Orthotic joint device

Abstract

To provide a joint device for an appliance capable of changing the free movement angle of the appliance by a simple operation. [Solution] The joint device 1 includes a first base portion 2 provided on a first arm portion 51, a second base portion 3 provided on a second arm portion 52, an angle change member 4 that changes the arm portion angle formed by the first arm portion 51 and the second arm portion 52, first retaining members 5, 5' provided on both sides of the first base portion 2, second retaining members 6, 6' provided on both sides of the second base portion 3, a first stopper 7 held by the first base portion 2 and the first retaining member 5' and variably fixing the position of the first base portion 2 relative to the angle change member 4, a second stopper 8 held by the second base portion 3 and the second retaining member 6 and limiting the rotation of the angle change member 4, and a pivot 9 that pivots the second retaining members 6, 6' and the angle change member 4.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a joint device for an appliance that connects multiple elongated members, and more particularly to a joint device for an appliance that enables the free movement angle of one elongated member relative to the other elongated member to be changed by a simple operation. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, for example, for patients whose movements such as standing and walking are restricted due to severe functional impairment caused by a stroke, braces that support the functionally impaired lower limbs by connecting and fixing the thigh and lower leg have been used to acquire or improve the motor ability. This brace is roughly composed of a pair of long members that are respectively fixed to the thigh and lower leg, and a joint that connects these long members and is positioned at knee height. In rehabilitation using braces, the patient is given 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 stroke, and if walking training is performed with an incorrect walking pattern during this period, the brain will learn this incorrect walking pattern. Furthermore, a normal walking pattern is one in which the knee is alternately extended and flexed, so a state in which the knee is fixed in an extended position corresponds to an incorrect walking pattern. Therefore, continuing to fix the knee from an early stage will hinder future recovery. In order to solve such problems, 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. In recent years, therefore, techniques have been developed that enable the knee to bend and extend while walking, and inventions relating to this have already been disclosed.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an invention entitled "Orthotic Joint Device," which relates to an orthotic joint device that can arbitrarily change the range of motion around the joint's axis in response to the recovery status of the patient wearing the orthotic. 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 axial range of motion setting mechanism that sets multiple movable angle ranges around the axis for the rotation of the first and second members about the axis, and this axial range of motion setting mechanism includes a guide portion and one or more movable bodies that are engaged with the second member and guided by the guide portion 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 having different lengths is selected and fixed to the second member via fixing means in a detachable and replaceable manner. In the invention having such characteristics, the angular range within which the first and second members can move around the pivot axis is changed by selecting one of a plurality of 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 moved freely within this movable angular range. This makes it possible to perform walking training by extending and flexing the knee. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-38593 A 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, since the fixing means needs to be loosened and tightened, the range in which the second member moves freely cannot be quickly adjusted, which is troublesome. Furthermore, if the movable angle range is not appropriate, the trouble of replacing the range setting slider increases even more.

[0006] The present invention has been made in response to such conventional circumstances, and aims to provide a coupling device for an appliance that enables the free movement angle of the appliance to be changed by simple operations, without the need for part replacement and 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 a lower end of the first arm portion, a second base portion provided at an 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 an 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 variably fixes the position of the first base portion relative to the angle-changing member, 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 is unable to rotate around the pivot axis without changing the arm portion angle when the first stopper fixes the position of the first base portion relative to the angle-changing member, and the first arm portion is able to rotate around the pivot axis while changing the arm portion angle 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 configured in this manner, 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 parts and the first and second holding members are, for example, flat plate-like members. The long axes of the first and second base parts are parallel to the long axes of the first and second arm parts. Therefore, the arm angle between the first arm part and the second arm part is also the angle between the first base part and the second base part. Furthermore, the first stopper may be configured such that, for example, one end of the first stopper is engaged with or disengaged from the angle changing member when it approaches or moves away from the angle changing member.

[0009] The second retaining member provided on at least one side of the second base portion and the angle-changing member arranged in parallel to the first base portion and the second base portion are pivotally supported by a pivot, and the first base portion is connected to the second base portion via the second retaining 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 between 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 about the pivot axis.

[0010] In detail, the angle of the arm portion is changed by two types of movement: (1) 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 portion and the second arm portion; and (2) 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 portion and the second arm portion. 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, to distinguish between the two.

