Support module

Abstract

The invention relates to a support module (10) to be secured to medical and / or orthopedic devices, having an actuation unit (14) comprising an actuation element (16) and a support unit (18) spaced apart from the actuation unit (14) in an axial direction A, and comprising a housing element (20), and, in the housing element (20), a displacement element (22) designed to be displaceable in the axial direction A. The support module also comprises a plurality of pivotable support legs which are articulatedly connected to the displacement element (22), and moreover a connection element (26) which is operatively connected to the actuation element (16) in the region of a first end and operatively connected to the displacement element (26) in the region of a second end, in such a way that the displacement element (22) is displaced in the axial direction A vis-à-vis the housing element (20) by actuating the actuation element (16), and the support legs (24) are pivoted from a rest position into a support position thereby. In order to provide a support device (10) which has a simple structure and, in so doing, is flexible and reliable in application, provision is made for the connection means (26) to be designed to be longitudinally adjustable such that the axial distance of the actuation unit (14) from the support unit (18) is adjustable.

Description

[0001] SUPPORT MODULE

[0002] The invention relates to a support module for attachment to medical and / or orthopedic devices, as well as a walking aid. Such medical or orthopedic devices can be, for example, forearm crutches, walking sticks, gripping aids, but also medical furniture.

[0003] DE 202013002424 Ui discloses a walking aid with a standing aid. The walking aid has two auxiliary supports that can be moved from a walking position to a support position angled away from the walking aid by actuating a lever mounted on a handle. In the walking position, the auxiliary supports are positioned parallel to the walking aid and adjacent to it. By actuating the lever, a mechanism in the handle of the walking aid generates a tensile force, which is transmitted via a Bowden cable or a steel rod to a piston-cylinder system attached to the walking aid. The piston is connected to the auxiliary supports in such a way that actuating the lever causes the auxiliary supports to be moved.

[0004] Furthermore, DE 20 2016 006 179 Ui discloses a walking aid which has, on the one hand, an upper release mechanism and, on the other hand, a lower mechanism. These are coupled to one another via a pull and push rod, with auxiliary supports arranged on a sliding ring on the lower mechanism. If a lever arranged on the release mechanism is pressed towards the lower mechanism, the pull and push rod transfers this force to the sliding ring. This is pressed further downwards together with the auxiliary supports, with the auxiliary supports being spread out over the ground into a supporting position. Furthermore, a compression spring can be provided which preloads the lever towards the supporting position. If the lever is pulled upwards manually, the sliding ring is pulled upwards, and the auxiliary supports are folded in again. DE 10 2018 001 699 Ai also discloses a walking aid with motor-driven displaceable auxiliary supports.The walking aid is essentially designed as a hollow profile, with a tubular motor arranged in the hollow profile. This tubular motor, via gear elements, is designed to pivot auxiliary supports arranged on a lower walking section out and back in. The tubular motor can be activated via a release button located in the handle area of ​​the walking aid. The auxiliary supports have feet, and the pivoting of the auxiliary supports occurs in such a way that, in a resting position in which the auxiliary supports rest against the hollow profile, the feet are directed toward the handle area.

[0005] Finally, US 2017 / 0216125 Ai discloses a walking aid with length-adjustable and pivoting auxiliary supports. The auxiliary supports can be pivoted in or out either automatically depending on the surface condition detected by sensors or via a user-activated control mechanism. Such a control mechanism could, for example, be voice activation, for which a microphone with a corresponding switching unit can be installed on the walking aid. The control mechanism can also be activated via a switch or other pressure-sensitive buttons, pads, or similar.

[0006] Standing aids of the existing type exhibit limited flexibility regarding their arrangement on differently designed walking aids. The corresponding mechanisms are sometimes so complex that the standing aids are sometimes even unsuitable for retrofitting to existing walking aids. The use of complex mechanical or even electrical systems to pivot the auxiliary supports in and out is not only costly but also makes existing standing aids prone to errors. Furthermore, existing standing aids are often heavier than conventional walking aids. The aforementioned disadvantages can therefore even be subsumed under safety-related deficiencies related to handling and functionality.

[0007] The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a support module and a walking aid that have a simple structure while being flexible and safe to use. The invention achieves this object with a support module according to claim 1 and a walking aid according to claim 15. The dependent claims relate to advantageous embodiments.

[0008] The support module according to the invention for attachment to medical and / or orthopedic devices comprises an actuating unit with an actuating element. Within the scope of the invention, the actuating unit can comprise a housing part on which the actuating element can be mounted. The housing part can have a section that is at least partially sleeve-shaped.

[0009] The support module according to the invention further comprises a support unit spaced apart from the actuating unit in an axial direction, comprising a housing element and, in the housing element, a slide element designed to be displaceable in the axial direction. A plurality of pivotable support legs are articulated to the slide element. Within the scope of the invention, the housing element can comprise an outer shell and an inner sleeve, which are spaced apart from one another by a gap and thus define an interior space. The slide element can be arranged in the gap. The housing element can further comprise openings through which the support legs extend and which are connected to the slide element inside the housing element.

