Device for supporting at least one arm of a user and for supporting at least one upper arm
A device for supporting at least one arm of a user, has one or more arm support elements, each of which has an arm shell for mounting on an arm. Passive actuator(s) are configured to exert a force on an arm support element by way of which an upward movement of the arm in the arm shell is supported when the device is in the mounted state. The device includes at least one counter bearing for the force to be applied, and at least one actuating element, the actuation of which allows the actuator to be moved into a first state where the actuator exerts the force on the at least one arm support element, and into a second state in which it exerts a smaller or no force on the arm support element.
This application is a continuation-in-part application of PCT/EP2019/080059 filed Nov. 4, 2019 which itself claims priority to German Application 10 2018 127 553.6 filed Nov. 5, 2018, and the complete contents thereof is herein incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe invention relates to a device for supporting at least one arm of a user, wherein the device comprises at least one arm support element, in each case with an arm shell for mounting on one arm, at least one passive actuator which is configured to exert a force on at least one of the arm support elements, by way of which an upward movement of the arm in the arm shell is supported when the device is in the mounted state, and at least one counter bearing for the force to be applied.
The invention also relates to a device for supporting at least one upper arm of a user, wherein the device comprises at least one arm support element with an arm shell for mounting on the upper arm, at least one passive actuator, which has a first end and a second end and is configured to apply a force to the at least one arm support element, and at least one counter bearing for the force to be applied.
BACKGROUNDConventionally, the counter bearing has a force transmission element and a counter bearing element. The force transmission element serves to dissipate a counter force to the force to be applied by the actuator into the counter bearing element, which is designed, for example, to dissipate the force into the wearer's body, for example into the hip. Counter bearing elements, which are configured to dissipate the force, for example, into the ground on which the wearer of the device is standing or walking, are also known from the prior art.
This type of device is described, for instance, in US 2016/0081871 A1. It features a counter bearing element that is designed in the form of a strap that can be placed around torso of the user. Two support braces run along the user's back to his shoulder, each of said support braces being connected to a joint above and laterally next to the shoulder of the user, such that the arm can be raised. Spring elements are arranged on the corresponding joints, by means of which an upward force can be exerted on the arm shells, such that the arms are supported, for example when lifting heavy objects or when working above one's head. If the arms are lowered, a pressure must be exerted by the arms onto the arm shells, wherein this pressure exceeds the force applied by the spring elements, thereby causing the arms to lower.
WO 2014/0093408 A2 and U.S. Pat. No. 9,427,865 B2 describe similar devices, feature a spring, especially a tension spring, that is connected to a Bowden cable, said spring functioning as a mechanical energy storage device which acts a passive actuator. Said cable is guided by way of a pulley in such a way that, upon a swivelling of the arm, meaning a movement of the arm support element relative to the counter bearing element, the spring is stretched, such that the mechanical energy storage device is charged with energy.
In particular, if the user of the device trips or falls for instance and has to roll over, for example, these types of device may be hazardous for the user and lead to injuries. This may occur even though the joints of the device that are arranged outside of the shoulder joint are, according to the prior art, arranged as precisely as possible so that their joint axes and swivel axes pass through the corresponding axis of the shoulder joint, such that supposedly all movements that the natural shoulder and hence the arm of the user can execute can be imitated.
An active device that supports arms while work is being performed above a user's head is described in EP 3 156 193 A1. The arm shells are connected to one another by a number of different joints and frame elements. This should render as many movements as possible which are executable by a shoulder joint also possible with the mounted device. Further support devices, especially devices which support the lifting of heavy objects or work performed above a user's head, are known from WO 2014/195373 A1 and US 2016/339582 A1, for example.
The disadvantage of all of these devices is that the force exerted on the respective arm shell is permanently present. Specifically, this means that the arm support elements are in the upward-reaching position when the device is being mounted, so that they first have to be pushed downwards in order to insert the arm in the respective arm shell. This is inconvenient and requires space; as such, there is a risk of hitting other objects with the extended arm support elements.
