Method for carrying out transport processes, transport assembly for carrying out transport processes, transport module for a transport assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for carrying out transport operations in a medical facility by means of a transport arrangement, wherein the transport arrangement comprises several patient beds for receiving a patient, characterized in that the patient beds each have a coupling device on the bed side, wherein at least one drive module of the transport arrangement having a module-side coupling device is provided, wherein, to form a transport unit, the drive module or one of the drive modules and one of the patient beds are detachably mechanically coupled to one another via their coupling devices, wherein the at least one drive module comprises a drive device by means of which a drive torque is generated, by means of which the transport operation is carried out with respect to the respective transport unit.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for carrying out transport operations in a medical facility by means of a transport arrangement, wherein the transport arrangement comprises several patient beds for receiving a patient.

[0002] In medical facilities, it is frequently necessary to move a patient bed to a specific location, with or without a patient on it. This transport is typically done manually. This means that a user or medical professional moves the bed to the target position using muscle power, i.e., by pulling and / or pushing. For this purpose, patient beds typically have several wheels or casters and a handling device such as a handle. Manually performing this transport is tedious and time-consuming for the user.

[0003] The present invention aims to implement an improved concept in connection with the execution of transport operations in a medical facility, particularly with regard to the above-mentioned problem concerning the manual execution of the transport operation.

[0004] To solve this problem, a method according to the invention of the type mentioned at the outset provides that the patient couches each have a coupling device on the couch side, wherein at least one drive module of the transport arrangement having a module-side coupling device is provided, wherein, to form a transport unit, the drive module or one of the drive modules and one of the patient couches are detachably mechanically coupled to one another via their coupling devices, wherein the at least one drive module comprises a drive device by means of which a drive torque is generated, by means of which the transport process is carried out with regard to the respective transport unit.

[0005] The invention is based on the idea that, by means of the method according to the invention, the patient stretcher to be transported and the drive module, or at least one of the drive modules, are coupled or attached to each other, in particular in pairs, so that the coupled components, i.e., the respective patient stretcher and the respective at least one drive module, form the transport unit. The drive required for moving or transporting the transport unit is generated by the drive module or at least one of the drive modules.Preferably, the drive torque required for the transport process is provided entirely by the respective drive module(s), so that the patient stretcher coupled to the at least one drive module is moved to its target position solely by means of the drive torque generated by the respective drive unit. In this case, the respective transport unit is suitable for fully automated execution of the transport process, i.e., without any human intervention or muscle power being required.

[0006] Regarding the transport process, at least two typical use cases can be distinguished. The first involves patient transport where a patient is in or on the patient stretcher during the transport process, for example, in a lying or sitting position. The second involves transporting the patient stretcher empty, without a patient in or on it during the transport process. Finally, the execution of a transfer run of the respective transport module is also a relevant use case in the context of the invention. During the transfer run, only the transport module is moved to the target position, without being connected to any other component such as the patient stretcher. All aspects described in connection with one of these transport processes are, in principle, also applicable to all other use cases.

[0007] A patient couch is generally understood to be a device in or on which a patient can be positioned. A patient couch can be a hospital bed or a patient bed. It can include a frame, particularly one made of metal, on which a lying surface is formed or arranged. The lying surface can be made of padding. The frame can be a four-legged, square frame.

[0008] The patient couch is preferably mobile. Thus, the patient couch preferably has several wheels or casters, which are, for example, attached to the frame. Preferably, one wheel or caster is arranged at each of the four corners of the four-legged square frame. At least one of the wheels or casters can be a swivel caster, enabling left-right movement of the patient couch in addition to forward-backward movement. A swivel caster is typically attached to the rest of the patient couch via a caster bracket, which typically provides two axes of rotation. The caster itself can rotate about its central axis, which is preferably a horizontal axis. Furthermore, the caster bracket can be rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation, preferably a vertical one.The patient bed may have a handling device that the user can grasp during a manual procedure or when moving the bed. The handling device may be a handle or a bar, particularly a horizontal one, which may be located at one end of the patient bed, especially at the head or foot end.

[0009] The drive unit of the transport module is designed and configured to generate the drive torque. Specifically, it generates a drive force that allows the transport module to move across a surface. If the transport module is coupled to the patient stretcher, the drive torque or force is also transmitted to the stretcher, enabling the transport unit to move and thus carry out the transport process. The transport module may also have a wheel or caster, particularly a swivel caster. The transport module may have a housing and / or a base frame that supports the other components of the transport module, such as the module-side coupling device and, if applicable, the wheels or casters.

[0010] Both the patient stretchers and the drive module each include a coupling device. These coupling devices can be moved into a state where they interact, particularly in a latching manner, to form a detachable mechanical connection. The coupling devices are designed and configured such that the stretcher-side coupling device and the module-side coupling device can be brought into operative contact, thereby enabling the transmission of forces, especially the drive force, from the patient stretcher to the drive module and vice versa. This interaction can be achieved through a latching mechanism. The coupling devices can thus have, at least in sections, mutually identical shapes that can be latched together or that engage with one another.In principle, other coupling methods are also conceivable, such as magnetic connections or the like. In any case, the coupling devices can be detached from each other without damage, so that the transport module can be removed from the patient stretcher after the respective transport operation has been carried out and used in another transport operation.

[0011] According to the invention, the drive module or modules of the respective transport unit can be viewed from above and, in the state coupled to the patient stretcher of this transport unit, can be arranged, in particular completely, below this patient stretcher. The drive module is accordingly designed such that it is at most large enough to be arranged completely below the patient stretcher without, viewed from above, projecting over the sides, front, and back of the stretcher. If several drive modules are coupled to the patient stretcher, they are designed to be correspondingly small so that several drive modules can also be arranged completely below the stretcher without, viewed from above, projecting over the sides, front, and back of the stretcher.This allows the transport unit to be designed in a space-saving manner, which is particularly advantageous in confined spaces such as narrow rooms, corridors, or elevators. If the transport module(s) is / are located entirely beneath the patient bed, especially during transport, the transport module(s) are completely positioned below the patient bed. Therefore, viewed from above, the surface area of ​​the transport unit corresponds to the surface area of ​​the patient bed alone, since, as described above, the transport module(s) do not protrude from the sides, front, or back of the patient bed.However, during the transport process, for example for better navigation, the drive module or modules can also move out from under the patient bed, in particular by means of a repositioning device which will be explained in detail later, whereby it is advantageous for the drive module or modules to reposition themselves under the patient bed after completion of a navigation process.

[0012] In a possible further development of the invention, the transport arrangement can comprise several patient stretchers, each with differently designed stretcher-side coupling devices of various types, and several transport modules, each with differently designed module-side coupling devices of various types, wherein only stretcher-side coupling devices can be coupled with module-side coupling devices of the same type. According to this embodiment, several coupling devices of different types are thus provided, the coupling devices of different types differing in particular with respect to their dimensions, their geometric configurations, and / or with respect to the type of coupling to be established. Due to these differences, only stretcher-side coupling devices and module-side coupling devices of the same type can be coupled with each other in pairs.It is conceivable that different patient couches are intended for different applications, which therefore differ in their specific design. Consequently, the corresponding coupling devices may also need to be designed differently. The coupling between the couch-side and module-side coupling devices is achieved primarily according to the key-lock principle, whereby each couch-side coupling device of a specific type can only be coupled to one module-side coupling device of the same type. However, even with this in mind, the fact that the module-side coupling devices are also correspondingly different allows for the execution of appropriate transport operations.

