Leg assembly for a walking aid and walking aid having the same

Abstract

A walking aid leg assembly is provided, comprising: a first leg having a first support plate and a first leg bar, the first support plate having opposite first and second ends, one end of the first leg bar being rotatably connected to the first end of the first support plate; a second leg having a second support plate and a second leg bar, the second support plate having opposite first and second ends, one end of the second leg bar being rotatably connected to the first end of the second support plate; a connecting plate having opposite first and second ends, the first and second ends of the connecting plate being connected to the second ends of the first and second support plates, respectively; and an energy storage transmission member having an energy storage component, one end of each of the first and second leg bars being connected to opposite ends of the energy storage component via a pull rope, such that the first and second legs are driven in linkage via the energy storage transmission member. A walking aid having the above leg assembly is also provided.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present document relates generally to a walking aid, and in particular, a leg assembly for a walking aid and a walking aid having the same. BACKGROUND

[0002] With the increasing aging of society, many walking aids have been developed to help the elderly who have difficulty walking due to aging or patients who have difficulty in stepping with one side or the entire body to walk autonomously.

[0003] The main principle of a walking aid is to apply an additional assistive force to the user's leg to help the user complete the action of lifting the leg and stepping in walking.

[0004] The prior art walking aid is generally divided into an active walking aid and a passive walking aid. The active walking aid sets a motor at the position of the hip joint on both sides of the user, and the motor is individually driven to apply an assistive force to the user's leg. The active walking aid needs to set a power source, a control circuit, and other complex parts, and needs a corresponding control program, which has high cost and heavy weight. The passive walking aid uses energy storage elements such as torsional springs or tension springs on both sides of the hip joint to individually drive, and applies an assistive force to the user's leg by the elastic potential of the energy storage elements. Although the passive walking aid has the advantages of low cost and light weight, the energy storage elements on the left and right sides of the passive walking aid are individually driven, and the linkage of the left and right legs cannot be achieved. In addition, since each leg is provided with an energy storage element, although each leg is more relaxed when lifting the leg by means of the assistive force applied by the energy storage element, the single leg needs to overcome the resistance of the energy storage element when swinging back during the support period, so that the leg stepping will be more laborious.

[0005] The prior art walking aid has no relevance to the driving of both legs after being worn, which greatly reduces the walking experience of the user.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for an improved walking aid that at least solves at least some of the above technical problems of the prior art walking aid, in particular, a leg assembly for driving the leg in a walking aid. SUMMARY

[0007] The purpose of the present document is to provide a passive walking aid that enables the user's legs to be driven in association with each other to improve the user's walking experience.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present document, a leg assembly for walking aid is provided, comprising:

[0009] a first leg handle and a second leg handle,

[0010] a connecting plate, two ends of the connecting plate are connected to the first leg handle and the second leg handle, respectively, and the second end of the first support plate and the second end of the second support plate; and

[0011] The energy storage transmission member has an energy storage component, the first leg handle is connected to one end of the energy storage component via a first pull rope, and the second leg handle is connected to the other end of the energy storage component via a second pull rope, so that the first leg handle and the second leg handle are driven in linkage via the energy storage transmission member.

[0012] Optionally, in the above leg assembly, the first leg handle has a first support plate and a first leg rod, the first support plate has opposite first and second ends, and one end of the first leg rod is rotatably connected to the first end of the first support plate; the second leg handle has a second support plate and a second leg rod, the second support plate has opposite first and second ends, and one end of the second leg rod is rotatably connected to the first end of the second support plate; and the two ends of the connecting plate are connected to the second end of the first support plate and the second end of the second support plate, respectively.

[0013] Optionally, in the above leg assembly, the first leg handle further has a first roller provided on the one end of the first leg rod, and the first pull rope is wound around the first roller, and the second leg handle further has a first roller provided on the one end of the second leg rod, and the second pull rope is wound around the second roller.

[0014] Optionally, in the above leg assembly, the energy storage transmission member further has a first guide component provided on the connecting plate and extending in a first direction, wherein the energy storage component is a single energy storage element, and the single energy storage element is movable along the first guide component.

[0015] Optionally, in the above leg assembly, the single energy storage element is a spring, a compression spring, a tension spring, a leaf spring, a torsion spring elastic rope, a gas spring, a bellows, a gas cylinder, or a hydraulic cylinder.

[0016] Optionally, in the above leg assembly, further comprising a tensioner, the tensioner has:

[0017] a second guide component provided on the connecting plate and arranged in parallel with the first guide component;

[0018] a slider provided on the second guide component and movable along the second guide component; and

[0019] a tensioning roller provided on the slider, wherein the first pull rope or the second pull rope is wound around the tensioning roller.

