DEVICE FOR DAMPING A BODY MOVEMENT ACROSS A BODY JOINT

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for dampening a body movement via a body joint. State of the art

[0002] It is known to stabilize body movement across a joint using devices to counteract trauma resulting from an ankle sprain, that is, movement of the joint across at least one of its axes within an abnormal range. The most common form of ankle sprain is a strain or rupture of a ligament or bone due to an increasing joint angle of movement, which results in a change in the distance between the first and second body parts connected by the joint, for example, the hand and forearm. Exceeding a certain joint angle, velocity, or acceleration can therefore lead to injuries or ruptures of the ligaments stabilizing the joint.

[0003] To prevent this, and in particular to prevent wrist trauma resulting from a fall—that is, movement of the wrist over at least one of its axes in an unphysiological range—devices are known that allow movement to a certain extent and completely prevent movement beyond a certain limit angle around the joint axis. Relatively rigid orthoses are known for this purpose, where the primary function is to inhibit movement using splints or splint plates. Examples include wrist orthoses or glove splints. These are designed to restrict wrist movement during a fall and thus prevent hyperextension of the joint.However, splints or similar orthoses for the wrist significantly restrict movement, which means that these systems are hardly used and therefore lead to numerous injuries in the form of hyperextension of the wrist.

[0004] Furthermore, devices are known in which movement of the joint is permitted up to a certain limit angle, and which, due to their design, completely block movement beyond this limit angle. Such a device is known, for example, from EP 2 717 809 B1. These devices offer no protection whatsoever before reaching the limit angle. However, it is known that the risk of injury during ankle sprains, particularly with already weakened ligaments or after an injury, depends significantly not only on the angle but also on the angular velocity and acceleration occurring during the sprain. Below the limit angle, such devices offer no protection. Moreover, once the limit angle is reached, movement is completely blocked.The abrupt halt of the ankle sprain places significant stress on the joint structure, increasing the risk of injury, such as a bone fracture or cartilage damage. This locking of the joint also transmits the sprain to the next joint. In the case of an ankle sprain, this is the knee joint; in the case of a wrist sprain, it is the elbow or shoulder joint. Due to the large lever arm, the unfavorable force transmission, and the complexity of the knee, elbow, or shoulder joints, serious injuries such as cruciate ligament tears or meniscus damage can occur. These injuries, due to their limitations, complexity, and less favorable healing outcomes, often have a far more detrimental impact than ankle or wrist ligament injuries.

[0005] Furthermore, devices are known which, when tightened, always allow a minimum degree of movement but block it during dangerous movements. DE 10 2014 107 335 A1 discloses a device for which a velocity-dependent or acceleration-dependent adaptive restraint is provided by means of a dilatant fluid, wherein, for example, dorsiflexion via the wrist causes a pull-out body to be withdrawn from a receptacle filled with the dilatant fluid. Due to the short resulting withdrawal distance, the effective area of ​​the pull-out body must be correspondingly large.

[0006] EP 0 564 734 A1 concerns an adjustable orthosis.

[0007] DE 10 2012 011 433 A1 shows a device with dilatant material for adaptive motion limitation.

[0008] US 2017 / 027735 A1 shows an orthopedic device with protruding elements.

[0009] US 2015 / 119777 A1 shows a strut and tension springs for a strut.

[0010] US 2003 / 073941 A1 discloses a method and device for protecting the epicondyle.

[0011] DE 22 38 038 A1 shows a device for supporting the legs of a skier in an extreme backward lean.

[0012] WO 2006 / 047906 A1 shows a support apparatus for one or more body joints. Description of the invention

[0013] Starting from the known state of the art, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved device for damping a body movement via a body joint.

[0014] The problem is solved by a device for damping a body movement via a body joint with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims, the description, and the accompanying figures.

[0015] Accordingly, a device for damping a body movement via a body joint is proposed, comprising a first part for attachment to a first body part, a second part pivotable relative to the first part for attachment to a second body part located beyond the body joint in relation to the first body part, a damping element attached to the second part, and a tensile-resistant connecting element, wherein the connecting element extends from the first part to the second part, and wherein the tensile-resistant connecting element is attached to the first part and fastened to the second part via the damping element. Furthermore, a spacer element is arranged between the first part and the second part, wherein the spacer element is configured such that, during a pivoting movement of the first part relative to the second part, the spacer element keeps the connecting element spaced away from a pivot point of the pivoting movement.The connecting element is designed as a band, with the band running over the at least one spacer element. Furthermore, a flexible structure, designed in the form of a plate, connects the first and second parts to allow them to pivot relative to each other.

