Connecting rod with adjustable curvature

Abstract

The present invention discloses a connecting rod with adjustable curvature, wherein the connecting rod with adjustable curvature includes a first connecting rod, a second connecting rod and an adjustment assembly, wherein the first connecting rod is rotatably connected to the second connecting rod, and the adjustment assembly includes an adjustment member and a driving member, wherein the driving member and the adjustment member are both connected to the second connecting rod and the adjustment member is movable relative to the second connecting rod along a first direction, the adjustment member contacts the first connecting rod and the adjustment member moves along the first direction to drive the first connecting rod to rotate, the driving member can drive the adjustment member to move along the first direction, and the driving member can lock the adjustment member after the adjustment member moves to a preset position to limit the movement of the adjustment member. The connecting rod with adjustable curvature of the present invention is easy to adjust in angle and can automatically maintain a desired angle without repeated adjustment, is easy to assemble, and reduces the complexity of the operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of medical equipment, and in particular to a connecting rod with adjustable curvature. Background Art

[0002] With the development of industry and transportation and the aging problem in domestic society, cervical spine trauma and diseases are increasing year by year. Surgery is one of the effective clinical treatment methods at present.

[0003] The occipital-cervical combined fixation system is a commonly used implant in the treatment of cervical spine diseases. The cervical-pillow connecting rod is an important structural component in the occipital-cervical combined fixation system. During the operation, the cervical-pillow connecting rod needs to be bent according to the actual physiological curvature of the patient's occipital bone so that the cervical-pillow connecting rod can be placed in the U-shaped groove of the occipital plate and screw respectively and locked with the screw plug, thereby achieving the effect of reduction and fixation.

[0004] The neck pillow connecting rod in the related technology has the problem of inconvenient angle adjustment and difficulty in maintaining the angle of the neck pillow connecting rod after adjustment. New fixing parts are needed to fix the neck pillow connecting rod after the angle adjustment. If it is found that the angle of the neck pillow connecting rod is not suitable during the operation, it needs to be adjusted repeatedly, which increases the complexity of the operation. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to solve one of the technical problems in the related art at least to a certain extent.

[0006] To this end, an embodiment of the present invention proposes a connecting rod with adjustable curvature. The angle of the connecting rod with adjustable curvature is easy to adjust and can automatically maintain the required angle without repeated adjustment, which is convenient for assembly and reduces the complexity of the operation.

[0007] The curvature-adjustable connecting rod of an embodiment of the present invention includes: a first connecting rod; a second connecting rod, the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod are rotatably connected; an adjustment assembly, the adjustment assembly includes an adjustment member and a driving member, the driving member and the adjustment member are both connected to the second connecting rod and the adjustment member is movable along a first direction relative to the second connecting rod, the adjustment member contacts the first connecting rod and the movement of the adjustment member along the first direction can drive the first connecting rod to rotate, the driving member can drive the adjustment member to move along the first direction, and the driving member can lock the adjustment member after the adjustment member moves to a preset position to limit the movement of the adjustment member.

[0008] The embodiment of the present invention has an adjustable curvature connecting rod, and the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod are rotatably connected. The driving member can drive the adjusting member to move to drive the first connecting rod to rotate, and the driving member can lock the adjusting member after the adjusting member moves to a preset position to limit the movement of the adjusting member. Therefore, the adjusting component can not only adjust the relative angle of the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod, but also lock the first connecting rod after the angle adjustment is completed to keep the required angle from changing. The angle can be maintained without the use of a screw plug, which is convenient for assembly. During the operation, there will be no problem of repeated adjustment of the angle due to the rotation of the first connecting rod, which reduces the complexity and risk of the operation and can avoid the failure problem caused by repeated tightening of the screw plug.

[0009] In some embodiments, the outer peripheral surface of the driving member is provided with an external thread arranged along the first direction, the adjusting member is sleeved on the driving member and the adjusting member is threadedly connected to the driving member, the driving member is rotatable around a first axis, the extension direction of the first axis is parallel to the first direction, and the rotation of the driving member can drive the adjusting member to move along the first direction.

[0010] In some embodiments, the external thread is an anti-retraction thread.

[0011] In some embodiments, the end of the second connecting rod facing the first connecting rod is provided with a cavity that penetrates the second connecting rod along the first direction, part of the driving member is engaged in the cavity, and the adjusting member is engaged with the part of the driving member located in the cavity.

