DE102018217497A1 - Orthopedic joint device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an orthopedic articulation device (5), having a first fastening element (6), a second fastening element (7) pivotable to the first fastening element (6), and a coupling device (8), by means of which the first fastening element (6) with the second Fastening element (7) is connected, which has a spring device (10) which is set up to store kinetic energy in the form of spring tension when the first fastening element (6) moves relative to the second fastening element (7) and when the movement is different from the first relative movement , second relative movement of the first fastening element (6) relative to the second fastening element (7) to release the kinetic energy by relaxing the spring device (10), the coupling device (8) comprising a switch device (12) which switches between a release state in which the first fastening element ( 6) relative to the second attachment igation element (7) bypassing the spring device (10) is freely pivotable about a pivot axis (9), and a spring state can be switched in which the first fastening element (6) is connected to the second fastening element (7) via the spring device (10) in a force-transmitting manner is.

Description

The invention relates to an orthopedic joint device according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

An orthopedic joint device is already out of the US 9,492,302 B2 known. This joint device enables a controlled storage and release of mechanical energy to support the movement of a person. The joint device comprises a frame which has an upper section which can be fastened to a calf side of an ankle joint of a person and a pivotable lower section which is held at the upper section and which can be mechanically connected to a foot of the person on a foot side of the ankle joint. Furthermore, the joint device comprises an elastic element, which is arranged between the upper section and the lower section of the frame and by means of which energy can be stored and released in a controlled manner. The joint device further comprises a rotary coupling with a rotatable drum and a pawl coupled to the rotatable drum. The rotatable drum can be locked by means of the pawl, as a result of which mechanical energy can be prevented from being absorbed into the elastic element.

Furthermore, from the US 5,052,379 an adjustable, combined rail and portable exercise device is known, by means of which a body joint can be made immobile, a movement of the body joint can be controlled in a desired range of motion and muscles of the body joint can be trained. For this purpose, the standardized rail and portable exercise device comprises two swivel arms, which can each be attached to a body part, the body parts being pivotable relative to one another about a joint. The two swivel arms can be connected to one another via a connecting device. This connecting device can be exchanged, it being possible, for example, to use a connecting device which can lock the swivel arms to one another or a connecting device having a spring device for connecting the swivel arms. Mechanical energy can be stored in the connecting device by means of the spring device and can be delivered to support movement of the body parts relative to one another.

The object of the present invention is to provide an orthopedic joint device by means of which a person can be supported particularly advantageously when performing a movement.

This object is achieved according to the invention by an orthopedic joint device with the features of the independent claim. Advantageous refinements with expedient developments of the invention are specified in the respective dependent claims and in the present description.

The invention relates to an orthopedic articulation device with a first fastening element, which is set up to be arranged in a rotationally fixed manner on a first body part. In addition, the orthopedic articulation device comprises a second fastening element which can be pivoted to the first fastening element and which is designed to be arranged in a rotationally fixed manner on a second body part which can be pivoted about a joint axis to the first body part. In addition, the orthopedic joint device comprises a coupling device, by means of which the first fastening element is connected to the second fastening element. The coupling device has a spring device which is set up to store kinetic energy in the form of spring tension during a first relative movement of the first fastening element relative to the second fastening element and, when the second relative movement of the first fastening element relative to the second fastening element differs from the first relative movement, the kinetic energy by relaxing the Release spring device. This means that the first fastening element is arranged on the first body part below the joint and the second fastening element is arranged on the second body part above the joint. In particular, the respective fastening elements are fastened to the respective body parts in such a way that the fastening elements are moved with the body parts when the body parts are moved. The fastening elements are connected to one another via the coupling device, the coupling device allowing and guiding the first fastening element to pivot relative to the second fastening element. For example, the coupling device has a central axis which is arranged parallel and in particular concentrically to the joint axis of the joint and about which the fastening elements can be pivoted relative to one another as the pivot axis. The coupling device thus enables the fastening elements to be pivoted along with the body parts when the first body part is pivoted relative to the second body part, the fastening elements being pivoted relative to one another about the pivot axis of the coupling device running parallel to the joint axis.

