Device for holding and moving a hammock in an incubator

Abstract

A device (11) for holding and moving a hammock (13) in an incubator (1) for a premature or newborn infant (3) comprises: fastening means (25) configured to attach the hammock to a fastening section (7) of the incubator, such that a lying surface (27) of the hammock extends into an incubator chamber (5) of the incubator; a movement arm (29) with a receptacle (31) for receiving a section of the hammock; a mechanism (33) configured to couple the movement arm to a coupling section (9) of the incubator, such that the movement arm can be moved back and forth relative to the coupling section, thereby causing the hammock attached to the fastening section and received by the receptacle to swing.

Description

Technical FieldThis invention relates to apparatus for holding and moving a hammock in an incubator for an premature or newborn. In addition, the invention relates to a hammock suitable for use with such a device and an incubator for an premature or newborn.Prior ArtAn incubator for an premature or newborn can comprise an incubator chamber into which the premature or newborn can be placed in order to protect it from environmental influences. Such an incubator chamber is usually heatable. Usually, the premature baby or newborn baby is placed on a flat resting surface of the incubator chamber. Alternatively, a hammock may be used. Such a hammock has the advantage over a flat reclining surface that it closely surrounds the premature baby or newborn baby, similar to the mother's abdomen. This may have a positive influence on the premature or newborn. However, the fixing of the hammock in the incubator chamber may be associated with certain difficulties due to the limited space.Disclosure of the InventionAn object of the invention can be seen in providing an improved apparatus for holding and moving a hammock in an incubator for an premature or newborn. Another object of the invention can be seen in providing an improved hammock for use with such a device and an improved incubator for an premature or newborn.These objects are achieved by the subject matters of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims, the following description and the appended figures.A first aspect of the invention relates to an apparatus for holding and moving a hammock in an incubator for an premature or newborn. The incubator includes an incubator chamber for accommodating the premature or newborn, a mounting portion and a coupling portion. The apparatus comprises: attachment means configured to attach the hammock to the attachment portion such that a reclining surface of the hammock extends in the incubator chamber; a moving arm having a receptacle for receiving a portion of the hammock; a mechanism configured to couple the moving arm to the coupling portion such that the moving arm can be reciprocated relative to the coupling portion, thereby rocking the hammock attached to the attachment portion and received by the receptacle.Such a device has the advantage that the hammock can be moved back and forth in a controlled manner by means of the mechanism in order to produce the rocking movement. This makes it possible to move the hammock back and forth with the aid of a corresponding drive even when the incubator chamber is closed. In addition, the device can be implemented with little structural complexity. A further advantage is the small amount of space required for the device, which can simplify access to the premature or newborn or other items in the incubator chamber. The device also enables simple operation and efficient cleaning.By "rocking motion" it is generally meant a weighing motion suitable for settling the premature or newborn lying in the hammock. Such rocking motion may be caused, for example, by lateral rocking of the hammock and / or by raising and lowering a first end of the hammock relative to a second end of the hammock.The portion of the hammock received by the receptacle can be a head end, a foot end or a portion of the hammock located between the head end and the foot end.For example, the fastening means can be designed to fasten the hammock to the fastening section with its head end and / or its foot end. In particular, the fastening means can be designed to fasten the hammock with its head and foot ends to mutually opposite walls of the incubator chamber. In addition, the fastening means can be designed to fasten the hammock in different vertical positions in the incubator chamber, i.e. to adjust a height of the hammock.Such a height adjustment can be effected, for example, with the aid of one or more (e.g. two) vertically adjustable transverse rods, to each of which the hammock is fastened. For this purpose, each cross bar can be guided along two vertical posts. The locking of the cross bar in a certain vertical position can be effected by clamping the cross bar between the two items. For this purpose, the cross rod can be designed as a telescopic rod. For example, the telescopic rod can have a (central) grip region and can be designed such that it becomes longer by rotating the grip region in a specific rotational direction, such that it is clamped between the two posts.A two-point fastening of the hammock at the head end in combination with a one-point fastening at the foot end (or vice versa) is also conceivable. For example, the two-point attachment may be by means of a (transverse) rod or other elongated element with similar stability and / or the one-point attachment may be by means of a cord.The movement arm can be designed, for example, in the form of a post, a fork or a bow. It is also possible for the movement arm to have an opening which is designed such that a hand can be inserted through the opening. This improves access to the interior of the incubator or incubator chamber.Alternatively, the movement arm can be formed at least partially by at least one cable or at least one cable pull. In this case, the receiver of the movement arm can be a first end of the cable fastened to a section of the hammock. For example, a second end of the cable may be attached to a base plate of the mechanism (see below). The cable can be, for example, deflected once or several times in a suitable manner and / or can be adjustable in its length. The movement arm can preferably be designed to set the hammock into a predominantly horizontal rocking movement when moving back and forth relative to the coupling section, for example by applying a tensile force to the hammock by means of the cable or cable pull, the horizontal component of which tensile force is significantly greater than (for example at least twice or at least three times as great as) the vertical component of which. Alternatively, the pulling force can act exclusively in the horizontal direction.The receptacle can be understood as a section of the movement arm. In