In addition, when removing the device, the moment the arm is removed from the arm shell, there is a rapid upward movement of the arm support elements, which can cause damage to other objects or even injury to the user.
US 2017/0173783 A1 describes an operating principle with which this problem does not occur. Unlike with the devices described here, the actuator is not able to apply a force to the arm support element that supports an upward movement of the arm in the arm shell. Rather, a mechanical spring is used exclusively to make a downward movement more difficult. Therefore, if an arm arranged in this device is not lowered, no force is exerted. Especially when lifting heavy objects, this device, unlike the other previously mentioned embodiments, is therefore of no help.
Furthermore, depending on the activity being carried out by the wearer of the device, it may be advantageous to allow forces of different strengths to be applied by the passive actuator. The adjustability of the forces is also advantageous in the event that one and the same device is to be used for different users. A range of possibilities for adjusting the force are known from the prior art. For example, it is possible to replace the actuator with another actuator that is configured to apply a greater or smaller force. In addition, it is also known to shift a force application point at which an end of the actuator is connected to the arm support element, for example. The arm support element is preferably arranged, for example, on the force transmission element such that it can be rotated about an axis of rotation, so that an effective lever length can be changed by shifting the force application point. This naturally changes the torque generated.
However, it is disadvantageous that to achieve this, at least one end of the actuator usually has to be released. In particular with actuators that contain elastic elements, there is then a risk that the end will be released without the actuator being completely relaxed. If the released end is then accidentally or prematurely released, the energy of the actuator is suddenly discharged and the now free end of the actuator can swing around uncontrollably and cause personal injury and property damage.
SUMMARYThe invention thus aims to remedy these disadvantages or at least to reduce them.
In particular embodiments, the invention therefore aims to further develop a device where the force to be applied can be adjusted, without incurring the risk of a free end of the actuator causing damage.
The invention solves the task with a device comprising at least one actuating element, the actuation of which allows the actuator to be moved into a first state, in which the actuator exerts the force on the arm support element, and into a second state, in which it exerts a smaller or no force on the at least one arm support element. Preferably, the device has at least one force transmission element that is configured to transmit a counter force from the at least one arm support element to the counter bearing element.
When the device is not mounted, the actuator is preferably in the second state, so that, especially preferably, no force is exerted on the arm support element. The user of the device can therefore put it on and and move the arm support elements with the arm shells into the most comfortable position for mounting. Here, the arm support elements are usually oriented downwards, so that the respective arm can be easily inserted into the arm shell. As soon as the arms are in the arm shells and the arm shells have been closed around the arm as necessary, the device is in the mounted state. In this case, by actuating the at least one actuating element, the actuator can be brought into the first state in which it applies the support force to at least one of the arm support elements.
In the first state, the actuator preferably exerts a maximum force on the at least one arm support element. Consequently, the first state is preferably defined in such a way that a further increase in force by the actuator is not possible, in particular by actuating the at least one actuating element.
Preferably, the actuator can be moved from the first state into the second state in several steps or continuously by actuating the at least one actuating element, wherein the force exerted by the actuator on the at least one arm support element decreases. It is especially preferable if the actuator can be brought into at least one intermediate state, but preferably several intermediate states, by actuating the at least one actuating element, so that the force exerted by the actuator on the at least one arm support element can be adjusted in steps or continuously. The actuating element is preferably arranged on an underside of the arm shell, on a joint that connects the arm support element and the force transmission element such that they can be swivelled, or laterally on the outside of the arm shell or on the arm support element. The underside of the arm shell refers to the side that faces away from the user's arm in the mounted state. When the arm is not raised, it is arranged between the torso and the arm. Laterally on the outside refers to the side that faces away from the torso in the mounted state when the arm is not raised.
