Fittings joint and fitting

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a joint for a prosthesis and a prosthesis that have a simple structure, low cost, and are practical for patients. 【Solution means】The joint portion 4 applied to the prosthesis 1 is composed of a first connecting portion 41, a second connecting portion 42, and a shaft support portion 5. The shaft support portion 5 has a ratchet gear 51 in which a plurality of ratchet teeth 512 are formed along the outer periphery of the main body portion. The ratchet teeth 512 include a first ratchet tooth 512a that inclines in one rotation direction in a half-circumference portion on one side with a diameter line substantially orthogonal to the rotation axis as a boundary, and a second ratchet tooth 512b that inclines in the other rotation direction in the half-circumference portion on the other side. A first stopper 52a and a second stopper 52b are engaged with these ratchet teeth 512. By operating either one of the first stopper 52a and the second stopper 52b to release the engaged state, 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. Specifically, it relates to a rehabilitation fitting for improving 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 also relates to a fitting joint and a fitting that are practical for patients.

Background Art

[0002] When contractures, paralysis, or muscular atrophy (hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as "contractures, 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 tightly grasped.

[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, bedsores, or accumulation of dirt caused by pressure between the skins. Therefore, in order for the patient to be able to smoothly carry out daily life as soon as possible, rehabilitation including joint range-of-motion training for improving the movement of joints at an early stage after the onset of brain diseases is required.

[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 such types are commercially available. Also, as the rehabilitation progresses, as the movement of the joints that have become fixed by range-of-motion training improves when transitioning from the acute phase to the recovery phase, 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 including 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 a patient who cannot move the joint at will can easily perform joint movement. In addition, by controlling the transmission of torque from the control module to the finger interface, rehabilitation according to each of the acute phase and the recovery phase becomes possible.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] However, the prosthesis disclosed in Patent Document 1 described above is heavy, so it is very difficult for a person with an upper limb disability to wear it on the palm or arm by themselves and cannot be used casually. Furthermore, there was also a problem that the structure was complicated and it was very expensive.

[0009] The present invention was devised in view of the above points, and is a rehabilitation device for improving symptoms in which joint movement is restricted due to brain diseases or brain disorders, and has a simple structure and low cost, and aims to provide a practical fitting joint and a fitting for patients.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] In order to achieve the above object, the fitting joint of the present invention includes a first connecting portion including a first base end portion and a first head portion, the first base end portion being connected to a first member, a second connecting portion including a second base end portion and a second head portion, the second base end portion being connected to a second member, and pivotally supporting 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 one direction and in another direction opposite to the one direction at positions substantially corresponding to a joint, a ratchet gear including a plurality of ratchet teeth formed along an outer periphery of a substantially circular main body portion, a first stopper engaging with the ratchet teeth to restrict rotation in one direction, and a second stopper engaging with the ratchet teeth to restrict rotation in the other direction.

[0011] Here, by providing the first connecting portion including the first base end portion and the first head portion, the first base end portion being connected to the first member, the first connecting portion can be connected to the first member constituting the fitting.

[0012] Also, by providing the second connecting portion including the second base end portion and the second head portion, the second base end portion being connected to the second member, the second connecting portion can be connected to the second member constituting the fitting.

[0013] Further, by providing a pivot 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 one direction and in another direction opposite to the one direction at positions substantially corresponding to a joint, the second member can be rotated with respect to the first member or the first member can be rotated with respect to the second member in one direction and the other direction by the pivot support portion.

[0014] In addition, the shaft support includes 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 the other direction. For example, when the first stopper engages with the ratchet teeth and the engagement state between the second stopper and the ratchet teeth is released, rotation in the other direction is permitted. 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 one direction is permitted. 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 orthosis can be freely changed according to the rehabilitation status of the patient wearing the orthosis.

[0015] Also, the ratchet gear is sandwiched between a first head and a second head. The ratchet teeth include a first ratchet tooth that inclines in one rotation direction toward a half - circumference portion on one side of the main body with a diameter line substantially orthogonal to the rotation axis of the ratchet gear as a boundary, and a second ratchet tooth that inclines in the other rotation direction toward a half - circumference portion on the other side of the main body. When the first stopper engages with the first ratchet tooth and the second stopper engages with the second ratchet tooth, by switching the engagement states of the first stopper, the second stopper with the first ratchet tooth and the second ratchet tooth, rotation in one direction or the other direction can be easily performed.

[0016] In addition, when 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 and the second stopper can be held by their respective holding portions, so there is no risk of losing the stoppers.

