Method for controlling an actuating mechanism of a medical device

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for controlling an actuating mechanism (15) of a medical device (3), comprising: receiving a sensor signal (11) which indicates a deformation of an actuating element (7) when it is actuated by means of a foot and / or hand, said deformation being detected by means of a sensor (9); a control signal (17) for controlling the actuating mechanism (15) is generated by using the sensor signal (11).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for controlling an actuator of a medical technology device. The present invention also relates to a signal processing device for implementing the method, an operating device for operating a medical technology device, and a medical technology device equipped with such an operating device. Background Art

[0002] Medical devices such as thermotherapy devices (e.g., in the form of incubators or warm beds) may be equipped with one or more pedals for controlling actuators of the medical device. Such pedals are usually movably mounted tilt or pressure switches, which are susceptible to functional impairments due to mechanical wear, contamination, or other environmental influences. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention may be based on the object of providing an improved method for controlling an actuator of a medical device. Another object of the present invention may be to provide a signal processing device for implementing such a method, a corresponding operating device, and a corresponding medical device.

[0004] These objects are achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims, the following description and the drawings.

[0005] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a method for controlling an actuation mechanism of a medical device. In addition to the actuation mechanism, the medical device includes an operating device for operating the device. The operating device includes an operating element operable by foot and / or hand (e.g., finger) and a sensor for detecting deformation of the operating element. The method includes receiving a sensor signal indicating a deformation of the operating element detected by the sensor when the operating element is actuated; and using the sensor signal to generate a control signal for controlling the actuation mechanism.

[0006] This method allows the actuator to be controlled without a movably mounted operating element. This reduces mechanical wear. Furthermore, due to the reduced structural complexity compared to embodiments with a movably mounted operating element, manufacturing, maintenance, and repair costs can be reduced.

[0007] "Deformation" may be understood in particular to mean (reversible) elastic deformation. For example, the deformation can be determined based on a (positive or negative) change in at least one of the following electrical variables detectable by a sensor, which can be directly or indirectly dependent on the deformation: voltage, current, resistance. It is possible to apply a preload to a sensor, for example, in the form of one or more strain gauges, so that the sensor signal is always positive but either approaches zero or increases depending on the direction of deformation.

[0008] A “signal” as in “sensor signal” or “control signal” may be understood to be an analog or digital electrical signal. The control signal may be generated, for example, as a function of the value (ie, intensity and / or sign) of the sensor signal.

[0009] The method can be implemented by a computer, for example.

[0010] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a signal processing apparatus, wherein the signal processing apparatus comprises a device configured to implement the method described above and below.

[0011] The device may include hardware and / or software modules. In particular, the device may include a processor configured to implement the method (by executing instructions of a corresponding computer program). Additionally, the device may include a memory and / or a data communication interface for wireless and / or wired data communication with peripheral devices. Alternatively, the signal processing device may be implemented solely as hardware, for example in the form of an ASIC or FPGA function block (Baustein).

[0012] For example, the signal processing device may include at least one of the following components: an enhancer for enhancing an analog sensor signal; an analog-to-digital converter for converting an analog sensor signal (enhanced if necessary) into a digital sensor signal; a signal analysis unit for analyzing the analog sensor signal (enhanced if necessary), for example by filtering and / or Fourier transformation; a processing unit for further processing the digital sensor signal and / or the analog sensor signal (enhanced if necessary and / or preprocessed by corresponding signal analysis).

[0013] It is possible that at least one of the above-mentioned components of the signal processing device is implemented as a hardware and / or software module of the sensor (and vice versa).

[0014] It should be pointed out that features of the method described above and below can also be features of the signal processing device (and vice versa).

[0015] A third aspect of the present invention relates to an operating device for operating a medical device. The operating device comprises: an operating element operable by foot and / or hand; a sensor configured to detect deformation of the operating element when the operating element is operated and to generate a sensor signal indicating the detected deformation of the operating element; and a signal processing device as described above and below.

[0016] Such an operating device has the advantage that it can be operated without a movably mounted operating element. Consequently, the operating device is relatively wear-resistant and robust against environmental influences such as mechanical vibrations, dirt, moisture, or water. Furthermore, compared to embodiments with movably mounted operating elements, such an operating device requires less structural effort. This simplifies production, maintenance, and repair, thereby reducing the associated costs.

