or, in the case of several receiving units 12, with at least one receiving unit 12 for releasing and fixing the rehabilitation mechanism 30. For this purpose, a triggering means 134 is arranged on the transport means 13 for direct or indirect interaction with the at least one receiving unit 12 or, in the case of several receiving units 12, with at least one receiving unit 12. The triggering means 134 can, as in Fig.2 shown, be arranged below a support frame 133 on the transport means 13. In addition, the transport means 13 can advantageously comprise a means 135 for centering the transport means 13 with respect to the bed 80, which is preferably also arranged below a support frame 133 on the transport means 13 and is advantageously V- or U-shaped so that it can interact with a part of the bed 80. A holding element 132 for interacting with an anti-tilt device 32 of a rehabilitation mechanism 30; and/or a control unit 131, which is set up to exchange control signals with the rehabilitation mechanism 30; can also advantageously be arranged on the transport means 13.

In Fig.3 a support frame 133 of the transport means 13 is made of Fig.2 shown in an enlarged perspective view. The support frame 133 shown here, on which the rehabilitation mechanism 30 can be supported at least in sections during transport, preferably comprises a holding element 132 for an anti-tilt device 32, which in turn can be arranged on the rehabilitation mechanism 30, preferably on its rear side (cf. Fig.1 ).

In the Fig. 4a to c is an embodiment of a connecting frame 11 with two receiving units 12 arranged thereon in a perspective view ( Fig. 4a ), in a top view ( Fig. 4b ) and in a rear view ( Fig. 4c ). The connecting frame 11 shown here advantageously connects two receiving units 12 firmly to one another, thereby forming a type of module. In addition, the connecting frame 11 is pivotably mounted relative to the two receiving units 12 via a pivot axis 113.

Alternatively, the at least one or two receiving units 12 or the connecting frame 11 can also be arranged individually on the bed 80, preferably laterally to and/or at the foot end 801 thereof (not shown here). In the case of a modular structure, as shown in the Fig. 4a to c As shown, the entire module can then preferably be arranged on the transverse side 81 of the bed 80. The connecting frame 11 advantageously extends at least along a portion of the transverse side 81, preferably along the entire transverse side 81. As shown in particular in Fig. 4a As can be seen, the connecting frame 11 can advantageously comprise at least one locking plate 114, which is preferably arranged centrally with respect to the longitudinal extension of the connecting frame 11. In addition, it is advantageous if one or more wing elements 115 are arranged on one or both transverse sides 112 of the connecting frame 11 (cf. Fig. 4a ).

The Fig. 5a to 5c show an embodiment of a receiving unit 12 in a side view ( Fig. 5a ), as a section along AA through the recording unit 12 ( Fig. 5b ) and as a section along BB through the recording unit 12 ( Fig. 5c ).

It can be seen that the at least one receiving unit 12 or, in the case of several receiving units 12, at least one receiving unit 12 can have an opening 122, preferably tapering towards the bottom, for receiving a connecting element 31 of the rehabilitation mechanism 30. The opening 122 can preferably be made of a plastic such as Teflon and/or coated with a plastic such as Teflon on its inner side 1221 facing the bed. The receiving unit 12 shown here also comprises a locking device 121, which has at least one stamp element 1211 and one spring element 1212. In Fig. 5c it can be seen that the stamp element 1211 can be designed, for example, as an approximately rectangular, preferably solid component, which preferably has an opening, in particular an elongated opening, in the direction of the opening 122 of the receiving unit 12 itself, through which a connecting element 31, preferably designed as a connecting blade, can pass. As a result, the stamp element 1211 can advantageously come into operative connection with the connecting element 31. One end, in particular the end facing away from the bed 80, of the stamp element 1211 can also advantageously exit through a further, lateral opening of the receiving unit 12, and is thus subjected to an operative connection with the connecting frame 11, preferably with its wing element or wing elements 115 are accessible. At the other end of the stamp element 1211, preferably at the end facing the bed 80, a spring element 1212 can also advantageously be arranged, which is designed to interact with the stamp element 1211, preferably in that it is able to press the stamp element 1211 out of the lateral opening of the receiving unit 12 when no counterforce is exerted on the stamp element 1211 and thus on the spring element 1212.

The receiving unit 12 or, in the case of several receiving units 12, at least one receiving unit 12 can furthermore have at least one means 123 for exchanging information with a verticalization mechanism of a bed 80, which is set up to interact directly or indirectly with a connecting element 31 of a rehabilitation mechanism 30. Such a means 123 for exchanging information can, for example, be a sensor that determines the position of the stamp element 1211 within the receiving unit 12 and independently sends information to a verticalization mechanism, which can be integrated into the bed 80, about whether a rehabilitation mechanism 30 is properly connected to the receiving unit 12 or not. This information can advantageously increase patient safety by avoiding an uncontrolled start of a verticalization process.