other words, the receptacle can move back and forth together with the movement arm when the movement arm is moved back and forth relative to the coupling section, i.e. is moved in mutually opposite directions.Alternatively, the receptacle can be mounted movably relative to the movement arm. In this case, the movement arm and the receptacle can be mechanically coupled to one another in such a way that the movement of the movement arm in a specific direction is converted into a corresponding movement of the receptacle (and thus of the section of the hammock received by the receptacle).A second aspect of the invention relates to a hammock for use with a device as described above and below. The hammock comprises: a lying surface which is designed such that it can be (specifically) changed in its shape by gathering at least one section of the lying surface; a gathering device which is designed to gather the at least one section of the lying surface to different extents and to keep it gathered in a specific position.Such a hammock can be easily and safely adapted in its shape to the most varied requirements and circumstances. In addition, the hammock can be easily mounted and disassembled. A further advantage is that the means for adapting the shape of the hammock take up only little space in the incubator chamber.The hammock can be designed such that it can be fastened-for example with its head end and / or its foot end-to a fastening section of an incubator for an premature or newborn, for example the incubator described above and below, so that its lying surface extends in an incubator chamber of the incubator.A "lying surface" can generally be understood to mean a type of mat or net. The lying surface can be made, for example, from a (woven) textile material and / or a plastic. For hygiene reasons, the reclining surface or the (entire) hammock can be designed such that it can be washed and / or autoclaved at a temperature of at least 60° C., in particular of at least 90° C. Depending on the selected longitudinal position of the holding element, the lying surface can be at least partially planar and / or at least partially arched. For example, the at least partially curved reclining surface can surround an premature or newborn born on it at least partially in the manner of a hose or trough.A third aspect of the invention relates to an incubator for an premature or newborn. The incubator includes an incubator chamber for receiving the premature or newborn. Further, the incubator may include a mounting portion, a coupling portion and a device as described above and below. Additionally or alternatively, the incubator may comprise a hammock as described above and below.The incubator chamber can be heated and / or designed such that a certain humidity prevails in its interior, for example of at least 70 percent.The fixing portion may deviate from the coupling portion. Alternatively, the attachment portion may comprise at least a part of the coupling portion (or vice versa).Various embodiments of the invention will be described below. These embodiments should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention.In general, the moving arm can be moved back and forth relative to the coupling section by a translation and / or a rotation of the moving arm.According to an embodiment, the moving arm can be moved back and forth relative to the coupling section by: a translation of the moving arm in mutually opposite translation directions or a rotation of the moving arm in mutually opposite rotation directions or a combination of a translation of the moving arm in mutually opposite translation directions with a rotation of the moving arm in mutually opposite rotation directions. In other words, the mechanism can be configured to support the movement arm on the coupling section displaceably in mutually opposite directions along an at least partially rectilinear and / or at least partially curved path. Additionally or alternatively, the mechanism can be configured to rotatably support the movement arm on the coupling section about a rotation axis in mutually opposite directions. The axis of rotation can be oriented, for example, parallel or transversely to the longitudinal direction of the hammock. It is possible for the axis of rotation to lie on a central axis of the hammock.According to one embodiment, the device can be configured such that - when the movement arm is moved back and forth relative to the coupling section - the section of the hammock received by the receptacle is moved back and forth relative to the receptacle, for example along the receptacle. In this case, the section of the hammock accommodated by the receptacle can be displaceable and / or rotatable in mutually opposite directions relative to the receptacle.According to one embodiment, the device can be configured such that - when the movement arm is moved in a first direction relative to the coupling portion - the portion of the hammock received by the receptacle is moved in a second direction different from the first direction. This enables a particularly simple construction of the device, in particular compared to an embodiment in which the hammock is mounted rotatably (on both sides) about its central axis. The first and the second direction can be mutually deviating rotational directions or mutually deviating translation directions. Alternatively, the first direction may be a translation direction and the second direction may be a rotation direction (or vice versa).According to an embodiment, the receptacle may comprise an edge for contacting the hammock. The edge may be configured such that when the moving arm is moved in the first direction, the hammock contacting the edge is moved along the edge in the second direction. The edge may form an inclined plane along which the hammock can slide as the moving arm moves back and forth. In other words, "edge" can be understood to mean an oblique edge which, in the operative state of the device, runs obliquely to an (imaginary) horizontal or vertical line. The edge can extend at least partially linearly and / or at least partially curved when viewed in its longitudinal direction. For example, the edge can be formed such that the hammock contacting the edge does not significantly change in its position with respect to the first direction when it is moved along the edge in the second direction. In this way, an additional, under certain circumstances undesirable acceleration of the hammock in the first direction and / or in a direction opposite to the first direction during the rocking movement can be avoided.According to one embodiment, the receptacle can comprise a slot for hanging the hammock. The edge can be formed by at least part of an outer contour of the slot. In other words, the edge may at least partially delimit the slot. The slot may be closed or open.According to one