DE102008036433A1 - Therapy device for moving feet of person, comprises two pedals with foot bearing surface which is pushed in longitudinal direction and in transverse direction, where drive connecting device is connected with pedals - Google Patents

Abstract

The therapy device comprises two pedals (2,4) with a foot bearing surface (2-2,4-2) which is pushed in a longitudinal direction (6,8) and in a transverse direction (10,12). A drive connecting device (24) is connected with the pedals, where an engine drift movement of an engine (22) is converted to the pedal pivoting.

Description

The The invention relates to a therapy device for the movement of feet a person according to the preamble of claim 1.

A therapy device of this kind, which from the US 5,860,941 is known, contains a rotatable about its center arranged disc. Two handles or pedals with loops are arranged diametrically offset on opposite sides of the disc. The disc can be driven by a motor or by the muscular strength of a person. As a result, for example, the leg muscles can be strengthened. The angular position of the feet on the pedals relative to the lower legs of the legs is not defined and is determined by the muscles of the person.

From the WO 00/45897 a pedal device for strengthening the leg muscles is known in which the pedals are operated by the leg muscles of a person against a resisting force.

at People with paralyzed legs, for example in paraplegics Persons, there is a risk that due to lack of exercise of Relative movements between the foot and lower leg forms a pointed foot. This means that the foot position relative to the lower leg continues to bend and less and less moved back can be. There is also the risk of circulatory disorders in the feet and ankle; water retention in the feet; Hardening of the musculature and relaxation of the muscles; Loss of sensitivity concerning touch, pressure and vibrations; progressive Loss of depth sensitivity in the foot (feeling of location, Tension of muscles and tendons and joints); and increasing shortening the Achilles tendon.

By The invention aims to solve the problem, a therapy device to create, with which the mentioned health disadvantages can be counteracted.

These Task is according to the invention by a therapy device solved according to the features of claim 1.

Further Features of the invention are defined in the dependent claims contain. They relate to preferred embodiments of Invention.

The Therapy device of the invention is preferably as by hand portable device formed. It can be used while sitting be on a normal chair or on a person Wheelchair can sit. It can also be used lying down when the For example, a person lies in a bed.

The The pendulum height of the pedals is preferably adjustable. Further is preferably also the height of the angular range adjustable, within which the pedals are pivotable.

By Changing the sitting position of the person relative to the therapy device The foot angle and leg angle can also be arbitrary be set. The engine is preferably an electric motor with a rotatable engine output shaft. The operating voltage of the Motors can be 220V or other voltage, for example 24 V. In place of a rotary motor can also be a linear actuator be used, which is electrically, pneumatically or hydraulically can be executed, and its linear movements by the drive connecting device in angular movements of the pedals being transformed. Even when using a rotary engine will be its rotational movements by the drive connection device converted into angular movements of the pedals.

The Movement speed of the pedals is preferably adjustable on the engine, for example, by a speed sensor or speed controller.

The Switching on and off and possibly also a control of Motors can be directly adjustable or adjustable by remote control. Furthermore, an emergency stop switch can be used to turn off the engine in certain Hazardous situations should be provided. The emergency stop switch can, for example be automatically activated by a sensor when the engine torque or the pedal load increases above a predetermined value, for example, by jamming a foot between the pedal and another piece of equipment.

• – Kontrakturprophylaxe (Bewegungseinschränkung von Gelenken);
• – Durchblutungsförderung;
• – Osteoporoseprophylaxe (Knochenschwundprophylaxe)
• – Verminderung oder Verhinderung von Sehnenverkürzungen und Muskelverkürzungen, z. B. Achillessehnen-Verkürzungen;
• – Sensibilitätsanregung zur Aufrechterhaltung und/oder Verbesserung der Wahrnehmung von Berührungen, Druck, Vibration usw.;
• – Lockerung der Muskulatur;
• – Spitzfußprophylaxe (Pes equinus);
• – Förderung der Tiefensensibilität (Propriozeption);
• – Verbesserung oder Aufrechterhaltung von Empfindungen des Körpers betreffend Lageempfinden, Spannung von Muskeln und Sehnen und Spannung und Druck in Gelenken; und
• – Förderung der Oberflächensensibilität (Exterozeption).

