Wearable lower limb squatting assisting device

Abstract

The application provides a wearable lower limb squatting assisting device, which comprises a thigh supporting part connected with a thigh and used for supporting the thigh; a shank connecting part connected with a shank and used for supporting the shank in contact with the ground; the thigh supporting part and the shank connecting part are connected through a rotating pair; a supporting rod with a telescopic length and used for supporting the thigh supporting part is connected between the thigh supporting part and the shank connecting part, and the supporting rod can be telescoped in the range of 90° formed by the thigh supporting part and the shank connecting part when the human body is squatting and 180° formed by the thigh supporting part and the shank connecting part when the human body is standing. The application can significantly reduce the load of muscles and knee joints of the human body during the squatting and standing up actions, effectively reduce the risk of injury, make the squatting and walking more flexible, effectively improve the work efficiency, simultaneously support a larger load at a preset squatting angle position, and meet the needs of long time and large load work at the preset angle position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of assistive device technology, and in particular relates to a wearable lower limb squatting assist device. Background Technology

[0002] In modern industrial production, many work scenarios require workers to frequently squat and stand, especially in assembly lines, warehouse management, and equipment maintenance. Prolonged engagement in such labor not only leads to excessive physical exertion but can also cause occupational diseases such as knee injuries and lumbar strain, severely impacting workers' health and productivity. This type of muscle damage caused by occupational factors is known as occupational musculoskeletal disease. Traditional solutions typically rely on personal protective equipment or simple mechanical aids, such as knee pads and handcarts. While these methods can alleviate the problem to some extent, they cannot fundamentally address the health damage caused by the repetitive load of these movements, nor can they effectively improve worker efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In order to fundamentally solve the health problems caused by the repetitive movements of workers and effectively improve their work efficiency, this invention provides a wearable lower limb squatting assist device.

[0004] The wearable lower limb squatting assist device includes a thigh support part connected to the thigh and used to support the thigh; a calf connection part connected to the calf and in contact with the ground for support; the thigh support part and the calf connection part are connected by a rotating joint; a telescopic support rod is connected between the thigh support part and the calf connection part and provides support for the thigh support part, the support rod can extend and retract within a range of 90° formed by the thigh support part and the calf connection part when the human body squats and 180° formed by the thigh support part and the calf connection part when the human body stands.

[0005] Furthermore, the thigh support includes a first connecting rod, a thigh wrapping member, a first strap, and a hinged lug; one end of the first connecting rod is connected to the thigh wrapping member, and the other end of the first connecting rod is connected to the lower leg connecting part via a rotating joint; the hinged lug is fixedly connected to the outer side wall of the thigh wrapping member; one end of the first strap is connected to the first connecting rod, and the other end of the first strap is detachably connected to one end of the thigh wrapping member away from the first connecting rod; or one end of the first strap is fixedly connected to one side of the thigh wrapping member, and the other end of the first strap is detachably connected to the other side of the thigh wrapping member.

[0006] Furthermore, the calf connecting part includes a second connecting rod, a calf wrapping component, a telescopic rod, a telescopic rod sleeve, a second strap, and a sliding bracket. One end of the second connecting rod is connected to the thigh support part via a rotating joint, and the other end of the second connecting rod is connected to the telescopic sleeve. The telescopic rod is connected to the telescopic sleeve and can be adjusted longitudinally within the telescopic sleeve and fixed at a preset position by a limiting pin. The calf wrapping component is fixedly connected to the middle part of the second connecting rod. The sliding bracket is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the calf wrapping component. One end of the second strap is connected to the second connecting rod, and the other end of the second strap is detachably connected to the calf wrapping component; or one end of the second strap is fixedly connected to one side of the calf wrapping component, and the other end of the second strap is detachably connected to the other side of the calf wrapping component.

[0007] Furthermore, the support rod is a gas spring, one end of which is provided with a connecting hole and is rotatably connected to the thigh support through a first rotating shaft; the other end of the gas spring is connected to a second rotating shaft, which is slidably connected to the calf connection.

[0008] Furthermore, the thigh wrapping piece adopts a concave arc shape that fits the human thigh.

[0009] Furthermore, the slide rail bracket is provided through one opposite side in the height direction, and has an oblong hole on the other opposite side; the support rod and the slide rail bracket are connected by a second rotating shaft, the second rotating shaft is slidably connected to the oblong hole of the slide rail bracket, and the support rod can rotate when sliding relative to the slide rail bracket.