[0011] In the invention configured as above, the first stopper is held by the first base and the first holding member, so that when the angle changing member does not rotate around the pivot and 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, and thus the first arm cannot rotate 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 can move, causing the first arm portion to change its arm angle and 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, whereby 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 with which the pin engages. 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 retaining 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 reciprocate in an arc shape around the pivot axis. Therefore, even when one end of the first stopper is engaged with the angle change member and the position of the first base portion relative to the angle change member remains fixed, the angle change 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 engagement portion that engages and disengages with the sawtooth portion and a first advance / retract structure that moves the first engagement portion forward and backward relative to the sawtooth portion, the first base portion is formed with a first accommodating space that accommodates the first stopper, and the first retaining member is formed with a first retaining window portion at a location corresponding to the first accommodating space that accommodates and exposes a portion of the first advance / retract structure.

[0016] In the 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. In addition, since the first retaining member has a first retaining window portion that exposes and accommodates a portion of the first advance / retract structure of the first stopper, an operator of the orthosis can directly contact this exposed portion to bring the first engagement portion closer to the sawtooth portion as well as move it 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 comprising a tip surface that comes into contact with and separates from the angle change member, a second engaging portion having one and the other end surfaces provided on either side of the tip surface, and a second advance / retract structure that advances and retreats the second engaging portion relative to the angle change member, the angle change member comprising an outer circumferential edge that forms an arc, an inner circumferential edge that forms an arc, 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 portion is formed in the first base portion to accommodate the angle-changing member, and the notch portion 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 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 above, the second stopper that limits the rotation of the first base part and the angle changing member around the pivot axis may limit both the first base part 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 or absence and shapes of the first and second engagement parts. The angle changing member has an outer peripheral edge, an inner peripheral edge, and first and second edges each having an arc shape, and is formed, for example, in a semicircular plate shape. In this case, the inner peripheral surface of the cutout portion of the first base portion that houses the angle changing member is formed in an arc shape.

[0019] In the invention having the above configuration, in addition to the action of the first or second invention, when the first arm rotates or moves in a direction in which the arm angle increases, the second edge of the angle change member approaches one end face of the second stopper. When the first arm further rotates in the same direction, the second edge of the angle change member abuts against one end face of the second stopper, so that the angle change member and the first base cannot rotate any further 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 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 rotating any further 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 accommodating space formed therein for accommodating the second stopper, and the second retaining member has a second retaining window portion formed at a location corresponding to the second accommodating space for accommodating and exposing 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 / retract structure of the second stopper, allowing an operator of the prosthesis to directly contact this exposed portion and bring the second engaging portion closer to the angle-changing member as well as away from the angle-changing member. Effect of the Invention

[0023] According to the first invention, when the angle change member does not rotate around the pivot axis, 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 by selecting either a state in which one end of the first stopper is engaged with the angle change member or a state in which it is not engaged.

[0024] According to the second invention, in addition to the effects of the first invention, the first arm portion changes its arm angle and moves freely around the pivot axis together with the angle changing 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 thick, thereby reducing the load when the brace is worn. In addition, since the operator of the orthosis etc. can directly contact a part of the exposed advance / retract structure to move the first locking portion closer to the sawtooth portion and further away 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. Therefore, the rotation of the first arm portion can be switched and the rotation angle can be adjusted by a simple operation.

[0026] According to the fourth invention, in addition to the effects of the first or second invention, the maximum angle of the arm section angle is limited by one end face of the second stopper, and the minimum angle of the arm section angle is limited by the other end face of the second stopper, so that 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 recovery status of the patient.

[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, allowing an operator to directly contact this exposed portion and bring 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 part can be brought into contact with the angle change member to prevent the angle change member from rotating about the pivot. On the other hand, when the second locking part is spaced slightly away from the angle change member, the angle change member can easily move about the pivot, so that walking movement when the brace is worn is not hindered. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a joint device of the brace according to the embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a partial enlarged view of a first base portion constituting the brace according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a partial enlarged view of an angle changing member and its surroundings that constitute the brace according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a partial enlarged view of a first holding member constituting the brace according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a partial enlarged view of a second base portion and its surroundings that constitute the brace in the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a partial enlarged view of a second holding member constituting the brace according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a joint device of the brace according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] 13 is a plan view showing a state in which the first arm portion has rotated at an arm portion angle of 60 degrees. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a plan view showing the first arm portion when it floats at an arm portion angle of 60 degrees. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing the first arm portion when it floats at an arm portion angle of 30 degrees. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing the first arm portion when it floats at an arm portion angle of 30 degrees. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS EXAMPLES

[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, a joint device 1 of an orthosis 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 disability. This orthosis 50 includes an existing first arm portion 51, an existing second arm portion 52, and joint device 1 that connects them. In detail, the orthosis 50 shown in Fig. 1 is attached to the outside of the left lower limb. The configuration of the joint 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 changing 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, which are perpendicular to each other, of the joint device 1, respectively.

