US20230149245A9

US20230149245A9 - Neck Switch Device in a Passive Exoskeleton

Info

Publication number: US20230149245A9
Application number: US17/414,594
Authority: US
Inventors: Simon KAESMANN; Lars MELZER
Original assignee: Hilti AG
Current assignee: Hilti AG
Priority date: 2018-12-17
Filing date: 2019-11-25
Publication date: 2023-05-18
Also published as: EP3898125A1; WO2020126322A1; US20220071831A1; JP2022512337A; EP3670104A1; CN113165166A

Abstract

An exoskeleton for supporting an arm of a user includes a torso attachment device, a bracket which is connectable to the torso attachment device, a lifting rod which is connectable to the torso attachment device via the bracket and which is reversibly movable in a first direction and a second direction relative to the bracket, a cantilever for supporting the arm of the user which is releasably connectable to the arm of the user, a ratchet mechanism that connects a first end of the lifting rod to a first end of the cantilever, and a blocking device. The ratchet mechanism is adjustable by the blocking device from a release position into a blocking position where, in the release position, the cantilever is pivotable relative to the lifting rod and where, in the blocking position, a pivoting movement of the cantilever relative to the lifting rod is blocked.

Description

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an exoskeleton for supporting at least one arm of a user.
Exoskeletons that are available on the market and are available for the passive and/or active support of the extremities of a user, in particular the arms, usually include a hip fastening, a first and second supporting strut, and a first and second arm support. The first and the second supporting strut are vertically fastened to the left-hand and right-hand side, respectively, of the hip fastening. At the upper end of the first supporting strut, the first arm support is fastened in a rotatable manner via a pivot bearing. Likewise, at the upper end of the second supporting strut, the second arm strut is fastened in a rotatable manner via a further pivot bearing. The arm supports can be fixed in different angular positions relative to the supporting strut, such that the arms of the user can be rested on the deployed arm supports. With the aid of springs, the arm supports can push the arms of the user upward and as a result make it easier to lift a significant load (i.e., one with a great weight).
As a result of the anatomy of the human shoulder, as is schematically shown in FIG. 1 a, when the arms are lifted, the shoulder joint is elevated at the same time. In exoskeletons according to the prior art, the pivot bearings between an upper supporting strut and arm support remain in one position, however, and do not follow the elevation of the human shoulder joint. This can result in a troublesome relative movement between the exoskeleton and the arms. This has the result that either the arms are forced onto a path of motion that is not desired by the user or the attachment points between the exoskeleton and human body slip. Movement restrictions and low wearing comfort are the result. An exoskeleton of this kind according to the prior art is shown for example in the patents U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,205,017 BB and 9,737,374 BB.
The object of the present invention is to solve the abovementioned problem and in particular to provide an improved exoskeleton for supporting at least one arm of a user.
This object is achieved by an exoskeleton for supporting at least one arm of a user.
According to the invention, the exoskeleton contains a torso attachment device for releasably connecting the exoskeleton to a torso of a user, at least one bracket, which is connectable to the torso attachment device, a lifting rod, which is connectable to the torso attachment device by means of the at least one bracket and which is reversibly movable in a first and a second direction relative to the bracket, a cantilever for supporting the arm of a user, which is releasably connectable to the arm of a user, and a ratchet mechanism for connecting a first end of the lifting rod to a first end of the cantilever, with the result that it is possible to selectively set a repeated, sectoral rotary movement of the cantilever in a first direction of rotation and a blocking action for the cantilever in a second direction of rotation. As a result, an exoskeleton is provided, which allows a resting possibility for the arms of a user, which is adapted to the elevation of the human shoulder joint when the arm is lifted. As a result of this ergonomically or anatomically correct resting possibility for the arms of a user, better support can be achieved for the user when holding heavy loads.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, a coupling rod having a first and a second end can, the coupling rod being rotatably connected respectively to the cantilever by the first end and to the lifting rod by the second end via a compensating mechanism. By way of the coupling rod, the movement of the cantilever relative to the lifting rod are guided and supported. An undesired lateral movement of the cantilever or twisting or torsion of the cantilever with respect to the lifting rod and/or bracket can be prevented as a result.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the compensating mechanism can be configured in the form of a slot at the second end of the coupling rod and of a pivot bearing on the lifting rod, wherein the pivot bearing is positioned in the slot. As a result, the compensating mechanism can be implemented in a simple manner. Furthermore, as a result of the slot at the end of the coupling rod, the cantilever can be lowered (i.e., moved downward) without exerting a force on further components.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the compensating mechanism can is configured in the form of a slotted guide between the second end of the coupling rod and the lifting rod. This ensures reliable guidance of the second end of the coupling rod.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the compensating mechanism can be configured in the form of a sector gear and of a rack, wherein the sector gear is rotatably connected to the lifting rod such that the teeth of the sector gear mesh with the teeth of the rack. The sector gear can also be referred to as a partial gear. As a result, effective guidance for avoiding an undesired lateral movement of the cantilever or twisting or torsion of the cantilever with respect to the lifting rod and/or bracket can be achieved in a simple manner. With the aid of the slot at the end of the coupling rod, the cantilever can be lowered (i.e., moved downward) without exerting a force on the sector gear.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, rather than the compensating mechanism, the articulated connection between the cantilever and the lifting rod can be embodied by a spindle or an actuator in order to move the cantilever upward. Rather than a mechanical coupling between the cantilever and the lifting rod, the angular position or the angle of the arm strut with respect to the lifting rod can also be determined via sensors, in order to correctly determine the elevation of the cantilever.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the lifting rod and the rack can be configured as a piston-cylinder unit. As a result, the attachment of the lifting rod and the rack to the bracket can be implemented in a space-saving manner.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, a blocking device can be included for adjusting the ratchet mechanism from a release position into a blocking position, wherein, in the release position, the cantilever is pivotable relative to the lifting rod and, in the blocking position, a pivoting movement of the cantilever relative to the lifting rod is blocked. The special blocking device enables the ratchet mechanism to be set specifically in a certain position or angular position.
According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, it to be possible for an actuating mechanism for the blocking device, the actuating mechanism being operable by a head movement of the user, to be included. By this means, the blocking position of the ratchet mechanism can be reached simply by a head movement of the user without the user having to use the hands for this purpose. The user's hands therefore remain free, for example, for holding a hand-held power tool.
Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the figures. The figures illustrate various exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The figures, the description and the claims contain numerous features in combination. A person skilled in the art will expediently also consider the features individually and put them together to form useful further combinations.
In the figures, identical and similar components are denoted by identical reference signs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 a shows a front view of a human torso with a number of schematically illustrated joint points;

