EMG amplifier unit

Abstract

EMG amplifier unit (2) for placement on or in a prosthetic socket (85), wherein the EMG amplifier unit (2) comprises: - a housing (7) comprising a housing interior defined by housing walls (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13), - a first input signal contact group (14) with several input signal contacts (18, 19) for connecting the EMG amplifier unit (2) to at least one first EMG electrode pair (3,4), - a second input signal contact group (15) with several input signal contacts (18, 19) for connecting the EMG amplifier unit (2) to at least a second EMG electrode pair, - an output signal contact group (16, 17) for direct and / or indirect connection of the EMG amplifier unit (2) to a prosthesis control unit (92), - a signal amplifier, - a signal processing means, wherein the input signal contacts (18, 19) of the first input signal contact group (14) are electrically connected to at least one signal input of the signal amplifier and the input signal contacts of the second input signal contact group (15) are electrically connected to at least one further signal input of the signal amplifier, wherein at least one output signal of the signal amplifier is connected to a signal input of the signal processing means and the signal amplifier and the signal processing means are arranged in the interior of the housing, characterized by the fact that the EMG amplifier unit (2) has a light source (89, 90) which indicates the strength of one of the input signals and / or the strength of an output signal and the color of the light source (89, 90) or the luminous intensity of the light source (89, 90) in the claim is adapted to the signal strength of at least one of the input signal contact groups (14, 15) and / or at least one of the output signal contact groups (16, 17).

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The invention relates to an EMG amplifier unit according to claim 1 and an EMG electrode / amplifier unit according to claim 8.

[0002] Electromyography (EMG) – Electrodes can be used to record muscle potentials and, based on these muscle potentials, to control prostheses. For this purpose, electrically conductive objects, such as pads or needles, are applied to or within the skin over a muscle of the prosthesis user to record electrical muscle potentials, such as action potentials, which are generated in the muscle during muscle contraction.

[0003] These recorded muscle potentials can be fed into a prosthesis's control unit and thus used to control the prosthesis. For example, the prosthesis user can open or close a hand or arm prosthesis by means of one or more contractions of the arm muscle. The prosthesis can also be designed so that the control unit can distinguish between the signal generated by a single muscle contraction and a signal generated by multiple contractions. This allows different movements of the prosthesis to be executed based on the number of contractions, and / or the prosthesis to be switched to a different operating state.

[0004] To record muscle action potentials for controlling prostheses, at least two EMG electrodes are typically used. These EMG electrodes each have at least two contact surfaces that can be placed on the user's skin. These electrodes are usually connected to a preamplifier that amplifies the recorded signals or the difference between the recorded signals and forwards them to a further amplifier. The preamplifier and the EMG electrodes form a single unit.

[0005] US 5,448,999 A describes a system for determining the optimal position of an electrode array for a prosthesis by examining multiple positions simultaneously. The electrode array is used to record myoelectric signals.

[0006] US 2013 / 0 046 394 A1 describes a hand prosthesis socket with a large number of myoelectrodes in the prosthesis socket. Object of the invention

[0007] The object of the invention is to further develop EMG amplifier units for controlling prostheses. It may also be an object to make the use of EMG amplifier units and / or EMG electrode amplifier units more convenient.

[0008] The problem is solved by an EMG amplifier unit according to claim 1 and / or an EMG electrode / amplifier unit according to claim 8. Special embodiments are found in the dependent claims.

[0009] In particular, the problem is solved by an EMG amplifier unit for placement on or in a prosthetic socket, wherein the EMG amplifier unit comprises: a housing comprising a housing interior defined by housing walls, a first input signal contact group with multiple input signal contacts for connecting the EMG amplifier unit to at least one first EMG electrode pair, a second input signal contact group with multiple input signal contacts for connecting the EMG amplifier unit to at least one second EMG electrode pair, an output signal contact group for directly and / or indirectly connecting the EMG amplifier unit to a prosthetic control unit, a signal amplifier, and a signal processing device.wherein the input signal contacts of the first input signal contact group are electrically connected to at least one signal input of the signal amplifier and the input signal contacts of the second input signal contact group are electrically connected to at least one further signal input of the amplifier, wherein at least one output signal of the signal amplifier is connected to a signal input of the signal processing means, The signal amplifier and the signal processing unit are arranged inside the housing. The EMG amplifier unit has a light source which indicates the strength of one of the input signals and / or the strength of an output signal, and the color of the light source or the luminous intensity of the light source in the claim is adapted to the signal strength of at least one of the input signal contact groups and / or at least one of the output signal contact groups.

