ORTHOPEDIC TECHNOLOGY FACILITY

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an orthopaedic device comprising a joint with a first joint element having a first joint arm with a first positive locking element, and a second joint element pivotable relative to the first joint element, said second joint element having a second joint arm and a force application lever with a second positive locking element and a mechanical energy store arranged between the force application lever and the second joint arm, wherein the mechanical energy store can be charged and discharged by pivoting the first joint arm relative to the second joint arm when the first positive locking element is in engagement with the second positive locking element.

[0002] Such a device is known, for example, from the unpublished DE 10 2019 119 645. It is an orthopedic device for supporting a user's lower back. Such devices have long been known in the art and are used particularly in lifting tasks, for example, to assist a person who is required to lift a heavy object. In addition, such devices are used for people who must work in a bent position.

[0003] Such a device is known, for example, from US 443,113. It has thigh elements that are arranged on the wearer's thighs. The device is also arranged on the wearer's upper body via shoulder straps. Between the shoulder straps and the thigh elements are leaf spring elements that are bent when bending over and thus charged with potential energy. The leaf spring elements therefore exert a force on the upper body, which supports the extension of the body. A disadvantage, however, is that the resulting force is always exerted when an angle between the upper body and the thighs changes. Consequently, it is also exerted, for example, when climbing stairs or sitting, which is at least uncomfortable, but can also be annoying and uncomfortable.

[0004] Devices that are fundamentally similar are known, for example, from US 2017 / 0196712 A1 and US 2017 / 0360588 A1. However, the force supporting the lower back or upper body, which is intended to make it easier for a person to stand upright, is not always exerted. In the former prior art, the force is only exerted when a certain angle of inclination is exceeded, i.e. when the angle between the upper body element of the device and the thigh element of the device falls below a predetermined angle. Up to this angle, the upper body can be tilted relative to the thigh without an actuator or energy storage device being energetically charged. Nevertheless, with this device, a supporting force is always exerted when the upper body encloses an angle relative to the thigh that is smaller than the predetermined limit angle, i.e. when the upper body is tilted relative to the thigh.

[0005] From the latter prior art, a device is known in which the supporting force is always exerted when the upper body forms a predetermined angle relative to the vertical, i.e. the direction along which the weight force acts. This prevents the force from being exerted, for example, when the wearer of the device is sitting, provided that the upper body does not exceed the predetermined angle to the vertical. However, if the person tilts their upper body so far while sitting that the predetermined angle is exceeded, a supporting force is automatically exerted. The disadvantage of all of the aforementioned directions is that it is not possible to reliably adjust and ensure that the force is only exerted when it is needed and desired. Rather, situations and movements can arise in which no supporting force is required or in which the lower back does not need to be strained or supported.This problem was solved with the device from the aforementioned DE 102019 119 645.

[0006] The problem was solved by ensuring that the mechanical energy storage device can only be charged and discharged when the two gears are in mesh with each other. This occurs when a specific criterion is met. In the exemplary embodiment mentioned, the two gears are brought into mesh with each other when the upper body of the device wearer exceeds a certain angle to the pelvic area. The disadvantage, however, is that up to this point the two gears can move relative to each other, meaning that it is not clear in advance how the teeth of the gears are oriented in relation to each other when the gears are to be engaged. It can therefore happen that the teeth are only in mesh with each other in a very small area, namely the tooth tips.This is not a secure form fit, especially when larger forces have to be transmitted, so there is a risk that the two gears will slip against each other and the energy stored in the mechanical energy storage device will be released in an uncontrolled manner.

[0007] The invention is therefore based on the object of further developing an orthopaedic device of the above-mentioned type in such a way that this problem is eliminated or at least alleviated.

[0008] The invention achieves this objective by means of an orthopedic device according to the preamble of claim 1, which is characterized by having a securing device that ensures that, regardless of the position of the first form-locking element and the second form-locking element relative to one another, the two form-locking elements can be brought into engagement such that a force acting from the charged mechanical energy storage device is transferred from the second form-locking element to the first form-locking element. This ensures that the uncontrolled release of energy when the form-locking elements slide against one another is prevented.

[0009] The form-locking elements have recesses and / or projections designed so that the two form-locking elements can be brought into positive engagement with one another. These are preferably gears, particularly preferably spur gears.

[0010] In principle, different mechanisms are conceivable with which the securing device achieves the stated task. Preferably, the securing device is designed to rotate the two form-locking elements relative to one another when or after they have been brought into engagement. If, at the time when they are to be engaged, the form-locking elements have positioned themselves relative to one another in such a way that the projections and / or recesses of the two form-locking elements cannot be fully engaged with one another, but rather only in a small area, this relative position can be changed by rotating the two form-locking elements relative to one another, thus ensuring complete or at least greater engagement.

[0011] The first form-locking element and the second form-locking element preferably have projections and / or recesses on their end faces. This is the case, for example, with spur gears. A spur gear is understood to be a gear whose teeth protrude in the axial direction. In a conventional gear, the teeth are arranged on the outer circumference of the gear and protrude in the radial direction. A gear has an axis of rotation about which it is rotatably mounted, and with reference to which the terms axial and radial are to be understood. In a spur gear, on the other hand, the teeth are located on an end face of the gear and thus protrude in the axial direction.When two such spur gears mesh, all the teeth of one gear preferably mesh with the teeth of the other gear, resulting in a significantly larger contact area than with conventional gears, whose teeth are arranged on the outer circumference. This allows for greater power to be transmitted.

[0012] If two such spur gears are brought into engagement whose teeth are not optimally positioned relative to each other, this can be corrected by rotating the two gears relative to each other. The required rotation is preferably small, in particular less than 5°, preferably less than 3°, and most preferably less than 2°. This is also the case for form-locking elements that are not gears with teeth, but have other recesses and / or projections.

