Therapeutic treatment furniture item

Abstract

The invention relates to a therapeutic treatment furniture item (18), comprising an adjustable frame (10), an actuator (5) and a foot button (1) with a first button (2) which is designed as a three-stage button, wherein a first pressure plate (11) of the first button (2) has a centrally arranged opening (6) in which a further switching element (4) is arranged in addition to the first button (2), wherein in an idle position of the first button (2) a first switching stage is triggered in which the actuator (5) is deactivated, in an activation position of the first button (2) and if the further switching element (4) is additionally actuated a second switching stage is triggered in which the actuator (5) is activated to perform the first function, in the end position of the first button (2) and if the further switching element (4) is additionally actuated a third switching stage is triggered in which the actuator (5) is deactivated or is activated to perform the second function, and during a transition from the third switching stage to the first switching stage an active function of the actuator (5) in the second switching stage remains deactivated.

Description

[0001] Therapeutic treatment furniture

[0002] The invention relates to a piece of therapeutic treatment furniture, in particular an energetically adjustable therapy couch. The therapeutic treatment furniture comprises an adjustable frame and an actuator which, in a first function, is designed to perform a movement in a first direction of movement for adjusting the frame and, in a second function, a movement in a second direction opposite to the first direction of movement. The therapeutic treatment furniture further comprises a foot switch operatively connected to the actuator, via which the first function and the second function of the actuator can each be activated independently of one another, with a first switch for activating the first function and a second switch for activating the second function, wherein the first switch is in any case implemented as a three-stage switch.The first button has a first pressure plate facing an actuation side, which can be pressed from a rest position against a first force source into an activation position and which can also be pressed further from the activation position against a second force source into an end position. It is known in medical technology to control actuator-adjustable therapeutic treatment furniture, such as an energetically height-adjustable therapy couch, using a foot switch as the control element. A foot switch is preferably used as the control element. However, with the known therapeutic treatment furniture with foot switches in medical technology, a major problem exists in that operator protection is not always guaranteed.If, as is particularly the case in a sitting position, the knee or thigh of an operator comes under a frame of the treatment furniture and is pressed down as a result of the actuator adjustment, it can happen that the operator's lower limbs are crushed between the frame of the treatment furniture and the floor.

[0003] The object of the present invention is therefore to further develop a therapeutic treatment furniture in such a way that improved anti-pinch protection and increased operating safety are realized.

[0004] To achieve this object, the invention has the features of patent claim 1. Accordingly, the first pressure plate of the first button has a centrally located opening in which, in addition to the first button, a further switching element is arranged. The first button and the further switching element interact with downstream electronics in such a way that a three-stage function for detecting a switching stage, or a three-stage command generator for the actuator, is realized as follows:

[0005] In the rest position of the first button, a first switching stage is triggered, in which the actuator is deactivated with regard to the execution of the first function.

[0006] In the activation position of the first button and with simultaneous actuation of the other switching element, a second switching stage is triggered in which the actuator is activated to execute the first function.

[0007] In the end position of the first button and upon additional actuation of the other switching element, a third switching stage is triggered, in which the actuator is deactivated with respect to the execution of the first function or activated to execute the second function. When transitioning from the third switching stage to the first switching stage, activation of the first function of the actuator remains deactivated in the second switching stage.

[0008] The particular advantage of the invention is that improved pinch protection is achieved for the operator. The foot switch is designed in such a way that in order to trigger the second switching stage or to activate the first function of the actuator, the operator is forced to lift his foot and place it completely on the first switch so that both the first switch and the additional switching element arranged in between are actuated. The opening provided in the first pressure plate of the first switch, in which the additional switching element is arranged, is arranged centrally in the pressure plate for this purpose. The second switching stage can therefore only be triggered if the operator's foot rests on the first pressure plate in such a way that it covers the opening or the additional switching element arranged therein, so that the foot rests essentially completely on the first pressure plate.Simply placing the foot on the pressure plate at the side does not trigger the second switching stage and thus activate the first function of the actuator.

