Appliance and joint mechanism

Abstract

To slightly adjust a bent angle easily.SOLUTION: An appliance comprises: first and second members attached to the body portion of a wearer; and a joint mechanism supporting the first and second members. The joint mechanism comprises: a rotary member which is fixed to the first member so as to rotate with the first member around a rotary axis; a first slide member which is provided on the second member slidably, contacts one end of the rotary member to regulate rotation of the rotary member in one direction; a second slide member which is provided on the second member slidably, contacts the other end of the rotary member to regulate rotation of the rotary member in the other direction; and a clamp mechanism comprising a pressing and pulling part, a first contact part which extends and shrinks according to reciprocation motion of the pressing and pulling part so as to be in a contact state and in a non-contact state to the first slide member, and a second contact part which extends and shrinks according to the reciprocation motion of the pressing and pulling part so as to be in a contact state and in a non-contact state to the second slide member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an orthosis and a joint mechanism that are attached to a body part of a wearer. [Background technology]

[0002] An orthosis is known that includes a first member that is attached to a body part of the wearer that is aligned with a first bone, a second member that is attached to a body part of the wearer that is aligned with a second bone, and a joint mechanism that supports the first member and the second member so that the first member and the second member can rotate relative to each other about a rotation axis (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The joint mechanism has a rotating member fixed to a first member so as to rotate together with the first member around a rotation axis of the joint mechanism, a first restricting member fixed to the second member and abutting against one end of the rotating member to restrict rotation of the rotating member in one direction, and a second restricting member fixed to the second member and abutting against the other end of the rotating member to restrict rotation of the rotating member in another direction opposite to the one direction. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6919293 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the above-mentioned joint mechanism, the adjustable bending angle is predetermined and cannot be finely adjusted, and there is a problem in that adjustment is time-consuming, such as adjusting and fixing the adjustment pins one by one.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and has as its main object to provide an orthosis and a joint mechanism that allow easy fine adjustment of the flexion angle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the present invention is to A first member that is attached to a body part of the wearer along a first bone part; A second member attached to a body part of the wearer along a second bone part; a joint mechanism that supports the first member and the second member such that the first member and the second member are rotatable relative to each other about a rotation axis; An appliance comprising: The joint mechanism includes: a rotating member fixed to the first member so as to rotate together with the first member about a rotation axis of the joint mechanism; a first slide member slidably provided on the second member and abutting against one end of the rotating member to restrict rotation of the rotating member in one direction; a second slide member slidably provided on the second member and abutting against the other end of the rotating member to restrict rotation of the rotating member in a direction opposite to the one direction; a clamp mechanism having a push / pull part that reciprocates when pushed and pulled by a user, a first abutment part that extends from the push / pull part toward the first slide member and expands and contracts in response to the reciprocating movement of the push / pull part, thereby coming into contact with and not coming into contact with the first slide member, and a second abutment part that extends from the push / pull part toward the second slide member and expands and contracts in response to the reciprocating movement of the push / pull part, thereby coming into contact with and not coming into contact with the second slide member; Equipped with Orthotics. In this aspect, an absorbing portion that absorbs shock at the contact may be provided at the tip of each of the first and second slide members where the first and second slide members contact the rotating member. In this one aspect, the joint mechanism may further include an angle indicator having one end engaged with a pin member fixed to the first member so as to rotate together with the first member around a rotation axis of the joint mechanism, and the other end configured to rotate in conjunction with the first member around a central axis fixed to the second member to indicate a bending angle of the first and second members. In order to achieve the above object, one aspect of the present invention is to A joint mechanism that supports a first member that is attached to a body part of a wearer along a first bone and a second member that is attached to a body part of the wearer along a second bone so that the first member and the second member can rotate relative to each other about a rotation axis, a rotating member fixed to the first member so as to rotate together with the first member about the rotation axis; a first slide member slidably provided on the second member and abutting against one end of the rotating member to restrict rotation of the rotating member in one direction; a second slide member slidably provided on the second member and abutting against the other end of the rotating member to restrict rotation of the rotating member in a direction opposite to the one direction; a clamp mechanism having a push / pull part that reciprocates when pushed and pulled by a user, a first abutment part that extends from the push / pull part toward the first slide member and expands and contracts in response to the reciprocating movement of the push / pull part, thereby coming into contact with and not coming into contact with the first slide member, and a second abutment part that extends from the push / pull part toward the second slide member and expands and contracts in response to the reciprocating movement of the push / pull part, thereby coming into contact with and not coming into contact with the second slide member; Equipped with Joint mechanism may be also possible. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an orthosis and a joint mechanism that allow easy fine adjustment of the flexion angle. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing a configuration of an appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the configuration of the joint mechanism. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the configuration of the joint mechanism. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the configuration of the joint mechanism. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the configuration of the joint mechanism. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of a clamp mechanism. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of a clamp mechanism. [Figure 8] 13 is a diagram showing a contact state in which a tip end of a first contact portion contacts a first slide member. FIG. [Figure 9] 13 is a diagram showing a non-contact state in which the tip of the first contact portion is separated from the first slide member. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the tip of a moving part. [Figure 11] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing an absorbing portion that absorbs a shock caused by contact. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] The present invention will be described below through embodiments of the invention, but the invention according to the claims is not limited to the following embodiments. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described in the embodiments are necessarily essential as means for solving the problems.

