ORTHOTIC OR PROSTHETIC JOINT DEVICE, AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING SAME

Abstract

The invention relates to an orthotic or prosthetic joint device with an upper part and a lower part arranged in a hinged manner on the latter, and fastening means for securing the joint device on a user, with at least one hydraulics unit between the upper part and the lower part, which hydraulics unit has a piston that is movable in a housing with an extension chamber and a flexion chamber and that is coupled to the upper part or the lower part, and which hydraulics unit is assigned a pressure supply device with a pump and a pressure accumulator via which the piston, controlled by a control device, is subjected to a pressure, wherein the pump can be operated in generator mode, the pressure accumulator can be coupled drivingly to the pump, and the hydraulic fluid can be conveyed by the pressure accumulator through the pump to the hydraulics unit.

Claims

1-22. (canceled)

23. A method for controlling an orthotic or prosthetic knee joint device with an upper part and a lower part arranged in an articulated manner thereon, fastening devices to secure the knee joint device on a user, a drive device to apply a moment to the knee joint device, and a control device communicatively coupled to at least one sensor and configured to control the drive device, the method comprising: applying a supporting moment to the orthotic or prosthetic knee joint device with the drive device during operation of the orthotic or prosthetic knee joint device when mounted to the user, where the supporting moment is a supporting flexion moment or a supporting extension moment, and where the supporting flexion moment or the supporting extension moment is sufficient to support a flexion movement or an extension movement and is applied in a same direction as a flexion movement or an extension movement, respectively, of the lower part relative to the upper part; applying a passive dampening of a swing phase flexion movement using a drive device; and applying an activation moment to the knee joint device in the swing phase, wherein the applied activation moment causes flexion movement or extension movement of the lower part relative to the upper part.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein applying the support moment to the orthotic or prosthetic knee joint device includes applying the supporting flexion moment, the supporting flexion moment being applied prior to the knee joint device being flexed and reduced when the knee joint device begins to flex.

25. The method of claim 23, wherein applying the supporting moment to the orthotic or prosthetic knee joint device includes applying the supporting flexion moment, the supporting flexion moment being provided in a varying degree in dependence on a walking situation selected from walking on level ground, walking up an incline, or walking up stairs.

26. The method of claim 23, wherein applying the supporting moment to the orthotic or prosthetic knee joint device includes applying the supporting flexion moment, the supporting flexion moment including a first supporting flexion moment that is applied after activation of supporting flexion movement of the lower part relative to the upper part, and a second supporting flexion moment that is greater than the first supporting flexion moment and is applied before activation of supporting flexion movement of the lower part relative to the upper part.

27. The method of claim 23, wherein applying the supporting moment to the orthotic or prosthetic knee joint device includes applying the supporting flexion moment, the supporting flexion moment being applied during supporting flexion movement up to a predetermined, ascertained flexion angle of the lower part relative to the upper part.

28. The method of claim 23, wherein the supporting moment is applied up to a predetermined, ascertained bending angle.

29. The method of claim 23, wherein the supporting moment is applied in a time period before the knee joint device is flexed that is between 5% and 40% of a duration of a gait cycle.

30. The method of claim 23, wherein applying a passive dampening of a swing phase flexion movement using a drive device comprises applying a passive dampening of a mid-swing phase flexion movement of a swing phase flexion movement using a drive device.