[0012] In some embodiments, the end of the second connecting rod facing the first connecting rod is provided with a mounting groove opening toward the first connecting rod, the mounting groove is communicated with the chamber, and one end of the first connecting rod facing the second connecting rod is fitted in the mounting groove.

[0013] In some embodiments, the curvature-adjustable connecting rod further includes a pivot, which passes through a side wall of the mounting slot and is disposed on the first connecting rod, and the first connecting rod is rotatable relative to the pivot.

[0014] In some embodiments, a limiting protrusion is provided on the outer circumference of the adjusting member, a portion of the limiting protrusion is engaged in the mounting groove, and the inner wall of the mounting groove can stop the limiting protrusion to prevent the adjusting member from rotating with the driving member.

[0015] In some embodiments, the driving member includes a first clamping portion and a second clamping portion, the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion are spaced apart in the first direction, and the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion are respectively clamped on both sides of the second connecting rod in the first direction.

[0016] In some embodiments, the chamber includes a first cavity segment, a second cavity segment, and a third cavity segment arranged along the first direction, the cross-sectional area of the first cavity segment is larger than the cross-sectional area of the second cavity segment, the cross-sectional area of the third cavity segment is larger than the cross-sectional area of the second cavity segment, a portion of the first clamping portion is fitted in the first cavity segment, and a portion of the second clamping portion is fitted in the third cavity segment;

[0017] And / or, the driving member includes a knob and a locking bolt, the knob has a mating groove extending along a first direction, a portion of the locking bolt is mated in the mating groove and threadedly connected to the mating groove, the first clamping portion is formed on the knob, the second clamping portion is formed on the locking bolt, and the adjusting member is sleeved on the knob.

[0018] In some embodiments, one of the end of the first connecting rod facing the second connecting rod and the end surface of the adjusting member facing the first connecting rod is provided with a latching tooth, and the other is provided with a latching groove, and the latching tooth is adapted to fit in the latching groove. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a connecting rod with adjustable curvature according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 4 is a cross-sectional view of a connecting rod with adjustable curvature according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 It is an enlarged view of the local structure of the connecting rod with adjustable curvature according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 4 3 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of a connecting rod with adjustable curvature according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Reference numerals:

[0024] First connecting rod 1, latching tooth 11, second connecting rod 2, chamber 21, adjustment assembly 3, driving member 31, knob 311, locking bolt 312, first holding portion 313, second holding portion 314, adjustment member 32, limiting protrusion 321, pivot 4, occipital plate 5, tail nail 6, screw plug 7. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, and examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to be used to explain the present invention, but should not be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0026] like Figures 1-4As shown, the curvature-adjustable connecting rod of the embodiment of the present invention includes a first connecting rod 1, a second connecting rod 2 and an adjustment assembly 3. For ease of understanding, taking cervical spine surgery as an example, during the operation, the cervical pillow connecting rod is used in conjunction with the occipital plate 5 and the tail nail 6. Specifically, the first connecting rod 1 is the occipital connecting rod, which is fitted in the U-shaped groove of the occipital plate 5, and the second connecting rod 2 is the cervical connecting rod, which is fitted in the U-shaped groove of the tail nail 6 (refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 ).

[0027] like Figures 1-4 As shown, the first connecting rod 1 is rotatably connected to the second connecting rod 2, and the adjustment assembly 3 includes an adjusting member 32 and a driving member 31. The driving member 31 is connected to the second connecting rod 2, and the adjusting member 32 is connected to the second connecting rod 2 and is movable in a first direction relative to the second connecting rod 2. The adjusting member 32 is in contact with the first connecting rod 1 and the adjusting member 32 moves along the first direction to drive the first connecting rod 1 to rotate. The driving member 31 can drive the adjusting member 32 to move along the first direction, and the driving member 31 can lock the adjusting member 32 after the adjusting member 32 moves to a preset position to limit the movement of the adjusting member 32.

[0028] In other words, during the operation, when it is necessary to adjust the angle between the first connecting rod 1 and the second connecting rod 2 to meet the assembly of the cervical pillow connecting rod, the driving member 31 can be used to drive the adjusting member 32 to move along the first direction to drive the first connecting rod 1 to rotate relative to the second connecting rod 2, and when the first connecting rod 1 rotates to meet the assembly angle, the driving member 31 stops driving the adjusting member 32 to move and prevents the adjusting member 32 from continuing to move. In other words, the adjustment component 3 has the function of adjusting the bending angle of the cervical pillow connecting rod, and can also realize the locking of the cervical pillow connecting rod in the bent state, so that the cervical pillow connecting rod can maintain the adjusted angle without the need for additional fixing parts.

