Patient lift and method for controlling a patient lift

Abstract

The invention relates to a patient lift with a frame on which a mast (3) is mounted, on which a support arm (5) is pivotably arranged. The angle of the support arm relative to the mast (3) is adjustable by means of an electric linear drive (7), whereby a patient platform (6) arranged on the support arm (5) moves along a predetermined trajectory. The patient lift is characterized in that at least one further electric drive (8) is provided, by means of which the patient platform can be moved along a further trajectory that differs from the predetermined trajectory. The invention further relates to a method for controlling a patient lift.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a patient lift with a frame on which a two-part mast is mounted, comprising a lower and an upper section. A support arm is pivotally mounted on the mast and its angle relative to the mast is adjustable by means of an electric linear drive, thereby moving a patient platform mounted on the support arm along a predetermined trajectory. A further electric drive is provided by which the patient platform can be moved along a further trajectory that differs from the predetermined trajectory. The invention further relates to a method for controlling a patient lift.

[0002] Patient lifts are used in healthcare settings to assist in lifting, repositioning, or transporting patients. They can also be used as a standing aid for patients, for which purpose they are typically supplemented with a knee support surface. A simple and functional design for patient lifts has become established, consisting of a mast mounted on a frame, often a chassis, with a pivoting support arm at the top of the frame. Such a design is shown, for example, in German patent application DE 199 50 689 A1, where the support arm can be pivoted relative to the mast by means of an electric linear actuator to lift the patient or provide assistance in standing up.

[0003] Patient lifts are known whose geometry is adapted to one or the other of the two functions – lifting or transporting the patient versus assisting with standing. For example, US patent 4,554,691 A shows a patient lift that has a mast pivoting about a vertical axis with a support arm that can be raised or lowered. Both movements are performed by an electric linear actuator.

[0004] Furthermore, a patient lift is known from German patent application DE 20 2017 003 987 U1. Its telescopic mast can be used in two different operating positions. The shorter mast position is advantageous for use as a standing aid, while the longer mast position is advantageous for lifting or transporting the patient. The mast has two telescoping sections that can be locked into one or the other operating position, for example, by inserting a bolt into corresponding holes. Changing between the two operating positions requires time and effort from the nursing staff before using the patient lift.

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to create a patient lift of the type mentioned above which can be used flexibly for various functions such as lifting or repositioning as well as for standing up, whereby a change of function should be possible as easily as possible.

[0006] This task is solved by a patient lift and a method for controlling a patient lift, possessing the features of the respective independent claim. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0007] The patient lift of the type mentioned above has at least one additional electric motor drive, which allows the patient platform to move along a different trajectory than the predetermined one. This means that at least one additional electric motor drive is used to give the free end of the lifting arm an extra degree of freedom. The use of this electric motor drive allows for convenient execution of this additional movement, reducing the workload for nursing staff. Furthermore, this additional movement along the alternative trajectory, possibly combined with movement along the predetermined trajectory, can be performed even while the patient lift is in use, allowing for more flexible adaptation of the movement sequence to the specific situation.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the invention, the lower section of the two-part mast is fixedly attached to the frame at a predetermined angle, and the upper section can be pivoted relative to the lower section by means of at least one further electric motor drive.

[0009] According to a second aspect of the invention, the lower section is pivotably attached to the frame and can be pivoted by means of at least one further electric motor drive. The upper section is then pivotably mounted on the lower section and its orientation relative to the frame is positively guided by a parallel or trapezoidal guide.

[0010] In an advantageous embodiment of the patient lift, the support arm is designed in two parts, wherein a first section is attached to the mast and a second section can be pivoted relative to the first section in a vertical plane by means of at least one further electric motor drive.

[0011] In a further advantageous embodiment, the mast is designed to be telescopic and its length is adjustable via at least one further electric motor drive.

[0012] In a further advantageous embodiment, the support arm is designed to be telescopic and its length is adjustable via at least one further electric motor drive.

[0013] In the aforementioned cases, the additional electric motor drive allows for a change in the geometry of the patient lift's supporting elements—the frame, mast, and lifting arm—relative to each other. As a result, when the additional electric motor drive is activated, the free end of the lifting arm moves along a trajectory that is not achievable by simply changing the lifting arm's swivel angle relative to the mast. Furthermore, a change in the setting of the additional electric motor drive also alters the trajectory along which the free end of the lifting arm moves when it is swiveled relative to the mast.

