CA2168371A1 - Self-locking joint, in particular orthotic joint - Google Patents
Self-locking joint, in particular orthotic jointInfo
- Publication number
- CA2168371A1 CA2168371A1 CA002168371A CA2168371A CA2168371A1 CA 2168371 A1 CA2168371 A1 CA 2168371A1 CA 002168371 A CA002168371 A CA 002168371A CA 2168371 A CA2168371 A CA 2168371A CA 2168371 A1 CA2168371 A1 CA 2168371A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- joint
- self
- curved profiles
- curved
- connecting rods
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
- A61F5/00—Orthopaedic methods or devices for non-surgical treatment of bones or joints; Nursing devices; Anti-rape devices
- A61F5/01—Orthopaedic devices, e.g. splints, casts or braces
- A61F5/0102—Orthopaedic devices, e.g. splints, casts or braces specially adapted for correcting deformities of the limbs or for supporting them; Ortheses, e.g. with articulations
- A61F5/0123—Orthopaedic devices, e.g. splints, casts or braces specially adapted for correcting deformities of the limbs or for supporting them; Ortheses, e.g. with articulations for the knees
- A61F5/0125—Orthopaedic devices, e.g. splints, casts or braces specially adapted for correcting deformities of the limbs or for supporting them; Ortheses, e.g. with articulations for the knees the device articulating around a single pivot-point
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
- F16C11/00—Pivots; Pivotal connections
- F16C11/04—Pivotal connections
- F16C11/10—Arrangements for locking
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Vascular Medicine (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
- Orthopedic Medicine & Surgery (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Nursing (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Orthopedics, Nursing, And Contraception (AREA)
Abstract
The object of the invention is to create a self-locking joint, in particular an orthotic joint, which may be unlocked with little effort, so that even handicapped patients may be able to unlock the joint. For that purpose, the joining pieces (1, 2) have curved profiles (5, 6) that cross each other at such a large angle that a rolling body (7) guided in both curved profiles (5, 6) and whose axis lies at the intersection between the median lines (10, 11) of the curve profiles (5, 6) moves freely along the median lines (10, 11) of the curved profiles (5, 6) when one joining piece (1, 2) rotates against the other. A self-locked state of the joint is reached when the .sigma. angle between imaginary tangents to the median lines (10, 11) applied to their intersection approaches zero and the line that connects the centres of the curvature circles of both curved profiles (5, 6) does not extend through the axis of rotation (4) of the joint in the crossing or contact point in the locked position.
Description
_ WO 95/03761 ~ PCT/DE94/00890 Self-locking joint, in particular orthotic joint The invention concerns a self-locking joint, in particular an orthotic joint, consisting of two joining pieces connected by means of an axis of rotation. The connection between the respective orthotic sections and the joint is realized by means of these joining pieces.
Joints on orthoses have a stabilizing effect. They guide and support the movement of partially paralysed patients (e.g. spina bifida) and those who are unable to carry out their movements in a controlled fashion. Such joints can be moved into a locked state when intended to perform a supporting function, and into an unlocked state when the patient requires freedom of movement, for example, when he or she wishes to sit down.
According to the state of the art, there are two principal forms for such joints. Conventional joints corEesponding to the Ferrari method of treatment are locked by means of a simple drop bolt which prevents a relative l.,ov~l.,ent of the short lever arms of-the joining pieces towards each other in the area of the joint's axis of rotation, or only permits very limited l~L~-v~...ent. To unlock the joint, the drop bolt has to be slid upwards, thereby releasing the joint.
However, owing to the body posture of the disabled patient in the orthosis, very large moments act on the locked joint and hence on the drop bolt, and these moments make it impossible for the patient to
Joints on orthoses have a stabilizing effect. They guide and support the movement of partially paralysed patients (e.g. spina bifida) and those who are unable to carry out their movements in a controlled fashion. Such joints can be moved into a locked state when intended to perform a supporting function, and into an unlocked state when the patient requires freedom of movement, for example, when he or she wishes to sit down.
According to the state of the art, there are two principal forms for such joints. Conventional joints corEesponding to the Ferrari method of treatment are locked by means of a simple drop bolt which prevents a relative l.,ov~l.,ent of the short lever arms of-the joining pieces towards each other in the area of the joint's axis of rotation, or only permits very limited l~L~-v~...ent. To unlock the joint, the drop bolt has to be slid upwards, thereby releasing the joint.
However, owing to the body posture of the disabled patient in the orthosis, very large moments act on the locked joint and hence on the drop bolt, and these moments make it impossible for the patient to
2 1 6837 1 unlock the joint and even require a major effort from assistants.