[0013] The module-side coupling devices can be grippers or hooks with different inner diameters and / or different geometries that can couple to the respective horizontal coupling device. For example, a gripper of a module-side coupling device that couples to a horizontal coupling device with a round cross-section and a specific diameter, such as 5 cm, can have a circular contact surface congruent with or opposite to the horizontal coupling device, which also has this diameter, for example, 5 cm.

[0014] One of the differences mentioned regarding patient couches can stem from variations in their frames. Different types of coupling devices on the couch side are particularly common when these devices are formed by a section of the frame. The frame can comprise several rods, especially metal ones, which provide at least a significant portion of the couch's mechanical stability. These frame rods can have different cross-sectional shapes and / or diameters, depending on the type of couch. For example, a children's couch might have a frame with rods of a smaller diameter than a couch designed primarily for overweight individuals.The cross-sectional shapes of the bars can also vary depending on the type of patient stretcher, for example, they may have a square, triangular, or round cross-sectional shape. It should be noted that this list is not exhaustive and / or limiting. If one of the frame bars or another section of the frame forms the coupling device on the stretcher side, then the module-side coupling devices of the mobile modules can form the respective counterpart to the stretcher-side coupling devices.

[0015] It is conceivable that the transport arrangement comprises several drive units, each with one of the drive devices, and several coupling units, each with at least one of the module-side coupling devices, wherein each drive unit is detachably coupled to at least one of the coupling units to form the transport module. The drive unit can comprise a structural unit or a unit providing mechanical stability, in particular a housing, of the transport module, wherein the drive device can be connected to this unit, in particular housed within the housing. The coupling unit is a component designed separately from the drive unit. This design offers the advantage of high flexibility with regard to situation-specific circumstances concerning the patient stretcher to be transported.For example, if a drive module with the coupling devices required for the coupling process is not available, then the coupling unit can be replaced on the drive module selected for transport.

[0016] The coupling unit can comprise a plate-shaped element having at least one fastening element on one side, for example, at least one hook, at least one gripper, or at least one clip-type locking element, which can be coupled to one or more corresponding fastening elements of the drive unit. The respective coupling device can be arranged on the other side of the plate-shaped element. The coupling unit can have an arm, in particular an adjustable arm, for example, a telescopic arm, which can be arranged on the plate-shaped element. The arm can carry the respective fastening element(s) for attachment to the respective drive unit at its free end. The opposite end of the arm can be connected to the remaining section of the coupling unit, in particular to the plate-shaped element.

[0017] Depending on the type of coupling device required, the coupling unit or one of the coupling units can be coupled to the drive unit using the coupling device of that type. In this embodiment, the transport arrangement thus implements a modular principle, allowing the required drive module to be configured according to the specific situation. Furthermore, the number of coupling units connected to the respective drive unit can be varied. Preferably, the number of coupling units connected to the respective drive unit is between one and four. For example, if a single drive module is coupled to the patient stretcher, this drive module can have several coupling units that are manually or automatically interchangeable. However, if several drive modules are coupled to the patient stretcher, each of these drive modules can have only one coupling unit.In this case, it is particularly conceivable that the coupling unit is permanently, i.e., not interchangeable, connected to the drive unit.

[0018] Optionally, each of the drive units can be manually coupled to at least one of the coupling units to form the drive module. According to this configuration, forming the drive module requires active intervention from the user, who must, in particular, loosen and tighten the corresponding couplings between the drive unit and the coupling unit.

[0019] Alternatively, an interchangeable device can be provided, by means of which one of the drive units can be automatically coupled with at least one of the coupling units to form the drive module. According to this design, this process is automated by means of the interchangeable device. The interchangeable device can be used to provide the required drive and / or coupling unit and to assemble them together. This assembly can be carried out using a fastening device of the interchangeable device, which is designed and configured for coupling the drive unit with the at least one coupling unit and for correspondingly releasing this coupling. Thus, the interchangeable device can also be used to disassemble a previously used drive module.The drive module to be removed using the exchange device, or the drive unit required during a corresponding assembly process, can move itself to the exchange device. Alternatively, the exchange device moves to the respective components, transporting in particular the designated coupling unit. The exchange device can be equipped with a control unit that generates control signals enabling the exchange of the coupling units, especially using the fastening device. The exchange device can be located at a base or collection point, such as a storage area or room within the medical facility where the currently unused drive modules—that is, drive modules not currently undergoing transport—are stored.

[0020] Advantageously, during the initiation of each transport process, at least one coupling piece of information can be determined, specifying the type of coupling device on the patient stretcher used in the transport process. Based on this coupling information, the system selects the drive module(s) or coupling unit(s) used to carry out the transport. The coupling information can also specify the type of patient stretcher itself, i.e., the patient group for which the stretcher is suitable. The coupling information can provide a specification for selecting a particular drive module or coupling unit. If the drive module is assembled manually, this specification can be displayed in a corresponding user output.If assembly is automated, this specification can be used within the control of the swap body. The coupling information can be manually entered by a user into a specification device of the transport system. Alternatively, the coupling information can be automatically specified by a central control unit, for example, upon receipt of a request signal indicating the execution of the transport process. The specification device implements a human-machine interface, such as a smartphone, tablet, or input terminal, through which the coupling information is generated based on a user action. The necessary signal transmission, such as the transmission of the coupling information from the specification device or the central control unit to the drive module(s), can be wireless, particularly via WLAN, Bluetooth, or radio.The drive modules can thus have at least one communication device by means of which a communication link, in particular wireless, is established for the transmission of coupling information or control signals generated therefrom.

[0021] To better understand the advantages, the procedure for selecting a transport module based on coupling information will now be explained using a purely exemplary example. If, for instance, the user specifies via the input device that a patient stretcher of a particular coupling type needs to be transported, such as a child's bed, this coupling information can be transmitted to all transport modules, especially those not currently performing a transport operation themselves, or to the central control unit. Each transport module can then check a transport condition based on the coupling information, which relates to the feasibility of the transport operation, specifically the current availability of the required coupling device.If the transport condition is met, meaning that the drive module(s) has / have a coupling unit with the coupling device required for the transport process, then the drive module(s) can move to the respective patient stretcher to carry out the transport. If the condition is not met, meaning that the drive module(s) do not have the correct coupling device, then the coupling unit can be detached from the drive unit intended for transport and replaced with a coupling unit with the required coupling device.

[0022] In a further development of the invention, each patient bed can be provided with a data carrier on which at least one piece of information relevant to carrying out the transport process, in particular coupling information and / or transport information, which will be explained in detail below, is stored, wherein the at least one piece of information is read out during the initiation of the respective transport process. It is conceivable that the at least one piece of information is read out for verification purposes when the at least one selected transport module has reached the respective patient bed, particularly automatically.During the transport process, it is advantageous that the coupling information and / or transport information provided during the initiation of the transport process, in particular transmitted to the at least one transport module, is verified upon the arrival of the at least one transport module at the patient stretcher to be transported. This ensures that the at least one transport module is actually transporting the selected patient stretcher and has not, due to an error, traveled to a patient stretcher that is not intended for transport. Accordingly, the transport module can have a reading device by means of which the data carrier, which is preferably attached to the patient stretcher, is read. The reading device can be or include a scanner and / or a camera. The data carrier can be a QR code or an RFID tag.When the or one of the drive modules moves to the patient stretcher that may potentially be transported, it may be useful for the or one of the drive modules to read the data carrier attached to the patient stretcher using its readout device in order to compare the information stored on this data carrier, in particular the coupling information and / or the transport information, with the information that the respective drive module has received to initiate the transport process.