[0009] If, in this position, the operator's knee or thigh comes under a treatment furniture frame, the actuator force of the treatment furniture is largely directed to the first button. The first button is pressed to its end position by the actuator force, triggering the third switching stage. The treatment furniture comes to a stop by deactivating the actuator, or the actuator is triggered to perform the second function, reversing the direction, in the opposite direction, without crushing the operator's knee or leg. This represents a significant safety advantage over the current state of the art for this operating situation.

[0010] Without actuating the other switching element, the first button can be pressed down into the activation or end position without triggering the second switching stage for activating the first function of the actuator. The foot switch is preferably mounted on the floor, with the side opposite the floor forming the actuation side. The operator must therefore lift their foot off the floor to actuate the foot switch.

[0011] The electronics connected downstream of the foot switch are additionally designed so that when the first pressure plate is returned from the end position to the rest position or when a transition occurs from the third switching stage to the first switching stage, the actuator remains deactivated in the intermediate second switching stage.

[0012] In the event of an unexpected event or a shock situation, an operator would either intuitively release the first pressure plate of the first button, thereby returning the first button to its rest position and triggering the first switching stage, or fully press the first pressure plate, thereby moving the first button to its end position and triggering the third switching stage. According to the invention, this ensures that the actuator is deactivated when such an intuitive operating action is performed or is triggered to reverse the movement, resolving a potential jamming situation.

[0013] The therapeutic treatment furniture according to the invention may be, for example, a medical treatment couch, a hospital bed, an operating table, a dental chair, or an X-ray machine. Of course, this list is not exhaustive.

[0014] The actuator is preferably a linear drive, for example, designed as a spindle drive, in which the rotational movement of an electric motor is converted into a linear movement of a spindle nut via a worm gear and a spindle. Of course, the therapeutic treatment furniture according to the invention can also comprise actuators or actuator-based drives of other designs.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the additional switching element is designed as a push button. This advantageously provides the operator with haptic feedback regarding the actuation of the push button. Actuation occurs by pressing the push button in the same way as the first pressure plate. An integrated force device, in particular a return spring, can ensure that the push button remains in a neutral position when not actuated and can only be moved from the neutral position to an actuated position upon application of a corresponding actuating force.

[0016] Preferably, the push button is designed as an LED push button with a light-emitting diode (LED) so that its position is clearly visible to the operator even at dusk or in the dark, or its operational readiness or functionality can be visually indicated, for example by an illuminated directional marking or the like.

[0017] According to alternative embodiments of the invention, the additional switching element is designed as a distance sensor, proximity sensor, or light sensor. In this way, it can be detected by sensors whether the operator's foot is placed over the opening of the first pressure plate and thus in the correct position.

[0018] The operating safety can be further increased if several additional sensory switching elements of this type are provided, whereby the first pressure plate provides a corresponding number of openings for this purpose.

[0019] According to a further development of the invention, the foot switch and the actuator are operatively connected to each other via a wired signal line. The term "line" is to be interpreted broadly in the context of the invention and can also be understood as a generic term for a common line comprising several wires or sub-lines.

[0020] According to an alternative embodiment, the actuator and the foot switch are connected to each other via a wireless connection, in particular a radio connection.

[0021] According to a further development of the invention, the second button is designed as a two-stage foot switch with a second pressure plate, whereby the second function of the actuator is activated by pressing the second pressure plate from an unloaded initial position against a third force source into a release position. This embodiment is structurally simple and inexpensive to manufacture and is advantageous when the second function of the actuator eliminates the risk of a pinching situation.

[0022] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, however, the second button can also be designed as a three-stage button, analogous to the first button, with the second switching stage of the second button activating the second function of the actuator. This embodiment is advantageous even if the second function of the actuator poses a risk of entrapment.