[0013] Particularly preferably, the securing device has a guide spindle which projects axially from one of the form-locking elements and which has end-face recesses and / or projections, in particular a spur toothing, which is designed to interact with the respective other form-locking element.

[0014] Advantageously, the guide spindle is displaceable in the axial direction relative to the form-locking element from which it axially protrudes, wherein the guide spindle is designed such that during axial displacement the guide spindle is rotated about its longitudinal axis, so that a torque is exerted on the form-locking element which interacts with the end-face projections and / or recesses of the guide spindle. With such a configuration, the guide spindle protrudes axially from the end face of one of the two form-locking elements when the two form-locking elements are not in engagement with one another. If the two form-locking elements are now to be brought into engagement, one of the two form-locking elements, preferably the one from which no guide spindle protrudes, is moved towards the other form-locking element.In this case, the end-face projections and / or recesses, in particular the end gearing of the guide spindle, initially come into contact with the end-face recesses and / or projections of the other form-locking element. However, this does not stop the movement of the other form-locking element onto the form-locking element equipped with the guide spindle; instead, the guide spindle is displaced in the axial direction and moved into the form-locking element on which it is arranged.

[0015] Preferably, the end-face projections and / or recesses, in particular the end toothing of the guide spindle with the end-face recesses and / or projections, in particular the end toothing of its form-locking element, form a continuous toothing when the guide spindle is displaced into its gear wheel to such an extent that a single continuous end face is formed.

[0016] If the projections and / or recesses of the other form-locking element that has been moved towards the guide spindle do not engage optimally with their projections and / or recesses, a torque is exerted on this form-locking element via the guide spindle, causing it to be rotated into the optimal position to engage with the recesses and / or projections of the other form-locking element. This optimal position is preferably achieved when the guide spindle is completely sunk into its form-locking element. This ensures that the projections and / or recesses of the two form-locking elements engage with each other in an optimal position relative to one another, regardless of the relative position of the two form-locking elements when they are to be engaged with each other.

[0017] Alternatively or additionally, the first form-locking element and / or the second form-locking element has at least two partial form-locking elements, for example at least two partial gearwheels, which are movable independently of one another in the axial direction. If the two form-locking elements are moved towards one another in this embodiment in order to engage them with one another, one of the partial form-locking elements of one form-locking element engages in the projections and / or recesses of the other form-locking element before the other partial form-locking elements do so. The partial form-locking elements are preferably arranged offset from one another in the circumferential direction, so that the projections and / or recesses, in particular teeth, of each individual partial form-locking element are arranged equidistant from one another, but there is an angular offset between the projections and / or recesses, in particular teeth, of adjacent partial form-locking elements.In this way, it is ensured that the projections and / or recesses of different partial form-locking elements engage with varying degrees of effectiveness in the projections and / or recesses of the other form-locking element when the two form-locking elements are brought into engagement with one another.

[0018] If the projections and / or recesses of the first partial form-locking element engage optimally with the projections and / or recesses of the other form-locking element, this is sufficient to transmit the applied forces. However, if this is not the case, for example, because the projections and / or recesses of the first partial form-locking element only engage with the recesses and / or projections of the other form-locking element in the area of the tips, the projections and / or recesses of one of the further partial form-locking elements engage better with the other form-locking element. If the contact between the tips of the projections and / or recesses of the first partial form-locking element and the tips of the projections and / or recesses of the other form-locking element is insufficient to reliably transmit the forces generated, the two form-locking elements will "slip through."However, this is already absorbed after a relative movement of a few degrees by the projections and / or recesses of one of the other partial form-locking elements, which engage better in the projections and / or recesses of the other form-locking element due to the angular offset between the projections and / or recesses of different partial form-locking elements.

[0019] Therefore, the at least two partial form-locking elements preferably have the same projections and / or recesses, in particular the same number, but are offset from one another in the circumferential direction. The offset is preferably less than 10°, preferably less than 7°, and particularly preferably less than 5°. In this context, the same toothing means that the teeth have the same depth, the same flank profile, and the same angular offset from one another.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the at least two partial form-locking elements are spaced apart from one another in the axial direction when the first form-locking element and the second form-locking element are not engaged with one another. This ensures which of the at least two partial form-locking elements is the first partial form-locking element that comes into contact with the other form-locking element.

[0021] A partial form-locking element is shaped like a slice of pie. It preferably has two straight edges and one circular-arc-shaped edge. It is preferably a segment of a circle. The teeth, also shaped like a segment of a circle, are preferably located on the end face.

[0022] Preferably, the first joint element is an upper body element and the second joint element is a thigh element. The device also has a pelvic element, wherein the two form-fitting elements can be engaged and disengaged by moving the upper body element relative to the pelvic element. This embodiment of the invention is based on the knowledge that the lower back does not always require support when an angle between an upper body element, which is arranged, for example, in the chest area or in the back area of the wearer's upper body, and the wearer's thigh falls below a predetermined angle, i.e. the two body parts are pivoted against each other. Rather, support is only necessary when there is a pivoting between the upper body, for example the rib cage, of the wearer and the wearer's pelvis.By designing the device in this way, a supporting force is exerted whenever this pivoting occurs between the wearer's upper body and pelvis. However, if the upper body is pivoted relative to the thigh without any movement of the upper body relative to the pelvis, no force should be exerted. In In this case, the two gears are not brought into engagement with each other.