[0010] According to the invention, a connecting element is further provided which is operatively connected to the actuating element in the region of a first end and to the sliding element in the region of a second end such that, upon actuation of the actuating element, the sliding element moves in the axial direction relative to the housing element, and the support legs are thereby pivoted outwards or inwards from a rest position into a support position. Within the scope of the invention, the support legs can be pivoted outwards or inwards indirectly via a movement of the sliding element in the axial direction, which movement is induced by the actuating element via the connecting element. The pivoting in process can be referred to as retraction, wherein it can be possible in particular for the support legs to pivot inwards automatically as soon as a user exerts a force on them. This force can in particular be predefined and / or adjustable as a threshold value.A characteristic of the support module according to the invention is that the connecting element is designed to be adjustable in length, so that the axial distance of the actuating unit from the support unit is adjustable.

[0011] The support module according to the invention offers increased flexibility with regard to its possible arrangement on various medical and / or orthopedic devices. Furthermore, the support module can be quickly adapted to various device sizes. The simple design allows even untrained users (laymen) to make adjustments of the aforementioned type. The support module is also suitable for retrofitting to corresponding existing devices. The simple design also makes the support module according to the invention lightweight and inexpensive, without sacrificing maximum safety. Compared to comparable mechanisms in known standing aids, the support module according to the invention proves to be advantageous.

[0012] If the support module is attached to a walking aid, for example, the simple and therefore lightweight design of the support module supports or improves the maintenance of essential functional properties of this walking aid. In particular, the center of gravity of the device, e.g., the walking aid, is not adversely affected by the support module. Thus, the user's gait, for example, remains natural, which in turn can positively support the rehabilitation process.

[0013] It can be advantageous if the actuating unit comprises a housing which has at least one section which is designed as a sleeve or as part of a sleeve. If the support module is intended for arrangement or retrofitting on, for example, a walking aid or similar, the actuating unit can be attached to the generally round rod profile of the walking aid or similar by means of such a section. It is possible, for example, to slide the actuating unit completely onto the rod profile or to press it on in a clip-on manner. It is also possible for the housing of the actuating unit to have an open section which can be placed around such a rod profile and then clamped thereto. Such a clamping mechanism can be implemented, for example, by means of a tensioner, a screw connection or similar.The open section on the housing of the actuating unit has the further advantage that it can be easily adapted to different characteristic lengths (diameter, diagonal, etc.) of the respective medical and / or orthopedic device.

[0014] The actuating unit can be arranged, for example, in the head section of a walking aid. The head section can also be understood as the part of the device, as in other medical-orthopedic devices, that is regularly intended for manual interaction with the user. In a walking aid, for example, this would be the part to which the user holds onto. It can be advantageous, in particular, for the actuating element to be located within direct reach of such a part of the device.

[0015] It can therefore be advantageous if the support unit can be arranged or retrofitted to a medical and / or orthopedic device in a similar way. Since the support unit has to meet particular requirements with regard to stability, it can also be advantageous if the housing element has a section which can, for example, comprise a rod profile of the type described above and / or be clamped to it. The housing element and the slide element can preferably be rotationally symmetrical. The housing element can, for example, have an inner sleeve which is connected to an outer shell of the housing element via a cover and / or a base section of the housing element. The slide element, in particular, can be arranged in the corresponding gap between the inner sleeve and the outer shell.In particular, but not exclusively, a clamping mechanism can also be provided in the area of ​​the cover section of the housing element. As already described above, such clamping mechanisms can preferably be implemented by screwing two flexible sections spaced apart from each other.

[0016] If such an inner sleeve is provided for the housing element and, for example, a sleeve-like or partially sleeve-like section is provided for a housing of the actuating unit, these are preferably arranged coaxially along the axial direction on a medical and / or orthopedic device. Then, for example, the connecting element can also be arranged parallel to the axial direction, at least during use on the corresponding device. Further preferably, the actuating element can also be mounted displaceably along the axial direction.

[0017] The support unit can then be arranged further on a corresponding foot section of the walking aid, for example, or, if arranged on a gripping aid, in the area of ​​the gripper arms. The foot section can be understood as the area on the foot of a walking aid that is generally placed on the ground during its intended use. Thus, the actuating unit can be considered the upper part of the support module, and the support unit the lower part.

