Abstract:
An adjusting device having a first element and a second element movably mounted with respect thereto, wherein the first element has at least one latching device, and wherein at least one locking element coupled to an actuating element is movably disposed on the second element and can be moved out of a release position out of engagement with the latching device into a locking position in engagement with the latching device. The adjusting device has a simple construction which functions reliably and enables rapid adjustment of the stop position. The actuating element has at least one actuating magnet, which is associated with a locking magnet coupled to the locking element and the locking element moves into the release position and/or locking position and/or out of the release position and/or locking position.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The invention relates to an adjusting device having a first element and a second element, which is mounted so as to be displaceable with respect thereto, the first element has at least one latching device, at least one locking element, which is coupled with an actuating element, is arranged so as to be displaceable on the second element, said locking element being movable out of a release position out of engagement with the latching device into a locking position in engagement with the latching device. Such an adjusting device can be used in a sensible manner as a joint mechanism in particular in the case of ortheses or prostheses with pivotable joint elements, in particular such a joint mechanism can be fastened on an orthesis in order to establish the mobility of the joint in a targeted manner. 
     BACKGROUND 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,358,469 describes an orthesis having a joint mechanism on which a rail is arranged on a first joint element and a rail is arranged on a second joint element. The securing to a limb, in particular to a leg, is effected by means of the rails. The joint mechanism has a common rotational axis about which the two joint elements pivot in relation to one another. The joint mechanism has associated therewith a spring which can bring about a preloading in the direction of flexion and/or extension in order to support a movement or to counteract it. The pivoting movement is restricted by means of a pin-shaped stop with a housing in which spring-loaded locking pins are arranged. Holes in which the locking pins engage are provided in a housing in order to define the extent of the pivoting movement. In order to adjust the stop position, the retaining pins are pressed into the housing and displaced to the desired bore. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,534,220 B2 describes an orthesis having two rails which are mounted so as to be rotatable side by side. A lower leg rail and an upper rail are arranged on a joint mechanism. Each rail is preferably fastened on the joint mechanism by means of rivets. An extension, which is produced from a rigid material, for example steel, and has a row of adjusting holes spaced apart from one another, can be fastened on each rail. As soon as the desired length adjustment has been performed, it is fixed by means of a screw-in button or a locking lever. Elevations, which indicate in a haptic manner the correct alignment of the rails with respect to one another, are provided in order to facilitate the aligning of the adjusting holes with respect to the locking elements. 
     The design of such a joint mechanism is costly, the adjustment of the stop position requires fine motor abilities and the structure is susceptible to contamination and water ingress. 
     SUMMARY 
     It is the object of the present invention to provide an adjusting device which is constructed in a simple manner, functions reliably and makes it possible for a stop position or bearing bolt to be adjusted in a rapid manner. 
     The object is achieved as claimed in the invention by an adjusting device with the features of the main claim, advantageous developments and further developments of the invention are shown in the sub-claims, the description and the figures. 
     The adjusting device as claimed in the invention, having a first element and a second element, which is mounted so as to be displaceable, e.g. pivotable or slidable, with respect thereto, the first element having at least one latching device and at least one locking element, which is coupled with an actuating element, being arranged so as to be displaceable on the second element, said locking element being movable out of a release position out of engagement with the latching device into a locking position in engagement with the latching device, provides that the actuating element has at least one actuating magnet which is associated with a locking magnet which is coupled with the locking element and the locking element moves into the release position and/or locking position and/or out of the release position and/or locking position. By means of the development of the actuating element with an actuating magnet, it is possible to bring about in an active manner a locking or unlocking of an adjusting device or an adjusting of a locking element. The magnet does not exert a mechanical load on the locking element such that mechanical wear, as when tension springs and compression springs are used, cannot be produced. Using the actuating magnet, rapid changeover between a release position and a locking position is possible, over and above this there does not have to be any direct mechanical operative connection between the actuating element and the locking element such that, for example, an application in encapsulated assemblies is also possible. In this case, the actuating element with the actuating magnet is able to move the locking element by means of the locking magnet in an active manner into the locking position and back out again. Likewise, active take-up of the release position or removal out of the release position can be effected. In principle, it is also possible for a preferred position of the locking element to be present, for example, by means of the force of gravity or preloading by means of an elastomer element such that preferably a locking position is assumed. The actuating element then operates the locking element only in the direction of the release position and then enables conscious adjustment of the position of the locking element. Once a magnetic interaction has ceased, the locking element then latches automatically into the latching device. A reverse method of operation is also possible such that the release position is present as the preferred position whilst a locking position is assumed in an active manner by means of the actuating element. The locking element can secure the elements together. As an alternative to this or in addition to it, it is possible for the locking element to be realized as a thrust block on which components can be mounted and the position of which is adjustable. 
