LOAD TRANSFER BELT ADAPTED TO CARRY AT LEAST ONE ACCESSORY OF A PASSIVE EXOSKELETON

Abstract

The present invention relates to a load transfer belt adapted to carry at least one accessory of a passive exoskeleton, the load transfer belt comprising, on the one hand, coupling means of an accessory of a passive exoskeleton and, on the other hand, a backrest equipped with two lateral flanks which extend laterally from a fastening end connected to the backrest towards a free end. According to the invention, each lateral flank comprises a first rigid portion which extends from the fastening end towards the free end.

Claims

1. A load transfer belt adapted to carry at least one accessory of a passive exoskeleton, the load transfer belt comprising, on the one hand, means for coupling an accessory of a passive exoskeleton and, on the other hand, a backrest fitted with two lateral flanks which extend laterally from a fastening end connected to the backrest towards a free end, wherein each lateral flank comprises at least a first rigid portion which extends from the fastening end towards the free end.

2. A load transfer belt according to claim 1, wherein the first portion of at least one lateral flank is fitted with coupling means.

3. A load transfer belt according to claim 1, wherein the lateral flanks comprise means for connecting their free end.

4. A load transfer belt according to claim 1, wherein the coupling means are defined by receiving means designed to form an articulated link with an accessory of a passive exoskeleton.

5. A load transfer belt according to claim 1, wherein the coupling means comprise an adjustment system enabling the position of the coupling means to be adjusted according to an axis.

6. (canceled)

7. (canceled)

8. (canceled)

9. (canceled)

10. (canceled)

11. A load transfer belt according to claim 5, wherein the adjustment system comprises a sliding part engaged on a rail, the sliding part cooperating with a clamping element 44 between an activated position blocking the translation of the sliding part in the rail and a deactivated position enabling said translation.

12. A load transfer belt according to claim 1, wherein the backrest comprises a fool-proofing system such that an operator positions the load transfer belt correctly.

13. A load transfer belt according to claim 12, wherein the fool-proofing system comprises, on the one hand, a lumbar curve configured to rest on an operator's lumbar curve and, on the other hand, a thoracic curve configured to rest on an operator's lower thoracic curve.

14. A load transfer belt according to claim 1, comprising a synchronized adjustment system for each side flank configured to translate each side flank relative to the backrest simultaneously.

15. A load transfer belt according to claim 14 wherein the synchronized adjustment system comprises at least one translation guide in which each side flank is engaged through at least one slide complementary to the guide.

16. A load transfer belt according to claim 14, wherein the synchronized adjustment system comprises a synchronization mechanism which is connected, on the one hand, to each lateral flank and, on the other hand, to the backrest by means of pivot connections.

17. A load transfer belt according to claim 16, wherein the synchronization mechanism comprises : a disc pivotally connected to the backrest, and for each side flank, a connecting rod, pivotally connected to the disc on the one hand, and said side flank on the other hand.

18. A load transfer belt according to claim 17, wherein the connecting rods are arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis of the pivot connection between the disc and the backrest.

19. A load transfer belt according to claim 17, wherein at least one connecting rod is arched.

20. A load transfer belt according to claim 14, comprising a stop for limiting the translation of each side flank.

21. A load transfer belt according to claim 16, comprising a rack connected to each side flank and activated by a pinion.

22. A load transfer belt according to claim 1, wherein the backrest is covered with a comfort covering.

23. A load transfer belt according to claim 1, wherein each lateral flank comprises two portions of different rigidity.

24. A load transfer belt according to claim 23, wherein from the fastening end to the free end, a first rigid portion prolonged by a second, more flexible, portion obtained by a reduction in the thickness of the lateral flank.