[0023] Preferably, at least two magnets are arranged on the pelvic element or on the thigh element and at least one magnet is arranged on the other element in such a way that they exert a force on each other, the direction of which changes when the angle passes the predetermined limit angle when the upper body element is moved relative to the pelvic element. InIn this embodiment, the displacement device therefore has the aforementioned magnets. On the element on the upper body element or on the pelvic element on which at least two magnets are arranged, these magnets are preferably arranged in different orientations. This means that the north pole of at least one of the magnets and the south pole of at least one other magnet are directed toward the other element of the orthopedic device.

[0024] If the angle between the upper body element and the pelvic element is greater than the predetermined limit angle, the two form-fitting elements do not engage with each other. Consequently, the magnets preferably exert a force that keeps the two form-fitting elements away from each other. This can happen if the magnets exert a force on each other. This can be a repulsive force, for example. This is achieved by positioning a magnet on the pelvic element and a magnet on the thigh element close to each other so that their poles of the same name, i.e. the south pole or the north pole, are directed towards each other. If the pelvic element is now moved relative to the thigh element, the magnets arranged on the respective elements are also moved. This consequently results in a displacement of the moving magnets relative to each other. InAt the moment the angle of the upper body element relative to the pelvic element passes the predetermined limit angle, a second magnet of the pelvic element or the thigh element preferably comes into the range of the at least one magnet of the other element. This creates an attractive force, as the opposite poles of the two magnets are directed toward each other.

[0025] Preferably, at least some, but particularly preferably all, projections and / or recesses of one of the form-locking elements, but preferably both form-locking elements, have undercut toothing. This means that preferably both flanks of a recess and / or projection are inclined in the same direction. As a result, a torque can be exerted on one of the form-locking elements solely through the transmitted forces, which is converted into a force with an axial component. This draws the two form-locking elements closer together, increasing the strength of the toothing, i.e. the engagement of the two form-locking elements with each other.

[0026] Preferably, the form-locking elements can be engaged with one another by moving one of the form-locking elements toward the other form-locking element, which is mounted so as to be rotatable in one direction relative to the component on which it is arranged. This is preferably a floating mounting that allows a slight rotation of, for example, less than 15°, preferably less than 10°, particularly preferably less than 5°, thus ensuring that the optimal position and orientation of the two form-locking elements relative to one another can be achieved.

[0027] Preferably, the orthopedic device comprises an upper body element, a thigh element, and a first passive actuator configured to exert a force on the thigh element and / or the upper body element when an angle enclosed between the thigh element and the upper body element lies within a first predetermined angular range. Particularly preferably, the device comprises at least one second passive actuator configured to exert a force on the thigh element and / or the upper body element when the angle lies within a predetermined second angular range that differs from the first angular range.

[0028] By skillfully selecting the first angular range and the second angular range, the device according to the invention can, for example, be used for both of the movement sequences described above. If, for example, the wearer of the orthopedic device bends only slightly or works in a bent position, this preferably corresponds to the first angular range, so that the first passive actuator applies the required force. However, if the wearer of the orthopedic device bends, for example, to pick something up from the floor, the resulting angle between the thigh element and the upper body element preferably corresponds to the second angular range, so that the second passive actuator applies the force.

[0029] Preferably, the first angular range and the second angular range overlap. In other words, there are angles between the thigh element and the upper body element at which both passive actuators apply a force.

[0030] The first passive actuator and / or the second passive actuator preferably has at least one mechanical energy store and / or a damper. This can be, for example, an elastic element, for example a spring element, preferably a tension spring. The first passive actuator and / or the second passive actuator can be designed to transmit a constant force over the respective angular range in which the respective actuator applies the force. For this purpose, the respective actuator can, for example, have a constant force spring. Alternatively or additionally, however, the actuator can also be designed such that, within the respective angular range, not a constant force is applied, but rather, for example, a force that increases with decreasing angle. A decreasing angle means greater bending, so that in this case the force applied by the respective actuator increases the deeper the user presses the device.In a further embodiment, the force can also have its maximum at an angle within the respective angle range and decrease at larger and smaller angles.

[0031] Preferably, the first passive actuator and the second passive actuator are designed differently. In particular, the elastic elements of the two actuators can have different elasticities, in particular different spring constants, and / or different damping. Furthermore, they can have different lengths, with the length of the elastic element being measured in the relaxed state.

[0032] Preferably, the first passive actuator and / or the second passive actuator are arranged at at least one adjustable point of application on the thigh element and / or the upper body element. In this way, the respective predetermined angular range within which the respective actuator applies the force can be adjusted. Furthermore, a preload of the respective passive actuator can be achieved, so that the magnitude of the force to be applied can also be adjusted.

[0033] In order to be able to apply different forces, it is advantageous if the first passive actuator and the second passive actuator are arranged at different points of application on the thigh element and / or the upper body element and / or have different lengths. In this way, it is easy to see, especially when the device is assembled, which actuator applies its force in which angular range and / or which actuator applies a greater or smaller force. Of course, it is also possible to have the two actuators act on the same point of application or to use two actuators of the same length. This is possible, for example, if the two actuators have different spring constants and / or elasticities.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the upper body element has a first force transmission element and the thigh element has a second force transmission element. The two force transmission elements can be engaged and disengaged. The first mechanical energy storage device and the second mechanical energy storage device can be charged and discharged by pivoting the thigh element relative to the upper body element, provided that the first force transmission element is engaged with the second force transmission element. Otherwise, the thigh element and the upper body element can be pivoted relative to one another without one of the two mechanical energy storage devices being charged with energy. This embodiment makes it possible to pivot the thigh element relative to the upper body element without the respective energy storage device being charged with energy.In this state, no force is applied by the energy storage device, i.e. the respective passive actuator. This is advantageous for certain movement sequences. If the user of the device climbs a flight of stairs, for example, they must lift their thighs and thus also the thigh elements arranged on the thighs. In other words, they must pivot one thigh element at a time relative to the upper body element. While the two force transmission elements are engaged with each other in this state, the mechanical energy storage device would be charged when the thigh element is lifted and would be discharged again when the leg is extended on the next higher step of the stairs. However, if the device is not intended to provide any assistance when climbing stairs, it is advisable to disengage the two force transmission elements during this movement.