This allows the force exerted by the actuator to be freely selected and adapted to meet the personal needs of the wearer of the device. For example, if a force application point, at which the actuator acts on the arm support element, is displaced relative to a swivel axis about which the arm support element can be swivelled, for example, relative to the force transmission element, the corresponding lever also changes so that the applied torque is altered. This is understood as a change in the “force exerted”.
It is advantageous if the at least one actuator features at least one elastic element that can be relaxed by moving the actuator out of the first state into the second state by actuating the at least one actuating element. The elastic element may be, for example, a spring, such as a tension spring, an elastic element, such as an expander, or another element, which is preferably pre-tensioned in the first state of the actuator and is responsible for the force exerted.
A fastening element is preferably located at one end of the elastic element, wherein said fastening element can be moved, especially swivelled or displaced, by actuating the at least one actuating element. Preferably, this movement of the end of the elastic element is damped, for example by way of a spring element, a damping element and/or a controlled applied frictional force. This prevents the elastic element, which may be, for example, an expander, from springing back uncontrollably.
Preferably, the end of the elastic element is locked in the first position, in which the actuator exerts the maximum force on the arm support element. This preferably occurs automatically when and by reaching the first position. To this end, a modified “push-push” mechanism and/or a switch lever can be used, for example. By actuating the actuating element again (“pulling over”), the lock is released again and the actuator can be brought into the second state.
A securing device is preferably provided, for example in the form of a latching device with a latching element and a latching undercut, which ensures that the actuator can only be brought from the first state to the second state and/or vice versa when the device is mounted.
The actuating element is preferably self-locking.
The actuating element may be, for example, a cable pull, a cord or a strap that is arranged on the fastening element. The fastening element itself is mounted such that it can be displaced along a rod, for example, which may also serve as a force transmission element for the force applied by the actuator. One end of the actuating element can be fixed to another component of the device, for example a strap placed around the torso. Positive-locking elements in the form of press studs or velcro elements are provided for this purpose, for example. When mounting the device, this end of the actuating element is not fixed to another component of the device, for example, or in a position in which the elastic element is relaxed. Once the device has been mounted, when the arm shells are closed around the arm or the arm is at least arranged in the arm shells, a tension can be exerted on the actuating element which causes a displacement of the fastening element, on the end of which the elastic element is located. As a result, the end of the elastic element is also displaced and the elastic element thus stretched and tensioned. In this position, the end of the actuating element is fixed via the above-specified mechanisms, so that the fastening element and therefore the end of the elastic element are also fixed. In this case, the actuator is in the first state and exerts a force on the arm support element.
If the device is to be removed, the end of the actuating element can be released. The force of the elastic element displaces the end of the elastic element where the fastening element and the actuating element are located, so that the elastic element is relaxed and the actuator is in the second state. The device can then be safely removed, without any jerky movements occurring.
It is especially advantageous if the actuating element can be actuated by the user of the device once the user has mounted the device.
As an alternative to the actuating element designed as a tension element, for example a strap or cord, a switch lever, a tension lever or another device may be provided for displacing the end of the elastic element. This device is preferably self-locking.
Alternatively or additionally, the actuating element may be designed as a rotary knob. Such a design of the actuating element is offered, for example, by the company BOA.
Alternatively or additionally, the counter bearing features at least one counter bearing element and at least two force transmission elements, wherein each arm support element is arranged on one of the force transmission elements such that it can be swivelled about a swivel axis. The counter bearing element can be, for example, a hip strap, which can of course be padded, or another element arranged on the user's body. The two force transmission elements are located on said element, wherein said force transmission elements may be a rod that points upwards. At the end of the rod opposite the counter bearing element, there is a swivel joint with a swivel axis, via which the respective arm support element is arranged on the force transmission element.