31. A method for controlling an orthotic or prosthetic knee joint device with an upper part and a lower part arranged in an articulated manner thereon, fastening devices to secure the knee joint device on a user, a drive device to apply a moment to the knee joint device, and a control device communicatively coupled to at least one sensor and configured to control the drive device, the method comprising: applying a supporting moment to the orthotic or prosthetic knee joint device with the drive device during operation of the orthotic or prosthetic knee joint device when mounted to the user, the applied supporting moment being a supporting flexion moment or a supporting extension moment, the supporting flexion moment or the supporting extension moment being sufficient to support a flexion movement or an extension movement and that is applied in the same direction as a flexion movement or an extension movement, respectively, of the lower part relative to the upper part; wherein applying the supporting moment to the orthotic or prosthetic knee joint device includes applying the supporting flexion moment, the supporting flexion moment being applied in a time period before a swing phase flexion movement during a gait cycle; and applying an activation moment to the knee joint device in the swing phase during the gait cycle, the applied activation moment causes flexion movement or extension movement of the lower part relative to the upper part.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein applying the support moment to the orthotic or prosthetic knee joint device includes applying the supporting flexion moment, the supporting flexion moment being applied prior to the knee joint device being flexed and reduced when the knee joint device begins to flex.

33. The method of claim 31, wherein applying the supporting moment to the orthotic or prosthetic knee joint device includes applying the supporting flexion moment, the supporting flexion moment being provided in a varying degree in dependence on a walking situation, the walking situation including walking on level ground, walking up an incline, or walking up stairs.

34. The method of claim 31, wherein applying the supporting moment to the orthotic or prosthetic knee joint device includes applying the supporting flexion moment, the supporting flexion moment including a first supporting flexion moment that is applied after activation of supporting flexion movement of the lower part relative to the upper part, and a second supporting flexion moment that is greater than the first supporting flexion moment and is applied before activation of supporting flexion movement of the lower part relative to the upper part.

35. The method of claim 31, wherein applying the supporting moment to the orthotic or prosthetic knee joint device includes applying the supporting flexion moment, the supporting flexion moment being applied during supporting flexion movement up to a predetermined, ascertained flexion angle of the lower part relative to the upper part.

36. The method of claim 31, wherein the supporting moment is applied up to a predetermined, ascertained bending angle.

37. The method of claim 31, wherein the supporting moment is applied in a time period before the knee joint device is flexed that is between 5% and 40% of the duration of a gait cycle.

38. A method for controlling an orthotic or prosthetic knee joint device with an upper part and a lower part arranged in an articulated manner thereon, fastening devices to secure the knee joint device on a user, a drive device to apply a moment to the knee joint device, and a control device communicatively coupled to at least one sensor and configured to control the drive device, the method comprising: applying a supporting moment to the orthotic or prosthetic knee joint device with the drive device during operation of the orthotic or prosthetic knee joint device when mounted to the user, the applied supporting moment being a supporting flexion moment or a supporting extension moment, the supporting flexion moment or the supporting extension moment being sufficient to support a flexion movement or an extension movement and that is applied in the same direction as a flexion movement or an extension movement, respectively, of the lower part relative to the upper part; wherein a supporting flexion moment or a supporting extension moment of a varying degree is provided in dependence on a walking situation; and applying an activation moment to the knee joint device in a swing phase during a gait cycle, the applied activation moment causes flexion movement or extension movement of the lower part relative to the upper part.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein applying the support moment to the orthotic or prosthetic knee joint device includes applying the supporting flexion moment, the supporting flexion moment being applied prior to the knee joint device being flexed and reduced when the knee joint device begins to flex.

40. The method of claim 38, wherein applying the supporting moment to the orthotic or prosthetic knee joint device includes applying the supporting flexion moment, the supporting flexion moment being provided in a varying degree in dependence on a walking situation, the walking situation including walking on level ground, walking up an incline, or walking up stairs.

41. The method of claim 38, wherein applying the supporting moment to the orthotic or prosthetic knee joint device includes applying the supporting flexion moment, the supporting flexion moment including a first supporting flexion moment that is applied after activation of supporting flexion movement of the lower part relative to the upper part, and a second supporting flexion moment that is greater than the first supporting flexion moment and is applied before activation of supporting flexion movement of the lower part relative to the upper part.