embodiment, the first direction can run transversely or obliquely to the second direction. In other words, the first and second directions may be mutually orthogonal directions. However, the first and the second direction can also enclose an angle deviating from 90 degrees, i.e. run obliquely to one another. Alternatively, the first and second directions may be opposite directions to each other.According to an embodiment, the first direction may be a vertical or horizontal direction.According to one embodiment, the device can be configured such that - when the movement arm is moved back in a third direction opposite the first direction - the section of the hammock received by the receptacle is moved back in a fourth direction opposite the second direction.According to an embodiment, the mechanism may comprise a base plate and a pivot device. The movement arm can be fastened at one of its ends to the base plate and can have the receptacle at its free end. The base plate can be attached to the coupling section so as to be pivotable in mutually opposite directions via the pivot device. By "pivoting device" can be understood, for example, a joint, a lifting column or a combination of at least two of these examples. For example, the base plate can form a rocker with the aid of the pivoting device. The term "rocker" can generally be understood to mean an element that can be rotated back and forth about an axis of rotation by a specific angle of less than 90 degrees, preferably by an angle between 0 and 45 degrees, particularly preferably by an angle between 0 and 20 degrees. The movement arm can be firmly connected to the rocker. In other words, the movement arm can be fastened to the rocker in such a way that it is moved back and forth together with the rocker when the rocker is moved back and forth.According to one embodiment, the device can further comprise an additional reclining surface (deviating from the reclining surface of the hammock) for the premature or newborn. The additional reclining surface can be formed by a section of the base plate and / or a section of a mattress arranged on the base plate. In other words, the base plate or at least a part thereof can be designed as a planar lying surface for the premature or newborn. Thus, the premature or newborn can be laid on the reclining surface of the hammock or the additional reclining surface as required. For example, the hammock need only be pushed aside or removed when the premature or newborn is to be placed on the additional reclining surface.According to an embodiment, the mechanism may comprise an electric drive for controlled reciprocal movement of the movement arm relative to the coupling portion. The electric drive can comprise an electric motor and-in addition-a gear for converting a rotation of a drive shaft of the electric motor into a rotation and / or translation of the movement arm relative to the coupling section. This makes the operation of the device more comfortable. The electric drive may additionally comprise a timer configured to swing the hammock for a predetermined time. Furthermore, the electric drive can be designed such that a maximum deflection of the rocking movement can be specified. This allows partially or completely automatic operation of the device. The electric drive can be designed, for example, to drive one or more lifting columns. A pneumatic drive for controlled back and forth movement of the movement arm relative to the coupling section is also possible.According to one embodiment, the fastening means may comprise the movement arm. In other words, the movement arm can be designed to fasten the hammock, for example its head or foot end, indirectly or directly to the fastening section. For example, the movement arm can be fastened at one of its ends to the fastening section and can have the receptacle at its free end.According to one embodiment, the fastening means can comprise at least one of the following fastening means: a cable receptacle for non-slip clamping of at least one cable-shaped element fastened to the hammock; a hook receptacle for suspending of at least one hook-shaped element fastened to the hammock; a loop receptacle for suspending of at least one loop-shaped element fastened to the hammock; a knot; a bead. By "rope-shaped element" can be understood an elongated element for transmitting tensile forces, for example in the form of a rope, a cord, a cord, a thread, a band, a wire, a chain or a combination of at least two of these examples. By "cable receptacle" can be understood, for example, a correspondingly shaped groove or a clamp (which can be closed by spring force). For example, the groove can have on its inner wall, in particular on its mutually opposite inner walls, a plurality of rib-like elevations and depressions for increasing the friction between the groove and the clamped cable. By "hook-shaped element" can be meant, for example, a hook or a rectangular or spherical element suitable for hooking into a corresponding hook receptacle. By "hook receptacle" can be understood, for example, a loop- or eyelet-shaped receptacle. By "loop-shaped element" can be understood, for example, a loop or an eyelet. By "loop receptacle" can be understood, for example, a hook-shaped or pin-shaped receptacle.For example, the cable receptacle can have two inner walls which are oriented in a V-shape with respect to one another in such a way that they form a funnel-shaped depression for clamping the cable-shaped element. Such a funnel-shaped depression has the advantage that rope-shaped elements of different diameters can be clamped in the rope receptacle without a corresponding adaptation of the rope receptacle being required. Each inner wall can have a corrugation of a plurality of mutually parallel grooves for contacting the cable-shaped element. Accordingly, the cable-shaped element can be clampable between the two corrugations. The grooves of the two corrugations can each be aligned obliquely to the longitudinal direction of the clamped cable-shaped element, in particular in such a way that the clamped cable-shaped element moves deeper into the funnel-shaped depression due to the grooves, the more strongly the clamped cable-shaped element is pulled in a specific direction of tension parallel to its longitudinal direction.In other words, each groove can form a sloping plane which slopes downwards when viewed in the direction of traction, along which the rope-shaped element is guided towards the bottom of the funnel-shaped depression when being drawn in the direction of traction. Due to this self-reinforcing effect, a particularly secure fastening of the cable-shaped element can be ensured.The cable receptacle can be fastened, for example screwed, to a head or foot wall of the incubator chamber, for example. Alternatively, the cable receptacle can be connectable to a counterpart fastened