WO2019121784A1

WO2019121784A1 - Plug system

Info

Publication number: WO2019121784A1
Application number: PCT/EP2018/085654
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alexander Pappe; Andreas WEIGL-POLLACK; Michael Nolte; Erik Albrecht-Laatsch; Robert KAITAN; Robert Hoffmann; Thomas Pauser; Andreas SCHRAMEL; Luis Sagmeister
Original assignee: Otto Bock Healthcare Products Gmbh
Priority date: 2017-12-22
Filing date: 2018-12-18
Publication date: 2019-06-27
Also published as: DE102017131223A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a plug system for connecting several electrical and/or electronic devices (110, 120) of an orthopaedic system, with at least one plug socket (111, 121) which is coupled to the electrical and/or electronic device (110, 120); the plug socket (111, 121) has a plug socket side (1112, 1212) with a plurality of contacts (5); with an end plug which is coupled to a data and/or energy source (20); the end plug (21) has a plug side (211) with a plurality of contacts (5) which are arranged corresponding to the contacts (5) of the plug socket (111, 121), wherein the contacts (5) of the plug side (211) and of the plug socket side (1112, 1212) are arranged such that they can be brought into contact with one another in at least one joining direction (F); with at least one cascade plug (31) which has a plug side (311), formed corresponding to the plug side (211) of the end plug (21), and which has a plug socket side (312) lying opposite the plug side (311), which is designed corresponding to the plug socket side (1112, 1212) of the plug socket (111, 121).

Description

connector system

The invention relates to a plug system for connecting a plurality of electrical and / or electronic devices of a orthopedic technical system with at least one plug-in receptacle, which is coupled to the electrical and / or electronic device, wherein the plug receptacle has a plug receiving side with a plurality of contacts, and with an end plug which is coupled to a data and / or energy source, wherein the end plug has a plug side with a plurality of contacts, which are arranged corresponding to the contacts of the plug receptacle, wherein the contacts of the plug side and the plug receiving side are arranged in that they can be brought into contact with one another in a joining direction.

An orthopedic technical system consists of several orthopedic components, which are combined to form an orthopedic unit and have functionality extending beyond the functionality of the orthopedic components. An orthopedic system is, for example, an orthosis, a prosthesis or a wheelchair, orthopedic components are considered as parts of such a system, for example prosthetic or orthotic joints, tube adapters, prosthetic hands, prosthesis hands,

Rotary adapters, prosthesis shanks, orthotic splints, foot shells, flanging shells, fastening devices for fixing orthoses to limbs, drives, data loggers, radio modules, feedback elements, energy accumulators, damper devices with hydraulic, magnetorheological and / or pneumatic dampers, drives, transmissions, Sensors and controls. An orthopedic technical system can be, for example, a thigh prosthesis with a prosthesis, a prosthetic knee joint and a lower leg tube with a prosthesis foot arranged thereon. A lower leg prosthesis can be formed from a lower leg shaft with a prosthetic foot, optionally with a prosthetic ankle joint. When a thigh shaft is hingedly connected to a lower leg tube via a prosthetic knee joint, a drive and / or a damper device may be arranged between the thigh shaft and the lower leg tube Processor based on sensor values can be controlled. Depending on sensor data, actuators are activated or deactivated or damper properties changed, for example, a flexion resistance is reduced or increased.

An analogous configuration can be provided in orthoses. Wheelchairs can form an orthopedic system as a supplement to an orthotic and / or prosthetic restoration to patients or as an independent restoration.

Particularly in the case of complex orthopedic systems, it is possible to provide a plurality of electrical devices such as electrical consumers, motors, adjusting elements, sensors, processors, coils for modifying the properties of magnetorheological fluids or wheelchair steering devices. When combining a plurality of orthopedic components to form an orthopedic system, adjustments may be necessary to match individual functionalities and, if necessary, to activate or deactivate functionalities of individual orthopedic components depending on the presence or absence of further orthopedic components.

Computer-controlled prosthetic joints with energy stores are known from the prior art, which can be connected via a plug connection to a charger and / or a computer in order to be able to supply energy and / or data to the processor within the prosthetic knee joint or to data from one Memory read out. Also active prosthetic joints are known, which are powered by a motor and are supplied via a battery with electrical energy. This battery is charged via a charging port. Object of the present invention is to provide a connector system with which a simple data and / or energy exchange can take place even in complex orthopedic technical systems. According to the invention this object is achieved by a connector system with the Merkma- len of the main claim. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are disclosed in the subclaims, the description and in the figures.

