Leg-boosting device

Abstract

The application provides a leg assisting device, which comprises a connecting assembly and an elastic member. The connecting assembly comprises a housing and a swing rod, one end of the swing rod is swingably installed with the housing. The elastic member comprises a fixed end and a flexible end, the fixed end is fixedly assembled with one of the swing rod and the housing, the other of the swing rod and the housing is provided with a switching structure with the flexible end, and the locking gear and the unlocking gear are formed by switching the switching structure. In the locking gear, the other of the swing rod and the housing is relatively fixed with the flexible end, and the elastic member provides elastic force for the swing rod. In the unlocking gear, the other of the swing rod and the housing is relatively separated from the flexible end, and the elastic member does not provide elastic force for the swing rod. The leg assisting device provided by the application can be selectively locked or unlocked with the swing rod, and provides elastic force or no elastic force for the user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of assistive device technology, and in particular to a leg assistive device. Background Technology

[0002] Knee immobilization devices are medical rehabilitation instruments used for knee joint fixation, protection, and functional assistance. Their main function is to provide stable external support after knee surgery or injury, promoting tissue repair. Compared to traditional plaster casts, these products have a certain degree of elasticity, allowing for a range of adaptive movement while maintaining immobilization, thus preventing joint stiffness and improving circulation and metabolism. Besides medical applications, these devices are also commonly used in sports assistive devices, such as providing knee joint assistance during activities like mountain climbing and hill climbing; hence, they are also known as leg assistive devices. The elastic connector, as the core functional component of the leg assistive device, not only serves a structural connection function but also stores and releases energy through elastic deformation, enabling movement assistance and repositioning. However, currently available elastic connectors still have significant shortcomings in functional design and structural reliability. Most products lack adjustable settings, preventing users from flexibly adjusting according to actual exercise intensity or personal comfort, thus limiting applicability. Although a few products attempt to introduce adjustable settings, their switching structures are usually complex, resulting in cumbersome assembly processes and easy wear or damage to key components, affecting product lifespan and user experience. Given the shortcomings of the existing technology, it is necessary to innovate the structure of the elastic connector. Therefore, this invention provides a novel elastic connector structure, aiming to achieve adjustable settings, ingenious structure, and improved reliability, thereby solving problems such as poor flexibility, susceptibility to damage, and cumbersome assembly in the existing technology. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this invention proposes a leg assist structure with a simple gear shifting mechanism.

[0004] A leg-assist device includes a connecting component and an elastic element.

[0005] The connecting assembly includes a housing and a swing rod, one end of which is a mounting end and is swing-mounted with the housing.

[0006] The elastic element includes a fixed end and a flexible end. The fixed end is fixedly assembled with one of the swing rod and the housing. The other of the swing rod and the housing is provided with a switching structure between the flexible end and the other end. The switching structure is used to adjust the locking and unlocking positions.

[0007] In the locked position, the swing arm and another member of the housing are fixed relative to the flexible end, and the elastic element provides elastic force to the swing arm.

[0008] In the unlocked position, the swing arm and another component in the housing are separated from the flexible end, and the elastic element does not provide elastic force to the swing arm.

[0009] The leg assist device provided by the present invention allows for a locking or unlocking position between the elastic element and the swing arm by setting a switching structure at the flexible end of the elastic element. In the two positions, the elastic element can be selectively locked or unlocked with the swing arm. When using the device, the user can select between an elastic or non-elastic state by switching the structure, providing the user with more options.

[0010] Preferably, the elastic element is a torsion spring, which is sleeved on the outer periphery of the swing shaft of the swing rod, occupying little space and having a large elastic force. The fixed end is fixedly assembled with the housing, and a switching structure is provided between the flexible end and the swing rod.

[0011] Preferably, the housing includes a mounting base and a top cover. The mounting base has a protruding post, and the mounting end of the swing rod has a shaft hole. The protruding post passes through the shaft hole of the swing rod and forms the swing shaft of the swing rod. The end of the protruding post has a forked opening. The torsion spring is sleeved on the outer circumference of the swing shaft, and the fixed end located on the inner ring is inserted into the forked opening of the protruding post. The top cover covers the side of the mounting base with the protruding post and has an insertion groove for inserting the protruding post, thereby clamping the end of the protruding post to prevent further forking under force and causing the fixed end of the elastic element to detach.

