Orthotic fittings and orthotic devices

Abstract

The objective is to provide orthotic fittings and orthotic devices that are simple in structure, low in cost, and practical for patients. [Solution] The joint portion 4 applied to the orthosis 1 is composed of a first connecting portion 41, a second connecting portion 42, and a pivot portion 5. The pivot portion 5 has a ratchet gear 51 in which a plurality of ratchet teeth 512 are formed along the outer circumference of the main body. The ratchet teeth 512 include a first ratchet tooth 512a that is inclined toward one rotation direction in one half-circumferential portion and a second ratchet tooth 512b that is inclined toward the other rotation direction in the other half-circumferential portion, separated by a diameter line substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis. A first stopper 52a and a second stopper 52b are engaged with these ratchet teeth 512. By operating either the first stopper 52a or the second stopper 52b to release the engagement, the joint portion 4 can be rotated in a predetermined direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fitting joint and a fitting. More specifically, it relates to a rehabilitation fitting for improving the symptoms in which the movement of joints caused by brain diseases or brain disorders is restricted, and has a simple structure and low cost, and is related to a fitting joint and a fitting that are practical for patients.

Background Art

[0002] When contractions, paralysis, or muscular atrophy (hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as "contractions, etc.") occur in the fingers or wrists due to brain diseases or brain disorders such as stroke, cerebral hemorrhage, or cerebral infarction, the patient cannot freely move the fingers or joints of the hand, and the wrist is in a state of palmar flexion and the fingers are firmly clenched.

[0003] And if such a state continues, the patient may wound the palm with their own nails, or it is not hygienically preferable due to wrinkles, pressure ulcers, or accumulation of dirt caused by compression between the skins. Therefore, in order for the patient to be able to smoothly carry out daily life earlier, rehabilitation including joint range-of-motion training for improving the movement of joints at an early stage after the onset of brain diseases is necessary.

[0004] In joint range-of-motion training, joint joints are adopted in the fitting, and the joint joints are of a fixed type without a range of motion, or of a type that is moved at a certain angular interval and fixed at a predetermined angular position with bolts, stoppers, etc. to perform range-of-motion training, and are commercially available. Also, according to the progress of rehabilitation, as the movement of the joints that have become fixed by range-of-motion training improves as the patient transitions from the acute stage to the recovery stage, it is necessary to replace the fixed type with the type that performs range-of-motion training.

[0005] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a hand fitting including a glove-shaped hand interface worn on the palm and a control module having an actuator such as a motor for supplying torque to the hand interface.

[0006] According to Patent Document 1, by transmitting the linear force generated by the control module as rotational torque to the finger interface through wiring, even patients who cannot move their joints voluntarily can easily perform joint movements. Furthermore, by controlling the transmission of torque from the control module to the finger interface, rehabilitation tailored to both the acute and recovery phases becomes possible. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2022-505441 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] However, the hand orthosis disclosed in Patent Document 1, mentioned above, is heavy, making it extremely difficult for people with upper limb disabilities, for example, to put it on their palms or arms themselves, and thus not easily usable. Furthermore, it also had the problem of being structurally complex and very expensive.

[0009] This invention was conceived in view of the above points, and aims to provide a rehabilitation orthotic device for improving symptoms of restricted joint movement caused by brain diseases or brain damage, which is simple in structure, low in cost, and practical for patients, as well as a joint and orthotic device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] To achieve the above objective, the orthotic joint of the present invention comprises a first connecting portion including a first base end and a first head, the first base end being connected to a first member; a second connecting portion including a second base end and a second head, the second base end being connected to a second member; and a pivot portion having a ratchet gear including a plurality of ratchet teeth formed along the outer circumference of a substantially circular body portion, which pivotally supports the first head of the first connecting portion and the second head of the second connecting portion so as to be rotatable in one direction and in another direction opposite to the one direction at a position substantially corresponding to a joint; a first stopper that engages with the ratchet teeth and restricts rotation in one direction; and a second stopper that engages with the ratchet teeth and restricts rotation in the other direction.