FIG. 1 b shows a further front view of a human torso with a number of schematically illustrated joint points;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic side view of an exoskeleton for supporting an arm of a user in a first and a second position;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic illustration of the exoskeleton connected to an exoskeleton for supporting two arms of the user;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the exoskeleton with a cantilever in the first setting;

FIG. 5 shows a side view of the exoskeleton with a cantilever in the first setting;

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view the exoskeleton with a cantilever in the second setting;

FIG. 7 shows a side view of the exoskeleton with a cantilever in the second setting;

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the exoskeleton with a cantilever in a third setting;

FIG. 9 shows a side view of the exoskeleton with a cantilever in the third setting;

FIG. 10 shows a rear view of a human torso with an exoskeleton and a blocking device;

FIG. 11 shows a side view of an actuating mechanism of the blocking device;

FIG. 12 shows a side view of a human head of a user and the actuating mechanism of the blocking device, which actuating mechanism is operable with the head, and also a schematic illustration of a user with an exoskeleton in a release position; and

FIG. 13 shows a side view of the human head of a user and the actuating mechanism of the blocking device, which actuating mechanism is operable with the head, and also a schematic illustration of a user with an exoskeleton in a blocking position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 3 shows a front view of a human upper body OK of a user AW, on which an exoskeleton 10 for supporting or increasing the work performance of the arms 20 of a user AW is arranged.
The exoskeleton 10 substantially comprises a torso attachment device 30, a bracket 9, a lifting rod 7, a cantilever 4, and a ratchet mechanism 1.
The torso attachment device 30 serves to releasably connect the exoskeleton 10 to a torso (i.e., the upper body OK) of a user AW (cf. FIG. 3 ). The torso attachment device 30 can in this case be configured in the form of a hard shell, a flexible chest strap or belt. Furthermore, the torso attachment device 30 contains a closure VS, arranged in the middle of the chest of the user AW, with which the torso attachment device 30, configured for example as a chest strap, can be opened and closed. The closure VS can be configured for example as a touch-and-close fastener or as a belt buckle or belt fastening.
According to an alternative embodiment (not shown in the figures) of the exoskeleton 10 according to the invention, the torso attachment device 30 can also be configured in the form of a hip belt and consequently be positioned on the hips or pelvis of the user AW. In addition, one or two straps can be fastened for fixing the torso attachment device 30 at the shoulders 40 of the user AW or for preventing the torso attachment device 30 from slipping in the arrow direction B. These straps (not illustrated in the figures) can be guided from the front side of the torso attachment device 30, configured as a chest strap or belt, over the shoulders 40 of the user AW (i.e., in a similar manner to suspenders), to the rear side of the torso attachment device 30.
As shown in FIGS. 4 to 9 , the bracket 9 is configured substantially as a flat metal sheet with four circular cutouts 11 and a first plain bearing 8 a and a second plain bearing 8 b. The four cutouts 11 can also be referred to as screw bosses and serve for laterally attaching the bracket 9 to the torso attachment device 30. For this purpose, four screws or rivets can be driven through the four cutouts 11 in the bracket 9 and for fastening to the torso attachment device 30. Furthermore, the first and the second plain bearing 8 a, 8 b of the bracket 9 serve to receive and guide the lifting rod 7 at the bracket 9.
In FIG. 2 , only the first plain bearing 8 a is shown.
Each of the plain bearings 8 a, 8 b contains a circular opening. In this case, the first plain bearing 8 a is positioned in the vicinity of a first end 9 a of the bracket 9 and the second plain bearing 8 b is positioned in the vicinity of a second end 9 b of the bracket 9 such that the lifting rod 7 is guided through the respective circular openings of the plain bearings 8 a, 8 b and as a result is connected to the bracket 9 in a movable manner and in a reversible manner in the arrow directions A and B. Furthermore, the bracket 9 contains a support plate 12 at the second end 9 b. As shown in FIG. 4 , the lifting rod 7 is mounted in a rotatable manner on the support plate 12 when the lifting rod 7 is positioned on the bracket 9. Alternatively, the support plate 12 can also have a concave or curved shape directed toward the lifting rod 7.
According to an advantageous embodiment, the lifting rod 7, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 8 , is configured substantially as a tube with a first end 7 a and a second end 7 b. This configuration of the lifting rod 7 may also be referred to as a pipe or sleeve. As is apparent in particular from FIG. 4 , the first end 7 a of the lifting rod 7 extends beyond the first end 9 a of the bracket 9 in the arrow direction A. It is apparent from FIG. 2 that the lifting rod 7 configured as a tube contains a cavity HR, which extends from the second end 7 b approximately as far as the middle 7 c of the lifting rod 7. The cavity HR can also be referred to as a blind hole or cutout.