[0011] 1 is an external perspective view showing the configuration of an orthosis according to the present embodiment. The orthosis 1 is a restricting device that restricts the range of motion of the ankle joint that connects the bones of the lower leg (the tibia and the fibula) and the talus of the wearer.

[0012] The brace 1 is mainly composed of a lower leg frame 2 that is located on the side of the lower leg bone and supports the lower leg (second bone part), a sole frame 3 that is located on the side of the talus and supports the foot (first bone part) from the ankle forward, and a joint mechanism 4 that supports these two frames so that they can swing within a swing range that is restricted along the movable direction of the ankle joint. The sole frame 3 is a specific example of a first member. The lower leg frame 2 is a specific example of a second member.

[0013] The sole frame 3 has a bottom plate 31 having a support surface on which the sole of the foot is placed, and a side plate 32 standing on the side of the bottom plate 31. More specifically, the joint mechanism 4 swingably connects the lower end of the lower leg frame 2 and the side plate 32 of the sole frame 3. The sole frame 3 is attached to the foot via a mounting belt or the like (not shown).

[0014] In the case where the wearer wears a shoe-like cup sole, for example, the cup sole may be fixed. As described later, the joint mechanism 4 has a structure that allows the ankle joint to swing within a narrower range than the range in which the ankle joint can be naturally bent. Note that Fig. 1 shows a see-through state of a cover 41 (described later) of the joint mechanism so that the relationship with subsequent drawings can be understood.

[0015] The lower leg frame 2 is attached to the lower leg via a fastening belt (not shown) or the like. The range of motion of the ankle joint is restricted by a joint mechanism 4 disposed on the outside. This configuration is convenient when adjusting the restricted range while the orthosis 1 is still attached to the wearer.

[0016] 1 assumes that the affected leg is the right leg, and shows the joint mechanism 4 disposed on the outside of the right leg. In this embodiment, the brace 1 is a restricting device for the right leg, but it is of course also possible to manufacture the brace 1 for the left leg in which the joint mechanism 4 is disposed on the outside of the left leg.

[0017] Figures 2 to 5 are side views showing the configuration of the joint mechanism. Figures 2 and 3 are views showing a state in which the dorsiflexion angle of the sole frame 3 is restricted. Figures 4 and 5 are views showing a state in which the plantar flexion angle of the sole frame 3 is restricted. Figures 1 to 5 are views showing a see-through state through a cover so that the internal structure of the joint mechanism can be easily understood.

[0018] The joint mechanism 4 supports the sole frame 3 and the lower leg frame 2 so that the sole frame 3 and the lower leg frame 2 are rotatable relative to each other about a rotation axis 33 .

[0019] The joint mechanism 4 includes a rotating member 42 that rotates together with the sole frame 3 around the rotation axis 33, a first slide member 43 that restricts the rotation of the rotating member 42 in one direction, a second slide member 44 that restricts the rotation of the rotating member 42 in the other direction opposite to the one direction, and a clamp mechanism 45 that clamps the first and second slide members 43, 44.

[0020] A rotation shaft 33 is formed at the upper end of the side plate 32 of the sole frame 3. A connection part 21 for connecting the sole frame 3 is formed at the lower end of the lower leg frame 2. A through hole 22 is formed in the connection part 21. The rotation shaft 33 of the side plate 32 of the sole frame 3 is inserted into the through hole 22 of the connection part 21 of the lower leg frame 2. This allows the sole frame 3 to swing relative to the lower leg frame 2 around the rotation shaft 33. In this way, the rotation shaft 33 of the sole frame 3 functions as the rotation shaft 33 of the joint mechanism 4.

[0021] The rotating member 42 is made of a plate-shaped member. The rotating member 42 is fixed to the rotation shaft 33 of the side plate 32 of the sole frame 3. Therefore, the rotating member 42 rotates together with the sole frame 3 around the rotation shaft 33.

