Orthotic joint and orthosis

Abstract

The object of the present application is to provide a joint for an orthosis which is simple in structure, low in cost, and practical for a patient, and an orthosis. The joint portion (4) for an orthosis (1) includes a first link portion (41), a second link portion (42), and a shaft support portion (5). The shaft support portion (5) has a ratchet wheel (51) having a plurality of ratchet teeth (512) formed along the outer periphery of the main body portion. The ratchet teeth (512) include first ratchet teeth (512a) inclined in one rotational direction at a half circumferential portion on one side with a diameter line substantially orthogonal to the rotational axis as a boundary, second ratchet teeth (512b) inclined in the other rotational direction at a half circumferential portion on the other side, and first and second stoppers (52a, 52b) engaged with these ratchet teeth (512). Furthermore, by releasing the engaged state by operating either of the first and second stoppers (52a, 52b), the joint portion (4) can be rotated in a prescribed direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to orthotic connectors and orthoses. More specifically, it relates to rehabilitation orthoses for improving symptoms of limited joint movement caused by brain diseases or brain injuries, and to orthotic connectors and orthoses that are simple in structure, low in cost, and practical for patients. Background Technology

[0002] When brain diseases or brain injuries, such as stroke, cerebral hemorrhage, or cerebral infarction, cause contractures, paralysis, or muscle atrophy of the fingers and wrists (hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as "contractures, etc."), the patient is unable to move their fingers or joints freely, resulting in a flexed wrist and a stiff, tightly clenched finger position.

[0003] Furthermore, due to the persistence of this condition, patients may experience problems such as fingernail damage to the palms, skin erosion due to pressure between skin cells, bedsores, and accumulation of dirt, leading to unsatisfactory hygiene. Therefore, in order to enable patients to resume their daily lives smoothly as soon as possible, rehabilitation training, such as joint range of motion exercises to improve joint mobility, is necessary in the early stages after the onset of brain disease.

[0004] In joint mobility training, orthoses utilize joint connectors. Commercially available joint connectors include fixed types without a mobility area and types that allow movement at certain angular intervals and are fixed at specified angular positions using bolts or stoppers for mobility training. Furthermore, as rehabilitation progresses from the acute phase to the recovery phase, and as mobility training improves the movement of stiff joints, it is necessary to switch from fixed types to types that perform mobility training.

[0005] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a hand orthosis that includes a glove-shaped finger interface mounted on the palm of the hand and a control module having an actuator, represented by a motor for providing torque to the finger interface.

[0006] According to Patent Document 1, a linear force generated by the control module is transmitted as torque to the finger interface via wiring, enabling even patients who are unable to move their joints as they wish to easily perform joint movements. Furthermore, by controlling the torque transmission from the control module to the finger interface, rehabilitation training corresponding to the acute and recovery phases can be achieved, respectively.

[0007] Existing technical documents

[0008] Patent documents

[0009] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-505441 Summary of the Invention

[0010] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0011] However, the hand orthosis disclosed in Patent Document 1 is also very heavy, making it difficult for people with upper limb disabilities to install it on their palms or wrists themselves, and thus difficult to use. Moreover, it also has the problems of complex structure and high cost.

[0012] The present invention is proposed in view of the above problems, and its purpose is to provide an orthotic connector and an orthotic device. The orthotic connector is a rehabilitation orthotic device for improving symptoms of limited joint movement caused by brain diseases or brain injuries. It has a simple structure, low cost, and is practical for patients.

[0013] Methods for solving problems

[0014] To achieve the above objectives, the orthopedic connector of the present invention comprises: a first connecting portion including a first base end and a first head, the first base end being connected to a first component; a second connecting portion including a second base end and a second head, the second base end being connected to a second component; a shaft support portion that shaft supports the first head of the first connecting portion and the second head of the second connecting portion relative to each other, and allows them to rotate in one direction and in another direction, i.e., the opposite direction, at a position substantially corresponding to a joint; the shaft support portion comprises: a ratchet including a plurality of ratchet teeth formed along the outer periphery of a substantially circular main body portion; a first stop that engages with the ratchet teeth to restrict rotation in one direction; and a second stop that engages with the ratchet teeth to restrict rotation in another direction.