[0035] In many cases, the support provided by the orthopedic device is only intended to be available when lifting or standing up from a squatting position. To ensure this, it must be ensured that the two force transmission elements only engage with each other in these states. This can be achieved, for example, by having a pelvic element and the two force transmission elements being brought into engagement with each other as soon as an angle between the pelvic element or a component of the pelvic element and the upper body element exceeds a predetermined limit angle. Preferably, the device therefore has a pelvic element, wherein the upper body element is arranged such that it can be moved relative to the pelvic element. In this case, the first force transmission element and the second force transmission element are engaged and disengaged by moving the upper body element relative to the pelvic element.If the angle between the pelvic element and the upper body element falls below a predetermined threshold, the two force-transmitting elements engage with each other. If the angle subsequently exceeds the predetermined threshold, the force-transmitting elements disengage again.

[0036] In preferred embodiments, the first passive actuator and the second passive actuator are each arranged at a force introduction point on a force introduction lever. This is preferably positioned on the pelvic element or the upper body element. In these embodiments, the two passive actuators preferably act on the thigh element, i.e., one of their ends is arranged on the thigh element and the other on the respective force introduction lever. If the two force transmission elements are disengaged, the force introduction levers can be freely pivoted relative to the pelvic element. If, in this state, the thigh element is pivoted relative to the pelvic element and thus also relative to the upper body element, the force introduction levers follow this pivoting, so that the passive actuators and the mechanical energy storage devices preferably contained therein are not charged with energy.This creates no power or support.

[0037] However, if the two force transmission elements engage with each other, the force application levers are positioned on the pelvic element in a rotationally fixed manner and can no longer follow the pivoting movement of the thigh element. The distance between the force application point on the force application lever on the one hand and the application point on the thigh element on the other hand consequently increases during the movement, so that the mechanical energy storage device is charged with mechanical energy and exerts a supporting force.

[0038] Preferably, an orientation and / or a position of the two force introduction levers relative to one another and / or at least one of the two, but preferably both, force introduction points is adjustable. By moving, for example pivoting, the two force introduction levers relative to one another, the angular range in which the respective passive actuator applies its force can be adjusted. By shifting the force introduction point on the force introduction lever, for example in the direction of the pivot axis of the thigh element relative to the pelvic element or away from this, the strength of the force to be applied can be adjusted. By adjusting the force introduction point on the force introduction lever differently, for example in the circumferential direction with respect to the aforementioned pivot axis, a preload of the respective passive actuator can also be achieved.

[0039] Preferably, a preload of the first actuator and / or a preload of the second actuator is adjustable.

[0040] Preferably, the force exerted by the first actuator and / or the force exerted by the second actuator depends on the angle, in particular in a curved manner, particularly preferably in a sinusoidal manner.

[0041] Preferably, the force exerted by the first actuator and the force exerted by the second actuator have a maximum at different angles.

[0042] Preferably, the angle of the respective actuator is zero, or essentially zero, at angles smaller than the respective predetermined angle range. The angle is smaller the more the upper body is bent relative to the thigh.

[0043] Preferably, the first passive actuator and the second passive actuator each act on a force application lever. The two force application levers are preferably designed to be adjustable in length so that the magnitude of the torque applied by the respective actuator or the strength of the respective force can be adjusted. Additionally or alternatively, the force application levers are designed to be adjustable relative to one another and / or relative to a pelvic element so that the position of the predetermined first angular range and / or the position of the predetermined second angular range can be adjusted. When the upper body element is bent relative to the thigh element, the respective actuator, which can be a spring element, for example, is charged with mechanical energy and can thus apply the force. The distance between the first end of the respective actuator and the second end of the actuator increases.

[0044] The device preferably has a stop, which can be arranged, for example, on a pelvic element, and against which the first passive actuator and / or the second passive actuator strikes when the respective force introduction lever has reached a certain position, in particular relative to the thigh element. This ensures that the respective actuator is still tensioned and charged with mechanical energy, but this preferably acts directly on the axis of rotation between the upper body element and the thigh element, provided the stop is arranged on this axis of rotation. This exerts a force, but this no longer results in a torque and thus no longer supports the back.

[0045] The orthopedic device for supporting a user's lower back has at least one mechanical energy storage device, a pelvic element, an upper body element, and a thigh element, wherein the mechanical energy storage device can be charged and discharged by pivoting the thigh element relative to the upper body element. Preferably, the upper body element is arranged on the pelvic element by means of two rail elements, wherein the rail elements are each arranged with a first end pivotable about at least one first pivot axis on the pelvic element and with a second end opposite the first end pivotable about at least one second pivot axis on the upper body element.

[0046] The pelvic element is preferably designed as a pelvic belt or hip belt and thus runs completely around the torso at the level of the pelvis or hips. A portion of the pelvic element extends between the two first ends of the two rail elements arranged on the pelvic element, which portion is preferably designed to be fixed or at least almost fixed in length during use of the device. InIn a structurally simple and therefore preferred embodiment, the distance between the first end and the second end of the respective rail element is designed to be constant or almost constant in length during use of the device. The same applies to the distance between the two second ends of the rail elements. This results in a parallelogram that is movable due to the articulated arrangement of the respective parts. In a preferred embodiment, the freedom of movement of the user's upper body, and in particular of the user's spine, is not restricted or at least almost not restricted.