[0022] A pair of through holes are formed in the upper end surface of the connecting part 21 of the lower leg frame 2. The first slide member 43 is inserted into one of the through holes in the upper end surface of the connecting part 21. In this manner, the first slide member 43 is provided on the lower leg frame 2 so as to be slidable in the up-down direction.

[0023] The first slide member 43 comes into contact with one end of the rotation member 42, thereby restricting rotation of the rotation member 42 in one direction. In Figures 2 and 3, the first slide member 43 restricts rotation of the rotation member 42 in the counterclockwise direction.

[0024] The rotating member 42 is fixed to the rotating shaft 33 of the side plate 32 of the sole frame 3, and rotates together with the sole frame 3. Therefore, the first sliding member 43 restricts dorsiflexion, which is the rotation of the sole frame 3 in the counterclockwise direction.

[0025] In addition, by adjusting the insertion depth of the first slide member 43 into the through-hole of the connecting portion 21 of the lower leg frame 2, the rotation range of the rotating member 42 in the counterclockwise direction can be adjusted, and the range of the dorsiflexion angle of the sole frame 3 can be adjusted. For example, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the dorsiflexion angle of the sole frame 3 is limited to about 30° by the first slide member 43. In this way, the user can easily fine-tune the range of the dorsiflexion angle of the sole frame 3 simply by adjusting the insertion depth of the first slide member 43.

[0026] On the other hand, the second slide member 44 is inserted into the other through-hole in the upper end surface of the connecting part 21. In this manner, the second slide member 44 is provided to be able to slide up and down on the lower leg frame 2. The second slide member 44 abuts against the other end of the rotating member 42, thereby restricting the rotation of the rotating member 42 in the other direction.

[0027] 4 and 5, the second slide member 44 restricts the clockwise rotation of the rotating member 42. The rotating member 42 is fixed to the rotation shaft 33 of the side plate 32 of the sole frame 3 and rotates together with the sole frame 3. Therefore, the second slide member 44 restricts plantar flexion, which is the clockwise rotation of the sole frame 3.

[0028] In addition, by adjusting the insertion depth of the second slide member 44 into the through-hole of the connecting portion 21 of the lower leg frame 2, the rotation range of the rotating member 42 in the clockwise direction can be adjusted, and the range of the plantar flexion angle of the sole frame 3 can be adjusted. For example, as shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the plantar flexion angle of the sole frame 3 is limited to about 10° by the second slide member 44. In this way, the user can easily fine-tune the range of the plantar flexion angle of the sole frame 3 by simply adjusting the insertion depth of the second slide member 44.

[0029] The joint mechanism 4 may include an angle indicator 46 that indicates the bending angle of the lower leg frame 2 and the sole frame 3. The angle indicated by the angle indicator 46 allows the user to easily recognize the bending angle of the lower leg frame 2 and the sole frame 3.

[0030] As shown in Fig. 2, a pin member 331 is fixed to the rotation shaft 33 of the side plate 32 of the sole frame 3. A rotation shaft 411 is fixed to the cover 41 that covers the connection part 21 of the lower leg frame 2. The angle indication part 46 is attached to the rotation shaft 411 so as to rotate around the rotation shaft 411. One end of the angle indication part 46 is engaged with the pin member 331.

[0031] With this configuration, when the rotation axis 33 of the sole frame 3 rotates and the pin member 331 rotates, the angle indication portion 46 also rotates in conjunction, and the other end of the angle indication portion 46 indicates the flexion angle of the lower leg frame 2 and the sole frame 3 that is previously written on the cover 41.

[0032] Figures 6 and 7 are diagrams showing the configuration of the clamp mechanism. Figure 6 is a diagram showing a state in which the clamp mechanism clamps the first and second slide members 43, 44. Figure 7 is a diagram showing a state in which the clamp mechanism releases the clamping of the first and second slide members 43, 44 (unclamped state). Figures 6 and 7 show horizontal cross sections of the clamp mechanism shown in Figures 2 to 5.

[0033] The clamp mechanism 45 has a push / pull portion 451 that is pushed and pulled by the user, a first abutment portion 452 that is in an abutting state and a non-abutting state with the first slide member 43, and a second abutment portion 453 that is in an abutting state and a non-abutting state with the second slide member 44.

[0034] The push / pull part 451 is configured to reciprocate when pushed / pulled by the user. The first contact part 452 is connected to the push / pull part 451 and extends from the push / pull part 451 toward the first slide member 43. The first contact part 452 has an extension / contraction mechanism 454 that expands and contracts in response to the reciprocating movement of the push / pull part 451.