[0023] According to a further development of the invention, a separating strip protruding toward the actuation side is provided between the buttons. The separating strip, which protrudes toward the actuation side relative to the pressure plates, is provided to prevent the operator from placing their foot on both the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate simultaneously. The separating strip thus prevents unintentional misoperation of the actuator and provides the operator with guidance as to whether their foot is placed on the first pressure plate or the second pressure plate.

[0024] According to a further development of the invention, the buttons are housed in a common housing of the foot switch. This advantageously allows the foot switch to be designed compactly, and the actuator can be controlled from a single point.

[0025] According to a development of the invention, the first pressure plate of the first button or the second pressure plate of the second button is convex. The first pressure plate of the first button preferably has the opening for the additional switching element in the region of its highest elevation. This shape of the foot switch is particularly suitable for ensuring that the operator has to lift his foot and place it essentially completely on the first pressure plate in order to trigger the second switching stage. Due to the convex shape of the first pressure plate, the additional switching element is arranged in the region of the highest elevation of the first pressure plate or the pressure plate lowers starting from the additional switching element towards its edges. The operator can therefore find the position of the additional switching element intuitively.Furthermore, it ensures that the foot must be fully raised, i.e., released from the floor, to operate the other switching element. This further increases operating safety.

[0026] The opening provided in the first pressure plate for the further switching element is preferably arranged at a height in the range of 3 cm to 10 cm above the floor.

[0027] According to a further development of the invention, the foot switch has a plurality of switching state sensors via which an actuating position of the first switch or the second switch or the further switching element can be detected.

[0028] The switching state sensors are preferably designed as Hall elements or reed elements. These electromechanical switching state sensors are advantageously contactless and wear-free, which typically results in a long service life and low maintenance requirements, as well as low susceptibility to failure. Furthermore, these contactless switching state sensors can be protected from environmental influences such as water and dust in a simple design (e.g., housing, potting). The foot switch preferably has magnets, whose magnetic fields can then be detected by the reed or Hall elements in order to detect the different actuation positions of the switches. For this purpose, the magnets are preferably rigid, and the reed or Hall elements are arranged so that they can move within the foot switch when the switch is actuated.

[0029] In principle, any tactile or contactless switches or sensors, as well as pressure sensors, can be used as switching state sensors. Likewise, the output of analog or multi-stage signals by the switching state sensor is possible or desirable, for example, to achieve speed or force control of the actuator.

[0030] According to a further development of the invention, the electronics for controlling the actuator comprise a programmable microcontroller, an amplifier circuit, and at least one safety switching element that can be controlled by the amplifier circuit. The amplifier circuit is preferably designed as an analog amplifier circuit.

[0031] A suitable safety switching element is, for example, a relay.

[0032] According to a further development of the invention, a first safety switching element as part of the electronics for activating the first function and a second safety switching element as part of the electronics for activating the second function are connected upstream of the actuator.

[0033] According to a further development of the invention, in the third switching stage of the first button, the electronics deactivate the first safety switching element to carry out a power cut-off, at least for the first function of the actuator. The power cut-off provides that the actuator is deactivated with regard to the execution of the first function or is completely de-energized. In particular, the electronics can be designed to deactivate the safety switching element for a power cut-off or mains cut-off until no more actuation signals are output by the switching state sensors, i.e. the pressure plates and the further switching element are returned to the zero / initial / rest position. For this purpose, the microprocessor is programmed in such a way that it only releases the switching block of the safety switching element when the switching signals from the switching state sensors are no longer emitted.

[0034] According to a further development of the invention, the electronics has a software-based or hardware-based failure detection system which is operatively connected to the microcontroller and which is designed to deactivate the actuator if an output signal from the microcontroller is missing within a predetermined time interval.