The therapy device can be used, for example, for the following purposes:

• - contracture prophylaxis (movement restriction of joints);
• - circulation promotion;
• - Osteoporosis prophylaxis (bone loss prophylaxis)
• - Reduction or prevention of tendon shortening and muscle shortening, eg. B. Achilles tendon shortenings;
• Sensitivity stimulation to maintain and / or improve the perception of touch, pressure, vibration, etc .;
• - relaxation of the muscles;
• - Spitzfuß prophylaxis (Pes equinus);
• - promotion of depth sensitivity (proprioception);
• - Improvement or maintenance of sensations of the body regarding sensation of position, tension of muscles and tendons and tension and pressure in joints; and
• - promotion of surface sensitivity (Extero ception).

The The invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings described by way of several embodiments as examples. In show the drawings

1 schematically in perspective a preferred embodiment of a therapy device according to the invention, seen from the front,

2 a top view of the therapy device,

3 a rear view of the therapy device,

4 a vertical longitudinal section along the plane IV-IV of 3 .

5 a left side view of the therapy device, wherein a drive assembly shown in a first of several basic positions and the left pedal with its front pedal part in a pivotal position close to its upper end position,

6 the left side view of the therapy device of 5 wherein the drive assembly in the first home position and the left pedal are shown in a height intermediate position at approximately half the height of travel,

7 the left side view of the therapy device, wherein the drive assembly are shown in a second home position, which is higher than the first home position, and the left pedal in the height intermediate position at approximately half the height of movement,

8th a particular embodiment of the pedals, wherein the left pedal of the therapy device is shown in a horizontal position,

9 the pedal in the front high tilted position, and

10 the pedal in the front down pivoted position.

The therapy device according to the invention for the movement of feet of a person shown in the drawings contains two pedals 2 and 4 , each one extending in a longitudinal direction 6 respectively. 8th and in a transverse direction 10 respectively. 12 extending footrest surface 2-2 respectively. 4-2 and transverse to this longitudinal direction 6 respectively. 8th are arranged at a distance from each other. The two pedals 2 and 4 are transverse to the plane of their Fußauflagefläche 2-2 respectively. 4-2 arranged pivotally. A drive unit 20 contains a motor 22 and a drive connection device 24 , The motor 22 is through the drive connection device 24 with the pedals 2 and 4 drivingly connected or connectable for swinging up and down of these pedals 2 and 4 ,

The drive connection device 24 the drive unit 20 is with the pedals 2 and 4 connected so that they the engine output motions of the engine 22 Forcibly in defined pivoting movements of the pedals 2 and 4 transforms so that the pedals make panning swings.

The pedals 2 and 4 are formed such that they are pivotable relative to the lower legs of the person together with the feet positioned on them, wherein the feet in the ankle are pivotable relative to the lower legs. Above the footrest surfaces 2-2 and 4-2 the pedals 2 and 4 , in each case around these Fußauflageflächen around, is preferably a free space 26 respectively. 28 provided for different inclinations of the lower leg of the person relative to the pedals and relative to their feet, which on the pedals 2 and 4 stand.

The drive connection device 24 may comprise a tumbling device, by which the pivoting movements of the pedals 2 and 4 Are tumbling movements.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the drive connection device 24 with the pedals 2 and 4 each drivingly connected to a pedal position, which is radially offset to a pivot center of the respective pedal.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the pedals 2 and 4 each about a pivot axis 32 respectively. 34 pivotally, which form said pivot center and transverse to the longitudinal direction 6 respectively. 8th the pedals 2 and 4 extends.

The pivot axes 32 and 34 the two pedals 2 and 4 may be parallel or angularly offset from each other, but are preferably arranged in alignment with each other in the preferred embodiment. Preferably, a bearing rod 36 or shaft provided by which both pedals 2 and 4 are pivotally mounted, so that the bearing rod 36 the swivel axes 32 and 34 from both pedals 2 and 4 Are defined.

The storage bar 36 is from a base body 38 carried. The storage bar 36 can be on the base body 38 be rotatably mounted or attached non-rotatably. The two pedals 2 and 4 are on the storage bar 36 rotatably arranged.

The pedals 2 and 4 each have a rear pedal end 42 respectively. 44 and a front pedal de 46 respectively. 48 , The pivot axes 32 and 34 and with it the storage bar 36 are preferably close to the rear pedal end 42 respectively. 44 arranged.