[0010] The first input signal contact group can comprise two input signal contacts, the second input signal contact group can comprise two input signal contacts.

[0011] The input signal contacts of the first input signal contact group and the input signal contacts of the second input signal contact group can be connected, in particular electrically connected, to a signal amplifier, in particular a digital amplifier, such as a digital measuring amplifier.

[0012] The amplifier can have several channels; in particular, the input signal contacts of the first input signal contact group are at least partially connected to a first amplifier channel and / or the input signal contacts of the second input signal contact group are at least partially connected to a second amplifier channel.

[0013] The reference contact of the first input signal contact group and / or the reference contact of the second input signal contact group can be electrically connected to the signal amplifier.

[0014] The amplifier can have a first input signal channel and a second input signal channel. The signal input of the first input signal channel can be electrically connected to the first input signal contact group. The signal input of the second input signal channel can be electrically connected to the second input signal contact group.

[0015] The amplifier may have a signal output, in particular a digital signal output. The digital signal output may be electrically connected to the signal input of a digital signal processor.

[0016] The EMG amplifier unit can be used to amplify and / or process signals such as EMG signals or signals derived from them, and thus feed these signals to a further processing stage. The output signals of the further processing stage can be forwarded to a prosthesis controller, allowing the prosthesis to be controlled in response to these output signals. Alternatively, output signals from the EMG amplifier unit can be forwarded directly to the prosthesis controller to control the prosthesis.

[0017] In this context, a connection is understood to be a direct or indirect connection designed for signal transmission. Such a connection can be designed to transmit electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, or optical signals.

[0018] In particular, the EMG amplifier unit and / or the EMG electrode / amplifier unit is designed such that the first input signal contact group and / or the second input signal contact group is connected to the EMG electrode in such a way that the signal recorded on the skin of the prosthesis user is forwarded to the input signal contact group, in particular without amplification.

[0019] A prosthesis in this context can be an exoprosthesis, specifically a prosthesis that completely or partially replaces an upper or lower extremity. For example, a prosthesis can be an arm prosthesis, a forearm prosthesis, a hand prosthesis, a partial hand prosthesis, a finger prosthesis, or a partial finger prosthesis. Here, and in the following, the term "prosthesis" can also refer to an orthosis. An orthosis can be an elbow orthosis, a wrist orthosis, a hand orthosis, or even a leg orthosis.

[0020] A prosthetic socket can be understood here as an element that holds the prosthesis to the user's body.

[0021] Such a prosthetic socket can, for example, be cone-shaped, cylindrical, or anatomically shaped and encompass a body part such as an upper arm, a forearm, a wrist, and / or parts of the hand.

[0022] The prosthesis can be arranged on the prosthetic stem, in particular, it can be attached to it. Specifically, the prosthesis can be arranged at one end, especially the distal end, of the prosthetic stem.

[0023] It was therefore recognized that the EMG amplifier unit can be designed to fit inside or on the prosthetic socket. This allows the EMG amplifier unit to be positioned close to the EMG electrodes, particularly the point where the EMG signals are recorded, thus reducing signal attenuation and / or signal loss during transmission.

[0024] It was also recognized that by using one EMG amplifier unit for multiple EMG electrode pairs, the amplifier unit can be designed to be more compact, making it easier to place the EMG amplifier unit in or on the prosthetic socket.

[0025] In particular, the EMG amplifier unit can be positioned on the inside of the prosthesis socket, for example, in such a way that the EMG amplifier unit does not come into contact with the skin of the prosthesis user. Thus, the EMG amplifier unit can be located in a part of the prosthesis socket that is not occupied by the body part of the prosthesis user.

[0026] The EMG amplifier unit can also be located in the wall of the prosthetic socket and thus be at least partially enclosed by it. This allows the prosthetic socket to hold the EMG amplifier unit in position and protect it from environmental influences.