[0023] If the coupling information and / or transport information available during the initiation of the transport process does not match the coupling information and / or transport information present on the data carrier, the transport process can be aborted. Advantageously, at least one drive module can contact the central control unit via its communication device to receive new instructions regarding the transport process. Additionally or alternatively, an error message can be issued to the user, particularly via the notification device, informing the user that the transport process has been aborted or is not feasible.

[0024] Advantageously, control signals directed towards the respective transport process can be generated by means of a control device and, if necessary, output to the drive device or drive devices of the respective transport unit, wherein the control device is a central control device of the transport arrangement, wherein the control signals can be transmitted from the control device to the respective drive module by means of a wireless communication link.

[0025] Depending on the coupling information and / or the transport information, the central control unit can first select whether one of the existing drive modules can be used to carry out the transport process, or whether, if necessary, at least one additional drive module must be mounted, for example, using the interchangeable unit. The central control unit can then generate corresponding control signals, which are subsequently transmitted via a wireless communication link to the respective communication device of the selected drive module and / or the interchangeable unit. The communication link can be established via WLAN, Bluetooth, or radio.

[0026] Optionally, control signals directed towards the respective transport process can be generated by means of a control device and, if necessary, output to the drive device or drive devices of the respective transport unit, whereby, if the respective transport unit has several drive modules, one of these drive modules has the control device provided as a module-side control device, by means of which the control signals for all drive modules of this transport unit are generated and output.

[0027] In this configuration, several drive modules are provided for the transport process. Here, too, a central control unit can be provided, which generates control signals based on the coupling information and / or the transport information. These signals can be transmitted via a wireless communication link to the respective communication device of the selected drive modules. From the set of selected drive modules, a lead drive module can then be chosen. This lead drive module generates further control signals based on the control signals from the central control unit, using its own control device. These control signals can then be output to the at least one other drive module intended for the transport process, which can therefore also be referred to as at least one follower drive module. The signal transmission in this process can also take place via a communication link, particularly a wireless one.In this specific embodiment, a master-slave architecture is implemented, in which the module-side control device of the lead driving module forms a master computer and the at least one follower driving module or its module-side control device forms a slave computer.

[0028] It is conceivable that the selection of the lead driving module and at least one follower driving module is carried out automatically by the central control unit. Alternatively, it is conceivable that only the lead driving module is selected by the central control unit, and the respective lead driving module autonomously performs control steps to select the follower driving modules. The selection of the lead driving module can be based on criteria such as availability and / or coupling information and / or transport information.

[0029] Preferably, during the initiation of the transport process, at least one piece of transport information relevant to the transport operation to be carried out can be determined. Depending on this at least one piece of transport information, the drive module intended for the transport operation can be selected and / or a number of drive modules intended for the transport operation can be determined. Based on the transport information, a specification regarding the selection of the drive module can be made. In addition to the coupling information already described, the drive modules can thus also be selected with respect to transport information, whereby a drive module can only be selected if it meets the criteria regarding the transport information. The transport information can be manually entered by a user into the aforementioned specification device.Alternatively, the transport information could be provided via the patient stretcher's data carrier, for example, as part of the previously described verification process that takes place when the transport module reaches the stretcher. Specifying the transport information and selecting one or more transport modules based on this information offers the advantage of further specifying the patient stretcher to be transported with regard to additional details. This allows for the precise selection of a suitable transport module for the transport process.

[0030] Once the drive modules and / or the central control unit have received the transport information, they can check which modules meet the conditions specified in the transport information, in particular whether they are suitable for the criteria required for the transport process. If the conditions are met, at least one selected drive module can move to the patient stretcher to be transported. The drive modules that do not meet the conditions are accordingly not considered for selection for the transport process and are excluded from the execution of the transport.

[0031] According to the invention, the transport information, or at least one of the transport information, can be at least one relative position information relating to the position of the supine coupling device of the patient stretcher of the transport arrangement relative to the remaining section of this patient stretcher. Here, at least one of the transport modules can have at least one repositioning device that carries the module-side coupling device, or at least one of the module-side coupling devices, wherein the at least one coupling device carried by the repositioning device is repositioned by means of the repositioning device and depending on the at least one relative position information, so that the module-side coupling device and the supine coupling device can be coupled.To ensure that the module-side coupling device can connect to the patient-side coupling device, a corresponding repositioning of at least one module-side coupling device may be necessary. According to this embodiment, this is achieved using the repositioning device. The relative position information can thus specify a relative position of the patient-side coupling devices of the respective patient bed to each other, which is, in particular, not changeable. Using the repositioning device, the module-side coupling devices can be moved into corresponding relative positions to each other, which correspond to the relative positions of the patient-side coupling devices, in order to enable the coupling of all coupling devices of the transport unit to be created.

[0032] The relative position information can be provided to the respective drive module or the central control unit when the transport process is initiated. Alternatively, the relative position information can be provided via the patient stretcher's data carrier. It is also conceivable that the drive module, or the guide drive module, once it has reached the patient stretcher, captures the stretcher's frame using a scanning device, particularly a camera or scanner, and uses the captured data to determine the relative position information. For this purpose, the data can be fed into image analysis software, which is implemented, in particular, by the control unit. Following this, the coupling device can be repositioned, if necessary, to enable coupling with the patient stretcher.

[0033] The coupling device is preferably repositioned using a repositioning device. The repositioning device can directly support the respective coupling device. Alternatively, it can support the coupling device indirectly, in which case the repositioning device can reposition the coupling unit relative to the drive unit. This repositioning can be achieved by rotating, pivoting, or tilting the respective coupling device or coupling unit. Preferably, the coupling device and / or the coupling unit can be rotated 360° and / or tilted at least 180°. Using the repositioning device, the coupling devices and / or the coupling units can be repositioned such that the drive module(s) are, in particular, arranged completely below the patient bed, as described above.Repositioning can also be relevant when multiple drive modules are coupled to the patient stretcher. For example, if the coupling devices on the stretcher side are positioned very close to each other on the frame, the drive modules may obstruct each other or at least collide during the coupling process due to space constraints. To prevent this, at least one coupling device and / or coupling unit can be repositioned using the repositioning device of at least one drive module so that the other drive module(s) can couple to the stretcher-side coupling devices without the individual drive modules obstructing each other.

[0034] In a further development of the invention, the transport information, or at least one piece of transport information, can be at least one piece of information about the patient bed, relating to its size, weight, position, and / or number of coupling devices. Alternatively, the transport information, or at least one piece of transport information, can be at least one piece of patient information relating to the patient's weight. Depending on the at least one piece of information about the patient bed and / or the at least one piece of patient information, the transport module intended for the transport process can be selected and / or a number of transport modules intended for the transport process can be determined. For example, the information about the patient bed can indicate that the patient bed to be transported is an empty patient bed for children, which is generally somewhat smaller and lighter than a conventional patient bed.In this case, it may be advantageous to select only a single drive module for the transport process. If the patient stretcher to be transported is a conventional stretcher, but one in which an overweight patient is also lying, this can be specified in the stretcher and patient information. In this case, it may then be advantageous to select several drive modules for the transport process, for example, to ensure sufficient drive power. Providing this information advantageously leads to a further and more precise specification regarding the drive module suitable for the transport process.