In order to enable a particularly advantageous support of a movement of a person wearing the orthopedic articulation device, it is provided according to the invention that the coupling device comprises a switch device which can be switched between a release state and a spring state. In the released state, the first fastening element can be pivoted freely about the pivot axis relative to the second fastening element, bypassing the spring device, and, in the parallel and concentric arrangement of the pivot axis to the joint axis, also about the joint axis. In the spring state, the first fastening element is connected to the second fastening element in a force-transmitting manner via the spring device. This means that in the spring state, the kinetic energy is stored in the form of spring tension in the first relative movement and the kinetic energy is released in the second relative movement by relaxing the spring device. Consequently, the respective movement of the person can be supported by storing and releasing mechanical energy by means of the orthopedic joint device in the spring state. In the release state, the movement of the person is to be supported in that a free swinging of the body parts relative to one another is made possible without the person having to overcome a resistance to moving the body parts that occurs when the spring tension is built up. For example, in the case of a predetermined movement sequence, such as the execution of a step, part of the movement sequence can be supported by setting the spring state in the coupling device and another part of the movement sequence can be supported by the release state of the coupling device. Consequently, the coupling device is operated by means of the switch device when the person performs a single step in succession in the release state and in the spring state in order to particularly advantageously support the movement of the person.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention it is provided that the spring device comprises a spiral spring having a first end and a second end. The first end of the coil spring is connected to the first fastening element and the second end is supported on a support ring. In the released state, the support ring rests on the second end of the spiral spring without spring tension, so that the spring force prevents the spring force from building up in the spring device. In the spring state, the support ring is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the second fastening element via a frictional engagement, as a result of which the spring tension in the spiral spring can be built up at the second end via the support ring. The support ring is in particular arranged concentrically with the axis of the joint. In particular, the support ring is arranged around the circumference of the spiral spring and thus radially overlapping. Here, the support ring can have a radially inwardly projecting projection, which is a support element against which the coil spring is supported with its second end. If there is a rotationally fixed connection between the support ring and the second fastening element in the spring state via the frictional engagement, then when the first fastening element relative to the second fastening element of the support ring with the second fastening element pivoted together relative to the first fastening element. The second end of the spiral spring supported on the support ring is pivoted in the spring state together with the support ring with the second fastening element relative to the first fastening element. The first end of the spiral spring is firmly connected to the first fastening element, so that the first end of the spiral spring is pivoted together with the first fastening element relative to the second fastening element. Thus, when the first fastening element is pivoted relative to the second fastening element in the spring state, the first end of the spiral spring is pivoted relative to the second end of the spiral spring. The pivoting of the first end of the coil spring relative to the second end of the coil spring causes the spring tension to build up or decrease in the coil spring. By building up or reducing the spring tension in the spiral spring, mechanical energy of the pivoting movement of the first fastening element relative to the second fastening element can be stored in the spring device or stored out of the spring device. During the pivoting movement of the first fastening element relative to the second fastening element about the hinge axis or the pivot axis of the coupling device arranged parallel and concentrically to the hinge axis, both the support ring and the ends of the spiral spring can be pivoted relative to one another about the pivot axis. In the released state, the support ring is free of power transmission to the second fastening element, so that when the first fastening element is pivoted relative to the second fastening element, the support ring is also pivoted about the pivot axis with the first fastening element and with the spiral spring. The pivoting of the support ring together with the coil spring and the first fastening element in the release state causes the coil spring to be at least substantially free of spring tension. In the release state, the spiral spring neither provides mechanical energy nor stores mechanical energy. Thus, in the released state, a build-up of resistance by means of the spiral spring is prevented when the first fastening element is pivoted relative to the second fastening element. Via the support ring, the second end of the spiral spring can be connected particularly securely and easily to the second fastening element or can be arranged without power transmission to the second fastening element in order to adjust the coupling device between the release state and the spring state or to set the release state or the spring state in the coupling device.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it has proven to be advantageous if the switch device has a coupling ring which can be pivoted about a pivot axis relative to the second fastening element between a release position in which the release state is set and a spring position in which the spring state is set . The pivot axis runs in particular concentrically and parallel to the central axis and to the joint axis. In other words, the coupling ring can be arranged in the release position or in the spring position relative to the second fastening element. The support ring can be connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the second fastening element via the coupling ring by means of the frictional connection. The coupling ring is pivoted with the second fastening element both in its release position and in its spring position when the first fastening element is pivoted relative to the second fastening element. The coupling ring is thus connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the second fastening element both in the release position and in the spring position, the coupling ring being pivotable about the pivot axis relative to the second fastening element for adjustment between its release position and its spring position. In the release position and in the spring position, the coupling ring can be fixed relative to the second fastening element, with a relative pivoting of the coupling ring relative to the second fastening element being releasable for adjusting the coupling ring between the release position and the spring position. The support ring can be fixed in a particularly simple, rotationally fixed manner to the second fastening element via the coupling ring and can be released relative to the second fastening element.

