Joint device for brace

Abstract

To provide a joint device of a brace capable of changing a floating angle of the brace by a simple operation.SOLUTION: The joint device 1 includes the first base portion 2 provided on the first arm portion 51, the second base portion 3 provided on the second arm portion 52, the angle changing member 4 that changes the arm portion angle formed by the first arm portion 51 and the second arm portion 52, the first holding members 5 and 5 ' provided on both side surfaces of the first base portion 2, the second holding members 6 and 6 ' provided on both side surfaces of the second base portion 3, and is held by the first base portion 2 and the first holding members 5 and 5 '. A first stopper 7 for fixing the position of the first base part 2 to the angle changing member 4 in a changeable manner, a second stopper 8 held by the second base part 3 and the second holding member 6 and limiting the rotation of the angle changing member 4, and a pivot 9 for pivoting the second holding members 6 and 6' and the angle changing member 4 are provided.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a joint device for an orthosis that connects multiple elongated members, and in particular to a joint device for an orthosis that allows the free movement angle of one elongated member relative to another elongated member to be changed with a simple operation. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, for example, braces that support the impaired lower limbs by connecting and fixing the thigh and lower leg have been used to restore or improve the motor abilities of patients whose movements, such as standing and walking, are limited due to severe functional impairment caused by a stroke. This brace generally consists of a pair of elongated members fixed to the thigh and lower leg, respectively, and a joint that connects these elongated members and is positioned at knee height. In rehabilitation using an orthosis, patients undergo standing training followed by walking training with the knee fixed in an extended position by a joint. However, brain function is actively recovering during the first six months after the onset of stroke, and if walking training is performed with an incorrect walking pattern during this period, the brain will learn this incorrect walking pattern. Furthermore, since a normal walking pattern involves alternating knee extension and flexion, keeping the knee fixed in an extended position is an incorrect walking pattern. Therefore, continuing to fixate the knee from an early stage will hinder future recovery. To solve this problem, it is desirable for the brace to have a function that allows the knee to be extended and flexed depending on the patient's recovery status. Therefore, in recent years, techniques have been developed that allow the knee to bend and extend during walking, and inventions relating to this have already been disclosed.

[0003] Patent document 1 discloses an invention entitled "Joint device for orthosis," which relates to a joint device for orthosis that can arbitrarily change the range of motion around the axis of the joint in accordance with the recovery status of the patient wearing the orthosis. The invention disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a first member forming part of an orthosis, a second member rotatably connected to the first member, a pivot that rotatably connects the first member and the second member, and an axis-around-motion range setting mechanism that sets multiple movable angle ranges around the axis for rotation of the first and second members around the axis, and this axis-around-motion range setting mechanism includes a guide section and one or more movable bodies that are engaged with the second member and guided by the guide section to move in an arc around the pivot axis, and the movable body is characterized in that one of multiple types of range setting sliders with different lengths is selected and fixed to the second member via fixing means in a detachable and replaceable manner. In an invention having such characteristics, the angular range within which the first and second members can move around the pivot axis can be changed by selecting one of multiple types of range setting sliders. Therefore, the movable angular range within which the first and second members can rotate can be adjusted in response to the symptoms of the affected area using a single joint device of the orthosis, and the second member can be freely moved within this movable angular range. This makes it possible to perform gait training by extending and flexing the knee. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-38593 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1, the range setting slider must be replaced to adjust the movable angle range. In this case, the fixing means must be loosened and tightened, which makes it difficult to quickly adjust the range of free movement of the second member, and is cumbersome. Furthermore, if the movable angle range is not appropriate, the complication of replacing the range setting slider increases.

[0006] The present invention was made in response to the above-mentioned conventional circumstances, and aims to provide a coupling device for an orthosis that allows the free movement angle of the orthosis to be changed with a simple operation, without the need for part replacement or the associated complicated work. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, a first invention provides a joint device for an orthosis to be worn on an upper limb or a lower limb, the joint device comprising a first arm portion and a second arm portion, a first base portion provided at the lower end of the first arm portion, a second base portion provided at the upper end of the second arm portion opposite the lower end, an angle changing member arranged in parallel with the first base portion and the second base portion and changing the arm portion angle formed by the first arm portion and the second arm portion, a first holding member provided on at least one side surface of the first base portion, a second holding member provided on at least one side surface of the second base portion, and a joint between the first base portion and the first holding member. The angle-changing member has a first stopper that is held by a second holding member and that fixes the position of the first base portion relative to the angle-changing member so that the position is changeable, and a pivot that pivots the second holding member and the angle-changing member, and when the angle-changing member does not rotate around the pivot axis, the first arm portion cannot rotate around the pivot axis without changing the angle of the arm portion when the first stopper fixes the position of the first base portion relative to the angle-changing member, and the first arm portion can rotate around the pivot axis while changing the angle of the arm portion when the first stopper releases the fixation of the position of the first base portion relative to the angle-changing member.

[0008] In an invention having such a configuration, the first arm portion is a long member fixed to the side of the upper arm or thigh via a meniscus, and the second arm portion is a long member fixed to the side of the forearm or lower leg via a meniscus. The first and second base portions and the first and second holding members are, for example, flat plate-like members, respectively. The long axes of the first and second base portions are parallel to the long axes of the first and second arm portions, respectively. Therefore, the arm portion angle formed by the first arm portion and the second arm portion is also the angle formed by the first base portion and the second base portion. Furthermore, the first stopper may have a configuration in which one end of the first stopper is engaged with or disengaged from the angle changing member when the first stopper approaches or moves away from the angle changing member, respectively.

[0009] The second holding member provided on at least one side of the second base portion and the angle-changing member arranged in parallel with the first base portion and the second base portion are pivotally supported by a pivot, and therefore the first base portion is connected to the second base portion via the second holding member, the angle-changing member, and the pivot. Of these, the angle change member is pivotally supported on a pivot axis, and therefore the change in the arm angle formed by the first arm portion and the second arm portion is brought about by relative rotational movement between the first arm portion and the second arm portion around the pivot axis.

[0010] In more detail, the angle of the arm section is changed by two types of movement: when the angle change member does not rotate around the pivot axis, but the position at which one end of the first stopper engages with the angle change member changes, resulting in relative rotational movement between the first arm section and the second arm section; and when the angle change member rotates around the pivot axis while one end of the first stopper remains engaged with the angle change member, resulting in relative rotational movement between the first arm section and the second arm section. In this application, the rotational movement in the former case is simply referred to as rotation, and the rotational movement in the latter case is referred to as free movement, thereby distinguishing between the two.