The connector system according to the invention for connecting a plurality of electrical and / or electronic devices of a orthopedic system with at least one connector receptacle, which can also be referred to as a socket, which is preferably permanently coupled to the electrical and / or electronic device, wherein the connector receptacle a plug receiving side with a plurality of contacts, with an end plug, which is preferably coupled by cable to a data and / or energy source, the end plug having a plug side with a plurality of contacts, which are arranged corresponding to the contacts of the plug receptacle, wherein the contacts the plug side and the plug receiving side are arranged so that they can be brought into contact with each other in at least one, preferably straight joining direction, provides that at least one cascade plug is part of the system having a plug side corresponding to the plug The at least one joining direction is in particular a straight joining direction, so that the plug side and the plug receiving side in exactly one rectilinear joining direction in Contact are brought. Preferably, the plug side of the cascade plug is identical or nearly identical to the contacts and the shape as the plug side of the end plug. A corresponding design of the plug sides means that a plug of an end plug or a cascade plug can be coupled to the same plug receptacle, even if it is not absolutely necessary for there to be identical contacting and / or occupancy of the contacts on the plug side. For a corresponding embodiment, it is sufficient if the plug mecha- can be introduced into the connector receptacle to couple the contacts provided for this purpose. Also, the plug side opposite the plug side is preferably the same or almost identical to the plug receiving side of the plug receptacle formed. Between a plug and the plug receptacle or socket, when the plug receptacle is attached directly to the orthopedic component or designed as a coupling for receiving the plug, an intermediate piece or a cascade plug is thus provided, which on one side serves as a plug receptacle and on the other Side is designed as a plug. This makes it possible for orthopedic systems to provide a high degree of electrical safety during contacting and via the cascade plug a multiplicity of branching possibilities in order to contact further electrical and / or electronic devices Any number of orthopedic components and disposed thereon or coupled thereto electrical and / or electronic devices are supplied with energy and / or data and carried out an energy and data exchange. At the end plug can also be arranged or formed a plug receiving side with a connector receptacle to receive therein a plug. Likewise, the end plug can be configured as a cascade plug with a plug receptacle, wherein the plug receptacle can be covered or closed with a cap or a closure. The end plug must be able to bring data and / or energy into the orthopedic system, which energy may come from a power supply or a mobile power source, such as a battery. The end plug does not have to form a termination of a cascade system, but can also be arranged between two cascade plugs connected thereto or a plug receptacle directly on the orthopedic device and a cascade plug.

At least one line may be connected to the cascade plug, which connects the cascade plug with at least one second cascade plug or at least one end plug. The second cascade plug or the end plug can be connected to the end of the line facing away from the first cascade plug be connected. The line is designed in particular as a multi-stranded line. Via the at least second cascade plug or via the at least one further end plug, in which no further rear connection is provided for a further plug, but in which the data and / or energy is forwarded by the first cascade plug, so that the end plug By way of the cascade plug and a further end plug, for example connected to a power supply or to a computer, a plurality of electrical and / or electronic devices can be coupled to a single power supply or to a single data source. Due to the cascade-like construction, it is possible to connect a plurality of cascade plugs to the first, primary end plug, charging unit or computer or to allow a series connection of plugs with cables, so that two, three or more electrical and / or electronic devices are connected to several orthopedic components - nents of an orthopedic technical system can be interconnected.

The contacts of the cascade connector may have the same assignment on the plug side as on the plug receiving side, thereby to pass on the energy and / or data from the end plug to the socket or plug receptacle substantially unchanged. In contrast to an identical embodiment of the contacts with a pure feedthrough, optionally with a branch to a second cascade plug or an end plug, it is possible to provide a different assignment of the plug side to the plug receptacle side in the cascade plug. As a result of the interposition of one or more cascade plugs, a re-contacting is effected or, if appropriate, data or power-line channels are blocked.

The contour of the cascade plug is preferably formed on the plug side corresponding to the contour on the plug receptacle side, in order to enable complete and reliable contacting even when a cascade plug is interposed. With regard to the shape, the cascade plug on the plug side does not differ from the shape of the end plug or allows at least one coupling with a plug receptacle or a socket, in which also a plug of an end plug can be inserted and contacted streaming and data transferring. In a development of the invention, it is provided that at least one magnetic coupling is formed between the plug side and the plug receiving side via two magnets or a magnet or a ferromagnetic counterpart. The plug side and the plug receiving side can be formed both between the end plug and the cascade plug and between the cascade plug and the plug receptacle or between the end plug and the plug receptacle, so that even with multiple sequential arrangement and stacking of cascade plugs, a reliable assignment and a secure contacting and maintaining the contacting after remains the first time joining the plug. Due to the magnet arrangement, it is possible to ensure a predetermined plug orientation and thus a faulty contacting by a plug connector

To avoid misalignment. Thus, it can be prevented by a corresponding polarization of magnets that, for example, in a non-rotationally symmetrical arrangement of plug receptacle and end plug or cascade plug the respective components are joined correctly oriented to each other. In a rotationally symmetrical configuration of the connector receptacle and the connector surface and the contacts can be made by the corresponding polarization of the magnets an unambiguous assignment in a rotational orientation, so that in addition to a holding force that prevents disconnection of the plug against the joining direction, also a desired Assignment of the respective contacts to each other is ensured. The magnets or the magnet and the counterpart thus enable a coupling of plug receptacle, cascade plug and end plug to each other in exactly one orientation.