The drive connection device 24 is in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention in front of the pivot axes 32 respectively. 34 the pedals 2 and 4 , for example near the front end of the pedal 46 respectively. 48 , with the pedals 2 and 4 drivingly connected or connectable.

How the particular 2 and 3 in combination with 1 show, the drive connection device 24 a preferred embodiment of the invention, a crankshaft 50 on, parallel to the pivot axis 32 . 34 the pedals 2 and 4 is arranged. At the crankshaft 50 are at the opposite ends of the crankshaft two crank arms 52 and 54 non-rotatable (non-rotatable) attached. The two crank arms 52 and 54 extend preferably offset by 180 ° to each other from the crankshaft 50 path. The one crank arm 52 is adjacent to a pedal 2 , and the other crank arm 54 is adjacent to the other pedal 4 arranged. The crank arms 52 and 54 are at one of the crankshaft 50 radially remote location each with a crosspiece 56 and 58 provided, which in a guide slot 60 respectively. 62 the adjacent pedal 2 respectively. 4 engages and in the guide slot 60 respectively. 62 is movable in the longitudinal direction of the slot. The guide slots 60 and 62 are ahead of the swivel axes 32 . 34 the pedals 2 . 4 formed on or in the pedals and can, for example, to the front pedal end 46 . 48 extend. The guide slots 60 and 62 may be open or closed at their ends.

The drive connection device 24 is by means of the cross pieces 56 and 58 by far ahead of the pivot axes 32 . 34 the pedals 2 . 4 with the pedals 2 . 4 drivingly connected or connectable.

The guide slots 60 and 62 can be provided with sliding surfaces on which the cross pieces 56 and 58 slide or roll easily.

Preferably, the cross pieces 56 and 58 each with a bearing roller 64 respectively. 66 provided in the relevant guide slot 60 respectively. 62 of a pedal 2 or the other pedal 4 is arranged rolling.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the cross pieces 56 and 58 on the crank arms 52 and 54 at least two different radial distances from the crankshaft 50 can be positioned and fastened. This allows the lifting height of the pedals 2 and 4 to be changed.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the crank arms 52 and 54 for this purpose, at least two or more different radial distances from the crankshaft 50 with one to the crankshaft 50 parallel receiving bore 70 . 71 . 72 . 73 respectively. 74 . 75 . 76 . 77 provided, in each of which a bolt 80 respectively. 82 ( 2 ) of the cross pieces 56 respectively. 58 optional plug-in. The bearing rollers 64 and 66 are on the bolt 80 respectively. 82 rotatably mounted.

The driving direction of rotation of the crankshaft 50 is preferably such that the cross pieces 56 and 58 the crank arms 52 and 54 when moving up the pedals 2 and 4 further ahead on the relevant pedal 2 respectively. 4 attack as when moving down the pedals 2 and 4 , This will cause a slower upturn of the pedals 2 and 4 achieved as if the driving direction of rotation of the crankshaft 50 vice versa would be.

According to a further particular embodiment of the invention, the crankshaft 50 relative to the pivot axes 32 . 34 the pedals 2 . 4 , and in the direction transverse to the levels of Fußauflageflächen 2-2 and 4-4 the pedals 2 . 4 , height adjustable arranged.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the crankshaft 50 thereby height adjustable, that the drive unit 20 which the engine 22 and the drive connecting device 24 contains, is a structural unit, and this assembly about a pivot axis 84 is arranged pivotally, which is parallel to the crankshaft 50 at a distance from the crankshaft 50 is arranged, preferably behind the crankshaft 50 , According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the pivot axis 84 the drive unit 20 in alignment with the swivel axes 32 and 34 the two pedals 2 and 4 arranged. According to another embodiment of the invention, however, the pivot axis 84 the building unit 20 radially offset with distance in front of the pivot axes 32 and 34 the two pedals 2 and 4 be arranged.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the bearing rod forms 36 the swivel axes 32 and 34 the two pedals 2 and 4 and the pivot axis 84 the drive unit 20 , The drive unit 20 and the two pedals 2 and 4 are on the storage bar 36 freely pivotable arranged.

The drive unit 20 is preferably positionable on different pivoting heights. It is preferably with a lever 86 provided, which protrudes from her preferably forward and by means of which they are about their pivot axis 84 can be swiveled and positioned at different heights. The Positioning of the lever 86 can be done, for example, that bearing surfaces or hooks 88 are provided, which are arranged at different heights and on which the lever 86 can be placed on the hook, for example 88 vertically movable past and can be placed laterally to the vertical.