     The actuating element is preferably mounted so as to be displaceable or pivotable on the adjusting device, in particular on the second element. In particular, the actuating element can be arranged on the upper surface of the adjusting device on the second element such that it is easy to reach and in addition there is sufficient space for actuation. 
     The locking element can be realized as a slidingly mounted pin and the latching device can be realized as a recess in which the locking element engages when it has been displaced into the locking position. It is also possible for the locking element to be realized in a manner corresponding to an alternatively formed latching device and, as a result, it is possible to lock the two elements with respect to one another in a positive locking manner. The locking element can be realized, for example, as a clamp or clasp, whilst the latching device is realized as a projection or as gearing in which the locking element engages in positive locking manner. 
     The actuating magnet can have its magnetic polarity reversed if it is realized as an electric magnet, as an alternative to this the actuating magnet can be mounted so as to be able to have its magnetic polarity reversed, in particular can be rotatably mounted such that different poles act on the locking magnet and depending on the position one time an attracting and one time a repelling effect is realized. Frequently, the release position is brought about with an attracting action and the displacement into a locking position is brought about with a repelling action. 
     At least one holding magnet, which holds the actuating element in the respective position on the second element and does not have the task primarily of attracting or repelling the locking magnet, can be arranged on the actuating element. In principle, it is possible for several magnets, for example two or three magnets, to be arranged in the actuating element, one of which serves as the actuating magnet and the other magnet or the other magnets serve as holding magnets. The holding magnet prevents the actuating element from being unintentionally displaced out of the position once it has been adjusted. 
     The locking element can be arranged on the second element between two holding magnets which are aligned with opposite poles, a further holding magnet with the same magnetic polarity being arranged next to the holding magnet with a magnetic polarity which deviates from the locking magnet. In the case of such an arrangement with four magnets in a row, it is possible for always two holding magnets arranged on the second element to be active and over and above this for the locking element to be displaced into the desired position. The locking magnet and a further holding magnet, in this case, have the same magnetic polarity, two holding magnets arranged next to the locking magnet have a reverse magnetic polarity. Actuation of the locking element and at the same time secure fixing with two pairs of holding magnets in both positions can be effected by means of the magnetic polarity in pairs and an arrangement of holding magnets in the actuating element. 
     It is equally possible for the second element to be magnetizable at least in part, for example to have a magnetizable wall such that adhesion to a magnetizable surface is possible at least in the region of the securing of the actuating element on the second element. The locking element can be effected by an interaction between the locking magnet and the actuating magnets, which at the same time are also holding magnets, right through the magnetizable surface. 
     The locking element can be mounted in a spring-loaded manner in the second element such that a preferred position is present when the magnetic forces fall away. Likewise, where the housing is developed in a magnetizable manner, the spring force can bring about an at least partial compensation of the holding force by means of the locking magnet. 