Preferably, the force exerted by the actuator runs along a force direction which runs closer to the swivel axis in the second state of the actuator than in the first state of the actuator. The force itself acts, for example, on a lever that is firmly connected to the arm support element or is part of the arm support element, and is spaced apart from the swivel axis of the swivel joint. In this way, the force applied by the actuator applies a torque to the arm support element about the swivel axis, resulting in the supporting force. The longer the lever element on which the force acts, the greater the torque and therefore the resulting force. By means of the actuating element, it is preferably possible to change this direction of force and to move it closer to the swivel axis in the second state of the actuator. It is particularly advantageous if the direction of force in the second state passes through the swivel axis. If the at least one passive actuator is, for example, an elastic element, such as a spring or a tension spring, it is not necessary to displace an end of the element and relax the actuator. Rather, the direction of the actuator or merely the direction of the force applied is changed in such a way that it runs from the force application point, which is located, for example, on the lever specified above, towards the swivel axis. Such a force does not result in a torque about the swivel axis, so that no supporting force is exerted on the arm support element.
It is advantageous if the actuator features an elastic element, on which at least one tension element is arranged, on which a tensile force can be exerted by actuating the actuating element when the actuator is in the first state. Such a tension element is, for example, a cable, a wire or a strap. The actuating element may be a winding mechanism, for example, via which the tension element can be wound up. The distance between the actuating element arranged on the arm support element, in particular the arm shell, for example, and the connection between the tension element and the elastic element can thus be reduced. In this way, the connection between the tension element and the elastic element can be moved closer to the swivel axis of the swivel joint through clever arrangement of the individual components and, in the optimum case, be brought into overlap with it.
In this example of an embodiment, if the actuator is brought back into the first position, it is sufficient, for example, if the winding mechanism can be released and a tensile force is applied to the tension element in the opposite direction by the elastic element that is still tensioned. As a result, the actuator is moved back into the first state.
Preferably, each arm shell features a closing element with which the arm shell can be closed around the user's arm. This prevents the arm from inadvertently slipping or moving out of the respective arm shell, which would cause an uncontrolled movement of the arm support element.
It is especially advantageous if the closing element can only be opened when the actuator is in the second state. To this end, a mechanical lock or unlocking device may be provided, for example. This ensures that the device cannot be be removed when the actuator is in the first state.
It is particularly preferable if the device has two arm support elements, each of which has an arm shell for mounting on one arm, and particularly preferably, two force transmission elements. It has been proven especially advantageous if the device also has at least two actuators in order to be able to individually adjust the supporting forces to be applied to the different arm support elements. The actuators can preferably be brought into a first state and a second state via at least one actuating element in each case, especially preferably independently of one another, wherein the actuator exerts a smaller or no force on the arm support element in the second state compared to the first state.
With respect to embodiment focused on supporting at least one upper arm embodiments of the invention solve the task with a device comprising at least one deflector element against which the at least one actuator rests and whose type, shape, position and/or orientation relative to the arm support element can be changed in such a way that the force which can be applied by the actuator can be adjusted.
In particular, the at least one passive actuator is not a motor. The required energy it needs to apply the force is produced by the user or wearer of the device. Generally speaking, the force that is to be applied to the arm support element counteracts the force of gravity. When the upper arm and the connected arm support element are raised, energy is withdrawn from the energy storage device of the passive actuator. The counter movement, i.e. lowering the arm, occurs against the applied force, so that energy is supplied to the energy storage device of the passive actuator. For a passive actuator within the meaning of the present invention, this is the only source of energy if one dispenses with an adjustable pre-load of the energy storage device of the passive actuator, which is possible, but not essential.
The passive actuator preferably features at least one energy storage system, preferably at least one mechanical energy storage system. For instance, this may comprise a spring element, a pressure accumulator, a pneumatic and/or hydraulic system and/or a hydraulic energy storage system. The spring element, for example, may be arranged directly on the joint between the compressive force transmission element and the arm support element in the form of a rotational spring or a constant force spring. Elastic elements in the form of elastic cables, such as rubber cables, are also conceivable, one end of which is arranged on a part of the arm support element. If the arm support element is swivelled about the swivel axis relative to the compressive force transmission element, the elastic element is stretched or compressed, such that energy is either supplied to or withdrawn from the mechanical energy storage system. Of course, other elements, such as gas springs or compression springs, are also conceivable, for which a deflection is used to transform the compressive force coming from the compression spring into a tensile force.