[0016] By arranging a spacer element between the first and second parts, the spacer element being designed such that, during a pivoting movement of the first part relative to the second part, the spacer element maintains the connecting element at a distance from a pivoting pole, the path length along the connecting element during the pivoting movement of the first part relative to the second part in a first pivoting direction can be increased compared to the path length that would occur without the spacer element. Accordingly, the resulting extension path experienced by the damping element is increased. Due to the increased extension path, the damping element can provide effective damping of the pivoting movement and / or can be designed smaller than in an embodiment without a spacer element.

[0017] In this context, the term "rotational pole" does not refer to a structural element, but rather to the point in space around which the first part is currently rotating relative to the second part. The rotational speed at the rotational pole is zero at the instant under consideration. In other words, the "rotational pole" is a pivot point or axis of rotation around which the first part rotates or pivots relative to the second part. The rotational pole can be stationary, meaning it is a pivot point or axis of rotation that remains constant relative to the first and / or second part, or it can have a laterally changing position relative to the first and / or second part. The rotational pole can, for example, be an instantaneous pole and preferably have a pole path relative to the first and / or second part.

[0018] The term "body joint" encompasses all joints of a human or animal. A body joint can be, in particular, a single joint of a body as well as an arrangement with multiple joint axes, especially the wrist, ankle, knee, shoulder, hip, elbow, at least one finger joint, or at least a part of the spine, whereby both the articulating connection of two adjacent vertebrae and a larger area comprising several vertebrae are understood as a "body joint".

[0019] Preferably, the damping element is designed as a velocity- or acceleration-dependent damping element, which allows for a sudden increase in the resistance force. In this respect, reference is made to application EP 3238670 A1. . Application EP 3 238 670 A1 shows a speed-dependent damping element.

[0020] Due to the velocity-dependent or acceleration-dependent damping provided by the damping element, the degree of damping depends on the speed at which the connecting element pulls on the damping element, or on the magnitude of the acceleration exerted on the damping element by the connecting element. The abrupt increase in resistance force means that even small increases in speed lead to a multi-fold increase in resistance force.

[0021] The damping element preferably comprises a tubular first damping part, which is rigidly connected to the second part, and a second damping part, movable relative to the first damping part along an extension direction that extends along the longitudinal axis of the tubular first damping part, and connected to the connecting element, the band. The second damping part extends partially inside the tubular first damping part and has an extension element therein, by means of which the damping effect is essentially achieved. A damping medium is also contained within the damping element. Alternatively, the first damping part can be connected to the connecting element, the band, and the second damping part can be connected to the second part.

[0022] In this context, "tubular" refers to a hollow structure. The cross-section can be round, oval, or rectangular; furthermore, the cross-section can be larger in one direction than in a second direction.

[0023] According to an unclaimed embodiment, the damping element can provide a damping force that depends on a damping constant of the damping element and the velocity within the damping element. The damping force is independent of the displacement, for example, the current elongation of the damping element.

[0024] If, according to an unclaimed further development, the damping element is adaptively acting, it can also have a first, low damping constant up to a predetermined limit speed and / or limit acceleration, and a higher damping constant from the predetermined limit speed and / or limit acceleration.

[0025] In an unused training course, it is possible that several limit speeds and / or limit accelerations are specified, and the level of the

[0026] The damping constant increases several times over. This means that for body movements around the joint being damped, which generate velocities and / or accelerations below the predefined limits in the damping element, the damping effect of the damping element is low, and thus the influence and damping of these body movements is minimal. If a body movement occurs in or near an abnormal range, the adaptive damping element can be designed such that the velocities and / or accelerations generated within it exceed at least one of the limits, and the damping element consequently provides a high damping effect, so that the body movement is strongly dampened and the risk of injury resulting from this movement can be reduced or even completely prevented.This adaptive damping effect makes it possible to impair body movements only slightly or almost not at all in the physiological range, and to dampen body movements strongly in and / or near the unphysiological range, in order to minimize the risk of injury to the person wearing the device.

[0027] In a further unclaimed embodiment, the damping element can include a spring to provide a spring effect, particularly preferably a tension spring and / or compression spring. This makes it possible to further differentiate the damping effect from the extension travel.

[0028] Because the connecting element is designed as a tensile-rigid band, with the band running over at least one spacer element, it is possible to adapt the device very precisely to the underlying anatomy on and around the body joint. The band is characterized by being tensile-rigid, thus capable of transmitting tensile forces, and by being flexible or pliable transversely to its longitudinal extent, allowing it to be applied to a suitable structure transversely to its longitudinal extent. Furthermore, a band can be easily deflected. In this context, the term "band" generally encompasses an elongated, flexible, elastic element that may have the form of a single fiber, a strand of fibers, a wire, a cord, a rope, a textile fabric with limited width and fixed selvedges on both sides, or the like.

[0029] Alternatively, the connecting element can also be designed as a tensile-rigid rod element. Preferably, the rod element is formed integrally with a second damping part of the damping element.