[0012] Preferably, the switching structure includes a limiting head and a switching component. The limiting head is disposed at the flexible end of the elastic component, and the flexible end is mounted on the swing rod, including a gear operation part and a locking head. In the initial state, the locking head is driven by the gear operation part to approach and lock against the limiting head of the elastic component, forming the locked gear position. Alternatively, in the initial state, the locking head is driven by the gear operation part to separate from and unlock the limiting head of the elastic component, forming the unlocked gear position. The switching structure has the advantages of simple structure, easy molding and assembly, and easy implementation.

[0013] Preferably, the flexible end of the torsion spring on the outer ring is bent to form a groove, constituting the limiting head, which is simple and easy to obtain. The switching component is slidably mounted on the swing rod, and the locking head enters or exits the limiting head parallel to the direction of the swing rod. Alternatively, the switching component is pressed onto the swing rod, and the locking head enters or exits the limiting head perpendicular to the direction of the swing rod. A wear-resistant gasket is also provided between the torsion spring and the swing rod to prevent the torsion spring from scratching the swing rod. The mounting base and the top cover have clearance gaps at the ends of the housing to allow the swing rod to extend and swing.

[0014] Preferably, the swing arm has a strip-shaped opening along its length, the switching element is slidably installed in the strip-shaped opening, one end extends into the housing and forms the lock head, and the other end is disposed outside the housing and forms the gear operation part.

[0015] Preferably, in order to facilitate smooth gear switching, the two sides of the lock head opposite to the sliding direction are inclined surfaces. During the sliding process, the lock head presses the end of the limiting head through the inclined surfaces to enter or exit the limiting head.

[0016] Preferably, there are two swing rods, which are respectively swing-mounted at both ends of the housing, and the mounting ends of the two swing rods are linked by gears, so that the two swing rods can form a swinging motion with the same rhythm, which is more in line with the relative swinging state between the human thigh and calf.

[0017] Preferably, to improve the assist effect, an elastic element and a switching element are provided on both sides of the swing arm, and the two switching elements are fixedly assembled relative to each other and use the same gear operation part, so that gear switching can be realized simultaneously. In this case, one leg assist device has two gears. Alternatively, the two switching elements are relatively independent, so that independent gear switching can be realized. In this case, one leg assist device has three gears.

[0018] Preferably, the leg assist devices are used in pairs for better assist and protection, and can also provide more switching modes.

[0019] As can be seen from the above description of the present invention, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: The leg assist device provided by the present invention, by setting a switching structure at the flexible end of the elastic element, allows the elastic element and the swing arm to form a locking position or an unlocking position. In the two positions, the elastic element can selectively lock or unlock with the swing arm. When using it, the user can select the elastic or non-elastic state through the switching structure, providing the user with more position options. The gear shifting structure provided by the present invention is used to lock or unlock the elastic element. It has a simple structure, is easy to form and assemble, and is easy to implement. The elastic element is a torsion spring, which occupies little space, has great elasticity, and provides good assist effect; The limiting head is formed by bending the end of a torsion spring, which is simple in structure and easy to obtain; Both sides of the swing arm are provided with an elastic element and a switching element, which provides good assistance. In addition, depending on the gear requirements, the two switching elements can be fixedly assembled or independently assembled. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The accompanying drawings, which are provided to further illustrate the invention and constitute a part of this invention, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention and are used to explain the invention, but do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention.

[0021] in: Figure 1 An axonometric view of a leg assist device Figure 1 ; Figure 2 An axonometric view of a leg assist device Figure 2 ; Figure 3 An explosion of a leg-assist device Figure 1 ; Figure 4 An explosion of a leg-assist device Figure 2 ; Figure 5 An explosion of a leg-assist device Figure 3 ; Figure 6 An explosion of a leg-assist device Figure 4 ; Figure 7 A frontal view of a leg assist device Figure 1 (Hidden top cover, initial state) Figure 8 A frontal view of a leg assist device Figure 2 (Hidden top cover, swinging state) Figures 1 to 8 The components are: connecting component 1, housing 11, protrusion 111, insertion slot 112, strip opening 122, swing rod 12, gear 121, elastic element 2, limit head 21, switching element 3, gear operation part 31, lock head 32, inclined surface 321, and wear-resistant pad 4. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To make the technical problems, technical solutions, and beneficial effects of this invention clearer and more understandable, the 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 invention and are not intended to limit the invention.

[0023] Please see Figures 1 to 8 A leg-assist device includes a connecting component 1 and an elastic element 2.