[0017] The sensor can be, for example, an analog or incremental displacement sensor (for example in the form of a strain gauge), an optical sensor (for example in the form of a fiber Bragg grating) or a combination formed from at least two of these examples.

[0018] A fourth aspect of the present invention relates to a medical technology device comprising an actuation mechanism and an operating device as described above and below.

[0019] "Medical technology equipment" may be understood, for example, as a thermotherapy device for performing thermotherapy on a patient using a reclining surface. Such thermotherapy equipment may be embodied, in particular, as a warming bed, incubator, or resuscitation unit—for example, for premature infants or newborns, infants, or young children, respectively. Alternatively, the medical technology equipment may be an operating table or work table, a hospital bed, an examination table, a treatment chair, a diagnostic device (such as a computed tomography or magnetic resonance tomography scanner), or an X-ray device.

[0020] The actuating mechanism can be composed of one or more actuators controllable by means of a control signal. Such an actuator can be, for example, an electric motor, an electromagnet or an electromechanical valve.

[0021] The following describes various embodiments of the present invention, but these embodiments are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the operating device can also include a feedback device for generating acoustic and / or optical and / or haptic feedback for a (human) user or operator of the medical technology device.

[0023] The feedback device may include, for example, at least one of the following components: a light source for generating optical feedback (for example in the form of at least one light-emitting diode, at least one incandescent bulb or at least one, for example, elongated optical fiber); a display for generating optical feedback; a loudspeaker for generating acoustic feedback (for example a ringing sound, a noise or a voice prompt); a vibration transmitter for vibrating the operating element (for example, in the form of a special motor or loudspeaker, which can be operated at a correspondingly low frequency).

[0024] The light source can be designed, for example, to illuminate the medical device itself and / or the floor on which the medical device is operable in a suitable manner in order to generate optical feedback and / or to change the brightness and / or color of the emitted light in a suitable manner.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the method may further include: generating an additional control signal for controlling the feedback device by using the sensor signal and / or the control signal.

[0026] It is possible, for example, to activate the feedback device as a reaction to the operating element being operated for a specific duration, as long as a sensor signal (with sufficient strength) is received and / or a control signal is generated. "Activation" can be understood, for example, to mean switching on or switching on and off alternately.

[0027] With the aid of such additional feedback, operating comfort can be further improved.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the detected deformation may include a detected degree of deformation, wherein a control signal may be generated based on the detected degree of deformation. The detected degree of deformation may, for example, be a numerical value (the current amplitude value) of a sensor signal. Alternatively, the detected degree of deformation may be a percentage value. Here, 0% may represent the (e.g., undeformed) initial state of the operating element, and 100% may represent the maximum permissible deformation of the operating element. This enables the actuator to be controlled based on the corresponding operating force with which the operating element is actuated, i.e., deformed. To this end, for example, a specific control value from a plurality of possible control parameters for controlling at least one control parameter of the actuator (e.g., the acceleration or velocity at which a specific actuator of the actuator is to be moved) may be assigned to the current amplitude value and applied to the corresponding control parameter.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the detected deformation may include a detected deformation direction, wherein a control signal can be generated based on the detected deformation direction. The detected deformation direction can be, for example, the sign (of the current amplitude value) of the sensor signal. This allows the actuator to be controlled based on the corresponding operating direction (in which the operating element is being operated, i.e., deformed). To this end, for example, the sign of the current adjustment value for at least one control parameter can be determined based on the sign of the current amplitude value and applied to the corresponding control parameter. In particular, the operating elements can be operated in opposite directions.