According to an advantageous embodiment, a support element 6 can be introduced into the cavity HR of the lifting rod 7. The support element 6 can be configured in a cylindrical manner and be adapted in its shape to the cavity HR of the lifting rod 7. The lifting rod 7 and the support element 6 are reversibly movable with respect to one another in the arrow directions A and B. The support element 6 serves substantially to support the lifting rod 7 and to increase stability when the lifting rod 7 is moved relative to the bracket 9. As will be described below, the support element 6 can also be configured with teeth and thus in the form of a rack.
As already mentioned above, the lifting rod 7 is connected to the bracket 9 such that the lifting rod 7 extends through the openings of the first and second plain bearings 8 a, 8 b. As a result, the lifting rod 7 is movable relative to the bracket 9 in a reversible manner in a first arrow direction A and a second arrow direction B. In other words: the lifting rod 7 can be moved in the arrow direction A and in the arrow direction B relative to the bracket 9. Moreover, the lifting rod 7 can be rotated about the axis of rotation R in the direction of rotation C or D relative to the bracket 9 by means of the first and second plain bearings 8 a, 8 b.
The cantilever 4 is configured substantially as a rod with a first end 4 a and a second end 4 b. The rod can also be referred to as an arm, support, bar or lever. As illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 9 , an armrest 5 is positioned on the cantilever 4. The armrest 5 serves to receive and hold an upper arm of a user AW. In order to temporarily fix the arm to the armrest 5, an arm strap having a closure is provided. The arm strap and the closure are illustrated in FIG. 3 . The closure is in this case configured for example as a touch-and-close fastener.
The ratchet mechanism 1 is configured substantially as a pivot bearing having a blocking action in a predetermined direction of rotation. Furthermore, the ratchet mechanism 1 contains a blocking device 80, with which the blocking action in the predetermined direction of rotation F is such that the ratchet mechanism 1 is no longer freely rotatable in the direction of rotation F. The release device 80 is merely indicated in the figures and is described in more detail below.
The ratchet mechanism 1 may also be referred to as a ratchet or fine tooth ratchet. The ratchet mechanism 1 serves to connect the first end 7 a of the lifting rod 7 to a first end 4 a of the cantilever 4, with the result that it is possible to selectively set a repeated, sectoral rotary movement of the cantilever 4 about the axis of rotation S in a first direction of rotation E and a blocking action for the cantilever 4 in a second direction of rotation F. In other words: the cantilever 4 can be pulled freely in the direction of rotation E, for example by the arm of the user AW, which is connected to the cantilever 4 by means of the arm strap, and be blocked in the direction of rotation F with the aid of the blocking action of the ratchet mechanism 1. Since the ratchet mechanism 1 allows a free rotary movement of the cantilever 4 in the direction of rotation E about the pivot point, a user AW can move their arm upward in the arrow direction A in order for example to hold a power tool at a particular height. The power tool is not illustrated in the figures. With the aid of the blocking action of the ratchet mechanism 1 in the direction of rotation F, the cantilever 4 can be kept at the height intended by the user AW in order to provide a resting possibility for the arm by way of the cantilever blocked in the direction of rotation F. On account of the resting possibility provided by the cantilever 4 at the height intended by the user AW, holding of a heavy power tool can be substantially improved. Thus, the weight force of the power tool is dissipated via the arms to the cantilever 4, the lifting rod 7, the bracket 9 and finally to the torso attachment device 30.
The ratchet mechanism 1 is realized by a combination of two stop pawls, which transmit a pivoting movement of a lever only in one direction, while a movement in the opposite direction is automatically blocked. The operating principle is similar to that of freewheeling (for instance on a bicycle). In order that the blocking device 80 can bring about the blocking action of the ratchet mechanism 1 in a particular direction of rotation (in this case the direction of rotation F), it is possible for the blocking device 80 to bring the two stop pawls into connection with each other such that they act on each another in a blocking manner and do not permit any movement.
In addition to the embodiment with two stop pawls, one with a spring-loaded gridded rocker is also possible. The ratchet mechanism 1 can also be realized by a push-through ratchet with a continuous square hole. In this case only a single (stop) pawl is necessary, wherein the effective direction of rotation is achieved by pushing through a square stub on one side of the ratchet or the other.
