DE102005043047B4 - Device with operating switch - Google Patents

Abstract

Device (1, 20) with an operating switch (5h, 5f, 21), the at least one of a User operable by means of an object or body part actuating means (6), which is in particular operable with one foot of the user, whereby at least one device function triggered is, wherein a sensor (7) for detecting an approximation of a Object or body part to the actuating means (6) and / or one for triggering the device function required Position of the object or body part is present, with a detected approach and / or certain Position one for the User perceptible signal by a signal generating device (9 ', 9' ') can be generated such that the signal before the time activity the actuating means (6) is perceptible, wherein the signal generating means (9 ', 9' ') for generating an optical signal in the form of a display for light signals is formed, the so on a respective device component (3; 4) of the device (1, 20) is attached, that the optical signal from each spatial position the user near the device of ...

Description

The The invention relates to a device with a control switch, the at least one of a user by means of an object or body part actuated actuating means comprising, in particular, operable with one foot of the user, whereby at least one device function triggered is, wherein a sensor for detecting an approach of an object or body part to the actuating means and / or one for triggering the device function required Position of the object or body part is available.

at the implementation working on a device can it for a user may be appropriate functions of a device trigger, without doing the actuator for triggering the desired function visually capture. This may be due to that, for example with both hands must be worked, and a triggering of the device function done with the foot, or that the task requires a high level of concentration and the triggering the device function without loss of this concentration should happen. The eligible ones equipment can be used in a variety of applications. Specially in Medical technology is known for diagnostic units, in particular in X-ray systems, several footswitches to provide for the operation of the diagnostic unit. The footswitch are in the foot area of the X-ray system attached and can operated with the feet become. This is very helpful with regard to medical interventions on an examination subject, at the hands of the medical staff through other activities, especially introduction and continuation medical instruments are tied. The medical staff has to the footswitch operate without visual contact, which is why false tripping, z. B. Biplan X-ray devices triggering a Recording for the wrong C-arm level or triggering the wrong recording mode: instead of a Fluoro intake with low radiation dose becomes a high dose X-ray carried out, a device function may occur.

From the patent DE 197 43 524 C1 is a foot switch with a switch housing and with a pivotable about a rotation axis rocker switch with zero position known, which has an axis of rotation which protrudes from the housing so that it forms with their free ends a support point of the foot switch. The purpose of this footswitch is to "blind" a variety of switching functions and to trigger them safely.The obvious drawback of this device is that it still has to work "blindly", which can cause false tripping.

In the published patent application DE 198 01 152 A1 is a multifunctional footswitch having at least two control means spaced apart from one another and disclosed with a single actuating means for the two control means, the actuating means being adjustable from a first position for actuating the first control means by turning or shifting to a second position for actuating the control means and wherein the control means are controllable by the action of a pressure on the actuating means. In this device, the handling of the foot switch is simplified, since only one actuating means is present, but false triggering can also come about easily here.

From the patent DE 197 26 234 C1 is a foot control device for a medical diagnostic system with a plate, which is divided on its upper side in functional fields known. To reproduce the function fields and the foot position, a monitor is provided.

Of the Invention has for its object to provide a device with operating switch, that the number of false trips reduced.

The The object is achieved by a Device with a control switch, the at least one of a user by means of an object or body part actuated actuating means comprising, in particular, operable with one foot of the user, whereby at least one device function triggered , wherein a sensor for detecting an approach of an object or body part to the actuating means and / or one for triggering the device function required Position of the object or body part is present, with a detected approach and / or certain Position one for the user perceivable signal by a signal generating means such can be generated that the signal in time before the operation of the actuating means is perceptible, wherein the signal generating means for generating an optical signal in the form of a light-signal indicator is formed, the so on a respective device component of the device attached is that the optical signal from each spatial position of the user near the device of User is noticeable, solved.