In this context, it has proven to be particularly advantageous if the coupling ring is received in a receptacle of the second fastening element relative to the second fastening element so as to be pivotable about the pivot axis. Here, the receptacle has at least one guide link, in which an associated guide element of the coupling ring engages and via which a pivoting movement of the coupling ring relative to the second fastening element can be limited. In other words, the second fastening element has the cup-shaped receptacle, in the peripheral side wall of which the at least one guide link is arranged. The associated guide element of the clutch ring is arranged in the respective guide link, wherein when the clutch ring is pivoted relative to the second fastening element to adjust the clutch ring between the release position and the spring position, the guide element received in the respective guide link is moved relative to the guide link. Here, the guide link specifies the release position and the spring position of the coupling ring via its geometric configuration. The respective guide element can be moved relative to the associated guide link along a circumferential direction of the peripheral side wall of the receptacle or of the coupling ring when the coupling ring is adjusted between the release position and the spring position relative to the receptacle and thus relative to the second fastening element. Both the release position and the spring position of the coupling ring relative to the second fastening element can thus be specified particularly precisely via the receptacle and the at least one guide link of the receptacle, in order to enable particularly simple adjustment of the coupling ring between its release position and its spring position.

In a further advantageous embodiment it is provided that the support ring is arranged concentrically to the coupling ring and the coupling ring is connected in the spring position to the support ring in a rotationally fixed manner via the frictional engagement. In the release position, the support ring can be freely rotated relative to the coupling ring about the pivot axis or the central axis or the joint axis. When adjusting the coupling ring between its release position and its spring position, the coupling ring is thus both relative to the mounting element 2nd , and also pivoted relative to the support ring about the pivot axis. Thus, when the coupling ring is arranged in the spring position, there is a frictional engagement, and when the coupling ring is arranged in the release position, the frictional engagement does not exist. In the release position, the support ring can be freely pivoted relative to the coupling ring with the first fastening element relative to the second fastening element. In the spring position of the coupling ring, the support ring is pivoted together with the coupling ring with the second fastening element relative to the first fastening element. Consequently, the support ring is coupled in a rotationally fixed manner to the coupling ring via the coupling ring for setting the spring state and is uncoupled from the coupling ring for setting the release state. Consequently, the coupling device is relative to the support ring due to the circumferential arrangement of the coupling ring particularly easy to switch between the release state and the spring state.

In this context, it has been shown to be advantageous if the coupling ring has at least one tapering recess, which is radially inwardly covered by the support ring and in which a pin can be guided, the pin being arranged in a tapered end of the recess in the spring position and provides a frictional connection to the support ring in the spring position and is arranged contact-free to the support ring in the release position. The at least one recess tapers in particular along a circumferential direction of the coupling ring, the recess of the coupling ring being open at least in regions towards the support ring. Arranged in the recess is the associated pin, which can be moved relative to the recess in the circumferential direction of the coupling ring when the coupling ring is adjusted from its spring position to its release position within the recess. If the pin is arranged in the tapered end of the recess, then the pin is supported laterally against a side wall of the coupling ring facing away from the support ring and opposite the support ring, which is referred to below as the first side wall, and against the support ring, so that the frictional engagement is achieved via the pin is provided, via which the support ring is rotatably connected to the coupling ring. When adjusting the coupling ring from the spring position in its release position, the pin is moved in the recess in the circumferential direction of the coupling ring into the tapered opposite end of the coupling ring, the pin being at least separated from the support ring during adjustment, so that the pin is contact-free in the release position of the coupling ring is arranged to the support ring. As a result, the support ring is freely rotatable relative to the coupling ring in the release position of the coupling ring. In the spring position of the clutch ring, the pin is clamped between the side surface of the recess of the clutch ring opposite the support ring and the support ring, as a result of which the support ring is fixed relative to the clutch ring. The frictional engagement can be adjusted and released particularly easily via the pin, so that by means of the pin the support ring can be positioned in a particularly simple manner in a rotationally fixed manner relative to the coupling ring and can be arranged in a rotationally free manner with respect to the coupling ring.

It has also proven to be advantageous if the pin arranged in the respective recess is resiliently supported against at least one side wall of the tapered end of the respective recess. In particular, the pin is resiliently supported against the side wall that laterally delimits the cutout in the circumferential direction, wherein this side wall, referred to below as the second side wall, differs from the first side wall opposite the support ring. The resilient support of the pin against the second side wall enables the pin to be reset particularly easily when the coupling ring is adjusted between its release position and its spring position. In particular, the resilient support, for example by means of a helical spring, enables the frictional engagement to be released particularly simply and reliably when the coupling ring is adjusted from the spring position to the release position. Pinching of the pin between the first side wall and the support ring despite the arrangement of the coupling ring in the release position can thus be prevented. The resilient support of the pin thus enables a particularly safe and simple reset of the pin when adjusting the coupling ring from the spring position to the release position in order to ensure a safe adjustment of the coupling device from the spring state to the release state.