The other form of joint for supporting hip movement concerns the so-called reciprocating gait orthoses.
This joint includes a free-swinging element, while one of the other joining pieces of the joint is connected with a rocker (or Bowden cables) for transmitting the mechanical forces from one hip joint to the other. The joint is locked when a pin engages in an articulated arm which turns about the axis of rotation of the joint. When this pin is disengaged, the same problems as outlined above also occur.
Based on this state of the art, it is the object of the present invention to provide a self-locking joint, in particular an orthotic joint, which can be unlocked with minimum effort so that it even possible for the disabled patient to unlock the joint himself or herself. --According to the invention, this task is solved inthat each joining piece has a curved profile and these curved profiles intersect at such a large angle that a rolling body guided in both curved profiles, and whose axis lies at the intersection of the centre-lines of the curved profiles, is moved freely along the centre-lines of the curved profiles when one joining piece is rotated against the other, and that a locked state of the joint brought about through self-locking is achieved when the angle a between the imaginary tangents to the centre-lines applied to their intersection approaches zero and the line connecting the centres of the circles of curvature of the two curved profiles does not pass through the axis of rotation of the joint at the -Wo 95/03761 - 3 - PCT/DE94/00890 point of intersection or contact present in the locked position.
The position of the curved profiles in the joining pieces is selected such that they intersect at a relatively large angle in the area where the joint is intended to move freely. This angle must be large enough so that the rolling body guided in the two curved profiles does not become jammed between said curved profiles, thereby locking the joint. If the joining pieces are rotated against each other about their axis of rotation, then the curved profiles are brought into a position in which the angle of intersection of the imaginary tangents applied-to their intersection approaches zero. In this position the rolling body is clamped between the two curved profiles through the forces acting on the joining pieces, i.e. said rolling body transmits the forces from one joining piece to the other perpendicular to the centre-lines of the curved profiles. In this position, no forces (tangent intersection angle equal to zero) or virtually no forces (tangent intersection angle almost zero) act on the rolling body in the direction of the centre-lines of-the curved profiles so that only a small force is necessary in order to move the rolling body into a position in which it is again free to be be guided in the curved profiles, i.e. the joint can be unlocked with very little effort. The tangent angle at which the locking effect commences depends, among other things, on the mating of materials between rolling body and curved profiles, as well as the lubrication.
As the joint only requires a low force to trigger unlocking, it could easily happen that an unwanted unlocking might occur in certain situations, for 2t 68371 -example, rapid successive load reversals; to counter this, a force acts on the rolling body which holds and secures the locked position reached in the case of reciprocal movement of the joining pieces from the unlocked to the locked state. This force can be realized, for example, by gravity, a rubber band, a spring or a magnet. The force required to trigger unlocking of the joint is only increased very slightly by this ret~;n;ng force.
Further advantageous arrangements of this solution result from the subclaims 2 to 4.
In line with another solution according to the invention, a joint of this nature is realized in such a way that a pivot.is provided which at one end links two connecting rods in an articulated manner, whereby each of these connecting rods has an articulated connection to a joining piece via pivots which do not coincide with the a~is of rotation of the joint, and one or both connecting rods lies against a stop in the locked state of the joint;
said stop is arranged in such a way that the connecting rods are almost--in a parallel position or a little beyond that in this state, whereby a force acting on one or both..connecting rods causes them to reach their locked position. The locked position here is reached when both the connecting rods provided are in a parallel or near parallel position. In this position, forces acting on the joining pieces are transmitted via the two connecting rods and the pivot linking these exclusively or almost exclusively perpendicular to the locus of the pivot. As a result, this is virtually free from forces in the direction of its locus determined by.the connecting rods. The rem~;n~er of this solution corresponds to the Wo 95/03761 - 5 - PCT/DE94/00890 2 1 6837 1 working mechanism of the solution described above, making further explanations unnecessary at this point.
A stop can also be provided for the first solution.
This can be formed by the end of one curved profile or can be arranged independently of this.
Further advantageous arrangements of this solution result from the subcla; m~ 6 and 7.
In an advantageous follow-up to the inventive idea, a combination of the "curved profile solution" and the "connecting rod solution" is provided in which one of the two curved profiles is replaced by a connecting rod in such a way that one of its ends is hinged to the corresponding joining piece and its other end is guided in the curved profile present in the other joining piece by means of a rolling or sliding body.
Although the invention described above and in the following is related to joints for orthoses, it is obvious that such self-locking joints can also be employed for other applications, for example, for hinged flaps or folding tables.
