LIFTING AID AND FIXED BACK ELEMENT

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a lifting aid and its use. Lifting aids for supporting loads are known in a wide variety of forms: They are needed to support human strength – for example, as exoskeletons – but also as mobile carrying aids that, when worn by a person carrying them, assist them in their work. Lifting aids are required in the construction industry, in care facilities, by moving assistants, and generally for back protection. Lifting aids are known, for example, from EP3176123A1, DE10201420520A1, DE 1020182067823A1, DE2020111104994 U1, DE 10 2004023981A1, DE102029111718A1, WO2019 / 161232A1, US2020026854A1, and WO2020 / 224836A1. Many known systems were heavy, cumbersome, complicated in design, and / or prone to failure, restricting the wearer's natural movement. Others always use an electric motor for assistance.Electrically driven lifting supports in particular had to be supplied with sufficient electrical energy, whereby the motor and energy supply additionally increase the weight and the cost of their manufacture - this is especially true if the drive is intended to simulate the bending of the wearer.

[0002] It is therefore an object of the invention to propose a simple, mechanical lifting aid.

[0003] The problem is solved by a lifting aid having the features of claim 1. Advantageous further developments arise from the dependent claims.

[0004] The invention therefore relates to a lifting aid with a rigid back element 1 for transmitting supporting forces, which is connected and held between an upper body connection and lower body connections (8, 8.1) as well as an abdominal belt 17, wherein at least one first mechanical energy storage device (21, 21.1) for supporting the back is attached to the lower body connection (8, 8.1) and can be subjected to tensile stress via at least one force transmission (11, 6, 5, 5.1). The tension is applied via a cable pull system with integrated freewheel and adjustment functions between the lower body connection and the rigid back element 1, which is preferably held in position by a structure adapted to the natural shape of the spine as well as by hip, abdominal, and upper body connections, and thus supports the back extensor muscles - particularly in the lumbar region - in static holding work and the hip extensor muscles in concentric and eccentric work.

[0005] It is advantageous if the force transmission can be adjusted with simultaneous activation of the first energy storage device and participation of the freewheel function to compensate for asymmetrical forces. Asymmetrical forces occur, for example, when only one leg is placed forward, thereby placing a one-sided load on a corresponding partial energy storage device. In the embodiment described here, this is achieved by adjusting the working length of a tension core acting as a force transmission element in at least one hip element, which adjusts the application of force from the thigh connection via a deflection pulley (6) to the partial energy storage device.

[0006] It is also advantageous if two such independently adjustable energy storage devices - a lower / first and an upper / second energy storage device (21, 21.1 and 2) - are provided in the lifting aid, which use the same freewheel concept (length compensation of the tension cores via rollers). In one embodiment, which is shown in the figures below, the lower / first energy storage device is split in two (21, 21.1) - i.e. one half is located on the right thigh connection and the other half on the left thigh connection. The free end of the tension core (11) is also attached to each of the two partial energy storage devices, so that they are tensed between the thigh connection and the back element when bending and relaxed when standing up.

[0007] In the lifting aid according to the invention, the upper energy storage unit 2, the use of which changes the system characteristics or supplements the support force with a second, additional, continuously variable force, can be selectively activated and configured by appropriately adjusting the adjustment strap 12. When using two separate energy storage units (lower and upper energy storage units), it is advisable to separate the respective adjustment options. Therefore, in the lifting aid according to the invention, the amount of support provided by the lower / first energy storage units and the position-dependent additional force support provided by the upper / second energy storage unit can be independently and continuously adjusted via the adjustment straps that adjust the deflection pulleys.

[0008] Suitable spring elements include continuously variable energy storage devices, such as metal springs, rubber bands, elastomers, and dampers capable of exerting restoring forces against stretching. It is also advantageous to be able to change the elastic behavior of the lifting aid by exchanging the respective energy storage devices (21, 21.1, 2). Accordingly, in the lifting aid according to the invention, a modular system of energy storage devices with different spring characteristics allows the system behavior to be configured depending on the desired level of support.