Alternatively or in addition to the configuration of the plug system with a magnetic coupling, it is provided in a development that on the plug side and the plug receiving side projections and recesses are arranged, which is a coupling plug connector, cascade plug and end plug allow each other only in exactly one orientation. The projections and recesses thus serve as alignment elements, which prevent incorrect assembly and thus incorrect contacting. In a development of the invention, at least one positive locking device for coupling plug receptacle, cascade plug and end plug can be arranged on the plug side and the plug receptacle side with one another. About the form-locking device, it is possible to produce an alternative or additional connection and fuse between the respective connector side and the respective plug receiving side. The form-locking device is preferably detachable, for example, formed counter to a spring force, so that via clips, flaps or projections which engage in corresponding recesses, a physical assignment and thus a secure contact can be achieved. In addition, a permanent and detachable connection can take place via a screw connection of the plug receptacle, cascade plug and / or end plug. It is also possible to effect the positive locking by means of a hook-and-loop fastener from the plug side and at the plug receptacle side via flap areas or fleece areas , The dropping force between the plug receiving side and the plug side can be removed from the plug receptacle to the end plug, so that each seen from the plug receptacle, outermost plug component, whether end plug or cascade plug, is removed when exerted on the outside end of the plug a tensile force or unlocking becomes. This can be achieved for example by decreasing magnetic field strengths or the like.

A further development of the invention provides that a plug receptacle, the cascade plug and / or the end plug can have a feedback device which can be of optical, haptic or acoustic nature or a relay device such as a cable or transmitter can be arranged Display of a contact serves. This can ensure that only at a full continuous contact with the plug receptacle, cascade plug and / or end plug a feedback for the user takes place, which need not necessarily be located at the connection point of the plug, but due to the forwarding device even at a remote location confirm the successful contacting can. The forwarding device may be wired or wireless.

At least one sealing element can be arranged between the plug receptacle, the cascade plug and / or the end plug, in order to protect the contacts from environmental influences. Advantageously, this sealing element is circumferentially arranged around the contacts, either individually around the respective contacts or around a contact area formed by a plurality of contacts.

The plug receptacle can be arranged in a holder which can be fixed to the orthopedic component, wherein the holder or the plug receptacle in the holder is designed to be displaceable and lockable in relation to the orthopedic component. The holder may be formed, for example, as a thread, a push-through device, a clip or the like, whereby the holder together with the connector receptacle is almost freely positio nierbar on the orthopedic component can be fixed. Alternatively or additionally, the plug receptacle can be arranged to be movable in or on the holder, in particular rotatable, in order to be able to rotate the plug receptacle relative to the holder. This makes it possible to arrange the holder itself at the most favorable location for a fixing and to fasten it to the respective component at the desired location. Due to the relative verifiability or displaceability of the plug receptacle in the holder, the plug orientation or the orientation of the plug receptacle for the respective user can then be optimized. Once found orientation or orientation can then be fixed, for example by locking the connector receptacle in the holder. The contacts may be formed of a conductive polymer or coated with a conductive polymer in order not to expose the electrical contacts to a risk of corrosion. On the plug receiving side, a base surface may be formed, which forms a top-side conclusion. Starting from the base surface, a depression is formed in the joining direction, wherein the contacts are arranged within the depression below the base surface. By means of these contacts arranged within the recess or bulge below the base surface, an integral contact protection is formed on the plug receiving side, so that it is prevented that a contact contact by the patient can take place transversely to the joining direction. In addition, the arrangement within the depression prevents the occurrence of undesired contact with the patient, even in the joining direction. In particular, if the contacts in the recess are arranged on a shoulder with at least one side face oriented obliquely to the joining direction, it is not or almost impossible to touch the contacts at random.

The recess may have an insertion bevel to facilitate the insertion of the plug receiving side with the plug side. The insertion bevel causes or at least supports self-centering and self-alignment.

On the plug side, a base surface may be formed, from which a projection extends in the joining direction, wherein in the projection a recess is formed, within which the contacts are arranged on the plug side. Also on the plug side, an internal arrangement of contacts is provided by the projection and the recess within the projection, so that the contacting is precluded by a transverse to the joining direction oriented approximation movement to the contacts. Preferably, the recess surrounds the contacts transversely to the joining direction on all sides, so that none of them transversely contact movement directed towards the joining direction poses a risk of unintentional contacting.

The contacts can be arranged in the recess on or in a side surface aligned obliquely to the joining direction. The side surfaces in the recess are preferably arranged corresponding to the side surfaces on the shoulder within the recess, so that a matching arrangement of the side surfaces and a positive locking transversely to the joining direction result.

An unlocking mechanism may be arranged in the end plug or the cascade plug, which exerts a force against the joining direction on the end plug or cascade plug when a tensile force is applied. The unlocking mechanism effects an active unlocking of the end plug or of the cascade plug. The unlocking mechanism can be coupled to a line or a cable, so that decoupling or application of a decoupling force against the joining direction is formed in the case of a force applied transversely to the joining direction. For example, a cable can be guided in a loop via a spring-loaded bolt which is brought from an storage position to an activation position when a tensile force is exerted, wherein the displacement movement causes a force application opposed to the joining direction.