42. The method of claim 38, wherein applying the supporting moment to the orthotic or prosthetic knee joint device includes applying the supporting flexion moment, the supporting flexion moment being applied during supporting flexion movement up to a predetermined, ascertained flexion angle of the lower part relative to the upper part.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below on the basis of the accompanying figures, in which:

[0039] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a joint device;

[0040] FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of a hydraulic unit not covered by the invention;

[0041] FIG. 3 shows a timing diagram for walking assistance;

[0042] FIG. 4 shows a timing diagram for active extension assistance;

[0043] FIG. 5 shows a timing diagram for going up stairs;

[0044] FIG. 5a shows a variant of the timing diagram for going up stairs;

[0045] FIG. 6 shows a variant of the circuit arrangement;

[0046] FIG. 7 shows a further variant of the circuit arrangement;

[0047] FIG. 8 shows a variant of the circuit arrangement as shown in FIG. 7;

[0048] FIGS. 9 to 12 show control sequences for various walking situations; and

[0049] FIG. 13 shows a timing diagram for bending and stretching assistance.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] In FIG. 1, an orthotic joint device 1 is shown as part of a leg orthosis. The joint device 1 has an upper part 2 and a lower part arranged in an articulated manner thereon. Arranged on the upper part 2 and the lower part 3 are fastening devices 4, 5, which are formed as collars or sleeves. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the collars and sleeves are fixed to the upper leg and the lower leg of the user of the orthosis. The upper part 2 is mounted pivotably in relation to the lower part 3 about a pivot axis 6. Arranged on the lower part 3 is a foot part, on which sensors 7, 8 may be provided in order to ascertain the position of the lower part 3, the forces or moments acting thereupon or velocities. Arranged between the upper part 2 and the lower part 3 is a hydraulic unit 10, which is described in more detail below. Arranged in the hydraulic unit 10 is a piston rod 13, by way of which a displacement of the upper part 2 in relation to the lower part 3 about the pivot axis 6 is brought about. A foot part 9 is connected to the lower end of the lower part 3, in order to be able to receive a foot. Instead of an orthosis, the invention can also be realized with a prosthesis, in the case of which the fastening devices are fastened to a prosthetic sock on the upper part, while further prosthetic components, for example a lower leg shank and a prosthetic foot, are arranged on the lower part of the joint device. Corresponding arrangements may be provided and formed for joint devices on hips or upper extremities.

[0051] To assist the respective movement, that is to say the bending and stretching movement, a drive by way of which the respective movement is executed, initiated or assisted is provided in the hydraulic unit.

[0052] In FIG. 2, a schematic representation of the hydraulic unit 10 with additional components is shown. The hydraulic unit 10 has a housing 11 with a piston 12, which is mounted movably thereon and is connected to the joint device by way of a piston rod 13. The housing 11 is coupled to the other component respectively of the joint device 1. In the housing 11, an extension chamber 14 is separated from a flexion chamber 15 by the piston 12. An oil reservoir 16 is connected to the extension chamber 14 and the flexion chamber 15 by way of corresponding lines and check valves 17, 18.

[0053] The hydraulic unit 10 is assigned a pressure providing device 20, by which the hydraulic system of the hydraulic unit 10 is supplied with hydraulic fluid. A hydraulic pump 21, which is driven by a motor 22, supplies the hydraulic unit 10 with pressurized hydraulic fluid. Likewise provided is a pressure accumulator 23, which likewise introduces pressurized hydraulic fluid into the hydraulic system.

[0054] The pressure providing device 20 is connected to the hydraulic unit 10 by way of a switching device 60 in the form of a switching valve. The switching device 60 of the embodiment shown can be switched into three positions, so that three different flow progressions can be realized, explained in more detail later.

[0055] Arranged between the switching device 60 and the hydraulic unit 10 are adjustable valves 40, 50, by way of which the extension damping and the flexion damping can be set. In order to drive the hydraulic unit 10, it is advisable to keep the respective dampings as small as possible, in order that less flow losses occur. The extension damping is set by way of the extension valve 40; the flexion damping is set by way of the flexion valve 50. It is possible by way of motors either to variably restrict the fluid flow or to shut it off entirely.