[0030] Alternatively or additionally, additional control signals (see above) can be generated depending on the detected degree of deformation and / or the detected direction of deformation. This allows the type and / or intensity of the feedback to be varied depending on the respective operating force and / or operating direction, which can have a positive impact on operating comfort.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the sensor can include a strain gauge that is mechanically coupled to at least one section of the operating element. A "strain gauge" can generally be understood as a strain sensor for converting mechanical deformations into electrical (sensor) signals. The strain gauge can be designed so that the electrical resistance of the material that enables the connections of the strain gauge to be electrically conductively connected to each other changes as a function of its deformation. Such a strain gauge can, for example, be designed as a planar and / or elongated element (for example, in the form of a strip or film). However, other embodiments of the strain gauge are also possible (the strain gauge does not necessarily have to be designed as a "strip"). It is practical for the strain gauge to be applied to a section of the operating element that, when it is actuated, is stretched and / or compressed more strongly than the remaining sections of the operating element.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the sensor signal may indicate a voltage acting on the connections of the strain gauge and / or a current flowing between the connections of the strain gauge as the detected deformation. The magnitude of the voltage or current may be correlated with the corresponding degree of deformation of the actuating element, and / or the sign of the voltage or current may be correlated with the corresponding direction of deformation of the actuating element.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the deviation of the amplitude of the voltage and / or current from a threshold value can be determined, and a control signal can be generated based on this deviation. For example, the deviation can be determined by subtracting the corresponding value of the amplitude from the threshold value. A "threshold value" is generally understood to be a (predefined) reference value. The threshold value can be fixed or variable, for example, to enable precise adjustment of the operating device. In particular, a control signal can be generated when the amplitude reaches the threshold value, that is, when the deviation reaches zero. This prevents incorrect operation (for example, when the operating element is accidentally slightly touched).

[0034] According to one embodiment, the sensor may include a first sensor element and a second sensor element. The first sensor element may be configured to detect deformation of a first section of the operating element when the operating element is operated and generate a first sensor signal indicating the detected deformation of the first section. The second sensor element may be configured to detect deformation of a second section of the operating element, different from the first section, when the operating element is operated and generate a second sensor signal indicating the detected deformation of the second section. In this case, the signal processing device of the operating device may be configured to generate a control signal using the first sensor signal and / or the second sensor signal. In other words, the control signal may be selectively generated from the first sensor signal, the second sensor signal, or both sensor signals.

[0035] According to one embodiment, receiving the sensor signal may include:

[0036] A first sensor signal is received, indicating the deformation of a first section of the operating element when it is actuated, as detected by the first sensor element; and a second sensor signal is received, indicating the deformation of a second section of the operating element when it is actuated, as detected by the second sensor element. Accordingly, a control signal can be generated using the first and / or second sensor signals. This allows for more accurate deformation measurement compared to embodiments with only one sensor element. Another advantage is that the actuator can still be controlled even if one of the sensor elements is out of service.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the first sensor element may be a first strain gauge mechanically coupled to the first section. Accordingly, the first sensor signal may indicate a voltage acting on the connections of the first strain gauge and / or a current flowing between the connections of the first strain gauge.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the second sensor element may be a second strain gauge mechanically coupled to the second section. Accordingly, the second sensor signal may indicate a voltage acting on the connections of the second strain gauge and / or a current flowing between the connections of the second strain gauge.

[0039] The first and second strain gauges can differ from each other in their position and / or orientation relative to the operating element. The longitudinal axes of the first and second strain gauges can be oriented parallel to or obliquely relative to each other. For example, the obliquely oriented longitudinal axes can enclose an angle of 90 degrees or less, 60 degrees or less, or 30 degrees or less.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the connector of the first strain gauge and the connector of the second strain gauge can be connected via a bridge circuit to generate a third sensor signal from the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal. In this case, the control signal can be generated using the third sensor signal. This can further improve the reliability and / or accuracy of the method. The third sensor signal can, for example, have a greater amplitude than the first sensor signal and / or the second sensor signal. The bridge circuit can include, for example, a full bridge, a half bridge, a quarter bridge, or a combination of at least two of these examples.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the operating device can also include a further operating element that can be operated by foot and / or hand and a further sensor for detecting a deformation of the further operating element. The operating element and the further operating element can be operated independently of each other, for example.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the method may further include receiving a further sensor signal indicating a deformation of the further operating element when it is actuated, detected by means of a further sensor; and generating a further control signal for controlling the actuating mechanism by using the further sensor signal or by using the sensor signal and the further sensor signal. Thus, erroneous operation can be avoided by, for example, detecting unintentional simultaneous actuation of different operating elements. To this end, for example, a deviation between the sensor signal and the further sensor signal can be determined, wherein a control signal can be generated based on the deviation. It is possible that the further control signal can be used to actuate the same device of the actuating mechanism as that actuated by the control signal. Alternatively, it is possible that the further control signal can be used to actuate a different device of the actuating mechanism than that actuated by the control signal.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the operating element can be formed in the form of a plate and / or made of metal. Such an operating element is particularly robust and / or can be manufactured particularly easily.