[0035] Preferably, each drive module is checked for an availability condition that is met if the respective drive module is located in close proximity to a patient stretcher to be transported and / or if the respective drive module already consists of one of the drive units and one of the coupling units. For the drive module or modules for which the availability condition is met, it can be determined that at least one of these drive modules is selected to carry out the transport operation. The availability condition can be met or is met if the respective drive module is located near the patient stretcher to be transported, in particular if the distance between the patient stretcher and the drive module falls below a predetermined limit.Furthermore, the availability condition can be met or fulfilled if no transport operation is currently being carried out using the respective drive module or if it has not yet been selected for an upcoming transport operation.

[0036] In addition, or alternatively, the suitability of each transport module can be checked. This suitability condition can be met if the at least one stretcher information sheet and / or the at least one patient information sheet indicates that the transport module(s) is / are suitable for carrying out the transport operation. In this case, the selected transport module(s) will be chosen for the transport operation. The suitability condition can be met, among other things, if the drive unit of the respective transport module can generate sufficient drive power to transport the stretcher and the patient. It is also conceivable that the suitability condition may be met for a group of transport modules, in which case this group will be selected for the transport operation.The suitability condition can be met in this case if the sum of the drive powers of the drive modules in this group is sufficient to carry out the transport process.

[0037] Preferably, during the execution of the transport process, at least one piece of information relating to a difficulty that may arise during the execution of the respective transport process can be determined, whereby the execution of the transport process can be carried out depending on the at least one piece of information in such a way as to reduce or eliminate the difficulty. Preferably, the information or at least one piece of information relates to a bottleneck occurring during the execution of the transport process and / or an obstacle present in the path of the respective transport unit, in particular due to structural conditions and / or persons present.Potential difficulties identified through the execution information include curves, closed doors, narrow passages, elevators, thresholds, objects, and / or people that the transport unit must navigate. It should be noted that this list is neither exhaustive nor limiting. Based on this execution information, the control unit can generate and output control signals that trigger a measure aimed at reducing or, ideally, eliminating the difficulty encountered. According to this embodiment, the invention is thus further developed to implement automated problem-solving during the transport process, ideally requiring no further user intervention.

[0038] Advantageously, at least one drive module can have a sensor device, which is in particular a camera or includes a camera. Sensor data concerning the environment of the respective drive module can be acquired by means of the sensor device, whereby the sensor data can serve as the information for the operation or be used for the determination itself. In particular, if at least one drive module is located completely below the patient bed, the respective drive module can also be moved to a different relative position with respect to the patient bed by means of the repositioning device in order to determine the information for the operation, in which at least the sensor device is no longer located below the patient bed and thus its field of view is less obstructed by the patient bed.The sensor device may also, or alternatively, include a further repositioning device, allowing only the sensor device to be moved to a position where it is no longer located below the patient bed, while the rest of the drive module remains below the patient bed. Furthermore, it is also possible for such repositioning of the sensor device to be achieved by means of a width-adjustment device and / or a length-adjustment device, whereby the drive module is altered in its width and / or length such that the sensor device projects laterally, frontally, or rearward beyond the patient bed.Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible for the drive module to itself extend from beneath the patient bed to determine the procedure information and / or to change its relative position to the patient bed using the repositioning device such that the drive module, or at least a section of it, projects laterally, frontally, or rearward beyond the patient bed. If an obstacle needs to be overcome, the drive module can then be positioned completely beneath the patient bed again.

[0039] Alternatively or additionally, the execution information can be determined using data from at least one sensor device external to the drive module, for example, by means of at least one camera located in a corridor or room of the medical facility. If several drive modules are responsible for the transport, then the execution information is expediently determined using the sensor device of the lead drive module.

[0040] Advantageously, at least one of the drive modules can have a width-adjustment device and / or a length-adjustment device by means of which, depending on the at least one piece of operating information, a change, in particular a reduction, of the width and / or length of the respective drive module is carried out such that the respective narrow passage is passable and / or the obstacle can be bypassed. If, for example, there is an obstacle in front of the transport unit, such as a cleaning cart, the position and / or extent of the obstacle can be determined by means of the sensor device as the operating information.If at least one of the transport modules extending beyond one side of the patient stretcher or being wider than the stretcher itself, this module can be reduced in width using a width-adjustment device, specifically so that its width is no more than that of the patient stretcher. The transport unit can then pass the obstacle. Similarly, as mentioned above, the length of the transport module can also be adjusted using the length-adjustment device.

[0041] Optionally, a repositioning device can be used to reposition the coupling mechanism of at least one of the transport modules in such a way that the narrow passage is passable and / or the obstacle can be bypassed. Consequently, the transport modules can be repositioned relative to the patient stretcher so that, viewed from above, they are completely underneath it. This reduces the overall width of the transport unit. Another example involves transporting the patient stretcher using multiple transport modules, where the transport route may include a high threshold, such as a door threshold, which the transport unit must cross.It can be advantageous to reposition the multiple drive modules relative to the patient stretcher so that they are not distributed underneath it, but rather, for example, all located on the front side of the frame facing the threshold, which is closest to the door threshold. This allows the drive force of the modules, concentrated at the front of the stretcher, to more easily move it over the threshold.

[0042] Furthermore, optionally at least one of the driving modules can have an output device that, depending on at least one piece of operating information, can issue a user-perceptible message to a person present, such that the person moves out of the way of the transport unit. According to this embodiment, the user message is issued to persons present near the transport unit, informing them that they should move out of the way. The output device can include a turn signal and / or a brake light and / or a reversing light and / or a display and / or a loudspeaker. Independently of the user output, when the transport unit is turning, the turn signal of the respective driving module can indicate the impending turn, so that bystanders can recognize this turn.Furthermore, the display can show both text and graphics, providing instructions to users, for example, on where they should preferably move to avoid obstacles. The displayed text and / or graphics can also simply communicate the current status of the transport unit. For instance, in "default mode," if the transport unit is on the designated route and no obstacles have been detected, a smiley face or the text "OK" will appear on the display. Finally, instructions, particularly user-generated messages, and / or signals can be output via a speaker. For example, when reversing, the corresponding control of the reversing lights could be enabled, and a warning tone, such as a repeating beep, could also be emitted during reversing.

[0043] If multiple drive modules handle the transport process, it may be advantageous for only the lead drive module to output the perceptible user feedback. Alternatively or additionally, the subsequent drive modules can also output the user feedback.

[0044] Furthermore, the invention relates to a transport arrangement for carrying out transport operations in a medical facility, comprising several patient beds for receiving a patient.According to the invention, the problem in such a transport arrangement is solved by the fact that the patient beds each have a coupling device on the bed side, wherein at least one drive module having a module-side coupling device is provided, wherein, to form a transport unit, the drive module or one of the drive modules and one of the patient beds can be detachably mechanically coupled to one another via their coupling devices, wherein the at least one drive module comprises a drive device for generating a drive torque by means of which the transport process concerning the respective transport unit can be carried out, wherein a control device of the transport arrangement is configured to generate control signals by means of which the drive torque is generated.All advantages, features and aspects explained in connection with the method according to the invention are equally transferable to the transport arrangement according to the invention and vice versa.