[0011] In the invention configured as described above, the first stopper is held by the first base and the first holding member, so that the angle changing member does not rotate around the pivot and, when one end of the first stopper is engaged with the angle changing member, the position of the first base relative to the angle changing member is fixed, thereby preventing the first arm from rotating around the pivot without changing the arm angle. In contrast, when the angle change member does not rotate around the pivot and one end of the first stopper is not locked to the angle change member, the position of the first base portion relative to the angle change member is movable, thereby changing the arm angle of the first arm portion and allowing it to rotate around the pivot.

[0012] The second invention is characterized in that, in the first invention, the angle-changing member has a first engagement portion, the second retaining member provided on one side of the second base portion has a second engagement portion that engages with the first engagement portion, one of the first and second engagement portions is an arc-shaped engagement portion formed in an arc shape centered on the pivot axis, and the other of the first and second engagement portions that is not an arc-shaped engagement portion is guided along the arc-shaped engagement portion, and when the first stopper fixes the position of the first base portion, the first arm portion moves freely around the pivot axis together with the angle-changing member as the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion engage with each other.

[0013] In the invention having such a configuration, the other of the first and second engagement portions that is not the arc-shaped engagement portion has a length along the arc-shaped engagement portion that is shorter than the length of the arc-shaped engagement portion, so that the other of the first and second engagement portions is guided along the arc-shaped engagement portion. As an example, when the first engagement portion is not an arc-shaped engagement portion and the second engagement portion is an arc-shaped engagement portion, the first engagement portion may be a pin that protrudes toward the second holding member, and the second engagement portion may be a groove or hole that engages with the pin. Conversely, the first engagement portion may be a groove or hole, and the second engagement portion may be a pin that protrudes toward the angle-changing member.

[0014] In the invention of the above configuration, in addition to the action of the first invention, the first engagement portion of the angle-changing member engages with the second engagement portion of the second holding member, so that, for example, when the second engagement portion is an arc-shaped engagement portion, the first engagement portion is guided along the second engagement portion and can move back and forth in an arc around the pivot axis. Therefore, even when one end of the first stopper is engaged with the angle-changing member and the position of the first base portion relative to the angle-changing member remains fixed, the angle-changing member can move back and forth in an arc around the pivot axis, i.e., can move freely. Therefore, when the first stopper fixes the position of the first base portion relative to the angle changing member, the first arm portion on which the first base portion is provided moves freely around the pivot together with the angle changing member.

[0015] The third invention is characterized in that, in the first or second invention, the angle-changing member has a sawtooth portion with which the first stopper engages and disengages, the first stopper has a first engaging portion that engages and disengages with the sawtooth portion and a first advance / retract structure that moves the first engaging portion forward and backward relative to the sawtooth portion, the first base portion has a first storage space formed therein that houses the first stopper, and the first retaining member has a first retaining window formed at a location corresponding to the first storage space that houses and exposes a portion of the first advance / retract structure.

[0016] In an invention having such a configuration, in addition to the effects of the first or second invention, a first storage space for storing the first stopper is formed in the first base portion, thereby preventing the thickness from becoming too bulky when the first base portion, the first stopper, and the first retaining member are stacked. Furthermore, the first retaining member has a first retaining window portion that exposes and accommodates a portion of the first advance / retreat structure provided in the first stopper, allowing the operator of the brace to directly contact this exposed portion and move the first engaging portion closer to the sawtooth portion as well as away from the sawtooth portion.

[0017] A fourth invention is the first or second invention, further comprising a second stopper held by the second base portion and the second holding member and limiting rotation of the angle change member around the pivot shaft, the second stopper having a tip surface that comes into contact with and separates from the angle change member, a second locking portion having one and other end surfaces provided on either side of the tip surface, and a second advancing / retracting structure that moves the second locking portion forward and backward relative to the angle change member, the angle change member having an arc-shaped outer circumferential edge, an arc-shaped inner circumferential edge, and first and second end edges that respectively connect both ends of the outer circumferential edge and both ends of the inner circumferential edge, and a through hole through which the pivot shaft passes through the inner circumferential edge. The first base portion has a through hole, and a notch formed in the first base portion to accommodate the angle-changing member, and the notch has an abutment surface on its inner surface against which the first edge of the angle-changing member abuts, and of the pair of opening ends forming the notch, one closer to the abutment surface has a notched end face, and when the first stopper fixes the position of the first base portion relative to the angle-changing member, the notched end face of the notch abuts against one end face of the second stopper, thereby minimizing the arm portion angle, and when the second edge of the angle-changing member abuts against the other end face of the second stopper, thereby maximizing the arm portion angle.

[0018] In the invention configured as described above, the second stopper that limits the rotation of the first base portion and the angle changing member about the pivot axis may limit both the first base portion and the angle changing member at the same time, or may limit only one of them at different times. This depends on the engagement position of the first stopper with respect to the angle changing member and the presence and shape of the first and second engagement portions. The angle change member has an outer peripheral edge, an inner peripheral edge, and first and second end edges each having an arc shape, and is formed, for example, in a semicircular disk shape. In this case, the cutout portion of the first base portion that houses the angle change member has an inner peripheral surface that is formed in an arc shape.

[0019] In the invention having the above configuration, in addition to the effects of the first or second invention, as the first arm rotates or moves freely in a direction that increases the arm angle, the second edge of the angle change member approaches one end face of the second stopper. If the first arm further rotates in the same direction, the second edge of the angle change member abuts one end face of the second stopper, preventing the angle change member and the first base from further rotating in the same direction. Therefore, the maximum angle of the arm angle is limited by one end face of the second stopper.

[0020] Furthermore, as the first arm rotates or moves freely in a direction that reduces the arm angle, the notched end surface of the notch approaches the other end surface of the second stopper. If the first arm further rotates in the same direction, the notched end surface of the notch abuts against the other end surface of the second stopper, preventing the angle change member and the first base from further rotating in the same direction. Therefore, the other end surface of the second stopper limits the minimum angle of the arm angle.

[0021] The fifth invention is characterized in that, in the fourth invention, the second base portion has a second storage space formed therein to store the second stopper, and the second holding member has a second holding window portion formed at a location corresponding to the second storage space to store and expose a portion of the second advance / retreat structure.

[0022] In an invention having such a configuration, in addition to the effect of the fourth invention, the second retaining member has a second retaining window portion that exposes and accommodates a portion of the second advance / retreat structure provided in the second stopper, so that the operator of the brace can directly contact this exposed portion and move the second engaging portion closer to the angle-changing member as well as away from the angle-changing member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] According to the first invention, when the angle-changing member does not rotate around the pivot axis, by selecting either a state in which one end of the first stopper is engaged with the angle-changing member or a state in which it is not engaged, the first arm portion can be switched between a state in which it cannot rotate around the pivot axis and a state in which it can rotate.