In Fig.6 a part of an embodiment of a rehabilitation mechanism 30 with a connecting element 31 arranged thereon is shown in a side view. The connecting element 31 is designed here as a so-called connecting sword, which can be inserted into the opening 122 of the respective receiving unit 12 and, due to its shape, which also tapers towards the bottom, moves itself into a suitable position within the opening 122 during the connection process. The connecting element 31 shown here also has a notch, which serves to intensify the interaction with the stamp element 1211, in particular a "locking", preferably by means of a positive connection.

In the Fig. 7a to 7f Finally, a first exemplary sequence of the method according to the invention for the reversible connection of a rehabilitation mechanism 30 to a bed 80 is shown in a series of images.

In a first method step, a rehabilitation mechanism 30 is arranged on a height-adjustable transport means 13 and is transported in a transport position T to a bed 80 ( Fig. 7a ). The distance that the rehabilitation mechanism 30 has from the ground in this transport position T is preferably chosen to be small, so that the center of gravity of the rehabilitation mechanism 30 - transport means 13 system is as low as possible, i.e. in particular close to the ground. The rehabilitation mechanism 30 is preferably held by a support frame 133 in this transport position T and is secured against tipping over during transport by the engagement of a holding element 132 arranged on the transport means 13 in the tilt protection 32 arranged on the rehabilitation mechanism.

In a further method step, the rehabilitation mechanism 30 is moved from the transport position T into a first connection position V1 by means of the height-adjustable transport means 13 ( Fig. 7b ). For this purpose, the rehabilitation mechanism 30 is preferably brought to a height with the aid of a height adjustment device 1331, in particular with a telescopic device, so that connecting elements 31 arranged on the rehabilitation mechanism 30 can be introduced from above into receiving units 12 arranged on the bed 80.

In a further method step, the rehabilitation mechanism 30 is moved from the first connection position V1 to a second connection position V2 by means of the height-adjustable transport means 13 ( Fig. 7c ). The transport means 13 interacts with at least one receiving unit 12 that can be arranged laterally to and/or at the foot end 801 of the bed 80 to unlock the receiving unit 12, in that a release means 134 arranged on the transport means 13 presses against a connecting frame 11 arranged on the bed 80, in particular against the locking plate 114 arranged thereon, when approaching the bed 80. Wing elements 115 arranged on the connecting frame 11 can advantageously interact with a locking device 121, in particular with its stamp element 1211, of the receiving unit 12 and release the receiving unit 12 for connection to the connecting element(s) 31 of the rehabilitation mechanism 30.

In a further method step, the rehabilitation mechanism 30 is moved from the second connection position by means of the height-adjustable transport means 13 V2 is moved into a third connection position V3, wherein at least one connecting element 31 arranged on the rehabilitation mechanism 30 comes into operative connection with the at least one receiving unit 12 or, in the case of several receiving units 12, with at least one receiving unit 12 ( Fig. 7d ).

Finally, in a process step, the height-adjustable transport means 13 is moved from the third connection position V3 into the transport position T ( Fig. 7e ); and in a final process step, the height-adjustable transport means 13 is moved away from the bed 80 ( Fig. 7f ). While the transport means 13 moves away from the bed 80, the pressure exerted by the release means 134 on the locking device 121, in particular on its stamping element 1211, also decreases and a spring element 1212 preferably arranged in the receiving unit 12 can move the stamping element 1211 back to its starting position (locking position) and thus fix the rehabilitation mechanism 30 in the receiving unit(s) 12. To uncouple the rehabilitation mechanism 30 from the bed 80, the described method steps can preferably be carried out in reverse order.

In a second exemplary sequence of the method according to the invention for the reversible connection of a rehabilitation mechanism 30 to a bed 80, which is not explicitly shown here, alternatively or cumulatively, a height-adjustable bed 80 can also be lowered to a height so that connecting elements 31 arranged on the rehabilitation mechanism 30 can be inserted from above into receiving units 12 arranged on the bed 80. Height-adjustable beds 80 also advantageously allow the use of rigid and thus inexpensive means of transport 13.