[0031] The first base portion 2 is provided at a lower end 51a of the first arm portion 51. The second base portion 3 is provided at an 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. 2 is the long axis A of the first arm portion 51 51 , and the long axis A of the second base portion 3 3 is the long axis A of the second arm portion 52 52 is parallel to

[0032] The angle change member 4 is aligned along the long axis A of the first base portion 2. 2 and the major axis A of the second base portion 3 3The angle change member 4 is a member that changes the arm angle α (see FIG. 9) formed by the first base portion 2 and 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 vertically between the first base portion 2 and the second base portion 3 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 by a plurality of fastening screws 11, and the first holding member 5' is fixed to the first base portion 2 by a plurality of fastening pins 12. Additionally, the first holding members 5, 5' are formed with arc-shaped cutouts 5a, 5a', respectively. The cutouts 5a, 5a' are cut into 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 by a plurality of fastening screws 11, and the second holding member 6' is fixed to the second base portion 3 by a plurality of fastening pins 12. Furthermore, the second holding members 6, 6' are formed with pivot insertion holes 6a, 6a' for inserting the pivot 9 therethrough. In addition, one side surface 2a and the other side surface 2b may be interchanged in the first base portion 2. In the second base portion 3, one side surface 3a and the other side surface 3b may also be interchanged.

[0035] The first stopper 7 is a member that is held by the first base portion 2 and the first holding member 5' and that variably fixes the position of the first base portion 2 relative to the angle change member 4. The position of the first base portion 2 relative to the angle change member 4 refers to the distance between the major axis A of the first base portion 2 and any point on the outer circumferential edge 4a (see FIG. 3) of the angle change member 4. 2 is the relative position of The second stopper 8 is held by the second base portion 3 and the second holding member 6, and the central axis A of the pivot 9 of the angle changing member 4 is 9 It is a member that limits rotation around the center. The pivot 9 is made up of a fastening pin 9a and a cap 9b into which the fastening pin 9a is inserted and held, and supports the second holding members 6, 6', the angle changing member 4, and a washer 10. In addition, the central axis A of the pivot 9 9 to the upper end 51b of the first arm portion 51, and the central axis A 9 The distance from the top end 52b of the second arm portion 52 is 360 mm in each case.

[0036] Next, the configuration of the first base part will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a partially enlarged view of the first base part 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 the description thereof will be omitted. As shown in Fig. 2, the first base portion 2 has a long end surface 2c, a short end surface 2d, and a notch 13 for accommodating the angle changing member 4 (see Fig. 1). The long end surface 2c has a curved surface 2c that is curved convexly outward from the first base portion 2 on the lower side opposite the lower end 51a. 1 It is as follows.

[0037] The cutout portion 13 has an inner peripheral surface 13a formed with a stepped contact surface 13b. 1 ,13b 2 The cutout portion 13 also has a cutout end surface 13c. The cutout end surface 13c is formed by a pair of opening ends 13d, 13e that define the cutout portion 13 and is located between the abutment surface 13b. 1 ,13b 2 The opening end 13d is connected to the curved surface 2c. 1 is provided to connect the Furthermore, the first base portion 2 includes 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 changing member and the first stopper will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a partially enlarged view of the angle changing member and its surroundings 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 Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, and the description thereof will be omitted. As shown in FIG. 3, the angle changing member 4 includes an outer circumferential edge 4a, an inner circumferential edge 4b, a first edge 4c, a second edge 4d, and an annular portion 4e. The outer peripheral edge 4a is arc-shaped. The inner peripheral edge 4b ​​is arc-shaped and is arranged concentrically inside the outer peripheral edge 4a. The first edge 4c is located at the end 4a of the outer peripheral edge 4a. 1 and the end 4b of the inner periphery 4b 1 The second edge 4d connects the end 4a of the outer circumferential edge 4a. 2 and the end 4b of the inner periphery 4b 2 Concatenate the following. Furthermore, the annular portion 4e is provided on the inner peripheral edge 4b. A through hole 4f through which the pivot 9 (see FIG. 1) passes is formed in the annular portion 4e. The washer 10 (see FIG. 1) is fitted into the angle changing member 4 with its outer peripheral edge and one side surface in contact with the inner peripheral edge 4b ​​and the annular portion 4e, respectively.