to the top or bottom wall to form a plug connection, for example by sliding the cable receptacle onto the counterpart in the vertical and / or horizontal direction.The plug connection can additionally be lockable by means of a locking element. The locking element can be mounted on the incubator, for example on the head or foot wall and / or the cable receptacle and / or the counterpart, so as to be movable between a locking position and an unlocking position. The locking element can be designed to lock the plug connection in the locking position, so that the plug connection cannot be released, and to unlock it in the unlocking position, so that the plug connection can be released.For example, the locking element can be designed as part of a flap for closing an access opening in the top or bottom wall. It is possible for the flap to be mounted on the top or base wall so as to be movable between a closed position and an open position. The flap can be designed to close the access opening in the closed position (air-tightly) and to open it in the open position, so that, for example, a hand can be guided through the access opening into the interior of the incubator chamber. It is possible that the locking position corresponds to the locking position and / or the opening position corresponds to the unlocking position. In other words, the flap can be designed such that the plug connection can be locked by moving the flap into the closed position and / or can be unlocked by moving the flap into the open position.The locking element can comprise, for example, a projection (e.g. in the form of a pin) which projects from the flap and can be movable together with the flap. The projection can be movable into the locking position by moving the flap into the locking position, wherein the projection can engage in a positive fit in the cable receptacle pushed onto the counterpart, for example in a depression or a hole in the cable receptacle, so that the plug connection is locked. Conversely, the projection can be movable into the unlocking position by moving the flap into the open position, wherein the projection can release the cable receptacle, so that the plug connection is unlocked.A variant is also conceivable in which the plug connection is designed such that the locking element is moved into the locking position and / or held in the locking position on account of a tensile force exerted by the hammock on the cable receptacle.The above-described can also apply in a corresponding manner to the loop receptacle and / or the hook receptacle.It is also possible for the fastening means to comprise a cross bar at the head and / or foot end of the hammock and / or one or more fastening receptacles for fastening a cross bar to the fastening section. Each cross bar may be inserted, for example, into a corresponding tunnel or into one or more loops of the hammock. In this case, the longitudinal direction of the cross rod can run transversely to the longitudinal direction of the hammock. The fastening receptacle can have, for example, different fastening points for fastening, in particular for mounting the cross bar, more precisely an exposed section of the cross bar. The different fastening points may differ from one another in their vertical and / or horizontal position. For example, the fastening points can be formed by grooves and / or hooks. This enables, among other things, a simple adaptation of the height and / or length of the hammock. Instead of the cross bar, a cord or other suitable elongated element can also be used.The cross rod can be designed, for example, in order to prevent undesired slipping of a section of the hammock contacting the cross rod, for example of the tunnel or the loop(s) of the hammock, relative to the cross rod in the longitudinal direction thereof in the inserted state.For this purpose, the cross bar can have, for example, one or more thickened locations at which the cross bar is significantly enlarged in its width direction (i.e. in a direction orthogonal to its longitudinal direction) compared to the remaining cross bar. Such a thickened location can be realized, for example, by a suitable (e.g. V-shaped) bending or bending of the cross bar.For example, such a thickened location can be positioned centrally between the two ends of the crossbar (which delimit the length of the crossbar), wherein a corresponding recess for receiving the thickened location can be formed in the material of the hammock (e.g. as a hole in the tunnel or in the loop). The recess may be centrally arranged as viewed in the direction of a width of the hammock (i.e. as viewed transversely to its longitudinal direction) so that the hammock, when the thickened location is received by the recess (e.g. is passed through the hole), is centred with respect to the cross bar and is held in this centred position, even when the hammock is moved back and forth together with the premature or newborn located therein by means of the mechanism.Additionally or alternatively, such a thickened location can be positioned eccentrically, for example at each of the two ends of the cross rod, in order to prevent undesired slipping of an edge section of the hammock contacting the cross rod towards the center of the cross rod.It is also possible for the device to comprise a sensor for detecting a position of the cross bar relative to the fastening section and an evaluation unit for evaluating a sensor signal generated by the sensor. The sensor may preferably be a reed switch which is opened or closed when the cross bar is correctly secured. However, a simple mechanical switch or an optical sensor is also possible. The evaluation unit can be configured to determine by evaluating the sensor signal whether or not the cross bar is correctly fastened in the incubator and to generate a control signal for controlling at least one functionality of the incubator, for example for controlling a blower and / or a display, depending on the result of this evaluation.According to one embodiment, the device, in particular the mechanism, can be configured to lock the movement arm in a specific position relative to the coupling section.According to an embodiment, the device may further comprise at least one further movement arm with a further receptacle for receiving a further portion of the hammock. In this case, the mechanism may be configured to couple the further moving arm to a further coupling portion of the incubator so that the further moving arm can be reciprocated relative to the further coupling portion, and the apparatus may be configured so that the hammock fixed to the fixing portion and received by the receptacle and the further receptacle can be swung by reciprocating the moving arm and the further moving arm. In other words, the hammock can be set in a suitable rocking motion by means of a plurality of motion arms attached