[0045] Furthermore, the invention relates to a drive module for a transport arrangement designed for carrying out transport operations in a medical facility, wherein the transport arrangement comprises several patient beds for receiving a patient, each patient bed having a coupling device on the bed side and the drive module having a coupling device on the module side, wherein the drive module and one of the patient beds can be detachably mechanically coupled to each other via their coupling devices to form a transport unit, wherein the drive module comprises a drive device for generating a drive torque by means of which the transport operation concerning the respective transport unit can be carried out. All advantages, features and aspects explained in connection with the method and the transport arrangement according to the invention are equally transferable to the drive module according to the invention and vice versa.

[0046] Preferably, the drive module according to the invention comprises a sensor device for generating sensor data relating to the environment of the respective transport unit. It is preferably provided that the sensor device is at least one optical sensor or comprises at least one optical sensor by means of which image data of the environment can be acquired as sensor data. The sensor data can be transmitted to a control device of the transport arrangement, wherein the control device is configured to generate the control signals, on the basis of which the drive torque is generated, depending on the sensor data in such a way that the transport process takes place taking into account the current conditions present in the environment. In particular, the transport information described in connection with the method according to the invention can be determined on the basis of this sensor data.

[0047] It is conceivable that the drive module according to the invention comprises an energy storage device for storing electrical energy and a drive device designed as or comprising an electric motor, wherein the drive torque can be generated by means of the electric motor and using the energy stored in the energy storage device. The energy storage device can also be referred to as an accumulator. The electric motor can be operatively connected to at least one wheel or at least one roller of the respective drive module, so that the generated drive torque can be transmitted to it. The transport arrangement according to the invention can have at least one charging device or charging station located in the area of ​​the medical device, by means of which the energy storage device of the at least one drive module can be recharged.

[0048] Further advantages, details and features of the present invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments described below and from the figures. These show schematically: Fig. 1 shows a top view of a floor plan of a medical facility in which a transport arrangement according to the invention is arranged according to an exemplary embodiment, comprising several drive modules according to the invention according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. 2 shows a flowchart for a method according to the invention according to a first exemplary embodiment relating to a transport arrangement within the medical facility. Fig. 1 Transport process to be carried out of a transport unit of a transport arrangement according to the invention in a first embodiment, wherein the transport unit comprises a patient bed and a drive module according to a first embodiment, Fig. 3 a schematic representation of the transport unit of the method of Fig. 2 , wherein a drive module is coupled to a patient bed, Fig. 4 a flowchart for a method according to the invention in a second embodiment relating to a device within the medical facility of the Fig. 1 Transport process to be carried out of a transport unit of a transport arrangement according to the invention according to a second embodiment, wherein the transport unit comprises a patient bed and two transport modules according to the invention, each according to a second embodiment, and Fig. 5 a schematic representation of the transport unit of the method of the Fig. 4 , with several drive modules coupled to a patient bed.

[0049] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows part of a floor plan of a medical facility 12, in this case a hospital. Several rooms 56 are visible, which are connected to each other via a corridor 57. Also visible are the components of a transport arrangement 14 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, wherein these components are distributed at various positions in the facility 12. The transport arrangement 14 comprises several patient beds 2, of which in the Fig. 1 only one is shown, as well as several transport modules 3. The purpose of the transport arrangement 14, or rather the objective of the method according to the invention, is to advantageously enable the execution of a transport process or transport processes within the medical facility 12. The embodiments of the method according to the invention described below refer to the ones shown in Fig. 1 Transport arrangement shown 14.

[0050] Fig. 2 Figure 1 shows a flowchart of a method according to the invention, based on a first embodiment, for carrying out a transport operation in the facility 12 by means of a transport unit 1 of the transport arrangement 14 according to the invention, based on a first embodiment. The transport unit 1 comprises one of the patient couches 2 and a drive module 3 of the transport arrangement 14 according to the invention, based on a first embodiment, wherein Fig. 3 a schematic representation of transport unit 1 is shown.

[0051] For the sake of clarity, the following description of the transport process assumes that patient bed 2 is a pediatric patient bed, and the transport process will be demonstrated without a patient 4 lying in patient bed 2. To carry out the transport process, one of the transport modules 3 is coupled to patient bed 2 to form transport unit 1.

[0052] In the example described below, the patient bed 2 is transported from a starting position 58, for example, a patient room, to a target position 59, for example, a treatment room with a medical imaging device 60. In a first step 34, a user, in particular a nurse, specifies transport information 5 and coupling information 8 by means of a corresponding operating action on a control device 61, which is or includes a computer, a tablet, or a smartphone. Software enabling the user to input or specify the transport information 5 and the coupling information 8 is implemented on the control device 61.Alternatively, instead of specifying the information 5, 8, it can be provided that the user reads a data carrier 16 arranged on the patient bed 2, on which the transport information 5 and the coupling information 8 are stored, by means of a user-provided reading device.

[0053] One of the transport information pieces 5 is a stretcher information piece 6, which relates to the size and weight of the patient stretcher 2 as well as the position and number of stretcher-side coupling devices 9. One of the transport information pieces 5 is a patient information piece 7, which relates to the weight of the patient 4. This is zero in this case, since only the patient stretcher 2, and not a patient 4, is to be transported. One of the transport information pieces 5 is a relative position information piece 33, which relates to the position of the stretcher-side coupling device 9 relative to the rest of the patient stretcher 2. The coupling information 8 relates to the type of the stretcher-side coupling device 9, where "type" refers, for example, to the shape of the cross-section and the diameter of the frame 10 of the patient stretcher 2.

[0054] In the second step 35, the transport information 5 and the coupling information 8 are transmitted to a central control unit 62. This transmission preferably occurs wirelessly. The central control unit processes the entered transport information 5 and coupling information 8. Each of the drive modules 3 includes a module-side communication device 28. Furthermore, the central control unit 62 is connected to a control unit-side communication device 63. A bidirectional, wireless communication link between the central control unit 62 and the drive modules 3 can be established via the communication devices 28 and 63. A bidirectional, wireless communication link between the drive modules 3 can also be established via the communication devices 28 of the drive modules 3.The communication links are used to transmit sensor data, control commands and information, which will be discussed in more detail later.

[0055] In the third step 36, the central control unit 62 checks an availability condition for each of the transport modules 3. If this condition is met, the respective transport module 3 is considered suitable and eligible to carry out the transport operation. The fulfillment of the availability condition depends on the distance of the respective transport module 3 to the patient stretcher 2 to be transported, the presence of the appropriate module-side coupling devices 13, and whether another transport operation is currently being carried out using the respective transport module 3. The availability condition is met if the transport module 3 is not too far from the patient stretcher 2 to be transported and is not currently carrying out another transport operation or scheduled for another transport operation.Optionally, the availability condition can also be met only if the respective drive module 3 has a module-side coupling device 13 that is compatible with the horizontal coupling device 9. Those drive modules 3 for which the availability condition is not met will not be selected for the transport process.