[0035] The microcontroller, the amplifier circuit, the at least one safety switching element, and the failure detection device are preferably arranged on an evaluation board. The evaluation board is a component of the electronics and is preferably housed in an actuator housing. This advantageously allows the foot switch to be designed in a compact manner. Further advantages, features, and details of the invention can be found in the further subclaims and the following description. Features mentioned therein may be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. The drawings serve merely as examples to clarify the invention and are not limiting in nature. They show:

[0036] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a therapeutic treatment furniture according to the invention in a perspective view,

[0037] Fig. 2 is a block diagram of the therapeutic treatment furniture according to the invention according to Fig. 1,

[0038] Fig. 3 shows a foot switch of the therapeutic treatment furniture according to the invention according to Fig. 1 in an enlarged perspective view,

[0039] Fig. 4 shows the foot switch of the therapeutic treatment furniture according to the invention according to Fig. 1 in partial section,

[0040] Fig. 5 shows a foot of an operator in a wrong position on the foot switch of the therapeutic treatment furniture according to the invention according to Fig. 1 in a schematic front view,

[0041] Fig. 6 shows the foot of the operator in the incorrect position according to Fig. 5 on the foot switch of the therapeutic treatment furniture according to the invention according to Fig. 1 in a side view,

[0042] Fig. 7 shows the foot of the operator in an operating position on the foot switch of the therapeutic treatment furniture according to the invention according to Fig. 1 in a front view and

[0043] Fig. 8 shows the operator's foot in the actuating position according to Fig. 7 on the foot switch of the therapeutic treatment furniture according to the invention shown in Fig. 1 in a side view. Figs. 1 to 8 show an embodiment of a therapeutic treatment furniture 18 according to the invention, here designed as a medical therapy couch with a scissor-shaped, height-adjustable frame 10.

[0044] The therapeutic treatment furniture 18 comprises as essential main components an actuator 5, which is provided for the actuator adjustment of the frame 10, as well as a foot switch 1, which is provided as an operating element in cooperation with an electronic unit for controlling the actuator 5.

[0045] In the embodiment shown in the figure, the actuator 5 is designed as a linear drive which, in a first function, carries out a movement in a first direction of movement, here a lowering movement, and in a second function, a second movement in an opposite second direction of movement, here a raising movement.

[0046] Fig. 2 shows a schematic simplified block diagram of the therapeutic treatment furniture 18 according to the invention.

[0047] The actuator 5 here has a power line 14 connected to a power switching device 15, via which the actuator 5 is supplied with a mains voltage. Furthermore, the actuator 5 provides an actuator housing 19, which houses an evaluation board 20 on which further electronic components are arranged.

[0048] The actuator 5 and the foot switch 1 are operatively connected to each other via a wired signal line 13.

[0049] The foot switch 1 has a first button 2, which is designed as a three-stage button and is used to control the lowering movement or execution of the first function of the actuator 5. Furthermore, the foot switch 1 has a second button 3, which is designed as a two-stage button and is intended to control the raising movement or execution of the second function of the actuator 5.

[0050] The buttons 2, 3 are arranged in a common housing 7 of the foot switch 1 and can be operated independently of one another. Accordingly, the first function and the second function of the actuator 5 can also be controlled independently of one another. The foot switch 1 is arranged on the floor and has, on an actuation side B opposite the floor, a convex-shaped first pressure plate 11 for the first button 2 and a likewise convex-shaped second pressure plate 12 for the second button 3.

[0051] A separating strip 8 protruding toward the actuation side B is provided between the pressure plates 11, 12. The separating strip 8 prevents an operator from simultaneously operating both pressure plates 11, 12 of the buttons 2, 3 with their foot 21. Furthermore, directional markings are provided on the pressure plates 11, 12 of the foot switch 1 to facilitate operation.

[0052] In the case of therapeutic treatment furniture known from the state of the art, there is a fundamental risk for the operator that he or she, particularly in a sitting position, will trap his or her knee or leg between the floor and a frame of the therapy couch while controlling the actuator to lower the therapy couch via the foot switch.