[0018] The number of support legs on the slide element or as part of the support unit can preferably be in the range of three to five. The support legs can particularly preferably be arranged evenly around a walking aid coupled, for example, to the support module. If, for example, the slide element has a round cross-section, in the case of, for example, three support legs, these can preferably be arranged on the slide element at a distance of 120° from one another. With four support legs, the preferred distance can be 90°, etc. The advantage of such a uniform arrangement is, on the one hand, the even dissipation of forces. On the other hand, such an arrangement ensures secure support for the medical and / or orthopedic device, e.g. for a aforementioned walking aid. At the same time, when designing the number of support legs, a balance can be struck between stability and the cost / weight of the support module, e.g.A break-even point must be taken into account, which experience has shown to be four to five support legs. While it can be advantageous to manufacture as many components of the support module as possible from a lightweight and stable plastic (e.g. by D-printing, injection molding, sintering, or similar), the support legs are preferably made of metal, particularly due to the increased mechanical stress. However, the use of correspondingly stronger plastics is also conceivable. To further save weight without sacrificing stability, the support legs can, for example, be profiled at least in sections. Furthermore, it is conceivable for the support legs to be made from an elongated metallic material with folded edges along the long sides, e.g. perforated sheet metal.

[0019] The support legs preferably have support feet at an end facing away from the support unit in the support position. At the ends of the support legs opposite the support feet, these are connected to the slide element. The support feet can, in particular, be made of a material with a high coefficient of friction and can accordingly contribute to the stability of a corresponding device.

[0020] As described above, the support legs are stimulated to pivot from the rest position into the support position by actuating the actuating element of the actuating unit indirectly via the connecting element and the slide element. This can also be subsumed under the term movement mechanism of the support module. In the rest position, the support legs are preferably arranged such that they are aligned essentially parallel to the axial direction. Any support feet arranged on the support legs as described above can then point in the direction of the actuating unit. In the support position, the support legs are in turn preferably spread apart from the slide element or the housing element in such a way that the support legs can all have equal contact with an exemplary level surface during intended use.

[0021] To support the aforementioned movement-mechanical interaction between the actuating element and ultimately the support legs, it can be advantageous if an energy accumulator, e.g., a coil spring or similar, is assigned to the actuating element as a further part of the actuating unit. This energy accumulator can then, for example, also be arranged in the housing of the actuating unit. The energy accumulator can preferably be arranged in the actuating unit in such a way that the support legs experience a sometimes permanent force towards the rest position. The energy accumulator can thus make it easier for the user, for example, to return the support legs from the support to the rest position. The energy accumulator or an additional second energy accumulator can also provide support for the force required to trigger the movement mechanism, i.e., with which the actuating element must be actuated in order to move the support legs from the rest to the support position.In both cases, the force accumulator of the actuating unit can influence the speed with which the support legs are swung out or in. To swing the support legs in, it is possible, for example, to apply a compressive force to the support legs, which are spread apart from the slide element or the housing element as described above, preferably evenly, but if necessary only partially, which is directed opposite to the axial direction in which the slide element was displaced when the support legs were swung out. In this case, the support legs, which are angled relative to the slide element, should then divert the compressive force to the slide element in a lever-like manner. The slide element is particularly preferably only given the aforementioned degree of freedom of movement back along the axial direction. The compressive force on the support legs or, if applicable,The force acting on the support legs thus induces, in particular, that the slide element is moved back to its previous position corresponding to the rest position of the support legs. The slide element can also preferentially move the support legs back to their rest position.

[0022] It can therefore be advantageous if the slide element has means for carrying out the aforementioned interaction between the slide element and the support legs during pivoting in and out in a uniform, safe and reproducible manner. According to a preferred embodiment, the slide element therefore has a guide mechanism for guiding the support legs from the rest position into the support position. Particularly preferably, the guide mechanism also acts in the opposite direction, i.e. for guiding the support legs from the support position into the rest position. The guide mechanism can, for example, be operatively connected to at least one support leg in such a way that a displacement of the slide element along the axial direction forces a movement path onto the corresponding support leg at, for example, a bearing point.It may also be possible for this guided support leg to be effectively coupled to the other support legs, so that they too can follow the same path of movement. Particularly preferred is for all support legs to be mounted separately in their own guides of the guide mechanism. This could further reduce the susceptibility to errors, for example.

[0023] In order to ensure safe and resilient operation of the support unit, it can also be advantageous if the support legs have means for a secure operative connection to the guide mechanism. According to a further preferred embodiment, the support legs therefore have raised connecting sections which are operatively connected to the guide mechanism. The connecting sections are preferably identical in design for the support legs. The connecting sections can, for example, be designed as local, in particular bilateral, thickenings of the otherwise uniformly designed support legs, wherein the thickenings of the respective support legs are each articulated and movably mounted in a part of an associated guide of the guide mechanism. The connecting sections can, for example, be cylindrical or barrel-shaped on the support legs. The connecting sections can, for example,be formed at that end of the support legs which is opposite the end of the corresponding support leg on which, as mentioned above, support feet can be arranged.

[0024] It can also be advantageous for the design of an efficient movement mechanism if the connecting sections are configured such that, depending on the position of the slide element, the support legs can rotate about their respective connecting section. According to a further preferred embodiment, the connecting sections are therefore eccentrically formed relative to a longitudinal axis of the respective support leg. The connecting section can preferably form one end of the support leg.