[0056] Pressure sensors 71, 72, 73 are provided, in order to set the valves 40, 50 in dependence on the existing pressures and the desired movements or dampings.

[0057] The switching position C shown is intended for passive movement damping, in which the pressure providing device 20 is separated from the hydraulic device 10. Extension damping and flexion damping take place by way of a setting of the respective valves 40, 50; the position of the switching device is chosen such that driving by the pressure providing device 20 is not possible. If a flexion movement is carried out, the piston 12 is forced downward. The hydraulic fluid flows through the flexion valve 50. The fluid flows out of the extension chamber 14 through the flexion valve 50 by way of the reservoir 16 back into the flexion chamber 15. On account of the reduction in the volume that can flow back, occurring due to the piston rod 13, the level in the oil reservoir 16 increases; since there is no assistance by the pump 21 or the pressure accumulator 23, this is a case of passive flexion.

[0058] Passive extension takes place in the event of a reversal of the movement, when the piston 12 moves upward and the hydraulic fluid out of the flexion chamber 15 through the extension valve 40 in the flow circuit through the switching device 60, hydraulic fluid additionally flowing into the extension chamber 14 out of the reservoir 16 of the hydraulic device 10.

[0059] In FIG. 3, three diagrams over time are shown. The upper diagram shows the knee angle KA and the ankle moment AM over time during normal walking on the level. The middle diagram shows the flexion damping FD and the extension damping ED over time during normal walking; the lower diagram shows the valve position VP at the respective point in time. The diagrams are shown for the configuration of the joint device as a prosthetic knee joint. The diagrams begin at the point in time at which the heel sets down, that is to say at the point in time of what is known as the heel strike. The knee angle KA is 180; the ankle moment AM acts in the direction of the plantar, and consequently runs under the horizontal line. The flexion damping FD is high, the extension damping ED low, up to the point in time at which the ankle moment AM becomes positive. Then the extension damping is raised approximately up to the level of the flexion damping FD and stays there until there is renewed forward swinging. The flexion damping FD remains high up to the point in time of the lifting off of the front foot, known as toe off. Then the flexion damping FD is lowered, in order to make backward swinging of the lower leg possible. The flexion damping remains low until shortly before the flexion maximum, and is increased again just before reaching the flexion maximum, that is to say the lowest knee angle KA, in order on the one hand to decelerate the flexion movement and on the other hand to obtain as quickly as possible maximum security against unwanted buckling. At the same time, the extension damping ED is reduced, in order to make the most rapid possible forward movement of the lower leg and of the prosthetic foot possible. During the standing phase, the valve position VP is in the position C, in which passive flexion takes place. Shortly before the beginning of the flexion maximum, the switching device 60 is moved into the position A, in order to provide flexion assistance. The bending assistance is configured as soon as a certain knee angle is reached. Controlled extension damping ED ensures avoidance of what is known as heel rising. The active bending assistance is detected on the basis of the progression of the ankle moment AM.

[0060] In order to ensure precise control of the hydraulic unit 10 with the valves 40, 50 and the switching device 60, sensors which monitor the individual components are provided. Apart from a knee angle sensor and an ankle moment sensor, axial force sensors may also be provided. The control may take place for example by observing the knee angle velocity. At a point of inflection of the knee angle velocity, active flexion assistance with the valve position A is activated for a certain time period. The flexion valve 50 is set to a low value and, when a defined joint angle is exceeded, the assistance is switched off and the switching device is displaced into the position C.