[0027] The EMG amplifier unit can also be located on the outside of the prosthetic socket, thus providing more space inside the prosthetic socket.

[0028] In particular, the first input signal contact group and the second input signal contact group can each have a first and a second input signal contact, wherein a differential signal can be generated from the signal applied to the first input signal contact and the signal applied to the second input signal contact by the EMG amplifier unit, wherein the differential signal can be used to control the prosthesis.

[0029] Preferably, the first input signal contact group and / or the second input signal contact group has a reference contact. This allows the potential between the first input signal contact and the reference contact, and between the second input signal contact and the reference contact, to be measured for both input signal contact groups, thus achieving a more interference-free measurement.

[0030] A common reference contact can also be used for both or multiple input signal contact groups.

[0031] Each input signal contact or individual input signal contacts can also be assigned a shielding contact, whereby the shielding contact can be connected to a shield against electromagnetic radiation for at least one signal conductor. For example, the signal conductor can be a coaxial cable and the shielding contact can be connected to the outer sheath of the coaxial cable.

[0032] In particular, the EMG amplifier unit can have a housing, and the first input signal contact group and / or the second input signal contact group can be arranged on the housing. A ground contact can also be located on the housing.

[0033] It was thus recognized that with an EMG amplifier unit with two EMG measurement inputs, a common electronics board and in particular a common measuring amplifier and common microcontroller as well as a common housing for several electrodes, the EMG amplifier unit can be designed to be even more compact and thus the EMG amplifier unit can be arranged even more comfortably for the prosthesis user.

[0034] In particular, the housing of the EMG amplifier unit can be made of an electrically insulating material, preferably a material that also shields against electromagnetic radiation. Such a material can, for example, be a wire mesh embedded in a plastic or an electrically conductive coating.

[0035] In particular, the housing of the EMG amplifier unit can be rigid or at least made of a robust, flexible material such as silicone, thus protecting the components inside from mechanical damage. Furthermore, a rigid housing can also hold components that are accessible from the outside.

[0036] In particular, the EMG amplifier unit can comprise a single circuit board on which the first input signal contact group and the second input signal contact group are arranged. By using a single circuit board, the EMG amplifier unit can be designed more compactly compared to EMG amplifier units that have a separate circuit board for each input signal contact group, or compared to EMG amplifier units where the signal processing unit and the signal amplifier are each arranged on separate circuit boards, which then have to be mounted separately.

[0037] The EMG amplifier unit can include a light source that indicates the strength of one of the input signals and / or the strength of an output signal. This allows the EMG amplifier unit to determine, for example, whether the input signal strength and / or the output signal strength are within the appropriate range, or whether the signal amplification needs to be adjusted.

[0038] In particular, each output signal contact group can be assigned a light source, thus illustrating the signal strength of the output signal. This allows for the creation of a compact display device for showing the output signal level.

[0039] The light source can include one or more LEDs or one or more multicolor or RGB LEDs.

[0040] Preferably, the color, brightness, and / or flashing frequency of the light source can be adjusted according to the signal strength. This allows for an intuitive display of the signal strength. For example, a light-emitting diode (LED) can be used that can illuminate in different colors. Such an LED could, for instance, glow blue when the signal strength is too low and red when the signal strength is too high.

[0041] Preferably, the EMG amplifier unit may have exactly two input signal contact groups in addition to other output signal contact groups and / or input contact groups. This allows one EMG electrode to be placed on a flexing muscle and a second electrode on the opposing extensor muscle, thus enabling the prosthesis to be controlled by contracting one or the other muscle.

[0042] By reducing the number of input signal contact groups to exactly two, the EMG amplifier unit can be designed so compactly that it can be integrated into the socket of a small pediatric hand prosthesis and / or a partial hand prosthesis. It was also discovered that using just two electrodes allows the prosthesis to be controlled by extending and / or flexing a body part. Furthermore, the use of a digital signal processor enabled the evaluation of the temporal relationship between the two input signals, fed to the processor by the two electrodes. This allowed the compact EMG amplifier to recognize and correlate signal patterns from the recorded muscles.