It is further provided that the at least one recess has an opening opposite the tapered end, through which an adjustment element of the second fastening element can be guided between the release position and the spring position when the switch device is adjusted. To establish the frictional connection between the coupling ring and the support ring, the pin can be pressed against the tapered end of the recess by means of the adjusting element. The other end of the recess opposite the tapered end along the circumferential direction thus has the opening through which the adjusting element can be guided. This adjustment element is in particular formed in one piece with the second fastening element. By means of the adjusting element, the pin can be pressed into the tapered end in the circumferential direction of the coupling ring, as a result of which the pin is clamped between the first side surface of the coupling ring and the support ring for adjusting the frictional engagement. If the pressure exerted on the pin by means of the adjusting element is released from the spring position in its release position when the coupling ring is adjusted, then the pin can be pressed out of the tapered end of the recess against the second side wall via the resilient support in order to release the support ring. When the coupling ring is adjusted or pivoted relative to the second fastening element, the at least one adjusting element is also pivoted relative to the recess in the circumferential direction. Consequently, the frictional engagement between the support ring and the coupling ring can thus be adjusted via the adjusting element in order to set the spring state in the coupling device. If the coupling ring has a plurality of cutouts with respective pins arranged in the cutouts, the second fastening element has a respective one for each of the cutouts adjusting element assigned to the respective recess. By means of the plurality of adjustment elements, all pins can be pressed simultaneously into the respective tapered ends of the cutouts in order to fix the support ring relative to the coupling ring at the same time by means of all pins. For example, the plurality of recesses can be distributed uniformly over a circumference of the coupling ring in order to enable the supporting ring to be fixed uniformly relative to the coupling ring in the spring state of the coupling device via the respective pins. The respective adjustment elements allow a particularly simple setting of the spring state in the coupling device.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the switch device can be adjusted between the release state and the spring state by means of an electronic actuator. This means that the coupling ring can be pivoted relative to the second fastening element by means of the electrical actuator in order to adjust the coupling device between the spring state and the release state. For example, the coupling ring can be fixed in the release position and in the spring position by means of the electrical actuator in order to prevent an uncontrolled adjustment of the coupling device between the release state and the spring state. The switch device can be adjusted between the release state and the spring state in a particularly simple and reliable manner by means of the electrical actuator.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the first fastening element and / or the second fastening element have at least one rail, via which the respective fastening element can be fastened to the respective body part. At least one rotational movement or a pivoting movement of the respective body part to the respective assigned fastening element can be prevented via the respective rail. This can ensure that the central axis or the pivot axis of the coupling device is arranged at any time at least essentially concentrically to the joint axis of the joint in order to enable a particularly advantageous support of the movement of the body parts relative to one another. For example, the rail can allow a translatory movement of the body part relative to the fastening element in order to prevent the build-up of tensions between the respective fastening element and the respective associated body part. This makes it possible to achieve a particularly high level of comfort for the person wearing the orthopedic joint device. In addition, tensions in the coupling device can be avoided via the respective rails, as a result of which the coupling device is particularly durable.

The invention also includes combinations of the features of the described embodiments.

• 1 eine schematische Seitenansicht eines Unterschenkels sowie eines Fußes einer Person, wobei der Fuß gegen den Unterschenkel mit einer orthopädietechnischen Gelenkvorrichtung unterstützt ist, welche ein erstes, an dem Fuß befestigbares Befestigungselement sowie ein zweites, an dem Unterschenkel befestigbares Befestigungselement umfasst, welche über eine Kupplungseinrichtung relativ zueinander um eine Schwenkachse schwenkbar miteinander verbunden sind;
• 2 eine Explosionsansicht der Kupplungseinrichtung mit einer Spiralfeder, einem Abstützring, einer Vielzahl an Stiften sowie einem Kupplungsring zum Verschalten des ersten Befestigungselements mit dem zweiten Befestigungselement;
• 3 eine schematische Draufsicht auf die Kupplungseinrichtung mit der einenends mit dem ersten Befestigungselement drehfest verbundenen Spiralfeder, welchen anderenends gegen den Abstützring abgestützt ist und über den Abstützring mittels des Kupplungsrings mit dem zweiten Befestigungselement drehfest verbindbar oder zu dem zweiten Befestigungselement drehfrei anordenbar ist;
• 4a-4b jeweilige schematische ausschnittsweise Seitenansichten einer Aussparung des Kupplungsrings, in welcher ein Stift angeordnet ist, über welchen eine Reibverbindung zwischen dem Kupplungsring und dem Abstützring bereitstellbar und lösbar ist.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below. It shows:

• 1 is a schematic side view of a lower leg and a foot of a person, the foot against the lower leg is supported with an orthopedic joint device which comprises a first fastening element which can be fastened to the foot and a second fastening element which can be fastened to the lower leg and which is relative to one another via a coupling device are pivotally connected to one another about a pivot axis;
• 2nd an exploded view of the coupling device with a coil spring, a support ring, a plurality of pins and a coupling ring for interconnecting the first fastening element with the second fastening element;
• 3rd is a schematic plan view of the coupling device with the spiral spring connected at one end to the first fastening element, which is supported at the other end against the support ring and can be connected in a rotationally fixed manner via the support ring by means of the coupling ring to the second fastening element or can be arranged in a non-rotatable manner to the second fastening element;
• 4a-4b respective schematic partial side views of a recess of the coupling ring, in which a pin is arranged, via which a frictional connection between the coupling ring and the support ring can be provided and released.