[0010] Furthermore, the telescopic rod is provided with multiple annular grooves at equal intervals; the calf wrapping piece adopts an inwardly concave arc shape that fits the human calf.

[0011] Furthermore, it also includes a clutch, which comprises an arc-shaped slotted disc, an angle preset slider, a slotted bolt, a linear spring, and a slotted bolt housing; the slotted disc is fixedly connected to the thigh support and then coaxially connected to the lower leg connection via a rotating joint; the slotted disc is provided with a groove to accommodate the movement of the angle preset slider, the angle preset slider is engaged with the groove and moves along the groove; the slotted bolt housing is fixedly connected to the lower leg connection, the linear spring is installed at the bottom of the slotted bolt housing cavity, one end of the slotted bolt abuts against the linear spring, and the other end of the slotted bolt abuts against the angle preset slider or the outer circumference of the slotted disc.

[0012] Furthermore, a protrusion is provided on the outer periphery of the card slot.

[0013] Furthermore, a spring is connected between the angle preset slider and the slide groove.

[0014] This invention provides a wearable lower limb squatting assist device. The device connects the thigh support to the thigh and then to the lower leg connection. The lower leg connection connects to the lower leg and contacts the ground for support. A retractable support rod connects between the thigh support and the lower leg connection, allowing the thigh support to provide support. This effectively reduces the load from repetitive movements and the resulting health risks. Furthermore, the rotating joint between the thigh support and the lower leg connection improves the flexibility of squatting and standing, thus increasing work efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a front view of a wearable lower limb squatting assist device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a left view of the wearable lower limb squatting assist device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 3 A perspective view of a wearable lower limb squatting assist device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the clutch in the standing state of the wearable lower limb squatting assist device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing the state of the clutch during a 90° squatting process of the wearable lower limb squatting assist device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the clutch in the 90° squatting position of the wearable lower limb squatting assist device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the clutch state during the squatting reset of the wearable lower limb squatting assist device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the clutch state when the wearable lower limb squatting assist device provided in this embodiment of the invention squats to a 120° position;

[0024] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the clutch state during the standing process after a 120° squat in the wearable lower limb squatting assist device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Explanation of the reference numerals in the figure:

[0026] 1—Thigh support; 2—Lower leg connection; 3—Rotating joint; 4—Support rod; 5—Clutch; 10—First connecting rod; 11—Thigh wrapping piece; 12—First strap; 13—Connecting lug; 14—First pivot; 20—Second connecting rod; 21—Lower leg wrapping piece; 22—Telescopic rod; 23—Telescopic sleeve; 24—Second strap; 25—Slide bracket; 26—Second pivot; 50—Slot plate; 51—Angle preset slider; 52—Slot bolt; 53—Slot bolt housing; 54—Protrusion. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the technical problems to be solved, the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects of the present invention clearer, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0028] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on or indirectly on that other component. When a component is referred to as being "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to or indirectly connected to that other component.

[0029] It should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention.

[0030] 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 technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0031] As attached Figure 1As shown, the wearable lower limb squatting assist device provided by the present invention includes a thigh support part 1 connected to the thigh and used to support the thigh; a lower leg connecting part 2 connected to the lower leg and in contact with the ground for support; the thigh support part 1 and the lower leg connecting part 2 are connected by a rotating joint 3; a telescopic support rod 4 is connected between the thigh support part 1 and the lower leg connecting part 2 and provides support for the thigh support part 1. The support rod 4 can extend and retract within a range of 90° formed by the thigh support part 1 and the lower leg connecting part 2 when the human body squats and 180° formed by the thigh support part 1 and the lower leg connecting part 2 when the human body stands.

[0032] This invention connects the thigh support 1 to the human thigh and the lower leg connection 2 via a revolute joint 3. The lower leg connection 2 provides support to the ground. A retractable support rod 4 connects the thigh support 1 to the lower leg connection 2, providing support to the thigh support 1. When the worker squats, the retractable support rod 4, connected to the thigh support 1 via the revolute joint 3, facilitates squatting. The compression of the support rod 4 during squatting provides support to the thigh support 1, reducing the load on the knee joint and minimizing damage. When the worker stands up from a squatting position, the thigh support 1 rotates, and the support rod 4 pushes and effectively supports the thigh support 1, further reducing the load on the knee joint and minimizing damage during squatting. This invention effectively reduces the load intensity of squatting and standing up, reducing damage to the knee joint; at the same time, it ensures the flexibility of squatting and standing up, as well as the flexibility of standing and walking, which can effectively improve work efficiency.