[0043] This makes it possible to control the prosthesis in such a way that a large number of different movements of the prosthesis are possible, and interference signals can be detected and minimized particularly well.

[0044] Preferably, the EMG amplifier unit can include a push button to change the gain of at least one input signal. For example, pressing the button can increase the gain up to a certain value, and pressing it further beyond that value can decrease the gain. This also allows for a compact design of an EMG amplifier unit with variable gain.

[0045] The task is also solved by an EMG electrode / amplifier unit comprising an EMG amplifier unit as shown above and at least one EMG electrode for recording EMG signals.

[0046] Preferably, the EMG electrode comprises a contact surface for placement on the skin and a flexible signal line for transmitting the EMG signals, which were picked up by the contact surface, to the EMG amplifier unit.

[0047] Preferably, the EMG electrode comprises two contact surfaces insulated from each other and two signal lines, wherein the first signal line transmits an EMG signal from the first contact surface to the first input signal contact and the second signal line transmits an EMG signal from the second contact surface to the second input signal contact.

[0048] In particular, the first contact surface and the second contact surface can be mechanically connected to each other via a flexible carrier material.

[0049] In particular, a reference contact surface can be arranged between the first and second contact surfaces, which is electrically connected to the reference contact via a further electrical conductor.

[0050] It was discovered that the signal amplifier and the signal processing device for two EMG channels can be housed on a circuit board and in a single enclosure, thus making it possible to create a compact EMG electrode with EMG signal inputs. Detailed description

[0051] The invention will now be further explained using an exemplary embodiment and the accompanying drawings. This will show Fig. 1. A first EMG electrode / amplifier unit from above, Fig. 2 the first EMG electrode / amplifier unit from the side, Fig. 3 a second EMG electrode / amplifier unit with an output signal line, Fig. 4 a third EMG electrode / amplifier unit from the top, Fig. 5 the third EMG electrode / amplifier unit from the side, Fig. 6 a fourth EMG electrode / amplifier unit from the top, Fig. 6a the fourth electrode amplifier unit from the side, Fig. 7 an EMG electrode in an exploded view, Fig. 8 the EMG electrode in an assembled state, Fig. 9a, Fig. 9b a fifth EMG amplifier unit from different perspectives, Fig. 10 the fifth EMG amplifier unit with an EMG electrode in a sectional view, Fig. 10a the fifth EMG electrode amplifier unit without cover, Fig. 11 the fifth EMG electrode / amplifier unit from the top, Fig. 11b the fifth EMG electrode amplifier unit from the side, Fig. 11c the fifth EMG electrode / amplifier unit from the top at an angle, Fig. 11d the fifth EMG electrode amplifier unit from the top, Fig. 12 a second EMG electrode in an exploded view, Fig. 12b in a perspective view, Fig. 13 the second EMG electrode in an assembled state, Fig. 14 a hand prosthesis with an EMG electrode / amplifier unit, Fig. 15 a sixth EMG amplifier unit, Fig. 17 a second hand prosthesis with an EMG electrode / amplifier unit, Fig. 18 a sixth EMG electrode / amplifier unit.

[0052] Fig. Figure 1 shows an EMG electrode / amplifier unit 1 with an EMG amplifier unit 2, a first EMG electrode 3, a second EMG electrode 4, a first output signal cable 5 and a second output signal cable 6.

[0053] The EMG amplifier unit 2 has a housing 7, which is rigid and can be made of a material such as plastic. The housing 7 has a top 8, a bottom 9, a front side 10, a rear side 11, a right side 12, and a left side 13.

[0054] A first input signal contact group 14 and a second input signal contact group 15 are arranged on the rear side surface 11.

[0055] The input signal contact group 14 has a first input signal contact 18, a second input signal contact 19, and a first reference contact 20. The first input signal contact 18 is in electrical contact with the first input signal line 21 of the second electrode 4, the second input signal contact 19 is in electrical contact with the second input signal line 22 of the second electrode 4, and the reference contact 20 is in electrical contact with the reference line 23 of the second electrode 4.

[0056] The first input signal line 21 is in electrical contact with a first signal contact surface 24. The first signal contact surface 24 is suitable for being applied to the skin of the prosthesis user and for recording an action potential of a muscle.