[0044] According to one embodiment, an operating element can be rigidly connected at its first end to a fastening section of the medical device and can be operated by applying a defined bending force to its free second end. The operating element can be rigidly connected to the fastening section at its first end, for example, by screwing, welding, brazing, gluing, or a combination of at least two of these connection methods. A "fastening section" can be understood, in particular, to mean a section of a load-bearing structure of the medical device, such as a (travel) frame. Such fastening sections are typically particularly rigid. This has the effect that when the operating element is actuated, deformation primarily occurs in the operating element and less in the fastening section. This allows for particularly sensitive operation. Furthermore, it can avoid significant inaccuracies in detecting deformation of the operating element.

[0045] According to one embodiment, at least one (electrical and / or electronic) component of the operating device can be arranged on a printed circuit board, wherein the printed circuit board can be fastened to the operating element. Since the printed circuit board is fastened, the one or more components involved can be assembled or disassembled together with the operating element in a single step, which simplifies assembly or disassembly. In particular, at least one of the following components of the operating device can be arranged on the printed circuit board: a sensor (or at least one component of the sensor), a signal processing device (or at least one component of the signal processing device), a feedback device (or at least one component of the feedback device), and a connection for the power supply.

[0046] Additionally or alternatively, at least one (electrical and / or electronic) component of the operating device can be arranged on an external circuit board, wherein the external circuit board can be fastened to a section of the medical device other than the operating element, for example to its (travel) frame.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the printed circuit board can be fastened to the operating element by means of at least one spacer, so that the printed circuit board and the operating element are separated from each other by a gap. In this case, at least one component arranged on the printed circuit board can be arranged in the gap. In this way, the component or components involved can be effectively protected from environmental influences.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the gap can also be sealed to protect at least one component arranged in the gap from environmental influences such as dirt, moisture, humidity, vibrations, or electromagnetic radiation. The gap can be sealed in a fluid-tight manner and / or at least partially filled with a suitable sealing material, for example in the form of one or more sealing rings and / or a caulking compound (e.g., made of synthetic resin and / or silicone).

[0049] According to one embodiment, the at least one component arranged on the circuit board (and optionally in the gap) may include at least one (electrical and / or electronic) component of a feedback device, for example at least one of the following components of the feedback device (see above): light source, display, loudspeaker, vibration transmitter. If the light source is arranged in the gap and the gap is additionally sealed, it is practical for the sealing material to be light-transmissive so that the light emitted by the light source is visible from the outside to a user of the medical device.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the medical technology device can be a thermotherapy device. The thermotherapy device can be embodied, for example, as a warming bed, an incubator, a resuscitation unit, or a combination of at least two of these examples (for example, for premature infants or newborns, infants, or young children, respectively).

[0051] According to one embodiment, the medical device may also include a lying surface for the patient. In this case, the actuation mechanism may include a lying surface adjustment device, controllable by the signal processing device of the operating device, for moving the lying surface, for example, to adjust its position and / or orientation relative to the floor on which the medical device is placed vertically. A "lying surface" may be understood, for example, as a (heatable) reclining board. The lying surface adjustment device may include, for example, one or more lifting columns and / or a balancing bar-like support device for the lying surface.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the medical technology device may also include an incubator chamber for receiving premature babies or newborns. In this case, the actuating mechanism may include at least one of the following devices that can be controlled by the signal processing device of the operating device: a chamber adjustment device for moving the incubator chamber, for example in order to adjust its position and / or orientation relative to the ground (on which the medical technology device is placed vertically); a cover adjustment device for moving the cover of the incubator chamber (for example in order to open and / or close the incubator chamber with the help of the cover). The chamber adjustment device may include, for example, one or more lifting columns for adjusting the incubator chamber. The incubator chamber can be heated. Additionally or alternatively, the air humidity inside the incubator chamber can be adjusted.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the medical device may further include a traveling frame having a plurality of rollers for moving the medical device. In this case, the actuating mechanism may include at least one of the following devices, controllable by the signal processing device of the operating device: a drive device for driving at least one of the rollers; a braking device (e.g., in the form of an electric parking brake) for braking at least one of the rollers; and a steering device for steering at least one of the rollers.