[0056] For those of the transport modules 3 for which the availability condition is met, the fulfillment of a suitability condition is checked in the next step 37 using the central control unit 62. This condition is met if the stretcher information 6 and the patient information 7 indicate that this transport module 3 is suitable for carrying out the transport operation. If the suitability condition is met, this transport module 3 is selected for carrying out the transport operation. The suitability condition is met if sufficient drive power for carrying out the transport can be generated by means of a drive unit 27 of the respective transport module 3.

[0057] As part of the verification of the aforementioned conditions, the central control unit 62 selects one of the drive modules 3 that is not currently performing a transport operation but does not have the appropriate coupling device 13 for coupling to the horizontal coupling device 9. Accordingly, a coupling unit 15, which is arranged on a drive unit 24 of the selected drive module 3 and has the incompatible coupling device 13, must be replaced with a coupling unit 15 that has the coupling device 13 suitable for the coupling operation. This exchange takes place automatically in a fifth step 38 using an exchange device. For this purpose, the drive unit 24 moves to the exchange device 64, which provides the coupling unit 15 with the required coupling device 13.The exchange unit 64 is located at a collection point, namely a storage area 65 of the medical facility 1, where the currently unused drive modules 3, coupling units 15, and drive units 24 are stored. The exchange unit 64 removes the unsuitable coupling unit 15 from the drive unit 24 of the selected drive module 3 and attaches the required coupling unit 15 to the drive unit 24, thereby creating a drive module 3 suitable for the transport operation to be carried out. This process is automated but can also be performed manually by the user instead of using the exchange unit 64.

[0058] In the next step 39, the selected module 3 performs a transfer run, moving to the patient stretcher 2 to be transported, or to the starting position 58. To verify that the patient stretcher 2 to which the drive module 3 has moved actually corresponds to the patient stretcher 2 to be transported, in the seventh step 40, the data carrier 16, which is attached to the patient stretcher 2 itself, is read by means of a readout device 32 of the drive module 3, which in particular includes a scanner or a camera. The data carrier 16 can in particular be a QR code. The data carrier 16 carries the coupling information 8 and the transport information 5 in coded form, i.e., among other things, the stretcher information 6, the relative position information 33, and the patient information 7.After the readout device of the drive module 3 has read the coded transport information 5 and coupling information 8 from the data carrier 16, a module-side control unit 17, communicating with the central control unit 62, compares this transport information 5 and coupling information 8 with the transport information 5 and coupling information 8 specified by the preset device in step 34. If the information 5 and 8 match accordingly, the drive module 3 couples to the patient stretcher 2 in the next step 41, so that the transport process can begin. If the transport information 5 and the coupling information 8 do not match, the transport process is aborted and the module-side control unit 17 generates control signals 54 aimed at resolving this error.The control signals 54 can cause a recalculation of the route for the selected driving module 3 and / or an error output to be transmitted to the user, in particular via the preselection device 61, whereby the error output indicates to the user that the transport process has been aborted.

[0059] Regarding the coupling that takes place in step 41, the relative position information 33 is used. The drive module comprises 3 repositioning devices 26, each carrying one of two provided, module-side coupling devices 13. The relative position information 33 is transmitted from the central control unit 62 to the module-side control unit 17, which generates control signals for controlling the repositioning devices 26 such that the module-side coupling devices 13 are repositioned by means of the respective repositioning device 26 and depending on the relative position information 33, so that the two module-side coupling devices 13 and the horizontal coupling devices 9 can be coupled. Thus, the relative position information 33 relates to a relative position of the horizontal coupling devices 9.By means of the repositioning device 26, the module-side coupling devices 13 are brought into a corresponding relative position to each other, which correspond to the relative positions of the horizontal-side coupling devices 9, in order to enable the coupling of the coupling devices 9, 13.

[0060] In the ninth step 42, the transport process is initiated and carried out by moving the transport unit 1, created by coupling, along a transport path 66 from the starting position 58 to the target position 59, by means of the drive torque generated by the drive unit 27. The control signals required for the drive unit 27, which is designed as an electric motor, are generated and output either by the module-side control unit 17 or by the central control unit 62.

[0061] Both during the transfer journey (step 39) and during the actual transport of patient stretcher 2 (step 42), the sensor data from a module-side sensor device 18 of module 3 may be used to determine implementation information 19 concerning difficulties that may arise during the transport process. This implementation information 19 is then determined by one of the control units 17, 62 in the tenth step 43, which is carried out in parallel with steps 39 and 42. Such implementation information 19, or difficulty, may relate to the situation where a bottleneck occurs on the transport route 66 in front of transport unit 1 or another patient stretcher 2 is present. In order for transport unit 1 to continue the transport, it must navigate around this obstacle or patient stretcher 2.This means that the transport unit 1, for example, can no longer continue along the transport route in a straight line, but must go around the obstacle, for which the corresponding control signals for the drive unit 27 are generated by one of the control devices 17, 62.

[0062] Assuming that the resulting bottleneck is so narrow that the transport unit 1 cannot pass through it due to its overall width and / or length, then the drive module 3 must narrow or shorten itself to allow the transport unit 1 to pass through the bottleneck. To this end, the drive module 3 controls a width-adjustment device 52 and / or a length-adjustment device 53, which changes the width or length of the drive module 3 so that the transport unit 1 can pass the obstacle. For this purpose, a structural unit of the drive module 3 can have telescopically extendable and retractable sections that are retracted to reduce the dimensions of the drive module 3. If it is not possible to bypass the obstacle, an error message 21 can be generated, for example, via the control device 61 and / or the drive module 3 itself.This could be a beep, so that the user is informed about the obstacle and can remove it.

[0063] Accordingly, in the tenth step 43, depending on the implementation information 19, the planned transport route 66 is modified so that the obstacle is bypassed. Since this means bypassing the obstacle in the present case, a user output, such as a flashing light in the direction of the intended turn, can be issued by means of a module-side output device 20, which is, for example, a flashing light, in order to inform potentially present persons about the turning maneuver. The output of a flashing light is also provided for if the transport unit is to turn at an intersection of several aisles 57 according to the planned transport route 66.

[0064] Once transport unit 1 has arrived at the target position in the eleventh and final step 44, the module-side coupling device 13 decouples from the horizontal coupling device 9, thus completing the transport process. The transport module 3 is now free again and can be used for another transport operation if necessary, or it can return to storage 65 and park there. Optionally, a completion message 22 can be transmitted to the central control unit 62 if the transport process has not already been controlled by the central control unit 62.

[0065] The following section provides further details regarding transport unit 1, which is formed during the execution of the procedure just described. It shows that... Fig. 3 A schematic representation of a transport module 3, which is coupled to the patient stretcher 2 to be transported via the module-side coupling device 13, so that the patient stretcher 2 and the transport module 3 form the transport unit 1. Viewed from above, the transport module 3 is located entirely beneath the patient stretcher 2. The patient stretcher 2 has a frame 10 made of metal. The frame has sections 23, or rods, which serve as coupling devices 9. The rods have a square cross-section and, since this embodiment is a pediatric patient stretcher 2, a smaller diameter than that of a conventional patient stretcher 2.