The exemplary embodiments explained below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In the exemplary embodiments, the described components of the embodiments each represent individual features of the invention that are to be considered independently of one another and that further develop the invention independently of one another. Therefore, the disclosure is intended to include combinations of the features of the embodiments other than those shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention that have already been described.

In the figures, functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

In 1 is a leg in some areas 1 represented to a person. That leg 1 has a foot as the first part of the body 2nd and a lower leg as a second part of the body 3rd on. The foot 2nd is with the lower leg 3rd about a joint 4th connected, which has a hinge axis. About the joint axis of the joint 4th is the foot 2nd relative to the lower leg 3rd when moving the leg 1 pivotable. To move the leg 1 To be able to support particularly advantageously is an orthopedic joint device 5 intended.

This orthopedic joint device 5 has a first fastener 6 which is set up to be arranged on the first body part in a rotationally fixed manner and in which in 1 shown representation on the foot 2nd , especially on one of the feet 2nd worn shoe, is attached. The orthopedic joint device 5 further comprises a second fastening element 7 , which is designed to be fastened to the second body part and is present on the lower leg 3rd attached. The first fastener 6 and / or the second fastening element 7 can each have at least one rail over which the respective fastening elements 6 , 7 are attachable to the associated body parts. In this case, the respective rails can allow a translatory movement of the respective fastening element to the respective associated body part by stresses in the first fastening element 6 with the second fastener 7 connecting coupling device 8th to keep particularly low.

By means of the coupling device 8th is the first fastener 6 with the second fastener 7 connected. Here, the coupling device enables 8th a pivoting of the first fastening element 6 relative to the second fastener 7 about a pivot axis 9 . The orthopedic joint device 5 is like that on the leg 1 the person arranged that the pivot axis 9 concentric to the joint axis of the joint 4th is arranged, causing movement of the leg 1 a swiveling of the foot 2nd relative to the lower leg 3rd by means of the orthopedic joint device 5 can be supported particularly advantageously. The coupling device 8th is in 2nd shown in more detail in an exploded view. The coupling device 8th has a spring device 10th which, in the present case, is a spiral spring 11 includes. By means of the spring device 10th is with a first relative movement of the first fastening element 6 to the second fastener 7 Kinetic energy can be stored in the form of spring tension. In the case of a second relative movement of the first fastening element that differs from the first relative movement 6 to the second fastener 7 is the kinetic energy by relaxing the spring device 10th releasable. Consequently, by means of the spring device 10th Kinetic energy can be temporarily stored around movement of the leg 1 to be able to support the person particularly advantageously.

To enable the orthopedic joint device 5 in a release state in which the first fastening element 6 relative to the second fastener 7 bypassing the spring device 10th freely around the swivel axis 9 is pivotable, and can be operated in a spring state, in which the first fastening element 6 via the spring device 10th with the second fastener 7 is connected to transmit power, is a switch device 12th intended. By means of the switch device 12th is the orthopedic joint device 5 thus adjustable between the release state and the spring state. The first fastening element is in the release state 6 relative to the second fastener 7 freely around the swivel axis 9 without building up spring tension or releasing spring tension in the spring device 10th pivotable. In contrast, the orthopedic joint device is in the spring state 5 set up for the first relative movement, the kinetic energy in the spring device 10th to save and in the second relative movement that in the spring device 10th release stored kinetic energy to support this second relative movement.

As in the exploded view in 2nd can be recognized, includes the switch device 12th a clutch ring 13 , over which the spring device 10th non-positively with the second fastener 7 is connectable and a frictional connection between the second fastening element 7 and the spring device 10th can be prevented. The second fastener 7 points as in 2nd you can see a picture 14 in which the clutch ring 13 is recordable. The recording 14 can also be called a clutch cage. The recording 14 is ring-shaped, by means of the recording 14 the clutch ring 13 in one in the recording 14 recorded state on the circumference of the recording 14 is enclosed. The one in the recording 14 recorded state of the clutch ring 13 are respective center axes of the coupling ring 13 and recording 14 concentric to the swivel axis 9 the coupling device 8th arranged. The clutch ring 13 has an opening in the region of its central axis through which a cylindrical receiving element passes 15 of the first fastener 6 can be pushed through. The receiving element 15 of the first fastener 6 thus enables a pivoting movement of the coupling ring 13 relative to the first fastener 6 while the annular admission 14 of the second fastener 7 a pivoting movement of the coupling ring 13 about the pivot axis 9 relative to the second fastener 7 enables.