[0025] In order to further design the slide element and thus the housing element in the most space-saving way possible, it can be advantageous if the support legs are each framed in a guide at least in sections on both sides along the axial direction at a section provided for this purpose. According to a further preferred embodiment, the guide mechanism for the support legs is therefore each designed as a slotted guide. The respective slotted guide frames, for example, the aforementioned connecting sections of the corresponding support leg at least in sections in a channel-like manner. The support legs can also each preferably be rotatably mounted in a locking area on the housing element. For this purpose, the support legs and the housing element can have a corresponding perforation by means of which they are connected via a bolt-like connecting means.This connecting means can then in particular form a physical axis of rotation for the respective support leg. It can also be advantageous to provide means on the guide mechanism which, on the one hand, promote the stability of the support legs in the support position and, on the other hand, effectively prevent involuntary pivoting. According to a further preferred embodiment, the guide mechanism therefore has at least one locking mechanism for locking at least one support leg in the support position. The locking mechanism can engage in particular without influence from a user, so that the user can be sure that the lock engages and that the support legs remain securely in the support position without further influence on their part. The locking mechanism can, for example, be designed as a nose-like holding section against which at least one support leg is in contact in the support position. For example, ifIf only one holding section is provided, this holding section can either correspond to only one support leg as mentioned above, or it can be designed, for example, to be circumferential, so that several support legs can be brought into contact with it at the same time. A separate holding section is particularly preferably provided for each support leg. If the guide mechanism is designed, for example, for the support legs as mentioned above, as a slotted guide, then each slotted guide can also have its own locking mechanism, for example in the form of such a holding section. In this case, for example, the respective slotted guide can open into a hollow at an outer transition area, wherein the transition area can be designed at least on one side as a nose-like holding section. It is also conceivable for the locking to take place mechanically, for example by temporarily forming a reversible positive and / or non-positive connection.

[0026] In the interest of a simple and space-saving design of the support unit, it can also be advantageous if the support legs rest as closely as possible against the housing element or the slide element in the rest position. Therefore, the support legs can each have a groove in the area of ​​the, for example, eccentrically designed connecting section, which groove corresponds to, preferably follows the shape of, the corresponding aforementioned nose-like holding section of the respective slotted guide. In the rest position, the support legs can thus, for example, rest with their respective grooves in a form-fitting manner on the corresponding locking mechanism, in particular a holding section. In the rest position, the support legs can thus each have an outer edge which lies in the same plane as an outer side of the housing element. Opposite the groove on the connecting section, the support legs more preferably have a convexly designed arc section.The curved section can, for example, correspond to the shape of at least one section of the aforementioned hollow of the guide rails.

[0027] In the rest position, the support legs each rest, in particular with the aforementioned curved section, against an outer section of the aforementioned hollow. If the actuating element is now actuated, the slide element is displaced along the axial direction in the housing element as mentioned above. The connecting section is in particular carried along, wherein the movement is redirected into a pivoting out of the support leg, taking into account the locking of the corresponding support leg in the aforementioned locking area on the, for example, stationary housing element. In the support position, the connecting section then preferably rests against the locking mechanism, in particular a nose-like holding section. The slide element preferably acts in a stabilizing manner on the support legs, at least with its weight.

[0028] It can be advantageous if the connecting element for transmitting the actuation of the actuating element to the slide element is rigid. According to a further preferred embodiment, the connecting element is therefore designed as a telescopic rod. In order to ensure simple arrangement or retrofitting of the support device on, for example, a walking aid, the rod can be designed, for example, as a plurality of rods, in particular round profiles, which can be moved one inside the other in pairs. In particular, the rod which is connected to the actuating unit or to the actuating element can have a thinner cross-section than the one connected to the slide element. For example, two pairs of rods can also be provided, which can be arranged, for example, such that they lie opposite one another on, for example, a walking aid. It is also possible to provide more than two pairs of connecting rods.However, considering cost and weight, two can be considered essentially sufficient.

[0029] In order to only have to adapt the connecting rods once to a corresponding walking aid in terms of their telescopicity, quick-release fasteners for reversible locking can be provided in an insertion area of ​​the telescopic rods. The quick-release fasteners can preferably have a housing which sits on the insertion area and accordingly covers both the upper and the lower rod in proportion. The housing can then in turn contain, for example, two clamping elements which can be manually fastened using a rocker lever, one for each rod. The rods can be pushed further into or apart from each other while the quick-release fasteners remain in place, but the clamping elements are not fixed. Once a desired position of the rods relative to each other has been reached, the clamping elements can be adjusted accordingly. These then clamp, for example.The respective connecting rods are inserted between themselves and a part of the housing and locked in place by friction. To prevent accidental release of the clamping elements, a manual locking mechanism can also be provided in the housing.