[0017] Further, when a first spring that biases the first stopper in a direction to engage with the ratchet teeth and a first wire that is connected to the first stopper and applies a pulling force in a direction against the biasing force of the first spring by an external operation are accommodated in the first stopper holding portion, the first stopper normally engages with the first ratchet teeth to restrict rotation in one direction, and only when rotating in one direction, the first wire is operated to release the engagement state between the first stopper and the first ratchet teeth, allowing rotation in one direction.

[0018] Further, when a second spring that biases the second stopper in a direction to engage with the second ratchet teeth and a second wire that is connected to the second stopper and applies a pulling force in a direction against the biasing force of the second spring by an external operation are accommodated in the second stopper holding portion, the second stopper normally engages with the second ratchet teeth to restrict rotation in the other direction, and only when rotating in the other direction, the second wire is operated to release the engagement state between the second stopper and the second ratchet teeth, allowing rotation in the other direction.

[0019] Further, when 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, by restricting the rotation range of the second connecting portion, the rotation range of the second member can be limited according to the movement of the joint of the patient wearing the appliance.

[0020] Further, when a concave portion in which the ratchet teeth are loosely fitted is formed in either the first head or the second head and a protrusion for fixing the ratchet teeth is provided on the other, and the first head and the second head are fitted so as to form the same plane, by eliminating the protrusion on the overlapping surface of the first head and the second head, the fitting joint for the appliance can be installed even in a narrow space. Also, since the shaft support portion is not visible from the outside, it looks good, and damage to the shaft support portion when an external force acts can be prevented.

[0021] In addition, when the angle formed between 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 between 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 wear due to use can be reduced.

[0022] To achieve the above object, the appliance of the present invention includes a forearm mounting portion mounted on the forearm, a hand mounting portion mounted on the hand, and an appliance joint that pivotally supports the hand mounting portion relative to the forearm mounting portion. The appliance 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, by providing the appliance joint with 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, the first connecting portion can be connected to the forearm mounting portion constituting the appliance.

[0024] In addition, by providing the appliance joint with 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, the second connecting portion can be connected to the hand mounting portion constituting the appliance.

[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 mounting portion can be rotated in the palmar flexion direction and the dorsal flexion direction with respect to the forearm mounting 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 at the same time, the rotation of the ratchet gear itself can be restricted. Therefore, the state of the device can be freely changed according to the rehabilitation status 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

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0029] Hereinafter, the fitting joint for the device (hereinafter referred to as the "joint part"), and embodiments of the present invention related to the device will be described with reference to the drawings for the purpose of providing an understanding of the present invention. In each figure, for convenience of explanation, with the back of the hand facing vertically upward, the state where the arm wearing the device 1 is extended horizontally with the ground is used as the reference state. The direction from the back of the hand upward is defined as the upward direction, the opposite direction of the upward direction is the downward direction, the axial direction represented by the upward and downward directions is the vertical axis, and the axial direction perpendicular to the vertical axis is defined as the horizontal axis. In some cases, the back of the hand side is referred to as the front surface, and the palm side, which is the opposite side, is referred to as the back surface. Further, in the following embodiments, the device 1 is described in a specification for wearing on the left hand of the patient, but the specification for wearing on the right hand has the same configuration.

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

[0031] [Forearm Mounting Portion] The forearm mounting portion 2 has a length from the elbow to in front of the wrist joint, and is formed in a substantially U-shaped cross section that is mounted on the back surface of the forearm and covers from the radius to the ulna. It has a main body portion 21, a first belt body 22 for fixing the main body portion 21 to the forearm of the wearing arm in a state where the main body portion 21 is mounted on the back surface of the forearm, and a second belt body 23. Then, in a state where the main body portion 21 is mounted on the back surface of the forearm, the first belt body 22 and the second belt body 23 are wound around the circumferential direction of the upper arm and fixed by fixing means such as a hook-and-loop fastener.

[0032] Here, necessarily, the forearm mounting portion 2 does not necessarily have to be mounted only on the back surface of the forearm, and may be configured to cover the entire forearm.

[0033] Also, as a method for fixing the forearm mounting portion 2 to the forearm, not necessarily the method using the first belt body 22 and the second belt body 23 described above may be adopted, and other known fixing methods may be used.