[0011] Here, by including a first base end and a first head, and providing a first connecting portion in which the first base end is connected to a first member, the first connecting portion can be connected to a first member constituting the orthotic device.

[0012] Furthermore, by including a second base end and a second head end, and providing a second connecting portion in which the second base end is connected to the second member, the second connecting portion can be connected to the second member constituting the orthosis.

[0013] Furthermore, by providing a pivot support that pivotally supports the first head of the first connecting part and the second head of the second connecting part so that they can rotate in one direction and in another direction opposite to the first direction at a position approximately corresponding to the joint, the pivot support allows the second member to rotate relative to the first member, or the first member to rotate relative to the second member, in one direction and the other direction.

[0014] Furthermore, the pivot section is equipped with a first stopper that engages with the ratchet teeth to restrict rotation in one direction, and a second stopper that engages with the ratchet teeth to restrict rotation in another direction. For example, by engaging the first stopper with the ratchet teeth and releasing the engagement between the second stopper and the ratchet teeth, rotation in another direction is permitted, and by engaging the second stopper with the ratchet teeth and releasing the engagement between the first stopper and the ratchet teeth, rotation in one direction is permitted. Moreover, by simultaneously engaging the first and second stoppers with the ratchet teeth, the rotation of the ratchet gear itself can be restricted. Therefore, the state of the orthosis can be freely changed according to the rehabilitation status of the patient wearing the orthosis.

[0015] Furthermore, the ratchet gear is held between a first head and a second head, and the ratchet teeth include a first ratchet tooth that inclins toward one rotational direction on one half-circumferential portion of the main body, separated by a diameter line substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis of the ratchet gear, and a second ratchet tooth that inclins toward another rotational direction on the other half-circumferential portion of the main body. When the first stopper engages with the first ratchet tooth and the second stopper engages with the second ratchet tooth, rotation in one direction or the other can be easily performed by switching the engagement state between the first and second stoppers and the first and second ratchet teeth.

[0016] Furthermore, if the first head or the second head has a first stopper holding part for holding the first stopper and a second stopper holding part for holding the second stopper, the first stopper and the second stopper can be held by their respective holding parts, thus eliminating the risk of losing the stoppers.

[0017] Furthermore, if the first stopper holding portion houses a first spring that biases the first stopper in a direction that engages with the ratchet teeth, and a first wire connected to the first stopper that applies a tensile force in a direction opposite to the biasing force of the first spring by external operation, then the first stopper normally engages with the first ratchet teeth to restrict rotation in one direction, and only when rotation in one direction is required can the first wire be operated to release the engagement between the first stopper and the first ratchet teeth, thereby allowing rotation in one direction.

[0018] Furthermore, if the second stopper holding portion houses a second spring that biases the second stopper in a direction that engages with the second ratchet teeth, and a second wire connected to the second stopper that applies a tensile force in a direction opposite to the biasing force of the second spring by external operation, then the second stopper normally engages with the second ratchet teeth to restrict rotation in other directions, and only when rotation in other directions is required can the second wire be operated to release the engagement between the second stopper and the second ratchet teeth, thereby allowing rotation in other directions.

[0019] Furthermore, if the first connecting portion has a rotation restricting portion that restricts the rotation range of the second connecting portion in one direction and the other direction, the rotation range of the second member can be limited in accordance with the movement of the joints of the patient wearing the orthosis by restricting the rotation range of the second connecting portion.

[0020] Furthermore, if either the first head or the second head has a recess into which a ratchet tooth is loosely fitted, and the other has a projection for fixing the ratchet tooth, and the first head and the second head are fitted together to form a single plane, then by eliminating the protrusion on the overlapping surface of the first head and the second head, the orthotic joint can be installed even in a narrow space. In addition, since the pivot point is not visible from the outside, it has a good appearance and prevents damage to the pivot point when external force is applied.