[0030] The rods can be screwed to the actuating unit or the slide element. It is also conceivable for the connection between the rods and the actuating unit or slide element to be designed in such a way that detachability is possible without substantially compromising the integrity of the components, for example, by the rods and the actuating unit or slide element having corresponding threads.

[0031] However, it can also be advantageous if the connecting element is not rigid, but flexible. On the one hand, this can save weight, and on the other hand, the susceptibility to errors can be reduced even further. As already described above, the actuation of the actuating element is preferably used to exert a tensile force on the slide element. Any compressive forces, which are more difficult to transmit using a flexible connecting element, would be of secondary importance in this case. According to a further preferred embodiment, the connecting means is therefore flexible, in particular rope-like. In addition to ropes, cords, wires, wire ropes, or similar are also suitable here. Ropes or cords can be made, for example, from natural fibers or even from plastics. The flexible connecting element can, for example, be connected to the actuating element orbe connected to the slide element.

[0032] It may be advantageous to provide means that enable reversible adjustment of the length of a flexible, in particular rope-like, connecting element. Such a means can preferably also be designed to tension the flexible connecting element. The tension of the flexible connecting element can be advantageous for effective force transmission. According to a further preferred embodiment, the actuating unit therefore has a tensioning mechanism for adjusting the length of the flexible, in particular rope-like, connecting element. The tensioning mechanism can be designed, for example, as a winding roller or as a helical spring, which is secured during use, in particular against involuntary unwinding and also winding up. In this way, the flexible connecting element can be easily and safely tensioned, wound up, but also unrolled and thus extended.It is also possible to provide a tensioning mechanism in the area of ​​the support unit.

[0033] It can also be advantageous if the actuating element is designed in such a way that it can be easily actuated by a user during normal use of a corresponding medical and / or orthopedic device, for example a walking aid. According to a further preferred embodiment, the actuating element is therefore designed as an actuating lever. As explained above, it can be advantageous, for example, if the actuating element, in this case the actuating lever, is arranged within direct reach of the user when using a corresponding device. The actuating lever can, for example, be designed on the actuating unit in such a way that it can be easily pulled up by a user, for example, along the axial direction. The displacement of the actuating element induced thereby can then be passed on to the slide element, preferably to an identical extent, via the connecting element.The user can preferably operate the operating lever without having to let go of the corresponding device, e.g. a walking aid.

[0034] In order to increase the flexibility of the support module with regard to adaptability to various medical and / or orthopedic devices, it can be advantageous to be able to quickly assemble and disassemble the actuating unit and the support unit. In particular, this should avoid having to disassemble a handle, for example, in order to arrange or remove the actuating unit, for example when a walking aid is provided as such a device. According to a further preferred embodiment, the actuating unit and / or the housing element are therefore designed to be flexible. This can be material-related on the one hand, but on the other hand also particularly related to the design of the aforementioned components. The design can, for example, be slotted in such a way that the actuating unit or the housing element or just a part thereof can be reversibly bent, for example to be placed around a pipe or similar.This flexible property can also be described as “foldability”. By foldable we can mean that the aforementioned components can be expanded without causing any damage and then easily pulled off or onto the corresponding device. Instead of a slot it is also conceivable for the foldability to be achieved by means of a multi-part design of the components. This is also conceivable for the slide element. The components, in particular of the actuating unit, can also have one or more areas with greatly increased elasticity, so that these can be expanded as required and pulled off the corresponding device. Furthermore it is conceivable for the aforementioned components to be, for example,are designed with a closure similar to a clip or hook closure, so that they can be clamped onto a corresponding device by means of a detachable frictional connection.

[0035] The housing element can, as described above, be designed, for example, as an outer shell with a cover element and inner sleeve. A base element can also be provided, for example, which closes off the housing element opposite the cover element. A base element can also serve as a limiter or stop for the slide element in the rest position. During actuation, the actuating unit or the actuating element specifies the distance by which the slide element is displaced along the axial direction. The housing element can be designed in one or more parts. In particular, it can be possible for the housing element to be designed in one piece except for, for example, a base element. To secure the housing element to, for example, a corresponding device of the type described above, it can also be advantageous for the housing element to be assigned simple, yet secure, and reversible connecting means.According to a further preferred embodiment, the housing element therefore has a clamping mechanism. The clamping mechanism can, for example, be formed as part of the cover element of the housing element. The clamping mechanism can, for example, be in two parts or slotted on one side, and can be designed for clamping by means of a screw connection or a clamp closure. Corresponding designs, which could also be used here, have already been developed for the foldability of components of the support module.