[0061] A variant of the control in which the assistance is constituted by active extension assistance is shown in FIG. 4. Until lifting off of the foot, which can be detected from the ankle moment AM, the control proceeds in the way shown in FIG. 3. Instead of again moving into the position C for the switching device 60 after the lifting off, the valve position B is assumed and the extension damping ED increased. In the valve position B of the switching device 60, the extension is assisted, that is to say that the knee angle velocity is reduced and the pivoting direction reversed. For smooth switching on of the extension assistance, the extension valve 40 may be closed and opened again at suitable points in time. Smooth switching off of the extension assistance is achieved by closing the flexion valve 50.

[0062] In FIG. 5, the diagrams for going up stairs are recorded. There is no ankle moment. After the raising of the foot, the knee angle KA is reduced. In order to facilitate this, the extension damping ED is reduced; the switching device 60 moves into the position A, in order to bring about flexion assistance. The flexion damping FD continues to remain low. The extension damping ED is likewise reduced for the time period of the active flexion. Subsequently, the switching device 60 is moved into the position C, in order to achieve passive flexion with deceleration of the flexion movement, until the knee angle KA is minimal. Finally, the switching device 60 is moved into the valve position B, by which active extension is achieved, so that the assistance by the pressure providing device 20 can be made active. For the duration of the switching of the switching device 60, the extension damping ED is increased again; in the valve position B, in which active stretching is assisted, the extension damping ED is reduced, in order to ensure the full effectiveness of the assistance. The flexion damping FD is slowly increased, in dependence on the knee angle KA, during the raising of the patient, whereby the assisting moment becomes smaller and a hard strike against the extension limit stop is avoided. In addition, with an almost stretched-out knee joint, the extension damping ED is increased, in order likewise to dampen a hard strike. In FIG. 5a, a variant of the timing diagram according to FIG. 5 is shown. The control device detects the situation that a step is to be climbed. Starting from the position C, as from a defined knee angle the switching device 60 is moved into the position A, in order to achieve active bending assistance. The patient is thereby provided with assistance in bending the prosthetic leg for the step, in order that the prosthetic foot can swing backward in order not to be caught on the lower edge of a step on stairs. In order to ensure the effectiveness of the active bending assistance, the flexion damping FD is reduced. The extension damping remains at the high starting level.

[0063] As from a defined target angle of the knee angle KA, the flexion assistance is switched off and the switching device 60 returns to the position C. The flexion damping FD and the extension damping ED remain unchanged. Shortly before reaching the maximum knee angle, the flexion damping is increased, in order to limit the maximum knee angle KA. After reaching the maximum flexion angle and the setting down of the foot, the extension assistance is activated and the switching device 60 is moved into the valve position B. At the same time, the extension damping ED is reduced, in order to ensure full assistance for the lifting movement. The flexion damping is left at a high level, for example in order to prevent the patient from falling back. When raising up the patient, the extension damping ED is slowly increased in dependence on the knee angle KA, in order to reduce the assisting moment by the pump 21 or the pressure accumulator 23 and avoid a hard abutment against the extension limit stop. After reaching the maximum stretching angle, the assistance is switched off and the valve position B is switched on.

[0064] In FIG. 6, a variant of the active flexion assistance is shown. The hydraulic unit 10 and also the switching device 60 correspond substantially to those of FIG. 2. The pressure providing device 20, however, is coupled to the other components in a different way. The pump 21 is designed as a pump that can deliver in both directions, so that the pressure accumulator 23 can also charge. The pressure accumulator 23 is connected to the pump 21 by a branch line. In this way it is possible that a separate admission of pressure to the pressure accumulator 23 is performed. If the pressure accumulator 23 is discharged, that is to say hydraulic fluid is delivered from the pressure accumulator 23 in the direction of the hydraulic unit 10, the pump 21 can additionally increase the pressure by the motor. In this case, it is possible to realize two different pressures, since flexion assistance generally requires less pressure than extension assistance. In addition, it is possible to use the pump 21 as a generator. If the pressure in the pressure accumulator 23 is much higher than is required within the hydraulic cylinder of the hydraulic unit 10, the pump 21 can be operated in a generator mode, in order to bring about a reduction in pressure and at the same time convert part of the hydraulic energy into electrical energy. The hydraulic energy would otherwise be lost at the respective valves 40, 50, since it is intended that the pressure is always switched on smoothly. By controlling the release of generator energy, it is possible to work with variable differences in pressure, whereby the lost power and the conversion of the pressure energy into heat can be minimized.

