DE102013013180A1 - Vibration therapy device - Google Patents

Abstract

A vibration therapy device (10) has a lying surface (12) along a longitudinal axis (A) for a human body, which comprises a plurality of bearing surfaces (14, 16) and is at least partially designed as a vibrating support. A trunk module supports a trunk support surface (14) while a leg module supports a lower leg support surface (16). For more defined and effective vibration treatment, a vibration generating device generates linear lateral vibrations transverse to the longitudinal axis (A) in the plane of the reclining surface (12) and is positively coupled to the fuselage support surface (14) and / or the lower leg support surface (16) for transmission of the lateral vibrations.

Description

The invention relates to a vibration therapy device having a lying surface arranged along a longitudinal axis for a human body, which comprises a plurality of support surfaces and at least partially designed as a vibrating support, a trunk module supporting a trunk support surface, a leg module that supports a lower leg support surface, and a vibration generating device. Such a vibration therapy device is from the EP 0 267 546 A2 known.

Vibration therapy devices of the type mentioned have been known for some time. They were originally used only for vibration massage, but are nowadays more and more used for the therapy of disorders or diseases of the muscular system and the bone skeleton. For this, the combination of the already mentioned EP 0 267 546 A2 Known device a circular vibration of a support surface in the support plane with a vertical upward and downward vibration of the support surface. Both vibrations are positively coupled.

The invention has for its object to provide an improved vibration therapy device, which allows a more effective treatment and in particular for the treatment of the spine, pelvis and lower extremities is better suited than known vibration therapy devices.

Starting from a vibration therapy device of the type mentioned above, this object is achieved in that the vibration generating device generates linear lateral vibrations transversely to the longitudinal axis in the plane of the lying surface and forcibly coupled to the fuselage support surface and / or the lower leg support surface for transmitting the lateral vibrations.

Conventional vibration therapy devices generate vibrations in the plane of the lying surface, although lateral, d. H. have transversely directed to the longitudinal axis of the lying surface directed vibration components, which in addition, however, still contain many non-lateral vibration components, including even those which are directed in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the lying surface. The invention is based on the finding that non-lateral oscillations can reduce the success of treatment and may even have a counterproductive effect, in that they may even aggravate existing symptoms through constant compression and extension of certain areas, for example the intervertebral discs. In the case of the linear lateral vibrations generated by the vibration generating device of the vibration therapy device according to the invention, transversely to the longitudinal axis of the lying surface and in the plane of the lying surface, such negative concomitant phenomena do not occur. In addition, these linear lateral vibrations are much better for loosening the spine and the pelvic area suitable than the previously used vibrations. By the term "linear lateral oscillations" is meant here those oscillations which are directed exclusively or at least essentially laterally in the plane of the lying surface and have no or only a negligible proportion of differently directed vibrations in the plane of the lying surface. A possible, easy up and down movement of the lying surface perpendicular to the linear lateral vibration is possible and does not affect the desired treatment success.

In a preferred embodiment of the vibration therapy device, the vibration generating device has a plurality of vibration drives for lateral vibration generation, in particular at least one vibration drive for the trunk module and at least one vibration drive for the leg module. In this way, the trunk and lower extremities can be treated separately from each other and, above all, in a more targeted manner. Separate vibration drives for the trunk module and the leg module also allow more effective vibration combinations for whole-body treatment, for example by the lower leg support surface oscillates in opposite directions to the fuselage support surface and, if desired, with a different amplitude.

In particularly preferred embodiments of the vibration therapy device, the trunk support surface is subdivided into an upper body support surface and a pelvis support surface, and the upper body support surface and the pelvis support surface are decoupled from one another in terms of vibration technology. Thus, it is possible according to the invention, a desired vibration z. B. only between shoulder and pelvis. Such oscillations are particularly suitable, for example, for spinal column therapy, because they lead to a spinal column loosening, lateral deflection of the spine, without applying compression or Extensionsbelastungen. Although the above-mentioned vibrations can be generated even if a vibration drive for lateral vibration generation for either the upper body support surface or for the pelvic support surface is present, however, it is particularly advantageous if the vibration generating device each has a vibration drive for Lateralschwingungserzeugung for the upper body support surface and the pelvis support surface.