[0024] The connecting assembly 1 includes a housing 11 and a swing rod 12, one end of which is a mounting end and is swing-mounted with the housing 11.

[0025] The elastic element 2 includes a fixed end and a flexible end. The fixed end is fixedly assembled with one of the swing rod 12 and the housing 11. The other of the swing rod 12 and the housing 11 is provided with a switching structure between the flexible end and the other of the swing rod 12. The switching structure is used to adjust the locking position and the unlocking position.

[0026] In the locked position, the swing rod 12 and the other of the housing 11 are fixed relative to the flexible end, and the elastic element 2 provides elastic force to the swing rod 12.

[0027] In the unlocked position, the swing lever 12 and the other of the housing 11 are separated from the flexible end, and the elastic element 2 does not provide elastic force to the swing lever 12.

[0028] In one embodiment, the elastic element 2 is a torsion spring, which is sleeved on the outer periphery of the swing shaft of the swing rod 12, occupying little space and having a large elastic force. The fixed end is fixedly assembled with the housing 11, and a switching structure is provided between the flexible end and the swing rod 12.

[0029] Optionally, the housing 11 includes a mounting base and a top cover. The mounting base has a protrusion 111, and the mounting end of the swing rod 12 has a shaft hole. The protrusion 111 passes through the shaft hole of the swing rod 12 and forms the swing shaft of the swing rod 12. The end of the protrusion 111 has a forked opening. The torsion spring is sleeved on the outer periphery of the swing shaft, and the fixed end located on the inner ring is inserted into the forked opening of the protrusion 111. The top cover covers the side of the mounting base with the protrusion 111 and has an insertion groove 112 for the protrusion 111 to be inserted, thereby clamping the end of the protrusion 111 to prevent it from further forking under force and causing the fixed end of the elastic member 2 to detach.

[0030] Regarding the switching structure, in one embodiment, it includes a limiting head 21 and a switching component 3. The limiting head 21 is disposed at the flexible end of the elastic component 2, and the flexible end is mounted on the swing rod 12, including a gear operation part 31 and a locking head 32. Optionally, in the initial state, the locking head 32 is driven by the gear operation part 31 to approach and lock against the limiting head 21 of the elastic component 2, forming the locked gear position. Alternatively, in another embodiment, in the initial state, the locking head 32 is driven by the gear operation part 31 to separate from and unlock the limiting head 21 of the elastic component 2, forming the unlocked gear position. The switching structure has the advantages of simple structure, easy molding and assembly, and easy implementation.

[0031] Optionally, the flexible end of the torsion spring on the outer ring is bent to form a groove, constituting the limiting head 21, which is simple and easy to obtain. The switching element 3 is slidably mounted on the swing rod 12, and the locking head 32 enters or exits the limiting head 21 in a direction parallel to the swing rod 12. Alternatively, the switching element 3 is pressed onto the swing rod 12, and the locking head 32 enters or exits the limiting head 21 in a direction perpendicular to the swing rod 12.

[0032] In addition, a wear-resistant pad 4 is provided between the torsion spring and the swing rod 12 to prevent the torsion spring from scratching the swing rod 12. The mounting base and the top cover are provided with clearance gaps at the ends of the housing 11 to allow the swing rod 12 to extend and swing.

[0033] Based on the above embodiments, regarding the installation method of the switching component 3, it is further optional that the swing rod 12 is provided with a strip-shaped opening 122 along the length direction, the switching component 3 is slidably installed in the strip-shaped opening 122, and one end extends into the housing 11 and forms the lock head 32, while the other end is disposed outside the housing 11 and forms the gear operation part 31.

[0034] To facilitate smooth gear shifting, preferably, the two sides of the lock head 32 opposite to the sliding direction are inclined surfaces 321. During the sliding process, the lock head 32 presses the end of the limiting head 21 through the inclined surfaces 321 to enter or exit the limiting head 21.

[0035] In one embodiment, there are two swing rods 12, which are respectively oscillatingly mounted at both ends of the housing 11. The mounting ends of the two swing rods 12 are linked by a gear 121, so that the two swing rods 12 can form a swinging motion with the same rhythm, which is more in line with the relative swinging state between the human thigh and calf. In this embodiment, only one swing rod 12 has a switching structure between it and the elastic element 2.