[0024] According to the second invention, in addition to the effects of the first invention, the first arm portion changes its arm portion angle and moves freely around the pivot axis together with the angle change member, making it possible to achieve knee extension and flexion, for example, during walking training.

[0025] According to the third invention, in addition to the effects of the first or second invention, the thickness of the first base portion, the first stopper, and the first retaining member when stacked is prevented from becoming too bulky, thereby reducing the load when the brace is worn. Furthermore, because the operator of the orthosis can directly touch a part of the exposed advance / retract mechanism to move the first locking portion closer to or farther from the sawtooth portion, it is possible to switch the first arm portion between a non-rotatable state and a rotatable state without the need for work such as part replacement or using tools. Thus, the rotation of the first arm portion can be switched and the rotation angle can be adjusted with a simple operation.

[0026] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effects of the first or second aspect of the present invention, the maximum angle of the arm section is limited by one end face of the second stopper, and the minimum angle of the arm section is limited by the other end face of the second stopper, so the angle of rotation and free movement of the first arm section relative to the second arm section can be adjusted for each patient. Therefore, the load during walking training can be appropriately increased or decreased depending on the patient's recovery status.

[0027] According to the fifth invention, in addition to the effects of the first or second invention, a portion of the second advance / retract structure is exposed and housed, so that the operator can directly contact this exposed portion and move the second engaging portion closer to the angle-changing member as well as away from the angle-changing member. Therefore, for example, when free movement of the first arm is not required, the second locking portion can be brought into contact with the angle change member to prevent the angle change member from rotating around the pivot. On the other hand, if the second locking portion is spaced slightly away from the angle change member, the angle change member can more easily move around the pivot, so walking movement when wearing the brace is not hindered. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a joint device of an orthosis according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged view of a first base portion constituting the brace according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a partial enlarged view of an angle changing member and its surrounding area that constitute the brace according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged view of a first holding member that constitutes the brace according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged view of a second base portion and its surrounding area that constitute the brace according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged view of a second holding member that constitutes the brace according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a joint device of an orthosis according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the first arm portion when it is rotated at an arm portion angle of 60 degrees. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the first arm portion floating at an arm portion angle of 60 degrees. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the first arm portion floating at an arm portion angle of 30 degrees. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the first arm portion floating at an arm portion angle of 30 degrees. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Example]

[0029] A joint device for an orthosis according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Figures 1 to 12. Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a joint device for an orthosis according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, an orthosis joint device 1 according to the embodiment (hereinafter referred to as joint device 1) is a joint device of an orthosis 50 that is attached to the lower limb of a patient whose ability to stand or walk is restricted due to functional impairment. This orthosis 50 includes an existing first arm portion 51, an existing second arm portion 52, and joint device 1 that connects these. In detail, the orthosis 50 shown in Fig. 1 is attached to the outside of the left lower limb. The configuration of the coupling device 1 will be described in detail below.

[0030] The joint device 1 includes a first base portion 2, a second base portion 3, an angle change member 4, first holding members 5, 5', second holding members 6, 6', a first stopper 7, a second stopper 8, and a pivot 9. Note that arrows X, Y, and Z in the figure indicate the width direction, height direction, and thickness direction of the joint device 1, which are perpendicular to each other, respectively.

[0031] The first base portion 2 is provided at the lower end 51a of the first arm portion 51. The second base portion 3 is provided at the upper end 52a of the second arm portion 52, opposite the lower end 51a. The first base portion 2 and the second base portion 3 are both flat-plate shaped. Furthermore, the long axis A2 of the first base portion 2 is perpendicular to the long axis A of the first arm portion 51. 51 , and the long axis A3 of the second base portion 3 is parallel to the long axis A of the second arm portion 52. 52 is parallel to

[0032] The angle change member 4 is a member that changes the arm angle α (see FIG. 9) formed by the long axis A2 of the first base portion 2 and the long axis A3 of the second base portion 3, and is pivotally supported on a pivot 9 via a washer 10. Specifically, the angle change member 4 is a substantially semicircular planar member. Therefore, the angle change member 4 is arranged in parallel with the first base portion 2 and the second base portion 3, and is sandwiched between the first base portion 2 and the second base portion 3 from above and below in the height direction Y.

[0033] The first holding members 5, 5' are flat plate-like members provided on one side surface 2a and the other side surface 2b of the first base portion 2. Specifically, the first holding member 5 is fixed to the first base portion 2 with a plurality of fastening screws 11, and the first holding member 5' is fixed to the first base portion 2 with a plurality of fastening pins 12. Arc-shaped notches 5a, 5a' are formed in the first holding members 5, 5', respectively. The notches 5a, 5a' are cut out in a shape that contacts the outer circumferential edge 4a of the angle changing member 4 (see FIG. 3).

[0034] The second holding members 6, 6' are flat plate-like members provided on one side surface 3a and the other side surface 3b of the second base portion 3. Specifically, the second holding member 6 is fixed to the second base portion 3 with a plurality of fastening screws 11, and the second holding member 6' is fixed to the second base portion 3 with a plurality of fastening pins 12. Furthermore, the second holding members 6, 6' have pivot insertion holes 6a, 6a' for inserting the pivot 9 therethrough. Note that one side surface 2a and the other side surface 2b may be interchanged in the first base portion 2. Similarly, one side surface 3a and the other side surface 3b in the second base portion 3 may be interchanged.

[0035] The first stopper 7 is held by the first base portion 2 and the first holding member 5' and is a member that variably fixes the position of the first base portion 2 relative to the angle changing member 4. The position of the first base portion 2 relative to the angle changing member 4 is the relative position of the long axis A2 of the first base portion 2 with respect to an arbitrary point on the outer circumferential edge 4a of the angle changing member 4 (see FIG. 3). The second stopper 8 is a member that is held by the second base portion 3 and the second holding member 6, and that limits the rotation of the pivot 9 of the angle changing member 4 about the central axis A9. The pivot 9 is made up of a retaining pin 9a and a cap 9b into which the retaining pin 9a is inserted and held, and pivotally supports the second holding members 6, 6', the angle changing member 4, and a washer 10. The distance from the central axis A9 of the pivot 9 to the upper end 51b of the first arm portion 51 and the distance from the central axis A9 to the lower end 52b of the second arm portion 52 are both 360 mm.