Description

[0028] Other advantages and special features will become apparent in the following detailed description of a non-limiting example of realization of the invention that is illustrated by the FIGS. 1 to 9 included in an appendix, in which:

[0029] FIG. 1 is a representation of a front view of a load transfer belt according to an example of realization of the invention;

[0030] FIG. 2 is a representation of a side view of a backrest of the load transfer belt of FIG. 1;

[0031] FIG. 3 is a representation of a lateral flank of the load transfer belt of FIG. 1, the lateral flank being fitted with means for coupling an accessory of a passive exoskeleton;

[0032] FIG. 4 is a representation in perspective of the coupling means of FIG. 3;

[0033] FIG. 5 is a representation in perspective of the load transfer belt of FIG. 1;

[0034] FIG. 6 is a representation of a system for the concentric adjustment of each lateral flank, the lateral flanks being deployed;

[0035] FIG. 7 is a representation of the concentric adjustment system of FIG. 6, the lateral flanks being retracted;

[0036] FIG. 8 is a representation in perspective of a return mechanism forming part of the concentric adjustment system of FIG. 7; and

[0037] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the synchronization mechanism of FIG. 8.

[0038] The invention illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 9 relates to a load transfer belt 1 adapted to carry at least one accessory of a passive exoskeleton in the context of a one-off or repetitive handling operation.

[0039] In the example illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, the belt 1 comprises a backrest 2 ensuring an optimal position of the belt 1 regardless of the operator's morphology. To this end, the backrest 2 comprises a fool-proofing system 20 making it possible, in particular, to rest on the operator's lumbar curve.

[0040] To this end, and as illustrated in FIG. 2, the fool-proofing system 20 comprises a lumbar curve 200 which is designed to at least partially adopt the shape of an operator's lumbar curve. For this purpose, the backrest 200 comprises a support surface 21 curved so as to rest on the operator's lumbar curve.

[0041] The lumbar curve is a characteristic of the human species, and corresponds to vertebrae L1 to L5 located in the lower back. In order to adopt the shape of the lumbar curve, the support surface 21 extends from a bottom end 22 to a curve 23. Preferably, the support surface 21, between the bottom end 22 and the curve 23, has a line possessing three undulations 24 so as to accommodate the spinous process of at least one of vertebrae L1 to L5. Here, the backrest 2 gets thicker going from the bottom end 22 to the curve 23. In addition, to stabilize the backrest 2 the bottom end 22 is configured to rest on the sacral curve of the operator's spine.

[0042] Correct positioning of the belt 1 makes it possible to prevent the adoption of a poor work posture, and more specifically a poor pelvic posture, whereas an incorrect adjustment of the belt 1 can lead the operator to adopt a position in anteversion (torso tilted forwards) and/or in retroversion (torso tilted backwards). However, repetitive work in such positions can result in the appearance of musculoskeletal disorders, such as lumbar hyperlordosis.

[0043] Still with the aim of preventing musculoskeletal disorders, the backrest 2 comprises a thoracic curve 201 configured to rest on an operator's lower thoracic curve. To this end, the thoracic curve 201 is above the lumbar curve 200. More specifically, the thoracic curve 201 extends from the curve 23 towards an upper end 26 of the backrest 2. The backrest 2 gets thinner going from the curve 23 to the upper end 26 of the backrest 2.

[0044] Advantageously, the thoracic curve 201 makes it possible to absorb the torques that are exerted on the belt 1 to the front and tend to tilt the operator in retroversion. Of course, to increase the operator's comfort, the backrest 2 can be covered with a comfort covering, for example a foam type.

[0045] In the example illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 7, the belt 1 comprises two lateral flanks 3 designed to surround the operator's hips at least partially. More specifically, each lateral flank 3 extends laterally from a fastening end 30 connected to the backrest 2 towards a free end 31.

[0046] Advantageously, each lateral flank 3 comprises, from its fastening end 30 to its free end 31, a first rigid portion 32 prolonged by a second, more flexible, portion 33. In practice, each lateral flank 3 is formed in one piece, the more rigid first portion 32 benefiting from greater thickness than the second portion 33. The second portion 33 has a more flexible nature than the first portion 32 thanks to the reduction in the thickness of the lateral flank 3.