[0057] The second input signal line 22 is in electrical contact with a second signal contact surface 25. The second signal contact surface 25 can also be applied to the skin of the prosthesis user and record an action potential of the same muscle at a different location.

[0058] The reference line 23 is in electrical contact with a reference signal contact surface 26, which is located between the first signal contact surface 24 and the second signal contact surface 25. The reference signal contact surface 26 also receives reference signals from the skin of the prosthesis user.

[0059] The first signal contact surface 24, the second signal contact surface 25 and the reference signal contact surface 26 are attached to a particularly flexible carrier surface 27, so that the contact surfaces 24, 25 and 26 have a defined distance on the skin of the prosthesis user.

[0060] The second input signal contact group 15 has a first input signal contact 28, a second input signal contact 29, and a reference contact 30. The first electrode 3 comprises a first input signal line 31, a second input signal line 33, and a reference line 32. The first input signal contact 28 is in electrical contact with the first input signal line 22 of the second electrode 4, the second input signal contact 29 is in electrical contact with the second input signal line 31 of the first electrode 3, and the reference contact 30 is in electrical contact with the reference line 32 of the first electrode 3.

[0061] The first input signal line 31 is in electrical contact with a first signal contact surface 34. The first signal contact surface 34 is suitable for being applied to the skin of the prosthesis user and for recording an action potential of a muscle.

[0062] The second input signal line 33 is in electrical contact with a second signal contact surface 36. The second signal contact surface 36 can also be applied to the skin of the prosthesis user and record an action potential of the same muscle at a different location.

[0063] The reference line 32 is in electrical contact with a reference signal contact surface 35, which is located between the first signal contact surface 34 and the second signal contact surface 36. The reference signal contact surface 35 receives reference signals from the skin of the prosthesis user.

[0064] The first signal contact surface 34, the second signal contact surface 36 and the reference signal contact surface 35 are attached to a particularly flexible carrier surface 37, so that the contact surfaces 34, 35 and 36 have a defined distance on the skin of the prosthesis user.

[0065] A first output signal contact group 16 and a second output signal contact group 17 are arranged on the front side surface 10 of the housing 7. The first output signal cable 5 is in electrical contact with the first output signal contact group 16, and the second output signal cable 6 is in electrical contact with the second output signal contact group 17.

[0066] The output signal contact group 16 comprises a first output signal contact 38, a second output signal contact 40, and an output reference contact 39. The first output signal contact 38 is in electrical contact with a first output signal line 41, the second output signal contact 40 is in electrical contact with a second output signal line 43, and the output reference contact 39 is in electrical contact with an output reference line 42.

[0067] A connector 44 is attached to the distal end of the output signal lines 41,43 and the output reference line 42 to connect the output signal cable 6 to another signal processing element, such as the prosthesis control.

[0068] The second output signal contact group 17 comprises a first output signal contact 45, a second output signal contact 47 and an output reference contact 46. The first output signal contact 45 is in electrical contact with a first output signal line 48, the second output signal contact 47 is in electrical contact with a second output signal line 50 and the output reference contact 46 is in electrical contact with an output reference line 49.

[0069] A connector 51 is attached to the distal end of the output signal lines 48, 50 and the output reference line 49 to connect the output signal cable 5 to another signal processing element, such as the prosthesis control.

[0070] Fig. Figure 2 shows the EMG electrode / amplifier unit 1 from the side. It can be seen that the contact surfaces 24, 25, 26 are raised above the support surface 27, so that the electrical contact between the contact surfaces 24, 25, 26 and the skin of the prosthesis user can be established more reliably.

[0071] Fig. Figure 3 shows another EMG electrode / amplifier unit 1 from the front, wherein the EMG electrode / amplifier unit 1 has an output signal cable 5 and an electrode 3 and an electrode 4.

[0072] Fig. Figure 4 shows another EMG electrode / amplifier unit 1 from the front, wherein the input signal lines 21, 22 and the input signal lines 31, 33 and the respective reference lines 23, 32 are provided at their proximal ends 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57 with contact rings 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63 which are in electrical contact with the respective lines 21, 22, 23, 31, 32, 33. The contact rings 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63 can be used to establish an electrical contact with the corresponding contact surfaces 24, 25, 26 and 34, 35, 36.