[0014] By presetting one of the two drives, activating the other drive results in a movement of the free end of the support arm, where a patient restraint is typically located (e.g., a handle or a sling / strap arrangement), suitable for the intended application of the patient lift. Alternatively, coordinated simultaneous activation of both drives is conceivable to follow a defined and optimized trajectory of the patient restraint.

[0015] In an advantageous embodiment, a linear drive can be used as an additional electric motor drive. Alternatively, a rotary drive, possibly with an additional lever mechanism, can be used.

[0016] A chassis is advantageously used as the frame to allow for spatial flexibility and transport of the patient lift. Furthermore, a control unit is preferably located on the mast, which controls and supplies the electric linear drive and the other electric drive with operating current. The control unit is preferably coupled to or equipped with a power supply unit, e.g., a rechargeable battery.

[0017] A method according to the invention serves to control such a patient lift, which has a support arm with a patient receptacle, wherein the patient receptacle can be moved along a predetermined trajectory by means of an electric motor linear drive and along a further trajectory by means of at least one further electric motor drive. The method comprises the following steps: A position of the patient receptacle and / or a force acting on the patient receptacle is determined. The electric motor linear drive and / or the at least one further electric motor drive are then controlled depending on the determined position and / or force.

[0018] Therefore, when controlling the two drives – the electric linear drive and at least one other drive – measurement data on the position of the patient tray and / or the force acting upon it are taken into account. This allows a desired position or force profile to be achieved during the movement of the patient lift.

[0019] In particular, it is advantageous for controlling the patient lift to follow a predetermined trajectory, which consists of movements along the predefined trajectory and / or the extended trajectory, based on the determined position and / or taking into account the applied force. In this way, ergonomically favorable movement sequences, especially for assisting with standing, can be implemented.

[0020] Additionally, the plan may stipulate that the predetermined trajectory is followed in such a way that a specified maximum force profile is not exceeded. This supports a natural standing motion of the patient while simultaneously challenging and thus training the patient.

[0021] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the accompanying figures. The figures show: Fig. 1 shows a first non-inventive example of a patient lift in a schematic side view; Fig. 2 shows a first embodiment of a patient lift according to the invention in a schematic side view; Fig. 3 shows a second non-inventive example of a patient lift in a schematic side view; Fig. 4 shows a third non-inventive example of a patient lift in a schematic side view; Fig. 5 shows a fourth non-inventive example of a patient lift in a schematic side view; and Fig. 6 shows a second embodiment of a patient lift according to the invention in a schematic side view.

[0022] The Figuren 1-6 Each figure shows an example of a patient lift in a schematic side view. In all figures, identical reference symbols denote identical or similarly functioning elements. In the following, terms such as "right," "left," "top," and "bottom" refer to the figures, with "top," "bottom," "vertical," and "horizontal" corresponding to the usual spatial directions. "Front" and "back" denote the directions toward the patient ("front") and the opposite direction ("back"), respectively.

[0023] The patient lift according to Fig. 1 The device features a frame designed as a chassis 1, comprising two V- or U-shaped horizontal outriggers pointing forward towards the patient, each equipped with a wheel at the front and a wheel at the rear. The wheels are equipped with brakes, as shown in the schematic drawing of the Fig. 1 are not shown. On the rear side of the patient lift, facing away from the patient (in the Fig. 1 On the chassis 1 (left), a mast base 2 is arranged, which supports an upwardly projecting mast 3. A handle 4 is mounted on the mast 3, by which the patient lift can be pushed or pulled and positioned by the nursing staff. A control unit for the patient lift is also typically mounted on the mast 3, but this is not shown in the figures of this application for the sake of simplicity. The control unit is used to control the patient lift and usually also includes its power supply in the form of rechargeable batteries. The operation of the control unit is explained in more detail below in connection with the method according to the invention.

[0024] A pivotable support arm 5 is arranged at the upper end of the mast 3, projecting forward towards the patient over the chassis 1. In the illustrated example, the support arm 5 is angled. Other geometries are also possible. The support arm 5 is pivotally connected to the mast 3 at a joint, from which the Fig. 1 a pivot axis 31 is visible.

[0025] At the front, free end of the support arm 5, there is a patient restraint 6, which is only indicated in the figures shown here. Depending on the use of the patient lift, the patient restraint 6 may include handrails, bars and / or slings or straps.