[0036] To further stabilize the support legs in the support position and also to make it easier to return the support legs to the rest position, it can be advantageous to provide means in the support unit which impart correspondingly advantageous forces to the slide element in the housing element. According to a further preferred embodiment, one or more energy accumulators, in particular coil springs, are therefore assigned to the slide element in the housing element. Other energy accumulators that can be used include, for example, hydraulic, pneumatic, electromechanical or piston-cylinder systems. If, for example, a coil spring is provided as the energy accumulator, this can preferably be arranged between the slide element and, for example, the cover element of the housing element. The slide element can also have, for example, a circumferential recess in the form of a groove into which the coil spring can be inserted. The coil spring can then, for example,be compressed in the support position and thus preload the slide element. The preload force can then continue to act, for example, on the support legs in the area of ​​the connecting sections, whereby these are preferably located in contact with a locking mechanism as mentioned above, in particular a nose-like holding section. The force required to overcome the holding section can then be exceeded, in particular by applying pressure to the support legs. The force required by the user to retrieve the support leg can be correspondingly reduced compared to a design without an energy accumulator or coil spring. At the same time, the preload force indirectly stabilizes the support legs at the holding sections, for example.

[0037] It may also be advantageous to provide the actuating unit with means that make it easier for the user to actuate the actuating element. According to a further preferred embodiment, an energy accumulator, in particular a helical spring, is therefore assigned to the actuating element of the actuating unit. The energy accumulator can also be designed in the manner already described here. If the energy accumulator of the actuating unit is designed, for example, as a helical spring, this can preload the, for example, mechanically functioning actuating lever in the rest position, so that the force required for actuation is reduced. When the support legs are returned to the rest position from the support position, the spring can then be recharged accordingly.

[0038] The invention further relates to a walking aid comprising a head section and a foot section, which are configured to be telescopically coupled to one another along a longitudinal axis. According to the invention, the walking aid comprises an actuating unit with an actuating housing fixedly arranged on the head section and an actuating lever displaceably mounted thereon. The walking aid further comprises a support unit with a housing element fixedly arranged on the foot section, and a slide element displaceably arranged along the longitudinal axis within the housing element. Furthermore, a plurality of pivotable support legs are articulated on a guide mechanism of the slide element.Furthermore, the walking aid according to the invention comprises a connecting element that operatively connects the actuating element and the sliding element such that, upon actuation of the actuating element, the sliding element moves relative to the housing element along the longitudinal axis in the direction of the head section, and the support legs are pivoted from a rest position into a support position. The connecting element is adjustable in length relative to the longitudinal axis and is thus designed to be adaptable to the telescoping of the head and foot sections.

[0039] The descriptions and definitions given for the support module can also be applied to the mode of operation and possibilities of the above-mentioned walking aid according to the invention to a corresponding extent.

[0040] It can be particularly advantageous if the support legs are long enough to allow the walking aid to be placed on a level surface, for example, using only the support legs in the support position, while the walking aid no longer has any other contact with the ground. This has the advantage that a user of the walking aid does not accidentally attempt to walk with the support legs swung out. Rather, the attempt would result in an overload situation, meaning that at least one support leg is loaded to such an extent that the support legs are forced back into the rest position. In the rest position, the user can, of course, move around safely. This circumstance is also conceivable for the arrangement of the aforementioned support module on a corresponding medical and / or orthopedic device.

[0041] An embodiment of the invention is explained below with reference to the figures. The figures show:

[0042] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a support module according to an embodiment in the rest position;

[0043] Fig. 2a is a sectional view of a support unit of a support module according to an embodiment;

[0044] Fig. 2b is a sectional view of the support unit of Fig. 2a in a support position;

[0045] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a walking aid according to an embodiment.

[0046] Fig. 1 illustrates, by way of example, a support module 10 with an actuating unit 14 and a support unit 18, which are operatively connected to one another by means of a cable 26 as a connecting element.

[0047] The actuating unit 14 has an actuating housing 15 with a sleeve section 19. The sleeve section 19 is provided here for clamping to a round profile. The actuating unit 14 further has an actuating lever 16, which protrudes through the actuating housing 15. At an upper end, the actuating lever 16 has a part bent at a right angle, which is intended in particular for manual operation by a user. The actuating lever is secured against rotation in the actuating housing 15, for example, and is movable only in one axial direction A.

[0048] The actuating unit 15 further comprises a tensioning mechanism 17, which is arranged in Fig. 1 by way of example in an exploded view. The tensioning mechanism 17 is designed as a spindle, which can be secured to a connecting section 23 of the actuating lever 16. The connecting section 23 has an angular topology, wherein the tensioning mechanism 17 has a positively correlating topology on a rear side (not shown in detail here). By means of the tensioning mechanism 17, for example, the length of the cable 26 can be adjusted and the latter can thus also be tensioned if necessary. The cable 26 is formed here from a wire mesh. It is also possible to provide other natural or synthetic fibers for this purpose.

[0049] Fig. 1 further illustrates the support unit 18, which is arranged at a distance from the actuating unit 14 in the axial direction A. The actuating unit 14 has a housing element 20, which has a clamping mechanism 32 at an upper end facing the actuating unit 14 and a bottom cover 21 at the opposite lower end. The bottom cover 21 is designed to be removable, for example. The clamping mechanism 32 is realized in two parts, which can be moved together using screw connections.