A development of the invention provides that on the plug side and the plug receptacle side at least one contact protection device or a contact protection element, e.g. a Berührschutzwand is arranged, which prevents a contact transverse to the joining direction. At least one contact protection device such as, for example, projecting ribs or a contact protection wall are arranged on a plug receptacle side and on the plug side, so that lateral contact, in particular of the contacts of the plug side, is prevented.

This makes it possible for orthopedic systems to provide a high level of see safety in the contacting and the cascade plug a lot of number of branching options provide to contact more electrical and / or electronic devices. Embodiments of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures. Show it.

Figure 1 - a first variant of the system; FIG. 2 shows two perspective views of a cascade plug,

Figure 3 - two plan views and a side view of a cascade plug;

Figure 4 - two coupled cascade plug in a perspective

Presentation;

Figure 5 - two coupled cascade plug in a sectional view;

FIG. 6 shows two coupled cascade plugs on a holder in a perspective view;

FIG. 7 shows an arrangement according to FIG. 6 with an end plug; such as

Figure 8 - an assembled connector system with end plug, two cascade plugs and Flalterung.

FIG. 1 shows, in a schematic representation, a prosthesis of a lower extremity with a plurality of orthopedic components 10, 11, 12, 15. The first orthopedic component 10 is a thigh Shaft with a connection adapter for attachment to an upper part of a Prothesenkniegelenkes shown. On the prosthetic knee joint, a second orthopedic component 11 is arranged pivotably about a pivot axis 13 in the form of a lower leg part. A third orthopedic component 12 in the form of a prosthetic ankle joint is fastened to the lower leg part as the second orthopedic component 11, to which a prosthetic foot 15 is mounted pivotably about a pivot axis 14 as the fourth orthopedic component. The thigh shaft as the first orthopedic component 10 is a purely passive component and serves to accommodate a thigh stump in order to securely fix the prosthetic leg to the patient. By way of the thigh shaft and a prosthesis liner arranged therein, for example, a mechanical fixation of the prosthesis leg on the patient can take place via a vacuum system. As an alternative to a multipart prosthesis, the system can be designed as an orthosis, as well as a wheelchair or a prosthetic or orthotic device for an upper extremity can be used as orthopedic component, such as a prosthetic arm, an arm orthosis or a shoulder orthosis. Combinations of prostheses, orthoses and wheelchairs or other mobility aids are also considered as a system.

In the illustrated system, a first electrical and / or electronic device 110 in the form of a hydraulic actuator is arranged in the second orthopedic component 11. The hydraulic actuator can be designed as a passive component and have a hydraulic damper which has actuating drives, via which valves are opened or closed in order to be able to set an expansion resistance and / or flexion resistance. In addition, a memory 115 for storing electrical energy can be arranged on or assigned to the hydraulic actuator in order to supply the actuators with energy. In an embodiment of the electrical and / or electronic device 110 as an active actuator, a pump device or a mechanical energy store, eg a spring or pressure accumulator, is the hydraulic pump. associated with it, via which it is possible to effect or support a movement of the thigh shaft relative to the lower leg. For this purpose, the energy from the energy store 115 is converted into kinetic energy, so that, for example, a piston rod is moved out of the hydraulic actuator in order to assist or to effect an extension movement. Conversely, hydraulic fluid can be circulated through a pump or an accumulator, so that a piston rod is retracted into a housing of the hydraulic actuator so that the distance between two attachment points of the hydraulic actuator at the upper part and the lower part of the prosthesis joint shortens, causing a flexion movement perform.

Distal to the first electrical and / or electronic component 110, the second electrical and / or electronic component 120 is arranged in the orthopedic component 12 in the form of a prosthetic ankle joint. Within the prosthetic ankle joint, an electrical and / or hydraulic actuator can also be arranged, which can be supplied with electrical energy via a memory 125 for electrical energy. In addition to the memory 125 for electrical energy, a control device 126 is arranged in the prosthetic ankle joint, arranged on the control device 116 in the first electrical and / or electronic device 110, in order, for example, to activate or deactivate a drive 118, 128 or data a sensor 117, 127 to process, sensor data to save and continue to use for control. In the control device 116, 126, a data memory and a processing circuit can be integrated.

A supply connection 111, 121, via which energy and / or data of the respective electrical and / or electronic device 110, 120 can be supplied, is respectively arranged on the second orthopedic component 11 and on the third orthopedic component 12. The data as well as the electrical energy can be transferred from a charging station 20 to the respective supply connection 111, 121. This is at the Charging station 20 a plug 21 is arranged, which is compatible with the respective supply connection 111, 121. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, the plug 21 of the charging station 20 is coupled to a cascading plug system of a plug connection 30, which connects the two supply terminals 111, 121 to one another. At the plug connection 30 two plugs 31 are arranged, which are connected to each other via a cable 35 and on one side have contacts which are compatible with the contacts of the respective supply terminals 111, 121 are formed. On the side facing away from the supply terminals 111, 121, the plugs 31 have receptacles or sockets which are compatible with the contacts of the plug 21 of the charging station 20.