By providing a sensor for detecting an approach of an object or body part to an actuation means of the device, in-situ control of device actuation by the user of the device by itself or by a third party is made possible by activating an actuation means for actuation a function of the device, a signal by a signal generating means for the user is generated perceptibly. As a result, a direct influence on the triggering action of the user by the reproduced signal is possible and potential errors in the operation of the device can be detected and corrected before the function is triggered. Here, an operating switch is to be understood as a device with which a function of a device can be triggered by operating an actuating means. The actuating means or actuator is a means which by its operation or actuation can cause the triggering of a device function, and represents an essential component for egg NEN switch. Actuating means are elements of the switch and can, for example, as toggle switch, knob, lever, touch screens , Sensors for pressure, distance, accelerations, etc ... be executed while the entire device z. B. associated electronics, housing, etc. for triggering a device function is called a switch. Under sensors are means to understand a particular situation, which z. B. as approach, distance, certain position of objects and other detectable events may occur, and can output information about the detected situation. Depending on the configuration of the present device, the functions provided may be of very different types. For example, in a medical device, the function may consist in triggering a patient admission, while in a metal-processing device, for example, a certain processing step, for. B. pressing, can be triggered. Another conceivable device function would be the emergency stop function for installations of various kinds in industry and science, starting a radiation exposure z. As in lasers or even start a critical execution step of a plant. In particular, device functions can be controlled according to the invention, in which a false triggering can endanger the material and man or undesired effort in any form, in particular costs. In particular, the number of accidentally triggered device functions can also be reduced.

The generated, perceptible signal is according to the invention an optical signal. optical Signals, in particular signals visible to the human eye Spectral range are usually well perceived by a user, provided their local Playback and intensity allows perceptibility by the user. Depending on the present device is the optical signal depending on the triggerable device function in the form of light signals, z. B. in particular color, with certain Playback frequencies shown. For luminous signs in certain Color - like Lamps, LEDs, without text, is a faster perception by the User possible, since no text needs to be read. Especially for critical device functions - such as total shutdown of the device - which after present device can be different can For example, red flashing lights are used, provided the critical device function is addressed by the user consciously or unconsciously. Is appropriate it that the user at any time while performing the activity on the device is able to perceive the light signals in order accordingly to be able to react. In order to represent the optical signals, is a signal generating device necessary, which is an ad for includes optical signals. This can, for. B. formed as a lamp or LED be. According to the invention device components equipped with displays to avoid textual display but still an obvious assignment of the signals z. B. to the releasable To create functions in which the user easily recognizes which triggerable Function of the device it is about. As an example, a biplane C-arm X-ray apparatus is cited at the two different C-arcs for light signals to reproduce which C-arm by the approach of foot to the respective actuating means addressed, and optionally when operating the actuating means for a recording triggered would.

In a preferred embodiment The invention is a plurality of actuating means available and the triggering device functions are identifiable by the signal. Thus, before the release of the device function press through of the actuating means the user over the consequences of his act are made known. The user can indicated by the unique and perceptible signal be which actuating means he is about to press. Of the User is thus confirmed in its performance of using the device or but with support the signal indicates a faulty or unwanted operation. Thus, the safety of the patient and the device is increased.

In Another advantageous variant of the invention is at least an object exists that has at least two specific positions and the device functions assigned to the specific positions are identifiable by the signal. This is especially for with the Hand operable items - about one Joystick - an advantage. If the joystick in a certain position z. B. front, back, placed on the left, on the right, are assigned to this position Device functions for the user uniquely identifiable by the signal. The user will be Acting consciously. This increases the safety of the patient as well the safety of the device.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the actuating means comprise the sensor on. This is a direct detection of the approach of an object or a body part -. B. foot or hand but also an inanimate object - to the actuating means possible. Approaches an object or body part to the actuating means, it is possible due to the arrangement of the sensor in the immediate vicinity of the actuating means, a clear assignment, which actuating means to be actuated by the user. An attachment of the sensor on or in the actuating means also has the advantage that no further sensor installations on the device, or on the housing of the switch are required for this purpose.

In an advantageous variant of the invention, each actuating means exactly one sensor. Thus the danger, an unwanted function of the equipment by triggering an existing actuator, continue reduced. An approach of a body part or objects to a sensor can always be reproduced as a signal. moreover provides exactly one sensor for an actuating means a cost-effective and at the same time safe to use with regard to false triggering.