[0035] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a contact state in which the tip of the first contact portion contacts the first slide member 43. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a non-contact state in which the tip of the first contact portion is separated from the first slide member 43. The extension and contraction of the extension mechanism 454 of the first contact portion 452 puts the tip portion into an abutting state and a non-abutting state with respect to the first slide member 43.

[0036] 6 and 7, the extension mechanism 454 has a moving part 455 and a swinging part 456 having one end connected to the moving part 455 and the other end swingably connected to the push-pull part 451. The swinging part 456 swings around one end in response to the reciprocating movement of the push-pull part 451.

[0037] 10, a tip portion 457 is fixed to the moving portion 455. The tip portion 457 passes through the through hole of the connecting portion 21 and abuts against the first slide member 43. When the moving portion 455 moves in a direction approaching the first slide member 43, the tip portion 457 also approaches the first slide member 43 and abuts against the first slide member 43. As a result, the position of the first slide member 43 is fixed and the clamped state is established.

[0038] On the other hand, when the moving portion 455 moves in the direction away from the first slide member 43, the tip portion 457 also moves away from the first slide member 43. As a result, the fixation of the first slide member 43 is released and the first slide member 43 is in an unclamped state, and the first slide member 43 can be moved freely.

[0039] When the user pushes the push-pull portion 451 and the swinging portion 456 swings, the swinging portion 456 is stretched and presses the moving portion 455 toward the first slide member 43. As a result, the moving portion 455 moves in a direction approaching the first slide member 43, and the tip portion 457 abuts against the first slide member 43 (FIGS. 6 and 8). In this state, the extension mechanism 454 of the first abutment portion 452 is extended.

[0040] On the other hand, when the user pulls the push-pull portion 451 and the swinging portion 456 swings, the swinging portion 456 pulls the moving portion 455 toward the push-pull portion 451. As a result, the moving portion 455 moves in the direction away from the first slide member 43, and the tip portion 457 moves away from the first slide member 43 (FIGS. 7 and 9). In this state, the expansion / contraction mechanism 454 of the first contact portion 452 is contracted.

[0041] 10, a spring member 458 may be provided between the moving part 455 and the connecting part 21. For example, the spring member 458 is a disc spring or the like. The tip part 457 is inserted into the spring member, and is inserted into a through hole of the connecting part 21. The configuration of the expansion mechanism 454 described above is an example, and is not limited thereto, and may be any configuration.

[0042] The second abutment portion 453 has substantially the same configuration as the first abutment portion 452. The second abutment portion 453 is connected to the push-pull portion 451, and extends from the push-pull portion 451 toward the second slide member 44. The second abutment portion 453 has an expansion and contraction mechanism 454 that expands and contracts in response to the reciprocating movement of the push-pull portion 451. The expansion and contraction of the expansion and contraction mechanism 454 of the second abutment portion 453 brings the tip portion into an abutting state and a non-abutting state with respect to the second slide member 44.

[0043] In this way, the user can easily bring the first and second slide members 43, 44 into an unclamped state at the same time by simply pulling the push-pull part 451. Then, in this unclamped state, the user adjusts the insertion depth of the first and second slide members 43, 44. The range of the plantar flexion angle of the sole frame 3 described above is determined according to the insertion depth of the first and second slide members 43, 44. After adjusting the insertion depth, the user can easily bring the first and second slide members 43, 44 into a clamped state at the same time by simply pushing the push-pull part 451. With this series of actions, the user can easily and quickly fine-tune the range of the plantar flexion angle of the sole frame 3.

[0044] 11, an absorbing portion 47 for absorbing a shock caused by the contact may be provided at the tip of the first slide member 43 where the first slide member 43 contacts the rotating member 42. Similarly, an absorbing portion 47 for absorbing a shock caused by the contact may be provided at the tip of the second slide member 44 where the second slide member 44 contacts the rotating member 42.

[0045] The absorbing portion 47 is configured as a shock absorber made of, for example, a spring member, etc. This allows the absorbing portion 47 to absorb the shock generated when the first and second sliding members 43, 44 come into contact with the rotating member 42, thereby effectively reducing the discomfort felt when the flexion angle of the ankle joint is restricted.