[0054] “Braking” and / or “steering” may also be understood as locking in one or more directions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Neither the description nor the drawings should be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 1 An operating device according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0057] Figure 2 Shown from below Figure 1 operating elements.

[0058] Figure 3 A medical technology device according to one specific embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0059] Figure 4 A section of a traveling frame of a medical device according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0060] Figure 5 Shown from below Figure 4 A section of the running frame.

[0061] The drawings are purely schematic and not true to scale. If the same reference numerals are used in different figures, these reference numerals denote identical or identically acting features. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] Figure 1 A device for operating a medical device 3 (here an incubator 3 for premature babies or newborns 5, see Figure 3 ) operating device 1. The operating device 1 comprises an operating element 7 which can be operated by means of the foot and / or hand (e.g., a finger), a sensor 9 which is configured to detect a (mainly elastic) deformation of the operating element 7 when it is operated and to generate an analog or digital electrical sensor signal 11 which indicates the detected deformation of the operating element 7, and a corresponding signal processing device 13.

[0063] The signal processing device 13 comprises means configured to implement the following method for controlling an actuating mechanism 15 of the incubator 3 .

[0064] In a first step of the method, the sensor signal 11 is received in a signal processing device 13. Subsequently, in a second step of the method, a control signal 17 for controlling the actuator 15 is generated.

[0065] The actuation mechanism 15 may include, for example, at least one of the following actuators controllable by the signal processing device 13 : an electric motor, an electromagnet, an electromechanical valve.

[0066] The components of the signal processing apparatus 13 may include, for example, a processor and a memory. In this case, the processor may be configured to implement the method by executing a computer program stored in the memory.

[0067] Additionally, the operating device 1 may include a feedback device 19 for generating acoustic and / or optical and / or tactile feedback for the user of the incubator 3. In this case, in an additional step of the method, an additional control signal 21 for controlling the feedback device 19 may be generated by using the sensor signal 11 and / or the control signal 17.

[0068] The feedback device 19 may include, for example, at least one of the following components: a light source for generating optical feedback (e.g., in the form of at least one light-emitting diode, at least one incandescent bulb, or at least one, for example, elongated optical fiber); a display for generating optical feedback; a speaker for generating acoustic feedback (e.g., a ringing sound, a noise, or a voice prompt); a vibration transmitter for vibrating the operating element 7 (e.g., in the form of a special motor or speaker that can be operated at a correspondingly low frequency). The light source may be configured, for example, to illuminate the floor (on which the incubator 3 is in an operable state) in a specific pattern in order to generate the optical feedback and / or to appropriately change the brightness and / or color of the emitted light.

[0069] Additional control signal 21 can be generated, for example, as a (direct) reaction to receiving sensor signal 11 and / or generating control signal 17. It is possible to generate additional control signal 21 as soon as sensor signal 11 (with sufficient strength) is received and / or control signal 17 is generated.

[0070] The sensor signal 11 may indicate the degree of deformation detected and / or the direction of deformation detected (in Figure 1 (indicated by a downwardly pointing vertical arrow in FIG. 1 ). Accordingly, a control signal 17 can be generated according to the detected deformation degree and / or the detected deformation direction. This makes it possible to control the actuating mechanism 15 according to the corresponding operating force and / or operating direction.

[0071] For example, the detected degree of deformation can correspond to the current value (i.e., the current strength) of the sensor signal 11. Alternatively, the detected degree of deformation can be a percentage value between 0 (for example, the undeformed initial state of the operating element 7) and 1 (for the maximum permissible deformation of the operating element 7). The detected deformation direction can correspond to the current positive or negative sign of the sensor signal 11, wherein each sign can indicate one of two mutually opposite deformation directions.

[0072] The control signal 17 can be generated, for example, as a function of the deviation of the amplitude of the sensor signal 11 from a predetermined fixed or variable threshold value, in particular only when the amplitude reaches or exceeds the threshold value. In this way, incorrect operation, for example when the operating element 7 is accidentally pressed lightly, can be avoided.