As further out 2nd can be recognized, the recording points 14 of the second fastener 7 several management backdrops 16 on, in each of which a guide element 17th the coupling ring 13 is plugged in. By arranging the respective guide elements 17th the coupling ring 13 in the leadership scenes 16 the recording 14 is a respective relative pivoting of the coupling ring 13 relative to the recording 14 about the pivot axis 9 limited. In particular, through the leadership backdrops 16 at least two maximum pivoting positions of the coupling ring 13 relative to the recording 14 about the pivot axis 9 by striking the respective guide element laterally 17th in the respective leadership setting 16 given. The respective maximum pivoting positions of the coupling ring 13 relative to the recording 14 define a release position 27 as well as a spring position 25th the coupling ring 13 relative to the recording 14 . With an arrangement of the clutch ring 13 in the spring position 25th is the spring condition in the coupling device 8th set. With an arrangement of the clutch ring 13 in a release position 27 is the coupling device 8th set in the release state. For adjusting the clutch ring 13 between the release position 27 and the spring position 25th an electrical actuator can be provided, which is driven in particular by an electric motor.

On the circumference of the spring device 10th is a support ring 18th provided which the coil spring 11 circumferentially encloses and circumferentially from the coupling ring 13 is enclosed. The switch device 12th the coupling device 8th includes in addition to the clutch ring 13 several pens 19th , via which the support ring is used to produce the spring condition 18th non-rotatable to the coupling ring 13 is fixable. The pencils 19th can also be called rollers. As an alternative to the pens 19th can balls in the respective recesses 23 be arranged, with the support ring over the balls 18th relative to the clutch ring 13 fixable or the support ring 18th can be released. The support ring is used to establish the release status 18th from the multiple pens 19th releasable to a relative pivoting of the support ring 18th to the coupling ring 13 to enable.

In 3rd is the coupling device 8th shown in an assembled state. As in 3rd can be recognized, has the spiral spring 11 a first end 20th and a second end 21 on. The first end 20th the coil spring 11 is non-rotatable with the receiving element 15 of the first fastener 6 connected. The second end 21 the coil spring 11 is against the support ring 18th supported. The support ring 18th has a radially inward direction and thus in the direction of the pivot axis 9 protruding support element 22 against which the second end 21 the coil spring 11 is supported. Here is the second end 21 the coil spring 11 in the present case firmly with the support element 22 the support ring 18th connected so the second end 21 the coil spring 11 with the support ring 18th is also pivoted, or the support ring 18th with the second end 21 the coil spring 11 is also pivotable. The support ring 18th is concentric with the coupling ring 13 seconded, being in the spring position 25th the coupling ring 13 the clutch ring 13 rotatably with the support ring 18th connected is. In the release position 27 the coupling ring 13 is the support ring 18th relative to the clutch ring 13 freely around the swivel axis 9 pivotable.

Around the clutch ring 13 rotatably with the support ring 18th to connect, a frictional connection is generated to produce the spring state. The frictional engagement is across the multiple pins 19th manufactured. The pencils 19th are in respective assigned recesses 23 the coupling ring 13 arranged. The respective recesses 23 are to the support ring 18th trained open. Here are the recesses 23 radially inwards to the swivel axis 9 towards the support ring 18th covered. Along a circumferential direction of the clutch ring 13 the recesses taper 23 to one side. As a result, the recesses point 23 one tapered end each 24th on. In the respective recesses 23 the coupling ring 13 are the pens 19th arranged which along the circumferential direction of the coupling ring 13 in the recess 23 to the tapered end 24th the recess 23 towards or from the tapered end 24th are movable away.

In the in 4b spring position shown 25th the coupling ring 13 is the recess shown in the figure 23 arranged pin 19th in the tapered end 24th the recess 23 arranged. When arranging the pen 19th in the tapered end 24th is the pen 19th between which the recess 23 radially inwards to the swivel axis 9 support ring overlapping 18th and one of the support ring 18th opposite, first side wall 26 the recess 23 trapped. About pinching the pen 19th between the first side wall 26 and the support ring 18th the frictional connection is established, which creates the support ring 18th with the clutch ring 13 is rotatably connected. In 4a is the same recess 23 shown, the coupling ring 13 in this illustration in the release position 27 is arranged. In the release state it is in the recess 23 arranged pin 19th spaced from the support ring 18th arranged so that the Support ring 18th to the swivel axis 9 free relative to the coupling ring 13 is pivotable.