[0034] [Wrist Mounting Portion] The wrist mounting portion 3 is mounted on the palm side and has a main body portion 31 that imitates the shape of the hand, and further has a belt body for fixing in a state where the hand is placed on the main body portion 31. The belt body has a third belt body 32 wound around the thumb, a fourth belt body 33 for fixing the palm, and a fifth belt body 34 for fixing the four fingers other than the thumb. Then, with the wrist mounting portion 3 mounted on the palm side, the third belt body 32, the fourth belt body 33, and the fifth belt body 34 are wound in the circumferential direction and fixed by fixing means such as a hook-and-loop fastener.

[0035] Here, not necessarily, the wrist mounting portion 3 does not have to be mounted on the palm side and may be mounted on the back side.

[0036] Also, as a method for fixing the wrist mounting portion 3 to the hand, not necessarily the method using the third belt body 32, the fourth belt body 33, and the fifth belt body 34 described above may be adopted, and other known fixing methods may be used.

[0037] [Joint Portion] The joint portion 4 connects the forearm mounting portion 2 and the wrist mounting portion 3 so that the wrist mounting portion 3 can rotate relative to the forearm mounting portion 2 in conjunction with the movement of the wrist in the palmar flexion direction and the dorsal flexion direction. It is composed of a first connecting portion 41, a second connecting portion 42, and a shaft support portion 5, and the shaft support portion 5 is arranged on the radial side so as to substantially correspond to the wrist joint.

[0038] Here, the joint portion 4 does not necessarily have to be arranged on the radial side, and it may be arranged at a position substantially corresponding to the wrist joint on the ulnar side, which is the side opposite to the radial side. Further, it may be arranged at positions substantially corresponding to the wrist joints on the radial side and the ulnar side, respectively. However, since the joint portion 4 is arranged on the radial side, when the patient performs movement in the palmar flexion direction or the dorsal flexion direction in the reference state, the patient can easily visually observe the state of the joint portion 4. Also, considering that the shaft support portion 5 is to be operated and set at an arbitrary angle as described later, it is preferable that the shaft support portion 5 is arranged on the radial side.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 2, the first connecting portion 41 is composed 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 in a state where it is aligned with the tip edge portion of the forearm mounting portion 2, it is fixed by bolts and nuts (not shown) using these through holes 413a.

[0040] The first head portion 412 is formed with a circular concave groove 414 into which the ratchet gear 51 described later can be loosely fitted, and a through hole 413b for penetrating a bolt and nut (not numbered) is formed substantially at the center. Further, around the first head portion 412, a first stopper holding portion 415a and a second stopper holding portion 415b for holding the first stopper 52a and the second stopper 52b that engage with the ratchet teeth 512 of the ratchet gear 51 are arranged to project in the radial direction of the first head portion 412 and face each other in the vertical direction.

[0041] The first stopper holding portion 415a has a substantially square tube shape with a hollow interior. A first slit 416a with which the first stopper 52a engages is formed from the base end in the height direction with a predetermined length. Inside, a first spring 54a, a first wire 53a, and a first retainer 55a for preventing the first spring 54a from popping 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 in a substantially rectangular tube shape with a hollow interior. A second slit 416b, into which the second stopper 52b is engaged, is formed with a predetermined length in the height direction from the base end. Inside, a second spring 54b, a second wire 53b, which constitute the shaft support portion 5 described later, and a second retainer 55b for preventing the second spring 54b from protruding outside are housed.

[0043] The second connecting portion 42 is composed 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 in a state where it is aligned with the rear end edge portion of the manual mounting portion 3, it is fixed by a bolt and nut (not shown) using these through holes 423a. The second head portion 422 has a pair of protrusion portions 424 for inserting and fixing a ratchet gear 51 described later, and a through hole 423b for fixing by a bolt and nut in a state of being overlapped with the above-described first head portion 412 is formed substantially at the center.

[0044] Here, necessarily, the first stopper holding portion 415a and the second stopper holding portion 415b do not necessarily have to be arranged on the first head portion 412, and may be arranged on the second head portion 422. Also, it is possible to arrange the first stopper holding portion 415a on the first head portion 412 and the second stopper holding portion 415b on the second head portion 422, or vice versa.

[0045] [Shaft support portion] Next, the shaft support portion 5 will be described with reference to FIG. 2(b). The shaft support portion 5 mainly includes 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 the engaged and disengaged states between 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 retainer 55 for preventing the spring 54 from protruding from within the stopper holding portion.