If the plug 21 of the charging station 20 is plugged onto the rear side of a plug 31, which is connected by a cable to a corresponding plug 31, so that both supply terminals 111, 121 are connected to one another, energy and data from the charging station 20 can be both the first and the second electronic and / or electrical device 110, 120 are transmitted. As a result, the memories 115, 125 are filled up to store electrical energy and the control devices 116, 126 are supplied with data such as programs, control data, software updates or the like. It is possible to provide an electrical connection system for orthopedic components 11, 12, in particular orthoses, prostheses and / or wheelchairs, via the system comprising charging station 20 with plug 21, supply connections 111, 121 and plug connection 30 with connectors 31 with which it is possible to charge the respective electrical and / or electronic devices 110, 120 with each other, to distribute energy from the respective energy stores 115, 125 with each other or to coordinate control processes with each other. Via the system it is possible not only externally to supply data from the charging station 20 and electrical energy to the orthopedic technical system, for example the orthosis, prosthesis or wheelchair, but also within the orthopedic device between the respective orthopedic components 11, 12 to enable energy and / or data exchange. If in the different components 11, 12 with the various electrical and / or electronic devices 110, 120 different maximum required services in the respective consumer, such as drive 118, 128, or for loading the memory 115, 125 are present, the each maximum required power of a consumer 118, 128 or a control device 116, 126 are encoded via an electrical resistance. Due to the compatibility of the supply connections 111, 121 with the respective connectors 21, 31, it is possible to provide a plurality of charging connections to an orthopedic component in order to make it easier for a patient to couple the orthopedic devices with a charging station 20. As a result, the user can choose the supply connection 111 which is best for him,

121 freely, so that one or more connections for central loading of all electrical and / or electronic devices 110, 120 are present. The charging with electrical energy as well as the supply of data can be done simultaneously or sequentially. If, for example, the electrical and / or electronic devices 110, 120 are not coupled to one another via the plug connection 30, data and energy can be transmitted via the charging station 20 in succession through the plug 21. The respective electronic and / or electrical device 110, 120 is provided with a coding, so that it is detected via the charging station 20, which device is currently to be supplied with energy and / or data, so that both the correct amount of energy and the correct data be transmitted.

If the charging station 20 is not connected, a data and energy exchange between the devices 110, 120 can take place via the plug connection 30. It is also possible to combine a plurality of orthopedic aids with one another via a plug connection 30, for example an orthosis or a prosthesis with a wheelchair, for example, has a larger energy storage in the form of a battery, so that to maintain the mobility of the patient energy from the wheelchair in the orthosis or prosthesis can be transferred.

FIG. 1 shows further charging stations 20 and energy storage devices which provide different voltages, for example a 12V voltage, a 5V voltage or different voltages via a special transformer or a manufacturer-specific charging device. Likewise, an energy store can be coupled via a USB connection to a power supply unit of a charging station 20, so that a mobile storage for electrical energy is present. Likewise, a connection for a cigarette lighter can be used as an energy supply, which, for example, can also be coupled to an external energy store 50, which can also be designed as a computer or portable computer, on which a corresponding adapter is arranged. The coupling with the external energy store 50 can also take place without the cigarette lighter. Via one or more adapters 40, which are provided with a respective plug 41, which are compatible with the respective supply terminals 111, 121, it is possible to use a wide variety of energy sources to bring the respective electronic and / or electrical device with

Provide energy. The adapters 40 can connect different types of energy sources to the respective orthopedic components, wherein different voltage levels can be supplied to the respective devices within the adapters 40. The respectively required voltage level can be set within the adapter 40, for example by increasing or decreasing the voltage received by the respective energy store. In each adapter 40, an input terminal 42 for the charging station used in each case 20 or the energy storage device used in each case is provided. On the prosthesis, a control device 60 is arranged, which in a wireless or wired manner, all electrical and / or electronic directions 110, 120 are identified and their activation or deactivation is initiated. In an alternative embodiment, the control device 60 can be accommodated in one of the devices 110, 120 and can identify, activate and deactivate the remaining connected components as the main control device or master. For this purpose, all electrical and / or electronic devices 110, 120 are triggered by the control device 60, the respective status and functional range are queried and energy and / or data signals are transmitted to the respective electrical and / or electronic device 110, 120. The control device 60 can be arranged on each component, to avoid cross-joint cable routing an arrangement in the component with the electrical and / or electronic device is advantageous.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of two views of a cascade plug 31, wherein a plug receptacle side 312 or socket side can be seen in the upper illustration, while in the lower illustration a plug side 311 is predominantly shown. The cascade plug 31 has a cable 35 which leads to another end plug or cascade plug, not shown. The cascade plug 31 has a multiplicity of contacts 5 which can pass on energy or data, both from the plug receiving side 312 to the plug side 311 and via the cable 35 to another cascade plug 31 or another plug, which only has one plug side 311 has. The cascade plug 31 has two parallel long sides, which are connected to each other via semi-circular end portions. The contour or circumference corresponds to the shape of a track in a stadium. From a base surface 90 on the plug receiving side 312, a side wall 310 extends substantially perpendicularly from the base surface 90 to the second base surface 70 on the plug side 311. From the plug-receiving side base surface 90, a protrusion 91 in the form of a sealing member projects upward and protrudes the base surface 90. The sealing element 90 encloses a recess 95, which projects from the base surface 90 into the cascade plug 31. Within the recess 95, the contacts 5 are arranged on the plug receiving side 312. On the side next to the circumferential sealing element 91, two recesses 8 are formed or arranged in the base surface, which extend in the direction of the plug side 311. In the recesses 8, which are located in the semicircular edge regions of the base surface 90, for example, magnets, ferromagnetic counterparts or interlocking elements, in particular resiliently loaded locking devices may be provided to positively and / or positively lock a plurality of cascade plugs 31 one above the other to enable. On the underside or the plug side 311, corresponding to the recesses 8 corresponding points projections 7 are arranged or formed to be able to engage in the recesses 8 of a second cascade plug. On or in the projections 7 spring-loaded form-fitting elements, magnets and / or ferromagnetic counterparts to magnets, which are arranged in the recesses 8, may be arranged to a mechanical interlock of two