[0036] Based on the above embodiments, in order to improve the assist effect, an elastic element 2 and a switching element 3 are provided on both sides of the swing arm 12, and the two switching elements 3 are fixedly assembled relative to each other and adopt the same gear operation part 31, so that gear switching can be realized simultaneously. At this time, one leg assist device has two gears, or the two switching elements 3 are relatively independent, so that independent gear switching can be realized. At this time, one leg assist device has three gears.

[0037] Based on the above embodiments, the leg assist devices are used in pairs, which improves the assist and protection effects and allows for more switching modes.

[0038] The leg assist device provided by the present invention, by setting a switching structure at the flexible end of the elastic member 2, allows the elastic member 2 and the swing rod 12 to form a locking position or an unlocking position. In the two positions, the elastic member 2 can selectively lock or unlock with the swing rod 12. When using it, the user can select the elastic or non-elastic state by switching the structure, providing the user with more position options.

[0039] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this 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 this invention.

[0040] 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 at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0041] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between them; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0042] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0043] In this invention, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0044] Although the above embodiments have been shown and described, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Any changes, modifications, substitutions and variations made to the above embodiments by those skilled in the art are within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A leg-assist device, characterized in that, Includes connecting components and elastic elements; The connecting assembly includes a housing and a swing rod, one end of which is a mounting end and is swing-mounted with the housing. The elastic element includes a fixed end and a flexible end. The fixed end is fixedly assembled with one of the swing rod and the housing. The other of the swing rod and the housing is provided with a switching structure between the flexible end and the other swing rod. The switching structure is used to adjust the locking position and the unlocking position. In the locked position, the swing rod and another one in the housing are fixed relative to the flexible end, and the elastic element provides elastic force to the swing rod; In the unlocked position, the swing arm and another component in the housing are separated from the flexible end, and the elastic element does not provide elastic force to the swing arm.

2. The leg assist device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic element is a torsion spring, which is sleeved on the outer periphery of the swing shaft of the swing rod. The fixed end is fixedly assembled with the housing, and a switching structure is provided between the flexible end and the swing rod.

3. A leg-assisting device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The housing includes a mounting base and a top cover. The mounting base has a protruding post, and the mounting end of the swing rod has a shaft hole. The protruding post passes through the shaft hole of the swing rod and forms the swing shaft of the swing rod. The end of the protruding post has a forked opening. The torsion spring is sleeved on the outer circumference of the swing shaft, and the fixed end located in the inner ring is inserted into the forked opening of the protruding post. The top cover covers the side of the mounting base with the protruding post and has a plug groove for inserting the protruding post.

4. A leg-assisting device according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that, The switching structure includes a limiting head and a switching component. The limiting head is disposed at the flexible end of the elastic component, and the flexible end is mounted on the swing rod, including a gear operation part and a locking head. In the initial state, the locking head is driven by the gear operation part to approach and lock the limiting head of the elastic component, forming the locked gear. Alternatively, in the initial state, the locking head is driven by the gear shifting unit to separate from and unlock the limiting head of the elastic element, forming the unlocking gear.

5. A leg-assisting device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The flexible end of the torsion spring on the outer ring is bent to form a groove, constituting the limiting head; the switching component is slidably mounted on the swing rod, and the locking head enters or exits the limiting head parallel to the direction of the swing rod; or, the switching component is pressed onto the swing rod, and the locking head enters or exits the limiting head perpendicular to the direction of the swing rod; a wear-resistant pad is also provided between the torsion spring and the swing rod; the mounting base and the top cover have clearance gaps at the ends of the housing to allow the swing rod to extend and swing.

6. A leg-assisting device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The swing lever has a strip-shaped opening along its length. The switching component is slidably installed in the strip-shaped opening, with one end extending into the housing and forming the lock head, and the other end disposed outside the housing, forming the gear operation part.

7. A leg-assisting device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The two sides of the lock head opposite to the sliding direction are inclined surfaces. During the sliding process, the lock head presses the end of the limiting head through the inclined surfaces to enter or exit the limiting head.

8. A leg-assisting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are two swing rods, which are respectively oscillatingly installed at both ends of the housing, and the two swing rods are linked by gears.

9. A leg-assisting device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both sides of the swing arm are provided with an elastic element and a switching element, and the two switching elements are fixedly assembled relative to each other and use the same gear operation part, or the two switching elements are relatively independent.

10. A leg-assisting device according to claim 1 or 9, characterized in that, The leg assist devices are used in pairs.

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