[0073] As in Figure 2 As can be seen in FIG, the sensor 9 may include a first sensor element 9a for detecting deformation of a first section of the operating element 7 and a second sensor element 9b for detecting deformation of a second section different from the first section of the operating element 7. The sensor 9b may also include more than two such sensor elements.

[0074] Accordingly, a first sensor signal 11a and a second sensor signal 11b can be received in the signal processing device 13. The first sensor signal indicates the deformation of the first section of the operating element 7 when it is actuated, as detected by the first sensor element 9a, and the second sensor signal indicates the deformation of the second section of the operating element 7 when it is actuated, as detected by the second sensor element 9b. The control signal 17 can then be generated using the first sensor signal 11a and / or the second sensor signal 11b. This allows for more accurate deformation measurement compared to an embodiment with only one sensor element. A further advantage is that the actuator 15 can still be controlled even if one of the sensor elements 9a, 9b is out of operation.

[0075] The sensor elements 9 a , 9 b can each be designed as a strain gauge that is mechanically coupled (eg, adhesively bonded) to a corresponding section of the actuating element 7 .

[0076] Accordingly, the sensor signals 11 a , 11 b can each indicate a voltage acting on the connections of the respective strain gauge and / or a current flowing between the connections of the respective strain gauge.

[0077] Different strain gauges can differ from one another in their position and / or orientation relative to the actuating element 7. In this case, the respective longitudinal axes of the strain gauges, such as in Figure 2 As shown by way of example in FIG, the longitudinal axes oriented obliquely relative to each other can enclose an angle of 90° or less, 60° or less, or 30° or less.

[0078] Alternatively, the connections of different strain gauges can be interconnected via a bridge circuit. The bridge circuit can be configured to generate a third sensor signal from the first sensor signal 11a and the second sensor signal 11b. The third sensor signal can, for example, have a greater amplitude than each of the other two sensor signals 11a and 11b. The bridge circuit can include, for example, a full bridge, a half bridge, a quarter bridge, or a combination of at least two of these. The third sensor signal can then be used to generate the control signal 17. This can further improve the reliability and / or accuracy of the method.

[0079] In Figure 1 and Figure 2In the example shown, the sensor elements 9a, 9b are each applied to the underside of the plate-like operating element 7. There, the operating element 7 is particularly compressed when it is actuated, that is, it is loaded in compression. Other locations are also possible, for example, on one of the upper sides of the operating element 7, which is opposite the underside. There, the operating element 7 is particularly expanded when it is actuated, that is, it is loaded in tension.

[0080] As in Figure 1 As shown in the figure, the operating element 7 can be rigidly connected at its first end to the fastening section 23 of the incubator 3. The operating element 7 can then be operated, that is, bent, by applying a vertical force to its free second end (the bent state is indicated by a dashed line).

[0081] In this example, the operating element 7 is connected to the chassis 25 (see also Figures 3 to 5 ) as a fastening section 23 is tightened by two screws 27 and can be deformed by pressing downwards with the help of a foot. Alternatively or additionally to the screws 27, the operating element 7 can be fastened to the fastening section 23, for example, by welding, soldering and / or gluing.

[0082] As in Figure 2 As can be seen in FIG, the two sensor elements 9a, 9b can be arranged such that they overlap with an imaginary straight connecting line 29 between the two screws 27. In this region, the actuating element 7 is usually deformed most strongly when it is actuated.

[0083] To simplify assembly and disassembly, in this example, the signal processing device 13 and the feedback device 19 are arranged on a common printed circuit board 31, which is fastened to the top side of the operating element 7 via a plurality of spacers 33. Here, the signal processing device 13 and the feedback device 19 are located in a gap 35 between the printed circuit board 31 and the operating element 7 and are therefore well protected from environmental influences. Furthermore, the gap 35 can be sealed to be dust-tight and / or waterproof.

[0084] As in Figure 1 As indicated in , the feedback device 19 can be designed, for example, to illuminate the gap 35 , wherein a portion of the emitted light can penetrate to the outside, so that optical feedback can be provided to the user when the operating element 7 is actuated.

[0085] As in Figures 3 to 5 As shown in , the operating device 1 can include one or more further operating elements 37, each of which has a further sensor for detecting a deformation of the respective further operating element. The further operating element 37 and the further sensor can be designed similarly to the operating element 7 and its sensor 9 described above.