Cascade 31 to cause each other.

Instead of recesses 8, these may be formed as projections, instead of projections 7, these may be formed as recesses. It is also possible and a variant of the invention that recesses are formed opposite one another, in which e.g. Magnets are arranged to effect an alignment with each other and form a holding force between each other. Magnets in the recesses may be completely filled or reset from the edge of the recess therein.

On the base surface 70 of the plug side 311, a groove 71 is incorporated or formed, which is formed corresponding to the shape and contour of the sealing element 91 or the projection 91. In a contacted, joined state of two cascade plugs 31, the projection 91 or the sealing element 91 lies in the groove 71 and, in addition to aligning and centering the two cascade plugs 31, seals against external influences so that the electrical or data-transmitting Contacting by means of Contacts 5 is not or only slightly affected. In addition, the corresponding configuration of sealing element 91 and groove 71 allows error-free coupling of two cascade plugs 31. Different types of cascade plugs can not be completely coupled with one another since, in the case of a non-corresponding configuration of groove 71 and sealing element 91, the two base surfaces 70, 90 Do not lie on top of each other and thus no direct contact between the contacts 5 on the plug side 311 and the Steckerauf- take 312 two cascade 31 can come about. On the plug side 311 of the cascade plug 31, a projection 75 is arranged or formed, which is formed corresponding to the recess 95 on the plug receptacle 312. In the illustrated embodiment, the projection 75 on the two end faces end portions 79a, 79b, which are formed in the manner of a halved, possibly flattened truncated cone. Between the two end pieces 79a, 79b, a longitudinal strut is arranged as a partition, from which a total of three projections or ribs 78 laterally outwardly extend, so that a total of four recesses 76 are formed in the projection 75. Within these recesses 76, the electrical contacts and / or the data-transmitting contacts 5 are arranged. Touch protection is provided by way of the end pieces 79a, 79b as well as via the ribs 78, so that both the end pieces 79a, 79b and the ribs 78 serve as contact protection elements which make direct contact when approaching, for example, a human to a joining direction, which will be explained later, is present.

3 shows three views of a cascade plug 31, the middle view is a side view from the direction of the cable 35, the upper view is a folded-up view of the plug side 311, the lower view is a plan view of the plug receiving side 312. In the upper illustration of FIG to recognize that the groove 71 does not follow the outer contour of the cascade plug 31, but instead of a semicircular connecting portion for connecting the rectilinear, parallel sections of the groove 71 on the right side a substantially rectilinear, connected via two rounded arches connected connection, so that an asymmetrical contour is present. Likewise, the right end piece 79a is shaped differently than the left end piece 79b. The three upwardly and downwardly extending ribs 78 from the middle wall, together with the end pieces 79a, 79b, form four recesses 76 on either side of the center wall.

The middle representation of FIG. 3 shows the raised configuration of the sealing element 91 as a projection over the base surface 90; it can be seen from the lower representation of FIG. 3 that the contour of the sealing element 91 is formed corresponding to the contour of the groove. The middle illustration shows the projection 75 extending downwards from the base surface 71 on the plug side 311 and the downwardly extending contacts 5 within the recesses 76 between the ribs 78 and the end pieces 79a, 79b. The lower illustration of FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the recess 95 within the plug receiving side 312, starting from the base surface 90 and the arrangement of the contacts 5 on projections or shoulders 96, which have an obliquely inclined orientation relative to the base surface 90. Within the recess 95 at least one insertion bevel 98 is formed in order to facilitate the insertion of the projection 75 with the contacts 5 in the recess 95. The shoulders 96 are formed and arranged so that they can engage in the recesses 76 on the plug side 311. If two cascade plugs 31 are placed next to one another and joined correctly, a mechanical contacting of the contacts 5 occurs both on the plug side 311 and on the plug receptacle side 312. The signals that are transmitted from, for example, a charging station 20 for the transmission of data and energy from a plug 21 into the plug receiving side 312, are passed on the one hand to the contacts 5 on the plug side 311 and beyond to another plug 31, which also can be designed as a cascade plug and is connected to the contacts 5 via the cable 35. There is thus a division of both data and energy on the one hand on a plug receptacle 111, 121 o- a plug receiving side 312 of a cascade plug 31 and on the other hand to a further plug at the other end of the cable 35. Data and energy are on the one hand passed through the cascade plug 31 and on the other hand routed branched to another cascade plug or another plug.