Furthermore, it is also possible to provide several locking positions through a-corresponding arrangement of the curved profiles or the connecting-rod link to the joining pieces.
The invention is explained in more detail in the following by means of embodiment examples. The associated drawing shows:
ig. 1.1 a side view of an orthotic joint having two curved slots, in the unlocked position, ig. 1.2 the joint according to Fig. 1.1 in the locked position, ig. 2 a cross-section through a rolling body according to Figs 1.1 and 1.2, Fig. 3 a sketch o~ the-principle of an orthotic joint having two connecting rods, in the locked position, ig. 4 a side view of an orthotic joint having one curved slot and one connecting rod, in the locked position, ig. 4.1 a sketch of the principle according to Fig. 4, .ig. 4.2 a sketch of the principle of another variation of this embodiment example, ig. 5 the orthotic joint according to Fig. 4 in the unlocked position, and ig. 6 a perspective view of a joint according to the invention in--the version having one curved profile and one connecting rod for reciprocating gait orthoses.
In the individual figures, identical parts or parts having the same effect are given the same reference.
In the embodiment example illustrated in Fig. 1, the joint is shown in the unlocked (Fig. 1.1), i.e.
-freely movable state, and in the locked state (Fig.
1.2). The joining pieces 1, 2 have adapters 3 for accommodating and securing rails which are in turn fixed to the back or leg sections of the orthosis.
As the orthosis as such is not the object of the invention, these sections are not illustrated in any of the figures.
The joining pieces 1, 2 have a common axis of rotation 4 about which they can be pivoted against each other. Not visible in the illustration is the fact that joining piece 2 is forked. Joining piece 1 is placed within this fork. This arrangement can, in principle, be seen in Fig. 6, the perspective illustration of a different embodiment example; the reader is referred to this illustration in order to gain a better understanding of Fig. 1.
Each of the joining pieces 1, 2 is of such a size that curved slots 5, 6 can be provided which take the form of segments of a circular path and, for example, can be manufactured in a simple manner by means of an end mill. These curved slots 5, 6 are included in such a way that they cross in the predeter~;ned pivoting range of the joint, whereby the curved slot 5, which can be seen from the side view according to Fig. 1, is also present in the rear forked section of the joining piece 2 in an identical manner.
A rolling body 7 is guided in the curved slots 5, 6.
The width of the curved slots 5, 6 and hence the diameter of the rolling body 7 is designed as large as possible in order to minimize the friction. A
version of the rolling body 7 as shown in the cross-section according to Fig. 2 also contributes to reducing the friction. Fig. 2 shows three rotatable Wo 95/03761 - 8 - PCT/DE94/00890 rollers independent of each other, whereby the rollers 8 run in the curved slots 5 of the front or rear forked sections of joining piece 2, and roller 9 runs in the curved slot 6 of joining piece 1.
From the illustration according to Fig. l.l--it can be seen that the curved slots 5 and 6 or their centre-lines 10 and 11 respectively, intersect at a relatively large angle in the unlocked position of the joint. That guarantees free guiding of the rolling body 7. The closer the position of the joining piece 1 is to the locked position (Fig.
1.2), the smaller the angle of intersection, until finally it reaches or almost reaches zero in the locked position. In this position the joining piece 1 lies against a stop 12 located between the forks of joining piece 2. This stop 12 is designed as a cam so that the end position of joining piece 1 and hence the size of the triggering force can be adjusted. Instead of the stop 12, the end of the curved slot 5 can also be used as a stop.
The locked position of joining piece 1 or, respectively, rolling body 7 is secured by a rubber band 13 which acts on the rolling body 7 via an unlocking lever 14 and also holds said rolling-body 7 in the locked position. The unlocking lever 14 is located in a slot provided in joining piece 1 (see ref. No. 15 in Fig. 6 for concept) and can be pivoted about a swivel pin 16 fixed in joining piece 1. The fork-shaped end of the lever (see Fig. 2) accommodates the axle of the rolling body 7, while the other end projects beyond joining piece 2. Fixed to this end is the rubber band 13 which, accordingly, is fixed to joining piece 2 for the purpose of exerting a tensile force. -~
Wo 95/03761 - 9 - PCT/DE94/00890 To unlock the joint, the free end of unlocking lever 14 is pressed downwards, whereby the rolling body 7 is moved out of its clamped position. The joint is now free to move.