For this purpose, in one method step, a rehabilitation mechanism 30 can be arranged on a transport means 13 and transported to a transport position T to a bed 80. A height-adjustable bed 80 can then be moved to a first connection position V1. In a further method step, the height-adjustable bed 80 can be moved from the first connection position V1 to a second connection position V2, wherein the transport means 13 interacts with at least one receiving unit 12 that can be arranged laterally to and/or at the foot end 801 of the bed 80 to unlock the receiving unit 12. Now the height-adjustable formed bed 80 is moved from the second connection position V2 into a third connection position V3; wherein at least one connecting element 31 arranged on the rehabilitation mechanism 30 comes into operative connection with the at least one receiving unit 12 or, in the case of several receiving units 12, with at least one receiving unit 12. Finally, in a last method step, the height-adjustable bed 80 can be moved from the third connection position V3 into the transport position T and then the transport means 13 can be moved away from the bed 80.

To operate the device 1 within the framework of a method according to the invention for reversible connection as described above, the rehabilitation mechanism 30 can exchange control data with a verticalization mechanism of the bed 80 and/or with a control unit 131 arranged on the transport means 13 via a direct interaction between at least one connecting element 31 arranged on the rehabilitation mechanism 30 and at least one receiving unit 12 that can be arranged laterally to and/or at the foot end 801 of the bed 80. The data exchange can take place via a cable connection or wirelessly.

The present invention relates to a device 1 and a method for reversibly connecting a rehabilitation mechanism 30 to a bed 80, in particular to a hospital bed, preferably designed to be vertically adjustable or capable of being verticalized. The device 1 comprises at least: at least one connecting element 31 arranged on the rehabilitation mechanism 30; at least one receiving unit 12 that can be arranged laterally to and/or at the foot end 801 of the bed 80; the receiving unit 12 being designed to correspond to the connecting element 31; and a rigid or preferably height-adjustable transport means 13 for transporting the rehabilitation mechanism 30 to and from a rigid or preferably height-adjustable bed 80. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating a rehabilitation mechanism 30 connected to a bed 80 by means of a device 1 according to the invention. The invention advantageously enables a simple and quick, reversible connection of a rehabilitation mechanism 30 to a conventional, in particular verticalizable hospital bed 80. It is also particularly suitable for the quick and cost-effective retrofitting of existing beds 80 with a robot system for movement therapy.

List of reference symbols

1

contraption

11

Connecting frame
111 Long side of the connecting frame 11
112 Transverse side of the connecting frame 11
113 Swivel axis
114 Locking plate
115 Wing element

12

Recording unit
121 Locking device
1211 Stamp element
1212 Spring element
122 Opening
1221 Inside
123 Means of information exchange with a bed verticalization mechanism 80

13

Means of transport (trolley)
131 Control unit
132 Holding element for the anti-tilt device 32
133 Support frame
1331 Height adjustment device for the support frame 133
134 Release agents
135 Centering tools

30

Rehabilitation mechanism

31

Connecting element

32

Tilt protection

80

Bed, in particular: nursing bed, sick bed, hospital bed or intensive care bed
801 Foot end (end of bed 80)

81

Short side

82

Long side

85

Longitudinal axis

Claims (12)

1. A device (1) for reversibly connecting a rehabilitation mechanism (30) to a bed (80), in particular to a hospital bed that can be brought to a vertical position, the device (1) at least comprising:

   - at least one connection element (31) arranged on the rehabilitation mechanism (30);

   - at least one receiving unit (12), which can be arranged at the side of and/or at the foot end (801) of the bed (80);

   - wherein the receiving unit (12) corresponds in design to the connection element (31);
   and

   - a transport means (13) for transporting the rehabilitation mechanism (30) toward the bed (80) and away from the bed (80);

   - wherein the transport means (13) and/or the bed (80) are/is height-adjustable;

   characterized in that

   - in use at a transverse side (81) of the bed (80), a connection frame (11) is arranged extending at least along a portion of the transverse side (81), which connection frame (11) is mounted pivotably about a pivot axis (113) with respect to the one or more receiving units (12);

   - the at least one receiving unit (12) or, in the case of several receiving units (12), at least one receiving unit (12) comprises a locking device (121) which is configured to come into operative connection with the connection frame (11);

   - a trigger means (134) is arranged on the transport means (13), for directly or indirectly interacting with the at least one receiving unit (12) or, in the case of several receiving untits (12), with at least one receiving unit (12);

   - and wherein the transport means (13) is configured in such a way that, for releasing and for fixing the rehabilitation mechanism (30), it interacts with the at least one receiving unit (12) or, in the case of several receiving units (12), with at least one receiving unit (12); by virtue of the fact that, when the trigger means (134) arranged on the transport means (13) approaches the bed (80), it presses against a connection frame (11) and, for fixing the rehabilitation mechanism (30) in the receiving unit or units (12), while the transport means (134) moves away from the bed (80), the pressure exerted by the trigger means (134) on the locking device (12) decreases.
2. The device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the device comprises

   - two connection elements (31) arranged on the rehabilitation mechanism (30);