[0020] Optionally, in the above leg assembly, the energy storage transmission member further has a plurality of first guide rollers and a plurality of second guide rollers, the first pull rope is wound around the plurality of first guide rollers to define a connection path of the first pull rope connecting the first leg rod and the energy storage element, and the second pull rope is wound around the plurality of second guide rollers to define a connection path of the second pull rope connecting the second leg rod and the energy storage element.

[0021] Optionally, in the above leg assembly, the energy storage member is composed of a first energy storage element and a second energy storage element, the first energy storage element and the second energy storage element each have opposite first and second ends, the one end of the first leg rod is connected to the first end of the first energy storage element via the first pull rope, the one end of the second leg rod is connected to the first end of the second energy storage element via the second pull rope, and the second end of the first energy storage element and the second end of the second energy storage element are connected by a third pull rope.

[0022] Optionally, in the above leg assembly, the first energy storage element and the second energy storage element are each a spring, a compression spring, a tension spring, a leaf spring, a torsion spring elastic rope, a gas spring, a bellows, a gas cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder.

[0023] Optionally, in the above leg assembly, the first leg handle further has a first roller provided on the one end of the first leg rod, the first roller comprises a first wire wheel and a first rotating wheel, the first pull rope is wound around the first wire wheel, the first rotating wheel is fixed with the first leg rod, the first roller has a first state in which the first wire wheel and the first rotating wheel are fixed relative to each other and a second state in which the first wire wheel and the first rotating wheel are rotatable relative to each other; the second leg handle further has a second roller provided on the one end of the second leg rod, the second roller comprises a second wire wheel and a second rotating wheel, the second pull rope is wound around the second wire wheel, the second rotating wheel is fixed with the second leg rod, the second roller has a first state in which the second wire wheel and the second rotating wheel are fixed relative to each other and a second state in which the second wire wheel and the second rotating wheel are rotatable relative to each other.

[0024] Optionally, in the above leg assembly, the energy storage transmission member further has a guide member, the guide member defines a connection path of the third pull rope connecting the second end of the first energy storage element and the second end of the second energy storage element.

[0025] Optionally, in the above leg assembly, the guide member is a guide tube, two ends of the guide tube are fixed at the first end and the second end of the connection plate respectively, and the third pull rope passes through the guide tube.

[0026] Optionally, in the leg assembly described above, the guide component comprises a plurality of guide rollers, and the third pull rope is wound around the plurality of guide rollers.

[0027] According to another aspect herein, there is provided a walking aid comprising a leg assembly according to any embodiment herein.

[0028] Optionally, the walking aid described above further comprises a waist strap arranged on the connecting plate of the leg assembly; and two leg straps arranged on the first leg rod and the second leg rod of the leg assembly, respectively.

[0029] By connecting the left and right leg handles in the leg assembly to the same energy storage transmission member, linkage type power assistance driving of both legs is achieved. This linkage type power assistance structure can drive one leg to walk by the other leg, and the two legs move alternately, which is closer to the real walking gait, thereby improving the walking experience of the user and making the user walk more easily. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0030] The drawings described below are for purposes of illustration only and are not necessarily drawn to scale. The drawings are intended to aid in understanding the disclosure and are not intended to provide a definition of the limits of the disclosure. Wherever possible, the same or similar reference numbers are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or like parts. Reference to particular embodiments does not preclude the application of the disclosure to other similar embodiments and / or examples.

[0031] Figure 1 A perspective view of a walking aid according to one embodiment herein is shown.

[0032] Figure 2 Details of the walking aid of Figure 1 are shown.

[0033] Figure 3 A rear view of the walking aid of Figure 2 is shown.

[0034] Figure 4 A partial enlarged view of the walking aid of Figure 2 is shown.

[0035] Figure 5 A perspective view of a walking aid according to another embodiment herein is shown.

[0036] Figure 6 A rear view of the walking aid of Figure 5 is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Reference will now be made in detail to the provided example embodiments shown in the drawings. The features of the various embodiments described herein can be combined with each other, unless specifically noted otherwise.

[0038] According to the general idea herein, a walking aid is described herein, which comprises a leg assembly for applying assistance to both legs of a user in a linked manner. The leg assembly comprises a first leg handle having a first support plate with opposite first and second ends and a first leg bar rotatably connected to the first end of the first support plate, and a second leg handle having a second support plate with opposite first and second ends and a second leg bar rotatably connected to the first end of the second support plate. The leg assembly further comprises a connecting plate connected to the second end of the first support plate and the second end of the second support plate, respectively. The leg assembly further comprises an energy storage transmission member having an energy storage component, wherein one end of the first leg bar is connected to one end of the energy storage component via a first pull rope and one end of the second leg bar is connected to the other end of the energy storage component via a second pull rope.