[0015] Here, by having a first connecting portion including a first base end and a first head, and the first base end being connected to a first component, the first connecting portion can be connected to the first component constituting the orthotics.

[0016] Furthermore, by having a second connecting portion including a second base end and a second head, and the second base end being connected to the second component, the second connecting portion can be connected to the second component constituting the orthotics.

[0017] Furthermore, by having a first head of a shaft-supported first connecting part and a second head of a second connecting part that are mutually oriented and can rotate in one direction and in another direction (i.e., opposite to one direction) at a position approximately corresponding to a joint, the shaft-supported part allows the second component to rotate relative to the first component, or the first component to rotate relative to the second component, in one direction and in another direction.

[0018] Furthermore, the shaft support includes a first stop that engages with the ratchet to restrict rotation in one direction and a second stop that engages with the ratchet to restrict rotation in the other direction. For example, by engaging the first stop with the ratchet and disengaging the second stop, rotation in the other direction is allowed; conversely, by engaging the second stop with the ratchet and disengaging the first stop, rotation in one direction is allowed. Moreover, by engaging both the first and second stops with the ratchet simultaneously, the rotation of the ratchet itself can be restricted. Therefore, the state of the orthosis can be freely changed according to the rehabilitation progress of the patient wearing the orthosis.

[0019] Furthermore, the ratchet is held by the first head and the second head, and the ratchet teeth are divided by a diameter line that is approximately orthogonal to the rotation axis of the ratchet. The ratchet teeth include a first ratchet tooth that is inclined in one direction of rotation on one side of the main body and a second ratchet tooth that is inclined in another direction of rotation on the other side of the main body. When the first stop is engaged with the first ratchet tooth and the second stop is engaged with the second ratchet tooth, the ratchet teeth can be easily rotated in one direction or the other by switching the engagement states of the first stop and the second stop with the first and second ratchet teeth.

[0020] Furthermore, when the first head or the second head has a first stop holding part for holding the first stop and a second stop holding part for holding the second stop, the first stop and the second stop can be held by their respective holding parts, so the stop will not be lost.

[0021] Furthermore, when the first stop retaining part contains a first spring that applies force to the first stop in the direction of engaging the first stop with the ratchet, and a first wire connected to the first stop and applied by external operation in the direction of overcoming the force of the first spring, the first stop normally engages with the first ratchet to restrict rotation in one direction. Only when rotation in one direction is performed is the first wire operated to release the engagement between the first stop and the first ratchet, thus allowing rotation in one direction.

[0022] Furthermore, a second spring and a second wire are housed in the second stop retainer. The second spring applies force to the second stop in the direction that causes the second stop to engage with the second ratchet. When the second wire is connected to the second stop and a pulling force is applied externally in the direction that overcomes the force of the second spring, the second stop normally engages with the second ratchet and restricts rotation in the other direction. Only when rotating in the other direction is the second wire operated to release the engagement between the second stop and the second ratchet, thus allowing rotation in the other direction.

[0023] Furthermore, when the first connecting part has a rotation limiting part that restricts the rotation range of the second connecting part in one direction and another direction, the rotation range of the second component can be limited by restricting the rotation range of the second connecting part in coordination with the joint movement of the patient with the orthosis.

[0024] Furthermore, when either the first or second head has a recess for loosening and engaging the ratchet, and the other has a protrusion for securing the ratchet, and the first and second heads fit together in a manner forming the same plane, the protrusion of the overlapping surfaces of the first and second heads can be eliminated, allowing the orthotic connector to be installed even in confined spaces. Moreover, since the shaft support portion is not visible from the outside, it has a good appearance and can prevent damage to the shaft support portion under external forces.

[0025] Furthermore, when the angle between the imaginary straight line connecting the apex of the first ratchet and the center of the rotation axis of the ratchet and the inclined surface of the outer tooth of the first ratchet is approximately 40°-45°, and the angle between the imaginary straight line connecting the apex of the second ratchet and the center of the rotation axis of the ratchet and the inclined surface of the outer tooth of the second ratchet is approximately 40°-45°, the shaft support can rotate most smoothly, and wear due to use can be reduced.