According to a further advantageous configuration, the exoskeleton 10 furthermore contains a coupling rod 2, which is configured substantially as a bar with a first end and a second end (cf. FIGS. 4 to 9 ). The coupling rod 2 is connected to the cantilever 4 in a rotatable manner by the first end and is connected to the lifting rod 7 again in a rotatable manner by the second end via a compensating mechanism 50. The coupling rod 2 serves substantially as a support and guide when the cantilever 4 moves relative to the lifting rod 7.
According to an advantageous embodiment (not shown in the figures) of the exoskeleton 10 according to the invention, the compensating mechanism 50 can be configured in the form of a slot 51 at the second end of the coupling rod 2 and of a pivot bearing on the lifting rod 7. The pivot bearing is in this case positioned in the slot 51 and movable along the slot 51 and in a manner guided by the slot 51. With the aid of the compensating mechanism 50 configured as a slot and pivot bearing, a movement of the coupling rod 2, when the cantilever 4 is rotated relative to the lifting rod 7, can be compensated.
According to a further embodiment, shown in FIGS. 4 to 9 , of the exoskeleton 10 according to the invention, the compensating mechanism 50 can be configured in the form of a slot 51 at the second end of the coupling rod 2, of a sector gear 3, of a rack 13, and of a pivot bearing 14.
The optional support element 6 is in the form of the rack 13 according to the embodiment, shown in FIGS. 4 to 9 , of the exoskeleton 10 according to the invention. According to an advantageous embodiment of the exoskeleton 10 according to the invention, it is also possible for both a support element 6 and a rack 13 to be positioned alongside one another on the support plate 12.
The cylindrically configured rack 13 projects into the interior of the lifting rod 7 such that the longitudinal extent of the rack 13 and the longitudinal extent of the lifting rod 7 are oriented parallel to one another.
As is apparent in particular from FIG. 4 , the lifting rod 7 has a cutout 7 d, which provides access to the teeth of the rack 13. The rack 13 is connected to the second end 7 b of the lifting rod 7 and in particular to the support plate 12 at the second end 7 b of the lifting rod 7 so as to be rotatable about the axis of rotation R in the direction of rotation C or D by means of a pivot bearing (not shown). In this case, the rack 13 is connected to the support plate 12 such that the rack 13 cannot be moved in the arrow direction A or B bracket. As a result, there is no relative movement between the rack 13 and the bracket 9.
On account of the possibility of the rack 13 and the lifting rod 7 being able to move relative to one another in the arrow direction A or B and because the rack 13 is introduced into the interior of the lifting rod 7, the combination or the cooperation of the lifting rod 13 and the lifting rod 7 may be referred to as a piston-cylinder unit. In this case, the rack 13 is implemented as a piston and the lifting rod 7 and in particular the cavity HR of the lifting rod 7 are implemented as a cylinder for receiving the piston configured as a rack.
Furthermore, the lifting rod 7 contains a holding device 15 having an axis 16, which serves to receive and hold the sector gear 3. By way of the holding device 15 having the axis 16, the sector gear 3 can be rotated relative to the lifting rod 7 such that the teeth 3 a of the sector gear 3 can mesh with the teeth 13 of the rack 13. The sector gear 3 furthermore contains a lever element 3 b, at the free end of which the pivot bearing 14 is positioned. The pivot bearing 14 is positioned in the slot 51 and freely movable along the slot 51 and guided along the slot 51.
The cantilever 4 can, as a result of its rotary mounting at the pivot point DP with respect to the bracket 9, be brought reversibly into a first, second or third position.
FIGS. 4 and 5 show the exoskeleton 10 with the cantilever 4 in the first position.
FIGS. 6 and 7 show the cantilever 4 in the second position.
FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate the cantilever 4 in the third position.
In the first position, the second end 4 b of the cantilever 4 is inclined downward in the arrow direction B.
In the second position, the second end 4 b of the cantilever 4 is substantially horizontal.
In the third position, the first end 4 a of the cantilever 4 points upward in the arrow direction A.
If the user AW moves the arm, which is connected to the cantilever 4, upward in the arrow direction A, the lifting rod 7 is likewise pulled upward in the direction A by means of the ratchet mechanism 1. Since the lifting rod 7 is mounted so as to be movable in the arrow direction A or B with respect to the bracket 9, the pivot point SP can compensate the travel Ay for compensating the anatomical movement of the human shoulder 40 during the lifting of an arm.
According to a further embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 10 to 13 , a release device 60 is provided for adjusting the ratchet mechanism 1 from a release position into a blocking position. In the release position, the cantilever 4 is pivotable relative to the lifting rod 7 and, in the blocking position, a pivoting movement of the cantilever 4 relative to the lifting rod 7 is immovable or blocked.