[0039] Figure 1 A perspective view of a walking aid 1 according to one embodiment herein is shown, Figure 2 Details of the walking aid 1 are shown, and Figure 3 A rear view of the walking aid 1 is shown.

[0040] As Figures 1 to 3 shown, the walking aid 1 comprises a leg assembly 10. Optionally, in order to enable the walking aid 1 to be worn on a user, the walking aid 1 can further comprise a waist strap 20 and two leg straps 30 arranged on different components of the leg assembly 10. When the user wears the walking aid 1, the waist strap 20 can be tied around the waist of the user, and the two leg straps 30 can be tied around both legs of the user. The specific configuration of the leg assembly 10 will be described in detail below.

[0041] As Figures 1 to 3 further shown, the leg assembly 10 can comprise a first leg handle 110 (or referred to as a left leg handle 110), a second leg handle 120 (or referred to as a right leg handle 120), a connecting plate 130, and an energy storage transmission member 140.

[0042] The first leg handle 110 may have a first leg 111 and a first support plate 112, with one end of the first leg 111 connected to one end of the first support plate 112, allowing the first leg 111 to rotate relative to the first support plate 112 with that end as an axis. For example, as an example, a roller 113 may be fixed to one end of the first leg 111, and the roller 113 may be used to connect one end of the first leg 111 and one end of the first support plate 112, thereby achieving a rotatable connection between the first leg 111 and the first support plate 112. Of course, other components besides the roller may be used to achieve a rotatable connection between the first leg 111 and the first support plate 112, and this is not a limitation herein. Similarly, the second leg handle 120 may have a second leg 121 and a second support plate 122, with one end of the second leg 121 connected to one end of the second support plate 122, allowing the second leg 121 to rotate relative to the second support plate 122 with that end as an axis. For example, as an example, a roller 123 may be fixed to one end of the second leg 121, and a rotatable connection between the second leg 121 and the second support plate 122 may be achieved by connecting one end of the second leg 121 and the second support plate 122 using the roller 123. Of course, other components besides the roller may be used to achieve a rotatable connection between the second leg 121 and the second support plate 122, and this document is not limited to this.

[0043] Optionally, such as Figure 4 A partially enlarged view of the first leg bar 111 is shown. The first leg bar 111 can consist of two sections connected by a connecting structure 114. The connecting structure 114 can be, for example, a hinge, but this is not a limitation herein. This adds a degree of freedom in the lateral direction to the leg bar 111, making it more ergonomic, more flexible when walking, and reducing the feeling of restriction. Furthermore, the leg bar 111 can also have a length adjustment structure, allowing it to fit different users. Although only through... Figure 4 Further details of the first leg 111 are shown; the second leg 121 may have the same structure.

[0044] The connecting plate 130 is used to connect the first support plate 112 and the second support plate 122. For example, one end of the connecting plate 130 can be connected to the other end of the first support plate 112 opposite to the end connected to the first leg rod 111, and the other end of the connecting plate can be connected to the other end of the second support plate 122 opposite to the end connected to the second leg rod 121. The two ends of the connecting plate 130 can be formed with openings, so that the two ends of the waist strap 20 can pass through the openings. Alternatively, openings can be formed at the ends of the first support plate 112 and the second support plate 122 connected to the connecting plate 130, respectively, so that the two ends of the waist strap 20 can pass through the openings. Therefore, when the user binds the waist strap 20 around the waist, the first leg handle 110 and the second leg handle 120 are located on the two sides of the user's waist and extend towards the legs, and the connecting plate 130 is located behind the user's waist.

[0045] The first leg rod 111 can be formed with an opening at the end opposite to the end connected to the first support plate 112, and the second leg rod 121 can be formed with an opening at the end opposite to the end connected to the second support plate 122. The two leg straps 30 can be arranged to pass through the two openings, so that when the user binds the leg straps 30 around the legs, the first leg handle 110 and the second leg handle 120 can move the user's legs.