[0029] It should be noted that the related art proposes the use of a steering member as an adapter between the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod so that the first connecting rod can rotate relative to the second connecting rod. However, the inventor found that after the curvature adjustment of the neck pillow connecting rod in the related art is completed, the neck pillow connecting rod needs to be manually placed in the U-shaped groove of the occipital plate and the tail nail, and then the neck pillow connecting rod is locked with a screw plug to maintain the preset curvature.

[0030] However, when placing and installing the cervical pillow connecting rod, it is difficult for humans to keep the relative angle between the second connecting rod and the first connecting rod unchanged. In the process of locking the screw plug, there is also the problem of relative rotation between the cervical pillow connecting rod and the first connecting rod due to improper assembly. As a result, during the operation, the cervical pillow connecting rod with an uncomfortable angle needs to be repeatedly adjusted. The adjustment process is accompanied by the disassembly and assembly of the screw plug, which not only increases the complexity of the operation, but also easily causes the risk of screw plug failure.

[0031] The adjustment component 3 of the present application has both adjustment and self-locking functions, so that after the curvature adjustment of the neck pillow connecting rod is completed, the first connecting rod 1 is locked, and the angle can be maintained without using the screw plug 7. There will be no problem of the angle of the neck pillow connecting rod needing to be repeatedly adjusted due to the rotation of the first connecting rod 1.

[0032] In addition, the adjustment component 3 in the present application can also serve as a support point. For example, when there is a clinical need to expand the occipital bone and atlantoaxial vertebrae, the adjustment component 3 can be used as a fulcrum and a expander can be used to expand the occipital bone and atlantoaxial vertebrae respectively.

[0033] In the embodiment of the present invention, the curvature-adjustable connecting rod has a first connecting rod and a second connecting rod that are rotatably connected. The driving member can drive the adjusting member to move so as to drive the first connecting rod to rotate, and the driving member can lock the adjusting member after the adjusting member moves to a preset position to limit the movement of the adjusting member. Thus, the adjusting assembly can not only adjust the relative angle between the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod, but also lock the first connecting rod to maintain the desired angle after the angle adjustment is completed. The angle can be maintained without the use of a screw plug, which is convenient for assembly. The problem of repeated angle adjustment due to the rotation of the first connecting rod will not occur during the operation, which reduces the complexity and risk of the operation and can avoid the failure problem caused by repeated tightening of the screw plug. In other embodiments, the curvature-adjustable connecting rod can also be used in other environments.

[0034] Furthermore, if Figure 3 As shown, the outer circumference of the driving member 31 is provided with external threads arranged along a first direction. The adjusting member 32 is sleeved on the driving member 31 and threadedly connected to the driving member 31. The driving member 31 is rotatable about a first axis, the extension direction of the first axis being parallel to the first direction. Rotation of the driving member 31 can drive the adjusting member 32 to move along the first direction. Preferably, the external threads are anti-retraction threads.

[0035] Thus, the threaded engagement between the driver 31 and the adjustment member 32 allows the adjustment member 32 to move by rotating the thread. Furthermore, the threaded engagement itself prevents the adjustment member 32 from moving. That is, after the driver 31 rotates to drive the adjustment member 32 to rotate the first connecting rod 1 to a predetermined position, the adjustment member 32 automatically remains in its current position simply by stopping the driver 31. Furthermore, the threaded engagement provides high precision and ease of control.

[0036] Furthermore, if Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the end of the second connecting rod 2 facing the first connecting rod 1 is provided with a cavity 21 that penetrates the second connecting rod 2 along the first direction. The driving member 31 is partially engaged in the cavity 21, and the adjustment member 32 is engaged with the portion of the driving member 31 located in the cavity 21. As a result, the connecting rod has a compact structure, the assembly space of some structural components is shared, and the appearance is improved, and the structural integrity is strong.