[0047] Preferably, at least one of the aforementioned sizes is adjustable. The respective size can thus be adapted to the user's body size. After adjustment, it is set to the individually desired value and then fixed, for example, locked, in such a way that it does not change, or at least almost does not change, during use of the device. Preferably, several, particularly preferably all, of the aforementioned sizes can be adjusted and locked in this way.

[0048] Particularly preferably, the upper body element is arranged on the pelvic element in such a way that lateral flexion of the spine and rotation of the spine around a rotation axis located in the sagittal plane are possible. In this case, the freedom of movement of the user's spine is not restricted in any way, so that all movements that the user of the orthopedic device can perform with their spine without the orthopedic device can also be performed with the orthopedic device.

[0049] A rotation axis lying in a sagittal plane is understood to mean, in particular, a vertical rotation axis, which, for an upright user, lies in the median plane, and thus in the midsagittal plane. It could also be referred to as the longitudinal axis of the spine, although the human spine, due to its geometric design, does not have a longitudinal axis in the mathematical sense. Of course, rotation axes shifted parallel to this axis also lie in a sagittal plane.

[0050] If the user's spine's freedom of movement is not restricted by the orthopedic device, this specifically means that flexion and extension are possible. These movements are also referred to as ventral flexion and dorsal extension, or inclination and reclination. Flexion is the forward bending of the upper body and thus of the spine and head, while extension is the opposite movement. Furthermore, in this case, other movements of the upper body and thus of the spine, such as lateral flexion and rotation, are not restricted by the orthopedic device.

[0051] Preferably, movements of the spine, in particular a lateral and / or forward and backward inclination of the spine and / or a twisting of the spinal column around its longitudinal axis, are not hindered, restricted, or made impossible by the orthopedic device. Preferably, all of these movements described here are not restricted by the orthopedic device either in their maximum range of motion or in the sequence of movements.

[0052] If the thigh element is pivoted relative to the upper body element in a first direction, the mechanical energy storage device, which can be an elastic element such as a tension spring, is charged with energy. This first direction corresponds, for example, to the lifting of the thigh element, for example in order to climb a step. However, the device is preferably in a deactivated state when climbing stairs, so that no supporting force is applied. The upper body element is also pivoted accordingly relative to the thigh element by bending forward (flexion) of the upper body. The first direction is therefore characterized in that an angle between the thigh element and the upper body element decreases as a result of the pivoting.

[0053] The energy with which the mechanical energy storage device is charged can, for example, be elastic or potential energy. In this state, the mechanical energy storage device preferably exerts a force on the thigh element and / or the upper body element that acts in the second direction opposite to the first direction. If the thigh element is pivoted relative to the upper body element in this second direction, the mechanical energy storage device is discharged and the energy thus released supports the movement of the thigh element relative to the upper body element. This second direction therefore involves, for example, lowering the thigh element, stretching the leg, or straightening (extension) the upper body. In all of these movements, the thigh element is pivoted relative to the upper body element in the second direction.

[0054] If, for example, the user of the orthopedic device wants to lift a heavy object, they bend their knees and grasp the object. In doing so, both thighs, and thus also the respective thigh element, are pivoted in the first direction relative to the upper body and thus to the upper body element. The angle between the thigh and the upper body decreases. This charges the mechanical energy storage device with potential energy. To lift the object, the user of the orthopedic device must now stretch their legs, with the thigh pivoting in the opposite second direction relative to the upper body. The potential energy stored in the mechanical energy storage device is released and thus supports the corresponding movement.

[0055] Preferably, the first pivot axes extend at least substantially in frontal planes, preferably in a common frontal plane. Particularly preferably, the first pivot axes extend through the user's hip joints, so that the first ends of the rail elements are arranged laterally, i.e., externally. The second ends of the rail elements, however, are positioned dorsally, i.e., at the rear, on the upper body element. The rail elements preferably extend such that the first end is rotated by 90° relative to the second end. The rail elements are preferably designed and arranged mirror-symmetrically to one another.

[0056] Preferably, the second pivot axes run at least substantially in the sagittal plane. They particularly preferably run from dorsal to ventral, i.e., from back to front. This allows the body and spine to be tilted sideways without restricting freedom of movement.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, the rail elements have at least two partial rails that are arranged to pivot relative to one another about a third pivot axis. The third pivot axes preferably run substantially in sagittal planes. Particularly preferably, when the orthopedic device is in the worn state, they run substantially parallel to the second pivot axes when the user of the orthopedic device is standing upright. The pivot joints that enable movement of the partial rails relative to one another are preferably arranged closer to the first end than to the second end of the respective rail elements. Particularly preferably, these joints are located laterally of the user's body, so that an imaginary extension of the third pivot axes leads past the user's body.

[0058] When the orthopedic device is in place, the second ends of the splint elements are preferably positioned in the area of the shoulder blades, particularly preferably in the area of the lower angles of the shoulder blades of the user. In this area, the greatest deviation from a straight line occurs when the spine is bent to the right or left, so that the joints connecting the second ends to the upper body element in this area are optimally positioned.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the distance between joints with which the second ends of the rail elements are arranged on the upper body element is adjustable. The joints are preferably arranged displaceably on the upper body element. This is achieved, for example, by arranging the respective joint on a slider that is displaceable along a guide, for example, an elongated hole or a guide arranged in or on the upper body element.

[0060] Preferably, the second ends of the rail elements are arranged on the upper body element in such a way that they can be pivoted about two different pivot axes, one of which preferably runs in a dorsal-ventral direction and one in a medial-lateral direction. The first of these two pivot axes allows the user of the orthopedic device to tilt their upper body to the right and left, while the second of the two pivot axes is required to bend the user's upper body forward or backward.