The locking surfaces or hooks 88 For example, by a housing 90 be formed having a vertical front slot 92 in which the hooks or bearing surfaces 88 protrude into it.

The drive unit 20 can in the case 90 be housed while the two pedals 2 and 4 to the left and right of the case 90 are arranged. The crankshaft 50 can on both sides of the case 90 through lateral slots 94 respectively. 96 protrude through, which in side walls of the housing 90 are formed.

At the housing 90 , For example, on the front, can be an electrical connector 98 be arranged for the power supply for the electric motor 22 , Furthermore, on the outside of the housing, for example on its cover plate, a control element 100 for switching on and off the electric motor 22 and preferably also for setting the speed of the engine 22 be arranged. Furthermore, on the top of the case 90 a handle 102 be arranged to carry the therapy device.

In particular 4 shows, can be designed as a unit drive unit 20 a base plate 106 have, which at its rear end on the bearing rod 36 is rotatably disposed and at the front end of the lever 86 attached, which is forward from the front slot of the housing 90 sticking out. On the base plate 106 is the drive connection device 24 attached to the crankshaft 50 contains. The motor 22 can on the base plate 106 be arranged and / or on a transmission housing 108 the drive connection device 24 be attached.

The pedals 2 and 4 can each use a foot rest device 110 respectively. 112 be provided, by means of which in each case a foot of a person, with the sole of the foot on the Fußauflagefläche 2-2 respectively. 4-2 of the relevant pedal 2 respectively. 4 overlying, durable in position. The foot direction is preferably aligned in the pedal longitudinal direction. The foot holders 110 and 112 can be designed in various ways. For example, they can each be on the pedals 2 and 4 fastened, for example, glued, Velcro strip on which a foot and thus the pedals 2 respectively. 4 cross-Velcro strip can be fastened by a Velcro connection. According to another embodiment could be on each pedal 2 and 4 be attached two bands, for example, riveted, and both bands of the respective pedal 2 respectively. 4 be connected to each other by means of a buckle. The foot holders 110 and 112 However, they can also consist of a strap which can not be changed in length or a strap which can not be changed in length on the pedals 2 and 4 is attached, which in each case over the Fußauflagefläche 2-2 respectively. 4-2 extends, such that a foot of a person on the footrest surface 2-2 respectively. 4-2 sliding under the strap is pluggable. These are just a few of many possible embodiments for foot restraints.

As the 8th . 9 and 10 the example of the right pedal 4 can show the pedals 2 and 4 near her rear end, each with a heel strike 120 be provided, which at the rear end of the Fußauflagefläche up to a maximum height of 6 cm above the Fußauflagefläche 2-2 respectively. 4-2 extends, so that above the free space 26 respectively. 28 for bending the lower leg 122 the person relative to their feet 124 remains.

According to another embodiment of the invention, not shown in the drawing, the drive unit is designed as a structural unit 20 not swiveling, but vertically arranged in a straight line at different heights adjustable to the crankshaft 50 to be able to position at different heights.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 5860941 [0002]
• WO 00/45897 [0003]

Claims (17)