to different points of the hammock. As a result, the rocking movement can be controlled better compared to an embodiment with only one movement arm. The portion of the hammock received by the receptacle and the further portion of the hammock received by the further receptacle can be one and the same portion of the hammock or different portions of the hammock. The coupling section and the further coupling section can be one and the same section of the incubator or different sections of the incubator. The device can also comprise a plurality of such further movement arms, for example three or four. It is possible that the fastening means further comprise the further movement arm or the further movement arms. For example, the hammock can be fastened to the base plate via four (corner) posts as movement arms.According to one embodiment, the reclining surface can have a tunnel and can be designed such that it can be changed in its shape by gathering the tunnel. The gathering device can comprise: an elongate tensioning element which extends through the tunnel, such that the tunnel can be gathered along the tensioning element; a retaining element which can be fastened to an end of the tensioning element which projects out of the tunnel, in order to retain the tunnel in a gathered manner in a specific position.Alternatively or additionally, the gathering device can comprise a slide fastener for gathering the lying surface.The tunnel can be connected to the lying surface in such a way that the lying surface changes in its length and / or width and / or cross-sectional shape by gathering the tunnel. Thus, by appropriate gathering of the tunnel, it can be set, for example, how tightly the premature or newborn lying in the hammock is enclosed by the lying surface. By gathering the tunnel, the tunnel becomes shorter. As a result, the shape of the lying surface also changes. For example, the lying surface thereby becomes more arched and / or shorter and / or narrower. Conversely, the lying surface is made flatter and / or longer and / or wider if the tunnel is made longer, i.e. less strongly shirred, by appropriate positioning of the holding element or elements. The length of the tunnel can be predefined, for example, by a position of the holding element or of the holding elements with respect to a longitudinal direction of the clamping element.By "holding element" can be understood, for example, a clamp or a so-called cord stopper, also called cord lock or tanka, or another clamping element. Such a holding element can be fastened to the clamping element in a particularly simple and secure manner in various longitudinal positions. Such a holding element is also particularly cost-effective. The holding element can comprise, for example, a spring for applying a suitable clamping force. The holding element can be designed such that it cannot slide into the tunnel or slide relative to the clamping element when the hammock is used as intended. For example, the largest outer diameter of the holding element can be greater than the largest inner diameter of an opening of the tunnel.By "tension element" may generally be understood an elongated element for transmitting tensile forces, for example in the form of a rod (e.g. a rod), a cord, a rope, a cord, a thread, a band, a wire, a chain or a combination of at least two of these examples. The clamping element can also be designed, for example, for fastening the hammock to the fastening section of the incubator.The tunnel can be formed, for example, by a (folded-over) seam, a loop, an eyelet, a cutout in the material of the lying surface or a combination of at least two of these examples. In particular, the tunnel can be designed as a continuous tunnel train or tunnel train interrupted in places. The tunnel can extend in the direction of a length and / or width of the hammock when viewed in its longitudinal direction. In other words, the tunnel can extend, as viewed in its longitudinal direction, at least in sections parallel, transversely or obliquely to the longitudinal direction of the hammock. Additionally or alternatively, at least one longitudinal section of the tunnel can form an outer edge of the lying surface, i.e. be part of an outer contour of the lying surface.According to an embodiment, the tunnel may comprise a longitudinal portion forming at least a part of an outer edge of the reclining surface.According to one embodiment, the tunnel can comprise a longitudinal section which runs transversely or obliquely to the longitudinal direction of the lying surface.According to one embodiment, the tunnel can comprise a longitudinal section which runs parallel to the longitudinal direction of the lying surface.According to an embodiment, the tunnel may comprise a longitudinal section which runs centrally between two mutually opposite ends of the hammock and / or connects two mutually opposite ends of the hammock to one another.The longitudinal direction of the lying surface can relate in particular to a state of the hammock in which the lying surface is unfolded and / or relaxed and / or spread flat.According to one embodiment, the reclining surface of the hammock can have an arcuate outer edge at its head end and / or its foot end. Compared to an embodiment with a straight outer edge, this has the advantage that the premature baby or newborn sink deeper into the hammock.According to an embodiment, the hammock may further comprise a second holding element, which may be fastened to a second end of the tension element protruding from the tunnel in order to keep the tunnel shirred between the two holding elements. In other words, the tunnel held in a gathered manner can extend between the (first) holding element fastened to the clamping element and the second holding element fastened to the clamping element, wherein the two holding elements delimit the effective length of the tunnel.According to one embodiment, the reclining surface can have a further tunnel and can be designed such that its shape can furthermore be changed by gathering the further tunnel. In this case, the gathering device can further comprise: a further elongate tensioning element which extends through the further tunnel, such that the further tunnel can be gathered along the further tensioning element; a further retaining element which can be fastened to an end of the further tensioning element which projects out of the further tunnel, in order to keep the further tunnel gathered in a specific position. The lying surface can also comprise a plurality of such further tunnels. For example, the lying surface can be designed such that it can be varied in its width by gathering the tunnel and in its length by gathering the further tunnel. Thus, the shape of the reclining surface can be adapted to different circumstances and requirements with few manipulations.According to one embodiment, the