[0046] The energy storage transmission member 140 is arranged on the connecting plate 130, and the energy storage transmission member 140 has an energy storage component 141. The first leg rod 111 is connected to one end of the energy storage component 141 at the end connected to the first support plate 112 through a first pull rope 151, and the second leg rod 121 is connected to the other end of the energy storage component 141 at the end connected to the second support plate 122 through a second pull rope 152. For example, when the leg rod and the support plate are connected using rollers (rollers 113, 123), one end of the first pull rope 151 can be wound around the first roller 113, and one end of the second pull rope 152 can be wound around the second roller 123. In the present embodiment, the energy storage component 141 is a single energy storage element such as a spring. The spring, for example, stores elastic potential energy when it is stretched to be longer than its original length, and releases the elastic potential energy when the stretched spring returns to its original length. Although a spring will be described below as the energy storage component 141, the energy storage component 141 as a single energy storage element can also be other energy storage elements other than a spring, such as a compression spring, a tension spring, a leaf spring, a torsion spring, an elastic rope, an air spring, a bellows, a gas cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, or other non-metallic materials, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0047] In the present embodiment, the energy storage transmission member 140 further comprises a guide member 142, such as a slide rail, disposed on the connecting plate 130 and extending in a substantially horizontal direction. The energy storage member 141 can move back and forth along the guide member 142 in a substantially horizontal direction. As an example, a slider that can move back and forth along the guide member 142 can be provided, and the energy storage member 141 is disposed on the slider.

[0048] The operation of the walking aid 1 will be described below. When the user wears the walking aid 1, the user maintains a sitting posture, and then the user ties the waist strap 20 and the leg straps 30 around the waist and the legs, respectively. At this time, the length of the first pull rope 151 and / or the second pull rope 152 is adjusted so that the energy storage member 141 is in a critical state about to be stretched but has not yet been stretched, or so that the energy storage member 141 is in a slightly stretched state, at which time it can be considered that the energy storage transmission member 140 is in a natural state that is substantially inactive.

[0049] After being worn, the user changes from a sitting posture to a standing posture. At this time, due to the change in the user's posture, the first leg bar 111 and the second leg bar 121 will pull the first pull rope 151 and the second pull rope 152 to stretch the energy storage member 141 to both ends, so at this time a certain amount of elastic potential energy will be stored in the energy storage member 141, and at this time the energy storage member 141 has a tendency to restore its original length, and thus has a tendency for the energy storage member 141 to pull the first pull rope 151 and the second pull rope 152 at both ends to respectively lift the first leg bar 111 and the second leg bar 112.

[0050] After the user stands up, the user starts to walk, for example, when the user first steps out with the left leg, the user needs to first make the action of lifting the left leg, i.e., the user wants to lift the left leg and the first leg bar 111 tied to the left leg. The action of lifting the left leg and thus lifting the first leg bar 111 just complies with the tendency of the energy storage member 141 to restore its original length to pull the first pull rope 151 to lift the first leg bar 111. Therefore, as the energy storage member 141 restores to its original length, the energy storage member 141 will pull the first pull rope 151 to lift the first leg bar 111, so the energy storage member 141 exerts an assisting force on the first leg bar 111 via the first pull rope 151 to assist the user to lift the left leg, thereby making it easier for the user to lift the left leg.

[0051] Then, after the user lifts the left leg, the user will then step forward a certain distance and drop the left leg under the action of gravity. At this time, the swinging and dropping of the left leg is against the tendency of the energy storage member 141 to restore its original length, i.e., the swinging and dropping of the left leg causes the first leg rod 111 to pull the first pull rope 151 to lengthen the energy storage member 141 again. At this time, the tendency of the energy storage member 141 to restore its original length will hinder the swinging and dropping of the left leg to some extent, i.e., the resistance generated by the energy storage member 141 will offset a part of the gravity, so that the user feels that the left leg is dropped under the action of an external force, and this offset of a part of the gravity can make the user easily adjust the walking posture and pace during the process of dropping the leg, and reduce the impact force on the leg when the user with weak leg muscle control drops the leg.

[0052] On the other hand, at the same time as the swinging and dropping of the left leg of the user, since the first leg rod 111 pulls the first pull rope 151 to lengthen the energy storage member 141 again, the tendency of the energy storage member 141 to restore its original length will cause the energy storage member 141 to try to pull the second pull rope 152 at the other end of the energy storage member 141 to lift the second leg rod 121 in order to restore its original length. Therefore, when the user further lifts the right leg at the same time as the swinging and dropping of the left leg, the tendency of the energy storage member 141 to try to pull the second pull rope 152 at the other end of the energy storage member 141 to lift the second leg rod 121 in order to restore its original length will cause the energy storage member 141 to apply an assisting force to the second leg rod 121 via the second pull rope 152 to assist the user to lift the right leg, so that the user can more easily lift the right leg while swinging and dropping the left leg.