[0030] According to an unclaimed embodiment, a joint is arranged between the first and second parts to allow them to pivot relative to each other. This joint is preferably capable of transmitting at least transverse and / or normal forces, and particularly preferably a pivot joint. This makes it possible to assign a fixed spatial position to the pivot point relative to the first and second parts. In other words, the pivot point lies on the axis of rotation of the joint. This allows for a precise predetermination of the travel length of the connecting element, the band, caused by a joint movement, and thus of the extension length at the damping element.

[0031] Preferably, the device has a joint arrangement comprising at least two joints. A first joint of the joint arrangement is designed to allow movement in the direction to be damped, and a second joint is arranged at a distance from the first joint. The second joint is designed to allow movement in the opposite direction to be damped and, preferably, is blocked from a predetermined limit angle of movement in the direction to be damped. This allows, on the one hand, free movement in the opposite direction to be damped and, on the other hand, effective damping in the direction of the movement to be damped.

[0032] In this context, "direction of movement" is understood to mean both a linear direction of movement and a rotational direction of movement, as well as a direction of movement formed from a mixture of a straight and a curved path of movement.

[0033] The damping of the movement direction to be damped is provided by the rigid connecting element, the band, in conjunction with the damping element and the spacer element. The spacer element is arranged such that it holds and deflects the connecting element, the band, at a distance from the first joint. During a pivoting movement in the direction of the movement to be damped, the connecting element, the band, is displaced over the spacer element. The magnitude of this displacement depends on the distance between the first joint and a connection point and / or a deflection point at which the band is deflected at or over the spacer element.

[0034] By providing a flexible structure to enable the pivoting of the first part and the second part relative to each other, which connects the first part and the second part, the device can have a particularly simple design.

[0035] Preferably, the flexible structure is formed in one piece, and the first part and / or the second part are also formed in one piece.

[0036] Alternatively or additionally, according to a further unclaimed embodiment, the flexible structure can also be formed from a plurality of individual elements arranged in a series, wherein the connecting element, the band, is preferably guided through each of the individual elements, and wherein the individual elements are preferably held together by the connecting element, the band, and wherein preferably two individual elements are articulated together. A device designed in this way can be particularly well adapted to the anatomy of the body region in which the joint to be dampened is located.

[0037] According to a further preferred embodiment, the connection of the connecting element, the band, to the first part is designed in the form of a fastening of the connecting element, the band, to the first part. This allows for a particularly simple construction.

[0038] Alternatively, the connection of the connecting element, the band, to the first part can be designed as a return path from the first part back to the second part, wherein the return path is designed such that the connecting element, the band, is deflected at the first part and returned to the second part, where it is attached. Preferably, the return path is made of a low-friction material. The return path can also be provided in the form of a pulley system, which can further increase the change in length of the connecting element, the band, that occurs when the first part moves relative to the second part.

[0039] In order to provide a particularly rigid structure and a simple design, a spacer element over which the band runs can, according to a further preferred embodiment, be arranged on the first part and preferably be formed integrally with the first part, and / or a spacer element over which the band runs can be arranged on the second part and preferably be formed integrally with the second part.

[0040] According to a further preferred embodiment, a spacer element is provided separately from the first and second parts and is preferably arranged between the first and second parts. This allows for a more precise adaptation of the device to the anatomical constraints that arise across the body regions in the area of ​​the joint.

[0041] If, according to a further preferred embodiment, a spacer element is designed as a projection that preferably extends from the first part, preferably via the body joint and / or a joint pivotably connecting the first part and the second part and / or a flexible structure pivotably connecting the first part and the second part, to the second part, or that extends from the second part, preferably via the body joint and / or a joint pivotally connecting the first part and the second part and / or a flexible structure pivotably connecting the first part and the second part, to the first part, a secure spacing of the belt and / or a deflection of the belt spaced away from the pivot point can be achieved in a simple manner.Furthermore, the projection can be arranged in such a way that it also functions as a rail or protective element, for example to absorb at least part of the resulting impact force in the event of a fall and a resulting impact.

[0042] A particularly advantageous embodiment of the device results when it is designed as a device for damping a movement via the wrist, preferably for damping a dorsiflexion via the wrist.

[0043] Preferably, the first part is designed for attachment to the hand distal to the wrist and the second part is designed for attachment to the forearm proximal to the wrist, or the second part is designed for attachment to the hand distal to the wrist and the first part is designed for attachment to the forearm proximal to the wrist.

[0044] Alternatively, the device can be designed to dampen a body movement via the ankle joint, the knee, the shoulder, the elbow, or another joint of a body, preferably a human body.

[0045] The direction of movement to be dampened can include pivoting across the body joint, as well as rotation, for example along the spine. Preferably, the device is designed such that it allows flexion of the hand and blocks extension. Alternatively, the device can be designed such that it allows extension of the hand and blocks flexion.