[0053] The therapeutic treatment furniture 18 according to the invention provides as a solution for this that the foot switch 1, in addition to the first switch 2, provides a further switching element 4, here designed as a pressure switch, for carrying out the lowering movement of the frame 10 or the first function of the actuator 5.

[0054] For this purpose, the first pressure plate 11 of the first button 2 has a centrally arranged opening 6, here a through-hole, through which the additional switching element 4 is passed. The opening 6 is arranged centrally and in the area of ​​the highest elevation of the convex first pressure plate 11 of the first button 2, so that to actuate the additional switching element 4, the operator must raise his foot 21 and place it essentially completely on the first pressure plate 11 in order to actuate the additional switching element 4.

[0055] Figure 4 shows the foot switch 1 according to the invention in partial section, cut in the area of ​​the first switch 2. The first pressure plate 11 of the first switch 2 is held in a rest position, and the additional switching element 4 is held in an initial position, i.e., the first switch 2 and the additional switching element 4 are each deactivated. This actuation position corresponds to a first switching stage, in which the actuator 5 is deactivated with respect to the execution of the first function.

[0056] The first pressure plate 11 is assigned a spiral return spring as the first force means 9, which holds the first pressure plate 11 in the rest position without any active operation by the operator. Only when the operator applies an actuating force via their foot 21 that exceeds the holding force applied by the first force means 9 can the first pressure plate 11 be pressed down from the rest position into an activated position.

[0057] The activation position of the first button 2 corresponds to a second switching stage, which, however, is only triggered when the additional switching element 4 is also activated. The additional switching element 4, designed here as a push button, must be pressed down by the operator's foot 21 in addition to the first pressure plate 11 of the first button 2 in order to trigger the second switching stage.

[0058] In this position, the actuator 5 is activated to execute the first function, or to lower the therapy couch. When the operator releases the actuating force applied via their foot 21, the first pressure plate 11 is returned to the rest position via the first force means 9 assigned here, and the first switching stage is triggered, which leads to the deactivation of the actuator 5 with regard to the execution of the first function. In addition to the first force means 9, a further return spring is assigned to the first pressure plate 11 of the first button 2 as a second force means (not shown in the figure). During normal actuation, the operator presses the first pressure plate 11 down into the activation position via their foot 21 against the first force means 9, whereby the first pressure plate 11 is held in the activation position by the second force means 10, which is larger than the first force means 9.The restoring force applied by the second force means 10 is selected such that it cannot be overcome by the operator's foot 21 during normal operation.

[0059] Only in a pinching situation is the locking force applied by the actuator 5 to the therapy couch sufficiently large to press in the second force means 10 and thus to lower the first pressure plate 11 from the activation position into an end position. Due to the inventive design of the foot switch 1, the push button or the further switching element 4 is automatically actuated. A third switching stage is then triggered, in which the actuator 5 is deactivated or stopped with regard to the execution of the first function or is controlled to reverse movement in the opposite direction or to execute the second function. Pinching or crushing the operator's knee or leg can be reliably prevented in this way.

[0060] 5 and 6 show the operator's foot 21 in an incorrect position placed on the first pressure plate 11 of the first button 2 of the foot switch 1. The foot 21 is only resting on the first pressure plate 11 in the area of ​​the toes and is supported on a floor in the area of ​​the heel. Although the first pressure plate 11 can thereby be moved from the rest position into the activation position or end position, this does not trigger the second switching stage or third switching stage because the further switching element 4 or the push button is not actuated at the same time. This ensures that the activation of the first function of the actuator 5 can only occur when the foot 21 is essentially completely resting on the first pressure plate 11.