[0026] The pivot position of the support arm 5 relative to the mast 3 can be adjusted by an electric linear actuator 7, thereby raising or lowering the patient platform 6 along a circular arc trajectory. The electric linear actuator 7 is pivotally connected to both the mast 3 and the support arm 5. A lug 32 is arranged on the mast 3, providing a bearing 33 for the electric linear actuator 7. Similarly, a bearing 51 is provided on the support arm 5 for the opposite end of the electric linear actuator 7. Bearing eyes are formed at the ends of the electric linear actuator 7, through which an axis of the bearing 33, 51 is guided.

[0027] The patient lift according to Fig. 1 has a further electromechanical drive 8, with which an electromechanical adjustment of the patient intake 6 is carried out along a different trajectory than when the electromechanical linear drive 7 is actuated.

[0028] For example, the Fig. 1 The mast 3 is not mounted at a fixed angle in the mast base 2, but is pivotably mounted on the chassis 1 via a joint. The plane in which this pivotability occurs is the vertical plane spanned by the mast 3 and the support arm 5. The joint is located in the Fig. 1 a pivot axis 21 is shown.

[0029] The additional electric motor drive 8 is, for example, also a linear drive, arranged between the mast base 2 or a bracket 22 attached thereto and the bracket 32 ​​on the mast 3. Similar to the electric motor linear drive 7, the additional electric motor drive 8 is attached to the respective brackets 22 and 32 in bearings 23 and 34, respectively. Advantageously, in the example shown, the same bracket 32 ​​is used for the additional electric motor linear drive 8 as is used for the electric motor linear drive 7. In alternative embodiments, separate brackets can also be provided for coupling the mast 3 to the two drives 7 and 8.

[0030] Activating the further electric motor drive 8 pivots the mast 3 about the pivot axis 21, as indicated by a movement arrow 9 in the Fig. 1 As indicated, the additional degree of freedom thus added allows the mast 3 to be optimally adjusted in its inclination for the intended use of the patient lift. For example, the mast 3 can be advantageously positioned at a steeper angle for lifting or transferring a patient, and for use as a standing aid, it can be advantageously inclined further back away from the patient. For use as a standing aid, a knee or shin support surface (not shown here) can optionally be mounted to the chassis 1 or the mast 3.

[0031] The additional electromechanical drive 8 can also be operated during the use of the patient lift, for example to be able to move the patient intake 6 primarily forwards and backwards when used as a standing aid and not primarily up and down, as is done by the use of the electromechanical linear drive 7.

[0032] The additional electric motor drive 8 is only subjected to compressive loads during operation, which allows for a simpler design if the additional electric motor drive 8 is configured as a linear actuator. A further advantage of a drive subjected only to compressive loads is that it can be designed in such a way that tensile forces cannot be applied at all. In the event of an encounter with an obstacle in the direction of pull, the risk of trapping something or someone is thus minimized.

[0033] Furthermore, it can be provided that drives 7 and 8 are controlled in a coordinated manner so that the patient entry unit 6 follows a desired trajectory. In particular, the standing-up process can be optimally supported in this way.

[0034] Fig. 2 shows an opposite Fig. 1 Modified embodiment according to the invention. Regarding the basic structure, reference is made to the design described below in connection with all embodiments described below. Fig. 1 referred to below. The following will be discussed at Fig. 2 and also in the further Fig. 3-5 Each example essentially focused on the differences compared to the first example.

[0035] In the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 2 The mast 3 is divided into two sections 3a and 3b, which are pivotally connected to each other about a pivot axis 21. The additional electric motor drive 8, also designed here as a linear drive, is coupled to each of the sections 3a and 3b. This is done via a lug 35, 37, which is arranged on the section 3a and 3b respectively, and to which the additional electric motor drive 8 is connected via a bearing 36, 38.

[0036] As in the example of the Fig. 1 The upper end of the mast 3 performs a pivoting movement about the pivot axis 21 when the electric motor drive 8 is actuated. The resulting movement of the upper end of the mast 3 is again symbolized by a movement arrow 9. The movement of the patient receiver 6 when the further electric motor drive 8 is actuated differs from that of the first example in that the distance between the pivot axis 21 and the upper end of the mast 3 is different in the embodiment of the Fig. 2 is shorter than the one that Fig. 1 and secondly, because in the first embodiment, actuation of the further electromechanical drive 8 has no influence on the relative position of the two connection points in the bearings 33 and 51 of the electromechanical linear drive 7 to each other. This is the case in the embodiment of the Fig. 2 This differs because actuation of the additional electromechanical drive 8 changes the position of the upper bearing 51 of the electromechanical linear drive 7 relative to the lower bearing 33. With coordinated control of both drives 7, 8, a desired defined trajectory for patient admission 6 can also be implemented in this example.