[0026] To achieve the aforementioned objective, the orthosis of the present invention comprises: a forearm mounting portion mounted on the forearm; a hand mounting portion mounted on the hand; and an orthotic connector that rotatably supports the hand mounting portion relative to the forearm mounting portion. The orthotic connector comprises: a first connecting portion including a first base end and a first head, the first base end being connected to the first forearm mounting portion; a second connecting portion including a second base end and a second head, the second base end being connected to the hand mounting portion; and a shaft support portion that shaft supports the first head of the first connecting portion and the second head of the second connecting portion relative to each other, allowing them to rotate in a position substantially corresponding to a hand joint in both a flexion and extension direction. The shaft support portion comprises: a ratchet including a plurality of ratchet teeth formed along the outer periphery of a generally circular main body portion; a first stop that engages with the ratchet teeth to restrict rotation in the extension direction; and a second stop that engages with the ratchet teeth to restrict rotation in the flexion direction.

[0027] Here, the orthotic connector is connected to the forearm mounting portion constituting the orthotic by a first connecting portion having a first base end and a first head, the first base end being connected to the forearm mounting portion.

[0028] Furthermore, the orthotic connector can connect the second connecting part to the hand mounting part constituting the orthotic by having a second connecting part including a second base end and a second head, and the second base end being connected to the hand mounting part.

[0029] Furthermore, by having a first head with a first connecting part and a second head with a second connecting part that are rotatable relative to each other in a position roughly corresponding to the hand joint in the wrist flexion and extension directions, the hand mounting part can be rotated relative to the forearm mounting part in the wrist flexion and extension directions via the axis support part. Therefore, by installing the relevant orthosis, rehabilitation training of the hand joint caused by brain diseases or brain injuries can be effectively carried out.

[0030] Furthermore, by having a first stop that engages with the ratchet to restrict rotation in the wrist extension direction, and a second stop that engages with the ratchet to restrict rotation in the wrist flexion direction, for example, on the one hand, by engaging the first stop with the ratchet and disengaging the second stop from the ratchet, rotation in the wrist flexion direction is allowed. On the other hand, by engaging the second stop with the ratchet and disengaging the first stop from the ratchet, rotation in the wrist extension direction is allowed. Moreover, by engaging both the first and second stops with the ratchet simultaneously, the rotation of the ratchet itself can be restricted. Therefore, the state of the orthosis can be freely changed according to the rehabilitation status of the patient wearing the orthosis.

[0031] Beneficial effects

[0032] The orthotic connector and orthotic of the present invention are simple in structure, low in cost, and practical for patients. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 The figures show the state in which the orthotic device according to the embodiment of the present invention is installed on the affected limb, (a) is a side view and (b) is a top view.

[0034] Figure 2 These are enlarged views of the main part of the connector in an embodiment of the present invention, (a) is a view showing the assembled state, and (b) is an exploded view.

[0035] Figure 3 This diagram shows the orthosis of the present invention mounted on the affected limb and rotated in the direction of wrist extension.

[0036] Figure 4 This diagram shows the orthosis of the present invention mounted on the affected limb and rotated in the wrist flexion direction.