In A preferred embodiment of the invention is with each actuating means exactly one device function triggered. By an unambiguous assignment of the function to an actuating means is a simple operation and easy to find the searched Function guaranteed. It is not necessarily experience with the actuator required to the device to operate or a function for a machine to find, because the function over a signal generating device can be output, and the User without delay accessible is.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention are with at least one actuating means several functions can be triggered. Thus, the switch can be kept very compact, as an actuating means several functions of the device trigger can. This is particularly useful when the spatial options limited are to a greater number of actuators easy to arrange. By just one specific signal for each triggerable function by the actuating means is assigned to a specific function exactly one signal. The fixed assignment of the signals to a function is the possibility given, potential false triggering to recognize before this actually to be triggered.

In Another preferred embodiment of the invention is at least two actuators the same function can be triggered. This execution can be used if the device is very bulky or large, and a particular function from different user locations on Device are triggered but this is not possible due to the distances. Such an arrangement Switching at multiple user sites on or around a device increases the convenience for the user and reduces the user's time to trigger a certain function. Because the triggerable Function over different actuating means the same is, it is expedient the same Signal for to use this feature.

In A further advantageous embodiment variant is a controller present, which controls the sensor and the signal generating means. Of the Control is supplied to the sensor signal, which information for addressing, d. H. conscious approach of an object or body part to the actuating means, a particular actuator by a user. The controller has due to the supplied signal of the respective actuating means a signal too. Subsequently the controller controls the signal generating device, which the assigned signal reproduces or perceptibly reproduces. The signal generating device and a signal reproducing device can be formed separately be in which the signal is generated, forwarded and reproduced becomes. A control allows an advantageous central processing of the delivered by the sensors Signals.

In In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sensor is as Ultrasonic sensor formed. An ultrasonic sensor provides one cost-effective sensor variant which is an approximation, this means a change in this case the distance of an object or body from the sensor and expediently with the actuator can capture. Alternatively you can also sensors for detecting the change of light intensity use find an approach of an object or body with a darkening of the actuator and with appropriate arrangement the sensor, and the sensor can go along and thus for detection an approach suitable is.

In a further advantageous embodiment variant of the invention, the signal generating device generates acoustic signals. Acoustic signals can be as sounds, sounds, predefined sound sequences, or voice outputs that are adjustable depending on the environment of the present device in their volume. These signals can be perceived by the user at any time. The reproduction of the acoustic signal can be carried out by means of a loudspeaker, which can be attached to the device. The attachment of the signal output device and the Signalalerseinseinrich Device on the device is particularly useful if it is a movable or mobile device. The combination of optical and acoustic signals, ie z. B. simultaneous output of optical and acoustic signals for detecting the addressed actuating means is also an advantageous variant.

Special Advantages of the invention result in the field of medical technology, especially if the device as mono- or biplane X-ray machine, computer tomograph, Ultrasound diagnostic device or magnetic resonance device is trained. In these cases can false alarms of device functions too high Radiation exposure of the patient and the user as well as increased treatment duration to lead. The invention provides a more intensive or improved patient-user relationship possible, due to less distraction of the user by "blindly" feeling the right one actuating means for the appropriate function and increased Focus on the patient and the examination performed.

Further Advantages of the device according to the invention with control switch result from an embodiment, which is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings, in whose

1 an arrangement of the device with control switch in the field of medical technology, in particular X-ray diagnostics, and in

2 an arrangement from the field of deposition technology
is illustrated schematically.