A transmission element may be arranged at one or both ends of the passive actuator which transmits the force generated by the actuator to the respective component. This may be, for example, a Bowden cable or a tensile force transmission element, for example in the form of a wire or a cable, or a compressive force transmission element, for example in the form of a rod. The combination of the actual actuator, for example in the form of the elastic element, and the transmission elements arranged on one or two of its ends, is understood as a “passive actuator” within the meaning of the present invention. Consequently, it is sufficient for the invention for the actuator itself or the Bowden cable or the transmission element, which is connected to one end of the actuator and transmits its force to a component of the device, rests on the at least one deflector element. The transmission element itself can be designed to be elastic or inelastic, irrespective of the design of the passive actuator. The force transmission element however, which is part of the counter bearing, is never part of the passive actuator.
The design according to the invention allows the force applied by the passive actuator to be adjusted, without changing the position of the arm. To this end, one of the properties of the deflector element is changed. For example, it is possible to change the shape, particularly the outer contour, of the deflector element against which the at least one passive actuator rests. For this purpose, it may be sufficient to rotate the deflector element about an axis of rotation so that the passive actuator rests against another part of the contour of the deflector element. On the one hand, this allows a tension of the passive actuator to be changed. If the changed part of the contour is, for example, longer than the original part, the passive actuator is no longer tensioned, so that a greater force is exerted. On the other hand, the direction of the force applied by the actuator can be changed. By changing the contour of the deflector element, it is possible to change the direction in which the passive actuator extends from the deflector element towards one of the ends of the actuator.
Additionally or alternatively, the position of the deflector element can be changed. This also allows the distance to be bridged by the passive actuator from its first end to its second end to be increased or decreased, so that the force applied by the actuator is also increased or decreased. The direction of one or both sections of the passive actuator from the deflector element to the first and/or to the second end can also be modified and adapted in this way, whereby the force applied by the actuator to the arm support element can also be changed By changing the position of the deflector element, it is also possible to change the effective lever length of the acting force.
Alternatively or additionally, the type of deflector element can be changed. For example, it is possible to use several deflector elements with the same or a different contour, wherein the actuator is not guided across all of the existing deflector elements. If the actuator is guided across other deflector elements, the force and/or direction can be changed. Preferably, the pre-load of the actuator can also be changed or adjusted in such a way that the change in pre-load that can be caused by the change in a property of the at least one deflector element is compensated for, so that the pre-load remains almost or completely the same overall.
It is advantageous if a first position, at which the first end of the actuator is arranged on a component of the device, and a second position, at which the second end of the actuator is arranged on the component of the device, cannot be changed. It is therefore not only unnecessary, but impossible to release the actuator in order to adjust the force that can be applied by the actuator on the arm support element. The danger of the end of the actuator flapping around uncontrollably is safely eliminated in this design.
In a preferred embodiment, the at least one deflector element can be moved along a predetermined track, preferably a straight line, especially preferably along a component of the device. The deflector element can be, for example, a peg, pin or another component which can be moved along a slot, for example. The slot may be designed to be straight, curved or in a free form. An oval, circular or polygonal shape of the slot is possible.
The at least one deflector element is preferably arranged on the peg or pin. This at least one deflector element is preferably arranged such that it can be detached, so that it can be replaced with other deflector elements if necessary. It is especially preferable if the at least one deflector element is arranged such that it can be rotated about the pin or peg, wherein it is particularly preferable if it can be fixed in different orientations relative to the pin. In a fixed state, the orientation relative to the pin therefore cannot be changed, so that once the force has been set, said force preferably depending on the orientation of the deflector element relative to the pin, it cannot be accidentally or inadvertently changed. To this end, a lock or locking device may be provided that can be brought into a locked state, in which the orientation of the deflector element relative to the pin cannot be changed. It can also be brought into a released state, in which the orientation can be changed.