[0039] Next, the outer peripheral edge 4a has a sawtooth portion 15, which engages with the first stopper 7, in a portion near the lower end 51a. The sawtooth portion 15 has a first valley portion 15a 1 to the seventh valley portion 15a 7 These are formed by the central axis A of the pivot 9. 9 The first valley portion 15a is inclined at different angles of 10 degrees each. 1 to the seventh valley portion 15a 7 is the central axis A 9 It is set within a range of 60 degrees centered on. Furthermore, the first edge 4c has a stepped abutment surface 4c 1 ,4c 2 The contact surface 4c 1 ,4c 2 The contact surface 13b is formed in the notch 13 of the first base portion 2. 1 ,13b 2(See Figure 2)

[0040] A lower part of the outer peripheral edge 4a opposite to the lower end 51a is formed as a curved surface 4a. 3 That is, the second edge 4d and the curved surface 4a 3 At a corner K formed by the angle change member 4, a first engagement portion 16 is provided. Specifically, the first engagement portion 16 is a pin that protrudes from the angle change member 4 toward the second holding member 6 (see FIG. 1).

[0041] Furthermore, the first stopper 7 includes a first engagement portion 7a having a pointed end that engages with and disengages from the sawtooth portion 15, and a first advance / retract structure 17 that moves the first engagement portion 7a forward and backward relative to the sawtooth portion 15. Specifically, the first advance / retract structure 17 is a first screw body 17a having a first male screw portion 18a engraved on its outer circumferential surface, and a first nut 17b having a first female screw portion 18b engraved on its inner circumferential surface, the first nut 17b being a double nut.

[0042] Here, referring 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 and exposes the first nuts 17b, 17b. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, the first nuts 17b, 17b are aligned along the long axis A of the first base portion 2. 2 When the first threaded body 17a is rotated in both directions (indicated by the white arrows in the drawing) perpendicular to the long axis A, the first male screw portion 18a is fed out. 2 As a result, the first engaging portion 7a of the first stopper 7 moves forward and backward relative to the sawtooth 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 constituting 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 the description thereof 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 correspond to the long end surface 2c and the short end surface 2d (see FIG. 2) of the first base portion 2, respectively. Furthermore, the first holding member 5 is formed with a first holding window 5d. The first holding window 5d houses 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 surroundings 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 the description thereof will be omitted. 5, the second base portion 3 has, on the opposite side to the upper end 52a, curved end faces 3c, 3c' that are concavely curved toward the inside of the second base portion 3, and side end faces 3d, 3e that are continuous with the curved end faces 3c, 3c'. The curved end face 3c is connected to the curved surface 2c of the first base portion 2. 1 (See FIG. 2) and the curved end surface 3c' is the portion that comes into contact with the curved surface 4a of the angle changing member 4. 3 (See Figure 3)

[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 causes the second locking portion 8a to advance and retreat relative to the angle changing member 4. The second engaging portion 8a has a tip surface 8a which comes into contact with and separates from the annular portion 4e of the angle changing member 4. 1 And this tip surface 8a 1 One end surface 8a is provided between the 2 and the other end surface 8a 3 has.

[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 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 that screws into the second male threaded portion 21a engraved on its inner circumferential surface. This second nut 20b is a double nut. Therefore, the second nuts 20b, 20b are aligned along the long axis A of the second base portion 3. 3 When the second threaded body 20a is rotated in both directions (indicated by the white arrows in the figure) perpendicular to the long axis A, the second male threaded portion 21a is fed out. 3 The second stopper 8 slides upward (away from the upper end 52a) or downward (toward the upper end 52a) along the annular portion 4e of the angle changing member 4. This causes the second engaging portion 8a of the second stopper 8 to move forward and backward 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 constituting 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 the description thereof will be omitted. As shown in FIG. 6, the second retaining member 6 is provided on one side 3a of the second base portion 3 (see FIG. 1), and comprises a substantially circular upper portion 6A that fits into the cutout portion 5a (see FIG. 1) of the first retaining member 5, and a substantially rectangular lower portion 6B that is continuous with this upper portion 6A.