[0061] In preferred embodiments, the second ends of the splint elements are attached to the upper body element by means of ball joints. This further increases freedom of movement and enhances user acceptance of the orthopedic device.

[0062] When the orthopedic device is in place, the upper body element preferably extends completely around the user's upper body. It is preferably designed to be dimensionally stable such that its diameter in the medial-lateral direction does not change, or substantially does not change, when the upper body is bent. If the at least one mechanical energy storage device is to be charged with energy, the upper body element must be pivoted relative to the thigh element. If necessary, an activation device must also be actuated, which can be done, for example, by moving the upper body element relative to the pelvic element. If the energy storage device, which has a spring element, for example, is charged, a force must be exerted, which can be caused by bending the upper body. In the aforementioned embodiments, the upper body then exerts a tensile force on the upper body element.

[0063] Preferably, the upper body element has a chest portion that, when the orthopedic device is worn, rests against the user's chest at at least two spaced-apart locations on different sides of the user's sternum. The force is transferred from the upper body to the upper body element via these locations. This is, of course, also possible if the upper body element comes into contact with the user's chest at only one location or at more than two locations.

[0064] To charge the energy storage device with energy, a tensile force is exerted on the upper body element by the upper body and thus by the user of the orthopedic device. When the energy storage device is discharged, a tensile force is exerted by the upper body element on the upper body, which supports the user's lower back, for example when standing up. The tensile force is preferably transferred via the rail elements to the upper body element and from there to the upper body. Since the rail elements are arranged dorsally, i.e. on the back, of the user, the tensile force is transferred to the dorsal part of the upper body element and from there to the frontal part of the upper body element. This tensile force is transferred to the upper body via the points where this frontal part comes into contact with the upper body, preferably to the right and left of the user's sternum.Sufficient dimensional stability ensures that the user's upper body is not constricted when the tensile force is applied to the dorsal portion of the upper body element. If the dimensional stability is too low, the force is transferred from the front to the dorsal portion of the upper body element to the upper body, like a sling on which a tensile force is applied. In this case, part of the force is transferred to a medial force, which can lead to painful effects.

[0065] Preferably, the part of the upper body element that surrounds the upper body is not completely dimensionally stable, but rather exhibits a low degree of flexibility and preferably elasticity. This ensures that the orthopedic device and the upper body element are suitable for different people with different chest circumferences and can be designed to be adjustable in size. It may be sufficient to connect individual rigid and inflexible elements to one another in a flexible and preferably elastic manner, for example, using half-shells or shell elements that rigidly and dimensionally stable surround parts of the upper body. Alternatively, the upper body element can also be designed entirely without rigid elements.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment, the orthopedic device has a first and a second thigh element and a first and a second mechanical energy storage device. The first mechanical energy storage device can be charged and discharged by pivoting the first thigh element relative to the upper body element. The second mechanical energy storage device can be charged and discharged by pivoting the second thigh element relative to the upper body element. This embodiment enables the thighs to move independently of one another relative to the upper body element. A force is exerted by the mechanical energy storage device only on the thigh that has been pivoted relative to the upper body element.

[0067] Advantageously, each thigh element is pivotably mounted on the pelvic element by means of a joint arrangement about a joint axis. The joint arrangement is preferably positioned such that the joint axis runs through a hip joint of the user.

[0068] The thigh element preferably has at least one contact element for contact with the thigh and at least one pressure force transmission element through which the contact element is connected to the joint arrangement. In a preferred embodiment, the pressure force transmission element is a rod or a rail and is particularly preferably ergonomically shaped. The contact element is preferably connected to each joint arrangement by at most one pressure force transmission element.

[0069] Advantageously, each of the rail elements used is arranged on the upper body element so as to be pivotable about at least two pivot axes, wherein at least two of the pivot axes are preferably perpendicular to one another.

[0070] Particularly preferably, at least one of the rail elements is arranged on the upper body element by means of a ball joint. Preferably, all rail elements are arranged on the upper body element by means of a ball joint.

[0071] Preferably, at least one rail element, but particularly preferably each rail element, is arranged pivotably about a movement axis on the respective joint arrangement which is arranged on the pelvic element, wherein the movement axis is preferably perpendicular to the joint axis of the respective joint arrangement.

[0072] The various movable configurations ensure that the movements of the upper body and in particular of the spine of the user can be followed, and the force applied by the mechanical energy storage device in the charged state can act regardless of the position of the upper body element relative to the pelvic element and / or relative to the at least one thigh element.

[0073] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the at least one splint element is designed to be adjustable in length. Particularly preferably, all splint elements are adjustable in length. This allows the orthopedic device to be used for people of different heights. Preferably, the adjustable-length splint element can be fixed at different length settings, so that the length is adjustable but subsequently immutable.

[0074] Advantageously, the mechanical energy storage device comprises at least one spring element, a pressure accumulator, a pneumatic and / or hydraulic system, and / or a hydraulic energy storage device. Elastic elements in the form of elastic cables, such as rubber cords, are also conceivable. Of course, other elements, such as gas springs or compression springs, are also conceivable, for which a deflection is used to convert the compressive force provided by the compression spring into a tensile force.

[0075] The mechanical energy storage device can be arranged in a variety of positions on the device. It is advantageous to choose a position that provides the space required for the energy storage device and does not interfere with the user's leg movements. For example, it can be arranged on the thigh.

[0076] A shoulder element that fits over the shoulder is particularly suitable for attaching the upper body element to the user's upper body. This can be designed, for example, in the form of backpack straps or suspenders. This allows for a particularly compact design of the orthopedic device.