[0033] As attached Figure 1 Appendix Figure 2 and attached Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment, the thigh support 1 includes a first connecting rod 10, a thigh wrapping member 11, a first strap 12, and a hinged lug 13. One end of the first connecting rod 10 is connected to the thigh wrapping member 11, and the other end of the first connecting rod 10 is connected to the calf connecting part 2 via a rotating joint 3; the hinged lug 13 is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the thigh wrapping member 11. Additionally, a support rod 4 is rotatably connected to the hinged lug 13 via a first rotating shaft 14. One end of the first strap 12 is connected to the first connecting rod 10, and the other end of the first strap 12 is detachably connected to one end of the thigh wrapping member 11 away from the first connecting rod 10; or one end of the first strap 12 is fixedly connected to one side of the thigh wrapping member 11, and the other end of the first strap 12 is detachably connected to the other side of the thigh wrapping member 11. In a specific implementation, one end of the first strap 12 is connected to the first link 10, and the other end of the first strap 12 is detachably connected to one end of the thigh wrap 11 that is away from the first link 10.

[0034] The above technical solution has a simple structure and is economical while effectively meeting technical requirements. The first strap 12 can be made of straps or elastic flexible materials, etc. For ease of production and processing, efficiency, and cost, the first connecting rod 10, thigh wrapping component 11, and hinged lug 13 can be made of commonly used carbon steel. The thigh wrapping component 11 is designed as a concave arc shape that fits the human thigh, which makes the wrapping better when supporting the thigh, the force is evenly distributed, and the comfort is improved.

[0035] As attached Figure 1 Appendix Figure 2 and attached Figure 3As shown, in one example, the calf connecting part 2 includes a second connecting rod 20, a calf wrapping piece 21, a telescopic rod 22, a telescopic rod sleeve 23, a second strap 24, and a sliding bracket 25. One end of the second connecting rod 20 is connected to the thigh support part 1 via a revolute joint, specifically to the first connecting rod 10 of the thigh support part 1 via a revolute joint. The other end of the second connecting rod 20 is connected to the telescopic sleeve 23; specifically, the telescopic sleeve 23 is fixedly connected to the end of the second connecting rod 20 near the ground. The telescopic rod 22 is connected to the telescopic sleeve 23. The telescopic rod 22 can be adjusted longitudinally within the telescopic sleeve 23 and is fixed at a preset position by a limiting pin. To further improve the reliability and stability of the limiting position, multiple annular grooves are provided at equal intervals on the telescopic rod 22. When the limiting pin is screwed into the telescopic sleeve 23 from the outside to limit the telescopic rod 22, the top of the limiting pin extends into the annular groove of the telescopic rod 22 to engage, thereby effectively limiting and fixing the telescopic rod 22. The cooperation of the telescopic rod 22 and the telescopic sleeve 23 forms an adjustable height, enabling the invention to effectively meet the usage requirements of people of different heights. The calf wrap 21 is fixedly connected to the middle of the second connecting rod 20; the calf wrap 21 is designed as a concave arc shape to fit the human calf, which improves the wrapping effect, increases the contact area, and improves the uniformity of force distribution. The sliding bracket 25 is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the calf wrap 21; the sliding bracket 25 is through-hole on one opposite side in the height direction and has a waist-shaped hole on the other opposite side; the support rod 4 is connected to the sliding bracket 25 via a second rotating shaft 26, which slidably connects to the waist-shaped hole of the sliding bracket 25. When the support rod 4 slides relative to the sliding bracket 25, it can rotate, ensuring that the support rod 4 remains upright when sliding to the top of the sliding bracket 25 during standing and walking. One end of the second strap 24 is connected to the second connecting rod 20, and the other end of the second strap 24 is detachably connected to the calf wrap 21; or one end of the second strap 24 is fixedly connected to one side of the calf wrap 21, and the other end of the second strap 24 is detachably connected to the other side of the calf wrap 21. In specific implementation of this solution, one end of the second strap 24 is connected to the second connecting rod 20, and the other end of the second strap 24 is detachably connected to the calf wrap 21.