A particularly simple embodiment version of the invention is illustrated in the sketch of the principle according to Fig. 3. This joint also has two joining pieces 1, 2 pivoting about a common axis of rotation 4. Furthermore, there are two connecting rods 16, 17 provided which are hinged together at their one end via a pivot 18. At their other ends, the connecting rods 16 and 17 are linked respectively via an arm 19, forming a bent away segment of joining piece 2, and a pivot 20 with joining piece 2, and via a pivot 21 with joining piece 1. _ The locked position of the joint is reached when the connecting rods 16, 17 are located in a parallel or near parallel position. In this position the connecting rod 16 lies against a stop 12 which prevents the joint moving further and beyond the dead stop position. The locked position is secured by a rubber band 13 fitted between joining piece 1 and pivot 18. To unlock the joint, the connecting rods 16, 17 have to be pressed out of their parallel position, and this likewise only requires a low triggering force.
The principle of the pivot 18 corresponds to the rolling body 7 (or rather its axle) of the previous embodiment example, whereby in the one case the restraint for this point (rolling body 7) is achieved by way of two curved slots and in this case by way of the two connecting rods 16 and 17 whose end points describe circular paths relative to the joining pieces 1 and 2 respectively, the radii of which are in each case determined by the length of the connecting rods 16 and 17 respectively.
A further embodiment example of the invention is illustrated in Figs 4 and 5. This embodiment example corresponds to a combination of the version according to Figs 1 and 3. To clarify this combination, besides Fig. 4 there is a sketch of the principle (Fig. 4.1) corresponding to this illustration.
From the illustrations it is clear that in the case of this embodiment example, the curved slot 6 of the embodiment example according to Fig. 1 has been replaced by the connecting rod 17 from the embodiment example according to Fig. 3. Of course, it is also possible to proceed vice versa, i.e. to replace curved slot 5 with connecting rod 16. This variation is shown in ~ig 4.2.
As already seen in the embodiment example according to Fig. 1, the joining piece 2 here is forked for accommodating joining piece 1. The curved slot 5 illustrated is present in an identical form in both forked sections. The rolling body 7 consists of two rollers connected via an axis of rotation, with each of said rollers being guided--in the two curved slots 5 of joining piece 2. At the same time, the unlocking lever 14 forms the connecting rod replacing the curved slot 6, whereby the length of said connecting rod is determined by the distance between the swivel pin 16 of the unlocking lever 14 and the centre of the axle for the rolling body 7.
The method of operation of this version of the joint is adequately covered by the previous embodiment ,.
examples, making further explanations at this point superfluous.
The embodiment example according to Fig. 6 shows that the joint according to the invention can also be immediately employed for reciprocating gait orthoses. This version essentially corresponds to the version according to Figs 4 and 5. However, in contrast to that version, joining piece 2 is bent here. Its bent end is connected to the mechanical force transmission (Bowden cables or rocker). In Fig. 6, for example, there is a connecting element 22 mounted on joining piece 2 so that it can rotate, and leading to a rocker. In addition, in this embodiment example there is a connecting element 23, which can be freely pivoted on the joint's axis of rotation 4, leading to the back section of the orthosis.
The other form of joint for supporting hip movement concerns the so-called reciprocating gait orthoses.
This joint includes a free-swinging element, while one of the other joining pieces of the joint is connected with a rocker (or Bowden cables) for transmitting the mechanical forces from one hip joint to the other. The joint is locked when a pin engages in an articulated arm which turns about the axis of rotation of the joint. When this pin is disengaged, the same problems as outlined above also occur.
Based on this state of the art, it is the object of the present invention to provide a self-locking joint, in particular an orthotic joint, which can be unlocked with minimum effort so that it even possible for the disabled patient to unlock the joint himself or herself. --According to the invention, this task is solved inthat each joining piece has a curved profile and these curved profiles intersect at such a large angle that a rolling body guided in both curved profiles, and whose axis lies at the intersection of the centre-lines of the curved profiles, is moved freely along the centre-lines of the curved profiles when one joining piece is rotated against the other, and that a locked state of the joint brought about through self-locking is achieved when the angle a between the imaginary tangents to the centre-lines applied to their intersection approaches zero and the line connecting the centres of the circles of curvature of the two curved profiles does not pass through the axis of rotation of the joint at the -Wo 95/03761 - 3 - PCT/DE94/00890 point of intersection or contact present in the locked position.