[0050] A slide element 22, not shown in detail here, is arranged in the housing element 20. The housing element 20 further has openings 29, through each of which a support leg 24 projects into the housing element 20 and is connected there to the aforementioned slide element 22. The support legs 24 are each connected to the housing element by means of bolts 30. The support legs 24 are arranged here, for example, in a rest position and point upwards from the housing element 20 in the direction of the actuating unit 14. The support legs 24 each have a support foot 28 at their free ends, which here are made of a material with a high coefficient of friction.

[0051] Fig. 2a illustrates a support unit 18, which is also in the rest position. The sectional view also shows the slide element 22 within the housing element 20. Fig. 2a also illustrates, by way of example, that the housing element 20 here also has an inner sleeve 38 in addition to the aforementioned features.

[0052] The slide element 22 has a slotted guide 40 for connecting each support leg 24. The slotted guides 40 are angled relative to, for example, the axial direction A. In the respective slotted guide 40, the support legs 24 are connected, for example, by means of barrel-shaped connecting sections 34. The connecting sections 34 are arranged eccentrically relative to the support leg 24, with a rounded curved section 36 being provided for the transition (see Fig. 2a).

[0053] In the rest position illustrated in Fig. 2a, the curved section 36 is located essentially in a form-fitting manner in one of the openings 29. It is further conceivable that in other embodiments, the curved section 36 rests against a part of the housing element 20 in the rest position. In the embodiment according to Fig. 2a, the support legs 24 are each located in a corresponding opening 29 such that they are essentially flush with the housing element 20 with an outwardly directed side.

[0054] If the slide element 22 is actuated by an actuating unit 14 (not shown in detail here), the slide element 22 is displaced upwards in the axial direction A. Due to the bearing on the respective bolt 30, the movement is converted into a rotation, i.e. a pivoting out of the respective support leg 24, whereby the connecting section 34 can temporarily move further into the slotted guide 40 for this purpose. The movement of the connecting section 34 in the housing element 20 or the slotted guide 40 can, in particular, lie on a circular path. This, in turn, has the advantage that the stroke required for pivoting out the support legs 24, which must be induced by the actuating lever 16, is small. Such a small stroke can, in turn, be comfortable and safe for the user.

[0055] In this regard, Fig. 2b illustrates, by way of example, the support unit 18 from Fig. 2a, but in a support position in which the support legs 24 are effectively pivoted out. It is noticeable that the support legs 24 are each repositioned in the support position such that the curved section 36 now faces inward and the connecting section 34 faces upward (Fig. 2b). It is also clear that the link guide 40, together with the housing element 20, forms an outer cavity in which the eccentric connecting section is arranged.

[0056] At the upper outer end of the slotted guide 40, a nose-like holding section 42 is formed. In the support position, the corresponding connecting sections 34 can rest against the corresponding holding section 42 and thereby, for example, prevent the support legs 24 from pivoting involuntarily. This contact can be promoted in other embodiments, for example by the arrangement of an annular or helical spring. For this purpose, the slide element has, for example, as shown in Fig. 2b, a spring groove on its upper side facing the clamping mechanism 32. A spring arranged therein, for example, could be compressed in the support position and preload the slide element 22 accordingly. This could, for example, further stabilize the contact between the holding section 42 and the connecting section 34.

[0057] A return force required for retracting the support legs 24 could preferably be implemented here by applying pressure to the support legs 24 from below. If the support unit 18 is placed, for example, on a level surface, pressure from above on the support unit 18 is sufficient for the support legs to be stimulated to pivot due to the resistance of the surface. The return force can, in particular, correlate with the resistance that the holding sections 42 exert on the connecting sections 34.

[0058] Fig. 3 illustrates a walking aid 12 with a head section 46 and a foot section 48. The head section 46 has, in particular, a handle 50 and, in the region of the handle 50, an actuating unit 14. The actuating unit 14 has an actuating housing 15, which is arranged on the head section 46 with a sleeve section 19. The actuating unit 14 further has an actuating lever 16.

[0059] Furthermore, a support unit 18 is arranged on the foot section 48, with a housing element 20, which is fixed to the foot section 48 by means of a clamping mechanism 32 not shown in detail here. Below the support unit 18, the foot section

[0060] 48 has a foot 52. A gap is formed here between the housing element 20 and the foot 52. In other embodiments, it is at least conceivable for the housing element 20 to be supported on the foot 52. Further support legs 24 are assigned to the housing element 20, which are here in a rest position.

[0061] The head and foot sections (46,48) are each essentially designed as bar profiles

[0062] 49. The housing element 20 is here slipped onto the rod profile 49 of the foot section 48, while the actuating unit 14 is clamped on by means of the sleeve section 19. A user of the walking aid 12 can operate the actuating lever 16 without having to remove their hand from the handle 50. This design proves to be particularly safe and easy to handle in practice.