     The two elements can be mounted as joint elements about a common pivot axis, the elements being arranged in a common pivot plane and being able to be in a flat, disc-shaped or sleeve-shaped form. The elements can be mounted in a spring-preloaded manner in relation to one another in at least one pivot direction in order to support the human joint during bending or stretching. The adjusting device itself, in this case, does not have to have a carrying function, rather it can be realized as a modular attachment part on an orthesis or prosthesis such that spring preloading can be realized in the direction of flexion or the direction of extension and can consequently support the respective movement. 
     Along with complete locking of the adjusting device and consequently also where applicable of the prosthesis or orthesis, it is possible for the locking device to fix the movement boundaries of the elements which are displaceable toward one another, e.g. of the joint, that is for the respective maximum angular positions to be fixed in the direction of extension and the direction of flexion, proceeding from a start position. The locking device then locks a movement beyond a certain angle or a certain stretch and only permits restricted pivoting or displacement between the boundaries which are fixed by the locking device or several locking devices in the adjusting device. 
     Two actuating magnets with different magnetic polarity can be arranged in the actuating element in order no bring about the different positions of the locking element, that is a displacement out of the release position into the locking position and, vice versa, out of the locking position into the release position. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below by way of the attached figures. Identical references designate identical components. In the figures: 
         FIG. 1  shows a schematic, part-sectional top view of an adjusting device; 
         FIG. 1   a  shows a side view according to  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 2  shows a sectional representation an element in the locked state; 
         FIG. 3  shows a sectional representation according to  FIG. 2  in the unlocked state; 
         FIG. 4  shows a variant of the invention in the locked state; 
         FIG. 5  shows an element according to  FIG. 4  in the unlocked state; 
         FIG. 6  shows a schematic side view of an upper part; 
         FIG. 7  shows a top view of an upper part; 
         FIG. 8  shows a variant of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 9  shows a variant of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 10  shows a sectional view of a slidable variant; and 
         FIG. 11  shows a top view according to  FIG. 10 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  shows a perspective representation of an adjusting device  1  having a first element  10  and a second element  20 . A bore  13  is realized on the first element  10 , by means of which bore a securing for example on a first orthesis rail can be effected. The second element  20  is mounted on the first element  10  so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis  22 . Also present and provided on the second element  20  is an accommodating bore  23  for securing on a second orthesis rail which can be connected to the first rail by means of a separate element. The pivot axis  22  preferably extends through the pivot axis of the adjusting device, to which the two orthosis rails are connected so as to be pivotable together. 
     On its upper surface, the second element  20  has an actuating element  30  which is mounted so as to be slidable in a guide  27 . A holding magnet  26  can be seen inside the guide, by means of which holding magnet the actuating element  30  is held in the adjusted position when the actuating element  30  is slid to the left in the guide  27 . The method of operation of the holding magnet  26  and of the adjusting device is described in more detail further below. 
       FIG. 1   a  shows a side view of an adjusting device  1  according to  FIG. 1 . The first element  10  with the bore  13  is arranged below the second element  20  with the bore  23 . The actuating element  30  can be seen on the upper surface. On the bottom side, below the first element, the pivot axis  22  protrudes in the form of a journal. The rails or components can be secured on the journal  22 . The second fastening point for example for the orthesis rails is then in each case the accommodating bore  13 ,  23  of the first or second element  10 ,  20  such that torques are able to be transferred. 
       FIG. 2  shows a part view of a schematic sectional representation of the second element  20 . Normally, the second element lies on the outer side of the adjusting device such that the actuating element  30  lies on the outer side of the adjusting device  1  and is consequently easily accessible. In the embodiment according to  FIG. 2 , the actuating element  30  is realized as a sliding switch which is arranged on the upper surface of the second element  20 . Two actuating magnets  31  with opposite magnetic polarity are arranged inside the sliding switch  30 , the right-hand actuating magnet  31  has north/south magnetic polarity, the central actuating magnet  31  has south/north magnetic polarity and the left-hand holding magnet  35  also has a south/north magnetic polarity. 