The position of the curved profiles in the joining pieces is selected such that they intersect at a relatively large angle in the area where the joint is intended to move freely. This angle must be large enough so that the rolling body guided in the two curved profiles does not become jammed between said curved profiles, thereby locking the joint. If the joining pieces are rotated against each other about their axis of rotation, then the curved profiles are brought into a position in which the angle of intersection of the imaginary tangents applied-to their intersection approaches zero. In this position the rolling body is clamped between the two curved profiles through the forces acting on the joining pieces, i.e. said rolling body transmits the forces from one joining piece to the other perpendicular to the centre-lines of the curved profiles. In this position, no forces (tangent intersection angle equal to zero) or virtually no forces (tangent intersection angle almost zero) act on the rolling body in the direction of the centre-lines of-the curved profiles so that only a small force is necessary in order to move the rolling body into a position in which it is again free to be be guided in the curved profiles, i.e. the joint can be unlocked with very little effort. The tangent angle at which the locking effect commences depends, among other things, on the mating of materials between rolling body and curved profiles, as well as the lubrication.
As the joint only requires a low force to trigger unlocking, it could easily happen that an unwanted unlocking might occur in certain situations, for 2t 68371 -example, rapid successive load reversals; to counter this, a force acts on the rolling body which holds and secures the locked position reached in the case of reciprocal movement of the joining pieces from the unlocked to the locked state. This force can be realized, for example, by gravity, a rubber band, a spring or a magnet. The force required to trigger unlocking of the joint is only increased very slightly by this ret~;n;ng force.
Further advantageous arrangements of this solution result from the subclaims 2 to 4.
In line with another solution according to the invention, a joint of this nature is realized in such a way that a pivot.is provided which at one end links two connecting rods in an articulated manner, whereby each of these connecting rods has an articulated connection to a joining piece via pivots which do not coincide with the a~is of rotation of the joint, and one or both connecting rods lies against a stop in the locked state of the joint;
said stop is arranged in such a way that the connecting rods are almost--in a parallel position or a little beyond that in this state, whereby a force acting on one or both..connecting rods causes them to reach their locked position. The locked position here is reached when both the connecting rods provided are in a parallel or near parallel position. In this position, forces acting on the joining pieces are transmitted via the two connecting rods and the pivot linking these exclusively or almost exclusively perpendicular to the locus of the pivot. As a result, this is virtually free from forces in the direction of its locus determined by.the connecting rods. The rem~;n~er of this solution corresponds to the Wo 95/03761 - 5 - PCT/DE94/00890 2 1 6837 1 working mechanism of the solution described above, making further explanations unnecessary at this point.
A stop can also be provided for the first solution.
This can be formed by the end of one curved profile or can be arranged independently of this.
Further advantageous arrangements of this solution result from the subcla; m~ 6 and 7.
In an advantageous follow-up to the inventive idea, a combination of the "curved profile solution" and the "connecting rod solution" is provided in which one of the two curved profiles is replaced by a connecting rod in such a way that one of its ends is hinged to the corresponding joining piece and its other end is guided in the curved profile present in the other joining piece by means of a rolling or sliding body.
Although the invention described above and in the following is related to joints for orthoses, it is obvious that such self-locking joints can also be employed for other applications, for example, for hinged flaps or folding tables.
Furthermore, it is also possible to provide several locking positions through a-corresponding arrangement of the curved profiles or the connecting-rod link to the joining pieces.
The invention is explained in more detail in the following by means of embodiment examples. The associated drawing shows:
ig. 1.1 a side view of an orthotic joint having two curved slots, in the unlocked position, ig. 1.2 the joint according to Fig. 1.1 in the locked position, ig. 2 a cross-section through a rolling body according to Figs 1.1 and 1.2, Fig. 3 a sketch o~ the-principle of an orthotic joint having two connecting rods, in the locked position, ig. 4 a side view of an orthotic joint having one curved slot and one connecting rod, in the locked position, ig. 4.1 a sketch of the principle according to Fig. 4, .ig. 4.2 a sketch of the principle of another variation of this embodiment example, ig. 5 the orthotic joint according to Fig. 4 in the unlocked position, and ig. 6 a perspective view of a joint according to the invention in--the version having one curved profile and one connecting rod for reciprocating gait orthoses.
In the individual figures, identical parts or parts having the same effect are given the same reference.
In the embodiment example illustrated in Fig. 1, the joint is shown in the unlocked (Fig. 1.1), i.e.
-freely movable state, and in the locked state (Fig.
1.2). The joining pieces 1, 2 have adapters 3 for accommodating and securing rails which are in turn fixed to the back or leg sections of the orthosis.
As the orthosis as such is not the object of the invention, these sections are not illustrated in any of the figures.
The joining pieces 1, 2 have a common axis of rotation 4 about which they can be pivoted against each other. Not visible in the illustration is the fact that joining piece 2 is forked. Joining piece 1 is placed within this fork. This arrangement can, in principle, be seen in Fig. 6, the perspective illustration of a different embodiment example; the reader is referred to this illustration in order to gain a better understanding of Fig. 1.