[0037] For example, the Fig. 3 is like the example of the Fig. 1 A one-piece mast 3 is provided, and the support arm 5 has two sections 5a, 5b that can pivot relative to each other about a pivot axis 52. A lug 53, 55 is arranged on each of the sections 5a, 5b of the support arm 5, to which the additional electric motor drive is attached in bearings 54, 56. Actuating the additional electric motor drive 8 pivots section 5b of the support arm 5 relative to section 5a. The trajectory of the patient receiving area 6 resulting from actuating the additional electric motor drive 8 is influenced by the geometry of sections 5a, 5b of the support arm 5.

[0038] In the illustrated case, section 5b of the support arm 5 is straight, and section 5a is angled upwards. As with the previous embodiments, an optimized positioning and movement trajectory for the patient receiver 6 can be achieved by a suitable presetting of one of the two drives 7, 8 and actuating the other drive 7, 8, or by synchronous actuation of both drives 7, 8.

[0039] The examples of Fig. 4 and 5 each shows the use of a further electric motor drive 8 to either the mast 3 ( Fig. 4 ) or the support arm 5 ( Fig. 5 ) to telescope.

[0040] For example, the Fig. 4 The mast 3 is divided into two sections 3a and 3b, which are mounted so as to be slidable relative to each other. For example, as in the illustrated example, section 3b has a smaller profile diameter so that it can slide into section 3a. A lug 35, 37 is arranged on each of the sections 3a and 3b, on which the further electromechanical drive 8 is mounted in bearings 36 and 38. Since the two sections 3a and 3b perform a linear movement, pivoting capability in the bearings 36 and 38 is not required during operation; however, compared to a rigid connection, this simplifies installation and allows for tolerance compensation.

[0041] For example, the Fig. 5 The support arm 5 is divided into two sections 5a and 5b, whereby one of the sections, specifically the front section 5b, has a smaller cross-section than section 5a, allowing section 5b to retract into section 5a. The additional electric motor drive 8 is similarly connected to sections 5a and 5b via lugs 53 and 55, with a connection to the additional electric motor drive 8 via bearings 54 and 56.

[0042] In both configurations, the guidance of section 3b in section 3a or of section 5b in section 5a can be achieved, for example, via sliding bearings.

[0043] As in the previous examples, the linear displacement here allows for a further degree of freedom in the movement of the patient platform 6, whereby, for example, one of the two drives 7, 8 is preset so that when the other drive 7, 8 is actuated, a movement of the patient platform 6 suitable for the intended application of the patient lift results. Alternatively, coordinated simultaneous actuation of both drives 7, 8 is conceivable in order to follow a defined and optimized trajectory of the patient platform 6.

[0044] The second embodiment according to the invention of Fig. 6 shows a kind of combination and further training of the patient lifters Figuren 1 and 2 .

[0045] As in the example of the Fig. 2 Mast 3 is divided and has two sections, 3a and 3b. Unlike the example of the Fig. 2 and comparable to the example of Fig. 1 The mast 3, with its lower section 3a, is pivotably mounted in the mast base 2 about a pivot axis 21. This pivoting is driven by the additional electric motor drive 8.

[0046] The upper section 3b of the mast 3 is mounted on the lower section 3a in a pivot axis 24. A lug 37 is arranged at the lower end of the upper section 3a, which is coupled to a lug 22 at the mast base 2 via a parallel guide rod 26. The parallel guide rod 26 is mounted in bearings 39 and 25 on the lugs 37 and 22, respectively. Due to this parallel guidance, the upper section 3b of the mast 3 moves back and forth in a circular path (see arrow 9) when the additional electric motor drive 8 is actuated, without changing its orientation. The effect of pivoting the lower section 3a of the mast 3 by means of the additional electric motor drive 8 thus has only a minimal impact on the lifting height of the support arm 5. This is mounted on a pivot axis 31 relative to the upper section 3b of the mast 3 by means of an electromechanical linear drive 7.

[0047] The parallel guide rod 26 can alternatively also be mounted on the front side of the mast 3 (i.e., in the Fig. 6 to the right of section 3a). Instead of the parallel guide rod 26, other force transmission means can also be used for parallel guidance, e.g., a pull chain. Furthermore, instead of a purely parallel guide, a slightly trapezoidal guide can also be provided, which further minimizes the effect of the pivoting of the lower section 3a of the mast 3 on the lifting height of the support arm 5.