[0021] In addition, when the angle formed by the virtual straight line connecting the apex of the first ratchet tooth and the rotation axis of the ratchet gear and the inclined surface of the front tooth of the first ratchet tooth is approximately 40° to 45°, and the angle formed by the virtual straight line connecting the apex of the second ratchet tooth and the rotation axis of the ratchet gear and the inclined surface of the front tooth of the second ratchet tooth is approximately 40° to 45°, the shaft support portion can rotate most smoothly and the wear due to use can be reduced.

[0022] In order to achieve the above object, the device of the present invention includes a forearm mounting portion mounted on the forearm, a hand mounting portion mounted on the hand, and a device joint that pivotally supports the hand mounting portion with respect to the forearm mounting portion. The device joint includes a first connecting portion including a first base end portion and a first head portion, the first base end portion being connected to the first forearm mounting portion, a second connecting portion including a second base end portion and a second head portion, the second base end portion being connected to the hand mounting portion, and a shaft support portion that pivotally supports the first head portion of the first connecting portion and the second head portion of the second connecting portion so as to be rotatable in the palmar flexion direction and the dorsal flexion direction at a position substantially corresponding to the wrist joint, and includes a ratchet gear including a plurality of ratchet teeth formed along the outer periphery of a substantially circular main body portion, a first stopper that engages with the ratchet teeth and restricts rotation in the dorsal flexion direction, and a second stopper that engages with the ratchet teeth and restricts rotation in the palmar flexion direction.

[0023] Here, the device joint includes a first connecting portion including a first base end portion and a first head portion, the first base end portion being connected to the forearm mounting portion, so that the first connecting portion can be connected to the forearm mounting portion constituting the device.

[0024] In addition, the device joint includes a second connecting portion including a second base end portion and a second head portion, the second base end portion being connected to the hand mounting portion, so that the second connecting portion can be connected to the hand mounting portion constituting the device.

[0025] In addition, by providing a shaft support portion that pivotally supports the first head of the first connecting portion and the second head of the second connecting portion so as to be rotatable in the palmar flexion direction and the dorsal flexion direction at a position substantially corresponding to the wrist joint, the hand attachment portion can be rotated in the palmar flexion direction and the dorsal flexion direction with respect to the forearm attachment portion by the shaft support portion. Therefore, by wearing such a device, rehabilitation of the wrist joint caused by a brain disease or brain disorder can be efficiently performed.

[0026] Further, by providing a first stopper that engages with the ratchet teeth and restricts rotation in the dorsal flexion direction, and a second stopper that engages with the ratchet teeth and restricts rotation in the palmar flexion direction, for example, when the first stopper engages with the ratchet teeth and the engagement state between the second stopper and the ratchet gear is released, rotation in the palmar flexion direction is allowed. On the other hand, when the second stopper engages with the ratchet teeth and the engagement state between the first stopper and the ratchet teeth is released, rotation in the dorsal flexion direction is allowed. Furthermore, by engaging the first stopper and the second stopper with the ratchet teeth simultaneously, the rotation of the ratchet gear itself can be restricted. Therefore, the state of the device can be freely changed according to the rehabilitation situation of the patient wearing the device.

Effects of the Invention

[0027] The joint for a device and the device according to the present invention have a simple structure and low cost, and are practical for patients.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing a state where the device according to an embodiment of the present invention is worn on an affected limb, (a) is a side view, and (b) is a plan view. [Figure 2] It is an enlarged view of the main part of the joint portion according to an embodiment of the present invention, (a) is a diagram showing an assembled state, and (b) is an exploded view. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing a state where the device according to an embodiment of the present invention is worn on an affected limb and rotated in the dorsal flexion direction. [Figure 4]This figure shows how the orthotic device according to an embodiment of the present invention is attached to the affected limb and rotated in the palmar flexion direction. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] The embodiments of the present invention relating to the orthotic joint (hereinafter referred to as the "joint portion") and the orthotic device will be described below with reference to the drawings to facilitate understanding of the present invention. In each drawing, for the sake of explanation, the reference state is the arm with the orthotic device 1 attached so that the back of the hand faces vertically upward, with the arm extended horizontally to the ground. The direction upward from the back of the hand is defined as the upward direction, the opposite direction of the upward direction is defined as the downward direction, the axial direction represented by the upward and downward directions is defined as the vertical axis, and the axial direction perpendicular to the vertical axis is defined as the horizontal axis. The back of the hand side may also be referred to as the front surface, and the opposite side, the palm side, as the back surface. In addition, in the following embodiments, the specification for wearing the orthotic device 1 on the patient's left hand will be described, but the specification for wearing it on the right hand will have a similar configuration.