[0061] 7 and 8 show the operator's foot 21 in a correct actuation position placed on the first pressure plate 11 of the first button 2 of the foot switch 1. The foot 21 here rests essentially completely on the first pressure plate 11 and additionally covers the push button or the further switching element 4. The operator can now apply an actuation force via his foot 21, which moves the first pressure plate 11 from the rest position into the activation position and thus triggers the second switching stage for activating the first function of the actuator 5. As soon as the operator lifts his foot 21 and removes the actuation force, the first pressure plate 11 is returned to the rest position by the first force means 9 and the actuator 5 is deactivated or stopped with regard to the execution of the first function by triggering the first switching stage.In the event of a pinching situation, the restoring force of the second force means 10 is overcome, so that the operator's foot 21 is pressed down until the end position of the first pressure plate 11 is reached. Since the additional switching element 4 is automatically actuated, the third switching stage is triggered in this case and the execution of the first function by the actuator 5 is stopped or the actuator is triggered to reverse direction, thus resolving the pinching situation.

[0062] The individual actuation positions of the first pressure plate 11 and the push button or further switching element 4 are detected by switching state sensors, in particular reed or Hall elements, or via electrical signals. The first button 2 has a first circuit board 16, to which corresponding switching state sensors or supply lines 17 extending from the further switching element 4 are connected. The first circuit board 16 and the switching state sensors are part of the electronics.

[0063] The second button 3 is designed here as a two-stage button, with a third force source being assigned to the second pressure plate 12 of the second button 3. When not actuated by the operator, the third force source holds the second pressure plate 12 in an initial position. This initial position corresponds to a switching stage for the second button 3, which triggers deactivation of the second function of the actuator 5. If the operator exerts an actuating force on the second pressure plate 12 via their foot 21, the latter can be pressed against the third force source from the initial position into a release position. The release position of the second button 3 corresponds to a switching stage that activates the actuator 5 to execute the second function.

[0064] In order to control the actuator 5 in the different directions of movement (here raising and lowering), two independent safety switching elements (relays) are provided, which are controlled by a microprocessor and an analog amplifier circuit depending on the different switching states of the foot switch 1 detected by the switching state transmitters.

[0065] The therapeutic treatment furniture 18 according to the invention and the foot switch 1 are not limited to the embodiment shown in the figure. In particular, the components can be freely selected within wide limits with regard to their shape, dimensions, and material selection.

[0066] According to an alternative embodiment, the further switching element 4 is not designed as a push button, but as a different type of switching element, in particular as a sensory switching element, for example as a distance sensor, proximity sensor or light sensor.

[0067] According to an alternative embodiment, the second button 3 can be designed as a three-stage foot switch (three-stage button) analogous to the first button 2, wherein a second switching stage of the second button 3 enables the second function of the actuator 5 and the actuator 5 is deactivated in a third switching stage of the second button 3 with respect to the execution of the second function or is activated to execute the first function or a reversal of direction.

[0068] According to an alternative embodiment of the therapeutic treatment furniture 18 according to the invention, the electronics has a filter connected upstream of the microprocessor in order to suppress high-frequency voltage levels and / or to suppress electromagnetic interference.