[0036] Next, the configuration of the first base portion will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a partially enlarged view of the first base portion constituting the brace according to the embodiment. Note that the components shown in Fig. 1 are given the same reference numerals in Fig. 2, and their description will be omitted. 2, the first base portion 2 has a long end surface 2c, a short end surface 2d, and a notch 13 that accommodates the angle changing member 4 (see FIG. 1). The long end surface 2c has a curved surface 2c1 that curves convexly outward from the first base portion 2 at the lower side opposite the lower end 51a.

[0037] Cutout 13 has stepped contact surfaces 13b1 and 13b2 on inner circumferential surface 13a. Cutout 13 also has cutout end surface 13c. Of a pair of opening ends 13d and 13e that form cutout 13, cutout end surface 13c is provided at one opening end 13d that is closer to contact surfaces 13b1 and 13b2, so as to connect opening end 13d and curved surface 2c1. Furthermore, the first base portion 2 is provided with a first housing space 14 that houses the first stopper 7. This first housing space 14 opens near the center of the inner circumferential surface 13a.

[0038] Next, the configuration of the angle change member and the first stopper will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a partially enlarged view of the angle change member and its surrounding area that constitute the brace according to the embodiment. Note that the same reference numerals are used in Fig. 3 to denote the components shown in Figs. 1 and 2, and their description will be omitted. As shown in FIG. 3, the angle changing member 4 includes an outer peripheral edge 4a, an inner peripheral edge 4b, a first edge 4c, a second edge 4d, and an annular portion 4e. Of these, the outer peripheral edge 4a is arc-shaped. The inner peripheral edge 4b ​​is also arc-shaped and is arranged concentrically inside the outer peripheral edge 4a. The first edge 4c connects an end 4a1 of the outer peripheral edge 4a to an end 4b1 of the inner peripheral edge 4b. The second edge 4d connects an end 4a2 of the outer peripheral edge 4a to an end 4b2 of the inner peripheral edge 4b. Furthermore, the annular portion 4e is provided on the inner peripheral edge 4b. A through-hole 4f is formed in this annular portion 4e, through which the pivot 9 (see FIG. 1) passes. The washer 10 (see FIG. 1) is fitted into the angle changing member 4 with its outer peripheral edge and one side surface contacting the inner peripheral edge 4b ​​and the annular portion 4e, respectively.

[0039] Next, the outer peripheral edge 4a has a sawtooth portion 15 near the lower end 51a, with which the first stopper 7 engages and disengages. This sawtooth portion 15 is formed with a first valley portion 15a1 to a seventh valley portion 15a7, which are inclined at different angles every 10 degrees around the central axis A9 of the pivot 9. Therefore, the first valley portion 15a1 to the seventh valley portion 15a7 are provided within a range of 60 degrees around the central axis A9. Furthermore, the first edge 4c has stepped contact surfaces 4c1 and 4c2 that correspond to contact surfaces 13b1 and 13b2 (see FIG. 2) formed in the cutout 13 of the first base portion 2, respectively.

[0040] If a lower portion of the outer peripheral edge 4a opposite the lower end 51a is referred to as the curved surface 4a3, then the first engaging portion 16 is provided at a corner K formed by the second edge 4d and the curved surface 4a3. Specifically, the first engaging portion 16 is a pin that protrudes from the angle changing member 4 toward the second holding member 6 (see FIG. 1).

[0041] Furthermore, the first stopper 7 includes a first engaging portion 7a having a pointed tip that engages with and disengages from the sawtooth portion 15, and a first advancing / retreating structure 17 that moves the first engaging portion 7a forward and backward relative to the sawtooth portion 15. Specifically, the first advance / retreat structure 17 is made up of a first threaded body 17a having a first male threaded portion 18a engraved on its outer circumferential surface, and a first nut 17b having a first female threaded portion 18b engraved on its inner circumferential surface and mating with the first male threaded portion 18a. This first nut 17b is a double nut.

[0042] Referring now to Figure 2, the first accommodating space 14 of the first base portion 2 is formed with a first space portion 14a that accommodates the first screw body 17a of the first stopper 7, and a first base window portion 14b that accommodates the first nuts 17b, 17b in an exposed state. 3, when the first nuts 17b, 17b are rotated in either direction (indicated by the white arrows in the figure) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A2 of the first base portion 2, the first male screw portion 18a is advanced. Therefore, the first screw body 17a slides upward (toward the lower end 51a) or downward (away from the lower end 51a) along the longitudinal axis A2. This causes the first locking portion 7a of the first stopper 7 to move back and forth relative to the saw-tooth portion 15.

[0043] Next, the configuration of the first holding member will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a partially enlarged view of the first holding member that constitutes the brace according to the embodiment. Note that the same reference numerals are used in Fig. 4 to denote the components shown in Figs. 1 to 3, and their description will be omitted. 4, the first holding member 5 has a notch 5a, a long end surface 5b, and a short end surface 5c. The long end surface 5b and the short end surface 5c have shapes that match the long end surface 2c and the short end surface 2d of the first base portion 2 (see FIG. 2), respectively. Furthermore, a first holding window 5d is formed in the first holding member 5. The first holding window 5d accommodates the first nuts 17b, 17b of the first advancing / retreating structure 17 at a location corresponding to the first base window 14b (see FIG. 2) of the first housing space 14 of the first base portion 2, with the first nuts 17b, 17b exposed in the thickness direction Z. The first holding member 5′ has a similar configuration to the first holding member 5.

[0044] Next, the configuration of the second base portion and the second stopper will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a partially enlarged view of the second base portion and its surrounding area that constitute the brace according to the embodiment. Note that the same reference numerals are used in Fig. 5 to denote the components shown in Figs. 1 to 4, and their description will be omitted. 5, the second base portion 3 has, on the side opposite the upper end 52a, curved end faces 3c and 3c' that are concavely curved inward of the second base portion 3, and side end faces 3d and 3e that are continuous with the curved end faces 3c and 3c', respectively. The curved end face 3c is a location that comes into contact with the curved surface 2c1 (see FIG. 2) of the first base portion 2, and the curved end face 3c' is a location that comes into contact with the curved surface 4a3 (see FIG. 3) of the angle changing member 4.

[0045] The second base portion 3 also includes a second housing space 19 that houses the second stopper 8. The second housing space 19 opens between the curved end face 3c and the curved end face 3c', and is provided with a second space portion 19a that houses a second screw body 20a (described later) and a second base window portion 19b that houses the second nuts 20b, 20b while exposing them in the thickness direction Z.

[0046] Next, the second stopper 8 includes a second locking portion 8a and a second advancing / retreating structure 20 that moves the second locking portion 8a forward and backward relative to the angle changing member 4. The second locking portion 8a has a tip surface 8a1 that comes into contact with and separates from the annular portion 4e of the angle changing member 4, and one end surface 8a2 and the other end surface 8a3 that are provided on either side of the tip surface 8a1.