Each of the joining pieces 1, 2 is of such a size that curved slots 5, 6 can be provided which take the form of segments of a circular path and, for example, can be manufactured in a simple manner by means of an end mill. These curved slots 5, 6 are included in such a way that they cross in the predeter~;ned pivoting range of the joint, whereby the curved slot 5, which can be seen from the side view according to Fig. 1, is also present in the rear forked section of the joining piece 2 in an identical manner.
A rolling body 7 is guided in the curved slots 5, 6.
The width of the curved slots 5, 6 and hence the diameter of the rolling body 7 is designed as large as possible in order to minimize the friction. A
version of the rolling body 7 as shown in the cross-section according to Fig. 2 also contributes to reducing the friction. Fig. 2 shows three rotatable Wo 95/03761 - 8 - PCT/DE94/00890 rollers independent of each other, whereby the rollers 8 run in the curved slots 5 of the front or rear forked sections of joining piece 2, and roller 9 runs in the curved slot 6 of joining piece 1.
From the illustration according to Fig. l.l--it can be seen that the curved slots 5 and 6 or their centre-lines 10 and 11 respectively, intersect at a relatively large angle in the unlocked position of the joint. That guarantees free guiding of the rolling body 7. The closer the position of the joining piece 1 is to the locked position (Fig.
1.2), the smaller the angle of intersection, until finally it reaches or almost reaches zero in the locked position. In this position the joining piece 1 lies against a stop 12 located between the forks of joining piece 2. This stop 12 is designed as a cam so that the end position of joining piece 1 and hence the size of the triggering force can be adjusted. Instead of the stop 12, the end of the curved slot 5 can also be used as a stop.
The locked position of joining piece 1 or, respectively, rolling body 7 is secured by a rubber band 13 which acts on the rolling body 7 via an unlocking lever 14 and also holds said rolling-body 7 in the locked position. The unlocking lever 14 is located in a slot provided in joining piece 1 (see ref. No. 15 in Fig. 6 for concept) and can be pivoted about a swivel pin 16 fixed in joining piece 1. The fork-shaped end of the lever (see Fig. 2) accommodates the axle of the rolling body 7, while the other end projects beyond joining piece 2. Fixed to this end is the rubber band 13 which, accordingly, is fixed to joining piece 2 for the purpose of exerting a tensile force. -~
Wo 95/03761 - 9 - PCT/DE94/00890 To unlock the joint, the free end of unlocking lever 14 is pressed downwards, whereby the rolling body 7 is moved out of its clamped position. The joint is now free to move.
A particularly simple embodiment version of the invention is illustrated in the sketch of the principle according to Fig. 3. This joint also has two joining pieces 1, 2 pivoting about a common axis of rotation 4. Furthermore, there are two connecting rods 16, 17 provided which are hinged together at their one end via a pivot 18. At their other ends, the connecting rods 16 and 17 are linked respectively via an arm 19, forming a bent away segment of joining piece 2, and a pivot 20 with joining piece 2, and via a pivot 21 with joining piece 1. _ The locked position of the joint is reached when the connecting rods 16, 17 are located in a parallel or near parallel position. In this position the connecting rod 16 lies against a stop 12 which prevents the joint moving further and beyond the dead stop position. The locked position is secured by a rubber band 13 fitted between joining piece 1 and pivot 18. To unlock the joint, the connecting rods 16, 17 have to be pressed out of their parallel position, and this likewise only requires a low triggering force.
The principle of the pivot 18 corresponds to the rolling body 7 (or rather its axle) of the previous embodiment example, whereby in the one case the restraint for this point (rolling body 7) is achieved by way of two curved slots and in this case by way of the two connecting rods 16 and 17 whose end points describe circular paths relative to the joining pieces 1 and 2 respectively, the radii of which are in each case determined by the length of the connecting rods 16 and 17 respectively.
A further embodiment example of the invention is illustrated in Figs 4 and 5. This embodiment example corresponds to a combination of the version according to Figs 1 and 3. To clarify this combination, besides Fig. 4 there is a sketch of the principle (Fig. 4.1) corresponding to this illustration.
From the illustrations it is clear that in the case of this embodiment example, the curved slot 6 of the embodiment example according to Fig. 1 has been replaced by the connecting rod 17 from the embodiment example according to Fig. 3. Of course, it is also possible to proceed vice versa, i.e. to replace curved slot 5 with connecting rod 16. This variation is shown in ~ig 4.2.