In 1 is a plant from the field of medical technology shown, which is a Biplan C-arm X-ray system 2 , consisting of a first C-arm 3 , a second C-arm 4 and a patient tray. During a medical procedure on a patient, it may be helpful if the attending physician is able to operate the system from the place of his treatment activity. For this purpose, in the exemplary embodiment, two switching devices 5h respectively. 5f provided, with the handset 5h is designed as a joystick device for operation with one hand, whereas the operating switch 5f is intended to operate with one or more feet of the doctor. The operation of the joystick 5y can be made by the doctor if he does not need at least one hand for treatment on the patient. The joystick 5y can in z. B. in six different directions to be moved - front, back, left, right, up, down - and is with an actuating means 6 Mistake. Each of the mentioned positions of the joystick 5y is a function of the Biplan C-arm X-ray system 2 assigned by actuation of the actuating means 6 can be triggered in the form of a push button. The functions of the respective positions may be listed on the joystick pad, e.g. B. in text form. But there are also sensors 7 provided the position or approach to a position of the joystick 5y register, and thus the addressed, triggerable device function. Under sensors 7 fall in particular those in joysticks 5y conventional potentiometer circuits and all other devices which determine the position of the joystick 5y are able, for. As well as optical systems. The sensors 7 give this information by means of a registration signal or sensor signal to a controller 8th further. In the control 8th are optical and acoustic signals for every position of the joystick 5y deposited and clearly assigned. Due to the control 8th supplied information of the sensors 7 instructs the controller 8th optical and acoustic signals to, and outputs this by means of a signal generating device 9 respectively. 9 ' respectively. 9 '' respectively. 10 out. It can also take into account the time, how long the joysticks 5y remains in the appropriate position to avoid playback of optical and acoustic signals by random Joystickbewegungen. The output of the optical signals via a display devices 9 respectively. 9 ' respectively. 9 '' , The display device 9 in the form of a screen gives for each position of the joystick 5y the respective, with the position of the joystick 5y addressed device function in text form. The doctor can thus always the triggerable device function by looking at the screen 9 identify. Be by the positions of the joystick 5y the first C-bow 3 or the second C-bow 4 addressed, illuminated on the respective C-arm illuminated signs 9 ' respectively. 9 '' , in addition, but also in the respective C-bow 3 respectively. 4 as a component of the C-arm 3 respectively. 4 integrated, exist. These can still be distinguished according to the function of the triggerable mode. Thus, in each case in the display device 9 ' respectively. 9 '' a different color for fluoro mode and x-ray mode be provided, for. Red for x-ray mode and blue for fluoro mode. This can be a voice output of the addressed device function via the speaker 10 be provided by, for example, the name of the function is played. This makes it possible to identify the device function without looking up the attending physician. Ideally, depending on the treatment to be performed, the visual and audible signals of the user may be turned on and off.

In addition to the manually operated joystick device 5h is a single-foot or multi-foot control switch 5f in the floor area of the medical facility 2 intended. The operating switch 5f has several actuating means 6 on. Each actuator is exactly one sensor 7 assigned. In 1 are different positions of the sensors 7 illustrates the approach of the foot to the actuator 6 to detect. The actuating means 6 of the footswitch 5f can include the same triggerable device functions as the joystick device 5h , The doctor's foot approaches an actuating means 6 On, this approach will be from the associated sensor 7 detected. Analogous to the position detection of the joystick 5y , can also be a component of the footswitch 5f have several positions. For example, a tilting movement of an actuating means 6 be provided, which at the end of the movement has an increased tilt resistance, the z by increased pressure. B. can be overcome with the foot. If the resistance is overcome at the end of the tilting movement, so that is the the actuating means 6 assigned device function triggered. The preceding tilting movement is by a sensor 7 detected. Also conceivable is one of the actuating means 6 separate means for addressing a device radio tion, which for detecting the addressing a sensor 7 having. The addressing means can be designed as a pressure switch. By an addressing means separated by the actuating means 6 - z. B. another pressure switch for a foot - can then be triggered with the addressing device device function.

The sensor 7 notifies the controller 8th about the addressing of the actuating means, for. B. by approach, tilting movement, position, etc., by a sensor signal. The control 8th assigns the sensor signal, as described above, the optical and acoustic signals. The generation of the device function uniquely associated optical and / or acoustic signal is as above. actuating means 6 or elements may also be designed as a sensor switch to contact actuation means 6 to avoid triggering a function, which is particularly advantageous for sterile conditions. The sensor switch then triggers a device function when, for example, an object or body part - for example, hand or foot - is at a fixed distance and / or direction from the sensor 7 is spaced. If the hand or the foot approaches such a sensor switch, then the approach can produce a perceptible signal before the triggering distance is reached. It proves advantageous for the user that the distance at which the triggering takes place can be displayed on a display.