[0009] It is advantageous if energy storage elements of a lifting aid do not exert an elastic counterforce against walking movements, i.e., slight asymmetrical leg movements of the wearer, so that the wearer is not disturbed when not performing a lifting movement. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the lifting aid has a freewheel function of the traction core 11 via the deflection pulleys 6 for the first / lower energy storage device and a freewheel function of the traction core 11.1 via the deflection pulleys 6, 3 for the second / upper energy storage device.

[0010] Known lifting aids with adjustment mechanisms in the hip area redirect the resulting tensile forces from the energy storage devices to a hip belt, which can cause large portions of the supporting force to press on the wearer's abdominal area. It is therefore advisable to keep the adjustment of the energy storage elements in the hip elements free from the hip belt. Accordingly, the lifting aid according to the invention includes hip elements with flexible, but longitudinally incompressible guide plates 13, which allow the supporting tensile forces of the tension cores from the energy storage devices to act on the guide plates 13 and the rigid back element 1, thus preventing them from being transmitted into the wearer's body.

[0011] By using a rigid back element 1, forces that arise between the thigh connection and shoulder straps due to stretching of the energy storage elements and can act as tensile and bending forces on the spine are absorbed and applied only to specific areas of the body.

[0012] The lifting aid is easy and straightforward to put on thanks to its simple design. It supports the wearer's back muscles when bending over with loads by providing stabilization and the hip extensor muscles by providing supporting traction during lifting. The wearer is prevented from lifting with a strongly rounded back in the lumbar region, thus reducing harmful peak loads on the intervertebral discs. The back element applies some of the traction as pressure to the lower back, thereby correcting posture. Furthermore, the wearer's back extensor muscles are supported during static work, preventing pain from muscle stiffness (see "Sustainable Lifting Aid"). Fig. 10 and Fig.11 )

[0013] The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments and the drawings, to which, however, it is in no way limited. In these, the following are shown: Fig. 1perspective view of a lifting aid carried by a person in rear view Fig. 2 Schematic illustration of individual elements of the lifting aid with elastic energy storage devices in the non-applied state from the rear. Fig. 3 schematically the individual elements of the Fig. 2 when activating and adjusting the lower partial energy storage Fig. 4 schematically the individual elements of Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 when activating and adjusting the second energy storage device; Fig. 5 : schematically a perspective view of a wearer with lifting aid using the freewheel function when walking; Fig. 6 schematic representation of some static working positions; Fig. 7 schematic of individual elements of the lifting aid when walking and a rear view of the wearer; Fig. 8 a detailed view of the hip module / abdominal belt area with lower energy storage units of the lifting aid; and Fig. 9a rear view of a simple embodiment of the lifting aid with lower partial energy storage Fig. 10 a schematic view of the spine with the back element in place; and Fig.11 a schematic view of a cross-section through the torso with a vertebral body with a dorsal element on top

[0014] The lifting aid ( Fig. 1 )With shoulder straps as upper body connection 23, two-part abdominal belt 17 and lower body connection (here thigh connections (8, 8.1), with a rigid back element 1 arranged between the body and hip elements 10, 4, energy storage devices 21 and force transmission (here tension cores 11, 11.1). It controls the force effect of the energy storage devices and is intended to support the wearer in their posture during lifting and through elastic spring force during the lifting movement. The support is provided by direct posture correction against hunched back and inclined lifting as well as support via tensile force depending on the flexion angle of the hip by continuously variable energy storage devices - here spring elements 21, 21.1, 2.

[0015] By bending (or reducing the hip flexion angle), the path of the tension cores 11, 1 1.1 in the connecting sheaths 7,7.1 between the back element 1 and the thigh connections 8, 8.1 is extended, which stresses the energy storage devices for stretching and at the same time builds up restoring forces.

[0016] In the embodiment of the Fig. 1 - 8 A split lower / first energy storage device 21, 21.1, and an upper / second energy storage device 2 are installed. These can be equipped with elastomers, springs, and other materials that exert an elastic restoring force upon extension. A combination of spring elements is also possible, which, when subjected to tension, continuously apply a tensile force proportional to the extension.

[0017] The rigid back element 1 of the lifting aid, which connects the hip elements 4, 10 and the energy storage units 21, 21.1, and 2, as well as directs the tension core(s) 11, 11.1, is inherently stable. It absorbs the forces of the tension cores and the deflection pulleys 6 during adjustment on the guide plates 13 in the hip elements 4, 10 and the upper freewheel pulley 3 and transfers them into the material. Part of the forces acts as posture-correcting pressure on the lower back.