incubator may comprise a rack for supporting the incubator chamber. The fastening section can thereby comprise a section of the frame. In other words, the fastening means of the device can be designed to fasten the hammock to the frame. Additionally or alternatively, the coupling portion may comprise a portion of the chassis. In other words, the mechanism of the device can be configured to movably couple the movement arm to the frame. The frame can have, for example, one or more rollers for moving the incubator and / or one or more lifting columns for vertically adjusting the incubator chamber.According to one embodiment, the incubator chamber can be limited in its height by a floor and a ceiling and / or in its length by a head wall and a foot wall and / or in its width by a front wall and a rear wall. In this case, the fastening section or the coupling section or the fastening section and the coupling section can comprise at least one of the following sections of the incubator chamber: the floor, the ceiling, the top wall, the foot wall, the front wall, the rear wall.Brief Description of the DrawingsHereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Neither the description nor the drawings should be understood as limiting the scope of the invention. Fig. 1 shows an incubator according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 shows a portion of a movement arm from FIG. 1. FIG. 3 shows a rocker-like device according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 4 shows a hammock according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 5 shows an outer contour of a hammock according to an embodiment of the invention.The figures are purely schematic and not true to scale. If the same reference numerals are used in different drawings, these reference numerals designate the same or identically functioning features.Embodiments of the InventionFig. 1 shows an incubator 1 for an premature or newborn 3. The incubator 1 comprises an incubator chamber 5 for receiving the premature or newborn 3, a mounting portion 7, a coupling portion 9 and a device 11 for holding and moving a hammock 13 in the incubator chamber 5.In addition, the incubator 1 may comprise a stand 15 for supporting the incubator chamber 5. The frame 15 can have a plurality of rollers 16 for moving the incubator 1 and / or one or more lifting columns for vertically adjusting the incubator chamber 5.In this example, the incubator chamber 5 is limited in height by a floor 17 and a ceiling 19, in length by a top wall 21 and a bottom wall 23, and in width by a front wall and a rear wall (not shown).For example, the attachment portion 7 may include the top wall 21 and the bottom wall 23, and / or the coupling portion 9 may include the bottom 17. The fastening section 7 or the coupling section 9 can additionally or alternatively comprise other sections of the incubator 1, for example a section of the frame 15.The incubator chamber 5 can be heated and / or designed to regulate the air humidity in its interior.The device 11 comprises fastening means 25 which are designed to fasten the hammock 13 to the fastening section 7, here to the top wall 21 and the bottom wall 23, such that a lying surface 27 of the hammock 13 extends in the incubator chamber 5.The device 11 further comprises a movement arm 29 with a receptacle 31 for receiving a portion of the hammock 13 and a mechanism 33 which is designed to couple the movement arm 29 to the coupling portion 9, in this case the base 17, such that the movement arm 29 can be moved back and forth relative to the coupling portion 9, whereby the hammock 13 fastened to the fastening portion 7 and received by the receptacle 31 is set in a rocking movement (indicated by a curved double arrow). In this example, the movement arm 29 can be moved vertically to and fro (indicated by a straight double arrow). Additionally or alternatively, a horizontal back and forth movement of the movement arm 29 or a rotational movement of the movement arm 29 in mutually opposite directions is possible in order to generate the rocking movement. The device 11 can also comprise more than one movement arm (see FIG. 3 ).The mechanism 33 can additionally comprise an electric drive for controlled, in particular automatic, reciprocal movement of the movement arm 29.As shown in FIG. 1, the hammock 13 can be fastened to the fastening section 7 by means of the fastening means 25 independently of the movement arm 29. However, it is also possible for the movement arm 29 to function as one of the fastening means 25 (see FIG. 3 ).The fastening means 25 can comprise, for example, one or more of the following receptacles: a cable receptacle for non-slip clamping of at least one cable-shaped element fastened to the hammock 13; a hook receptacle for suspending of at least one hook-shaped element fastened to the hammock 13; a loop receptacle for suspending of at least one loop-shaped element fastened to the hammock 13.In addition, the fastening means 25 can be designed to fasten the hammock 13 in different vertical positions in the incubator chamber 5, i.e. to adjust a height of the hammock 13.In this example, the device 11 is designed such that, when the movement arm 29 is moved back and forth relative to the coupling section 9, the section of the hammock 13 received by the receptacle 31 is moved back and forth relative to the receptacle 31. In addition, the device 11 is designed such that, when the movement arm 29 is moved in a first (here vertical) direction y relative to the coupling section 9, the section of the hammock 13 received by the receptacle 31 is moved in a second direction x (here horizontal) deviating from the first direction y (see FIG. 2 ).As shown in FIG. 2, this relative movement can be achieved, for example, with the aid of an oblique edge of a slot 35 for hanging the hammock 13, for example an end section of the hammock 13 which is particularly narrow compared to the reclining surface 27. FIG. 2 illustrates how the hammock 13 suspended in the slot 35 is horizontally reciprocated by vertically reciprocating the moving arm 29 to produce the rocking motion.The slot 35 can be designed, for example, as a recess in the material of the movement arm 29. Contrary to the illustration in FIG. 2, the slot can be open at one of its ends in order to allow simple suspension of the hammock 13.The slot 35 here, as viewed in its longitudinal direction, runs substantially linearly and obliquely to the two directions x, y. Alternatively, the slot 35 can run at least partially curved, i.e. be bent to a greater or lesser extent.In particular, the slot 35 can be formed such that the hammock 13 suspended in the slot 35 does not change or hardly changes in its position with respect to the first direction y, here in its height, when it is moved along the slot 35 in the second direction x. In this way, an additional