[0086] In this case, a further control signal for controlling the actuator 15 can be generated by using a further sensor signal (the further sensor signal indicating a deformation of one of the further operating elements when it is operated, detected by means of one of the further sensors), for example by a corresponding further signal processing device similar to the signal processing device 13 described above.

[0087] For example, the further control signal can be generated by additionally using sensor signal 11 or at least one of sensor signals 11a, 11b. Conversely, control signal 17 can be generated by additionally using one or more further sensor signals. This makes it possible to detect unintentional simultaneous actuation of different operating elements 7, 37.

[0088] As in Figure 3 As shown in FIG, the incubator 3 may include an incubator 39 for receiving premature infants or neonates 5. In this case, the actuating mechanism 15 may include, for example, an electrically controllable chamber adjustment device 41 for moving the incubator chamber 39 (as a whole) and / or an electrically controllable cover adjustment device 43 for opening and / or closing a movably and / or swingably supported cover 45 of the incubator chamber 39.

[0089] The traveling frame 25 may include a plurality of rollers 47 for moving the incubator 3 on the ground. In this case, the actuating mechanism 15 may include, for example, an electrically controllable driving and / or braking and / or steering device 49 for driving and / or braking and / or steering at least one of the rollers 47.

[0090] Additionally or alternatively, the incubator 3 may include an adjustable lying surface 51 for premature infants or newborns 5. In this case, the actuator 15 may include an electrically controllable lying surface adjustment device 53 for adjusting the lying surface 51, for example, its inclination and / or height. The lying surface 51 and the incubator chamber 39 may be adjusted independently of each other, for example.

[0091] Finally, it is pointed out that terms such as “have”, “comprise”, “include” and “with” do not exclude any other elements or steps and indefinite articles such as “a” and “an” do not exclude a plurality.

[0092] Furthermore, it should be pointed out that a feature or step described with reference to one of the above embodiments can also be used in combination with multiple other features or steps described with reference to the above embodiments.

[0093] Reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the subject matter defined by the claims.

[0094] Reference Signs List

[0095] 1 operating device

[0096] 3. Medical technology equipment, incubators

[0097] 5 Premature babies or newborns

[0098] 7 Control elements

[0099] 9 Sensors

[0100] 9a First sensor element

[0101] 9b Second sensor element

[0102] 11 Sensor signal

[0103] 11a First sensor signal

[0104] 11b Second sensor signal

[0105] 13 Signal processing device

[0106] 15. Actuating mechanism

[0107] 17 Control Signal

[0108] 19 Feedback device

[0109] 21 Additional control signals

[0110] 23 Fastening section

[0111] 25 Traveling frame

[0112] 27 screws

[0113] 29 connecting wires

[0114] 31 Circuit Board

[0115] 33 Spacer

[0116] 35 gap

[0117] 37 Additional operating elements

[0118] 39 Incubator Chamber

[0119] 41 Chamber adjustment device

[0120] 43 Cover adjustment device

[0121] 45 protective cover

[0122] 47 Roller

[0123] 49 Driving and / or braking and / or steering devices

[0124] 51 Lying surface

[0125] 53 Lying surface adjustment device

Claims

1. A method for controlling an actuating mechanism (15) of a medical technology device (3), wherein: In addition to the actuating mechanism (15), the medical device (3) comprises an operating device (1) for operating the medical device (3), wherein the operating device (1) comprises an operating element (7) that can be operated by foot and / or hand and a sensor (9) for detecting a deformation of the operating element (7), wherein the method comprises: receiving a sensor signal (11) which indicates a deformation of the operating element (7) detected by means of the sensor (9) when the operating element (7) is actuated; A control signal (17) for controlling the actuating mechanism (15) is generated by using the sensor signal (11).

2. The method according to claim 1, in, The operating device (1) further comprises a feedback device (19) for generating acoustic and / or optical and / or tactile feedback for a user of the medical technology device (3); The method further comprises: An additional control signal (21) for controlling the feedback device (19) is generated by using the sensor signal (11) and / or the control signal (17).