[0030] First, the overall configuration of the orthotic device 1 according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. The orthotic device 1 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin material and mainly consists of a forearm attachment part 2, a hand attachment part 3, and a joint part 4.

[0031] [Forearm attachment area] The forearm attachment portion 2 is approximately U-shaped in cross-section, extending from the elbow to just before the wrist, and is attached to the back of the forearm, covering the radius to the ulna. It comprises a main body portion 21 and a first belt body 22 and a second belt body 23 for fixing the main body portion 21 to the forearm of the arm when the main body portion 21 is attached to the back of the forearm. With the main body portion 21 attached to the back of the forearm, the first belt body 22 and the second belt body 23 are wrapped around the circumference of the upper arm and secured with fastening means such as hook-and-loop fasteners.

[0032] Here, the forearm attachment part 2 does not necessarily have to be attached only to the back of the forearm; it may be configured to cover the entire forearm.

[0033] Furthermore, the method of fixing the forearm attachment part 2 to the forearm is not necessarily limited to the first belt body 22 and the second belt body 23 described above; other known fixing methods may also be employed.

[0034] [Hand attachment part] The hand attachment part 3 is attached to the palm side and has a main body part 31 that mimics the shape of a hand, and further has a belt body for securing the hand when it is placed on the main body part 31. The belt body has a third belt body 32 that wraps around the thumb, a fourth belt body 33 that secures the palm, and a fifth belt body 34 that secures the four fingers other than the thumb. With the hand attachment part 3 attached to the palm side, the third belt body 32, the fourth belt body 33, and the fifth belt body 34 are wrapped around the hand in a circumferential direction and secured with fastening means such as hook-and-loop fasteners.

[0035] Here, the hand attachment part 3 does not necessarily have to be attached to the palm side; it may also be attached to the back of the hand.

[0036] Furthermore, the method of securing the hand attachment part 3 to the hand is not necessarily limited to the third belt body 32, the fourth belt body 33, and the fifth belt body 34 described above; other known securing methods may also be employed.

[0037] [Joint section] The joint 4 connects the forearm attachment 2 and the hand attachment 3 so that the hand attachment 3 can rotate relative to the forearm attachment 2 in conjunction with the palmar flexion and dorsiflexion movements of the wrist. The joint 4 consists of a first connecting part 41, a second connecting part 42, and a pivot support part 5, with the pivot support part 5 positioned on the radial side so as to roughly correspond to the wrist joint.

[0038] Here, the joint portion 4 does not necessarily have to be located on the radial side; it may be located in a position approximately corresponding to the wrist joint on the ulnar side, which is opposite to the radial side. Alternatively, it may be located in positions approximately corresponding to each wrist joint on the radial and ulnar sides, respectively. However, when the joint portion 4 is located on the radial side, the patient can easily visually check the state of the joint portion 4 when performing palmar flexion or dorsiflexion movements in the standard position. Furthermore, considering that the pivot portion 5 can be manipulated to set any angle as described later, it is preferable that the pivot portion 5 be located on the radial side.

[0039] As shown in Figure 2, the first connecting portion 41 consists of a first base end portion 411 and a first head portion 412 connected to the first base end portion 411. A pair of through holes 413a are formed in the first base end portion 411, and when aligned with the tip edge portion of the forearm attachment portion 2, it is fixed using bolts and nuts (not shown) through these through holes 413a.

[0040] The first head portion 412 has a circular groove 414 into which the ratchet gear 51 (described later) can be loosely fitted, and a through hole 413b for a bolt and nut (not indicated by a reference numeral) is formed approximately in the center. Furthermore, around the first head portion 412, a first stopper holding portion 415a and a second stopper holding portion 415b are arranged opposite each other in the vertical direction, with the first stopper 52a and the second stopper 52b respectively being held, which engage with the ratchet teeth 512 of the ratchet gear 51, projecting radially from the first head portion 412.