Is the support ring 18th non-rotatable with the coupling ring 13 is connected via the support element 22 with a relative movement of the first fastening element 6 relative to the second fastener 7 about the pivot axis 9 about the second end 21 the coil spring 11 the kinetic energy in the spring device 10th stored or the kinetic energy from the spring device 10th saved. Is the coupling device 8th set in the release state, then rotate the second end 21 the coil spring 11 and about the second end 21 the support element 22 and thus the support ring 18th free with the first fastener 6 with a relative movement of the first fastening element 6 relative to the second fastener 7 .

For a particularly advantageous adjustment of the coupling ring 13 between its release position 27 and its spring position 25th to enable, the second fastener 7 respective adjustment elements 28 by means of which the respective pins 19th in the recess 23 into the tapered end 24th the recess 23 can be pushed into it. The second fastener 7 points for each of the recesses 23 an adjusting element 28 on. The respective adjustment element 28 is through one the tapered end 24th in the circumferential direction of the coupling ring 13 opposite opening 29 passable to in the spring position 25th the coupling ring 13 the pencil 19th into the tapered end 24th the recess 23 to press and thereby adjust the frictional engagement. For a particularly simple reset of the pen 19th when adjusting the clutch ring 13 from the spring position 25th in the release position 27 To enable, is the respective pen 19th via a respective coil spring 30th against a second side wall 31 the recess 23 which the tapered end 24th is assigned to the first side wall 26 is different and the opening 29 is arranged in the circumferential direction opposite, resiliently supported. About this first coil spring 30th becomes the pen 19th from the tapered end 24th the recess 23 pushed out as soon as a force is exerted by the adjusting element 28 on the pen 19th subsides. This can ensure that the support ring 18th particularly safe from the pen 19th is released as soon as the adjustment element 28 from the pen 19th along the circumferential direction of the clutch ring 13 is moved away.

To force the adjustment element 28 on the pen 19th when adjusting the clutch ring 13 from the release position 27 in the spring position 25th To be able to adjust is for each of the recesses 23 a second coil spring 32 provided by means of which the respective pin 19th against the respective adjustment element 28 is resiliently supported. By means of the second spiral spring 32 can avoid the pen 19th between the first side wall 26 and the support ring 18th is clamped in such a way that a spring force of the first coil spring 11 not enough to release the frictional connection. That means that by means of the second coil spring 32 ensures that the spring force of the first coil spring 30th is sufficient to release the frictional connection and thereby enable a return from the spring state to the release state.

The described orthopedic joint device 5 is based on the finding that human joints and muscle groups activated in one movement are subject to heavy loads and strains every day. When walking, running or climbing stairs as well as when lifting, lifting or throwing, muscle groups are stressed and joints are stressed. A healthy person trains appropriate muscle groups for their physical fitness in order to achieve goals faster or to increase their stamina, which can be used to achieve distant goals. People whose muscle groups or joints are weakened by accidents or illnesses are often restricted in their execution of a movement and / or in their movement radius. You can no longer participate in daily life, as is the case with healthy people. It is disadvantageous if the joints and muscle groups that are used to perform a movement cannot provide enough power to perform the movement. As a result, only a limited speed and / or a restricted range of motion can be achieved.

These disadvantages are said to be achieved by means of the orthopedic joint device 5 be overcome. The orthopedic joint device 5 comprises a passive and / or active mechanical torsion spring, in particular the spiral spring 11 which in the area of the joint 4th of the leg 1 is arranged and over the first fastener 6 and the second fastener 7 respectively with the fasteners 6 , 7 connected splints to the leg 1 connected is. The fasteners 6 , 7 or the respective fasteners 6 , 7 assigned rails form a frictional connection with the joint 4th adjacent muscles, vision and bones and the torsion spring. By energy absorption and energy delivery of energy stored in the torsion spring in the spring state of the coupling device 8th becomes a musculoskeletal system of the orthopedic joint device 5 wearing person, especially the leg 1 , supported and relieved in its movement.

During a phase of a sequence of movements, the spiral spring 11 excited, whereby kinetic energy is recuperated and / or it is energy by means of an energy carrier in the coil spring 11 introduced to spring tension in the coil spring 11 build up. If the energy is introduced by means of the additional energy source, then it is the spiral spring 11 an active spring. In a further phase of the movement sequence following the phase, that in the spiral spring 11 stored energy released on the fasteners 6 , 7 or the associated splints and over these on muscles and / or tendons and / or bones of the leg 1 transferred, which supports the movement and in particular can be accelerated. The movement of a human body is supported in its execution by means of the torsion spring, whereby the execution of the movement is particularly simple.