[0066] The drive module 3 comprises the drive unit 24, which includes a structural housing for the drive module 3 in which the drive unit 27 is arranged, and the coupling unit 15. The coupling unit 15 is attached to the top of the drive unit 24 and has a preferably extendable arm 25, at the end of which the coupling device 13 is attached. As required, the complete coupling unit 15, including the coupling device 13, can be replaced using the exchange device 64 or, if necessary, manually. The coupling device 13 is the part of the coupling unit 15 that can ultimately be coupled to the coupling device 9 of the patient stretcher 2.Due to the square cross-section of the frame 10 or the horizontal coupling device 9, the contact surface of the module-side coupling device 13 is also designed to be square, so that it can engage the cuboid section 23 of the frame 10 according to the key-lock principle.

[0067] In the illustrated embodiment, the drive module 3 has two coupling units 15, whose coupling devices 13 are connected to the coupling devices 9 on the patient side. Since it may be advantageous to change the position of the coupling devices 13 or the entire drive module 5 relative to the frame 10 during transport or even during the coupling process, for example when maneuvering around obstacles, the drive module 3 has a repositioning device 26. In addition, the drive module 3 has the module-side control device 17, the sensor device 18 (designed as a camera for capturing image data), the output device 20, the drive device 27, the module-side communication device 28, and the readout device 32. The drive module 3 has wheels 29 on its underside, by means of which the drive module 3 can move alone or coupled to the patient stretcher 2.The wheels 29 are rotatable not only about their own horizontal axis, but also about a vertical axis to enable steering. A correspondingly controllable actuator of the drive module 3, not shown in detail in the figures, is provided to specify the rotational position relative to the vertical axis.

[0068] Furthermore, the drive module 3 includes an energy storage device or accumulator for storing electrical energy (not shown in detail in the figures), with the drive unit 27 being the electric motor. The drive torque is generated by the electric motor using the energy stored in the energy storage device. The electric motor or drive unit 27 is operatively connected to at least one of the wheels 29, so that the drive torque can be transmitted to it. It is evident that the energy storage device needs to be recharged from time to time. For this purpose, the transport arrangement 14 includes a charging device or charging station 67 positioned in the area of ​​the bearing 65, by means of which the energy storage device can be recharged and can be approached accordingly for this purpose.

[0069] Fig. 4 shows a flowchart of a method according to the invention in a second embodiment for carrying out transport operations in a medical facility 12 using a transport unit 1. Everything related to the based on the Figuren 2 and 3 The explanation also refers in principle to the fact that... Fig. 4 The procedures shown are applicable unless the respective point expressly deviates from them. For example, one difference is that transport unit 1 is carried out according to the procedure of Fig. 4 consisting of a patient stretcher 2 and three mobile modules 3, as shown in Fig. 5 is shown schematically.

[0070] For easier understanding, the following example of the transport process is used in the context of transporting a conventional patient bed 2 with a patient 4 using three transport modules 3.

[0071] The first four steps, 34 to 37, based on the Fig. 4 The procedures shown are identical to the first four steps 34 to 37 of the procedure based on the Fig. 2 The procedure shown. Only the transport information 5 differs from the example mentioned above. Since the patient stretcher 2 along with the patient 4 is to be transported here, a higher driving force and therefore a greater number of drive modules 3 are required.

[0072] After selecting the drive modules 3, in the fifth step 45 the central control unit 62 designates a lead drive module 30, which will perform functions that, as described below, are not performed by the other drive modules 3. The remaining two drive modules 3, which are not lead drive module 30, can be designated as follower drive modules 31. In the sixth step 46, a module-side control unit 17 of the lead drive module 30 outputs control signals, which, for example, directly affect the operation of the drive units 24 of the follower drive modules 24, to module-side control units 17 of the follower drive modules 31. The lead drive module 30 and the two follower drive modules 31 then drive autonomously but together to the patient stretcher 2, which is potentially to be transported and in which the patient 4 is also located. A master-slave architecture is implemented here by means of the control units 17 of the drive modules 30 and 31.The driving modules 30, 31 move accordingly to the patient stretcher 2 to be transported as part of step 46.

[0073] Verification using data carrier 16 takes place in a seventh step 47, as described above with reference to step 40. The control module 30 reads the data carrier 16 and compares the transport information 5 and the coupling information 8 with the transport information 5 and coupling information 8 encoded on the data carrier 16. If the data do not match, control signals 54 aimed at resolving this error can be generated, as described above with reference to step 40. If the data match, then in the eighth step 48, a coupling process is carried out between the control module 30 and the subsequent control modules 31 via their respective coupling devices 13 to the coupling devices 9 on the horizontal side. The control module 30 can specify at which positions, i.e., at which horizontal coupling devices 9, the control module 30 itself and the subsequent control modules 31 should couple.

[0074] After completion of the coupling process, the transport process continues in step nine, 49, with patient stretcher 2. If, for example, an obstacle is detected by the sensor 18 of the lead module 30, this can be transmitted to the subsequent drive modules 31 in step ten, 50, as part of an execution information 19. If the obstacle is, for example, a high door threshold over which patient stretcher 2, along with patient 4, is to be moved, it may be advantageous for the three drive modules 3 to reposition themselves. The control signals for this are again generated by the lead module 30 or its control unit 17 and output to the two subsequent drive modules 31. The repositioning is carried out by means of the repositioning devices 26 of the drive modules 3.For example, in the case of a high door threshold, it may be advantageous for all three drive modules 3 to reposition themselves so that they are not distributed beneath the patient stretcher 2. Instead, all drive modules 3 are positioned on the front side of the frame 10, the side closest to the threshold. This allows the drive force of the drive modules 3, concentrated at the front of the patient stretcher 2, to more easily move the stretcher over the threshold. After passing the obstacle, the drive modules 3 can reposition themselves to their original position beneath the patient stretcher 2. Again, the lead drive module 30 sends the corresponding control signals to the subsequent drive modules 31. The corresponding user signals to warn nearby persons are output via the output device 20 of the lead drive module 30.In this case, it could be, for example, a flashing warning light and text output on a display.

[0075] Once the transport unit 1 has arrived at the target position, the coupling devices 13 of the respective drive modules 3 are uncoupled from the horizontal coupling devices 9 in the eleventh and final step 51. The drive modules 3 are now free again and can be used for another transport operation if necessary. Optionally, the control drive module 30 can transmit a completion message 22 to the central control unit.

[0076] Fig. 5 Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of the three drive modules 3, which are coupled to the patient stretcher 2 to be transported via the module-side coupling device 13. The drive modules 3 are arranged entirely beneath the patient stretcher 2. The patient stretcher 2 has a frame 10, which is made of metal. The frame has sections 23 that serve as the coupling devices 9. The frame 10, or rather the rods, have a round cross-section and, since this is a conventional patient stretcher 2, have a larger diameter than the patient stretcher 2 designed as a pediatric patient stretcher.

[0077] The explanations for the respective driving module 3, which correspond to the explanations already given, Fig. 2 The points already made will not be repeated here. Only the differences between the three driving modules 3 and the single driving module 3 from the example above will be listed.

[0078] In the based on the Figuren 4 and 5 In the described embodiment, each drive module 3 has a coupling unit 15 that is permanently connected to the drive unit 24 and is therefore not interchangeable. Accordingly, there are numerous drive modules 3 with different coupling devices 13 to ensure that all patient stretchers 2, which have different types of coupling devices 9, can be coupled. The drive modules 3 can be designed to be small enough to allow several drive modules 3 to be arranged beneath the patient stretcher 2.