[0041] The first stopper holding portion 415a is a roughly rectangular tube shape with a hollow interior, and a first slit 416a into which the first stopper 52a engages is formed for a predetermined length in the height direction from the base end. Inside, the first spring 54a, the first wire 53a, and the first fastener 55a which prevents the first spring 54a from flying out are housed, which constitute the shaft support portion 5 described later.

[0042] The second stopper holding portion 415b has the same shape as the first stopper holding portion 415a, and is a roughly rectangular tube shape with a hollow interior. A second slit 416b into which the second stopper 52b engages is formed for a predetermined length in the height direction from the base end. Inside are the second spring 54b, the second wire 53b, and the second fastener 55b which prevents the second spring 54b from flying out, all of which constitute the shaft support portion 5 described later.

[0043] The second connecting portion 42 consists of a second base end portion 421 and a second head portion 422 connected to the second base end portion 421. A pair of through holes 423a are formed in the second base end portion 421, and when aligned with the rear end edge portion of the hand attachment portion 3, it is fixed using bolts and nuts (not shown) through these through holes 423a. The second head portion 422 has a pair of protrusions 424 for inserting and fixing the ratchet gear 51 described later, and a through hole 423b is formed approximately in the center for fixing with bolts and nuts when superimposed with the first head portion 412 described above.

[0044] Here, the first stopper holding part 415a and the second stopper holding part 415b do not necessarily have to be located on the first head part 412, but may be located on the second head part 422. It is also possible to place the first stopper holding part 415a on the first head part 412 and the second stopper holding part 415b on the second head part 422, or vice versa.

[0045] [Axis branch] Next, the pivot support 5 will be described with reference to Figure 2(b). The pivot support 5 mainly consists of a ratchet gear 51, a stopper 52 that engages with the ratchet teeth 512 of the ratchet gear 51 to restrict the rotation of the ratchet gear 51, a wire 53 for switching between the engaged and disengaged states of the stopper 52 and the ratchet teeth 512, a spring 54 that biases the stopper 52 toward the ratchet gear 51 within the stopper holding portion 415, and a fastener 55 that prevents the spring 54 from flying out of the stopper holding portion.

[0046] The ratchet gear 51 has a roughly circular body portion 511 made of metal material with a thickness of 2 to 3 mm, and a plurality of ratchet teeth 512 are formed along the outer circumference of the body portion 511. In a horizontal state, the ratchet teeth 512 are evenly formed on the upper half-circumferential portion, with a horizontal diameter line L that is approximately perpendicular to the rotation axis of the ratchet gear 51, and are inclined at an angle of approximately 40° to 45° toward the dorsiflexion direction. On the lower half-circumferential portion, a plurality of second ratchet teeth 512b are evenly formed, with an angle of approximately 40° to 45° toward the palmarflexion direction.

[0047] The inclination angle of the ratchet teeth 512 is defined as the angle between the inclination surface of the front teeth of the ratchet teeth 512 and the imaginary straight line connecting the apex of the ratchet teeth 512 and the rotation axis of the ratchet gear 51. This is defined as the angle between the inclination surface of the front teeth of the ratchet teeth 512 and the imaginary straight line connecting the apex of the ratchet teeth 512 and the rotation axis of the ratchet gear 51.

[0048] The inventors have found that if the inclination angle of the ratchet teeth 512 is less than approximately 40°, the engagement of the stopper 52 with respect to the ratchet teeth 512 weakens, and the engagement may be unintentionally released when an external force is applied to the device 1. On the other hand, if the inclination angle of the ratchet teeth 512 exceeds 45°, the frictional resistance between the ratchet teeth 512 and the stopper 52 increases when the ratchet teeth 512 rotate in one direction, which may accelerate the wear of the ratchet teeth 512 or the stopper 52.