[0046] According to a further unclaimed embodiment, the device can have an adjustment mechanism for setting the length of the connecting element, the band. This allows the device to be adapted very precisely to the anatomy of the joint to be protected and the adjoining body parts and / or the specific application.

[0047] If, according to a further unclaimed embodiment, the tensile-resistant connecting element, the band, is guided over a guide, the position of the tensile-resistant connecting element, the band, along its extension can be specified with particular accuracy.

[0048] According to a further unclaimed embodiment, a return mechanism, preferably in the form of an elastic band or a spring, is provided which enables the first part to return to a predetermined starting position relative to the second part.

[0049] For low-friction materials, for example for the guide or contact points between the belt and the object being rejected, preferably a lubricated polymer, a metal or a polymer or polymer layer made of PTFE or POM or another suitable plastic can be used.

[0050] According to another unclaimed embodiment, the band can divide into several sections in a fan shape, so that the connection area of ​​the band is correspondingly enlarged.

[0051] A particularly advantageous design of the device can be achieved if a plurality of spacer elements are provided.

[0052] According to a further unclaimed embodiment, the guide has at least one channel, preferably a plurality of channels, for guiding the belt. The channels preferably have a curved extent and / or an inner surface with a low coefficient of friction. At the ends of a channel, it may have a bell-shaped outlet to facilitate the belt's entry and exit and to prevent the belt from jamming against an edge.

[0053] According to a preferred embodiment, the first part and / or the second part comprises at least one contact surface for broad contact with the first or second body part, respectively. Broad contact with a body part counteracts soft tissue deformation. The contact surface is designed such that the device cannot be pressed into, i.e., penetrate, the soft tissue structure of a body part such as a joint or muscle. If the device were to penetrate the soft tissue structure of a body part, this would result in a comparatively shorter travel distance for the damping element during body movement.

[0054] According to a further preferred embodiment, the device is a wrist orthosis, wherein the first part is designed for attachment to a user's hand and the second part is designed for attachment to the user's forearm. The first part is adapted to the shape and dimensions of a human hand. The second part is adapted to the shape and dimensions of a human forearm. In this way, external forces acting abruptly on the wrist can be dampened within the scope of the properties described above. Brief description of the characters

[0055] Preferred further embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail by the following description of the figures. These show: Figure 1 schematically a side view of a device for damping a body movement via a body joint according to a first non-claiming embodiment; Figure 2schematically a side view of a device for damping a body movement via a body joint according to a second non-claimed embodiment; Figure 3 schematically a side view of a device for damping a body movement via a body joint according to a third non-claiming embodiment; Figure 4 schematically another side view of the device Figure 3 ; Figure 5 schematically another side view of the device Figure 3 ; Figure 6 schematically a side view of a device for damping a body movement via a body joint according to a fourth embodiment; Figure 7 schematically a side view of a device for damping a body movement via a body joint according to a fifth embodiment; Figure 8 schematically a side view of a device for damping a body movement via a body joint according to a sixth embodiment; Figure 9schematically a side view of a flexible structure of a device for damping a body movement via a body joint according to a further unclaimed embodiment; Figure 10 schematically another side view of the device Figure 9 ; Figure 11 schematically another side view of the device Figure 9 ; Figure 12 schematically a side view of a flexible structure of a device for damping a body movement via a body joint according to a further unclaimed embodiment; Figure 13 schematically a side view of a flexible structure of a device for damping a body movement via a body joint according to a further unclaimed embodiment; Figure 14 schematically another side view of the device Figure 13 ; and Figure 15Schematically a side view of a device for damping a body movement via a body joint according to a further unclaimed embodiment. Detailed description of preferred embodiments

[0056] Preferred embodiments are described below with reference to the figures. Identical, similar, or equivalent elements in the different figures are designated with identical reference numerals. Furthermore, repeated descriptions of these elements are sometimes omitted to avoid redundancy.

[0057] In Figure 1A schematic representation of a device 1 for damping body movement via a body joint is shown, according to a first, unclaimed embodiment. The device 1 comprises a first part 2 for attachment to a first body part and a second part 3, pivotable relative to the first part 2, for attachment to a second body part located beyond the body joint in relation to the first body part. A damping element 4 is attached to the second part 3 at a connection 30. A connecting element in the form of a tensile-resistant band 5 extends between the first part 2 and the second part 3. The band 5 is attached at one end opposite the connection 30 to a connection 20 on the first part 2.

[0058] The first part 2 and the second part 3 are connected via a joint 80 in the form of a swivel joint, which allows the first part 2 to pivot relative to the second part 3. The device 1 further comprises two spacer elements 6 over which the belt 5 runs, the spacer elements 6 being designed such that, during a pivoting movement of the first part 2 relative to the second part 3, the spacer elements 6 hold the belt 5 at a distance from a pivot point 7 of the pivoting movement, as explained in more detail below.