[0046] The ratchet gear 51 has a substantially circular main body portion 511 made of a metal material with a thickness of 2 to 3 mm. A plurality of ratchet teeth 512 are formed along the outer periphery of the main body portion 511. When in a horizontal state, the ratchet teeth 512 are defined by a horizontal diameter line L that is substantially orthogonal to the rotation axis of the ratchet gear 51. A plurality of first ratchet teeth 512a that incline at an inclination angle of approximately 40° to 45° in the dorsal flexion direction are evenly formed on the upper half circumference portion, and a plurality of second ratchet teeth 512b that incline at an inclination angle of approximately 40° to 45° in the palmar flexion direction are evenly formed on the lower half circumference portion.

[0047] Note that the definition of the inclination angle of the ratchet teeth 512 is the angle formed between the virtual straight line connecting the apex of the ratchet teeth 512 and the rotation axis of the ratchet gear 51 and the inclined surface of the front teeth of the ratchet teeth 512 when the inclined surface facing the outside is defined as the front teeth and the inclined surface facing the inside, which is the opposite, is defined as the back teeth.

[0048] Here, as a result of the inventor's study, when the inclination angle of the ratchet teeth 512 is less than approximately 40°, the engagement state between the ratchet teeth 512 and the stopper 52 becomes weak, so there is a possibility that the engagement state will be inadvertently released when an external force acts on the appliance 1. On the other hand, when the inclination angle of the ratchet teeth 512 exceeds 45°, the frictional resistance between the ratchet teeth 512 and the stopper 52 when the ratchet teeth 512 rotate in one direction increases, and there is a risk that the wear of the ratchet teeth 512 or the stopper 52 will progress more quickly.

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

[0050] The first stopper 52a is made of a rectangular plate-like body with a thickness of 2 to 3 mm made of metal. As described above, the first stopper 52a is held in a state of being inserted into the first slit 416 formed in the first stopper holding portion 415a, and the first wire 53a is engaged with a through hole (not numbered) formed in the first stopper 52a. And the first wire 53a extends outside from the first stopper holding portion 415a through the first spring 54a and the first retainer 55a. The first retainer 55a is a screw member with a hollow inside and a screw groove engraved on the outer periphery, and is fixed by screwing with a screw groove formed on the inner periphery of the first stopper holding portion 415a.

[0051] Also, the second stopper 52b is similarly made of a rectangular plate-like body with a thickness of 2 to 3 mm made of metal, and is held in a state of being inserted into the second slit 416b formed in the second stopper holding portion 415b, and the second wire 53b is engaged with a through hole (not numbered) formed in the second stopper 52b. And the second wire 53b extends outside from the second stopper holding portion 415b through the second spring 54b and the second retainer 55b. Also, the second retainer 55b has the same configuration as the first retainer 55a, is a screw member with a hollow inside and a screw groove engraved on the outer periphery, and is fixed by screwing with a screw groove formed on the inner periphery of the second stopper holding portion 415b.

[0052] Here, necessarily, the first stopper 52a and the second stopper 52b do not necessarily have to be rectangular plate-like 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] Also, the first retainer 55a and the second retainer 55b are not limited to the above-described configuration, and any configuration may be used as long as the first spring 54a and the second spring 54b do not protrude outside from the first stopper holding portion 415a and the second stopper holding portion 415b.

[0054] The first spring 54a and the second spring 54b are constantly acted upon by biasing forces that bias them toward the ratchet teeth 512 side. Therefore, in the normal state, the first stopper 52a held by the first stopper holding portion 415a engages with the first ratchet teeth 512a, and the second stopper 52b held by the second stopper holding portion 415b engages with the second ratchet teeth 512b, restricting the rotation of the hand mounting portion 3 in the palmar flexion direction and the dorsal flexion direction.

[0055] When rotating the hand mounting portion 3 in the dorsal flexion direction from the above state, as shown in FIG. 3, by gripping 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 state between the first stopper 52a and the first ratchet teeth 512a is released. Along with the movement of the first stopper 52a, the first spring 54a also moves upward, but since the first retainer 55a functions as a stopper, the first spring 54a is prevented from popping out externally.

[0056] On the other hand, although the engagement state between the second stopper 52b and the second ratchet teeth 512b is maintained, since the second ratchet teeth 512b have an inclination angle in the palmar flexion direction, when the hand mounting portion 3 is rotated in the dorsal flexion direction, the second stopper 52b slides on the front teeth of the second ratchet teeth 512b, allowing rotation in the dorsal flexion direction. Furthermore, each time the second stopper 52b exceeds the apex of the second ratchet teeth 512b, an operating feeling is obtained, enabling the rotational state to be grasped sensually.