[0049] Therefore, from the viewpoint of maintaining a constant engagement state between the ratchet teeth 512 and the stopper 52, and increasing the durability of the ratchet teeth 512 and the stopper 52, it is preferable that the inclination angle of the ratchet teeth 512 be 40° to 45°. However, the inclination angle can be arbitrarily changed depending on the thickness, size, and material of the ratchet teeth 512 or the thickness, size, and material of the stopper 52.

[0050] The first stopper 52a is made of a metal rectangular plate-like body with a thickness of 2 to 3 mm. As described above, the first stopper 52a is held in place by being inserted into the first slit 416 formed in the first stopper holding part 415a, and the first wire 53a is engaged with a through hole (not indicated by a reference numeral) formed in the first stopper 52a. The first wire 53a extends outward from the first stopper holding part 415a by passing through the first spring 54a and the first fastener 55a. The first fastener 55a is a screw member that is hollow inside and has screw grooves on its outer circumference, and is fixed by screwing it into the screw groove formed on the inner circumference of the first stopper holding part 415a.

[0051] Similarly, the second stopper 52b is made of a metal rectangular plate-like body with a thickness of 2-3 mm and is held in place by being inserted into the second slit 416b formed in the second stopper holding part 415b, while the second wire 53b is engaged with a through hole (not indicated by a reference numeral) formed in the second stopper 52b. The second wire 53b extends outward from the second stopper holding part 415b by passing through the second spring 54b and the second fastener 55b. The second fastener 55b has the same configuration as the first fastener 55a, and is a screw member with a hollow interior and screw grooves engraved on its outer circumference, which is screwed into and fixed to the screw grooves formed on the inner circumference of the second stopper holding part 415b.

[0052] Here, the first stopper 52a and the second stopper 52b do not necessarily have to be rectangular plate-shaped bodies. The shape of the first stopper 52a and the second stopper 52b is not particularly limited as long as they can engage with the ratchet teeth 512.

[0053] Furthermore, the first fastener 55a and the second fastener 55b are not limited to the configuration described above, and any configuration is acceptable as long as the first spring 54a and the second spring 54b do not protrude outward from the first stopper holding portion 415a and the second stopper holding portion 415b.

[0054] The first spring 54a and the second spring 54b each constantly exert a biasing force toward the ratchet teeth 512. Therefore, in the normal state, the first stopper 52a held by the first stopper holding part 415a engages with the first ratchet teeth 512a, and the second stopper 52b held by the second stopper holding part 415b engages with the second ratchet teeth 512b, thereby restricting the rotation of the hand attachment part 3 in the palmar flexion and dorsiflexion directions.

[0055] When rotating the hand attachment part 3 in the dorsiflexion direction from the above state, as shown in Figure 3, by grasping the first wire 53a and pulling it upward, the first stopper 52a moves upward along the first slit 416a against the biasing force of the first spring 54a, and the engagement between the first stopper 52a and the first ratchet teeth 512a is released. Although the first spring 54a also moves upward along with the movement of the first stopper 52a, the first fastener 55a functions as a stopper, preventing the first spring 54a from flying out.

[0056] On the other hand, although the second stopper 52b and the second ratchet teeth 512b remain engaged, the second ratchet teeth 512b have an inclination angle in the palmar flexion direction. Therefore, when the hand attachment part 3 is rotated in the dorsiflexion direction, the second stopper 52b slides against the surface teeth of the second ratchet teeth 512b, thus allowing rotation in the dorsiflexion direction. Furthermore, since a tactile sensation is obtained each time the second stopper 52b passes the apex of the second ratchet teeth 512b, the rotational state can be intuitively grasped.

[0057] Then, after rotating the hand attachment part 3 in the dorsiflexion direction, when the first wire 53a being gripped is released at the desired angle, the biasing force of the first spring 54a causes the first stopper 52a to re-engage with the first ratchet teeth 512a, and the hand attachment part 3 is fixed in the position rotated by a predetermined angle in the dorsiflexion direction.