[0063] In particular, various particular advantages can be identified with the aforementioned embodiments of a walking aid 12. For example, it has surprisingly been found that it is advantageous for a user if the actuating lever 16 is pulled for actuation while gripping the handle 50, rather than pushed. This makes operation easier for users with limited mobility and is also extremely practical for children with small hands or for seniors with limited fine motor skills. This is further supported here, for example, by the fact that the travel distance that the actuating lever 16 must be moved to fully extend the support legs 24 is relatively small.

[0064] Various materials can be used to manufacture the aforementioned components. The main requirements are low weight combined with high stability. Accordingly, various rigid plastics or lightweight metals can be used. The components can also be produced using innovative manufacturing processes, such as D-gravity printing, injection molding, sintering, or similar.

[0065] List of reference symbols

[0066] 10 support module

[0067] 12 walking aid

[0068] 14 Actuating unit

[0069] 15 Actuator housing

[0070] 16 Actuating element

[0071] 17 clamping mechanism

[0072] 18 support unit

[0073] 19 Sleeve section

[0074] 20 Housing element

[0075] 21 floor cover

[0076] 22 Slide element

[0077] 23 Connection section

[0078] 24 Support leg

[0079] 26 rope

[0080] 28 feet

[0081] 29 openings

[0082] 30 bolts

[0083] 32 clamping mechanism

[0084] 34 Connection section

[0085] 36 arch section

[0086] 38 inner sleeve

[0087] 40 Scenery

[0088] 42 stopping section

[0089] 44 spring groove

[0090] 46 Head section

[0091] 48 Foot section

[0092] 50 handle

[0093] 52 feet

[0094] A Axial direction

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 21 September 2023 (21.09.2023) 1. Support module (io) for external mounting on medical and / or orthopedic devices, comprising: - an actuating unit (14) comprising an actuating element (16), - a support unit (18) spaced axially (A) from the actuating unit (14), comprising a housing element (20), and in the housing element (20) a sliding element (22) designed to be displaceable in the axial direction (A), - a plurality of pivotable support legs (24) which are pivotally connected to the sliding element (22), - a connecting element (26) which is operatively connected at a first end to the actuating element (16) and at a second end to the sliding element (26) such that, by actuating the actuating element (16), the sliding element (22) is displaced in the axial direction (A) relative to the housing element (20). procedure,and thereby the support legs (24) are pivoted from a rest position to a support position, wherein the connecting element is designed as a direct connection between the actuating element and the sliding element, characterized in that the connecting means (26) is designed to be length-adjustable, so that the axial distance of the actuating unit (14) from the support unit (18) is adjustable.

2. Support module (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the sliding element (22) has a guide mechanism (40) for guiding the support legs (24) from the rest position to the support position.

3. Support module (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that the support legs (24) have raised connecting sections (34) which are in operative connection with the guide mechanism (40). AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19) 4- Support module (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that the connecting sections (34) are eccentric relative to a longitudinal axis of the respective support leg (24).

5. Support module (io) according to one or more of claims 2-4, characterized in that the guide mechanism (40) for the support legs (24) is designed as a slide guide.

6. Support module (10) according to one or more of claims 2-5, characterized in that the guide mechanism (40) has at least one locking mechanism (42) for locking at least one support leg (24) in the support position.

7. Support module (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting element (26) is designed as a telescopic linkage.

8. Support module (10) according to one or more of claims 1-6, characterized in that the connecting element (26) is flexible.

9. Support module (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that the actuating unit (14) for length adjustment of the flexible connecting element (26) has a clamping mechanism (17).

10. Support module (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating element (16) is designed as an actuating lever.

11. Support module (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating unit (14) and / or the housing element (20) are designed to be flexible. AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19) 12. Support module (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing element (20) has a clamping mechanism (32).

13. Support module (io) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or more energy storage devices are assigned to the sliding element (22) in the housing element (20).

14. Support module (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that a power storage device is assigned to the actuating element (16) of the actuating unit (14).

15. Walking aid (12), comprising a head section (46) and a foot section (48), which are telescopically designed to extend along a longitudinal axis, comprising: - an actuating unit (14), comprising an actuating housing (15) fixedly arranged on the head section (46) with an actuating element (16) slidably mounted thereon; - a support unit (18), comprising a housing element (20) fixedly arranged on the foot section (48), and in the housing element (20) a sliding element (22) slidably designed along the longitudinal axis; - a plurality of pivotable support legs (24), which are pivotally mounted on a guide mechanism (40) of the sliding element (22); - a connecting element (26), which thus connects the actuating element (16) and the sliding element (22) in operative connection.that by actuating the actuating element (16) the sliding element (22) moves relative to the housing element (20) along the longitudinal axis in the direction of the head section (46), and the support legs (24) are pivoted from a rest position to a support position, wherein the connecting element (26) is adjustable in length with respect to the longitudinal axis and is thus designed to be adaptable to the telescoping of the head and foot sections (46, 48) together. AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19)

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