In the sense of a well-adapted vibration therapy is the inventive Device preferably designed so that the amplitude and / or the frequency of each oscillating drive is adjustable. As a vibratory drive for generating the inventively provided, linear Lateralschwingungen example, a linear motor can be used, or even a drive motor with an eccentric whose eccentric motion is converted into the desired lateral vibration.

According to one embodiment of the vibration therapy device, the vibration generating device for example, the lower leg support surface is designed so that a first oscillating drive for generating lateral oscillations with small amplitude and a second oscillating drive for generating Lateralschwingungen is provided with significantly greater amplitude. In this embodiment, the first oscillating drive may comprise a drive motor with an eccentric and the second oscillating drive a linear motor. Alternatively, the second oscillating drive may comprise a drive motor with eccentric. So that the first and the second oscillating drive can act on the same support surface, for example the lower leg support surface, they are connected via a freewheel with the corresponding support surface, which allows an optional coupling of the first oscillating drive or the second oscillating drive with the support surface, while the other oscillating drive then is decoupled by the freewheel. In an embodiment in which a first oscillating drive and a second oscillating drive can act on the lower leg supporting surface, the first oscillating drive is for producing lateral vibrations having an amplitude in the range of 1 to 4 mm and the second oscillating drive for generating lateral oscillations having an amplitude in the range from 20 to 30 mm. Lateral vibrations with a larger amplitude, for example in the specified range of 20 to 30 mm, are particularly suitable for treatments in which the legs assume an angled position. Often, the lower legs are elevated relative to the pelvis.

Each oscillating drive can be designed as a replaceable module, so that one and the same oscillating drive in a vibration therapy device according to the invention can optionally set the trunk support surface or the lower leg support surface into linear lateral vibrations by being used in the relevant module. Even within a module - for example, the fuselage module - such a vibration drive module can be used at different positions. For easy change, such an oscillating drive module can be made pluggable.

If a vibration therapy device according to the invention contains a plurality of oscillating drives, then these are advantageously designed such that each oscillating drive associated with a supporting surface which is not used in a specific use of the vibrating therapy device does not hinder a lateral oscillation of this supporting surface. In this way, also a not directly excited to lateral vibrations bearing surface of a body vibration, which results from a Lateralschwingungsanregung elsewhere.

The vibration therapy device according to the invention can also have bearing surfaces without a vibratory drive. These bearing surfaces are also preferably designed so that they can swing freely laterally in order to be able to follow body vibrations that result from a lateral vibration excitation elsewhere.

In order to set a comfortable and at the same time optimally treatment-effective position of the human body to be treated, in preferred embodiments of the vibration therapy device, the trunk module and the leg module are independently height-adjustable and / or tiltable. Furthermore, preferably a head support surface is provided, which is adjustable for optimal adaptation to the patient in all directions.

In certain embodiments of the vibration therapy device, the upper body support surface and / or the pelvis support surface and / or the lower leg support surface are each part of a rocker arm on which the oscillation drive acts to generate the lateral vibrations. Such a rocker is suitable, for example, good for interacting with a vibratory drive in the form of an eccentric, which may be formed for example by the previously mentioned drive motor with eccentric. Such a design allows a compact and thus space-saving design.