[0073] Fig. Figure 5 shows such an EMG electrode / amplifier unit 1 from the side.

[0074] Fig. Figure 6 shows an EMG electrode / amplifier unit 1 from the front, wherein the two electrodes 3, 4 have a common reference line 63. This reference line 63 can be in electrical contact with a skin area of ​​the prosthesis user, with the main point being located between the contact surfaces 24, 25 and 36, 34.

[0075] Fig. Figure 7 shows a contact surface 24, which has a contact surface head 64 and a contact surface pin 65 attached to it. The contact surface head 64 is designed to come into contact with the skin of the prosthesis user. The contact surface pin 65 is guided through the support surface 27. On the side of the support surface facing away from the contact surface head 64, the contact ring 58 is guided around the contact surface pin 65 and fixed between the nut 66 and the support surface 27 by means of a nut 66, which engages in a thread of the contact surface pin 65.

[0076] Fig. Figure 8 shows the input signal line 21 as it is electrically connected to the contact surface head 64 via the contact ring 58.

[0077] Fig. Figures 9a / 9b show an EMG amplifier unit 2 comprising a first input signal connector 67, a second input signal connector 68, a third input signal connector 69, a fourth input signal connector 70, a fifth input signal connector 71, and a sixth input signal connector 72. The EMG amplifier unit 2 further comprises a first output signal connector 73 and a second output signal connector 74.

[0078] Fig. Figure 10 shows an EMG electrode / amplifier unit 1 with the EMG amplifier unit 2. Fig. 9a / b. The EMG electrode / amplifier unit 1 comprises an electrode 3 and an output signal cable 5. The electrode 3 has an input signal line 21, at the proximal end of which a first connector 75 is arranged for electrical connection of the input signal line 21 to a contact surface 34. At the distal end of the input signal line 21 a second connector 76 is arranged for electrical connection of the input signal line 21 to the input signal connector 69.

[0079] The output signal cable 5 has a first connector 77 at its proximal end for electrical connection of the output signal cable 5 to the EMG amplifier unit 2. At its distal end, the output signal cable 5 has a second connector 78 for electrical connection of the output signal cable 5, for example, to a prosthesis control unit.

[0080] Fig. Figures 11a-d show the EMG electrode / amplifier unit 1. Fig. 10 in an assembled state.

[0081] Fig. 12 and Fig. Figure 12b shows an electrode 3. The electrode has a contact surface head 64 and a contact surface pin 65. The contact surface head 64 is intended for contact with the skin of the prosthesis user, and the contact surface pin 65 projects through the flexible carrier 27. The contact surface pin 65 has a screw thread. On the side of the carrier 27 facing away from the contact surface head 64, a connector plate 79 is arranged, which has an opening 108 through which the contact surface pin 65 is guided. The connector plate 79 is fixed to the flexible carrier 27 by a nut 66, which engages the thread of the contact surface pin 65. The connector plate 79 has an electrical plug contact 80, which is compatible with the plug 75 at the proximal end of the input signal conductor 21. A cover 109 can cover the screw end and the nut 66.

[0082] Fig. Figure 13 shows electrode 3 in its assembled state.

[0083] Fig. Figure 14 shows a hand prosthesis 82, comprising a prosthetic hand 83 and a prosthetic wrist 84, which connects the prosthetic hand 83 to a prosthetic socket 85. The prosthetic socket contains the EMG electrode / amplifier unit 1 with the EMG amplifier unit 2 and the EMG electrodes 3, 4. The contact surfaces 24, 25, 26 and 34, 35, 36 of the electrodes 3 and 4, respectively, are located on the skin 86 of the prosthesis user. Also located in the prosthetic socket 85 is a battery element 87, which is connected to the prosthetic hand 83 via a battery charging element 88.

[0084] Fig. Figure 15 shows an EMG amplifier unit 2. The EMG amplifier unit 2 has two LEDs 89 and 90, which indicate the output signal strength. Furthermore, the EMG amplifier unit 2 has a push button 110, which allows the gain of the input signals to be adjusted.