[0048] As mentioned previously, a control unit is available for controlling the patient lift, for example mounted on the mast 3 or on one of the two drives, i.e. on the electromechanical linear drive 7 or the other electromechanical drive 8.

[0049] In particular, the control unit is designed to follow a predefined trajectory for patient admission 6, which is stored, for example, in the control unit.

[0050] Due to its design, each of the two drives is associated with a specific trajectory for patient handling. This trajectory, which results from the geometry of the patient lift and the installation situation of the respective drive, does not usually represent the physiologically best and desired movement sequence for a specific action of the patient lift.

[0051] To follow a predetermined trajectory of a desired motion sequence, simultaneous, correlated control of the drives, possibly at different speeds and / or directions, is required. Accordingly, the control unit is preferably configured to control both drives at continuously variable speeds. This can be achieved, for example, via pulse-width modulation (PWM) control of the drive motors. The modulation frequency is preferably high enough to result in continuous operation of the drives. However, it is also conceivable to choose a frequency low enough that the drive moves in (preferably small) discrete steps.

[0052] To enable the two drives to move in either direction, the control unit includes a mechanism for reversing their direction. This can be achieved using a polarity reversal switch with relays. However, it is advantageous to power the drives via a bridge circuit with semiconductor switches – particularly an H-bridge configuration – which allows for both pulse-width modulation and polarity reversal.

[0053] To ensure that a desired, predetermined trajectory can be followed as precisely as possible, regardless of the load situation, devices for direct or indirect position detection of the patient platform 6 are preferably provided. Such position detection devices can be, for example, angle sensors positioned at joints of the patient lift, such as bearings 33, 34, 36, 38, 39. Accelerometers, which measure an angle relative to the normal vector of gravitational acceleration, or displacement sensors, which detect the position of one of the drives, can also be used for position detection. It is conceivable to arrange the displacement sensors directly in the drives or externally.

[0054] The sensors can measure absolute positions or output incremental values. In the latter case, an absolute position is calculated based on a known reference position, which is detected, for example, by means of limit switches.

[0055] Potentiometers or Hall effect sensors, for example, can be used as displacement sensors. Optical displacement sensors can also be used.

[0056] A particularly advantageous design for a position sensor, which can be implemented on a drive with minimal additional effort, is based on the measurement of inductive back EMF pulses that are generated during the commutation of the drive motors and can be detected. The detected pulses allow for a measurement of the motor's rotational speed and thus an incremental position determination. This method is also known as "ripple count" or back EMF (electromotive force) measurement.

[0057] Typically, the sensors do not directly detect the position of patient admission 6, but rather a correlated value. It is conceivable to convert the values ​​recorded by the various sensors into an absolute position of patient admission 6 using conversion tables and / or conversion functions. In this case, the trajectory to be followed for the position of patient admission 6 can also be specified in absolute values.

[0058] Alternatively, it is conceivable that a desired trajectory to be followed for patient admission 6 is converted in advance to the correlating sensor values ​​and stored in the control unit in that form.

[0059] During trajectory travel, a control loop whose output controls the drives can then work directly with the setpoint values ​​for the various sensors. This reduces the additional computational effort within the control unit that would otherwise have to be performed in real time.

[0060] Trajectories are preferably traversed in a controlled manner, i.e., with feedback using measured values ​​from which the current position of the patient can be derived. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to traverse a trajectory in a controlled manner by driving motors for specific times with specific PWM values. To prevent or minimize load dependency even in the case of controlled, but not regulated, trajectory traversal, the motor load can be used to correct the predefined times. Depending on the load, the nominally specified times are lengthened or shortened by a specific, also predefined, factor. The motor load is determined by sensors, for example, by measuring the motor current and / or rotational speed at a specific motor current.Additional sensors, which can directly or indirectly determine forces on the patient intake 6, can also be used to adjust the times during such a time-controlled trajectory run.

[0061] In addition to following the trajectory, the system can also be designed to maintain a specific maximum force during this process. This encourages, for example, a natural standing motion by the patient, as they must contribute some of their own strength to stand up, with the patient lift providing only assistance. The force control can also be time-dependent, gradually increasing the level of support over time. This prevents patients who cannot generate the required strength, or not to the desired degree, from receiving increased support after a certain period, thus ensuring they can perform the planned movement sequence.

[0062] The maximum force to be applied by the patient lift can vary for different directions of patient transfer; therefore, the maximum force can be specified point by point or section by section along the trajectory, possibly in multiple dimensions.

[0063] In order to limit the force applied by the patient lift accordingly, it is measured when the drives are activated and compared with the maximum force.