[0059] The pivot point 7 between the first part 2 and the second part 3 is in this case a stationary pivot point 7, which is provided by the joint axis 81 of the joint 80.

[0060] The damping element 4 has a tubular first damping part 40, which is rigidly connected to the second part 3, and a second damping part 42, which is movable relative to the first damping part 40 along an extension direction that extends along the longitudinal axis of the tubular first damping part 40 and is connected to the band 5. The second damping part 42 extends partially inside the tubular first damping part 40 and has an extension element (not shown) therein. The damping element 4 also contains a damping medium. Alternatively, the first damping part 40 can be connected to the band 5 and the second damping part 42 to the second part 3.

[0061] The damping element 4 is also designed to act adaptively. Thus, up to a predetermined limiting velocity and acceleration of the extension body relative to the first damping part 40, it provides a low damping effect, and beyond these limits, it provides a higher damping effect. The predetermined limiting values ​​can, for example, correspond to a dilatancy step of a dilatant fluid contained in the first damping part 40, or be defined structurally on the extension body, for example, by providing a spring element on a passage channel.

[0062] Figure 2 Figure 1 schematically shows a side view of a device 1 for damping a body movement via a body joint according to a second, unclaimed embodiment in a starting position. The device 1 essentially corresponds to the one described in Figure 1. Figure 1The device shown, wherein instead of a joint 80, a joint arrangement 8 comprising a first joint 80 and a second joint 82 spaced apart from it is provided. The first part 2 is connected via the first joint 80 in the direction of a movement to be dampened. 11 pivotably connected to the second part 3. Thus, the axis of rotation 81 of the first joint 80 provides the stationary pivot point 7 for the pivoting movement. Furthermore, a front section of the first part 2 is opposite a Figure 2 through the second part 3 concealed rear section of the first part 2 against the direction of movement 11 Swivelable. A swiveling of the first part 2 relative to the second part 3 from the shown starting position in the direction of movement. 11 This therefore occurs via the first joint 80.

[0063] A damping element 4 is attached to the second part 3, from which a corresponding Figure 1a tensile-resistant band 5 extends to the first part 2, to which it is fixed at the application 20.

[0064] The second part 3 further comprises a spacer element 6 designed as a projection, over which the band 5 runs. The spacer element 6 is designed such that during a pivoting movement of the first part 2 relative to the second part 3 in the direction of movement 11 The band 5 is held at a distance from the rotating pole 7. In other words, the band 5 is deflected over the tip of the projection. The spacer element 6 is formed integrally with the second part 3.

[0065] The spacer element 6, designed as a projection, extends from the second part 3 via the first joint 80 to the first part 2, so that in the initial position, as in Figure 2 shown that the free path length of band 5 between the end of the projection and the connection 20 is small.

[0066] The damping element 4 is included in a receptacle 32 of the second part 3, which protects the damping element 4 from external influences, in particular from shocks or impacts.

[0067] The device 1 is designed to dampen body movement via the wrist of a person or user. For this purpose, the device 1 has a connection (not shown) on the first part 2 for attaching it to a hand and a connection (not shown) on the second part 3 for attaching it to a forearm.

[0068] Figure 3 Figure 1 schematically shows a side view of a device 1 for damping a body movement via a body joint according to a third, unclaimed embodiment. The device 1 essentially corresponds to the aforementioned devices, with the exception that in the Figure 3 In the device 1 shown, an intermediate element 22 is provided between the first part 2 and the second part 3.

[0069] The intermediate element 22 and the second part 3 are pivotally connected to each other via the first joint 80. Furthermore, the intermediate element 22 and the first part 2 are pivotally connected to each other via the second joint 82. The intermediate element 22 has a stop 23 which prevents the second part from pivoting relative to the intermediate element 22 via the Figure 3 The starting position shown is prevented from moving outwards in the direction of movement 11 to be dampened. A pivoting movement against the direction of movement 11 from the starting position is not thereby hindered.

[0070] Because the stop 23 prevents the second part 3 from pivoting relative to the intermediate element 22 via the second joint 82 in the direction of movement 11, the first part 2 and the intermediate element 22 pivot together from the initial position in the direction of movement 11 via the first joint 80 relative to the wider part 3. Therefore, viewed in the direction of movement 11, the axis 81 of the first joint 80 is the stationary pivot point 7 between the first part 2 and the second part 3.

[0071] The second part 3 also has a spacer element 6 over which the band 5 runs. The spacer element 6 is again a projection extending integrally from the second part 3 via the joint 80 to, or in the direction of, the first part 2, whereby the spacer element 6 also functions as a stop for the intermediate element 22, so that pivoting of the intermediate element 22 via the joint 80 against the direction of movement 11 is prevented. Figure 3 The starting situation shown is prevented.