[0077] The thigh element preferably has a thigh shell, which is preferably arranged on a spacer element. This spacer element, as part of the thigh element, is advantageously connected to the pelvic element. The lengths of the pressure force transmission element, which may be designed as a rail or rod, for example, and of the spacer element, which may also be designed as a rod or rail, are preferably selected to cover the entire angular range of possible movement of the wearer's thigh. The thigh shell is preferably articulated to the spacer element to achieve maximum wearing comfort.

[0078] In a preferred embodiment, the passive actuator is configured to apply the force depending on a position and / or an orientation of the at least one leg support element relative to the pelvic element and / or the upper body element.

[0079] In a preferred embodiment, the thigh shell is arranged on the thigh element, preferably on each thigh element, for application to the user's thigh. This is preferably padded to provide the most comfortable wearing experience possible. The thigh shell is preferably arranged via a ball-and-socket joint. This allows for the greatest possible freedom of movement relative to the rest of the device, which is particularly advantageous when the user moves. Using the ball-and-socket joint, the thigh shell can be arranged directly on a rail element or spacer element of the thigh element. Alternatively, it is positioned on a retaining bracket.

[0080] Preferably, the thigh shell is pivotable relative to the thigh element about a rotational axis, preferably pivotable against the force of a spring element, with the rotational axis preferably extending in a medial-lateral direction. This is achieved particularly easily by positioning the thigh shell on the retaining bracket, which is arranged on another component of the thigh element so as to pivot about the rotational axis.

[0081] Some embodiments of the present invention are explained in more detail below with the aid of the accompanying drawings. Figures 1, 3 and 4 - schematic representations of a part of a securing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention Figures 2 and 5 to 8 - different shapes of teeth and Figures 9 to 11 - further embodiments of securing devices.

[0082] Figure 1schematically shows various elements of an orthopedic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Shown is a first positive-locking element, which is designed as a first gear 2, which is displaceable along guide rods 4 on the component on which it is arranged. It is displaced along these guide rods 4 when the first gear 2 is to be brought into engagement with the second positive-locking element, which is designed as a second gear 6. The first gear 2 and the second gear 6 have schematically indicated teeth 10 on their end faces 8, which are designed to correspond to one another. A guide spindle 12 protrudes in the axial direction from the end face 8 of the second gear 6, and teeth are also arranged on the end face 14 of the guide spindle 12. The toothing of the end face 14 of the guide spindle 12 corresponds to the toothing of the end face 8 of the second gear 6.A toothing is also arranged on a lateral surface 16 of the guide spindle 12, which ensures that the guide spindle 12 is set in rotation when it is displaced in the axial direction with respect to the second gear 6 until it is received in the second gear 6.

[0083] When the first gear 2 is moved along the guide rods 4 toward the second gear 6, the teeth of the end face 14 of the guide spindle 12 initially engage with the teeth 10 of the end face 8 of the first gear 2. The guide spindle 12 is then pushed into the second gear 6 and set in rotation by the teeth of the outer surface 16. The first gear 2 is mounted in such a way that it can follow the only slight rotation of the guide spindle 12, so that it reaches the optimal position relative to the second gear 6 as soon as the guide spindle 12 has been received in the second gear 6.

[0084] Figure 2shows a schematic of one embodiment of the different teeth. On the left is the end face 14 of the guide spindle 12, and on the right is the end face 8 of the first gear 2. The very differently shaped teeth ensure that, regardless of the position in which the first gear 2 meets the guide spindle 12, the respective teeth always mesh with each other.

[0085] Figure 3 shows a different design. The first gear 2 has a central bore 18, the inner wall 20 of which is provided with grooves or teeth, which can also be designed as an internal thread. Figure 1 The toothing shown on the outer surface 16 can be in the form of an external thread. Figure 3In the exemplary embodiment shown, the second gear 6 has a guide spindle 12, which, however, is not arranged to be displaceable relative to the second gear 6. Rather, the outer surface 16 of the guide spindle 12 is formed with an external thread which is designed to correspond to the internal thread of the inner wall 20 of the central bore 18. If, in this embodiment, the first gear 2 is displaced along the guide rods 4 towards the second gear, the external thread of the outer surface 16 engages with the internal thread of the inner wall 20 of the central bore 18 of the first gear 2. The further displacement of the first gear 2 in the direction of the second gear 6 results in a rotation of the first gear 2 relative to the second gear 6, which again ensures that the teeth 10 of the first gear 2 engage as optimally as possible with the teeth 10 of the second gear 6.

[0086] The Figures 4 and 5show a schematic representation of parts of a safety device in which one of the gears has partial gears. In the left area of the Figure 5 One of the gears has two partial gears 22 that are arranged coaxially. The partial gears 22 are arranged displaceably in the axial direction, i.e., perpendicular to the plane of the drawing, via schematically arranged elastic elements 24. The teeth of the partial gears 22 are arranged slightly offset from one another. The offset is preferably half a tooth length. If a gear now engages the teeth of these partial gears 22, which preferably protrude to different distances in the axial direction, the Figure 4shown situation. The partial gears 22 each have teeth that are separated from one another by the offset 26 and therefore engage with the teeth 10 of the other gear to different extents. In area 28 there is only very slight contact between the teeth of the partial gear 22 and the teeth 10 of the respective gear. If the force to be transmitted increases, the teeth slip away from one another here. However, the two components can only be moved against one another until the teeth of the other partial gear 22 engage with the teeth 10 of the gear in area 30. Since the partial gears 22 are offset from one another in the axial direction, the teeth of the various partial gears engage with the teeth of the gear to different extents.