[0047] The configuration of the second advancing / retreating structure 20 is the same as that of the first advancing / retreating structure 17. That is, the second advancing / retreating structure 20 is made up of a second threaded body 20a having a second male threaded portion 21a engraved on its outer circumferential surface, and a second nut 20b having a second female threaded portion 21b engraved on its inner circumferential surface and mating with the second male threaded portion 21a. This second nut 20b is a double nut. Therefore, when the second nuts 20b, 20b are rotated in either direction (indicated by the white arrows in the figure) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A3 of the second base portion 3, the second male screw portion 21a is advanced. Therefore, the second screw body 20a slides upward (away from the upper end 52a) or downward (toward the upper end 52a) along the longitudinal axis A3. This causes the second locking portion 8a of the second stopper 8 to move back and forth relative to the annular portion 4e of the angle changing member 4.

[0048] Next, the configuration of the second holding member will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a partially enlarged view of the second holding member that constitutes the brace according to the embodiment. Note that the same reference numerals are used in Fig. 6 to denote the components shown in Figs. 1 to 5, and their description will be omitted. As shown in Figure 6, the second holding member 6 is provided on one side surface 3a of the second base portion 3 (see Figure 1), and consists of a substantially circular upper portion 6A that fits into the cutout portion 5a (see Figure 1) of the first holding member 5, and a substantially rectangular lower portion 6B that is continuous with this upper portion 6A.

[0049] The upper part 6A has, at its center, a pivot insertion hole 6a through which the pivot 9 is inserted, and has, outside this pivot insertion hole 6a, a second engagement portion 22 that engages with the first engagement portion 16 of the angle change member 4. This second engagement portion 22 is an arc-shaped engagement portion that is formed in an arc shape over an angle of approximately 100 degrees with the central axis A9 of the pivot 9 as its center.

[0050] Specifically, the second engagement portion 22 is a groove portion that engages with a pin, which is the first engagement portion 16 shown by the dashed line. Therefore, the first engagement portion 16, which is not an arc-shaped engagement portion, is guided along the second engagement portion 22. Here, if a line L passes through the center point C6 of the pivot insertion hole 6a (the center point C6 coincides with the central axis A9 of the pivot 9) and equally divides the second base portion 3 in the width direction X, the position of the upper end 22a of the second engagement portion 22 is located approximately on a line L1 obtained by rotating the line L by 90 degrees clockwise around the center point C6. In addition, the lower end 22b of the second engagement portion 22 is located on the line L.

[0051] The lower portion 6B also has side end faces 6b and 6c, which are shaped to match the side end faces 3d and 3e of the second base portion 3 (see FIG. 5), respectively. Furthermore, the lower portion 6B has a second retaining window 6d formed in a location corresponding to the second base window 19b (see FIG. 5) of the second housing space 19 in the second base portion 3. The second retaining window 6d accommodates the second nuts 20b, 20b of the second advancing / retreating structure 20 while exposing them in the thickness direction Z. The second holding member 6' has the same configuration as the second holding member 6.

[0052] From here Next, the overall configuration of the joint device 1 will be described with reference to Figures 7 and 8. Figure 7 is a plan view of the joint device of the brace according to the embodiment. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 7. Note that the components shown in Figures 1 to 6 are given the same reference numerals in Figures 7 and 8, and their description will be omitted. 7, in the joint device 1, the angle changing member 4 is fitted into the cutout portion 13 of the first base portion 2. Furthermore, the first holding members 5, 5' overlap the first base portion 2 in the thickness direction Z. At this time, the long end surface 5b and the short end surface 5c of the first holding members 5, 5' coincide with the long end surface 2c and the short end surface 2d of the first base portion 2, respectively.

[0053] The curved end faces 3c, 3c' of the second base portion 3 are in contact with the curved surface 2c1 of the first base portion 2 and the curved surface 4a3 of the angle changing member 4, respectively, and the second holding members 6, 6' are overlapped on the second base portion 3. At this time, the upper portions 6A, 6A of the second holding members 6, 6' are aligned with the notched portions 5a, 5a' (see FIG. 1) of the first holding members 5, 5', respectively.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 8, the joint device 1 has a three-layer structure in the thickness direction Z. The first layer is formed by a first holding member 5 and a second holding member 6. The second layer is formed by a first base portion 2, a second base portion 3, an angle changing member 4, a first stopper 7, and a second stopper 8. The third layer is formed by a first holding member 5' and a second holding member 6'. Note that the joint device 1 shown in FIG. 8 is for the left lower limb, and therefore the third layer is attached so that it faces the outer surface of the left lower limb. The thicknesses of the layers are the same, but may be different. 7 and 8, the appearance of the joint device 1 is substantially flat, and therefore the outer surfaces of the first and third layers are relatively smooth without large irregularities or gaps.

[0055] Furthermore, the rotation of the first arm unit 51 will be described with reference to Figures 7 and 9. Figure 9 is a plan view of the first arm unit when it rotates at an arm unit angle of 60 degrees. Note that the same reference numerals are used in Figure 9 to denote the components shown in Figures 1 to 8, and their description will be omitted. 7, in the joint device 1, the tip surface 8a1 of the second stopper 8 abuts against the annular portion 4e of the angle changing member 4. This prevents the angle changing member 4 from rotating about the central axis A9 of the pivot 9. Furthermore, since the first engaging portion 7a of the first stopper 7 is engaged with the first valley portion 15a1 of the sawtooth portion 15, as shown by the diagonal lines, the position of the first base portion 2 relative to the angle-changing member 4 is fixed.

[0056] Therefore, when the angle changing member 4 does not rotate around the central axis A9 of the pivot 9 and the first stopper 7 fixes the position of the first base portion 2 relative to the angle changing member 4, the long axis A of the first arm portion 51 51 and the long axis A of the second arm portion 52 52 The arm angle α (see FIG. 9) formed by the first arm 51 does not change. That is, the first arm 51 cannot rotate around the central axis A9 without changing the arm angle α.

[0057] The state in which the angle change member 4 does not rotate is also maintained by the second end edge 4d of the angle change member 4 being in contact with the other end face 8a3 of the second stopper 8. The notched end surface 13c of the first base portion 2 abuts against one end surface 8a2 of the second stopper 8. However, the contact surfaces 4c1 and 4c2 of the angle changing member 4 are spaced apart from the contact surfaces 13b1 and 13b2 of the first base portion 2, respectively.