Regardless of whether a support surface is part of a rocker arm or not, in preferred embodiments of the vibration therapy device, the upper body support surface and / or the pelvis support surface and / or the lower leg support surface is elastically supported relative to the element, which is offset from the vibration drive in linear Lateralschwingungen. This element can be a rocker as explained above. Said, elastic mounting of the respective support surface makes it possible to initiate further vibrations directly into the support surface, for example vibrations which support the desired treatment success through their massaging effect. To generate such further Vibrations, preferred embodiments of the vibration therapy device each have an unbalance motor, which acts directly on the upper body support surface and / or the pelvis support surface and / or the lower leg support surface. This unbalance motor or these imbalance motors can be switched on as needed and thus make it possible to apply the additional vibrations together with the linear lateral vibrations or even without them. In the latter case, the vibration therapy device can be used as a pure vibration massage device.

A currently preferred embodiment of a vibration therapy device according to the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings together with further advantages. It shows:

1 a side view of a vibration therapy device according to the invention,

2 a top view of the 1 reproduced vibration therapy device,

3 a spatial, partially broken view of a vibration drive for generating linear lateral vibrations for a pelvic support surface,

4 a cross section through the in 3 shown oscillating drive along a line IV-IV in 5 ; and

5 the cut VV off 4 ,

The 1 and 2 show a general with 10 designated vibration therapy device from the side ( 1 ) and from above ( 2 ). The device 10 has a sleeping area 12 for a human body, which is arranged along a longitudinal axis A and a plurality of bearing surfaces 14 . 16 includes. A hull support surface 14 for the upper body and the pelvis is of a trunk module 18 supported while a leg module 20 a lower leg support surface 16 supported. A versatile adjustable headrest for customization 22 with a headrest surface 24 is with the fuselage module 18 connected.

The fuselage module 18 and the leg module 20 are on a common, the entire device 10 carrying base 26 attached. Both the fuselage module 18 as well as the leg module 20 is by means of an associated lifting device 28 respectively. 30 height adjustable, as indicated by double arrows. The leg module 20 can be relative to the fuselage module 18 be adjusted in height so that a therapy with angled legs is possible (not shown). By means of associated tilting devices 32 . 34 In addition, both the hull module 18 as well as the leg module 20 tilted downwards and upwards in order to achieve an optimal lying position of the human body for a given therapy.

As in particular from 2 good to see is the fuselage surface 14 in an upper body support surface 36 and a pelvic support surface 38 divided. In order to perform a vibration therapy, the device is 10 equipped with a vibration generating device, which on the lying surface 12 can apply linear Lateralschwingungen. By "linear lateral vibrations" is meant those vibrations which are in the plane of the lying surface 12 or in the plane of the bearing surfaces 16 . 36 and 38 transverse to the longitudinal axis A of the lying surface 12 or each bearing surface 16 . 36 and 38 run.

In order to generate the linear lateral vibrations, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the fuselage module 18 provided with at least two oscillating drives, one of which on the upper body support surface 36 and another on the pelvic support surface 38 acts. Further, the leg module 20 provided with at least one oscillating drive on the lower leg support surface 16 acts. The basic structure of such an oscillating drive can be the same and will be described below together with its function on the basis of 3 to 5 explained in more detail.

In the 3 to 5 is a swing drive 40 for the generation of linear lateral vibrations using the example of that oscillating drive shown on the pelvis support surface 38 acts. Core of the vibratory drive 40 is an engine 42 , whose output shaft 44 an eccentric 46 rotatably driving. The eccentric 46 is in a longitudinal slot-like leadership 48 a reversing lever 50 (see in particular 4 ), which has an axis of rotation 52 has and above the axis of rotation 52 at 53 with a rocker switch 54 is in articulated connection.

The rocker switch 54 has a transverse to the longitudinal axis A arranged backbone 56 , of whose ends on both sides in each case two arms 58 extend in the longitudinal direction. The backbone 56 and the four arms 58 (please refer 5 , in 3 are for clarity only two arms 58 shown) are in one and the same plane parallel to and slightly below the pelvic support surface 38 , Two each from one side of the spine 56 extending arms 58 ends in a side wall 60a . 60b that are from the plane of the arms 58 extends at right angles downwards. Each side cheek 60a . 60b has two feet 62a . 62b and 64a . 64b , whose free end by means of one axis 66 articulated with one end of a swinging tab 68 connected is. The other end of each swing tab 68 is by means of another axis 70 rotatable in a side wall 72 a housing 74 stored, which the entire oscillating drive 40 takes up and in the trunk module 18 is housed.