Claims

1. Method for carrying out transport operations in a medical facility (12) by means of a transport arrangement (14), wherein the transport arrangement (14) comprises several patient beds (2) for receiving a patient (4), characterized by the fact that The patient couches (2) each have a coupling device (9) on the couch side, wherein at least one drive module (3) of the transport arrangement (14) having a module-side coupling device (13) is provided, wherein to form a transport unit (1) the drive module (3) or one of the drive modules (3) and one of the patient couches (2) are detachably mechanically coupled to each other via their coupling devices (9, 13), wherein the at least one drive module (3) comprises a drive device (27) by means of which a drive torque is generated, by means of which the transport process with respect to the respective transport unit (1) is carried out.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized by thatthe drive module (3) or the drive modules (3) of the respective transport unit (1), viewed from above and in the state coupled with the patient bed (2) of this transport unit (1), in particular completely, is or are arranged below this patient bed (2).

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the transport arrangement (14) comprises several patient couches (2) with differently designed couch-side coupling devices (9) of different types and several transport modules (3) with differently designed module-side coupling devices (13) of different types, wherein only couch-side coupling devices (9) can be coupled with module-side coupling devices (13) of the same type.

4. Method according to claim 3, characterized by thatSeveral drive units (24) each with one of the drive devices (27) and several coupling units (15) each with at least one of the module-side coupling devices (13) are provided, wherein one of the drive units (24) is detachably coupled to at least one of the coupling units (15) to form the drive module (3), wherein either one of the drive units (24) is manually coupled to at least one of the coupling units (15) to form the drive module (3), or a changeover device (64) is provided by means of which one of the drive units (24) is automatically coupled to at least one of the coupling units (15) to form the drive module (3).

5. Method according to claim 4, characterized by thatDuring the initiation of the respective transport process, at least one coupling information (8) is determined which relates to the type of the lying-side coupling device (9) of the patient couch (2) that is used in the course of the transport process, wherein, depending on the at least one coupling information (8), a selection is made of the drive module (3) or drive modules (3) or the coupling unit (15) or coupling units (15) that is used to carry out the transport process.

6. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by thatEach of the patient beds (2) is provided with a data carrier (16) on which at least one piece of information relevant to the execution of the transport process, in particular the coupling information (8), is stored, wherein the at least one piece of information is read out during the initiation of the respective transport process, and wherein the at least one piece of information is read out for verification purposes when the at least one selected drive module (3) for the execution of the transport process has reached the respective patient bed (2), in particular automatically.

7. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by thatControl signals directed towards the execution of the respective transport process are generated by means of a control device (17, 62), - wherein the control device is a central control device (62) of the transport arrangement (14), wherein the control signals are transmitted from the control device (62) to the respective drive module (3) by means of a wireless communication link, and / or - wherein, if the respective transport unit (1) has several drive modules (3), one of these drive modules (3) has the control device (17) provided as a module-side control device (17), by means of which the control signals for all drive modules (3) of this transport unit (1) are generated and output.

8. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by thatIn the course of initiating the transport process, at least one piece of transport information (5) relating to the transport process to be carried out is determined, whereby, depending on the at least one piece of transport information (5), the driving module (3) intended for the transport process is selected and / or a number of driving modules (3) intended for the transport process is determined.

9. Method according to claim 8, characterized by thatthe transport information (5) or at least one of the transport information (5) is at least a relative position information (33) that relates to a position of the lying-side coupling device (9) of the patient stretcher (2) of the transport arrangement (14) relative to the remaining section of this patient stretcher (2), wherein at least one of the drive modules (3) has at least one repositioning device (26) that carries the module-side coupling device (13) or at least one of the module-side coupling devices (13), wherein the at least one coupling device (13) carried by the repositioning device (26) is repositioned by means of the repositioning device (26) and depending on the at least one relative position information (33), so that the module-side coupling device (13) and the lying-side coupling device (9) are couplingable.

10. Method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by thatthe transport information (5) or at least one of the transport information (5) is at least one stretcher information (6) relating to a size and / or weight and / or position and / or number of coupling directions (9) of the patient stretcher (2), and / or that the transport information (5) or at least one of the transport information (5) is at least one patient information (7) relating to a weight of the patient (4), wherein, depending on the at least one stretcher information (6) and / or the at least one patient information (7), the transport module (3) provided for the transport process is selected and / or a number of transport modules (3) provided for the transport process is determined.

11. Method according to claim 10, characterized by thatFor each of the transport modules (3), the fulfillment of a suitability condition is checked, which is then fulfilled if it can be seen from the at least one information on the stretcher (6) and / or from the at least one information on the patient (7) that this transport module (3) or these transport modules (3) is or are suitable for carrying out the transport operation, whereby in this case a selection of this transport module (3) or these transport modules (3) is made for carrying out the transport operation.

12. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by thatIn the course of carrying out the transport operation, at least one piece of information (19) relating to a difficulty that arises during the execution of the respective transport operation is determined, wherein the transport operation is carried out depending on the at least one piece of information (19) in such a way as to reduce or eliminate the difficulty, wherein the information (19) or at least one of the pieces of information (19) relates to a bottleneck occurring during the execution of the transport operation and / or an obstacle present in the travel path of the respective transport unit (1), in particular due to structural conditions and / or persons present.

13. Method according to claim 12, characterized by that- at least one of the driving modules (3) has a width-changing device (52) and / or length-changing device (53) by means of which, depending on the at least one implementation information (19), a change, in particular a reduction, of the width and / or length of the respective driving module (3) is carried out such that the respective narrow passage is passable and / or the obstacle can be bypassed, and / or - by means of the or a repositioning device (26) at least one of the driving modules (3) is repositioned the coupling device (13) of the respective driving module (3) such that the respective narrow passage is passable and / or the obstacle can be bypassed, and / or - at least one of the driving modules (3) has an output device (20) via which, depending on the at least one implementation information (19), a user output perceptible to a person present is issued such that the person avoids the transport unit (1).

14. Transport arrangement (14) for carrying out transport operations in a medical facility, comprising several patient beds (2) for receiving a patient (4), characterized by the fact that The patient couches (2) each have a coupling device (9) on the couch side, wherein at least one transport module (3) having a module-side coupling device (13) is provided, wherein to form a transport unit (1) the transport module (3) or one of the transport modules (3) and one of the patient couches (2) can be detachably mechanically coupled to each other via their coupling devices (9, 13), wherein the at least one transport module (3) comprises a drive device (27) for generating a drive torque by means of which the transport process concerning the respective transport unit (1) can be carried out, wherein a control device (17, 62) of the transport arrangement is configured to generate control signals by means of which the drive torque is generated.

15. Drive module (3) for a transport arrangement (14) intended for carrying out transport operations in a medical facility, wherein the transport arrangement (14) comprises several patient beds (2) for receiving a patient (4), wherein the patient beds (2) each have a coupling device (9) on the bed side and the drive module (3) has a coupling device (13) on the module side, wherein, to form a transport unit (1), the drive module (3) and one of the patient beds (2) can be detachably mechanically coupled to each other via their coupling devices (9, 13), wherein the drive module (3) comprises a drive device (27) for generating a drive torque by means of which the transport operation concerning the respective transport unit (1) can be carried out.

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