[0049] The upper portion 6A has a pivot insertion hole 6a in the center through which the pivot 9 is inserted, and a second engagement portion 22 that engages with the first engagement portion 16 of the angle change member 4 on the outside of the pivot insertion hole 6a. The second engagement portion 22 is aligned with the central axis A of the pivot 9. 9 The arc-shaped engagement portion is formed in an arc shape over an angle of approximately 100 degrees with the center at the 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 a 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, the center point C of the pivot insertion hole 6a 6 (center point C 6 is the central axis A of axis 9 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 the position of the line L when the line L is the center point C. 6 A straight line L rotated 90 degrees clockwise around the center 1 The lower end 22b of the second engagement portion 22 is located on the straight 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 at 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 a similar structure to the second holding member 6 .

[0052] From here Next, the overall configuration of the joint device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. Fig. 7 is a plan view of the joint device of the orthosis according to the embodiment. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 7. Note that the components shown in Figs. 1 to 6 are given the same reference numerals in Figs. 7 and 8, and descriptions thereof 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 and 3c' of the second base portion 3 are aligned with the curved face 2c of the first base portion 2. 1 and the curved surface 4a of the angle changing member 4 3 The second holding members 6, 6' are in contact with the second base portion 3, and the second holding members 6, 6' overlap the second base portion 3. At this time, the upper portions 6A, 6A of the second holding members 6, 6' are aligned with the cutout 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'. The joint device 1 shown in FIG. 8 is for the left lower limb, and therefore the third layer is attached so as to face the outer surface of the left lower limb. The thicknesses of the layers are the same, but may be different from each other. 7 and 8, the joint device 1 has a generally flat plate-like appearance, and therefore the outer surfaces of the first and third layers are relatively smooth without any large irregularities or gaps.

[0055] Furthermore, the rotation of the first arm unit 51 will be described with reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a plan view of the first arm unit when it rotates at an arm angle of 60 degrees. Note that the same reference numerals are used in Fig. 9 to denote the components shown in Figs. 1 to 8, and the description thereof will be omitted. As shown in FIG. 7, in the joint device 1, the tip surface 8a of the second stopper 8 1 The annular portion 4e of the angle changing member 4 is in contact with the central axis A of the pivot 9. 9 The rotational axis of the shaft 14 is not rotated around the center of the shaft 14. Furthermore, the first engaging portion 7a of the first stopper 7 is aligned with the first valley portion 15a of the sawtooth portion 15 as shown by the diagonal lines. 1 Since the first base portion 2 is engaged with the angle changing member 4, the position of the first base portion 2 relative to the angle changing member 4 is fixed.

[0056] Therefore, the angle change member 4 is aligned with the central axis A of the pivot 9. 9 When 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 is 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 and the central axis A does not change. 9 It cannot rotate around the center.

[0057] In addition, when the angle change member 4 is not rotated, the second end edge 4d of the angle change member 4 is in contact with the other end surface 8a of the second stopper 8. 3 It is also maintained by being in contact with the The cut-out end surface 13c of the first base portion 2 is aligned with one end surface 8a of the second stopper 8. 2 It abuts on. However, the contact surface 4c of the angle changing member 4 1 ,4c 2 is the contact surface 13b of the first base portion 2 1 ,13b 2 are separated from each other.

[0058] On the other hand, when the first engaging portion 7a of the first stopper 7 is not engaged with 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 8a of the second stopper 8 1 is still in contact with the annular portion 4e of the angle changing member 4. Therefore, the angle change member 4 is aligned with the central axis A of the pivot 9. 9 When 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 changes the arm portion angle α and rotates about the central axis A. 9 It is rotatable around the center.

[0059] FIG. 9 shows the tip surface 8a of the second stopper 8. 1 The first engaging portion 7a (hatched portion) abuts against the annular portion 4e of the angle changing member 4, and the first engaging portion 7a (hatched portion) abuts against the seventh valley portion 15a of the sawtooth portion 15. 7 4 shows the case where the locking member 14 is engaged with the locking member 14. In this case, the angle change member 4 is aligned with the central axis A of the pivot 9. 9 Since 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 about the central axis A without changing the arm portion angle α. 9 It cannot rotate around the center.

[0060] Here, the arm angle α between the first arm 51 and the second arm 52 will be described. The arm angle α is the angle between the long axis A of the first arm 51 and the long axis A of the second arm 52. 51 and the long axis A of the second arm portion 52 52 is 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 first valley 15a of the sawtooth portion 15 is 60 degrees. 1 to the seventh valley portion 15a7 Up to the central axis A 9 This is because the range is set to 60 degrees around the center.