[0069] It is also conceivable that, depending on the equipment configuration of the therapeutic treatment furniture 18, other switching elements than a three-stage operating switch are connected to the actuator 5. The evaluation board 20 is intended to "recognize" which switching system is connected. For this purpose, different resistor combinations are assigned to voltage dividers in each connectable switching system. Using an analog evaluation, the digital system around the electronics microprocessor detects the connected switch type and independently loads the associated parameter settings. In this way, the evaluation board 20, which is preferably accommodated in the actuator housing 19 of the actuator 5, and the other electronic components connected to it, such as in particular the microprocessor, can be used flexibly for different variants of foot switches 1 or different operating or switching elements.Identical components and component functions are identified by the same reference symbols.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Therapeutic treatment furniture (18), comprising an adjustable frame (10), an actuator (5) which is designed to perform a movement in a first direction of movement for adjusting the frame (10) in a first function and a movement in a second direction of movement opposite to the first direction of movement in a second function, a foot switch (1) operatively connected to the actuator (5), via which the first function and the second function of the actuator (5) can each be activated independently of one another, with a first switch (2) for activating the first function and with a second switch (3) for activating the second function, wherein in any case the first switch (2) is implemented as a three-stage switch and has a first pressure plate (11) facing an actuation side (B),which can be pressed from a rest position against a first force means (9) into an activation position and which can also be pressed further against a second force means (10) from the activation position into an end position, - wherein the first pressure plate (11) of the first button (2) has a centrally arranged opening (6) in which a further switching element (4) is arranged in addition to the first button (2), - wherein the first button (2) and the further switching element (4) interact with a downstream electronics in such a way that a three-stage system for detecting a switching stage for the actuator (5) is realized, wherein in the rest position of the first button (2) a first switching stage is triggered, in which the actuator (5) with respect to the execution of the first Function is deactivated, wherein in the activation position of the first button (2) and upon additional actuation of the further switching element (4) a second switching stage is triggered, in which the actuator (5) is activated to execute the first function, wherein in the end position of the first button (2) and upon additional actuation of the further switching element (4) a third switching stage is triggered, in which the actuator (5) is deactivated with regard to the execution of the first function or activated to execute the second function and wherein upon a transition from the third switching stage to the first switching stage an activation of the first function of the actuator (5) remains deactivated in the second switching stage.

2. Therapeutic treatment furniture (18) according to claim 1, characterized in that the further switching element (4) is designed as a push button.

3. Therapeutic treatment furniture (18) according to claim 1, characterized in that the further switching element (4) is designed as a distance sensor and / or proximity sensor and / or light sensor.

4. Therapeutic treatment furniture (18) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the foot switch (1) and the actuator (5) are operatively connected to one another via a wired signal line (13).

5. Therapeutic treatment furniture (18) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the second button (3) is designed as a two-stage foot switch with a second pressure plate (12), wherein the second function of the actuator (5) is activated by the second pressure plate (12) being pressed from an unloaded initial position against a third force means into a release position.

6. Therapeutic treatment furniture (18) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a separating web (8) projecting towards the actuating side (B) is provided between the buttons (2, 3) and / or that the buttons (2, 3) are accommodated in a common housing (7) of the foot switch (1).

7. Therapeutic treatment furniture (18) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the first pressure plate (11) of the first button (2) and / or the second pressure plate (12) of the second button (3) is convexly shaped and / or that the first pressure plate (11) of the first button (2) has the opening (6) in the region of its highest elevation.

8. Therapeutic treatment furniture (18) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the foot switch (1) has a plurality of switching state sensors via which an actuating position of the first switch (2) and / or the second switch (3) and / or the further switching element (4) can be detected.

9. Therapeutic treatment furniture (18) according to claim 8, characterized in that the switching state transmitters are designed as reed elements and / or Hall elements.

10. Therapeutic treatment furniture (18) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the electronics for controlling the actuator (5) comprise a programmable microcontroller, an amplifier circuit and at least one safety switching element controllable by the amplifier circuit.

11. Therapeutic treatment furniture (18) according to claim 10, characterized in that a first safety switching element as part of the electronics for activating the first function and a second safety switching element as part of the electronics for activating the second function are connected upstream of the actuator (5).

12. Therapeutic treatment furniture (18) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that in the third switching stage of the first button (2) the electronics switches off the first safety switching element to carry out a power shutdown of at least the first function of the actuator (5).

13. Therapeutic treatment furniture (18) according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the electronics have a software-based and / or hardware-based failure detection system operatively connected to the microcontroller, which is designed to deactivate the actuator (5) if an output signal from the microcontroller is missing within a predetermined time interval.

14. Therapeutic treatment furniture (18) according to one of claims 10 to 13, characterized in that the microcontroller and / or the amplifier circuit and / or the at least one safety switching element and / or the failure detection are arranged on an evaluation board (20) and / or wherein the evaluation board (20) is accommodated as a component of the electronics in an actuator housing (19) of the actuator (5).

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