As a result of the arrangement of the contacts 5 on the plug receiving side 312 within the recess 95, the plug housing or the side wall 310 of the plug 31 forms a contact protection element or a contact protection wall, which has a contact transversely to the joining direction, ie transversely to the direction of insertion of the projection. ges 75 prevented in the recess 95. Unintentional contacting is therefore not possible. The contacts 5 on the plug receiving side 312 within the recess 95 are preferably located only in the side surfaces of the shoulders 96, so that upon contact of the heels on the topsides facing the base surface 90, there is no direct contact with the electrical and data transmitting ones Contacts 5 can be made.

FIG. 4 shows two cascade plugs 31 arranged one above the other, coupled to one another. Data and energy, which are introduced into the upper cascade plug 31, are passed through into the second cascade plug 32, at the same time data and energy are transmitted through the two cables 35 to further electrical and / or or electronic devices forwarded and supplied via corresponding connector, for example there. Furthermore, on the plug side 311 of the lower cascade plug 31, the possibility is provided of data and / or energy supplied on the plug receiving side 312 of the upper plug to another cascade plug 31 or to a plug receptacle 111, 121 of an electrical or electronic device 110, 120 forward and transmit.

FIG. 5 shows a sectional view transversely to the longitudinal extent of the cascade plug 31 and thus also transversely to a plane of symmetry. In the upper cascade plug 31, the not yet filled recess 95 can be seen. From the base surface 90, the sealing element 91 or the shoulder extends upwards. On the Bottom or the plug side of the upper cascade plug 31, the groove 71 can be seen with an inserted therein additional sealing element 91 '. The contacts 5 within the recess 95 do not protrude to the plug receiving side surface of the shoulders 96, but are located on an oblique side wall of the paragraph 96. The contacts are U-shaped and passed through the base body of the cascade plug 31 and to the Partition wall of the projection 75 created. In this case, the contact 5 does not extend beyond the lower end of the projection, but is performed through the partition wall between the end pieces 90a, 90b, which can be seen on the lower cascade plug 31. As a result, contact protection against contacting against the joining direction F, ie from below against the plug side 311, is provided. Laterally contacting with the contacts 5 via the ribs 78 is prevented. In the joined state, as shown in FIG. 5, the contacts 5 of the upper cascade plug 31 bear against the contacts 5 of the lower cascade plug 31. Due to the oblique configuration of the contacts 5 on the side surface 97 fin det contacting only takes place when the two cascade plug 31 completely rest on each other, which is only the case when the projection or the sealing element 91 completely inserted into the groove 71 becomes. If a rotation of 180 ° takes place and attempts are made to insert the protrusion 75 into the recess 95, no contacting would take place, since due to the different shape of the end pieces 79a, 79b and the corresponding recesses within the recess 95 as well is prevented by the blocking due to the different contours on the end sides of the groove 71 and the projection 91 a complete contact. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, two lines 35 or cables 35 are arranged on the upper cascade plug 31 in order to supply additional electrical and / or electronic components with energy and / or data from this cascade plug 31. For this purpose, the cables 35 are preferably multi-threaded. By arranging a plurality of cables 35 on a cascade plug 31, a plurality of components can be supplied with energy and / or data, a star-shaped or network-like distribution of energy and / or data and multiplication of the receivers are possible. FIG. 6 shows two cascade plugs 31 stacked one above the other in an assembled position, in which the lower cascade plug 31 is inserted into a plug receptacle 111 within a holder 80. This holder 80 can be arranged on an orthopedic component, wherein the plug receptacle is electrically and / or data-transmitting connected to an electrical and / or electronic device 110, 120 of the orthopedic technical system. A mechanical and electrical connection to the electrical and / or electrical connection is made via the holder 80, which can be locked and fixed by means of through holes 81 via screws on the orthopedic component 10, 20 and through a form-locking device in the form of a tab with a recess 82. produced by a ronic device.

FIG. 7 shows three cascade plugs 31 and the holder 80 before joining. For joining, the cascade plugs 31 are moved together or successively in the joining direction F, which is oriented orthogonally to the base surfaces 70, 90 and orthogonal to a base surface in the holder 80, about the respective plug side 311 with the plug receiving side 1112, 312 to overlap and contact so that a mended position is achieved. FIG. 7 also shows the two tabs with the recesses 82 and the two through holes 81, by means of which the holder 80 can be attached to the orthopedic component.