[0053] Therefore, by the above-mentioned way of driving the leg rods via the pull ropes via the energy storage transmission member 140, when the user walks with the first leg stepping forward, the first leg is lifted under the action of the assisting force, and during the process of the first leg stepping forward and then dropping and swinging downward, the second leg will be pulled upward under the action of the energy storage transmission member 140, and during the process of the second leg stepping forward and then dropping and swinging downward, the first leg will be pulled upward under the action of the energy storage transmission member 140, and so on, thereby reducing the burden of lifting the leg and then assisting the user to walk. In addition, during the process of the user dropping the leg after stepping forward, the energy storage transmission member 140 offsets a part of the gravity of the dropping leg, so that the user can easily adjust the walking posture and pace during the process of dropping the leg, and reduce the impact force on the leg when the user with weak leg muscle control drops the leg.

[0054] As described above, after the user wears the walking aid 1, it is necessary to adjust the length of the first pull cord 151 and / or the second pull cord 152 so that the energy storage component 141 is in a critical state of being about to be stretched but not yet stretched, or so that the energy storage component 141 is in a state of being slightly stretched. In order to achieve the length adjustment of the first pull cord 151 and / or the second pull cord 152, the leg assembly 10 may further include a tensioner 160.

[0055] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the tensioner 160 may include a guide member 161 (e.g., a slide rail), a slider 162, and a tension roller 163. The guide member 161 is disposed on the connecting plate 130, and guide members 161 and 142 are arranged parallel to each other, such that the guide member 161 extends in a generally horizontal direction. The slider 162 is disposed in the guide member 161, allowing it to move back and forth along the guide member 161 in a generally horizontal direction. The tension roller 163 is disposed on the slider 162, and a first pull rope 151 and / or a second pull rope 152 (… Figures 1 to 3 The second pull rope (152) is wrapped around the tension roller 163. Therefore, by adjusting the position of the slider 162 on the guide member 161, the degree of tension of the energy storage member 141 by the first pull rope 151 and / or the second pull rope 152 can be adjusted. Furthermore, by adjusting the position of the slider 162 on the guide member 161, the energy storage member 141 can be adjusted to a critical state of being stretched but not yet stretched, or a state of being slightly stretched. In addition, by adjusting the tensioner 160 on the energy storage member 141, the amount of deformation of the energy storage member 141 can be adjusted, allowing the amount of auxiliary force provided to the user to be adjusted via the tensioning mechanism. In other words, the user assistance provided by the tensioner 160 is adjustable. For example, by adjusting the amount of deformation of the energy storage member 141 to be greater, greater assistance can be obtained; by adjusting the amount of deformation of the energy storage member 141 to be slightly smaller, less assistance can be provided to the user. The tensioner 160 may further include a locking member 164 to lock the slider 162 in the adjusted position after adjusting the position of the slider 162 on the guide member 161.

[0056] Although Figures 1 to 3 The diagram shows the second pull rope 152 wrapped around the tension roller 163, but the first pull rope 151 can also be wrapped around the tension roller 163 to achieve the same tensioning effect. Alternatively, two tensioners can be provided, and the energy storage component 141 can be tensioned from both ends by wrapping the first pull rope 151 and the second pull rope 152 around the tension rollers of the corresponding tensioners.

[0057] Optionally, the energy storage transmission member 140 can further comprise a plurality of first guide rollers 143-145 and a plurality of second guide rollers 146-148. The first pull cord 151 is wound around the plurality of first guide rollers 143-145 to define a connection path of the first pull cord 151 connecting the first leg bar 111 and the energy storage member 141, and the second pull cord 152 is wound around the plurality of second guide rollers 146-148 to define a connection path of the second pull cord 152 connecting the second leg bar 121 and the energy storage member 141.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 1, the first leg bar 111 and the second leg bar 121 are connected to the energy storage member 141 via the first pull cord 151 and the second pull cord 152, respectively. Figures 1 to 3 As shown in FIG. 1, the first leg bar 111 and the second leg bar 121 are connected to the energy storage member 141 via the first pull cord 151 and the second pull cord 152, respectively.