[0057] Then, after rotating the hand mounting portion 3 in the dorsal flexion direction and releasing the first wire 53a held at an arbitrary angle position, the first stopper 52a engages with the first ratchet teeth 512a again due to the biasing force of the first spring 54a, and the hand mounting portion 3 is fixed in a state of having rotated by a predetermined angle in the dorsal flexion direction.

[0058] Next, when rotating the hand attachment part 3 in the palmar flexion direction, as shown in Fig. 4, by gripping 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 state between the second stopper 52b and the second ratchet teeth 512b is released. As the second stopper 52b moves, the second spring 54b also moves downward, but since the second retainer 55b functions as a stopper, the second spring 54b is prevented from popping out externally.

[0059] On the other hand, although the engagement state between the first stopper 52a and the first ratchet teeth 512a is maintained, since the first ratchet teeth 512a have an inclination angle in the dorsal flexion direction, when the hand attachment part 3 is rotated in the palmar flexion direction, the first stopper 52a slides on the front teeth of the first ratchet teeth 512a, allowing rotation in the palmar flexion direction. Similar to the rotation in the dorsal flexion direction, each time the first stopper 52a exceeds the apex of the first ratchet teeth 512a, an operating feeling is obtained, so the rotation state can be grasped sensually.

[0060] Next, similar to the operation in the dorsal flexion direction, when the hand attachment part 3 is rotated in the palmar flexion direction and the second wire 53b being gripped at a position where it has reached an arbitrary angle is released, the second spring 54b biases the second stopper 52b to engage with the second ratchet teeth 512b again, and the hand attachment part 3 is fixed in a state of having 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 non-engagement states between the first stopper 52a and the first ratchet teeth 512a, and between the second stopper 52b and the second ratchet teeth 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 wearing the orthosis 1.

[0062] After setting the rotation angle, by releasing the first wire 53a and the second wire 53b, the first stopper 52a and the second stopper 52b are again engaged with the first ratchet teeth 512a and the second ratchet teeth 512b respectively, and the manual attachment part 3 is fixed at an arbitrary set rotation angle. Therefore, even if an external force acts on the orthosis 1, for example, the rotation angle will not accidentally change, thus enhancing the safety.

[0063] The above is the orthosis 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. However, for example, a rotation restricting part for restricting the rotation range on the palmar flexion side and the dorsal flexion side of the manual attachment part 3 may be provided. For example, a rotation restricting part is installed at a predetermined position of the first connecting part 41, and when the second connecting part 42 rotates to the palmar flexion side or the dorsal flexion side and abuts against the rotation restricting part, further rotation is restricted, so that the safety in use can be further enhanced. The installation position, shape, etc. of the rotation restricting part can be arbitrarily changed according to the rotation range.

[0064] Also, in the above embodiment, the specification of operating the first wire 53a when rotating in the dorsal flexion direction and operating the second wire 53b when rotating in the palmar flexion direction has been described. However, by assembling the ratchet gear 51 so that the inclination direction of the ratchet teeth 512 is opposite to that of the embodiment, it is also possible to adopt a specification of operating the second wire 53b when rotating in the dorsal flexion direction and operating the first wire 53a when rotating in the palmar flexion direction.

[0065] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case where the joint part 4 is applied to an orthosis for assisting the movement of the wrist joint has been described. However, it is also possible to apply it to an orthosis for assisting the movement of, for example, the shoulder joint or the elbow joint. Furthermore, it is possible to apply it not only to upper limb orthoses but also to lower limb orthoses for assisting the movement of the ankle joint or the knee joint.

[0066] As described above, the joint for orthosis and the orthosis to which the present invention is applied have a simple structure and low cost, and are practical for patients.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0067] 1 Equipment 2 Forearm Mounting Part 21 Body Part 22 First Belt Body 23 Second Belt Body 3 Hand Mounting Part 31 Body Part 32 Third Belt Body 33 Fourth Belt Body 34 Fifth Belt Body 4 Joint Part 41 First Connecting Part 411 First Base End Part 412 First Head Part 413a, 413b Through-Holes 414 Groove 415 Stopper Holding Part 415a First Stopper Holding Part 415b Second Stopper Holding Part 416 Slit 416a First Slit 416b Second Slit 42 Second Connecting Part 421 Second Base End Part 422 Second Head Part 423a, 423b Through-Holes 424 Ridge Part 5 Shaft Support Part 51 Ratchet Gear 511 Body Part 512 Ratchet Teeth 512a First Ratchet Teeth 512b Second Ratchet Teeth 52 Stopper 52a First Stopper 52b Second Stopper 53 Wire 53a First Wire 53b Second Wire 54 Spring 54a First Spring 54b Second Spring 55 Fastener 55a First Fastener 55b Second Fastener