   - and two receiving units (12), which can preferably be arranged on different sides of a longitudinal axis (85) of the bed (80).
3. The device (1) as claimed in one claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the connection frame (11) firmly connects two receiving units (12) to each other.
4. The device (1) as claimed in one of the claims 1 through 3, characterized in that the connection frame (11) comprises, preferably centrally with respect to its longitudinal extent, at least one locking plate (114).
5. The device (1) as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one receiving unit (12) or, in the case of several receiving units (12), at least one receiving unit (12) has an opening (122), preferably tapering toward the floor, for receiving a connection element (31) of the rehabilitation mechanism (30).
6. The device (1) as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the opening (122), on its inner face (1221) directed toward the bed, is made of a plastic and/or is coated with a plastic.
7. The device (1) as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking device (121) comprises at least one stamp element (1211) and a spring element (1212),

   - wherein the stamp element (1211) is designed for operative connection to the connection frame (11) and to the connection element (31) of the rehabilitation mechanism (30),

   - wherein the spring element (1212) is designed to interact with the stamp element (1211).
8. The device (1) as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one receiving unit (12) has at least one means (123) for exchanging information with a verticalization mechanism of a bed (80), which is configured to interact directly or indirectly with a connection element (31) of a rehabilitation mechanism (30).
9. The device (1) as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport means (13) at least comprises:

   - a rigid or height-adjustable support frame (133) for supporting the rehabilitation mechanism (30) .
10. The device (1) as claimed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport means (13) at least comprises:

    - a means (135) for centering the transport means (13) with respect to the bed (80);

    - a holding element (132) for interacting with an anti-tipping device (32) of a rehabilitation mechanism (30); and/or

    - a control unit (131) which is configured to exchange control signals with the rehabilitation mechanism (30).
11. A method for reversibly connecting a rehabilitation mechanism (30) to a bed (80), in particular to a hospital bed that can be brought to a vertical position, in which method

    - a rehabilitation mechanism (30) is arranged on a transport means (13) and is transported in a transport position (T) to a bed (80);

    - the rehabilitation mechanism (30) is moved to a first connection position (V1) with the aid of a height-adjustable transport means (13) and/or a height-adjustable bed;

    - the rehabilitation mechanism (30) is moved from the first connection position (V1) to a second connection position (V2) with the aid of the transport means (13) and/or the height-adjustable bed (80),

    - wherein the transport means (13) interacts with at least one receiving unit (12), which can be arranged at the side of and/or at the foot end (801) of the bed (80), in order to unlock the receiving unit (12);

    - by virtue of the fact that for unlocking said receiving unit (12), when a trigger menas (134) arranged on the transport means (13) approaches the bed (80), it presses against a connection frame (11) arranged on the bed (80);

    - the rehabilitation mechanism (30) is moved from the second connection position (V2) to a third connection position (V3) with the aid of the height-adjustable transport means (13) and/or the height-adjustable bed (80);

    - wherein at least one connection element (31) arranged on the rehabilitation mechanism (30) comes into operative connection with the at least one receiving unit (12) or, in the case of several receiving units (12), with at least one receiving unit (12);

    - the height-adjustable transport means (13) and/or the height-adjustable bed (80) are/is moved from the third connection position (V3) to the transport position (T); and

    - the transport means (13) is moved away from the bed (80); wherein for fixing the rehabilitation mechanism (30) in the receiving unit or units (12), while the transport means (134) moves away from the bed (80), the pressure exerted by the trigger means (134) on the locking device (121) decreases.
12. A method for operating a rehabilitation mechanism (30) connected to a bed (80), in particular to a hospital bed that can be brought to a vertical position, by means of a device (1) as claimed in one or more of claims 1 through 13,

    - wherein the transport means (13) comprises at least one control unit (131) which is configured to exchange control signals with the rehabilitation mechanism (30);

    - and wherein at least one receiving unit (12) has at least one means (123) for exchanging information with a verticalization mechanism of a bed (80), which is configured to interact directly or indirectly with a connection element (31) of the rehabilitation mechanism (30);
    in which method the rehabilitation mechanism (30)

    - exchanges control data with a verticalization mechanism of the bed (80) via a direct interaction between at least one connection element (31) arranged on the rehabilitation mechanism (30) and at least one receiving unit (12) which can be arranged at the side of and/or at the foot end (801) of the bed (80);
    or

    - exchanges control data with a verticalization mechanism of the bed (80), and with a control unit (131) arranged on the transport means (13), via a direct interaction between at least one connection element (31) arranged on the rehabilitation mechanism (30) and at least one receiving unit (12) which can be arranged at the side of and/or at the foot end (801) of the bed (80) .

Images