[0037] Furthermore, if Figure 2-Figure 4 As shown, the end of the second connecting rod 2 facing the first connecting rod 1 is provided with a mounting groove opening toward the first connecting rod 1 and the mounting groove is communicated with the chamber 21 , and one end of the first connecting rod 1 facing the second connecting rod 2 is fitted in the mounting groove.

[0038] Alternatively, as Figure 3 As shown, the connecting rod further includes a pivot 4, which passes through the side wall of the mounting slot and is disposed on the first connecting rod 1. The first connecting rod 1 is rotatable relative to the pivot 4. Thus, movement of the adjusting member 32 in the first direction can drive the first connecting rod 1 to rotate about the pivot 4 in the direction permitted by the mounting slot, thereby achieving rotational adjustment of the first connecting rod 1.

[0039] Furthermore, if Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, to prevent the adjusting member 32 from rotating with the driving member 31, a limiting protrusion 321 is provided on the outer circumference of the adjusting member 32. A portion of the limiting protrusion 321 fits within the mounting groove, and the inner wall of the mounting groove abuts against the limiting protrusion 321, thereby preventing the adjusting member 32 from rotating with the driving member 31. In other words, the abutment between the limiting protrusion 321 and the inner wall of the mounting groove prevents the adjusting member 32 from rotating circumferentially, allowing the adjusting member 32 to rise or fall with the rotation of the driving member 31.

[0040] In some embodiments, as Figure 3 As shown, the driving member 31 includes a first clamping portion 313 and a second clamping portion 314. The first clamping portion 313 and the second clamping portion 314 are spaced apart in the first direction. The first clamping portion 313 and the second clamping portion 314 respectively clamp on both sides of the second connecting rod 2 in the first direction. In other words, the driving member 31 is clamped to the second connecting rod 2 using the first clamping portion 313 and the second clamping portion 314.

[0041] Specifically, if Figure 2-Figure 4 As shown, the driving member 31 includes a knob 311 and a locking bolt 312. The knob 311 has a mating groove extending in a first direction. A portion of the locking bolt 312 fits within the mating groove and is threadedly connected thereto. A first retaining portion 313 is formed on the knob 311, and a second retaining portion 314 is formed on the locking bolt 312. The adjusting member 32 is sleeved on the knob 311. As a result, the knob 311 and the locking bolt 312 are easily assembled and disassembled, facilitating assembly of the driving member 31 and the second connecting rod 2. Furthermore, the degree of tightening of the driving member 31 can be adjusted by the depth of engagement between the locking bolt 312 and the knob 311, facilitating adaptation of the driving member 31 to second connecting rods 2 of different sizes.

[0042] Furthermore, if Figure 3As shown, the chamber 21 includes a first cavity segment, a second cavity segment, and a third cavity segment arranged along a first direction. The cross-sectional area of the first cavity segment is larger than that of the second cavity segment, and the cross-sectional area of the third cavity segment is larger than that of the second cavity segment. Part of the first clamping portion 313 fits within the first cavity segment, and part of the second clamping portion 314 fits within the third cavity segment. As a result, the outer peripheral edge of the first clamping portion 313 can abut against the inner wall of the first cavity segment, and the outer peripheral edge of the second clamping portion 314 can abut against the inner wall of the third cavity segment, thereby preventing the driver 31 from translating. The first and third cavity segments are used to limit the rotational trajectory of the driver 31.

[0043] In this embodiment, Figure 3 As shown, one of the end of the first connecting rod 1 facing the second connecting rod 2 and the end of the adjusting member 32 facing the first connecting rod 1 is provided with a latching tooth 11, and the other is provided with a latching groove, in which the latching tooth 11 is adapted to fit. Thus, when the adjusting member 32 moves in the first direction, the engagement between the latching groove and the latching tooth 11 can propel the first connecting rod 1 to rotate about the pivot 4, and the engagement between the latching groove and the latching tooth 11 is less likely to cause rotational jamming.

[0044] Alternatively, as Figure 3 As shown, the latching slot is provided on the limiting protrusion 321. It is understood that, through the engagement of the latching teeth 11 and the latching slot, when the driving member 31 drives the adjusting member 32 to move in the first direction, the latching slot can shift the latching teeth 11 to rotate the first connecting rod 1 along the pivot 4, thereby adjusting the angle of the first connecting rod 1 relative to the second connecting rod 2, making adjustment simple and convenient. In other embodiments, the first connecting rod 1 and the adjusting member 32 can also cooperate in other ways to achieve angle adjustment.