[0047] Note that the first portion 32 of each lateral flank 3 is developed to rest on an iliac crest of the operator's pelvis. Thus, the first portion 32 of each lateral flank 3 plays a role in transferring the loads absorbed by the belt 1 towards the operator's pelvis.

[0048] Preferably, each lateral flank is made of a composite and/or polymeric material, such as a material based on carbon fibers.

[0049] In addition, each lateral flank 3 comprises a bevel 34 at the location of the lower edge 35 of its free end 31. The bevel 34 boosts the operator's mobility by preventing stress being applied on the front portion of the operator's pelvis. In addition, the bevel 34 also prevents the lateral flanks 3 from restraining the mobility of the operator's thighs.

[0050] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the lateral flanks 3 comprise means 36 for connecting their free end 31. Typically, the connection means 36 comprise at least one strap 37 cooperating with an adjustment system 38 such as a tightening loop.

[0051] As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, at least one lateral flank 3 comprises means 4 for coupling an accessory of a passive exoskeleton. In this example, the first portion 32 of at least one of the lateral flanks 3 is fitted with coupling means 4. Preferably, the first portion 32 of each lateral flank 3 comprises coupling means 4. It is therefore possible for two accessories of a passive exoskeleton, such as arm supports, to be coupled to the belt 1.

[0052] Given that the first portion 32 of each lateral flank 3 is configured to rest on an iliac crest of the operator, the position of the coupling means 4 at the location of the first portion 32 makes it possible to avoid putting stress on the spine. The loads are transferred directly from the accessory coupled with the coupling means 4 to the pelvic bone structure of the operator.

[0053] In addition, the lateral position of the coupling means 4 improves their accessibility and also boosts the operator's autonomy. In effect, because of this lateral position, the operator is able to install equipment without help from a third party.

[0054] In this example, the coupling means 4 are defined by receiving means 40 designed to form an articulated link with an accessory of a passive exoskeleton such as an arm support, a carrier arm, a tool mount, a wrist support, a posture harness, elements of an exoskeleton for an operator's lower limbs, etc.

[0055] Advantageously, the coupling means 4 comprise an adjustment system 41 enabling the position of the coupling means 4 to be adjusted. Preferably, the adjustment system 41 adjusts the position of the receiving means 40 along at least one axis. Here, the adjustment system 41 adjusts the position of the receiving means 40 along an axis perpendicular to the direction in which a lateral flank 3 extends.

[0056] For this purpose, the adjustment system 41 comprises a rail 42 which extends along an axis perpendicular to the direction in which the lateral flank 3 extends. In particular, the rail 42 extends from the lower edge 35 of the lateral flank 3 to an upper edge 39 of the lateral flank 3.

[0057] In this example, the adjustment means 41 have a sliding part 43 engaged on the rail 42. The sliding part 43 cooperates with a clamping element 44 between an activated position and a deactivated position. When the clamping element 44 is in the activated position, it blocks the translation of the sliding part 43 along the rail 42 and enables the receiving means 40 to be kept in a certain position. Conversely, when the clamping element 44 is in the deactivated position, the sliding part 43 is free to slide along the rail 42. In practice, the clamping element 44 can be formed by a screw, a pin cooperating with holes, etc.

[0058] This configuration of the adjustment system 41 allows the operator to adjust the height of the position of the receiving means 40, relative to the lateral flank 2, and according to its size.

[0059] To form an articulated link with an accessory of a passive exoskeleton, the receiving means 40 comprise a stirrup-shaped part 45 having a free end 46 designed to form a pivoting connection with an accessory.

[0060] In this example, the free end 46 extends along an axis parallel to the rail 42. In this example, the free end 46 is formed by a small pillar. The free end 46 can provide a pivoting connection with a socket complementary to the free end 46, the socket being on the accessory.