[0036] In one embodiment, the support rod 4 is a gas spring. One end of the gas spring is provided with a connecting hole and is rotatably connected to the hinge lug 13 of the thigh support 1 through the first rotating shaft 14. Specifically, the extended end of the piston of the gas spring is provided with a through hole and is rotatably connected to the hinge lug 13 of the thigh support 1. The other end of the gas spring is connected to the second rotating shaft 26 and is slidably connected to the sliding bracket 25 of the calf connection 2 through the second rotating shaft 26. The above scheme ensures that the support rod 4 can rotate around the first rotating shaft 14 and slide up and down along the sliding bracket 25 while rotating around the second rotating shaft 26. When the human body squats to its maximum, the support rod 4 is at the bottom of the sliding bracket 25, that is, the cylinder end of the gas spring is at the bottom of the sliding bracket 25. The technical solution provided by the present invention is that the maximum depth and range of the human body squatting is when the angle between the thigh support 1 and the calf connection 2 is 90°. When the human body is in an upright walking position, the support rod 4 is at the top of the sliding bracket 25, that is, the cylinder end of the gas spring is at the top of the sliding bracket 25. At this time, the angle between the thigh support part 1 and the lower leg connection part 2 is 180°.

[0037] In actual operation, certain squatting positions require prolonged periods of stillness, necessitating sustained load bearing at a specific angle or range. This places a continuous load on the knee joints and muscles, leading to more severe damage. Furthermore, since support rod 4 uses a gas spring, to reduce the overall weight of the device, a gas spring with a large cylinder diameter should be avoided, as smaller diameter gas springs have a relatively smaller load capacity. To address these issues—reducing the overall weight of the device by selecting a smaller diameter gas spring while allowing the device to bear a larger load—this invention also incorporates a clutch 5. (See attached diagram) Figure 1 and attached Figure 3As shown, the clutch 5 includes an arc-shaped slotted disc 50, an angle preset slider 51, a slotted bolt 52, a slotted bolt housing 53, and a linear spring. After the slotted disc 50 is fixedly connected to the thigh support part 1, it is coaxially connected to the lower leg connection part 2 via a rotating joint 3. In a specific implementation, the slotted disc 50 is fixedly connected to the first connecting rod 10, and then rotatably connected to the second connecting rod 20 of the lower leg connection part 2 via the coaxial rotating joint 3. A groove 54 is provided on the slotted disc 50 to accommodate the movement of the angle preset slider 51. The angle preset slider 51 is engaged with the groove 54 and moves along the groove 54. In a specific implementation, the outer side of the angle preset slider 51 is first connected to the spring, and then the spring is clamped in the groove 54. Under the action of the spring force, the angle preset slider 51 will reciprocate along the groove 54 in the radial direction of the slotted disc 50. The locking bolt housing 53 is fixedly connected to the lower leg connecting part 2. In a specific implementation, the locking bolt housing 53 is fixedly connected to the second connecting rod 20 of the lower leg connecting part 2. A linear spring is installed at the bottom of the locking bolt housing 53, one end of the locking bolt 52 is connected to the linear spring, and the other end of the locking bolt 52 is connected to the angle preset slider 51 or the outer circumference of the locking plate 50. A protrusion 55 is provided on the outer circumference of the locking plate 50. When the locking bolt 52 is engaged with the protrusion 55 or the groove 54 at different positions along the highest point of the diameter, different squatting angle assistance can be achieved. In this embodiment of the invention, only one groove 54, angle preset slider 51 and one protrusion 55 are given. If more angle assistance is required, the structure of groove 54 and angle preset slider 51 can be set at different positions along the circumference of the locking plate 50 according to the actual situation to achieve different squatting angle assistance.

[0038] In the specific implementation process, as shown in the attached document Figure 4 As shown, in a standing or normal gait state, the angle preset slider 51 is extended, the latch 52 is retracted, and the device is in the unlocked state. When the user performs a 90° squatting motion, as shown in the attached diagram... Figure 5 As shown, the angle preset slider 51 extends and connects with the edge of the slot disk 50, forming a smooth transition surface. During the squatting process, the slot disk 50 rotates clockwise, as shown in the attached diagram. Figure 6 As shown, the latch 52 contacts the protruding part at the rear end of the latch plate 50, causing the device to enter a 90° squatting position; at this time, the user remains in a 90° squatting position. When the user stands up, as shown in the attached diagram... Figure 7 The caliper disc 50 rotates counterclockwise, and the caliper bolt 52 returns to the contact area of ​​normal gait, unlocking the clutch and restoring it to its initial state.