[0045] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" and the like to indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0046] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of the technical features being referred to. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one such feature. In the description of the present invention, "plurality" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0047] In the present invention, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "installed," "connected," "connect," "fixed," etc. should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connection, detachable connection, or integration; mechanical connection, electrical connection, or communication; direct connection or indirect connection through an intermediate medium; internal communication between two elements or interaction between two elements, unless otherwise specified. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on specific circumstances.

[0048] In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, when a first feature is "above" or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediary. Furthermore, when a first feature is "above," "above," or "above" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a higher level than the second feature. When a first feature is "below," "below," or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a lower level than the second feature.

[0049] In the present invention, the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "examples", "specific examples", or "some examples" mean that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described can be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and combine different embodiments or examples described in this specification and the features of different embodiments or examples without contradiction.

[0050] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it will be understood that the above embodiments are illustrative and are not to be construed as limitations on the present invention. A person skilled in the art may change, modify, replace and modify the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A connecting rod with adjustable curvature, characterized in that: include: a first connecting rod; a second connecting rod, the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod being rotatably connected; an adjustment assembly, the adjustment assembly comprising an adjustment member and a driving member, the driving member and the adjustment member being both connected to the second connecting rod, the adjustment member being movable relative to the second connecting rod in a first direction, the adjustment member being in contact with the first connecting rod and moving in the first direction to drive the first connecting rod to rotate, the driving member being capable of driving the adjustment member to move in the first direction, and the driving member being capable of locking the adjustment member after the adjustment member moves to a preset position to restrict movement of the adjustment member; The outer circumferential surface of the driving member is provided with an external thread arranged along the first direction, the adjusting member is sleeved on the driving member and the adjusting member is threadedly connected to the driving member, the driving member is rotatable around a first axis, the extension direction of the first axis is parallel to the first direction, and the rotation of the driving member can drive the adjusting member to move along the first direction; The external thread is an anti-retraction thread.

2. The curvature-adjustable connecting rod according to claim 1, characterized in that: The end of the second connecting rod facing the first connecting rod is provided with a cavity penetrating the second connecting rod along a first direction, a portion of the driving member is engaged in the cavity, and the adjusting member is engaged with the portion of the driving member located in the cavity.

3. The curvature-adjustable connecting rod according to claim 2, characterized in that: The end of the second connecting rod facing the first connecting rod is provided with a mounting groove opening toward the first connecting rod, the mounting groove is communicated with the cavity, and one end of the first connecting rod facing the second connecting rod is fitted in the mounting groove.

4. The curvature-adjustable connecting rod according to claim 3, characterized in that: It also includes a pivot, which passes through the side wall of the installation slot and is arranged on the first connecting rod. The first connecting rod is rotatable relative to the pivot.

5. The curvature-adjustable connecting rod according to claim 3, characterized in that: A limiting protrusion is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the adjusting member, a portion of the limiting protrusion is fitted in the mounting groove, and an inner wall of the mounting groove can stop the limiting protrusion to prevent the adjusting member from rotating with the driving member.

6. The curvature-adjustable connecting rod according to claim 2, characterized in that: The driving member includes a first clamping portion and a second clamping portion, the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion are spaced apart in the first direction, and the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion are respectively clamped on both sides of the second connecting rod in the first direction.

7. The curvature-adjustable connecting rod according to claim 6, characterized in that: The chamber includes a first cavity segment, a second cavity segment, and a third cavity segment arranged along the first direction, the cross-sectional area of the first cavity segment is larger than the cross-sectional area of the second cavity segment, the cross-sectional area of the third cavity segment is larger than the cross-sectional area of the second cavity segment, a portion of the first holding portion is fitted in the first cavity segment, and a portion of the second holding portion is fitted in the third cavity segment; And / or, the driving member includes a knob and a locking bolt, the knob has a mating groove extending along a first direction, a portion of the locking bolt is mated in the mating groove and threadedly connected to the mating groove, the first clamping portion is formed on the knob, the second clamping portion is formed on the locking bolt, and the adjusting member is sleeved on the knob.

8. The curvature-adjustable connecting rod according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: One of the end of the first connecting rod facing the second connecting rod and the end surface of the adjusting member facing the first connecting rod is provided with a latching tooth, and the other is provided with a latching groove, and the latching tooth is suitable for fitting in the latching groove.

Images