3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The detected deformation includes a detected degree of deformation, and the control signal (17) is generated in accordance with the detected degree of deformation; and / or wherein the detected deformation includes a detected deformation direction, and the control signal (17) is generated according to the detected deformation direction; and / or The sensor (9) comprises a strain gauge (9a, 9b) mechanically coupled to at least one section of the operating element (7), and the sensor signal (11) indicates a voltage acting on the connections of the strain gauge (9a, 9b) and / or a current flowing between the connections of the strain gauge (9a, 9a) as the detected deformation.

4. The method according to claim 3, in, A deviation of the amplitude of the voltage and / or current from a threshold value is determined and the control signal (17) is generated as a function of the deviation.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, in, Receiving the sensor signal (11) comprises: receiving a first sensor signal (11a) indicating a deformation of a first section of the actuating element (7) when the actuating element (7) is actuated, detected by means of a first sensor element (9a) of the sensor (9); receiving a second sensor signal (11b) indicating a deformation of a second section of the operating element (7) different from the first section, detected by means of a second sensor element (9b) of the sensor (9); The control signal (17) is generated by using the first sensor signal (11a) and / or the second sensor signal (11b).

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The operating device (1) further comprises a further operating element (37) which can be operated by means of the foot and / or hand and a further sensor for detecting a deformation of the further operating element (37); The method further comprises: receiving a further sensor signal, which indicates a deformation of the further operating element (37) detected by means of the further sensor when the further operating element (37) is actuated; A further control signal for controlling the actuator (15) is generated by using the further sensor signal or by using the sensor signal (11) and the further sensor signal.

7. A signal processing device (13) comprising the following components: the components are configured to implement the method according to any one of the preceding claims.

8. An operating device (1) for operating a medical technology device (3), wherein: The operating device (1) comprises: A manipulation element (7) that can be manipulated by foot and / or hand; a sensor (9) configured to detect a deformation of the operating element (7) when the operating element (7) is operated and to generate a sensor signal (11) indicative of the detected deformation of the operating element (7); The signal processing device (13) according to claim 7.

9. The operating device (1) according to claim 8, in, The actuating element (7) is plate-shaped and / or made of metal; and / or The actuating element (7) can be rigidly connected at its first end to a fastening section (23) of the medical device (3) and can be actuated by applying a defined bending force to its free second end.

10. The operating device (1) according to claim 8 or 9, in, At least one component (13, 19) of the operating device (1) is arranged on a circuit board (31), wherein the circuit board (31) is fastened to the fastening element (7).

11. The operating device (1) according to claim 10, in, The circuit board (31) is fastened to the fastening element (7) by means of at least one spacer (33), so that the circuit board (31) and the operating element (7) are separated from each other by a gap (35), wherein the at least one component (13, 19) arranged on the circuit board (31) is arranged in the gap (35).

12. The operating device (1) according to claim 11, in, The gap (35) is additionally sealed in order to protect the at least one component (13, 19) arranged in the gap (35) from environmental influences.

13. The operating device (1) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, further comprising: a feedback device (19) for generating acoustic and / or optical and / or tactile feedback for a user of the medical technology device (3); wherein the components of the signal processing device (13) are configured to implement the method according to claim 2; The at least one component (13, 19) arranged on the circuit board (31) includes at least one component of the feedback device (19).

14. A medical technology device (3), comprising: Actuating mechanism (15); An operating device (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 13.

15. The medical technology device (3) according to claim 14, in, The medical technology device (3) is a thermotherapy device; and / or The medical technology device (3) further comprises a lying surface (51) for the patient (5), wherein the actuating mechanism (15) comprises a lying surface adjustment device (53) for moving the lying surface (51) and controllable by the signal processing device (13) of the operating device (1); and / or The medical technology device (3) further comprises an incubator chamber (39) for receiving premature infants or neonates (5), wherein the actuating mechanism (15) comprises at least one of the following devices controllable by the signal processing device (13) of the operating device (1): a chamber adjustment device (41) for moving the incubator chamber (39); a cover adjustment device (43) for moving a cover (45) of the incubator chamber (39); and / or The medical technology device (3) further comprises a traveling frame (25) having a plurality of rollers (47) for moving the medical technology device (3), wherein the actuating mechanism (15) comprises at least one of the following devices controllable by a signal processing device (13) of the operating device (1): a driving device (49) for driving at least one of the rollers (47); a braking device (49) for braking at least one of the rollers (47); and a steering device (49) for steering at least one of the rollers (47).

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