[0037] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0038] 1: Orthosis; 2: Forearm mounting part; 21: Main body; 22: First strap body; 23: Second strap body; 3: Hand mounting part; 31: Main body; 32: Third strap body; 33: Fourth strap body; 34: Fifth strap body; 4: Connector part; 41: First connecting part; 411: First base end; 412: First head; 413a, 413b: Through hole; 414: Groove; 415: Stop retainer part; 415a: First stop retainer part; 415b: Second stop retainer part; 416: Slit; 416a: First slit; 416b: Second slit; 42 421: Second base end; 422: Second head; 423a, 423b: Through hole; 424: Protrusion; 5: Shaft support; 51: Ratchet; 511: Main body; 512: Ratchet; 512a: First ratchet; 512b: Second ratchet; 52: Stop; 52a: First stop; 52b: Second stop; 53: Wire; 53a: First wire; 53b: Second wire; 54: Spring; 54a: First spring; 54b: Second spring; 55: Fixing member; 55a: First fixing member; 55b: Second fixing member. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The present invention will be explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings, describing embodiments of the orthotic connector (hereinafter referred to as the "connector portion") and the orthotic in relation to it. In addition, for ease of explanation in the figures, a reference state is sometimes taken as the hand with the back of the hand facing vertically upward and the wrist of the orthotic 1 extended horizontally to the ground. The direction from the back of the hand upward is defined as the upward direction, the opposite direction of the upward direction is defined as the downward direction, the axis represented by the upward and downward directions is defined as the vertical axis, the axis perpendicular to the vertical axis is defined as the horizontal axis, the back of the hand is defined as the surface, and the opposite side, i.e., the palm side, is defined as the back side. Furthermore, in the following embodiments, the configuration of the orthotic 1 installed on the patient's left hand will be described, but the configuration installed on the right hand has the same structure.

[0040] First, use Figure 1 , Figure 2 The overall structure of the orthosis 1 applicable to embodiments of the present invention will be described below. The orthosis 1 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin material, and mainly includes a forearm mounting part 2, a hand mounting part 3, and a connector part 4.

[0041] [Front wrist mounting part]

[0042] The forearm mounting part 2 has a roughly U-shaped cross-section and is mounted on the back of the forearm, extending from the elbow to near the anterior aspect of the hand joint, covering the area from the radius to the ulna. The forearm mounting part 2 includes a main body 21, a first strap 22, and a second strap 23. The first strap 22 and the second strap 23 are used to secure the main body 21 to the forearm when it is mounted on the back of the forearm. Furthermore, with the main body 21 mounted on the back of the forearm, the first strap 22 and the second strap 23 are wound around the circumference of the upper wrist and secured with fasteners such as faceplates.

[0043] Here, the forearm mounting part 2 does not necessarily have to be mounted only on the back of the forearm, but can also be configured to cover the entire forearm.

[0044] Furthermore, as a method for fixing the forearm mounting part 2 to the forearm, the first strap 22 and the second strap 23 described above may not be used, but other known fixing methods may be employed.

[0045] [Manual Assembly Department]

[0046] The hand mounting part 3 is mounted on the palm side and has a main body 31 that mimics the shape of a hand, as well as a strap for securing the hand when it is placed on the main body 31. The strap has a third strap 32 that wraps around the thumb, a fourth strap 33 that secures the palm, and a fifth strap 34 that secures the four fingers other than the thumb. Furthermore, when the hand mounting part 3 is mounted on the palm side, the third strap 32, the fourth strap 33, and the fifth strap 34 are wound circumferentially and secured with fasteners such as face clips.

[0047] Here, the hand mounting part 3 does not necessarily have to be mounted on the palm side; it can also be mounted on the back side of the hand.

[0048] In addition, as a method for fixing the hand mounting part 3 to the hand, the third belt 32, the fourth belt 33 and the fifth belt 34 described above may not be used, and other known fixing methods may be adopted instead.

[0049] [Connector]

[0050] The connector 4 is a component that connects the forearm mount 2 and the hand mount 3 in a manner that is linked to the wrist flexion and extension movements, allowing the hand mount 3 to rotate freely relative to the forearm mount 2. It includes a first connecting part 41, a second connecting part 42, and a shaft support part 5, which is arranged on the radial side in a manner that roughly corresponds to the hand joint.

[0051] Here, the connector 4 does not necessarily have to be positioned on the radial side; it can also be positioned on the opposite side of the radius, i.e., on the ulnar side, roughly corresponding to the hand joint. Alternatively, it can be positioned separately on the radial and ulnar sides, roughly corresponding to each hand joint. However, by positioning the connector 4 on the radial side, when performing wrist flexion or extension movements in the baseline state, it is preferable that the patient easily observes the state of the connector 4. Furthermore, as described later, when the axis support 5 is set to any angle, it is preferable that the axis support 5 be positioned on the radial side.