Therapy device for moving feet of a person, comprising two pedals ( 2 . 4 ), each one extending in a longitudinal direction ( 6 . 8th ) and in a transverse direction ( 10 . 12 ) footpad ( 2-2 . 4-2 ) and transversely to this longitudinal direction ( 6 . 8th ) are spaced apart, the pedals ( 2 . 4 ) across the plane of the footrest surface ( 2-2 . 4-2 ) are movably arranged, further comprising a motor ( 22 ) provided by a drive connection device ( 24 ) with the pedals ( 2 . 4 ) is drivingly connected or connectable, characterized in that the drive connection device ( 24 ) so with the pedals ( 2 . 4 ) is connected to the engine output motions of the engine ( 22 ) forcibly in defined pivoting movements of the pedals ( 2 . 4 ) converts. Therapy device according to claim 1, characterized in that the drive connection device ( 24 ) with the pedals ( 2 . 4 ) is respectively drivingly connected at a pedal position leading to a pivoting center ( 32 . 34 ) of the respective pedal is radially offset. Therapy device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pedals ( 2 . 4 ) each about a pivot axis ( 32 . 34 ) are arranged pivotally, transversely, preferably at right angles, to the longitudinal direction of the pedals ( 2 . 4 ). Therapy device according to claim 3, characterized in that the pivot axes ( 32 . 34 ) of the two pedals ( 2 . 4 ) are aligned with each other, preferably by a bearing rod ( 36 ) the pivot axes ( 32 . 34 ) of both pedals ( 2 . 4 ) are defined. Therapy device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the pivot axes ( 32 . 34 ) of the pedals ( 2 . 4 ) near the rear end of the pedal ( 42 . 44 ) are arranged. Therapy device according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the drive connection device ( 24 ) in front of the pivot axes ( 32 . 34 ) of the pedals ( 2 . 4 ) with the pedals ( 2 . 4 ) is drivingly connected or connectable. Therapy device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pedals ( 2 . 4 ) near its rear end ( 42 . 44 ) with a heel stop ( 120 ) are provided. Therapy device according to one of the preceding claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the drive connection device ( 24 ) a crankshaft ( 50 ), which are parallel to the pivot axis ( 32 . 34 ) of the pedals ( 2 . 4 ) is arranged on the crankshaft ( 50 ) two crank arms ( 52 . 54 ), which are preferably offset by 180 ° to each other from the crankshaft ( 50 ) extend away that a crank arm ( 52 ) adjacent to a pedal ( 2 ) and the other crank arm ( 54 ) adjacent to the other pedal ( 4 ) is arranged, and that the crank arms ( 52 . 54 ) on one of the crankshaft ( 50 ) radially remote location each with a crosspiece ( 56 . 58 ), which in a guide slot ( 60 . 62 ) of the adjacent pedal ( 2 . 4 ) and in the guide slot ( 60 . 62 ) is movable in the longitudinal direction of the slot. Therapy device according to claim 8, characterized in that the crosspieces ( 56 . 58 ) each have a rotatably mounted bearing roller ( 64 . 66 ) in the relevant guide slot ( 60 . 62 ) is arranged rolling. Therapy device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the crosspieces ( 56 . 58 ) on the crank arms ( 52 . 54 ) at at least two different radial distances from the crankshaft ( 50 ) are positionable and fastened. Therapy device according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the driving direction of rotation of the crankshaft ( 50 ) is such that the cross pieces ( 56 . 58 ) of the crank arms ( 52 . 54 ) when moving up the pedals ( 2 . 4 ) further on the pedals ( 2 . 4 ) as when moving down the pedals ( 2 . 4 ). Therapy device according to one of the preceding claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the crankshaft ( 50 ) relative to the pivot axis ( 32 . 34 ) of the pedals ( 2 . 4 ), and thereby in the direction transverse to the levels of Fußauflageflächen ( 2-2 . 4-2 ) of the pedals ( 2 . 4 ), is arranged adjustable in height. Therapy device according to claim 12, characterized in that a structural unit ( 20 ) is provided, which the engine ( 22 ) and the drive connection device ( 24 ), and that this assembly ( 20 ) about a pivot axis ( 84 ) is arranged pivotably parallel to the crankshaft ( 50 ) at a distance from the crankshaft ( 50 ) is arranged. Therapy device according to claim 13, characterized in that the pivot axis ( 84 ) of the assembly ( 20 ) and the pivot axes ( 32 . 34 ) of the pedals ( 2 . 4 ) are aligned with each other. Therapy device according to claim 14, characterized in that a bearing rod ( 36 ) is provided, by means of which the structural unit ( 20 ) and the pedals ( 2 . 4 ) are pivotally mounted, wherein the bearing rod ( 36 ) all three pivot axes ( 32 . 34 . 84 ) Are defined. Therapy device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pedals ( 2 . 4 ) each with a Fußhaltevorrichtung ( 110 . 112 ), by means of which one foot ( 124 ) of a person with the foot sole on the footrest surface ( 2-2 . 4-2 ) of the relevant pedal ( 2 . 4 ) is durable in position. Therapy device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that above the footrest surface ( 2-2 . 4-2 ) to the footrest surface ( 2-2 . 4-2 ), free space ( 26 . 28 ) is provided for inclinations of the lower leg ( 122 ) of the person relative to the footrest surfaces ( 2-2 . 4-2 ), whereas on the pedals ( 2 . 4 ) positioned feet ( 124 ) by means of the pedals ( 2 . 4 ) in the ankle relative to the lower legs ( 122 ) of the person are pivotable.