[0072] In Figure 4 is schematically another side view of the device Figure 3 shown in which the first part 2 refers to the in Figure 3The initial position shown is pivoted relative to the second part 3 via the second joint 82 in the opposite direction of movement 11. As explained above, the pivoting of the first part 2 occurred via the second joint axis 83, since the spacer element 6 acts as a stop, or rather as a movement limiter, for the intermediate element 22. Such a pivoting of the first part 2 and the second part 3 relative to each other has no effect on the damping element 4. The pivoting movement is therefore not damped.

[0073] Figure 5 schematically shows another side view of device 1. Figure 3 in a related to the in Figure 3 The starting position shown is the position pivoted in the direction of movement 11. In other words, the first part 2 is pivoted relative to the second part 3 via the first joint 80 and thus the pivot point 7 in the direction of movement 11.

[0074] Because the spacer element 6 keeps the band 5 at a distance from the rotating pole 7 or deflects it, the band 5 has a different position compared to the one in Figure 3 In the position shown, a displacement relative to the second part 3 away from the damping element 4 occurs, since a path length 50 between the connection 20 and the tip of the spacer element 6 has increased. Corresponding to the increase in path length 50, the damping element 4 stretches or extends, so that the prescribed movement in the direction of movement 11 is damped by the damping element 4.

[0075] Furthermore, a return 9 is provided between the second part 3 and the first part 2 by means of an elastic band, which moves the first part 2 in the direction of the Figure 3 The starting position shown is restored as soon as a force acting in the direction of movement 11 is smaller than the force acting on the first part 2 by the restoration 9.

[0076] The in the Figures 3 to 5 The device shown 1 is designed to dampen dorsiflexion via the wrist of a person. For this purpose, the first part 2 has a connection to a hand (not shown here) and the second part 3 has a connection to a forearm (not shown here).

[0077] Alternatively, the one in the Figures 3 to 5 The device shown in 1 replaces a splint of a conventional wrist orthosis or a conventional wrist protective glove.

[0078] Figure 6 schematically shows a side view of a device 1 for damping a body movement via a body joint according to a fourth embodiment.

[0079] The device 1 comprises a first part 2 for attaching to a first body part, a second part 3 pivotable relative to the first part 2 for attaching to a second body part located beyond the joint in relation to the first body part, a damping element 4 attached to the second part 3, and a tensile-resistant band 5, wherein the band 5 extends from the first part 2 to the second part 3, and wherein the tensile-resistant band 5 is attached at one end to the first part 2 and at a second end is attached to the second part 3 via the damping element 4.

[0080] To provide a pivotability of the first part 2 relative to the second part 3, a flexible structure 84 is provided which connects the first part 2 and the second part 3.

[0081] The flexible structure 84, the first part 2, and the second part 3 are formed in one piece, with the flexible structure 84 being in the form of a plate 85. The plate 85 can, for example, be made of a metal or a plastic, preferably a fiber-reinforced plastic such as carbon fiber-reinforced plastic or glass fiber-reinforced plastic. Because the thickness of the plate 85 is relatively thin between the first part 2 and the second part 3, the plate 85 exhibits elasticity along its length, corresponding to the material properties. This allows bending in the direction of movement 11 as shown in Figure 6 shown possible.

[0082] Between the first part 2 and the second part 3, a series of complaint elements 6 are arranged on the plate 85, which extend essentially orthogonally away from the plate 85 and over which the tensile-stiff band 5 from the damping element 4 attached to the second part 3 is connected to the second part via a deflection 88, and is guided back to the second part 3 via a guide 10 near the plate 85 and is attached to it.

[0083] The second part 3 pivots relative to the first part 2 by bending the plate 85 in the direction of movement 11, whereby the rotation pole forms as a time-varying instantaneous pole, which moves along a pole path (not shown) with increasing bending according to the curvature of the plate 85. The spacer elements 6 hold the band 5 in relation to a path of the band 5 without spacer elements 6 such that an increased distance is provided between the rotation pole and the band 5.

[0084] Accordingly, when the device 1 is bent in the direction of movement 11, the path length of the band 5 is increased. Consequently, the damping element 4 experiences a change in length or a pull in the direction of the first part 2, so that the movement in the direction of movement 11 is dampened by the damping element 4.

[0085] Figure 7Figure 1 schematically shows a side view of a device 1 for damping a body movement via a body joint according to a fifth embodiment. This corresponds essentially to the device 1 from Figure 1. Figure 6 , wherein the tensile-resistant band 5 is attached to the first part 2 via the connection 20. Furthermore, the device 1 has a plurality of spacer elements 6. The damping of the movement in the direction of movement 11 is carried out analogously as described above. Figure 6 described.

[0086] Figure 8 Figure 1 schematically shows a side view of a device 1 for damping a body movement via a body joint according to a further embodiment. This corresponds essentially to the one in Figure 1. Figure 7in the embodiment shown, wherein instead of the plurality of objecting elements 6 extending orthogonally from the plate 85, a spacer element 6 in the form of a projection formed integrally with the second part 3 and extending in the direction of the second part is provided.