In the following, an example of embodiments of the present invention will be explained in more detail by way of the attached figures: They show:
A passive actuator 14 is located on the force transmission element, wherein said actuator is depicted as an elastic element in the example of an embodiment shown. It is connected via a Bowden cable 16 to a lever element 18, on which the arm support element is 2 is situated. An end 20 of the passive actuator 14 is arranged with a fastening element 22 on the force transmission element 8 such that it can be displaced. The fastening element 22 features an actuating element 24 in the form of a band or a strap, via which a tensile force can be exerted on the fastening element 22 and thus the end 20 of the passive actuator 14. Positive-locking elements, such as velcro elements, press studs or other fastening elements are arranged on the counter bearing element 12 in various fastening positions 26, so that the actuating element 24 can be fixed in different positions on the counter bearing element 12. As a result, on the one hand, the passive actuator can be brought from the first state shown in
It can also be seen in
The left-hand part of
A different situation is depicted in the lower part of
A range of effects are achieved with this securing device.
The actuating element 24 can only be actuated when the protective cap 50 is in the position shown in the upper part of
The interaction of the ball 52 and the securing element 56 in the embodiment shown also ensures that the connector 46 can only be removed, and thus the arm shell 4 opened, when the ball 52 is in the position shown in the lower part of
The construction corresponds essentially to the embodiment shown in
With reference to embodiments for an upper arm supporting device, reference is made to
The force supporting an arm is consequently reduced.
In the right-hand area of
In
The device according to
In the device according to
In the device according to
The device according to
In the device according to
- 2 arm support element
- 4 arm shell
- 6 swivel joint
- 8 force transmission element
- 10 lower end
- 12 counter bearing element
- 14 passive actuator
- 16 Bowden cable
- 18 lever element
- 20 end
- 22 fastening element
- 22 actuating element
- 26 fastening position
- 28 pulley
- 30 tension lever
- 32 arrow
- 34 swivel axis
- 36 sub-element
- 38 clamping element
- 40 tension element
- 42 connector
- 44 application point
- 46 connector
- 48 pin
- 50 protective cap
- 52 ball
- 54 carrier element
- 56 securing element
- 58 engagement opening
- 60 coupling joint
- 62 rail
- 64 stop ring
- 102 arm support element
- 104 counter bearing element
- 108 force transmission element
- 109 transmission element
- 110 second end
- 111 first end
- 114 passive actuator
- 115 threaded rod
- 116 slot
- 120 slide
- 122 disc
- 124 actuating device
- 125 force application lever
- 126 axis
- 128 deflector element
- 129 tension connection
- 130 axis of rotation
- 132 arm shell
- 134 swivel axis
- 136 peg
- 138 double arrow
- 142 symmetrical axis
- 144 force application point
- 145 jaw
- 146 quenched element
- 148 sloping side
- 150 groove
- 152 swivel axis
- 154 projection
- 156 movement device
Claims
1. A device for supporting at least one arm of a user, comprising:
- one or more support elements, each of which has an arm shell for mounting on an arm,
- one or more passive actuators, each of which is configured to exert a force on at least one arm support element of the one or more arm support elements, by way of which an upward movement of the at least one arm of the user in the arm shell is supported when the device is in a mounted state,
- at least one counter bearing for a force to be applied,
- at least one actuating element, the actuation of which allows an actuator of the one or more passive actuators to be moved into a first state, in which the actuator exerts the force on at least one arm support element of the one or more support elements, and into a second state, in which the actuator exerts a smaller or no force on the at least one arm support element.
2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the actuator exerts a maximum force on the at least one arm support element in the first state.
3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the actuator is moveable from the first state into the second state in several steps or continuously by actuating the at least one actuating element, wherein the force exerted by the actuator on the at least one arm support element decreases.
4. The device according to claim 3, wherein the actuator is configured to assume one ore more intermediate states by actuating the at least one actuating element, so that the force exerted by the actuator on the at least one arm support element can be adjusted in steps or continuously.