[0064] To measure force, sensors can be positioned inside or outside each drive unit, or they can be located in or on the frame of the patient lift, particularly in the area of ​​joints. Strain gauges or spring elements with travel detection can be used as force sensors, for example. Measurement using piezoelectric sensors is also possible. Furthermore, motor current measurements or speed measurements can be performed at a predetermined motor current, from which the acting forces can be indirectly inferred. Additionally, a voltage induced by the motor, for example during the blanking times of pulse-width modulation, can be measured, from which the load on the drive unit and thus the force it delivers can also be determined.

[0065] To reduce the maximum force on the drive, both the aforementioned pulse width modulation can be used and / or the operating voltage of the drives can be varied. Bezugszeichenliste

[0066] 1 Chassis 2Mast base 21, 24Swivel axis 22Lap 23, 25Bearing 26Parallel guide 3 Mast 3a, b Section of mast 31 Swivel axis 32, 35, 37 Bracket 33, 34, 36, 38, 39 Bearing 4-handle 5Support arm 5a, bSection of the support arm 51Bearing 52Swivel axis 53, 55Label 54, 56Bearing 6 patient admissions 7 electromechanical linear actuator 8 additional electric motor drive 9 Movement arrow

Claims

1. A patient lift comprising a frame on which a mast (3) is mounted, on which a boom (5) is pivotally arranged, the angle of which relative to the mast (3) can be adjusted by means of an electromotoric linear drive (7), so that a mount (6) for a patient carrier arranged on the boom (5) moves along a predetermined path, wherein at least one further electromotoric drive (8) is provided, by means of which the mount for the patient carrier can be moved along a different path from the predetermined path, and wherein the mast (3) is designed in two parts and comprises a lower part (3a) and an upper part (3b), characterised in that the lower part (3a) is fixed to the chassis at a fixed predetermined angle and the upper part (3b) can pivot relative to the lower part (3a) by means of the at least one further electromotoric drive (8)2. A patient lift comprising a frame on which a mast (3) is mounted, on which a boom (5) is pivotally mounted, the angle of which relative to the mast (3) can be adjusted by means of an electromotoric linear drive (7), so that a mount (6) for a patient carrier arranged on the boom (5) moves along a predetermined path, wherein at least one further electromotoric drive (8) is provided, by means of which the mount for the patient carrier can be moved along a different path from the predetermined path, and in which the mast (3) is designed in two parts and comprises a lower part (3a) and an upper part (3b), characterised in that the lower part (3a) is pivotally mounted on the frame and can be pivoted by means of the at least one further electromotoric drive (8), the upper part (3b) being pivotally supported on the lower part (3a) and force-guided by a parallel or trapezoidal guide in its orientation relative to the chassis.

3. The patient lift according to claim 1 or 2, in which the boom (5) is designed in two parts, a first part (5a) of which is fixed to the mast (3) and a second part (5b) of which can pivot relative to the first part (5a) in a vertical plane by means of the at least one further electromotoric drive (8).

4. The patient lift according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in which the mast (3) is telescopic and its length can be adjusted by means of the at least one further electromotoric drive (8).

5. The patient lift according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in which the boom (5) is telescopic and its length can be adjusted by means of the at least one further electromotoric drive (8).

6. The patient lift according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one further electromotoric drive (8) is a linear drive.

7. The patient lift according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the frame is a wheeled frame (1).

8. The patient lift according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a control unit for activating the electromotoric linear drive (7) and the at least one further electromotoric drive (8).

9. The patient lift according to claim 8, wherein the control unit is configured to operate the electromotoric linear drive (7) and the at least one further electromotoric drive (8) simultaneously.

10. The patient lift according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the control unit comprises a rechargeable battery for supplying power to the electromotoric linear drive (7) and to the at least one further electromotoric drive (8).

11. A method for controlling a patient lift according to any one of claims 1 to 10, which comprises a boom (5) with a mount (6) for a patient carrier, wherein the mount (6) for the patient carrier can be moved by means of an electromotoric linear drive (7) along a predetermined path and by means of at least one further electromotoric drive (8) along another path, comprising the following steps: - determining the position of the mount (6) for the patient carrier and / or the force acting on the mount (6) for the patient carrier and - control of the electromotoric linear drive (7) and / or the at least one further electromotoric drive (8) based on the determined position and / or force.

12. The method according to claim 11, in which, for the purpose of controlling the patient lift, a predetermined path comprising movements along the predetermined path and / or the other path is plotted using the determined position and / or taking into account the force applied.

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