[0087] Figure 9 Figure 1 schematically shows a side view of a flexible structure 84 of a device 1 for damping a body movement via a body joint according to a further unclaimed embodiment. The flexible structure 84 is formed from a plurality of individual elements 86 arranged in series, wherein the band 5 is guided through each of the individual elements 86 in passages 87 provided for this purpose, and the individual elements 86 are held together by the band 5.

[0088] To minimize the friction between the belt 5 and the individual elements 86, the passages 87 are provided with a friction-reducing coating. Alternatively, the individual elements 86 can be made of a material with a low coefficient of friction.

[0089] The flexible structure 84 shown here can, for example, be the flexible structure 84 of the device 1 from Figure 7 substitute.

[0090] In Figure 10 schematically shows another side view of device 1. Figure 9 shown. The individual elements 86 have compared to the one in Figure 9In the position shown, the device 1 pivots in the direction of movement 11. Two adjacent individual elements 86 can pivot relative to each other about a pivot point 7 that is established at a contact point between these individual elements 86. Pivoting about the pivot point 7 increases the path length of the belt 5 with an increasing angle between the two adjacent individual elements 86. This increase in the path length of the belt 5 is transmitted to the damping element 4 arranged on the second part 3, so that the movement in the direction of movement 11 can be dampened by the damping element 4.

[0091] Figure 11 schematically shows another side view of the device Figure 9 . due to the flexible structure 84 according to this embodiment, a movement opposite to that with regard to Figure 10 The described movement is dampened. Also in the Figure 11The movement direction 11 shown is achieved by pivoting two adjacent individual elements 86 relative to each other via the resulting pivot pole 7, thus extending the path length of the belt 5, so that the damping element 4 also experiences an extension, and can therefore exert a damping effect which counteracts the movement in the direction of movement 11.

[0092] The individual elements 86 or their passages 87 therefore function as spacing elements 6.

[0093] Figure 12Figure 1 schematically shows a side view of a flexible structure 84 of a device 1 for damping a body movement via a body joint according to a further unclaimed embodiment. The flexible structure 84 is formed from a plurality of interconnected, complementary individual elements 86, 86', wherein the band 5 is guided on each of the individual elements 86, 86', and each pair of individual elements 86, 86' is connected to each other by a ball joint.

[0094] The tensile-resistant band 5 is attached to the second part 3 and runs externally over the flexible structure 84 to the first part 2, where it is guided back to the second part 3 via a deflection 88. During movement in the direction of motion 11, which corresponds, for example, to the curvature of a person's back, the path of the band 5, guided in the guide 10, between the connection 30 and the damping element 4 is extended.

[0095] The individual elements 86 designed as joint sockets act as spacer elements 6 to the pivot pole 7 present in each joint connection.

[0096] The guide 10 is designed as a plurality of channels formed on each of the individual elements 68, 68'. The channels have a curved extent. The inner surface of the channels has a low coefficient of friction. At the ends of each channel, it may have a bell-shaped outlet to facilitate the insertion and removal of the belt and to prevent the belt from jamming against an edge.

[0097] Accordingly, the individual elements 86, 86' represent spacer elements 6, which are provided separately from the first part 2 and the second part 3 and are arranged between the first part 2 and the second part 3.

[0098] The individual elements 86, 86' can be modeled in their longitudinal extension on the vertebrae of a human spine, so that the in Figure 12 The device shown 1 can, for example, be used to dampen movement via the spine.

[0099] Figure 13 Figure 1 schematically shows a side view of a flexible structure 84 of a device 1 for damping a body movement via a body joint according to a further unclaimed embodiment. The flexible structure 84 essentially corresponds to that shown in Figure 1. Figure 12 The structure shown. However, the tensile-resistant band 5 is guided through the joint ball of the individual elements 86' at each joint connection.

[0100] If two adjacent individual elements 86.68' are pivoted towards each other, as in Figure 14As indicated, the ends of the passages 87 of the joint balls of the individual elements 68' act as spacer elements 6, so that the band experiences an orientation as indicated by the reference symbol 5', and thus an increase in path length. This increase in path length is in turn transferred to the damping element 4, so that it can exert a damping effect on the pivoting movement.

[0101] Figure 15Figure 1 schematically shows a side view of a device 1 for damping a body movement via a body joint according to a further unclaimed embodiment. The device 1 comprises a first part 2 for attaching to a first body part, a second part 3 pivotable relative to the first part 2 for attaching to a second body part located beyond the body joint in relation to the first body part, a damping element 4 attached to the second part 3, and a tensile-resistant connecting element in the form of a rod element 12, wherein the rod element 12 extends from the first part 2 to the second part 3, and wherein the tensile-resistant connecting element is attached to the first part 2 and fastened to the second part 3 via the damping element 4.A spacer element 6 is arranged between the first part 2 and the second part 3, wherein the spacer element 6 is formed integrally with the first part 2 and is further designed such that, in the event of a pivoting movement of the first part 2 relative to the second part 3, the spacer element 6 keeps the connecting element spaced away from a pivoting pole 7 of the pivoting movement.