As FIGS. 10 and 11 show, the release device 60 contains an actuating mechanism 70 which is operable by a head movement of the user AW. The actuating mechanism 70 in turn contains a base plate 71, a steering element 72, a cable pull lever 73, a cable 74 (core for Bowden cable), a holding bushing 75 and an actuating element 76. The cable 74 may also be referred to as the core of a Bowden cable.
The actuating mechanism 70 may also be referred to in its entirety as a cable pull or Bowden cable, wherein the cable 74 serves as a core for the cable pull or Bowden cable.
As FIG. 10 likewise shows, the base plate 71 is connected to the torso attachment device 30 via a web 77. Alternatively, the base plate 71 can also be connected only or directly to the neck of a user AW. The base plate 71 contains a first end 71 a and a second end 71 b. A pivot bearing 78 is provided at the first end.
The steering element 72 is substantially configured as a triangular plate having a first, second and third attachment element 72 a, 72 b, 72 c. The steering element 72 may also be referred to as a transverse link. The first attachment element 72 a is connected rotatably to the pivot bearing 78 of the base plate 71. The second attachment element 72 b is connected to the holding bushing 75 and the third attachment element 72 c is connected in turn to the actuating element 76.
The cable pull lever 73 contains a first and a second end 73 a, 73 b, wherein the first end 73 a is likewise connected to the first attachment element 72 a of the steering element 72. The second end 73 b of the cable pull lever 73 is connected to a first end 74 a of the cable 74. A second end of the cable 74 is connected in turn to the blocking device 80 of the ratchet mechanism. The second end of the cable 74 is not shown in the figures.
The holding bushing 75 serves as an attachment point for a flexible tube in which the cable 74 is movably guided. The flexible tube may also be referred to as a hose, a sheath, a Bowden cable sheath or tension sheath. As already mentioned above, the holding bushing 75 is connected to the second attachment element.
The actuating element 76 is configured in the form of a bent plate and has a first and second side surface 79 a, 79 b. The first side surface 79 a is connected to the third attachment element 72 c. The third attachment element 72 c is merely indicated in the figures.
By means of a head movement of the user AW in the direction N, the actuating mechanism 76 can be operated (cf. FIGS. 12 and 13 ) such that the ratchet mechanism 1 can be moved from a release position into a blocking position. In the release position, the cantilever 4 is pivotable relative to the lifting rod 7 and, in the blocking position, a pivoting movement of the cantilever 4 relative to the lifting rod 7 is blocked.
According to a further embodiment, it may also be possible for a transmitter and an actuator to be provided instead of the cable 74 or instead of the Bowden cable. The actuator may also be referred to as an actuating mechanism. The sensor is positioned here on the actuating mechanism 70 and identifies a movement of the head of the user AW. A corresponding signal is transmitted from the sensor to the actuator by means of a radio transmission unit. The actuator is positioned on the ratchet mechanism 1. When the actuator receives the signal from the sensor, the ratchet mechanism 1 is moved from a release position into a blocking position. The radio transmission unit can transmit a signal here by means of Bluetooth or other radio technology.
List of reference characters:
1: Ratchet mechanism
2: Coupling rod
3: Sector gear
3 a: Teeth of the sector gear
3 b: Lever element
4: Cantilever
4 a: first end of the cantilever
4 b: second end of the cantilever
5: Armrest
6: Support element
7: Lifting rod
7 a: first end of the lifting rod
7 b: second end of the lifting rod
7 c: Middle of the lifting rod
7 d: Cutout in the lifting rod
8 a: first plain bearing
8 b: second plain bearing
9: Bracket
9 a: first end of the bracket
9 b: second end of the bracket
10: Exoskeleton
11: Cutouts on bracket
12: Support plate
13: Rack
13 a: Teeth of the rack
14: Pivot bearing
15: Holding device
16: Axis of the holding device
20: Arm of the user
30: Torso attachment device
40: Shoulders of the user
50: Compensating mechanism
51: Slot
70: Actuating mechanism
71: Base plate
71 a: first end of the base plate
71 b: second end of the base plate
72: Steering element
72 a: first attachment element
72 b: second attachment element
72 c: third attachment element
73: Cable pull lever
73 a: first end of the cable pull lever
73B: second end of the cable pull lever
74: Cable
74 a: first end of the cable
75: Holding bushing
76: Actuating element
77: Web
78: Pivot bearing
79 a: first side surface
79 b: second side surface
80: Blocking device
HR: Cavity of the lifting rod
DP: Pivot point
OK: Upper body
AW: User
VS: Closure
R: Axis of rotation of the lifting rod
C, D: Directions of rotation of the lifting rod
S: Axis of rotation of the cantilever
E, F: Directions of rotation of the cantilever