[0061] However, when the first arm portion 51 and the angle changing member 4 cannot rotate, the second nuts 20b, 20b of the second stopper 8 are operated to change the tip surface 8a 1 When the annular portion 4e is not in contact with the angle change member 4, the angle change member 4 moves along the central axis A 9 It becomes possible to rotate around the center. However, since 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 is aligned with the central axis A together with the angle changing member 4. 9 This rotation is possible in both directions, increasing and decreasing the arm angle α.

[0062] With the first stopper 7 engaged with the angle changing member 4, the first arm portion 51 and the angle changing member 4 are aligned along the central axis A. 9 9 shows a common situation between the case where only first arm portion 51 rotates and the case where first arm portion 51 and angle change member 4 move freely, that is, a situation where rotation and free movement can be switched between.

[0063] Furthermore, the first arm portion 51 and the free movement of 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 is free to move at an arm angle of 60 degrees. Fig. 11 is a plan view of the first arm portion when it is free to move at an arm angle of 30 degrees. Fig. 12 is a plan view of the first arm portion when it is free to move at an arm angle of 30 degrees. The components shown in Figs. 1 to 9 are denoted by the same reference numerals in Figs. 10 to 12, and the description thereof 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 free 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. In addition, the first arm portion 51 and the angle changing member 4 move freely about the central axis A 9 This predetermined range is reflected as the maximum angle and the minimum angle of the arm portion angle α, so the mechanisms that define the maximum angle and the minimum angle will be described below.

[0064] First, with reference to FIG. 9, a mechanism for regulating the maximum angle of the arm portion angle α in the case where 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 FIG. 9, the mechanism for regulating the maximum angle of the arm portion angle α is such that the second end edge 4d of the angle changing member 4 is in contact with the other end surface 8a of the second stopper 8. 3 The limit is imposed by contact with the 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 above mechanism. This point will be further described with reference to FIG.

[0065] In addition, in FIG. 9, the tip surface 8a of the second stopper 8 1 Since the annular portion 4e of the angle changing member 4 is in contact with the central axis A 9 However, the maximum angle of the arm angle α is determined by the above mechanism, regardless of whether the second stopper 8 is in contact with the angle changing member 4 or not. Therefore, the illustration of the case where the second stopper 8 is not in contact with the angle changing member 4 is omitted.

[0066] Next, FIG. 10 shows the tip surface 8a of the second stopper 8. 19 is slightly separated from the annular portion 4e of the angle changing member 4, the arm angle α is reduced from 60 degrees shown in FIG. 9 to 0 degrees. At this time, the first locking portion 7a is engaged with the seventh valley portion 15a of the sawtooth portion 15. 7 Since the first base portion 2 remains engaged with the angle changing member 4, 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 engaging portion 16 and the second engaging portion 22 engage with each other, so that the first arm portion 51 is aligned with the central axis A of the pivot 9 together with the angle changing member 4. 9 It moves around the center.

[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 is such that the notched end surface 13c of the notched portion 13 is aligned with one end surface 8a of the second engaging portion 8a of the second stopper 8. 2 By abutting against the first base portion 2, the rotation of the first base portion 2 is restricted. Next, the second mechanism is abutment surface 4c of the angle changing member 4. 1 ,4c 2 However, the contact surface 13b of the notch 13, whose rotation is restricted by the first mechanism, 1 ,13b 2By abutting against each of these, the rotation of the angle changing member 4 is restricted.

[0069] Furthermore, the third mechanism is such that the rotation of the angle changing member 4 is restricted by the first engaging portion 16 reaching the upper end 22a of the second engaging portion 22. However, the upper end 22a is in contact with the long axis A of the second arm portion 52 in the counterclockwise direction. 52 In this case, the first engagement 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. That is, the first to third mechanisms define the minimum angle of the arm angle α during free movement. 7, the first mechanism prevents the arm portion angle α from becoming a negative value even when only the first arm portion 51 rotates. That is, the first mechanism specifies the minimum angle of the arm portion angle α even during rotation.

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

[16] . The first engagement portion

[16] does not reach the lower end 22b of the second engagement portion 22. Therefore, the first engagement portion 16 is not aligned with the central axis A. 9 If the range of free movement around the center 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 portion angle α.