[0061] To ensure an optimum engagement between the free end 46 and a complementary socket, the small pillar can comprise a center groove 47 that extends in a direction transverse to the axis of the free end 46.

[0062] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 6 to 9, so that every operator can adjust the belt 1 to his morphology, and in particular to the width of his pelvis and/or abdominal zone, the belt 1 comprises a system 5 for the concentric adjustment of the lateral flanks 3.

[0063] In particular, to ensure a synchronized translation of one lateral flank 3 relative to the other, the concentric adjustment system 5 comprises a synchronization mechanism 6.

[0064] As illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 9, the synchronization mechanism 6 is connected to each lateral flank 3 and to the backrest 2. Thus, the synchronization mechanism 6 forms an axial pivoting connection 60 with a panel 27 that is secured to the rear of the backrest 2. To this end, the synchronization mechanism 6 comprises an axle 61 secured to the panel 27 and a disk 62 mounted rotatably on the axle 61. The cooperation between the disk 62 and the axle 61 forms the axial pivoting connection 60.

[0065] Advantageously, the synchronization mechanism 6 comprises two connecting rods 63 having a first end 630 which forms a first pivoting connection 65 with the disk 62. At the same time, a second end 631 of the connecting rod 63 forms a second pivoting connection 66 with a fastening end 30 of the lateral flank 3. Here, the first pivoting connection 65 of each connecting rod 63 is mounted radially opposite on the disk 62.

[0066] As illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 9, the connecting rods 63 are arched to reduce the size of the synchronization mechanism 6, especially when said mechanism is in the retracted position (illustrated in FIG. 7).

[0067] Conversely, when the operator adjusts the belt to his size, the synchronization mechanism 6 is in the deployed position (illustrated in FIG. 6).

[0068] In addition, with the aim of limiting the translation path of each lateral flank 3, the synchronization mechanism 6 comprises a stop 67 cooperating with a radial groove 68 formed on the disk 62.

[0069] According to an example of realization of the invention, not illustrated, the synchronization mechanism 6 can be formed by a rack connected, on the one hand, to each lateral flank 3 and, on the other hand, to the panel 27.

[0070] In addition, the concentric adjustment system 5 comprises at least one guide 50 in which each lateral flank 3 is engaged. Preferably, the concentric adjustment system 5 comprises two guides 50 in which the two lateral flanks 3 are engaged. Here, each guide 50 is formed by a channel 51 formed in the panel 27.

[0071] The two guides 50 are parallel to each other and extend on either side of the synchronization mechanism 6 along a plane defined by the panel 27. A first guide 51 is positioned above the synchronization mechanism 6 while a second guide 52 is positioned lower relative to the synchronization mechanism 6.

[0072] The fastening end 30 of each lateral flank 3 is engaged on a guide 50, 51, 52 by means of at least one pad 53 that is complementary to the guide 50, 51, 52 it cooperates with. Advantageously, each guide 50, 51, 52 makes it possible to ensure a regular translation path of each lateral flank 3 when the operator adjusts the belt 1 to his size.

[0073] Notably, the concentric adjustment system 5 encourages an optimal position and adjustment of the belt 1 by forcing the operator to move the two lateral flanks 3 synchronously and along the same axis.

[0074] Consequently, both the backrest 2 and the concentric adjustment system 5 play a role in the operator's comfort by optimizing the position and adjustment of the belt 1 while freeing the operator's upper body from any constraint.

[0075] In addition, optimizing the position and adjustment of the belt 1 thus results in a position of the receiving means 40 that repeats the insertion axis of the arm on the operator's shoulder. This configuration makes it possible to create an articulated link with at least one accessory such as an arm support or an articulated arm having a similar range of movement to a human arm.

[0076] According to another example of realization of the invention, the belt 1 can comprise additional coupling means to carry other accessories of a passive exoskeleton. For example, the belt 1 can comprise additional coupling means secured to the panel 27.