Once the engine 42 the eccentric 46 set in rotation, the lever is 50 because of himself in his leadership 48 rotating eccentric 46 continuously raised and lowered. Because the axis of rotation 52 of the reversing lever 50 opposite the eccentric 46 is arranged laterally offset, performs the bellcrank 50 one around the axis of rotation 52 oscillating pivoting movement, which is above the axis of rotation 52 located articulation point 53 on the rocker switch 54 transferred and thereby converted into a substantially linear lateral movement. The means of the vibrating plates 68 back and forth in the housing 74 mounted rocker switch 54 thus oscillates according to the speed of the motor 42 transverse to the longitudinal axis A back and forth. By virtue of the eccentric drive selected in the exemplary embodiment, although the lateral oscillation is exactly linear in the plan view of the respective support surface, the oscillating rocker becomes 54 slightly raised and lowered in the course of the swinging motion, which does not bother in practical use. The pelvic support surface 38 is through fasteners 76 with the rocker switch 54 connected and therefore follows their swinging motion.

In order to change the amplitude of the generated lateral vibration, the engine is 42 on a linear guide 78 mounted, by means of which it is displaceable transversely to the longitudinal axis A in an area which is determined by the length of the longitudinal contactor guide 48 in the lever 50 is predetermined. Due to the displacement of the engine 42 by means of the linear guide 78 changing translation of the reversing lever 50 also changes the vibration of the swing rocker 54 and thus the amplitude of the lateral vibration. To move the engine 42 is used in the embodiment shown another engine 80 that the linear guide 78 by means of a screw can move back and forth.

The connecting elements 76 are executed in the example shown as elastic elements, whereby the pelvic support surface 38 something from the rocker switch 54 is decoupled, in addition to the lateral vibration a massage vibration on the pelvic support surface 38 to be able to raise. This is an unbalance motor 82 directly with a carrier plate 84 the pelvic support surface 38 bolted and can be as needed for yourself or in addition to the engine 42 be turned on. By the possible superposition of lateral vibrations and massage vibrations, the vibration therapy can be supported.

Similar vibration drives are also for the upper body support surface 36 and the lower leg support surface 16 intended. Although the upper body support surface 36 and the pelvic support surface 38 both on the fuselage module 18 supported, however, the lateral vibration generation by means of separate vibration drives is designed so that the upper body support surface 36 and the pelvic support surface 38 can swing independently and unaffected by each other. As already explained above, each vibration drive can have an amplitude adjustment, regardless of its drive type. In addition, each oscillating drive will generally also have a frequency adjustment, so that both the oscillation amplitude and the oscillation frequency can be adapted to a desired vibration therapy.

For all bearing surfaces 16 . 36 and 38 , but especially for the lower leg support surface 16 , in each case a first oscillating drive and a second oscillating drive can be provided, of which the first oscillating drive for generating lateral oscillations with a relatively small amplitude and the second oscillating drive for generating lateral oscillations with significantly greater amplitude (not shown). For example, a first oscillating drive for the lower leg support surface 16 Lateral vibrations with an amplitude in the range of 1 to 4 mm and a second oscillating drive generate lateral vibrations with an amplitude in the range of 20 to 30 mm. Both vibration drives can be on the swing rocker 54 act and are connected to each other via a freewheel, the optional coupling of the first oscillating drive or the second oscillating drive with the respective support surface, here the lower leg support surface 16 , allowed. Both the first oscillating drive and the second oscillating drive can have an amplitude adjustment, however, the second oscillating drive can also operate with a fixed amplitude.