     Three holding magnets  24 ,  25 ,  26  are arranged in the second element  2 , their magnetic polarity is aligned such that they have an attracting effect on the two outer magnets  31 ,  35  of the actuating element  30 . This means that the magnetic polarity of the holding magnets  24 ,  25  is equidirectional to the magnetic polarity of the right-hand actuating magnet  31  and of the left-hand holding magnet  35 . The right-hand actuating magnet  31  and the holding magnet  35  are positioned in a manner corresponding to the holding magnets  24 ,  25 . Corresponding to the central actuating magnet  31  of the actuating element  30 , a locking element  40  is arranged in the form of a slidingly mounted bolt in the second element  20 . The locking element  40  protrudes on the underside of the second element  20  such that it is able to engage in a latching device (not shown) in the first element  10 . In order to be able to exert a force component downward in the direction of the second element  10 , a locking magnet  41  is arranged in the locking element  40 , the magnetic polarity of which locking magnet is selected such that a repelling movement is exerted by the central actuating magnet  31 . In the exemplary embodiment shown, the two magnetic north poles face one another. 
       FIG. 3  shows the embodiment in the unlocked state, the actuating element  30  is displaced to the left such that the left-hand holding magnet  35  comes to rest on the outside holding magnet  26 . As a result of the equidirectional magnetic polarity, the two holding magnets  26 ,  36  exert an attracting force on one another. By means of the displacement into the unlocking position, the central actuating magnet  31  is moved to coincide with the holding magnet  25 , which is arranged on the left next to the locking element  40 , and is held there securely equally as a result of the equidirectional magnetic polarity. By means of the displacement, the right-hand actuating magnet  31  is moved to coincide with the locking element  40  and the locking magnet  41 , in this case too, as a result of the equidirectional magnetic polarity of the magnets  31 ,  41 , the two magnets attract and consequently the locking element  40  is also displaced in the direction of the actuating magnet  31 . As a result, it is possible to move the locking element  40  out of the locking position according to  FIG. 2  into the release position according to  FIG. 3  such that the two elements  10 ,  20  are able to be rotated in a freely pivotable manner about the pivot, axis  22 . 
     One variant of the invention is shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . Only two actuating magnets  31  are arranged in the actuating element  30  instead of three magnets in the actuating element  30 , the magnetic polarity of the two actuating magnets  31  is different. A coating  51  which is magnetizable is applied on the upper surface of she second element  20  or a wall  51  which is magnetizable is arranged on the upper surface of the second element  20 . As a result, it is possible for the actuating element  30  to adhere to the wall  51 . The wall  51  can extend over the entire surface of the second element  20 , as an alternative to this it is possible to arrange a magnetizable material in regions on the surface of the second element  20 . A non-magnetizable layer  50 , which can be realized, for example, as a sliding layer, is arranged in the region of the locking magnet  41 . By means of the interruption in the magnetizable layer  51  it is possible for opposite polarities to be able to be realized on both sides of the neutral layer  50  such that the actuating element  30  is held in each position by means of at least one actuating magnet  31  on the second element  20 . 
       FIG. 4  shows the locking state where the locking element  40  projects beyond the underside of the second element  20 . The locking element  40  is held in the locking position as a result of the magnetic polarity of the actuating magnet  30  and of the locking magnet  41  which repel with respect to one another. 
     In  FIG. 5  the actuating element  30  has been displaced, the actuating magnet  31  with the reverse magnetic polarity is aligned with respect to the locking element  40  and by means of the locking magnet  41  pulls the locking element  40  upward. The wall  50  serves as a stop. 
     The locking element  40  can be provided with a spring loading in the direction of a preferred position, either into the locking position or into the release position. 
       FIG. 6  shows a side view of a second element  20 . The actuating element  30  with three magnets  31 ,  35  according to  FIGS. 2 and 3  can be seen along with the arrangement and orientation of the locking element  40  and of the locking magnet  41  on the upper surface of the locking element  40 . 