[0058] In contrast, when the first locking portion 7a of the first stopper 7 is not locked by the sawtooth portion 15, the position of the first base portion 2 relative to the angle changing member 4 is released. This allows the arm portion angle α to change. However, the tip surface 8a1 of the second stopper 8 remains in contact with the annular portion 4e of the angle changing member 4. Therefore, when the angle-changing member 4 does not rotate around the central axis A9 of the pivot 9 and the first stopper 7 releases the fixed position of the first base portion 2 relative to the angle-changing member 4, only the first arm portion 51 can rotate around the central axis A9 as the arm portion angle α changes.

[0059] Figure 9 shows the case where the tip surface 8a1 of the second stopper 8 abuts against the annular portion 4e of the angle-changing member 4 and the first engagement portion 7a (hatched portion) is engaged with the seventh valley portion 15a7 of the sawtooth portion 15. In this case too, the angle-changing member 4 does not rotate around the central axis A9 of the pivot 9, and the first stopper 7 fixes the position of the first base portion 2 relative to the angle-changing member 4, so the first arm portion 51 cannot rotate around the central axis A9 without changing the arm portion angle α.

[0060] Here, we will explain the arm angle α formed by the first arm 51 and the second arm 52. The arm angle α is the angle between the major axis A of the first arm 51 and the major axis A of the second arm 52. 51 and the long axis A of the second arm portion 52 52is 0 degrees when they are on the same axis. The arm angle α is considered to have a positive value when it changes clockwise from 0 degrees, and a negative value when it changes counterclockwise from 0 degrees. Therefore, in FIG. 9, the long axis A of the first arm portion 51 51 and the long axis A of the second arm portion 52 52 The arm angle α formed by the saw-tooth portion 15 is 60 degrees. This is because the first valley portion 15a1 to the seventh valley portion 15a7 of the saw-tooth portion 15 are provided within a range of 60 degrees around the central axis A9.

[0061] However, when the first arm portion 51 and the angle-changing member 4 cannot rotate, by operating the second nuts 20b, 20b of the second stopper 8 so that the tip surface 8a1 does not abut against the annular portion 4e, the angle-changing member 4 becomes rotatable around the central axis A9. However, because the first stopper 7 fixes the position of the first base portion 2 relative to the angle changing member 4, the first arm portion 51 rotates around the central axis A9 together with the angle changing member 4. Furthermore, this rotation is possible in both directions, increasing and decreasing the arm portion angle α.

[0062] This movement in which the first arm 51 and the angle change member 4 rotate integrally in both directions around the central axis A9 while the first stopper 7 remains locked to the angle change member 4 is called free movement. Note that Figure 9 shows a common situation between the case in which only the first arm 51 rotates and the case in which the first arm 51 and the angle change member 4 move freely, i.e., a situation in which rotation and free movement can be switched between.

[0063] Furthermore, the free movement of the first arm portion 51 and the angle change member 4 will be described with reference to Figs. 9 to 12. Fig. 10 is a plan view of the first arm portion when it floats at an arm angle of 60 degrees. Fig. 11 is a plan view of the first arm portion when it floats at an arm angle of 30 degrees. Fig. 12 is a plan view of the first arm portion when it floats at an arm angle of 30 degrees. Note that the components shown in Figs. 1 to 9 are given the same reference numerals in Figs. 10 to 12, and their description will be omitted. In the joint device 1, in addition to the first base portion 2, the angle change member 4, etc., a first engagement portion 16 that protrudes toward the second holding member 6 is provided on the angle change member 4. Therefore, the loose movement of the first arm portion 51 and the angle change member 4 is achieved by the second engagement portion 22 guiding the first engagement portion 16. Furthermore, the free movement of the first arm portion 51 and the angle change member 4 is limited to within a predetermined range centered on the central axis A9. This predetermined range is reflected in the maximum and minimum angles of the arm portion angle α, and the mechanisms that define these maximum and minimum angles will be described below.

[0064] First, with reference to FIG. 9, a mechanism for regulating the maximum angle of the arm portion angle α when the first stopper 7 fixes the position of the first base portion 2 relative to the angle changing member 4 will be described. As shown in Figure 9, the mechanism that determines the maximum angle of the arm portion angle α is that the second end edge 4d of the angle change member 4 abuts against the other end face 8a3 of the second stopper 8, thereby limiting it. Furthermore, even if the position where the first stopper 7 is locked by the sawtooth portion 15 is different, the maximum angle of the arm portion angle α is limited by the above mechanism. This point will be further explained using FIG. 12.

[0065] 9, the tip surface 8a1 of the second stopper 8 is in contact with the annular portion 4e of the angle change member 4, so the angle change member 4 cannot rotate about the central axis A9. However, the maximum angle of the arm portion angle α is determined by the above mechanism regardless of whether the second stopper 8 is in contact with the angle change member 4. For this reason, an illustration of the case where the second stopper 8 is not in contact with the angle change member 4 is omitted.

[0066] Next, Figure 10 shows the case where the tip surface 8a1 of the second stopper 8 is slightly separated from the annular portion 4e of the angle changing member 4, thereby reducing the arm portion angle α from 60 degrees shown in Figure 9 to 0 degrees. At this time, the first locking portion 7a remains locked in the seventh valley portion 15a7 of the sawtooth portion 15, so the position of the first base portion 2 relative to the angle changing member 4 is fixed by the first stopper 7. From this state, the arm angle α can also be increased clockwise from 0 degrees shown in FIG. 10 to 60 degrees shown in FIG. Therefore, when the first stopper 7 fixes the position of the first base portion 2 relative to the angle-changing member 4, the first engagement portion 16 engages with the second engagement portion 22, causing the first arm portion 51 to move freely around the central axis A9 of the pivot 9 together with the angle-changing member 4.

[0067] Furthermore, a mechanism for defining the minimum angle of the arm portion angle α when the first stopper 7 fixes the position of the first base portion 2 relative to the angle changing member 4 will be described. The mechanisms that regulate the minimum angle of the arm portion angle α are divided into first to third mechanisms. The first mechanism is exerted between the notch 13 of the first base portion 2 and the second locking portion 8a of the second stopper 8. The second mechanism is exerted between the first edge 4c of the angle change member 4 and the notch 13 of the first base portion 2. The third mechanism is exerted between the first engagement portion 16 of the angle change member 4 and the second engagement portion 22 of the second holding member 6. These mechanisms will be described in detail below.

[0068] First, the first mechanism restricts the rotation of the first base portion 2 by the notch end surface 13c of the notch portion 13 abutting against one end surface 8a2 of the second engaging portion 8a of the second stopper 8. Next, the second mechanism restricts the rotation of the angle-changing member 4 by the abutment surfaces 4c1 and 4c2 of the angle-changing member 4 abutting against the abutment surfaces 13b1 and 13b2 of the cutout portion 13, whose rotation is restricted by the first mechanism.