[0087] In the right part of the Figure 4The gear has four partial gears 22, each elastically mounted in the axial direction by an elastic element 24. Figure 6 shows a schematic combination of a first gear 2 consisting of four partial gears 22 and a second gear 6, which is a simple spur gear. The four partial gears 22 correspond to the Figure 5 shown arrangement and are arranged significantly offset in the axial direction and not shown to scale.

[0088] Figure 7shows a further embodiment. The second gear 6 has two partial gears 22, which are arranged slightly offset axially from one another, but are fixed to one another. The first gear 2 also has two partial gears 22, which, like the partial gears 22 of the second gear 6, are arranged coaxially to one another and are axially displaceable via indicated spring elements 32. If the shown gears 2, 6 are moved towards one another, in the embodiment shown, the inner partial gear 22 initially engages the teeth of the inner partial gear 22. Only when the first gear 2 is further displaced in the direction of the second gear 6 do the outer partial gears 22 also engage with one another. Due to the offset toothing, the Figure 4schematically shown situation. If the engagement of the inner partial gears 22 corresponds to the situation shown in area 28, it is ensured that the outer partial gears 22 correspond to the situation shown in area 30 of the Figure 4 shown situation.

[0089] Figure 8 shows different tooth shapes that can be used.

[0090] Figure 9 shows the first gear 2 and the second gear 6 as in Figure 1 The first gear 2 is again arranged to be movable along the guide rods 4. The teeth 10 in the illustrated embodiment are designed as undercut teeth.

[0091] In Figure 10Both the first gear 2 and the second gear 6 each have a guide spindle 12 that protrudes from the front of the respective gear 2, 6. The two guide spindles 12 have projections and / or recesses on the front side that can be engaged with each other. Instead of the toothing shown in the other figures, elongated holes 34 are provided in the front side 8 of the second gear 6, which are designed so that pins 36 protruding from the front face of the first gear 2 can engage therein.

[0092] Figure 11shows the end faces of the first gear 2 of the second gear 4, each of which has projections 38 between which there are recesses so that the projections 38 of the two gears can mesh with each other. In the central area of the end faces, magnets 40 are schematically shown, arranged so that poles of the same name face each other. This creates a repulsive effect, which is minimal when the preferably equidistantly arranged magnets 40 of one gear are positioned exactly between the magnets of the other gear. This also allows the two gears 2, 6 to be aligned with each other. List of reference symbols

[0093] 2First gear 4Guide rod 6Second gear 8End face 10Tooth 12Lead spindle 14End face 16Surface 18Central bore 20Inner wall 22Partial gear 24Elastic element 26Offset 28Area 30Area 32Spring element 34Elongated hole 36Pin 38Protrusion 40Magnet

Claims

1. An orthopaedic device comprising a joint with - a first joint element comprising ∘ a first joint arm with a first form-fitting element (2) and - a second joint element that can be swivelled relative to the first joint element comprising ∘ a second joint arm and ∘ a force application lever with a second form-fitting element (6) and ∘ a mechanical energy store arranged between the force application lever and the second joint arm, wherein the mechanical energy store can be charged and discharged by swivelling the first joint arm relative to the second joint arm when the first form-fitting element (2) is engaged with the second form-fitting element (6), characterised in that the device comprises a securing device which ensures that, irrespective of the position of the first form-fitting element (2) and the second form-fitting element (6) relative to each other, the two form-fitting elements (2,6) can be engaged in such a way that an acting force of the charged mechanical energy store is transmitted from the second form-fitting element (6) to the first form-fitting element (2).

2. The orthopaedic device according to claim 1, characterised in that the securing device is configured to rotate the form-fitting elements (2,6) relative to each other when the two form-fitting elements (2,6) are being engaged with one another or thereafter.

3. The orthopaedic device according to claim 2, characterised in that the first form-fitting element (2) and the second form-fitting element (6) comprise projections and / or recesses on the end face and that the securing device comprises a guide spindle (12) that protrudes axially from one of the form-fitting elements (2,6), said spindle comprising projections and / or recesses and that is configured to interact with the respective other form-fitting element (6,2).

4. The orthopaedic device according to claim 3, characterised in that the guide spindle (12) can be displaced in the axial direction relative to the form-fitting element (2,6) from which it axially protrudes, wherein the guide spindle (12) is designed in such a way that the guide spindle (12) is rotated about its longitudinal axis when being axially displaced such that a torque is exerted on the form-fitting element (2,6) that interacts with the projections and / or recesses of the guide torque (12).

5. The orthopaedic device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first form-fitting element (2) and / or the second form-fitting element (6) comprises at least two partial form-fitting elements (22) which can be moved independently of one another in the axial direction.

6. The orthopaedic device according to claim 5, characterised in that the at least two partial form-fitting elements (22) comprise the same projections and / or recesses, which are at an offset to each other in the circumferential direction.

7. The orthopaedic device according to claim 5 or 6, characterised in that the at least two partial form-fitting elements (22) are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction when the first form-fitting element (2) and the second form-fitting element (6) are not engaged.

8. The orthopaedic device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first joint element is an upper body element and the second joint element is an upper leg element and that the device comprises a pelvic element, wherein the two form-fitting elements (2,6) can be engaged and disengaged by moving the upper body element relative to the pelvic element.

9. The orthopaedic device according to one of the claims 2 to 8, characterised in that at least some, preferably all projections of the two form-fitting elements (2,6) comprise undercut toothing.

10. The orthopaedic device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the form-fitting elements (2,6) can be engaged with each other by moving one of the form-fitting elements (2,6) towards the other form-fitting element (2,6), which is mounted such that it can be rotated relative to the component on which it is arranged.