FIG. 7 also shows an end plug 21 which comes from a charging station or a device for providing data and / or energy. The end plug 21 is inserted into the recess 95 of the uppermost cascade plug 31. The plug 21 is formed corresponding to the plug side 312 of the cascade plug 31, so that only a clear orientation of the plug 21 to the respective cascade plug 31 contacting the electrical contacts 5 of the end plug 21 to the cascade plugs 31 and thus also to the plug receptacle 111th allows. At the end plug 21, a feedback device 22 is arranged, which can be designed as a lighting means, vibration element or acoustic signal generator and indicates whether a contact with the Contacts 5 of the cascade plug 31 and / or the plug receptacle 111 is carried out in the holder 80. If, for example, an LED illuminates as a feedback device 22, the user can assume that a coupling has taken place with all the contacts 5 of all the cascade plug 31 and the plug receptacle 111.

Advantageously, the occupation of all contacts 5 of the end plug 21 is identical to the contacts 5 in the cascade plugs 31 and the contacts within the plug receptacle 111. In principle, it is also possible to provide an alternative or different assignment. The end plug 21 does not have to be arranged at the beginning of the plug cascade, an arrangement in the middle or between two cascade plugs 31 or a plug receptacle and a cascade plug in one embodiment of the end plug 21 with a plug receptacle is likewise provided and forms part of the invention. The plug-in receptacle of an end plug can be covered or reversibly closed, for example by a cap. He end plug 21 is then a cascade plug with a supply line, so that from the outside energy and / or data can be introduced into the system.

The finally joined state and contacting of two cascade plugs 31 with an end plug 21 on a holder 80 for connecting a charger, not shown, or, for example, a computer with an electrical or electronic device 110, 120 of an orthopedic component 11, 12 is shown in FIG.

Claims

claims

A connector system for connecting a plurality of electrical and / or electronic devices (110, 120) of an orthopedic system

at least one plug receptacle (111, 121) which is coupled to the electrical and / or electronic device,

- The plug receptacle (111, 121) has a plug receiving side (1112, 1212) with a plurality of contacts (5),

with an end plug coupled to a data and / or energy source (20),

- The end plug (21) has a plug side (211) with a plurality of contacts (5), which are arranged corresponding to the contacts (5) of the plug receptacle (111, 121), wherein

the contacts (5) of the plug side (211) and the plug receptacle side (312) are arranged so that they can be brought into contact with one another in at least one joining direction (F),

marked by

- At least one cascade plug (31) having a plug side (311) which is formed corresponding to the plug side (211) of the end plug (21) and one of the plug side (311) opposite plug receiving side (312) which is formed in correspondence with the plug receiving side (1112, 1212) of the plug receptacle (111, 121).

2. Plug system according to claim 1, characterized in that on the Kas- kadenstecker (31) via at least one line (35) at least a second cascade plug (35) or at least one end plug is attached.

3. Plug system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the contacts (5) of the cascade plug (5) on the plug side (311) have the identical assignment as on the plug receiving side (312).

4. Plug system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contour of the cascade plug (31) on the plug side (311) corresponding to the contour on the plug receiving side (312) is formed.

5. Plug system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that between the plug side (311) and the plug receiving side (312) at least one magnetic coupling (6) via two magnets (61) or a magnet (61) and a ferromagnetic counterpart ( 62) is formed.

6. Plug system according to claim 5, characterized in that the magnets (61) or the magnets (61) and the counterpart (62) are formed so that a coupling of plug receptacle (111, 121), cascade plug (31) and end plug ( 21) to each other only in exactly one orientation is possible.

7. Plug system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the plug side (211, 311) and the plug receiving side (1112, 1212, 312) projections (7) and recesses (8) are arranged, which is a coupling of plug receptacle (111, 121), cascade plug (31) and end plug (21) allow each other only in exactly one orientation.

8. Plug system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the plug side (211, 311) and the plug receiving side (1112, 1212, 312) at least one form-locking device (9) for coupling plug receptacle (111, 121), cascade plug (31) and end plug (21) are arranged together.

9. Plug system according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the holding force between the plug receiving side (1112, 1212, 312) and the plug side (211, 311) of the plug receptacle (111, 121) to the end plug (21 ) decreases. lO. Plug system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that arranged in the plug receptacle (111, 121), the cascade plug (31) and / or the end plug (21) is a feedback device (22) or a relay device for displaying a contact.

11. Plug system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that between the plug receptacle (111, 121), the cascade plug (31) and / or the end plug (21) at least one sealing element (91) is arranged net.

12. Plug system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plug receptacle (111, 121) is arranged in a holder (80) which can be fixed to the orthopedic component, the holder (80) or the plug receptacle (111, 121) is designed to be displaceable and lockable in the holder (80) in relation to the orthopedic component.

13. Plug system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contacts (5) are formed of a conductive polymer or coated with a conductive polymer.

14. Plug system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the end plug (21) or the cascade plug (31) an unlocking mechanism is arranged, which upon application of a tensile force against the joining direction (F) on the end plug (21 ) or cascade connector (31).

15. Plug system according to claim 14, characterized in that the unlocking mechanism is coupled to a line or a cable. Plug system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the plug side (211, 311) and the plug receiving side (1112, 1212, 312) at least one Berührschutzelement (310, 750, 78) is arranged, the transversely a contacting prevents the joining direction (F).