[0052] like Figure 2 As shown, the first connecting part 41 includes a first base end 411 and a first head 412 connected to the first base end 411. The first base end 411 is formed with a pair of through holes 413a, which are used to fix the part to the end edge of the forearm mounting part 2 by means of the through holes 413a and by bolts and nuts (not shown).

[0053] The first head 412 has a circular groove 414 that allows the ratchet 51 (described later) to loosely engage, and a through hole 413b for a bolt or nut (not marked in the drawings) is formed approximately in the center. Furthermore, around the first head 412, a first stop retainer 415a and a second stop retainer 415b are arranged opposite each other in the vertical direction, protruding radially from the first head 412. The first stop retainer 415a is used to retain a first stop 52a that engages with the ratchet teeth 512 of the ratchet 51, and the second stop retainer 415b is used to retain a second stop 52b that engages with the ratchet teeth 512 of the ratchet 51.

[0054] The first stop retaining part 415a is a generally square tube shape with an internal cavity. In the first stop retaining part 415a, a first slit 416a is formed from the base end along the height direction for a predetermined length to engage with the first stop 52a. The first spring 54a, the first wire 53a, and the first fixing member 55a that prevent the first spring 54a from flying out are housed inside the first stop retaining part 5, which constitutes the shaft support part 5 described later.

[0055] The second stop retaining part 415b has the same shape as the first stop retaining part 415a, and is a generally square tube shape with an internal cavity. In the second stop retaining part 415b, a second slit 416b is formed from the base end along the height direction for a predetermined length to engage with the second stop 52b. The second spring 54b, the second wire 53b, and the second fixing member 55b that prevent the second spring 54b from flying out are housed inside the second stop retaining part 5 described later.

[0056] The second connecting portion 42 includes a second base end portion 421 and a second head portion 422 connected to the second base end portion 421. The second base end portion 421 has a pair of through holes 423a, which are used to fix the part to the rear end edge of the hand mounting portion 3 by means of bolts and nuts (not shown). The second head portion 422 has a pair of protrusions 424 for inserting and fixing the ratchet 51 (described later), and has a through hole 423b formed approximately in the center for fixing the part to the first head portion 412 by bolts and nuts when it coincides with the first head portion 412.

[0057] Here, the first stop retainer 415a and the second stop retainer 415b do not necessarily have to be disposed on the first head 412, and may also be disposed on the second head 422. Alternatively, the first stop retainer 415a may be disposed on the first head 412 and the second stop retainer 415b may be disposed on the second head 422, or vice versa.

[0058] [Shaft Support]

[0059] Next, refer to Figure 2 (b) The shaft support portion 5 is described. The shaft support portion 5 mainly includes: a ratchet 51; a stop 52 that engages with the ratchet teeth 512 of the ratchet 51 to restrict the rotation of the ratchet 51; a wire 53 for switching between the engaged and disengaged states of the stop 52 and the ratchet teeth 512; a spring 54 that applies force to the stop 52 toward the ratchet 51 within the stop holding portion 415; and a fixing member 55 to prevent the spring 54 from flying out of the stop holding portion.

[0060] The ratchet 51 has a roughly circular body 511 made of metal, 2-3 mm thick, and a plurality of ratchet teeth 512 are formed along the outer periphery of the body 511. In the horizontal state, the ratchet teeth 512 have a plurality of first ratchet teeth 512a equally formed on the upper half of the circumference, inclined at an angle of approximately 40°-45° toward the wrist extension direction, with a diameter line L in the horizontal direction that is approximately orthogonal to the rotation axis of the ratchet 51 as the boundary, and a plurality of second ratchet teeth 512b equally formed on the lower half of the circumference, inclined at an angle of approximately 40°-45° toward the wrist flexion direction.

[0061] It should be noted that the angle of the ratchet 512 is defined as the angle between the imaginary straight line connecting the apex of the ratchet 512 and the center of the rotation axis of the ratchet 51, and the inclined surface of the outer tooth of the ratchet 512, when the outward-facing inclined surface is defined as the outer tooth and the inward-facing inclined surface opposite to it is defined as the inner tooth.