[0072] Next, FIG. 11 shows the state where the first engaging portion 7a is engaged with the fourth valley portion 15a of the sawtooth portion 15. 4 The fourth valley portion 15a is engaged with the arm portion α at 0 degrees. 4 The first valley portion 15a 1 and the seventh valley portion 15a 7 It is in the middle position. In addition, the tip surface 8a of the second stopper 8 1does not contact the annular portion 4e of the angle changing member 4, and the contact surface 4c of the angle changing member 4 1 ,4c 2 However, the contact surface 13b of the cutout portion 13 1 ,13b 2 In addition, the first engaging portion 16 does not reach the upper end 22a of the second engaging portion 22. However, the notch end surface 13c of the notch portion 13 does not contact one end surface 8a of the second stopper 8. 2 By abutting against this, the arm portion angle α is prevented from becoming a negative value. On the other hand, the second end edge 4d of the angle changing member 4 is in contact with the other end surface 8a of the second stopper 8. 3 Since the arm portion does not abut against the arm portion, the arm portion angle α can increase to a positive value.

[0073] Furthermore, FIG. 12 shows that the first engagement portion 7a is engaged with the fourth valley portion 15a of the sawtooth portion 15. 4 This shows the case where the arm angle α is 30 degrees when the sawtooth portion 15 is engaged with the first valley portion 15a. 1 to the fourth valley portion 15a 4 Up to the central axis A 9 This is because they are set within a range of 30 degrees from the center. At this time, the second end edge 4d of the angle changing member 4 comes into contact with the other end face 8a of the second stopper 8. 3 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 8a of the second stopper 8 1 does not contact the annular portion 4e of the angle changing member 4, and the contact surface 4c of the angle changing member 4 1 ,4c 2 However, the contact surface 13b of the cutout portion 13 1 ,13b 2 In addition, the notch end surface 13c of the notch portion 13 does not contact one end surface 8a of the second stopper 8. 2Since the first engaging portion 16 does not abut against the upper end 22a of the second engaging portion 22, the arm angle α can be reduced from 30 degrees. Therefore, the first arm portion 51 and the angle changing member 4 are aligned with the central axis A when the arm portion angle α is between 0 degrees and 30 degrees. 9 It moves around this center.

[0075] In this way, the first arm portion 51 and the angle changing member 4 can move freely regardless of the location where the first stopper 7 is engaged with the sawtooth portion 15. Even if the location where the first stopper 7 is engaged with the sawtooth portion 15 is different, the maximum angle of the arm portion angle α is when the second end edge 4d is in contact with the other end face 8a. 3 The limit is imposed by contact with the However, the magnitude of the maximum angle varies depending on the location where the first stopper 7 is engaged with the sawtooth portion 15. 1 The further away it is anchored, the greater the magnitude of the maximum angle.

[0076] As described above, in the joint device 1, the angle change member 4 is aligned with the central axis A of the pivot 9. 9 When the first nuts 17b, 17b of the first stopper 7 are rotated in both directions, the first locking portion 7a moves forward and backward relative to the sawtooth portion 15. Therefore, according to the joint device 1, it is easy to select whether the first locking portion 7a is locked to the angle changing member 4 or not. Therefore, when the first arm portion 51 is rotated about the central axis A, 9 The state in which the shaft cannot rotate about the axis and the state in which the shaft can rotate about the axis can be switched between these states with a simple operation without using any tools. In addition, by selecting the location of the sawtooth portion 15 where the first locking portion 7a is locked, the arm portion angle α can be easily set to a desired value.

[0077] Furthermore, the minimum angle of the arm angle α during rotation is the angle at which the notch end surface 13c of the notch portion 13 is in contact with one end surface 8a of the second engaging portion 8 of the second stopper 8, as shown in FIG. 2By abutting against the first base portion 2, the rotation of the first base portion 2 is restricted. The maximum angle of the arm angle α during rotation is the angle at which the second end edge 4d of the angle changing member 4 comes into contact with the other end surface 8a of the second stopper 8, as shown in FIG. 3 is limited by contact with Therefore, even if the first engaging portion 7a is not engaged with 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 joint device 1 can be handled safely.