As already seen in the embodiment example according to Fig. 1, the joining piece 2 here is forked for accommodating joining piece 1. The curved slot 5 illustrated is present in an identical form in both forked sections. The rolling body 7 consists of two rollers connected via an axis of rotation, with each of said rollers being guided--in the two curved slots 5 of joining piece 2. At the same time, the unlocking lever 14 forms the connecting rod replacing the curved slot 6, whereby the length of said connecting rod is determined by the distance between the swivel pin 16 of the unlocking lever 14 and the centre of the axle for the rolling body 7.
The method of operation of this version of the joint is adequately covered by the previous embodiment ,.
examples, making further explanations at this point superfluous.
The embodiment example according to Fig. 6 shows that the joint according to the invention can also be immediately employed for reciprocating gait orthoses. This version essentially corresponds to the version according to Figs 4 and 5. However, in contrast to that version, joining piece 2 is bent here. Its bent end is connected to the mechanical force transmission (Bowden cables or rocker). In Fig. 6, for example, there is a connecting element 22 mounted on joining piece 2 so that it can rotate, and leading to a rocker. In addition, in this embodiment example there is a connecting element 23, which can be freely pivoted on the joint's axis of rotation 4, leading to the back section of the orthosis.
Claims (8)
1. Self-locking joint, in particular orthotic joint, consisting of two joining pieces connected via an axis of rotation, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a t each joining piece (1, 2) has a curved profile (5, 6) and these curved profiles (5, 6) intersect at such a large angle that a rolling body (7) guided in both curved profiles (5, 6), and whose axis lies at the intersection of the centre-lines (10, 11) of the curved profiles (5, 6), is moved freely along the centre-lines (10, 11) of the curved profiles (5, 6) when one joining piece (1, 2) is rotated against the other, and that a locked state of the joint brought about through self-locking is achieved when the angle .alpha. between the imaginary tangents to the centre-lines (10, 11) applied to their intersection approaches zero and the line connecting the centres of the circles of curvature of the two curved profiles (5, 6) does not pass through the axis of rotation (4) of the joint at the point of intersection or contact present in the locked position.
2. Self-locking joint according to claim 1, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a t when the joining pieces (1, 2) move reciprocally from the unlocked to the locked state, a force acting on the rolling body (7) holds and secures the locked position attained.
3. Self-locking joint according to claim 1 or 2, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a t the curved profiles (5, 6) are segments of circular paths.
4. Self-locking joint according to one of the preceding claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a t the curved profiles (5, 6) are realized as slots.
5. Self-locking joint, in particular orthotic joint, consisting of two joining pieces connected via an axis of rotation, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a t a pivot (18) is provided which links two connecting rods (16, 17) at their one end in an articulated manner, whereby each of these connecting rods (16, 17) has an articulated connection to a joining piece (1, 2) via pivots (20, 21) which do not coincide with the axis of rotation (4) of the joint, and one of the two connecting rods (16, 17) lies against a stop (12) in the locked state of the joint, whereby said stop (12) is arranged in such a way that the connecting rods (16, 17) are almost in a parallel position or a little beyond that in this state.
6. Self-locking joint according to claim 5, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a t when the connecting rods (16, 17) move reciprocally from the unlocked to the locked state, a force acting on one or both connecting rods (16, 17) holds and secures the locked position attained.
7. Self-locking joint according to claim 5 or 6, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a t the stop (12) is adjustable.
8. Self-locking joint according to one of the claims 1 to 4 and one of the claims 5 to 7, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a t one of the two curved profiles (5, 6) is replaced by a connecting rod (16, 17) in such a way that one of its ends is hinged to the corresponding joining piece (1, 2) and its other end is guided in the curved profile present in the other joining piece by means of a rolling or sliding body.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEP4325655.4 | 1993-07-30 | ||
| DE4325655A DE4325655A1 (en) | 1993-07-30 | 1993-07-30 | Automatically locking joint, especially an orthotic joint |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2168371A1 true CA2168371A1 (en) | 1995-02-09 |