[0059] Figure 5 A perspective view of the walker 2 according to one embodiment herein is shown in FIG. 1, and Figure 6 A rear view of the walker 2 is shown in FIG. 2.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 1, the walker 2 comprises a leg assembly 40. Optionally, in order to enable the walker 2 to be worn on a user’s body, the walker 2 can further comprise a waist strap 20 and two leg straps 30 disposed on different components of the leg assembly 40. When the user wears the walker 2, the waist strap 20 can be strapped around the user’s waist, and the two leg straps 30 can be strapped around the user’s legs. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1, the walker 2 comprises a leg assembly 40. Optionally, in order to enable the walker 2 to be worn on a user’s body, the walker 2 can further comprise a waist strap 20 and two leg straps 30 disposed on different components of the leg assembly 40. When the user wears the walker 2, the waist strap 20 can be strapped around the user’s waist, and the two leg straps 30 can be strapped around the user’s legs.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 1, the walker 2 comprises a leg assembly 40. Optionally, in order to enable the walker 2 to be worn on a user’s body, the walker 2 can further comprise a waist strap 20 and two leg straps 30 disposed on different components of the leg assembly 40. When the user wears the walker 2, the waist strap 20 can be strapped around the user’s waist, and the two leg straps 30 can be strapped around the user’s legs. Figure 5 and Figure 6Further shown, the leg assembly 40 can include a first leg handle 410 (or referred to as a left leg handle 410), a second leg handle 420 (or referred to as a right leg handle 420), a connecting plate 430, and an energy storage transmission member 440.

[0062] The first leg handle 410 can have a first leg rod 411 and a first support plate 412, one end of the first leg rod 411 being connected to one end of the first support plate 412 such that the first leg rod 411 can rotate relative to the first support plate 412 with one end of the first leg rod 411 as an axis. For example, as an example, the first leg rod 411 can be fixed with a roller 413 at one end thereof, and the rotatable connection between the first leg rod 411 and the first support plate 412 can be achieved by connecting one end of the first leg rod 411 and one end of the first support plate 412 using the roller 413. Of course, other components other than the roller can be used to achieve the rotatable connection between the first leg rod 411 and the first support plate 412, which is not limited herein. Similarly, the second leg rod 420 can have a second leg rod 421 and a second support plate 422, one end of the second leg rod 421 being connected to one end of the second support plate 422 such that the second leg rod 421 can rotate relative to the second support plate 422 with one end of the second leg rod 421 as an axis. For example, as an example, the second leg rod 421 can be fixed with a roller 423 at one end thereof, and the rotatable connection between the second leg rod 421 and the second support plate 422 can be achieved by connecting one end of the second leg rod 421 and one end of the second support plate 422 using the roller 423. Of course, other components other than the roller can be used to achieve the rotatable connection between the second leg rod 421 and the second support plate 422, which is not limited herein.

[0063] The connecting plate 430 is used to connect the first support plate 412 and the second support plate 422. For example, one end of the connecting plate 430 can be connected to the other end of the first support plate 412 opposite to the end connected to the first leg rod 411, and the other end of the connecting plate can be connected to the other end of the second support plate 422 opposite to the end connected to the second leg rod 421. The two ends of the connecting plate 430 can be formed with openings, so that the two ends of the waist belt 20 can pass through the openings. Alternatively, openings can be formed at the end portions of the first support plate 412 and the second support plate 422 connected to the connecting plate 430, respectively, so that the two ends of the waist belt 20 can pass through the openings. Therefore, when the user binds the waist belt 20 around the waist, the first leg handle 410 and the second leg handle 420 are located on the two sides of the waist of the user and extend towards the legs, and the connecting plate 430 is located behind the waist of the user.

[0064] The first leg bar 411 may have an opening at the end opposite to the end connected to the first support plate 412, and the second leg bar 421 may have an opening at the end opposite to the end connected to the second support plate 422. Two leg straps 30 may be provided through these openings, such that when the user straps 30 are fastened to their legs, the first leg bar 410 and the second leg strap 420 can move the user's legs.

[0065] With targeting Figures 1 to 3 Unlike the described energy storage transmission component 140, the energy storage transmission component 440 of the walker 2 has a first energy storage element 441 and a second energy storage element 442. A first leg 411 is connected to one end of the first energy storage element 441 via a first pull rope 151 at one end connected to the first support plate 412. A second leg 421 is connected to one end of the second energy storage element 442 via a second pull rope 152 at one end connected to the second support plate 422. The opposite ends of the first energy storage element 441 and the second energy storage element 442 are connected via a third pull rope 153. For example, when rollers (rollers 413, 423) are used to connect the leg and the support plate, one end of the first pull rope 151 can be wrapped around the roller 413, and one end of the second pull rope 152 can be wrapped around the roller 423. In this embodiment, the first energy storage element 441 and the second energy storage element 442 are, for example, energy storage elements such as springs. A spring stores elastic potential energy, for example, when stretched to a length greater than its original length, and releases this elastic potential energy when the stretched spring returns to its original length. Although springs will be described below as the first energy storage element 441 and the second energy storage element 442, other energy storage elements besides springs may be used, such as compression springs, tension springs, leaf springs, torsion springs, elastic ropes, gas springs, bellows, cylinders, hydraulic cylinders, or other non-metallic materials, and are not limited thereto.