[0062] The inventors' findings indicate that when the tilt angle of the ratchet 512 is less than approximately 40°, the engagement of the stop 52 with respect to the ratchet 512 weakens, potentially causing the engagement to disengage unexpectedly when an external force is applied to the orthosis 1. On the other hand, when the tilt angle of the ratchet 512 exceeds 45°, the frictional resistance between the ratchet 512 and the stop 52 increases as the ratchet 512 rotates in one direction, potentially leading to faster wear of either the ratchet 512 or the stop 52.

[0063] Therefore, from the viewpoint of stably maintaining the engagement state between the ratchet 512 and the stop 52 and improving the durability of the ratchet 512 and the stop 52, the tilt angle of the ratchet 512 is preferably 40°-45°, but the tilt angle can be arbitrarily changed according to the thickness, size, and material of the ratchet 512 or the thickness, size, and material of the stop 52.

[0064] The first stop 52a is made of a square plate-shaped body with a thickness of 2-3 mm made of metal. As described above, the first stop 52a is held in a state where it is inserted into the first slit 416 formed in the first stop holding portion 415a, and the first wire 53a is engaged in the through hole (not shown in the figure) formed in the first stop 52a. Then, the first wire 53a passes through the first spring 54a and the first fixing member 55a, and extends outward from the first stop holding portion 415a. It should be noted that the first fixing member 55a is a threaded component with an internal cavity and a threaded groove formed on its outer circumference, and is fixed by being threadedly connected to the threaded groove formed on the inner circumference of the first stop holding portion 415a.

[0065] Furthermore, the second stop 52b is also made of a 2-3mm thick square plate made of metal, and is held in a state where it is inserted into the second slit 416b formed in the second stop retaining portion 415b, and the second wire 53b is engaged in the through hole (not indicated in the drawing) formed in the second stop 52b. Then, the second wire 53b passes through the second spring 54b and the second fixing member 55b, and extends outward from the second stop retaining portion 415b. In addition, the second fixing member 55b has the same structure as the first fixing member 55a, and is a threaded member with an internal cavity and a threaded groove formed on the outer circumference, which is threadedly connected to the threaded groove formed on the inner circumference of the second stop retaining portion 415b and thus fixed.

[0066] Here, the first stop 52a and the second stop 52b do not necessarily have to be square plates. The first stop 52a and the second stop 52b only need to be able to engage with the ratchet 512, and their shapes are not particularly limited.

[0067] Furthermore, the first fixing member 55a and the second fixing member 55b are not limited to the structures described above. As long as the first spring 54a and the second spring 54b do not fly outward from the first stop member holding part 415a and the second stop member holding part 415b, any structure is acceptable.

[0068] The first spring 54a and the second spring 54b always exert a force toward the ratchet 512. Therefore, in the normal state, the first stop 52a, which is held in the first stop holding part 415a, engages with the first ratchet 512a, and the second stop 52b, which is held in the second stop holding part 415b, engages with the second ratchet 512b, thus restricting the rotation of the hand mounting part 3 in the wrist flexion and extension directions.

[0069] When the hand mounting part 3 is rotated in the wrist extension direction from the above state, as follows: Figure 3 As shown, by grasping the first wire 53a and pulling it upwards, the first stop 52a overcomes the force of the first spring 54a and moves upwards along the first slit 416a, thus releasing the engagement between the first stop 52a and the first ratchet 512a. It should be noted that although the first spring 54a also moves upwards along with the first stop 52a, the first fixing member 55a acts as a stop, preventing the first spring 54a from flying outwards.

[0070] On the other hand, although the second stop 52b and the second ratchet 512b are kept engaged, the second ratchet 512b has an angle of inclination in the wrist flexion direction. Therefore, when the hand mounting part 3 is rotated in the wrist extension direction, the second stop 52b slides along the outer teeth of the second ratchet 512b, thus allowing rotation in the wrist extension direction. Moreover, since a tactile feedback is obtained whenever the second stop 52b exceeds the apex of the second ratchet 512b, the rotation state can be controlled by feel.