     A top view of she second element  20  with the rotational axis  22  and the bore  23  for the accommodation, for example, of a screw for securing the second element  20  on an orthesis rail can be seen in  FIG. 7 . The actuating element  30  and a holding magnet  26  can be seen on the upper surface. Together with the holding magnets  24 ,  25 ,  26  and the locking element  40 , the actuating element  30  can be moved into recesses  28  on the upper surface of the element  20  by way of the locking element  40  in order to secure different stop positions of the locking element  40 . As a result, it is possible to secure the pivot angle of the second element  20  in relation to the first element  10 . 
       FIGS. 8 and 9  show a variant of the embodiment according to  FIGS. 4 and 5 . Instead of a magnetzable layer  51 , by means of which the actuating element  30  is held or additionally secured on the second element  20  by means of the actuating magnet  31 , a continuous sliding layer  50  which is not magnetizable is arranged in the variant according to  FIGS. 8 and 9 . Insofar as the second element  20  does not consist of a magnetizable material, the actuating element  30  or the magnetic switch is held on the second element  20  by means of a guide (not shown), for example a dovetail guide, a groove guide or the like. 
       FIG. 10  shows a side view of a variant of the locking device  1 , where instead of a bearing arrangement about a common pivot axis the two elements  10 ,  20  are mounted so as to be slidable toward one another. The first element  10  is essentially realized as a flat rail with recesses  18  in which the locking element  41  is able to engage when it is situated in the locking position. A recess or guide  21  for the accommodation of the first element  10  is realized in the second element  20 . The first element  10  can be slid along its longitudinal extension inside the guide  21 . Coatings to facilitate the relative movement between the first element  10  and the second element  20  can be provided in the guide  21 . 
     The design of the second element corresponds substantially to that of  FIG. 2 , the actuating element  30  in the form of a magnetic switch is provided with three magnets  31 ,  35 , two of which, are realized as actuating magnets  31  and one of which, as holding magnet  35 . Three holding magnets  24 ,  25 ,  26  are arranged on the surface of the second element  20 , which is opposite the bottom surface of the magnetic switch  30 , and are secured therein. A locking magnet  41  is arranged so as to be displaceable in a recess inside the second element  20  and, in the representation according to  FIG. 10 , is pressed away downward by the actuating magnet  31  as a result of the repelling magnetic polarity. As a result, the locking element  40  in the form of a journal is pressed into a recess  18  inside the rail-shaped first element  10  and locks the first element  10  in a positive locking manner against a displacement movement in relation to the second element  20  and to a component possibly arranged thereon. 
       FIG. 11  shows a top view of the arrangement according to  FIG. 10 . 
     By means of the adjusting device  1 , it is consequently possible to adjust or to lock not only elements  10 ,  20  which are mounted so as no be rotatable with respect to one another, but also slidable elements  10 ,  20 . By means of the adjusting device  1 , it is possible to provide permanent locking or unlocking by means of a one-time actuation of the actuating element  30  without further forces having had to be applied by the user. As soon as the actuating element  30  is situated in the unlocking position, the locking element  40  is permanently acted upon with a force which would like no move the locking element  40  out of a positive-looking locking arrangement. As soon as displacement of the locking element  40  is possible, for example in the case of a joint mechanism being relieved or the ceasing of a tensile force or a compression force where two elements  10 ,  20  are mounted in a slidable manner with respect to one another, the locking is released and an adjustment is able to be effected. In reverse, in the case of a corresponding position of the actuating element  30 , the actuating element  30  of the actuating magnet  31  presses the locking element  40  in the direction of a recess  18  in order to bring about a positive-locking locking arrangement. As soon as the recess  30  is situated in a position which corresponds to the direction of movement of the locking element  40 , the locking element  40  latches into the recess  18  and secures the two elements  10 ,  20  in the adjusted position with respect to one another.