Family
ID=6494113
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002168371A Abandoned CA2168371A1 (en) | 1993-07-30 | 1994-08-01 | Self-locking joint, in particular orthotic joint |
Country Status (8)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0711136B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH09500801A (en) |
| CN (1) | CN1127984A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU7489594A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2168371A1 (en) |
| DE (2) | DE4325655A1 (en) |
| ES (1) | ES2139089T3 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1995003761A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (11)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NL9401975A (en) * | 1994-11-25 | 1996-07-01 | P G Van De Veen Consultancy B | Device for pivotally connecting parts of an orthopedic device. |
| DE19645494C2 (en) * | 1995-12-22 | 1998-12-03 | Rolf Paus | Hip joint for a reciprocal orthosis to stabilize the lower extremities |
| DE19637728A1 (en) * | 1996-09-16 | 1998-03-26 | Bauerfeind Gmbh | Knee brace |
| DE19945829B4 (en) * | 1999-09-24 | 2005-12-22 | Seeber, Engelbert, Dr.med. | Knieorthesengelenk |
| DE102004046743A1 (en) * | 2004-09-27 | 2006-04-06 | Gerhard Lambert | knee brace |
| JP2006175143A (en) * | 2004-12-24 | 2006-07-06 | Eiji Takubo | Knee support member and knee brace |
| DE102008049854B4 (en) * | 2008-10-01 | 2013-07-25 | Albrecht Gmbh | Orthosis for correcting malpositions and redressing of limbs in the abduction or adduction direction |
| US9084690B2 (en) * | 2010-05-06 | 2015-07-21 | Invencon Aps | Aid device including a tool and an attaching of the tool |
| KR101767212B1 (en) * | 2011-01-18 | 2017-08-10 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Tilt angle switchable hinge assembly for portable electronic device |
| JP5185458B1 (en) * | 2012-06-29 | 2013-04-17 | 恒子 望月 | Osteoarthritis correction and walking aid |
| KR102050977B1 (en) * | 2019-05-13 | 2019-12-02 | 송오식 | Wearable leg support |
Family Cites Families (15)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4655201A (en) * | 1984-07-13 | 1987-04-07 | Northwestern University | Knee orthosis and joint construction therefor |
| US4723539A (en) * | 1984-08-13 | 1988-02-09 | Townsend Industries, Inc. | Multiaxis controlled motion knee orthosis |
| AT384733B (en) * | 1985-02-11 | 1987-12-28 | Soevegjarto Harald | Knee-joint brace |
| US4938206A (en) * | 1986-12-18 | 1990-07-03 | Design Medical, Inc. | Floating pivot hinge and knee brace |
| US5094232A (en) * | 1987-01-29 | 1992-03-10 | Exoflex , Inc. | Ankle brace with floating pivot hinge |
| US4856501A (en) * | 1987-06-29 | 1989-08-15 | Innovation Sports, Inc. | Knee brace having adjustable width frame pivoted to cuffs |
| US4936295A (en) * | 1987-09-22 | 1990-06-26 | Crane Larry A | Lateral support for ankle |
| EP0369786A1 (en) * | 1988-11-16 | 1990-05-23 | Unisearch Limited | Friction self-locking joint for whole-leg calipers |
| US4964628A (en) * | 1989-06-30 | 1990-10-23 | Center For Orthotics Design, Inc. | Hip-reciprocating apparatus |
| US5107824A (en) * | 1989-09-14 | 1992-04-28 | Anodyne, Inc. | Anatomically correct knee brace hinge |
| US5009223A (en) * | 1989-10-02 | 1991-04-23 | Defonce Michael A | Variable axis knee brace |
| US5063916A (en) * | 1990-06-01 | 1991-11-12 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Knee brace having freecentric locking hinge |
| US5168865A (en) * | 1991-05-06 | 1992-12-08 | Orthopedic Systems, Inc. | Knee brace with pivot lock |
| GB2260083B (en) * | 1991-10-04 | 1996-03-27 | Steeper Hugh Ltd | An orthotic caliper |
| DE4137056A1 (en) * | 1991-11-11 | 1993-05-13 | Biedermann Motech Gmbh | ORTHOSIC JOINT |
-
1993
- 1993-07-30 DE DE4325655A patent/DE4325655A1/en not_active Ceased
-
1994
- 1994-08-01 ES ES94924688T patent/ES2139089T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1994-08-01 JP JP7505492A patent/JPH09500801A/en active Pending
- 1994-08-01 WO PCT/DE1994/000890 patent/WO1995003761A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1994-08-01 EP EP94924688A patent/EP0711136B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1994-08-01 CN CN94192937A patent/CN1127984A/en active Pending
- 1994-08-01 CA CA002168371A patent/CA2168371A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1994-08-01 DE DE59408939T patent/DE59408939D1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1994-08-01 AU AU74895/94A patent/AU7489594A/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO1995003761A1 (en) | 1995-02-09 |
| EP0711136B1 (en) | 1999-11-17 |
| AU7489594A (en) | 1995-02-28 |
| DE59408939D1 (en) | 1999-12-23 |
| ES2139089T3 (en) | 2000-02-01 |
| JPH09500801A (en) | 1997-01-28 |
| CN1127984A (en) | 1996-07-31 |
| DE4325655A1 (en) | 1995-02-02 |
| EP0711136A1 (en) | 1996-05-15 |
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