[0066] Optionally, such as Figure 5 As shown, rollers 413 and 423 can be composed of two parts: a spool and a rotating wheel. A first pull rope 151 is wound around the spool of roller 413, and a second pull rope 152 is wound around the spool of roller 423. The rotating wheel of roller 413 is fixed to the first leg 411, and the rotating wheel of roller 423 is fixed to the first leg 421. Each of rollers 413 and 423 has a first state where the spool and rotating wheel are fixed relative to each other, and a second state where the spool and rotating wheel are rotatable relative to each other. That is, the spool and rotating wheel can rotate relative to each other or be locked. Therefore, this structure of rollers 413 and 423 can be used to adjust the deformation of the first energy storage element 441 and the second energy storage element 442, which is consistent with the combination of... Figure 2 and Figure 3The tensioner 160 described is similar. For example, by loosening the spool and the rotating wheel, the relative angle between them can be changed, thereby adjusting the deformation of the corresponding spring. The loosening and locking of the spool and the rotating wheel can be achieved through ratchet mechanisms, pin mechanisms, and other structures, for example... Figure 5 The pin structure 414 is shown, but this document does not limit it.

[0067] The operation method and target of the walking aid 2 Figures 1 to 3 The operation is similarly described. When the user takes the first step, the first leg is lifted with assistance. As the first leg falls and swings after taking the first step, the second leg is simultaneously pulled up by the energy storage and transmission component 440. Conversely, as the second leg falls and swings after taking the first step, the first leg is again pulled up by the energy storage and transmission component 440, and this cycle repeats. This reduces the burden on the leg when lifting it, thus providing assistance with walking. Furthermore, during the landing process, the energy storage and transmission component 440 offsets some of the weight of the falling leg, allowing the user to easily adjust their walking posture and stride, and reducing the impact on the legs of users with weak leg muscle control.

[0068] Optional, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the energy storage transmission component 440 may further include a guide component 443, which defines a connection path between the end of the third pull rope 153 connected to the first energy storage element 441 opposite to the end connected to the first pull rope 151, and the end of the second energy storage element 443 opposite to the end connected to the second pull rope 152. Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the example, the guide component 443 is implemented as a guide tube 443 with both ends fixed to the connecting plate 430. The third pull rope 153 passes through the guide tube 443 to connect the first energy storage element 441 and the second energy storage element 442.

[0069] Although Figure 5 and Figure 6 The illustration shows the use of guide tube 443 to guide the third pull rope 153, but this is not a limitation thereof. For example, it can be used as follows: Figures 1 to 3 As described in the walking aid 1, the connection path between the third pull rope 153 and the first energy storage element 441 and the second elastic proximal and distal 442 is defined by using multiple guide rollers disposed on the support plates and connecting plates of the respective leg handles. Furthermore, when using guide rollers, it is possible to further... Figures 1 to 3The described walker 1 is provided with a tensioner having a guide member, a slider, a tension roller and a locking part on the connecting plate 430. By winding the third pull rope around the tension roller of the tensioner and adjusting the position of the slider on the guide member, the state of the first energy storage element 441 and the second energy storage element 442 can be adjusted.

[0070] In summary, the same applies to the leg assembly as described above and the walker with the leg assembly as described above. When the user walks with the first leg, the first leg is lifted under the action of the assist force, and during the process of the first leg falling and swinging after stepping, the second leg will be pulled up under the action of the energy storage transmission member. During the process of the second leg falling and swinging after stepping, the first leg will be pulled up under the action of the energy storage transmission member. This cycle is repeated, thereby reducing the burden of lifting the leg, and then playing a role in assisting walking. In addition, during the process of the user's leg falling after stepping, the energy storage transmission member offsets part of the gravity of the falling leg, so that the user can easily adjust the walking posture and stride during the process of the leg falling, and reduce the impact force of the leg on the user with weak leg muscle control during the leg falling. By connecting the left and right leg handles in the leg assembly to the same energy storage transmission member, the linkage type assist drive of the two legs is realized. This linkage type assist structure can drive the other leg to walk through one leg, and the two legs are alternately moved, which is closer to the real walking gait, thereby improving the user's walking experience and making the user walk more easily.

[0071] The above is only a preferred embodiment of the present application, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present application. Those skilled in the art can make various corresponding changes and modifications according to the present application without departing from the spirit and essence of the present application. However, these corresponding changes and modifications should all belong to the protection scope of the claims attached to the present application.