The illustrated embodiment of the vibratory drive 40 is merely exemplary, instead of an eccentric drive, for example, a linear motor can be used. Still other solutions are also conceivable, it is only crucial that the respective bearing surface 16 . 36 . 38 is displaceable in linear Lateralschwingungen.

The illustrated vibration therapy device 10 allows vibration treatments of all kinds. The contact surfaces 16 . 36 and 38 may be individually or in combination in lateral oscillations, wherein the vibration frequencies and vibration amplitudes may be the same or different depending on the selected therapy. The individual oscillating drives of the oscillation generating device can be connected to a control device, For example, in the form of a control computer to be connected and execute predetermined treatment cycles programmatically. This allows the vibration therapy device 10 also optimally adapt to new forms of therapy.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• EP 0267546 A2 [0001, 0002]

Claims (14)

Vibration therapy device ( 10 ), comprising: - a lying surface along a longitudinal axis (A) ( 12 ) for a human body having multiple bearing surfaces ( 14 . 16 ) and at least partially formed as a vibrating support, - a fuselage module ( 18 ), which has a fuselage support surface ( 14 ), - a leg module ( 20 ), which has a lower leg support surface ( 16 ), and - a vibration generating device, characterized in that the vibration generating device linear lateral vibrations transverse to the longitudinal axis (A) in the plane of the lying surface ( 12 ) and with the fuselage support surface ( 14 ) and / or the lower leg support surface ( 16 ) is positively coupled to transmit the lateral vibrations. Vibration therapy device according to claim 1, characterized in that the vibration generating device comprises a plurality of vibration drives ( 40 ) for lateral vibration generation, in particular at least one vibration drive for the fuselage module ( 18 ) and at least one oscillating drive for the leg module ( 20 ). Vibration therapy device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the fuselage support surface ( 14 ) in an upper body support surface ( 36 ) and a pelvic support surface ( 38 ), wherein the upper body support surface ( 36 ) and the pelvic support surface ( 38 ) are vibration-decoupled from each other. Vibration therapy device according to claim 3, characterized in that the vibration generating device each comprise a vibration drive ( 40 ) for lateral vibration generation for the upper body support surface ( 36 ) and the pelvic support surface ( 38 ) having. Vibration therapy device according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the amplitude and / or the frequency of each vibration drive is adjustable. Vibration therapy device according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that each oscillating drive has a linear motor or a drive motor with eccentric. Vibration therapy device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the vibration generating means for the lower leg support surface ( 16 ) Having a first oscillating drive for generating lateral vibrations having an amplitude in the range of 1 to 4 mm and a second oscillating drive for generating lateral vibrations with an amplitude in the range of 20 to 30 mm and that the first oscillating drive and the second oscillating drive via a freewheel with the lower leg support surface ( 16 ), which selectively couples the first oscillating drive or the second oscillating drive to the lower leg supporting surface (FIG. 16 ). Vibration therapy device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the trunk module ( 18 ) and the leg module ( 20 ) are independently height adjustable and / or tiltable. Vibration therapy device according to one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that the upper body support surface ( 36 ) and / or the pelvic support surface ( 38 ) and / or the lower leg support surface ( 16 ) each part of a rocker ( 54 ). Vibration therapy device according to claim 9, characterized in that the upper body support surface ( 36 ) and / or the pelvic support surface ( 38 ) and / or the lower leg support surface ( 16 ) with respect to the associated rocker arm ( 54 ) is elastically mounted. Vibration therapy device according to claim 10, characterized in that in each case an unbalance motor ( 82 ) directly on the upper body support surface ( 36 ) and / or the pelvic support surface ( 38 ) and / or the lower leg support surface ( 16 ) acts. Vibration therapy device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one oscillating drive is designed as a replacement module. Vibration therapy device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each vibration drive used during operation of the vibration therapy device not for generating linear lateral vibrations allows free lateral vibration of a bearing surface associated therewith. Vibration therapy device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that bearing surfaces can swing freely laterally without Lateralschwingungsantrieb.

Images