vertical acceleration of the hammock 13 during the rocking movement, which is undesirable under certain circumstances, can be avoided.As shown in FIG. 3, an embodiment of the device 11 is also possible in which the hammock 13 can be firmly connected to the receptacle 31, so that no relative movement takes place between the hammock 13 and the receptacle 31.In this example, the mechanism 33 comprises a base plate 37 to which the movement arm 29 is fastened by one of its ends, and a pivoting device in the form of a joint 39, via which the base plate 37 can be pivotably attached to the coupling portion 9, in this case to the base 17, in mutually opposite directions, in order to form a rocker. The movement arm 29 has the receptacle 31 at its free end. Alternatively or additionally, the pivoting device can comprise, for example, one or more lifting columns in order to form the rocker.In addition, the device 11 can comprise a further movement arm 41 which is fastened at one of its ends to the base plate 37 at a specific distance from the movement arm 29 and has at its free end a further receptacle 43 for receiving a further portion of the hammock 13. In this case, the hammock 13 can be fastened with its head end to the further receptacle 43 and with its foot end to the receptacle 31 (or vice versa), so that the lying surface 27 extends between the two movement arms 29, 41. The two movement arms 29, 41 function here together with the two receptacles 31, 43, the base plate 37 and the joint 39 as the fastening means 25, wherein the fastening section 7 is formed at least partially by the coupling section 9, here the base 17. When the base plate 37 is pivoted, the two movement arms 29, 41 are moved along, so that the hammock 13 fastened to the two movement arms 29, 41 is set in a corresponding rocking movement.Optionally, the base plate 37 can form an additional, flat lying surface 45 for the premature or newborn 3. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the additional lying surface 45 is provided by a surface of the base plate 37 facing away from the floor 17. Alternatively, the additional reclining surface 45 can be formed by a mattress arranged on the base plate 37.The mechanism 33 can be configured to lock the base plate 37 in a specific position relative to the coupling portion 9, for example in a horizontal position or in a specific inclined position outside the horizontal position.As shown in FIG. 4, the lying surface 27 of the hammock 13 may have a tunnel 47 and may be formed so as to be changed in shape by gathering the tunnel 47. For this purpose, the tunnel 47 can be firmly connected, for example, to a material of the lying surface 27, with the effect that the length and / or width and / or cross-sectional shape of the lying surface 27 can be changed by gathering the tunnel 47, i.e. by shortening the tunnel 47. An elongate tensioning element 49, here in the form of a cord, extends through the tunnel 47, with the result that the tunnel 47 can be shirred along the tensioning element 49, i.e. in the longitudinal direction thereof (indicated by double arrows). In order to keep the tunnel 47 in a defined position shirred, the hammock 13 further comprises a holding element 51 which can be clamped to an end of the clamping element 49 projecting from the tunnel 47.The tunnel 47 can be formed, for example, by a (folded-over) seam, a loop, an eyelet, a cutout in the material of the lying surface 27 or a combination of at least two of these examples. In particular, the tunnel 47 can be designed as a continuous tunnel train or tunnel train interrupted in places.In this example, the hammock 13 includes a plurality of tunnels 47 each having a tension member 49 and one or more support members 51 as described above. The different tunnels 47 can differ from one another, inter alia, in their position and / or orientation with respect to the lying surface 27 and / or in their length. For example, at least one of the tunnels 47 can extend transversely or obliquely to the longitudinal direction of the hammock 13, as viewed in its longitudinal direction, and at least another one of the tunnels 47 can extend parallel to the longitudinal direction of the hammock 13, as viewed in its longitudinal direction. Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the tunnels 47 may form an outer edge of the lying surface 27 or run along an outer edge of the lying surface 27 and / or at least one other of the tunnels 47 may cross the lying surface 27.Alternatively, the tension member 49 may be a rod (e.g., a rod), a rope, a cord, a thread, a band, a wire, a chain, or a combination of at least two of these examples.The holding element 51 can be, for example, a clamp or a so-called cord stopper, also called cordlock or tanka. Such a holding element can be fastened to the clamping element 49 in various longitudinal positions in a particularly simple and reliable manner. Such a holding element is also particularly cost-effective. The holding element 51 can be designed such that it cannot slide into the tunnel 47 or slide relative to the cord 49 when the hammock 13 is used as intended. For example, the largest outer diameter of the holding member 51 may be larger than the largest inner diameter of an opening of the tunnel 47.In this example, each tunnel 47 is held in a shirred state between the (first) holding element 51 and a second holding element 53, which can be clamped to a second end of the clamping element 49 projecting from the respective tunnel 47. Alternatively, the tensioning element 49 of at least one of the tunnels 47 can be fastened by one of its ends in a suitable manner to the hammock 13, for example tied or sewn therewith, so that a single holding element 51 is sufficient to hold the respective tunnel 47 shirred.As shown in FIG. 5, the lying surface 27 of the hammock 13 can have an arcuate outer edge 55 at each of its head and foot ends. Compared to the embodiment with straight outer edges shown in FIG. 4, this has the effect that the premature or newborn 3 dips deeper into the hammock 13 with the suspension mat 13 otherwise unchanged in construction, which can be advantageous under certain circumstances, for example if the premature or newborn 3 is particularly vigorous.Finally, it is pointed out that terms such as "comprise", "comprise", "include", "with", etc. do not exclude other elements or steps, and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality.It is further noted that features or steps described with reference to one of the preceding embodiments can also be used in combination with features or steps described with reference to other of the preceding embodiments.Reference numerals in the claims should not be taken to limit the scope of the subject matter defined by the claims.List of Reference Numerals1 Incubator 3 Premature or newborn 5 Incubator chamber 7 Fastening section 9 Coupling section 11 Device 13 Hammock 15 Stand 16 Roller 17 Floor 19 Ceiling 21 Head wall 23 Foot wall 25 Fastening means 27 Reclining surface 29 Movement arm 31 Receptacle 33 Mechanism 35 Slot 37 Base plate 39 Joint 41 Further movement arm 43 Further receptacle 45 Additional reclining surface 47 Tunnel 49 Clamping element 51 (first) Holding element 53 Second holding element 55 Curved outer edge x Second direction y First direction