[0102] The pivot pole 7 is provided here as a stationary pivot pole 7 relative to the first part 2 and second part 3, which is defined by the axis of rotation 81 of a joint 80, which is arranged between the first part 2 and the second part 3 to provide the pivotability of the first part 2 and the second part 3 relative to each other.

[0103] The damping element 4 has a tubular first damping part 40, which is rigidly connected to the second part 3, and a second damping part 42, which is movable relative to the first damping part 40 along an extension direction that extends along the longitudinal axis of the tubular first damping part 40 and is connected to the rod element 12. The second damping part 42 extends partially inside the tubular first damping part 40 and has an extension element (not shown) therein. The damping element 4 also contains a damping medium.

[0104] The damping element 4 is also designed to act adaptively. Thus, up to a predetermined limiting velocity and acceleration of the pull-out body relative to the first damping part 40, it provides a low damping effect, and beyond these limits, it provides a higher damping effect. The predetermined limits can, for example, correspond to a dilatancy step of a dilatant fluid contained in the first damping part 40, or be adjustable structurally on the pull-out body.

[0105] The rod element 12 is formed integrally with the second damper part 42 of the damping element 4. Alternatively, the rod element can also be arranged on the first damper part 40 of the damping element 4 if the second damper part 42 of the damping element 4 is connected to the second part 3.

[0106] The spacer element 6 is further designed as a projection which extends from the second part 3 via the joint 80 to the first part 2.

[0107] Where applicable, all individual features shown in the exemplary embodiments can be combined and / or exchanged without leaving the scope of the invention. Reference symbol list

[0108] 1 Device 2 First part 20 Connection 22 Intermediate element 23 Stop 3 Second part 30 Connection 32 Mount 4 Damping element 40 First damper part 42 Second damper part 5, 5' Band 50 Travel length 6 Complaint element 7 Pivot point 8 Joint arrangement 80 Joint 81 Joint axis 82 Second joint 83 Second joint axis 84 Flexible structure 85 Plate 86, 86' Single element 87 Passage 88 Deflection 9 Return 10 Guide 11 Direction of movement 12 Rod element

Claims

1. Device (1) for damping body movement via a body joint, comprising a first part (2) for attachment to a first body part, a second part (3) pivotable relative to the first part (2) for attachment to a second body part located on the opposite side of the body joint in relation to the first body part, a damping element (4) attached to the second part (3), and a tensile-resistant connecting element, wherein the connecting element extends from the first part (2) to the second part (3), and wherein the tensile-resistant connecting element is attached to the first part (2) and is attached to the second part (3) via the damping element (4) to the second part (3), wherein at least one spacer element (6) is arranged between the first part (2) and the second part (3), wherein the spacer element (6) is designed such that, during a pivoting movement of the first part (2) relative to the second part (3), the spacer element (6) keeps the connecting element spaced apart from a pivot pole (7) of the pivoting movement, wherein the connecting element is designed as a strap (5), wherein the strap (5) runs over the at least one spacer element (6), wherein a flexible structure (84) for providing the pivotability of the first part (2) and the second part (3) relative to each other connects the first part (2) and the second part (3), characterized in that the flexible structure (84) is formed in the shape of an elastic plate (85).

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the flexible structure (84), the first part (2), and / or the second part (3) are formed in one piece.

3. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a connection (20) of the connecting element, the strap (5), to the first part (2) is formed in the form of a fastening to the first part (2), or that the connection (20) of the connecting element, the strap (5), on the first part (2) is designed in the form of a return from the first part (2) back to the second part (3), wherein the return is designed in such a way that the connecting element, the strap (5), is deflected on the first part (2) and returned to the second part (3) and fastened to the second part (3).

4. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a spacer element (6) is arranged on the first part (2) and is formed integrally with the first part (2), and / or a spacer element (6) is arranged on the second part (3) and is formed integrally with the second part (3).

5. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spacer element (6) is provided separately from the first part (2) and the second part (3) and is arranged between the first part (2) and the second part (3).

6. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a spacer element (6) is designed as a projection extending from the first part (2) to the second part (3) or extending from the second part (3) via the body joint to the first part (2).

7. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first part (2) and / or the second part (3) comprises at least one contact surface for flat contact with the first or the second body part.

8. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (1) is a wrist orthosis, wherein the first part (2) is designed for attachment to a hand of a user and the second part (3) is designed for attachment to a user's forearm.