[0071] Then, after the hand mounting part 3 is rotated in the wrist extension direction, when the first wire 53a is released at an arbitrary angle, the first stop 52a engages with the first ratchet 512a again by the force of the first spring 54a, and the hand mounting part 3 is fixed in the state of being rotated to the wrist extension direction by a predetermined angle.

[0072] Next, while rotating the hand mounting part 3 in the wrist flexion direction, as... Figure 4As shown, by grasping the second wire 53b and pulling it downwards, the second stop 52b overcomes the force of the second spring 54b and moves downwards along the second slit 416b, thus releasing the engagement between the second stop 52b and the second ratchet 512b. It should be noted that although the second spring 54b also moves downwards along with the second stop 52b, the second fixing member 55b acts as a stop, preventing the second spring 54b from flying outwards.

[0073] On the other hand, although the first stop 52a and the first ratchet 512a are kept engaged, the first ratchet 512a has an angle of inclination in the wrist extension direction. Therefore, when the hand mounting part 3 is rotated in the wrist flexion direction, the first stop 52a slides along the outer teeth of the first ratchet 512a, thus allowing rotation in the wrist flexion direction. Moreover, similar to rotation in the wrist extension direction, since a tactile feedback is obtained whenever the first stop 52a exceeds the apex of the first ratchet 512a, the rotation state can be controlled by feel.

[0074] Next, similar to the action in the wrist extension direction, when the second wire 53b is released from the hand mounting part 3 at an arbitrary angle by rotating it in the wrist flexion direction, the second stop 52b engages with the second ratchet 512b again by the force of the second spring 54b, and the hand mounting part 3 is fixed in the state of rotating in the wrist flexion direction by a predetermined angle.

[0075] As described above, by operating the first wire 53a and the second wire 53b, the engaged and disengaged states of the first stop 52a and the first ratchet 512a, and the second stop 52b and the second ratchet 512b, can be easily switched. Therefore, the angle of the hand mounting part 3 can be arbitrarily set according to the recovery state of the affected limb on which the orthosis 1 is installed for rehabilitation.

[0076] Furthermore, after the rotation angle is set, by releasing the first wire 53a and the second wire 53b, the first stop 52a and the second stop 52b are once again engaged with the first ratchet 512a and the second ratchet 512b, respectively. Since the hand mounting part 3 is fixed at the set arbitrary rotation angle, for example, even if an external force is applied to the orthosis 1, the rotation angle will not change unexpectedly, thus improving safety.

[0077] The above describes the orthosis 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. However, a rotation limiting part may also be provided, for example, to limit the rotation range of the wrist flexion and extension sides of the hand mounting part 3. For example, by providing a rotation limiting part at a predetermined position of the first connecting part 41, the second connecting part 42 abuts against the rotation limiting part when rotating towards the wrist flexion or extension side. Since further rotation is limited, safety in use can be further improved. The position, shape, etc., of the rotation limiting part can be arbitrarily changed according to the rotation range.

[0078] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, it was described that the first wire 53a is operated when rotating in the wrist extension direction and the second wire 53b is operated when rotating in the wrist flexion direction. However, by assembling the ratchet 51 in such a way that the tilt direction of the ratchet 512 is opposite to that in the embodiment, it is possible to operate the second wire 53b when rotating in the wrist extension direction and operate the first wire 53a when rotating in the wrist flexion direction.

[0079] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case where the connector 4 is applied to an orthosis for assisting the movement of the hand joint has been described, but it can also be applied to orthotics for assisting the movement of the shoulder joint or elbow joint, for example. Moreover, it is not only applicable to upper limb orthotics, but can also be applied to lower limb orthotics for assisting the movement of the ankle joint or knee joint.

[0080] The orthotic connector and orthotic device using the present invention are simple in structure, low in cost, and practical for patients.