In 2 is a CVD deposition plant 20 represented, as used for example in the semiconductor industry. Due to the used, for the people partially poisonous gases, it may be necessary in case of malfunction of the device, an emergency shutdown via an emergency stop function of the device 20 make. This is why an emergency stop switch 21 on the device 20 intended. By an actuating means 6 which in addition to other actuators for other functions on a touch screen 22 eg as a displayed key is available as well as the emergency stop button 21 the emergency stop function can be triggered. The emergency stop switch 21 is appropriate for quick reaching exposed. If an emergency is detected, and an emergency shutdown of the device or the process found necessary, the user can by pressing the actuator 6 at the emergency stop switch 21 achieve a shutdown quickly. Due to the exposed position of the actuating means 6 however, the emergency stop function may also be triggered by accidental releases of the emergency stop function. B. by walking backwards, tapping of means of transport, etc. To avoid this are on the device 20 sensors 7 provided, which is an approximation to the actuating means 6 for the emergency stop function. If such an approach is detected, it can be through a speaker 10 a warning sound is output as well as an optical output to the touch screen 22 be done even before the emergency stop function is activated and a device or process shutdown is initiated. It is expedient that an optical and / or acoustic output takes place only when there is an approach in a certain interval, so as not to cause any unnecessary disturbance of the process flow.

Claims (21)

Device ( 1 . 20 ) with a control switch ( 5h . 5f . 21 ), which is at least one actuatable by a user by means of an object or body part actuatable means ( 6 ), which can be actuated in particular with one foot of the user, whereby at least one device function can be triggered, wherein a sensor ( 7 ) for detecting an approach of an object or body part to the actuating means ( 6 ) and / or a position required for triggering the device function of the object or body part is present, wherein at a detected approach and / or specific position a perceptible signal for the user by a signal generating means ( 9 ' . 9 '' ) is producible such that the signal is timed prior to the actuation of the actuating means ( 6 ) is detectable, wherein the signal generating device ( 9 ' . 9 '' ) is designed to generate an optical signal in the form of a light-signal display, which is thus connected to a respective device component ( 3 ; 4 ) of the device ( 1 . 20 ) is mounted so that the visual signal from any room position of the user near the device by the user is perceptible. Device with an operating switch according to claim 1, characterized in that a plurality of actuating means ( 6 ) are present and that the device functions that can be triggered by the signal are identifiable. device with an operating switch according to claim 1 or 2, characterized that at least one object is present, the at least two can take certain positions and that the certain Positions assigned device functions are identifiable by the signal. Device with an operating switch according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the actuating means ( 6 ) the sensor ( 7 ) exhibit. Device with a control switch according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that each actuating means ( 6 ) exactly one sensor ( 7 ) having. Device with an operating switch according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that with each actuating means ( 6 ) exactly one device function can be triggered. Device with an operating switch according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that with at least one actuating means ( 6 ) several device functions are triggered. Device with an operating switch according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that with at least two actuating means ( 6 ) the same device function is triggered. Device with an operating switch according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a controller ( 8th ) is present, which the sensor ( 7 ) and the signal generating device ( 9 ' . 9 '' ) controls. Device with an operating switch according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the sensor ( 7 ) is designed as an ultrasonic sensor. device with an operating switch according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the light signal for different device functions has different colors. Device with an operating switch according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the signal generating device ( 9 ' . 9 '' ) a display device ( 9 ' . 9 '' ). Device with an operating switch according to claim 12, characterized in that the display device ( 9 ' . 9 '' ) as part of a component ( 9 ' . 9 '' . 22 ) of the device ( 1 . 20 ) is trained. device with an operating switch according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that additionally to the generated, perceptible optical signal a perceptible, acoustic signal can be generated. Device with an operating switch according to claim 14, characterized in that the signal generating device ( 9 ' . 9 '' ) additionally a loudspeaker ( 10 ). Device with an operating switch according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the device ( 1 . 20 ) as a medical diagnostic unit ( 1 ) is trained. Device with an operating switch according to claim 16, characterized in that the diagnostic unit ( 1 ) is designed as a monoplanes C-arm X-ray machine. Device with an operating switch according to claim 16, characterized in that the diagnostic unit ( 1 ) as a biplane C-arm X-ray machine ( 2 ) is trained. Device with an operating switch according to claim 16, characterized in that the diagnostic unit ( 1 ) is designed as a computer tomograph. Device with an operating switch according to claim 16, characterized in that the diagnostic unit ( 1 ) is designed as an ultrasonic device. Device with an operating switch according to claim 16, characterized in that the diagnostic unit ( 1 ) is designed as a magnetic resonance device.