The coupling device 8th is designed such that the spiral spring 11 , which is in particular a spiral spring band, is tensioned only under certain conditions and, under other conditions, energy-saving movement of the joint 4th enables. This is the coupling device 8th adjustable between the release state and the spring state. Adjusting the coupling device 8th can be done directly via a mechanical adjustment of the coupling ring 13 between its spring position 25th and its release position 27 and / or indirectly via the electrical actuator. When adjusting the clutch ring 13 by means of the electrical actuator, the coupling ring 13 are switched as a function of sensor information, the sensor information in particular on the leg 1 arranged sensor devices can be provided. The one in the spiral spring 11 stored energy is released in particular immediately after being stored in order to particularly advantageously support the movement sequence of the respective movement.

The orthopedic joint device 5 can be used especially when climbing stairs or running a mountain. Alternatively or additionally, the orthopedic joint device 5 can be integrated into a functional shoe such as a firefighting shoe or a mountain guard shoe. The orthopedic joint device 5 enables relief of the orthopedic joint device 5 carrying person and a particularly high stamina of the person when running.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is only included 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.

Patent literature cited

• US 9492302 B2 [0002]
• US 5052379 [0003]

Claims (10)

Orthopedic joint device (5), with - a first fastening element (6) which is set up to be arranged on a first body part (2) in a rotationally fixed manner, - a second fastening element (7) which can be pivoted to the first fastening element (6) and which is set up for this purpose is to be arranged on a second body part (3) which is pivotable relative to the first body part (3) via a joint (4) about a joint axis, and - a coupling device (8) by means of which the first fastening element (6) with the second Fastening element (7) is connected, which has a spring device (10) which is set up to store kinetic energy in the form of spring tension when the first fastening element (6) moves relative to the second fastening element (7) and when the movement is different from the first relative movement , second relative movement of the first fastening element (6) to the second fastening element (7) the movement To release energy by relaxing the spring device (10), characterized in that the coupling device (8) comprises a switch device (12) which between a release state in which the first fastening element (6) relative to the second fastening element (7) bypassing the spring device (10) can be freely pivoted about a pivot axis (9), and a spring state can be switched in which the first fastening element (6) is connected to the second fastening element (7) in a force-transmitting manner via the spring device (10). Orthopedic joint device (5) after Claim 1 , wherein the spring device (10) comprises a spiral end (20) having a first end (20) and a second end (21), which is connected with its first end (20) to the first fastening element (6) and with its second end (21) is supported on a support ring (18) which, in the released state, rests against the second end (21) of the spiral spring (11) without spring tension and which in the spring state is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the second fastening element (7) via a frictional connection, as a result of which the spring tension in the spiral spring (11) can be built up at the second end (21) via the support ring (18). Orthopedic joint device (5) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the switch device (12) has a coupling ring (13) which is between a release position (27) in which the release state is set and a spring position (25) in which the spring state is set about the pivot axis (9) relative to the second fastening element (7) is pivotable. Orthopedic joint device (5) after Claim 3 , The coupling ring (13) being received in a receptacle (14) of the second fastening element (7) relative to the second fastening element (7) so as to be pivotable about the pivot axis (9), the receptacle (14) having at least one guide link (16) , into which an associated guide element (17) of the coupling ring (13) engages and via which a pivoting movement of the coupling ring (13) relative to the second fastening element (7) can be limited. Orthopedic joint device (5) according to the Claims 2 and 3rd or 2nd and 4th , wherein the support ring (18) is arranged concentrically to the coupling ring (13) and in the spring position (25) is rotatably connected to the support ring (18) via the frictional connection and in the release position (27) the support ring ( 18) relative to the coupling ring (13) is freely rotatable about the pivot axis (9). Orthopedic joint device (5) after Claim 5 , wherein the coupling ring (13) has at least one tapering recess (23) which is radially inwardly covered by the support ring (18) and in which a pin (19) can be guided, the pin (19) being in the spring position (25) is arranged in a tapered end (24) of the recess (23) and provides the frictional connection to the support ring (18) and is arranged in the release position (27) without contact with the support ring (18). Orthopedic joint device (5) after Claim 6 , wherein for resetting the pin (19) arranged in the respective recess (23) is resiliently supported against at least one side wall (31) of the tapered end (24) of the respective recess (23). Orthopedic joint device (5) after Claim 6 or 7 The at least one recess (23) has an opening (29) opposite the tapered end (24), through which an adjustment element (28) of the second fastening element (7) moves when the switch device (12) is adjusted between the release position (27). and the spring position (25) can be guided, the pin (19) being able to be pressed against the tapered end (24) of the recess (23) by means of the adjusting element (28) in order to establish the frictional connection between the coupling ring (13) and the support ring (18) is. Orthopedic joint device (5) according to one of the preceding claims, the switch device (12) by means of an electrical Actuator between the release state and the spring state is adjustable. Orthopedic joint device (5) according to one of the preceding claims, the first fastening element (6) and / or the second fastening element (7) have at least one rail, via which the respective fastening element (6, 7) on the respective body part (2, 3) is attachable.

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