[0046] As described above, the joint mechanism 4 according to this embodiment includes the rotating member 42 fixed to the sole frame 3 so as to rotate together with the sole frame 3 around the rotation axis 33 of the joint mechanism 4, the first slide member 43 slidably provided on the lower leg frame 2 and abutting against one end of the rotating member 42 to restrict rotation of the rotating member 42 in one direction, and the second slide member 44 slidably provided on the lower leg frame 2 and abutting against the other end of the rotating member 42 to restrict rotation of the rotating member 42 in the other direction opposite to the one direction. and a clamp mechanism 45 having a push / pull section 451 that reciprocates when pushed and pulled by the user, a first abutment section 452 that extends from the push / pull section 451 toward the first slide member 43 and expands and contracts in response to the reciprocating movement of the push / pull section 451, thereby entering a contact state and a non-contact state with the first slide member 43, and a second abutment section 453 that extends from the push / pull section 451 toward the second slide member 44, and expands and contracts in response to the reciprocating movement of the push / pull section 451, thereby entering a contact state and a non-contact state with the second slide member 44.

[0047] As a result, the user can easily simultaneously put the first and second slide members 43, 44 into an unclamped state by simply pulling the push-pull portion 451. Then, in this unclamped state, the user adjusts the positions of the first and second slide members 43, 44. After making this adjustment, the user can easily simultaneously put the first and second slide members 43, 44 into a clamped state by simply pushing the push-pull portion 451. With this series of actions, the user can easily fine-tune the bending angle.

[0048] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims.

[0049] In the above embodiment, the joint mechanism 4 is applied to an ankle joint, but is not limited thereto. The joint mechanism 4 may be applied to other joints, such as a wrist joint. [Explanation of symbols]

[0050] 1 Orthosis, 2 Lower leg frame, 3 Sole frame, 4 Joint mechanism, 21 Connection part, 22 Through hole, 31 Bottom plate, 32 Side plate, 33 Rotation shaft, 41 Cover, 42 Rotation member, 43 First slide member, 44 Second slide member, 45 Clamp mechanism, 46 Angle indication part, 47 Absorption part, 331 Pin member, 411 Rotation shaft, 51 Push-pull part, 452 First contact part, 453 Second contact part, 454 Telescopic mechanism, 455 Moving part, 456 Swinging part, 457 Tip part, 458 Spring member

Claims

1. A first member that is attached to a body part of a wearer along a first bone part; A second member attached to a body part of the wearer along a second bone part; a joint mechanism that supports the first member and the second member such that the first member and the second member are rotatable relative to each other about a rotation axis; An appliance comprising: The joint mechanism includes: a rotating member fixed to the first member so as to rotate together with the first member about a rotation axis of the joint mechanism; a first slide member slidably provided on the second member and abutting against one end of the rotating member to restrict rotation of the rotating member in one direction; a second slide member slidably provided on the second member and abutting against the other end of the rotating member to restrict rotation of the rotating member in a direction opposite to the one direction; a clamp mechanism having a push / pull part that reciprocates when pushed and pulled by a user, a first abutment part that extends from the push / pull part toward the first slide member and expands and contracts in response to the reciprocating movement of the push / pull part to be in abutting and non-abutting states with respect to the first slide member, and a second abutment part that extends from the push / pull part toward the second slide member and expands and contracts in response to the reciprocating movement of the push / pull part to be in abutting and non-abutting states with respect to the second slide member; Equipped with Orthotics.

2. 2. The device of claim 1, The first and second slide members are provided at their respective tips where they come into contact with the rotating member with an absorbing portion for absorbing shock at the contact. Orthotics.

3. The brace according to claim 1 or 2, and an angle indicator configured to have one end engaged with a pin member fixed to the first member so as to rotate together with the first member around a rotation axis of the joint mechanism, and to rotate in conjunction with the first member around a central axis fixed to the second member so as to indicate a bending angle of the first and second members. Orthotics.

4. A joint mechanism that supports a first member that is attached to a body part of a wearer along a first bone and a second member that is attached to a body part of the wearer along a second bone, so that the first member and the second member can rotate relative to each other about a rotation axis, a rotating member fixed to the first member so as to rotate together with the first member about the rotation axis; a first slide member slidably provided on the second member and abutting against one end of the rotating member to restrict rotation of the rotating member in one direction; a second slide member slidably provided on the second member and abutting against the other end of the rotating member to restrict rotation of the rotating member in a direction opposite to the one direction; a clamp mechanism having a push / pull part that reciprocates when pushed and pulled by a user, a first abutment part that extends from the push / pull part toward the first slide member and expands and contracts in response to the reciprocating movement of the push / pull part to be in abutting and non-abutting states with respect to the first slide member, and a second abutment part that extends from the push / pull part toward the second slide member and expands and contracts in response to the reciprocating movement of the push / pull part to be in abutting and non-abutting states with respect to the second slide member; Equipped with Joint mechanism.

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