[0085] Fig. Figure 16 shows a hand prosthesis 82, wherein the prosthetic hand 83 has one or more motors 91 for moving the prosthetic hand 83. The motors 91 are controlled by a prosthetic control unit 92, which is electrically connected to the motor 91. The prosthetic control unit 92 is electrically connected to the EMG amplifier 2, in particular to the output signal contact groups 16, 17, via two output signal cables 5, 6.

[0086] The input signal contact groups 14, 15 are electrically connected to the electrodes 3, 4. In particular, the input signal lines 21, 22 are connected to contact surfaces 24, 27, which are located on the skin near a muscle 94. The input signal lines 31, 33 are electrically connected to the contact surfaces 34, 36, which are located on the skin near a second muscle 95. The reference line 63 is electrically connected to the contact surface 96, which is located on the skin between the two muscles.

[0087] Fig. Figure 17 shows the EMG electrode / amplifier unit. Fig. 16, wherein each electrode 3, 4 is provided with a reference line 23, 32, wherein the reference lines 23, 32 are electrically connected to contact surfaces 26, 35 located between the two contact surfaces 24, 25 and 36, 34 respectively.

[0088] To avoid repetition, similar components can be provided with identical reference symbols.

Claims

[1] EMG amplifier unit (2) for placement on or in a prosthetic socket (85), the EMG amplifier unit (2) comprising: - a housing (7) comprising a housing interior defined by housing walls (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13), - a first input signal contact group (14) with several input signal contacts (18, 19) for connecting the EMG amplifier unit (2) to at least one first EMG electrode pair (3,4), - a second input signal contact group (15) with several input signal contacts (18, 19) for connecting the EMG amplifier unit (2) to at least a second EMG electrode pair, - an output signal contact group (16, 17) for direct and / or indirect connection of the EMG amplifier unit (2) to a prosthesis control unit (92), - a signal amplifier, - a signal processing means, wherein the input signal contacts (18, 19) of the first input signal contact group (14) are electrically connected to at least one signal input of the signal amplifier and the input signal contacts of the second input signal contact group (15) are electrically connected to at least one further signal input of the signal amplifier, wherein at least one output signal of the signal amplifier is connected to a signal input of the signal processing means and the signal amplifier and the signal processing means are arranged in the interior of the housing, characterized by , that the EMG amplifier unit (2) has a light source (89, 90) which indicates the strength of one of the input signals and / or the strength of an output signal and the color of the light source (89, 90) or the luminous intensity of the light source (89, 90) in the claim is adapted to the signal strength of at least one of the input signal contact groups (14, 15) and / or at least one of the output signal contact groups (16, 17). [2] EMG amplifier unit (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized by , that the input signal contacts (18, 19, 28, 29) and / or the output signal contacts (38, 40, 45, 47) are located inside the housing. [3] EMG amplifier unit (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized by , that the input signal contacts (18, 19, 28, 29) and / or the output signal contacts (38, 40, 45, 47) are connected to electrical lines (21, 22, 28, 29, 41, 43, 48, 50) which pass through the housing walls (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13). [4] EMG amplifier unit (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the amplifier unit (2) has a circuit board on which the signal processing means and the signal amplifier are arranged. [5] EMG amplifier unit (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that one, in particular each, output signal contact group is assigned a light source (89, 90). [6] EMG amplifier unit (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the EMG amplifier unit (2) has exactly two input signal contact groups (14, 15). [7] EMG amplifier unit (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the EMG amplifier unit (2) has a button (110) to change the amplification of at least one input signal. [8] EMG electrode / amplifier unit (1) comprising an EMG amplifier unit (2) according to any of the preceding claims and at least one EMG electrode pair (3, 4) for receiving EMG signals, characterized by, that the EMG electrode pair (3, 4) comprises a first (24, 34) and a second contact surface (25, 36) for arrangement on the skin and a first flexible signal lead (21, 31) for transmitting the EMG signals received from the first contact surface (24, 34) to the EMG amplifier unit (2) and a second flexible signal lead for transmitting the EMG signals received from the second contact surface to the amplifier unit (2), wherein the two contact surfaces (24, 34 and 25, 36) receive EMG signals from the same muscle.

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