5. The device according to claim 1 wherein the at least one actuator comprises at least one elastic element that is relaxable by moving the actuator out of the first state into the second state by actuating the at least one actuating element.
6. The device according to claim 5, wherein the at least one elastic element has an end with a fastening element that is moveable by actuating the at least one actuating element.
7. The device according to claim 1 wherein the at least one counter bearing comprises at least one counter bearing element and at least one transmission element, wherein at least one arm support element of the one or more support elements is arranged on at least one force transmission element such that it can be swivelled about a swivel axis, and wherein a force direction, in which the force exerted by the actuator acts, runs closer to a swivel axis in the second state of the actuator than in the first state.
8. The device according to claim 7, wherein the force direction passes through the swivel axis in the second state.
9. The device according to claim 7, wherein the actuator comprises an elastic element on which at least one tension element is arranged and to which a tensile force is exertable by actuating the at least one actuating element when the actuator is in the first state.
10. The device according to claim 1 wherein the arm shell of the one or more support elements comprises a closing element for closing the arm shell around the at least one arm of the user.
11. The device according to claim 10, wherein the closing element is only openable when the actuator is in the second state.
12. The device according to claim 1 wherein the at least one arm support element comprises two arm support elements, each of which has an arm shell for mounting two different arms of a user.
13. The device according to claim 12, further comprising two force transmission elements.
14. A device for supporting at least one upper arm of a user, comprising:
- one or more arm support elements, each with an arm shell for mounting on an upper arm of the user,
- one or more passive actuators, each of which has a first end and a second end and is configured to apply a force to at least one arm support element of the one or more arm support elements,
- at least one counter bearing for a force to be applied,
- at least one deflector element against which at least one actuator of the one or more passive actuators rests, wherein a type, shape, position and/or orientation relative to at least one arm support element of the one or more arm support elements, of the at least one deflector element is changeable in such a way that the force to be applied by the at least one actuator is adjustable.
15. The device according to claim 14, wherein a first position, at which the first end of the at least one actuator is arranged on a first component of the device, and a second position, at which the second end of the at least one actuator actuator is arranged on a second component of the device, cannot be changed, and wherein the first component and second component may be the same or different.
16. The device according to claim 14, wherein the at least one deflector element is moveable along a predetermined track.
17. The device according to claim 16 wherein the predetermined track follows a straight line along the first component or the second component.
18. The device according to claim 16 wherein the at least one deflector element comprises a slot along which a pin is displaceable, wherein the pin is arranged on the first component or the second component.
19. The device according to claim 18 wherein the at least one deflector element is rotatable about the pin and fixable in a plurality of orientations relative to the pin.
20. The device according to claim 14 wherein the counter bearing comprises a counter bearing element, and a force transmission element configured to transmit a counter force to the counter bearing element, wherein the at least one arm support element is arranged on the force transmission element such that it is swivellable about a swivel axis.
21. The device according to claim 20 wherein the first end and the second end of the at least one actuator are arranged on the force transmission element, and the at least one deflector element is arranged on the at least one arm support element, or vice-versa.
22. The device according to claim 20 wherein at least one of the first end and the second end of the at least one actuator is arranged on the swivel axis.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 31, 2021
Publication Date: Feb 3, 2022
Inventors: Lars Benjamin Finke (Landolfshausen), Olaf Kroll-Orywahl (Northeim), Markus Tüttemann (Waltrop), Michael Bremer (Göttingen), Maximilian Anton Merker (Wuppertal), Oliver Mizera (Göttingen), Markus Mladek (Gleichen), Fabienne Röschel (Göttingen), Benjamin Schirrmeister (Göttingen), Carsten Vogel (Duderstadt), Jonas Bornmann (Duderstadt), Michael Lanzinger (Neufraunhofen), Simon Käsmann (München), Pascal SCHWEDHELM (Duderstadt)
Application Number: 17/218,417