Claims

A device (11) for holding and moving a hammock (13) in an incubator (1) for an premature or newborn (3), the incubator (1) comprising an incubator chamber (5) for receiving the premature or newborn (3), a fastening portion (7) and a coupling portion (9), the device (11) comprising: fastening means (25) configured to fasten the hammock (13) to the fastening portion (7) such that a lying surface (27) of the hammock (13) extends in the incubator chamber (5); a moving arm (29) having a receptacle (31) for receiving a portion of the hammock (13); a mechanism (33) configured to couple the moving arm (29) to the coupling portion (9) so that the moving arm (29) can be reciprocated relative to the coupling portion (9), thereby rocking the hammock (13) attached to the attaching portion (7) and received by the receiver (31).The device (11) according to claim 1, wherein the moving arm (29) is moved to and fro relative to the coupling portion (9) comprises a translation of the moving arm (29) in mutually opposite translation directions.The device (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (11) is configured such that - when the movement arm (29) is moved to and fro relative to the coupling portion (9) - the portion of the hammock (13) received by the receptacle (31) is moved to and fro relative to the receptacle (31); and / or wherein the device (11) is configured such that - when the movement arm (29) is moved in a first direction (y) relative to the coupling portion (9) - the portion of the hammock (13) received by the receptacle (31) is moved in a second direction (x) different from the first direction (y).The device (11) according to claim 3, wherein the receptacle (31) comprises an edge for contacting the hammock (13), the edge being configured such that - when the moving arm (29) is moved in the first direction (y), the hammock (13) contacting the edge is moved along the edge in the second direction (x).The device (11) according to claim 4, wherein the receptacle (31) comprises a slot (35) for hanging the hammock (13) in and the edge is formed by at least a part of an outer contour of the slot (35).The device (11) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the first direction (y) is transverse or oblique to the second direction (x); and / or wherein the first direction (y) is a vertical or horizontal direction.Device (11) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mechanism (33) comprises a base plate (37) and a pivoting device (39), wherein the movement arm (29) is fastened at one of its ends to the base plate (37) and has the receptacle (31) at its free end, wherein the base plate (37) can be pivotably attached to the coupling section (9) via the pivoting device (39).The device (11) according to claim 7, further comprising: an additional reclining surface (45) for the premature or newborn (3), wherein the additional reclining surface (45) is formed by a portion of the base plate (37) and / or a portion of a mattress disposed on the base plate (37).The device (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mechanism (33) comprises an electric drive for controlled reciprocating movement of the movement arm (29) relative to the coupling portion (9).Device (11) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening means (25) comprise the movement arm (29); and / or wherein the fastening means (25) comprise at least one of the following fastening means: a cable receptacle for non-slip clamping of at least one cable-shaped element fastened to the hammock (13); a hook receptacle for suspending of at least one hook-shaped element fastened to the hammock (13); a loop receptacle for suspending of at least one loop-shaped element fastened to the hammock (13).The device (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a further movement arm (41) having a further receptacle (43) for receiving a further portion of the hammock (13); wherein the mechanism (33) is configured to couple the further movement arm (41) to a further coupling portion (9) of the incubator (1) such that the further movement arm (41) can be moved back and forth relative to the further coupling portion (9); wherein the device (11) is configured such that the hammock (13) fastened to the fastening portion (7) and received by the receptacle (31) and the further receptacle (43) can be set in a rocking movement by moving the movement arm (29) and the further movement arm (41) back and forth.Hammock (13) for use with a device (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hammock (13) comprises: a lying surface (27) which is designed such that it can be changed in shape by gathering at least one section of the lying surface (27); a gathering device which is designed to gather the at least one section of the lying surface (27) to different extents and to keep it gathered in a specific position.The hammock (13) of claim 12, wherein the reclining surface (27) has a tunnel (47) and is configured to be changed in shape by gathering the tunnel (47); wherein the gathering device comprises: an elongated tension member (49) extending through the tunnel (47) such that the tunnel (47) can be gathered along the tension member (49); a support member (51) attachable to an end of the tension member (49) protruding from the tunnel (47) to maintain the tunnel (47) gathered in a particular position.The hammock (13) according to claim 13, wherein the tunnel (47) comprises a longitudinal portion forming at least a part of an outer edge of the reclining surface (27); and / or wherein the tunnel (47) comprises a longitudinal portion extending transversely or obliquely to the longitudinal direction of the reclining surface (27); and / or wherein the tunnel (47) comprises a longitudinal portion extending parallel to the longitudinal direction of the reclining surface (27).Hammock (13) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the reclining surface (27) has an arcuate outer edge (55) at its head end and / or its foot end.An incubator (1) for an premature or newborn (3) comprising: an incubator chamber (5) for receiving the premature or newborn (3); wherein the incubator (1) further comprises a mounting portion (7), a coupling portion (9) and a device (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 11; and / or wherein the incubator (1) further comprises a hammock (13) according to any one of claims 12 to 15.

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