[0078] On the other hand, the second nuts 20b, 20b of the second stopper 8 are operated to fix the tip surface 8a 1 When the annular portion 4e is not in contact with the angle change member 4, the angle change member 4 moves along the central axis A 9 Therefore, according to the joint device 1, the first arm portion 51 and the angle change member 4 can be switched between a fixed state and a loose state by a simple operation without the need for tools. 9 and 10, the first arm portion 51 is aligned with the central axis A together with the angle changing member 4. 9 Since the knee moves freely around the center, 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 Fig. 10, and the maximum angle of the arm angle α is determined in the same manner as during rotation as shown in Fig. 9. This makes it possible to prevent the knee from being excessively extended or flexed during walking training. This ensures the safety of the patient wearing the joint device 1. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 12, the maximum angle of the arm angle α is set when the first engaging portion 7a is in contact with the first valley portion 15a. 1 Since the magnitude of the maximum angle increases as the engaging portion is engaged at a position farther away from the target position, 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 substantially flat appearance, it is not bulky when worn, and it is expected that the burden on the patient will be reduced. Furthermore, the outer surfaces of the first and third layers are relatively smooth without any large irregularities or gaps, so that 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 those shown in the examples. For example, the joint device 1 may be attached to an upper limb with a functional disorder. The first holding member 5 may be omitted. Furthermore, the first holding member 5' may be formed with a hole through which the pivot 9 passes, instead of the notch 5a'. In this case, since the angle changing member 4 is held between the first holding member 5' and the second holding member 6, the second holding member 6' can be omitted. The angle changing member 4 may have the sawtooth portion 15 on the entire outer circumferential edge 4a. In addition, the first advancing / retracting structure 17 may use a shaft body and a spring body that biases the shaft body in a direction toward the sawtooth portion 15 of the angle changing 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] 1...Joint device 2...First base portion 2a...One side surface 2b...Other side surface 2c...Long end surface 2c 1 ...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 periphery 4a 1 ,4a 2 ...end 4a 3 …Curved surface 4b…Inner periphery 4b 1 ,4b 2 ...end 4c...first edge 4c 1 ,4c 2...contact surface 4d...second edge 4e...annular portion 4f...through hole 5,5'...first holding member 5a,5a'...notch 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 8a 1 …Tip surface 8a 2 …One end face 8a 3 ...other end face 9...axis 9a...retaining pin 9b...cap 10...washer 11...retaining screw 12...retaining pin 13...notch 13a...inner surface 13b 1 ,13b 2 ...contact surface 13c...notched end surface 13d, 13e...opening end 14...first storage space 14a...first space portion 14b...first base window portion 15...serrated portion 15a 1 ...First valley portion 15a 4 …Fourth valley 15a 7 ...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 A 2 … Long axis of the first base part A 3 … Major axis of second base A 51 …Long axis of the first arm A 52 …Long axis of second arm A 9 …Pivot central axis 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 opposite 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 between 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 a 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; a second stopper that is held by the second base portion and the second holding member and limits the rotation of the angle changing member about the pivot axis; In the case where the angle change member does not rotate around the pivot shaft, 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 shaft without changing the arm portion angle; When the first stopper releases the fixed position of the first base portion relative to the angle change member, the first arm portion is capable of rotating about the pivot shaft while changing the arm portion angle, 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 end surface and the other end surface 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 outer peripheral edge having an arc shape, an inner peripheral edge having an arc shape, and first and second end edges respectively connecting both ends of the outer peripheral edge and both ends of the inner peripheral edge, and includes a through hole in the inner peripheral edge through which the pivot passes; The first base portion has a notch formed therein for accommodating the angle changing member, the cutout portion has an abutment surface on an inner circumferential surface thereof against which the first edge of the angle change member abuts, and a cutout end surface is provided at 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, whereby the arm portion angle is minimized, A joint device for an orthosis, characterized in that the arm portion angle is maximized when the second end edge of the angle-changing member abuts the other end surface of the second stopper.

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 engagement portions that is not the arcuate engagement portion is guided along the arcuate engagement portion, The joint device of an orthosis as described in 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 by engaging the first engagement portion with the second engagement portion.

3. the angle change member includes a sawtooth portion with which the first stopper is engaged and disengaged, 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 an orthosis as 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 accommodation space, which accommodates and exposes a portion of the first advance / retract structure.

4. the second base portion has a second accommodation space formed therein for accommodating the second stopper; The fitting device for an orthosis as described in claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the second retaining member has a second retaining window portion formed at a location corresponding to the second accommodation space, which accommodates and exposes a portion of the second advance / retract structure.

Images