[0058] Next, when the hand attachment part 3 is rotated in the palmar flexion direction, as shown in Figure 4, by grasping the second wire 53b and pulling it downward, the second stopper 52b moves downward along the second slit 416b against the biasing force of the second spring 54b, and the engagement between the second stopper 52b and the second ratchet teeth 512b is released. Although the second spring 54b also moves downward along with the movement of the second stopper 52b, the second fastener 55b functions as a stopper, preventing the second spring 54b from flying out.

[0059] On the other hand, the engagement between the first stopper 52a and the first ratchet teeth 512a is maintained, but since the first ratchet teeth 512a have an inclination angle in the dorsiflexion direction, when the hand attachment part 3 is rotated in the palmar flexion direction, the first stopper 52a slides against the surface teeth of the first ratchet teeth 512a, thus allowing rotation in the palmar flexion direction. And just like with rotation in the dorsiflexion direction, a tactile sensation is obtained each time the first stopper 52a passes the apex of the first ratchet teeth 512a, so the rotation state can be grasped intuitively.

[0060] Next, similar to the dorsiflexion movement, when the hand attachment part 3 is rotated in the palmar flexion direction to a position at any angle, the gripping second wire 53b is released. Due to the biasing force of the second spring 54b, the second stopper 52b re-engages with the second ratchet teeth 512b, and the hand attachment part 3 is fixed in a position rotated by a predetermined angle in the palmar flexion direction.

[0061] As described above, by operating the first wire 53a and the second wire 53b, the engagement and disengagement states of the first stopper 52a and the first ratchet tooth 512a, and the second stopper 52b and the second ratchet tooth 512b can be easily switched. Therefore, rehabilitation can be performed by arbitrarily setting the angle of the hand attachment part 3 according to the recovery state of the affected limb to which the orthosis 1 is attached.

[0062] Furthermore, after setting the rotation angle, releasing the first wire 53a and the second wire 53b causes the first stopper 52a and the second stopper 52b to re-engage with the first ratchet teeth 512a and the second ratchet teeth 512b, respectively. As a result, the hand attachment part 3 is fixed at the set rotation angle. Therefore, even if an external force is applied to the orthosis 1, the rotation angle will not change unintentionally, thus increasing safety.

[0063] The above describes the orthotic device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. However, for example, a rotation restricting part may be provided to restrict the range of rotation of the hand attachment part 3 on the palmar flexion side and the dorsal flexion side. For example, if a rotation restricting part is installed at a predetermined position on the first connecting part 41, when the second connecting part 42 rotates on the palmar flexion side or the dorsal flexion side, it will come into contact with the rotation restricting part, thereby restricting further rotation and further enhancing safety during use. The installation position and shape of the rotation restricting part can be arbitrarily changed according to the range of rotation.

[0064] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the specification was described in which the first wire 53a is operated when rotating in the dorsiflexion direction and the second wire 53b is operated when rotating in the palmar flexion direction. However, by assembling the ratchet gear 51 so that the inclination direction of the ratchet teeth 512 is in the opposite direction to that of the embodiment, the specification may be such that the second wire 53b is operated when rotating in the dorsiflexion direction and the first wire 53a is operated when rotating in the palmar flexion direction.

[0065] Furthermore, although the above embodiment described the case in which the joint portion 4 is applied to an orthosis for assisting the movement of the wrist joint, it is also possible to apply it to orthoses that assist the movement of the shoulder joint or elbow joint, for example. Moreover, it is possible to apply it not only to upper limb orthoses, but also to lower limb orthoses that assist the movement of the ankle joint or knee joint.