[0069] Furthermore, the third mechanism is such that the rotation of the angle changing member 4 is limited when the first engaging portion 16 reaches the upper end 22a of the second engaging portion 22. However, the upper end 22a is not aligned with the long axis A of the second arm portion 52 in the counterclockwise direction. 52 In this case, the first engaging portion 16 does not reach the upper end 22a, and therefore the third mechanism is not exerted.

[0070] The first to third mechanisms all prevent the arm angle α from becoming a negative value when the first arm 51 and the angle change member 4 move freely. In other words, the first to third mechanisms define the minimum angle of the arm angle α during free movement. 7, the first mechanism prevents the arm angle α from becoming a negative value even when only the first arm 51 rotates. That is, the first mechanism defines the minimum angle of the arm angle α even during rotation.

[0071] 10, when the arm angle α is 60 degrees (see FIG. 9), the first engagement portion 16 is indicated by the symbol

[16] , and the first engagement portion

[16] does not reach the lower end 22b of the second engagement portion 22. Therefore, if the range in which the first engagement portion 16 moves around the central axis A9 is defined as the engagement portion angle β, the magnitude of the engagement portion angle β is always equal to the magnitude of the arm angle α.

[0072] 11 shows the case where the arm angle α is 0 degrees when the first locking portion 7a is locked to the fourth valley portion 15a4 of the sawtooth portion 15. The fourth valley portion 15a4 is located midway between the first valley portion 15a1 and the seventh valley portion 15a7. Furthermore, the tip surface 8a1 of the second stopper 8 does not abut against the annular portion 4e of the angle change member 4, and the abutment surfaces 4c1 and 4c2 of the angle change member 4 do not abut against the abutment surfaces 13b1 and 13b2 of the notch portion 13, respectively. In addition, the first engagement portion 16 does not reach the upper end 22a of the second engagement portion 22. However, the notch end surface 13c of the notch portion 13 abuts against one end surface 8a2 of the second stopper 8, thereby preventing the arm portion angle α from becoming a negative value. On the other hand, since the second end edge 4d of the angle changing member 4 is not in contact with the other end surface 8a3 of the second stopper 8, the arm angle α can increase by a positive value.

[0073] 12 shows the case where the arm angle α is 30 degrees when the first locking portion 7a is locked to the fourth valley portion 15a4 of the sawtooth portion 15. This is because the first valley portion 15a1 to the fourth valley portion 15a4 of the sawtooth portion 15 are located within a range of 30 degrees around the central axis A9. At this time, the second edge 4d of the angle changing member 4 abuts against the other end surface 8a3 of the second stopper 8. Therefore, when the first arm portion 51 and the angle changing member 4 move freely, the arm portion angle α is prevented from exceeding the maximum angle.

[0074] However, the tip surface 8a1 of the second stopper 8 does not abut against the annular portion 4e of the angle changing member 4, and the abutment surfaces 4c1 and 4c2 of the angle changing member 4 do not abut against the abutment surfaces 13b1 and 13b2 of the notch portion 13. In addition, the notch end surface 13c of the notch portion 13 does not abut against one end surface 8a2 of the second stopper 8, and the first engagement portion 16 does not reach the upper end 22a of the second engagement portion 22, so the arm portion angle α can be reduced from 30 degrees. Therefore, the first arm portion 51 and the angle change member 4 move freely around the central axis A9 with the arm portion angle α between 0 degrees and 30 degrees.

[0075] In this way, the free movement of the first arm portion 51 and the angle change member 4 is exerted regardless of the position where the first stopper 7 is engaged with the sawtooth portion 15. Furthermore, even if the position where the first stopper 7 is engaged with the sawtooth portion 15 is different, the maximum angle of the arm portion angle α is limited by the second end edge 4d abutting against the other end face 8a3. However, the magnitude of the maximum angle varies depending on the location where the first stopper 7 is engaged with the sawtooth portion 15, and the further the first engaging portion 7a is engaged from the first valley portion 15a1, the greater the magnitude of the maximum angle.

[0076] As described above, in the joint device 1, when the angle change member 4 does not rotate about the central axis A9 of the pivot 9, rotating the first nuts 17b, 17b of the first stopper 7 in either direction causes the first locking portion 7a to move back and forth relative to the saw-tooth portion 15. Therefore, with the joint device 1, it is easy to select between a state in which the first locking portion 7a is locked to the angle change member 4 and a state in which it is not locked. Therefore, it is possible to switch the first arm portion 51 between a state in which it cannot rotate about the central axis A9 and a state in which it can rotate with a simple operation without using any tools. Moreover, by selecting the location of the sawtooth portion 15 where the first locking portion 7a is to be locked, it is easy to set the arm portion angle α to a desired value.

[0077] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, the minimum angle of the arm angle α during rotation is such that the notch end face 13c of the notch portion 13 abuts against one end face 8a2 of the second engaging portion 8a of the second stopper 8, thereby restricting the rotation of the first base portion 2. Furthermore, the maximum angle of the arm angle α during rotation is limited by the second end edge 4d of the angle change member 4 abutting against the other end face 8a3 of the second stopper 8, as shown in FIG. Therefore, even if the first locking portion 7a is not locked to the angle-changing member 4, the rotation of the first arm portion 51 is restricted to within a predetermined angle, so that the first arm portion 51 will not rotate to an unexpected position, and the coupling device 1 can be handled safely.

[0078] On the other hand, when the second nuts 20b, 20b of the second stopper 8 are operated so that the tip end surface 8a1 does not come into contact with the annular portion 4e, the angle changing member 4 becomes rotatable about the central axis A9. Therefore, with the coupling device 1, the first arm portion 51 and the angle changing member 4 can be switched between a fixed state and a free-moving state with a simple operation, without the need for tools. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the first arm portion 51 moves freely around the central axis A9 together with the angle changing member 4, and therefore, it is possible to achieve knee extension and flexion during walking training, for example.

[0079] The minimum angle of the arm angle α during free movement is determined by at least the first and second mechanisms, as shown in Figure 10, and the maximum angle of the arm angle α is determined in the same way as during rotation, as shown in Figure 9. This prevents excessive knee extension or flexion during gait training, ensuring the safety of patients wearing the joint device 1. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12, the maximum angle of the arm angle α increases as the first engagement portion 7a is engaged at a position farther away from the first valley portion 15a1, so the load during walking training can be appropriately increased or decreased depending on the patient's recovery status.

[0080] In addition, because the joint device 1 has a generally flat appearance, it is not bulky when worn, which is expected to reduce the burden on the patient. Furthermore, the outer surfaces of the first and third layers are relatively smooth, without large irregularities or gaps, so even if the outer surface of the patient's fingers or knee comes into contact with the joint device 1, there is little risk of pain, injury, or getting caught.