[0039] When performing a 120° squat, as shown in the attached image. Figure 4 As shown, the angle preset slider 51 is pushed out, at which point the slide groove 54 forms the raised edge of the slot disk 50. (See attached image) Figure 8As shown, during the squatting process, the slot plate 50 continues to rotate clockwise, and the slot bolt 52 abuts against the protrusion in the preset angle slider groove, fixing the device in a 120° squatting position; at this time, the user maintains a 120° squatting posture. When standing up, as shown in the attached diagram... Figure 9 As shown, the angle preset slider 51 is pushed out again and connects with the edge of the slot plate 50, forming a smooth curved surface, and the slot bolt 52 enters the retracted state. (See attached diagram) Figure 7 As shown, the card slot 50 then rotates counterclockwise, and the card slot pin 52 returns to the contact area of ​​normal gait, and the device returns to its initial state.

[0040] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A wearable lower limb squatting assist device, characterized in that: Includes a thigh support portion connected to and supporting the thigh; a lower leg connection portion connected to and grounded for support; the thigh support portion and the lower leg connection portion are connected by a revolute joint; a telescopic support rod is connected between the thigh support portion and the lower leg connection portion to support the thigh support portion, the support rod being telescopic within a range of 90° formed by the thigh support portion and the lower leg connection portion when the human body is squatting and 180° formed by the thigh support portion and the lower leg connection portion when the human body is standing; The thigh support includes a first connecting rod, a thigh wrapping member, a first strap, and a hinged lug; one end of the first connecting rod is connected to the thigh wrapping member, and the other end of the first connecting rod is connected to the lower leg connecting part via a rotating joint; the hinged lug is fixedly connected to the outer side wall of the thigh wrapping member; one end of the first strap is connected to the first connecting rod, and the other end of the first strap is detachably connected to one end of the thigh wrapping member away from the first connecting rod; or one end of the first strap is fixedly connected to one side of the thigh wrapping member, and the other end of the first strap is detachably connected to the other side of the thigh wrapping member; The calf connecting part includes a second connecting rod, a calf wrapping component, a telescopic rod, a telescopic sleeve, a second strap, and a sliding bracket. One end of the second connecting rod is connected to the thigh support part via a rotating joint, and the other end of the second connecting rod is connected to the telescopic sleeve. The telescopic rod is connected to the telescopic sleeve and can be adjusted longitudinally within the telescopic sleeve and fixed at a preset position by a limiting pin. The calf wrapping component is fixedly connected to the middle part of the second connecting rod. The sliding bracket is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the calf wrapping component. One end of the second strap is connected to the second connecting rod, and the other end of the second strap is detachably connected to the calf wrapping component; or one end of the second strap is fixedly connected to one side of the calf wrapping component, and the other end of the second strap is detachably connected to the other side of the calf wrapping component.

2. The wearable lower limb squatting assist device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The support rod is a gas spring. One end of the gas spring is provided with a connecting hole and is rotatably connected to the thigh support part through a first rotating shaft. The other end of the gas spring is connected to a second rotating shaft, which is slidably connected to the calf connection part.

3. The wearable lower limb squatting assist device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The thigh wrap is designed to fit the concave arc shape of the human thigh.

4. The wearable lower limb squatting assist device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The slide rail bracket is provided through one opposite side in the height direction, and has an oblong hole on the other opposite side; the support rod and the slide rail bracket are connected by a second rotating shaft, and the second rotating shaft is slidably connected to the oblong hole of the slide rail bracket, so that the support rod can rotate when sliding relative to the slide rail bracket.

5. The wearable lower limb squatting assist device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The telescopic rod is provided with multiple annular grooves at equal intervals; the calf wrap is designed to fit the human calf with a concave arc shape.

6. The wearable lower limb squatting assist device as described in any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that: It also includes a clutch, which comprises an arc-shaped slotted disc, an angle preset slider, a slotted bolt, a linear spring, and a slotted bolt housing. The slotted disc is fixedly connected to the thigh support and then coaxially connected to the lower leg connection via a rotating joint. The slotted disc is provided with a groove to accommodate the movement of the angle preset slider. The angle preset slider is engaged with the groove and moves along the groove. The slotted bolt housing is fixedly connected to the lower leg connection. The linear spring is installed at the bottom of the slotted bolt housing cavity. One end of the slotted bolt abuts against the linear spring, and the other end of the slotted bolt abuts against the angle preset slider or the outer circumference of the slotted disc.

7. The wearable lower limb squatting assist device as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The outer periphery of the card slot is also provided with a protrusion.

8. The wearable lower limb squatting assist device as described in claim 7, characterized in that: A spring is also connected between the angle preset slider and the slide groove.

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