[0066] As described above, the orthotic joint and orthotic device to which the present invention is applied are simple in structure, low in cost, and practical for patients. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0067] 1. Orthotic device 2. Forearm attachment area 21 Main body 22. First Belt Body 23. Second Belt Body 3 Hand attachment part 31 Main body 32 Third Belt Body 33. Fourth Belt Body 34. Fifth Belt Body 4. Joint section 41 1st connection part 411 First proximal end 412 Head 1 413a, 413b through hole 414 groove 415 Stopper retaining part 415a First stopper retaining part 415b Second stopper retaining part 416 Slit 416a First Slit 416b Second Slit 42 2nd connection part 421 Second proximal end 422 2nd head 423a, 423b through hole 424 Projection part 5 axis branch 51 Ratchet Gear 511 Main body 512 ratchet teeth 512a First ratchet teeth 512b Second ratchet teeth 52 Stopper 52a First stopper 52b Second Stopper 53 wires 53a First wire 53b Second wire 54 Spring 54a First Spring 54b Second Spring 55 Fasteners 55a First fastener 55b Second fastener

Claims

1. A first connecting portion including a first base end and a first head, the first base end being connected to a first member, A second connecting portion including a second base end and a second head, the second base end being connected to a second member, The device comprises a ratchet gear including a plurality of ratchet teeth formed along the outer circumference of a substantially circular body portion, pivotally supporting the first head of the first connecting portion and the second head of the second connecting portion so as to be rotatable in one direction and in another direction opposite to the first direction at a position substantially corresponding to the joint, a pivot portion having a first stopper that engages with the ratchet teeth and restricts rotation in one direction, and a second stopper that engages with the ratchet teeth and restricts rotation in the other direction. Orthotic fittings.

2. The aforementioned pivot support portion is The ratchet gear is held between the first head and the second head. The ratchet teeth are, The ratchet gear includes a first ratchet tooth inclined toward one rotational direction on one half-circumferential portion of the main body, and a second ratchet tooth inclined toward another rotational direction on the other half-circumferential portion of the main body, with a diameter line substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis of the ratchet gear as the boundary. The first stopper engages with the first ratchet teeth, and the second stopper engages with the second ratchet teeth. The fitting for an orthotic device according to claim 1.

3. The first head or the second head has a first stopper holding portion for holding the first stopper and a second stopper holding portion for holding the second stopper, The first stopper holding portion houses a first spring that biases the first stopper in a direction that engages with the ratchet teeth, and a first wire connected to the first stopper that applies a tensile force in a direction opposite to the biasing force of the first spring by external operation. The second stopper holding portion houses a second spring that biases the second stopper in a direction that engages with the ratchet teeth, and a second wire connected to the second stopper that applies a tensile force in a direction opposite to the biasing force of the second spring by external operation. A fitting for an orthotic device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The first connecting portion has a rotation restricting portion that restricts the rotation range of the second connecting portion in one direction and the other direction. A fitting for an orthotic device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. The first head and the second head have a recess formed in one of them into which the ratchet teeth are loosely fitted, and a projection on the other for fixing the ratchet teeth. The first head and the second head are fitted together so as to form the same plane. A fitting for an orthotic device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

6. The angle between the imaginary straight line connecting the apex of the first ratchet tooth and the rotation axis of the ratchet gear and the inclined surface of the front tooth of the first ratchet tooth is approximately 40° to 45°. The angle between the imaginary straight line connecting the apex of the second ratchet tooth and the rotation axis of the ratchet gear and the inclined surface of the front tooth of the second ratchet tooth is approximately 40° to 45°. A fitting for an orthotic device according to claim 1 or claim 2.

7. A forearm attachment part that is worn on the forearm, The hand attachment part is worn on the hand, The device includes a joint for orthotics that pivotally supports the hand attachment portion relative to the forearm attachment portion, The fitting for the orthotic device is, A first connecting portion comprising a first base end and a first head, wherein the first base end is connected to a first forearm attachment portion, A second connecting portion comprising a second base end and a second head, wherein the second base end is connected to the hand-mounted portion, The device comprises a ratchet gear including a plurality of ratchet teeth formed along the outer circumference of a substantially circular body, pivotally supporting the first head of the first connecting part and the second head of the second connecting part so as to be rotatable in the palmar flexion direction and dorsiflexion direction at a position substantially corresponding to the wrist joint, a pivot portion having a first stopper that engages with the ratchet teeth and restricts rotation in the dorsiflexion direction, and a second stopper that engages with the ratchet teeth and restricts rotation in the palmar flexion direction. Orthotic device.

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