Claims

1.-8. (canceled)

9. An exoskeleton for supporting an arm of a user, comprising:

a torso attachment device for releasably connecting the exoskeleton to a torso of the user;

a bracket which is connectable to the torso attachment device;

a lifting rod which is connectable to the torso attachment device via the bracket and which is reversibly movable in a first direction and a second direction relative to the bracket;

a cantilever for supporting the arm of the user which is releasably connectable to the arm of the user;

a ratchet mechanism, wherein the ratchet mechanism connects a first end of the lifting rod to a first end of the cantilever; and

a blocking device, wherein the ratchet mechanism is adjustable by the blocking device from a release position into a blocking position, wherein in the release position the cantilever is pivotable relative to the lifting rod, and wherein in the blocking position a pivoting movement of the cantilever relative to the lifting rod is blocked.

10. The exoskeleton according to claim 9 further comprising a coupling rod having a first end and a second end, wherein the coupling rod is rotatably connected to the cantilever by the first end and to the lifting rod via a compensating mechanism by the second end.

11. The exoskeleton according to claim 10, wherein the compensating mechanism comprises a slot at the second end of the coupling rod and a pivot bearing on the lifting rod and wherein the pivot bearing is disposed in the slot.

12. The exoskeleton according to claim 10, wherein the compensating mechanism comprises a slotted guide disposed between the second end of the coupling rod and the lifting rod.

13. The exoskeleton according to claim 10, wherein the compensating mechanism comprises a sector gear and a rack and wherein the sector gear is rotatably connected to the lifting rod such that teeth of the sector gear mesh with teeth of the rack.

14. The exoskeleton according to claim 13, wherein the lifting rod and the rack are configured as a piston-cylinder unit.

15. The exoskeleton according to claim 9 further comprising an actuating mechanism for the blocking device, wherein the actuating mechanism is operable by a head movement of the user.