[0018] The lifting aid ( Fig. 2 ) contains two separate energy storage units – an upper energy storage unit (2) and a lower (divided) energy storage unit (21, 21.1). Both energy storage units are continuously adjustable via the freewheel roller 3 for the traction core 11.1 and a freewheel roller 6 for the traction core 11.

[0019] The lower / first energy storage system consists of the right and left partial storage units (21, 21.1), which are fixed to the right and left thigh connection (8, 8.1), respectively, the tension core 11 connected to the partial storage units and the adjustment and freewheel device in the right hip element 4, consisting of a deflection pulley 6, the adjustment strap 5 and the adjustable clamping device 5.1.

[0020] The upper / second elastic energy storage device 2 is connected to the freewheel roller 3, whereby the second tension core 11.1, which is fixed at the connection points 22, 22.1 on the thigh connections 8, 8.1, is deflected on the freewheel roller 3 and pulls it downwards against the spring force of the second energy storage device.

[0021] Fig. 3 shows a the changethe support provided by the first energy storage system. This is achieved by pulling on the adjustment strap 5 guided in the right hip element, causing it to move further through the open clamping device 5.1. The adjustment strap 5 is then fixed in position by closing the clamping device 5.1. The adjustment is stepless, but can also be implemented in defined adjustment steps using a conventional buckle with a pin. By moving the adjustment strap 5, the freewheel roller 6 guided on the guide plate 13 in the guide lining 14 is moved, thus shortening the effective length of the traction core 11 between the thigh connections 8, 8.1 and the back element 1. The guide lining 14 reduces the friction between the traction core 11 and the casing 15 of the right hip element 4, which envelops and holds the traction cable system together there.Shortening the effective length of the tension core 11 results in a stronger support force, which begins to take effect even at a smaller hip angle of < 180° (corresponding to an upright standing position). Regardless of the support force setting of the first elastic accumulator 21, 21.1, the freewheel function is maintained via the upper freewheel roller 3. Tensile forces applied by the energy accumulators 7, 7.1 are not transferred to the waist belt 17, but are introduced into the material of the rigid back element 1 along the longitudinally incompressible guide plate 13 when the waist belt fastener is closed.

[0022] The same functional principle applies to the adjustment of the second energy storage device 2, the effect of which is also continuously adjustable via the belt 12 in the left hip element 10 and - in this embodiment - a clamping device 12.1 ( Fig. 4). The path of the second tension core 11.1 over the deflection pulley 6 in the hip element 10 and the upper freewheel pulley 3 enables the freewheel function independent of the support force setting.

[0023] Of course, buckles with a mandrel can also be used for adjusting and fixing the deflection roller 6 guided on the guide plate 13 for the second tension core 11.1 instead of a clamping device.

[0024] In Fig. 6 Different settings are shown as examples with regard to the adjustment of the second energy storage device 2, which change the Support staff and their Effect depending on the flexion angle. This means that depending on the position of the deflection pulley 6 in the left hip module 10, the support force of the second support element 2 acts earlier (strong support, example C) or later (weak support, example A) during flexion.

[0025] The adjustability of an additional energy storage device 2, which is separate from other energy storage devices (21, 21.1), is unique and offers the wearer numerous additional adjustment options by combining the two energy storage systems. This allows the entire system characteristics to be modified. The additional support force of the second energy storage device 2 is added to the basic support of the first energy storage system provided by the elastic energy storage devices 21, 21.1. Through individual adjustment and additional activation, the wearer can adapt the system to their own preferences and the work environment. This enables a high level of wearing and use comfort.

[0026] The assistance force adjustment of the two energy storage units via a single adjustment strap (5, 12) and the associated clamping device (5.1, 12.1) allows for quick and easy adjustment before and between lifting activities. The adjustment is made symmetrically for the left and right sides of the body for each energy storage system to prevent asymmetrical loads on the body from the lifting aid. To deactivate / disable the assistance provided by the energy storage units, the right clamping device (5.1) is responsible for the first energy storage unit (21, 21.1), and the left clamping device (12.1) is responsible for the second energy storage unit (2), and can be easily adjusted and released.