[0081] The joint device of the orthosis according to the present invention is not limited to the one shown in the examples. For example, the joint device 1 may be attached to an upper limb that has a functional disorder. The first holding member 5 may be omitted. Furthermore, the first holding member 5' may have a hole through which the pivot 9 passes instead of the notch 5a'. In this case, the angle change member 4 is held between the first holding member 5' and the second holding member 6, so the second holding member 6' can be omitted. The angle change member 4 may also have sawtooth portions 15 on the entire outer circumferential edge 4a. Alternatively, the first advancing / retreating structure 17 may use a shaft and a spring that biases the shaft in a direction toward the sawtooth portion 15 of the angle change member 4, instead of the first screw body 17a and the first nut 17b. [Industrial Applicability]

[0082] The present invention can be used as a joint device for prosthetic devices. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1...Coupling device 2...First base portion 2a...One side surface 2b...Other side surface 2c...Long end surface 2c1...Curved surface 2d...Short end surface 3...Second base portion 3a...One side surface 3b...Other side surface 3c, 3c'...Curved end surface 3d, 3e...Side end surface 4...Angle changing member 4a...Outer peripheral edge 4a1, 4a2...End portion 4a3...Curved surface 4b...Inner peripheral edge 4b1, 4b2...End portion 4c...First edge 4c1, 4c2...Abutment surface 4d...Second edge 4e...Annular portion 4f...Through hole 5, 5'...First holding member 5a, 5a'...Notched portion 5b...Long end surface 5c...Short end surface 5d...First holding window portion 6, 6'...Second holding member 6A...Upper portion 6B...Lower portion 6a, 6a'...Pivot insertion hole 6b, 6c...Side end surface 6d...Second holding window portion 7...First stopper 7a...First locking portion 8...Second stopper 8a...Second locking portion 8a1...Tip surface 8a2...One end surface 8a3...Other end surface 9...Pivot 9a...Retaining pin 9b...Cap 10...Washer 11...Retaining screw 12...Retaining pin 13...Notched portion 13a...Inner peripheral surface 13b1, 13b2...Abutment surface 13c...Notched end surface 13d, 13e...Opening end 14...First storage space 14a...First space portion 14b...First base window portion 15...Saw-tooth portion 15a1...First valley portion 15a4...Fourth valley portion 15a7...Seventh valley portion 16...First engagement portion 17...First advance / retract structure 17a...First screw body 17b...First nut 18a...First male screw portion 18b...First female screw portion 19...Second housing space 19a...Second space portion 19b...Second base window portion 20...Second advance / retract structure 20a...Second screw body 20b...Second nut 21a...Second male screw portion 21b...Second female screw portion 22...Second engagement portion 22a...Upper end 22b...Lower end 50...Orthosis 51...First arm portion 51a...Lower end 51b...Upper end 52...Second arm portion 52a...Upper end 52b...Lower end A2...Long axis of first base portion A3...Long axis of second base portion A 51 …Long axis of the first arm A 52 ...Long axis of second arm A9...Central axis of pivot α...Arm angle β...Engagement angle

Claims

1. A joint device for an orthosis to be attached to an upper limb or a lower limb, the joint device comprising a first arm portion and a second arm portion, a first base portion provided at a lower end of the first arm portion; a second base portion provided at an upper end of the second arm portion, the second base portion facing the lower end; an angle changing member that is arranged in parallel with the first base portion and the second base portion and changes an arm angle formed by the first arm portion and the second arm portion; a first holding member provided on at least one side surface of the first base portion; a second holding member provided on at least one side surface of the second base portion; a first stopper that is held by the first base portion and the first holding member and that variably fixes the position of the first base portion relative to the angle changing member; a pivot shaft that pivotally supports the second holding member and the angle changing member, When the angle change member does not rotate around the pivot axis, When the first stopper fixes the position of the first base portion relative to the angle change member, the first arm portion cannot rotate about the pivot axis without changing the angle of the arm portion, a first arm portion that is rotatable about the pivot axis and whose angle changes when the first stopper releases the fixed position of the first base portion relative to the angle change member;

2. the angle change member includes a first engagement portion, the second holding member provided on the one side surface of the second base portion includes a second engaging portion that engages with the first engaging portion, one of the first and second engagement portions is an arc-shaped engagement portion formed in an arc shape centered on the pivot shaft, the other of the first and second engaging portions that is not the arc-shaped engaging portion is guided along the arc-shaped engaging portion, The orthosis joint device according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the first stopper fixes the position of the first base portion, the first arm portion moves freely around the pivot axis together with the angle-changing member as a result of the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion engaging with each other.

3. the angle change member includes a sawtooth portion with which the first stopper engages and disengages, the first stopper includes a first engaging portion that engages with and disengages from the sawtooth portion, and a first advancing / retracting structure that moves the first engaging portion forward and backward relative to the sawtooth portion, the first base portion has a first accommodation space formed therein for accommodating the first stopper; The fitting device for the orthosis described in claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the first retaining member has a first retaining window portion formed at a location corresponding to the first storage space, which exposes and stores a portion of the first advance / retract structure.

4. a second stopper that is held by the second base portion and the second holding member and that limits rotation of the angle changing member around the pivot axis; the second stopper includes a tip surface that comes into contact with and separates from the angle changing member, a second engaging portion having one and other end surfaces that are provided on either side of the tip surface, and a second advancing / retracting structure that moves the second engaging portion forward and backward relative to the angle changing member, the angle change member includes an arc-shaped outer peripheral edge, an arc-shaped inner peripheral edge, first and second end edges connecting both ends of the outer peripheral edge and both ends of the inner peripheral edge, and a through hole in the inner peripheral edge through which the pivot passes; the first base portion is formed with a notch that accommodates the angle changing member, the cutout portion has an abutment surface on its inner circumferential surface against which the first edge of the angle change member abuts, and a cutout end surface on one of a pair of opening ends forming the cutout portion that is closer to the abutment surface; When the first stopper fixes the position of the first base portion relative to the angle changing member, the notched end surface of the notched portion abuts against the one end surface of the second stopper, thereby minimizing the arm portion angle; The joint device of the orthosis according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the arm portion angle is maximized when the second end edge of the angle changing member abuts against the other end surface of the second stopper.

5. the second base portion has a second accommodation space formed therein for accommodating the second stopper; The orthosis joint device according to claim 4, characterized in that the second retaining member has a second retaining window portion formed at a location corresponding to the second storage space, which exposes and stores a portion of the second advance / retract structure.

Images