Claims

1. A leg assembly for walking aid, comprising: a first leg and a second leg, the first leg having a first support plate and a first leg rod, the first support plate having opposite first and second ends, one end of the first leg rod being rotatably connected to the first end of the first support plate by a first roller, the second leg having a second support plate and a second leg rod, the second support plate having opposite first and second ends, one end of the second leg rod being rotatably connected to the first end of the second support plate by a second roller, a connecting plate, both ends of the connecting plate being connected to the second end of the first support plate and the second end of the second support plate respectively; and an energy storage transmission member having an energy storage component, the first leg being connected to one end of the energy storage component via a first pull rope, the second leg being connected to another end of the energy storage component via a second pull rope, such that the first leg and the second leg are driven in linkage via the energy storage transmission member, wherein one end of the first pull rope is wound around the first roller and the other end is connected to the one end of the energy storage component, one end of the second pull rope is wound around the second roller and the other end is connected to the other end of the energy storage component, and wherein the energy storage component is configured to: adjust the lengths of the first pull rope and the second pull rope such that the energy storage component is in a critical state of being about to be elongated but not yet elongated when a user wearing the leg assembly is in a sitting position, and elongate the energy storage component to both ends via the first pull rope and the second pull rope when the user changes from the sitting position to a standing position, such that the energy storage component stores elastic potential energy to restore the energy storage component from the elongated length to an original length.

2. The leg assembly according to claim 1, wherein the energy storage transmission member further has a first guide component disposed on the connecting plate and extending in a first direction, wherein the energy storage component is a single energy storage element, the single energy storage element being movable along the first guide component.

3. The leg assembly according to claim 2, wherein the single energy storage element is a spring, a bellows, a pneumatic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder.

4. The leg assembly according to claim 2, wherein the single energy storage element is a compression spring, a tension spring, a leaf spring, a torsion spring elastic rope, a gas spring.

5. The leg assembly according to claim 2, further comprising a tensioner for adjusting the elongation of the energy storage component, the tensioner having: a second guide component disposed on the connecting plate and arranged in parallel with the first guide component; a slider disposed on the second guide component and movable along the second guide component; and a tensioning roller disposed on the slider, wherein the first pull rope or the second pull rope is wound around the tensioning roller.

6. The leg assembly according to claim 2, wherein the energy storage transmission member further has a plurality of first guide rollers and a plurality of second guide rollers, The first pull rope is wound around the plurality of first guide rollers to define a connection path of the first pull rope connecting the first roller and the energy storage element, and The second pull rope is wound around the plurality of second guide rollers to define a connection path of the second pull rope connecting the second roller and the energy storage element.

7. The leg assembly of claim 1, wherein The energy storage member is composed of a first energy storage element and a second energy storage element, each having opposite first and second ends, The first leg handle is connected to the first end of the first energy storage element via the first pull rope, The second leg handle is connected to the first end of the second energy storage element via the second pull rope, and The second ends of the first and second energy storage elements are connected by a third pull rope.

8. The leg assembly of claim 7, wherein the first and second energy storage elements are each a spring energy storage element, a bellows, a gas cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder.

9. The leg assembly of claim 7, wherein the first and second energy storage elements are each a compression spring, a tension spring, a leaf spring, a torsion spring elastic rope, a gas spring.

10. The leg assembly of claim 7, wherein The first roller comprises a first thread wheel and a first runner, the first pull rope is wound around the first thread wheel, the first runner is fixed with the first leg rod, the first roller has a first state in which the first thread wheel and the first runner are fixed relative to each other and a second state in which the first thread wheel and the first runner are rotatable relative to each other; The second roller comprises a second thread wheel and a second runner, the second pull rope is wound around the second thread wheel, the second runner is fixed with the second leg rod, the second roller has a first state in which the second thread wheel and the second runner are fixed relative to each other and a second state in which the second thread wheel and the second runner are rotatable relative to each other.

11. The leg assembly of claim 7, wherein the energy storage transmission member further has a guide member defining a connection path of the third pull rope connecting the second ends of the first and second energy storage elements.

12. The leg assembly of claim 11, wherein the guide member is a guide tube, both ends of the guide tube are fixed at the first and second ends of the connection plate respectively, wherein the third pull rope passes through the guide tube.

13. The leg assembly of claim 11, wherein the guide member comprises a plurality of guide rollers, the third pull rope is wound around the plurality of guide rollers.

14. A walking aid comprising the leg assembly of any one of claims 1-13.

15. The walking aid of claim 14, further comprising, a waist strap arranged on the connection plate of the leg assembly; and two leg straps arranged on the first and second leg rods of the leg assembly respectively.

16. The walking aid of claim 15, wherein the waist strap is arranged on the connection plate of the leg assembly, and the two leg straps are arranged on the first and second leg rods of the leg assembly respectively.

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