[0027] In Fig. 5It is evident that the walking movement causes unilateral hip angle changes, which affect the energy storage devices 21, 21.1 in the connecting sleeves 7, 7.1. Without a freewheel device 6, these changes would result in a stretching of the energy storage devices 7, 7.1, which would then exert an asymmetrical tensile force and thus restrict the walking movement.

[0028] The system according to the invention, with its upper and lower energy storage, allows for two separately activated support levels. If these had to be deactivated every time while running, wearer acceptance would be significantly reduced.

[0029] Therefore, the lifting aid ( Fig. 7) an integrated freewheel function that is independent of any setting in the system, since the tension cores 11, 11.1 are adjusted and balanced accordingly during running via deflection pulleys 6, 3. The freewheel function is activated by the asymmetrical movement of the legs, e.g. during a running movement, while it remains inactive during symmetrical bending, allowing the energy storage systems to provide support force. The entire operating principle is mechanical and requires no electrical control. The tension cores 11, 11.1, which move through the system due to the freewheel function, are guided in the guide casings 9 with low-friction guide lining 14 in the hip elements 4, 10 on equally low-friction guide plates 13. This has only a minimal impact on the wearer.

[0030] The traction cores 11, 11.1 are guided in low-friction guide sleeves 9 on longitudinally incompressible, yet flexible guide plates 13 and are deflected by the deflection pulleys 6 and 3. This keeps the traction cores 11, 11.1 flexible. The guide lining 14 reduces the friction of the traction cores through a special material combination on the guide plates and the guide sleeve, so that they are almost frictionless. Brushes or low-friction plastic linings, for example, are suitable for this purpose. If the wearer moves a leg, all traction cores 11, 11', attached at one end to the thigh connections 8, 8.1, also move in the entire system. This reduces the restriction of the wearer's movement caused by the traction core pull when walking to an imperceptible level.

[0031] In Fig. 9A simpler embodiment of the invention is shown, which has only one tension core 11 and only one adjustability in the right hip module 4 with freewheel roller 6, adjustment strap 5, and adjustable clamping device 5.1. The second energy storage device is omitted, thus the left hip element has no adjusting function. The system retains the functions of the first split energy storage device 21, 21.1, i.e., a freewheel function and posture and movement support.

[0032] Fig. 10shows the support of the back element in the lumbar spine area up to the first ribs and the sacrum. In this area, the back element attached to the body exerts restoring forces against flexion of the torso and thus prevents a hunchback. Especially since the relatively rigid back element preferably has a recess to accommodate the spinous processes of the vertebral bodies, it is prevented from lateral displacement and thus also prevents a lateral movement of the spine that puts strain on the intervertebral discs, as in Fig. 11It has been shown that a shaped part corresponding to the optimal spinal posture, the minimum length of which is from lumbar vertebra 2 or 3 to thoracic vertebra 7, the maximum distance from the sacrum to cervical vertebra 3 and the width of which can vary between the width of the sacrum and the width of the back, with a longitudinal recess for receiving the spinous processes of the spine in its side facing the back, and fastening devices for carrying straps for attaching the back element to a person.

[0033] The back elements are generally suitable for back training or preventing incorrect movements in order to limit one-sided strain and avoid particularly stressful movements when lifting.

[0034] Typical flexural modulus values ​​for a back element material are between 500 and 100,000 MPa, preferably between 800 and 5,000, and particularly preferably between 1,500 and 3,000 MPa. Suitable materials include layered materials such as wood laminates or layered composite materials, plastics, and even metal plates, e.g., aluminum. List of reference symbols