Claims

1. a first connecting portion including a first base end and a first head portion, the first base end being connected to a first member; a second connecting portion including a second base end and a second head end, the second base end being connected to the second member; a ratchet gear that 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 rotation direction in which the second connecting portion moves upward from a reference state in which the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are approximately parallel to a horizontal axis, and in another rotation direction in which the second connecting portion moves downward from the reference state, the ratchet gear including a plurality of ratchet teeth formed along an outer periphery of a substantially circular main body, a first stopper that engages with the ratchet teeth and restricts rotation in the one rotation direction, and a second stopper that is disposed opposite the first stopper, engages with the ratchet teeth and restricts rotation in the other rotation direction, In the reference state, The ratchet teeth are formed such that an upper half of the main body is inclined toward the one rotation direction with respect to a diameter line that is substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis of the ratchet gear, and first ratchet teeth with which the first stopper can be engaged are formed, and a lower half of the main body is inclined toward the other rotation direction with respect to the diameter line that is substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis of the ratchet gear, and second ratchet teeth with which the second stopper can be engaged are formed, The first head or the second head has a first stopper holding portion that houses a first spring that urges the first stopper in a direction to engage with the first ratchet teeth and a first wire that is connected to the first stopper and extends from the first head or the second head in an upward direction opposite to the urging direction of the first spring, and a second stopper holding portion that houses a second spring that urges the second stopper in a direction to engage with the second ratchet teeth and a second wire that is connected to the second stopper and extends from the first head or the second head in a downward direction opposite to the urging direction of the second spring. Fittings for orthotics.

2. The first connecting portion has a rotation restricting portion that restricts a rotation range of the second connecting portion in the one rotation direction and the other rotation direction.

2. The prosthetic joint of claim 1.

3. a recess into which the ratchet teeth are loosely fitted is formed in one of the first head portion and the second head portion, and a protrusion for fixing the ratchet teeth is formed in the other of the first head portion and the second head portion; The first head and the second head are fitted together to form the same plane. A prosthetic joint according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. an angle between a virtual line connecting the apex of the first ratchet tooth and the rotation axis of the ratchet gear and a slope of a front tooth of the first ratchet tooth is approximately 40° to 45°; The angle between a virtual line connecting the apex of the second ratchet tooth and the rotation axis of the ratchet gear and a slope of the front tooth of the second ratchet tooth is approximately 40° to 45°. A prosthetic joint according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. A forearm attachment part that is attached to the forearm; A hand attachment part to be attached to the hand; an orthosis joint that pivotally supports the hand attachment portion relative to the forearm attachment portion, The prosthetic joint comprises: 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 attachment 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 attachment portion; a ratchet gear including a plurality of ratchet teeth formed along an outer periphery of a substantially circular main body portion, the first head of the first connecting portion and the second head of the second connecting portion being supported by a support pivotally so that the second connecting portion can rotate in a dorsiflexion direction from a reference state in which the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are substantially parallel to a horizontal axis, and the second connecting portion can rotate in a palmar flexion direction from the reference state; a first stopper that engages with the ratchet teeth and restricts the rotation in the dorsiflexion direction; and a support pivotally including a second stopper that is disposed opposite the first stopper and engages with the ratchet teeth and restricts the rotation in the palmar flexion direction, In the reference state, The ratchet teeth are formed such that a first ratchet tooth is inclined toward a dorsal bending direction on an upper half of the main body with respect to a diameter line substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis of the ratchet gear, and the first stopper can be engaged with the first ratchet tooth, and a second ratchet tooth is inclined toward a palmar bending direction on a lower half of the main body with the second stopper can be engaged with the first ratchet tooth. The first head or the second head has a first stopper holding portion that houses a first spring that urges the first stopper in a direction to engage with the first ratchet teeth and a first wire that is connected to the first stopper and extends from the first head or the second head in an upward direction opposite to the urging direction of the first spring, and a second stopper holding portion that houses a second spring that urges the second stopper in a direction to engage with the second ratchet teeth and a second wire that is connected to the second stopper and extends from the first head or the second head in a downward direction opposite to the urging direction of the second spring. Orthotics.

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