Claims

1. A connector for orthotics, characterized in that, have: The first connecting part includes a first base end and a first head, wherein the first base end is connected to the forearm mounting part of the orthosis; The second connecting part includes a second base end and a second head, wherein the second base end is connected to the hand mounting part of the orthotine; The shaft support portion allows the first head of the first connecting portion and the second head of the second connecting portion to be supported relative to each other by a shaft, and allows the second connecting portion to rotate in an upward rotation direction from a reference state in which the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are parallel to the horizontal axis, and allows the second connecting portion to rotate in another downward rotation direction from the reference state. The shaft support portion includes: A ratchet, comprising a plurality of ratchet teeth formed along the outer periphery of a circular body portion; The first stop, together with the ratchet, restricts rotation in the one rotation direction; The second stop is disposed opposite to the first stop and, together with the ratchet, restricts rotation in the other rotational direction; In the aforementioned reference state, In the ratchet, with a diameter line orthogonal to the rotation axis of the ratchet as the boundary, the upper half of the main body is formed with a first ratchet that is inclined toward the first rotation direction and can engage with the first stop, and the lower half of the main body is formed with a second ratchet that is inclined toward the other rotation direction and can engage with the second stop. In the first head or the second head, there is: The first stop retainer includes: The first spring applies force to the first stop in the direction that causes the first stop to engage with the first ratchet; The first wire is connected to the first stop and extends from the first head or the second head in the opposite direction to the force applied by the first spring, i.e., upward. The second stop retainer includes: The second spring applies force to the second stop in the direction that causes the second stop to engage with the second ratchet; The second wire is connected to the second stop and extends from the first head or the second head in the opposite direction to the force applied by the second spring, i.e., downward.

2. The orthopedic connector according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first connecting part has a rotation limiting part, which limits the rotation range of the second connecting part in the one rotation direction and the other rotation direction.

3. The orthopedic connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first head and the second head each have a recess that allows the ratchet to be loosely engaged, and the other has a protrusion that secures the ratchet; the first head and the second head are fitted together in a manner that forms the same plane.

4. The orthopedic connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The angle between the imaginary straight line connecting the vertex of the first ratchet and the center of the rotation axis of the ratchet and the inclined surface of the outer tooth of the first ratchet is 40°-45°. The angle between the imaginary straight line connecting the apex of the second ratchet and the center of the rotation axis of the ratchet and the inclined plane of the outer tooth of the second ratchet is 40°-45°.

5. An orthotic device, characterized in that, have: Forearm mounting section, installed on the forearm; Hand mounting part, installed on the hand; The orthopedic connector, relative to the forearm mounting portion, has a freely rotatable pivot that supports the hand mounting portion; The connector for the orthotics has: The first connecting part includes a first base end and a first head, wherein the first base end is connected to the forearm mounting part; The second connecting part includes a second base end and a second head, wherein the second base end is connected to the hand mounting part; The shaft support portion allows the first head of the first connecting portion and the second head of the second connecting portion to be supported relative to each other by a shaft, and allows the second connecting portion to rotate from a reference state in which the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are parallel to the horizontal axis in the wrist extension direction, and allows the second connecting portion to rotate from the reference state in the wrist flexion direction. The shaft support portion includes: A ratchet, comprising a plurality of ratchet teeth formed along the outer periphery of a circular body portion; The first stop, together with the ratchet, restricts rotation in the direction of wrist extension; The second stop is disposed opposite to the first stop and, together with the ratchet, restricts rotation in the wrist flexion direction; In the aforementioned reference state, In the ratchet, with a diameter line orthogonal to the rotation axis of the ratchet as the boundary, the upper half of the main body is formed with a first ratchet that is inclined toward the wrist extension direction and can engage with the first stop, and the lower half of the main body is formed with a second ratchet that is inclined toward the wrist flexion direction and can engage with the second stop. In the first head or the second head, there is: The first stop retainer includes: The first spring applies force to the first stop in the direction that causes the first stop to engage with the first ratchet; The first wire is connected to the first stop and extends from the first head or the second head in the opposite direction to the force applied by the first spring, i.e., upward. The second stop retainer includes: The second spring applies force to the second stop in the direction that causes the second stop to engage with the second ratchet; The second wire is connected to the second stop and extends from the first head or the second head in the opposite direction to the force applied by the second spring, i.e., downward.

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