[0035] 1 Back element 2 Second elastic energy storage device 3 Free-running pulley 4 Right hip element 5 Adjustment strap of 4 5.1 Adjustable clamping device of 4 6 Deflection pulley / free-running pulley in hip element 4, 10 7 Right connecting sleeve for tension cores (11, 11.1) and spring element (21) between back element 1 and right thigh connection (8) 7.1 Left connecting sleeve for tension cores (11, 11.1) and spring element (21.1) between back element 1 and left thigh connection (8.1) 8 Right thigh connection 8.1 Left thigh connection 9 Guide sleeve of tension core(s) 11, 11.1 10 Left hip element 11 First tension core of the first energy storage device 11.1 Second tension core of the second energy storage device 12 Adjustment strap in 10 12.1 Adjustable clamping device in 10 13 Guide plate(s) in hip element(s) for core(s) (11, 11.1) 14 Guide lining in 15 15 Sheath for hip elements 4, 10 16 Attachment point from 13 to 1 17 Abdominal belt in 4 18 Abdominal belt fastener at 17 21 Right energy accumulator in 7 21.1 Left energy accumulator in 7.1 22 Connection point of the tension core 11.1 to 8 22.1 Connection point for tension core 11.1 to 8.1 23 Upper body connection (shoulder straps) A Adjustment position for support for deep bending B Adjustment position for support for medium bending C Adjustment position for support from slight bending.

Claims

1. Mechanical lifting aid for supporting the trunk muscles, which can be arranged in a fixed position on the back of a person carrying it via an upper body connection (23) and a lower body connection with two thigh connections (8, 8.1), with a lower two-part mechanical energy storage device for tensioning energy with two elastic partial energy storage devices (21, 21.1) with spring elements between the respective thigh connection (8, 8.1) and a strong back element (1), wherein the spring elements are attached at one end to one of the thigh connections (8,8.1) and at the other end to at least one tension element (11, 11.1), wherein the back element (1) is attached to the back and absorbs, redistributes and dissipates forces from the elastic partial energy storage devices (21, 21.1) via the at least one tension element (11, 11.1), - wherein the at least one tension element (11, 11.1) connects the respective elastic partial energy storage device (21, 21.1) to the back element (1) (1), wherein a right (4) and a left (10) hip element with adjustable freewheel devices, each with a freewheel roller (6) for the at least one tension element (11, 11.1) in at least one of the hip elements (4, 10) are articulated on the strong back element (1), and wherein at least one adjustable clamping device (5.1, 12.1) in the hip elements (4, 10) changes the activation of the lower two-part mechanical energy storage device by means of the respective freewheel roller (6), which is displaceable via a continuous adjustment of at least one adjustment strap (5, 12) and thus changes the effective length of the at least one tension element (11, 11.1).

2. Lifting aid according to claim 1, further characterized by an upper elastic energy storage device (2) which can be adjusted independently of the lower two-part mechanical energy storage device and has an upper freewheel roller (3) attached thereto, which is connected to the two thigh connections (8, 8.1) via a second tension element (11.1) and can be activated, wherein the strong back element (1) absorbs forces from the two elastic partial energy storage devices (21, 21.1) and upper elastic energy storage device (2), redistributes them and diverts them to specific locations.

3. Lifting aid according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the two elastic partial energy storage devices (21, 21.1) or upper elastic energy storage devices (2) continuously absorbs and releases force.

4. Lifting aid according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by two separate adjustment straps (5, 12) in the hip elements (4,10) for adjusting the degree of support of the lower two-part mechanical energy storage device and the upper elastic energy storage device (2) by shortening the effective length of the respective tension elements (11, 11.1) by shifting the respective freewheel rollers (6).

5. Use of the lifting aid according to one of the preceding claims, as a medical lifting aid for caregivers or construction workers or moving workers - or logistics worker carrying support.

6. Lifting aid according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the strong back element (1) for posture support is a shaped part corresponding to the optimum spinal posture, the minimum length of which is from the lumbar vertebra 2 or 3 to the thoracic vertebra 7, a maximum of the distance from the sacrum to the cervical vertebra 3 and the width of which can vary between the width of the sacrum and the width of the back; with a longitudinal recess for receiving the spinous processes of the spine in its side facing the back, and attachment devices for the carrying belts for attaching the back element on a person, which exerts restoring forces against bending of the torso and avoids a rounded back, and prevents sideways movement of the spine.

7. Lifting aid according to one of claims 1 to 4 or 6, characterized in that the strong back element (1) has a flexural modulus of 500 to 80 000 Mpa, preferably 1000 - 50 000 Mpa and particularly preferably between 1500 and 10 000 Mpa.

8. Lifting aid according to one of claims 1 to 4, 6 or 7, characterized in that the strong back element (1) essentially comprises a plastic part, also fiber-reinforced plastic, laminate, also wood laminate or layered material or a metal alloy, optionally also in a layered material.