[0065] In addition, it is possible with the circuit according to FIG. 6 that the pressure in the accumulator 23 can be significantly increased without leading to increased losses at the valves 40, 50. The accumulator 23 can consequently store more energy from the movements of the joint device. When the hydraulic fluid is fed through from the pressure accumulator 23 to the hydraulic unit, the pump 21 can be operated in generator mode, in order to make an adaptation of the desired hydraulic pressure possible. The reduction of the pressure takes place by conversion into electrical energy, which can be stored and used for operating the pump 21. As long as no active assistance is necessary for the extension movement, this position of the control device 60 can also be used for admitting the hydraulic fluid to the pressure accumulator 23. For this purpose, the pressure in the pressure accumulator 23 is measured by way of the pressure sensor 22; at the same time, the pressure on the hydraulic cylinder 11 is measured at the outlet of the flexion chamber 15. The pressure sensor 72 indicates whether there is a difference in pressure between the pressure accumulator 23 and the flexion chamber 15. The flexion valve 40 is set in dependence on the difference in pressure. If there is no pressure in the pressure accumulator 23, the user of a prosthesis would not experience any resistance when the flexion valve 40 is opened completely and would fall. The flexion valve 40 is therefore switched in dependence on the pressures in such a way that the user of the joint device always feels the same resistance when going down stairs. Something similar applies when going down an incline on a slope. The pressure accumulator 23 charges further with every step down an incline, and pressure is thereby admitted to it.

[0066] As a further option, be provided, one pressures, accumulator may be provided, one that is designed for very high pressures, higher than those pressures that the pressure accumulator 23 requires for normal operation of the joint device. The additional accumulator can be charged to a very high level by going down an incline or going down stairs, so that the energy storage potential increases. There is the possibility that the pump 21 is thereby operated as a pneumatic motor, so that electrical energy can be generated in generator mode. The additional accumulator could also be discharged into the pressure accumulator 23 in a controlled manner, in order to create pressure reserves.

[0067] In FIG. 7, a variant of FIG. 6 is shown, a variant providing that between the pump 21 or the generator and the pressure accumulator 23 there is arranged a switching valve 28, with which it is possible to decouple the pressure accumulator 23 from the other components. As a result, it is possible to operate the pump 21 independently of the pressure accumulator 23. Provided for this purpose is a further check valve 29, which is arranged parallel to the already existing check valve 24. Both check valves 24, 29 prevent hydraulic fluid from being delivered from the pump 21 into the reservoir 16.

[0068] In FIG. 8, a variant of the embodiment according to FIG. 7 is shown. The embodiment according to FIG. 8 provides that a switching valve device 290 is arranged parallel to the check valve 29 in the hydraulic line. This valve device 290 makes it possible to bypass the check valve 29 when it is in the switching position A. This switching position is shown. In the switching position B of the valve device 290, the bypass is shut off, so that hydraulic fluid cannot flow through the check valve 29 when there is a corresponding pressure gradient at the valve 29. This additional valve device 290 serves the purpose that, when there is a filled pressure accumulator 23, an oil flow enforced by a bending of the knee can be used for generating power by way of the pump 21 in a generator mode. For this purpose, the valve devices 290, 28, 60 should be moved into the corresponding positions, so that the pump 21 can be driven by the hydraulic fluid in generator mode during the flexion. The generator mode has the effect that possibly additional flexion damping is achieved by the conversion of the mechanical and hydraulic energy into electrical energy.

[0069] In FIG. 9, the position of the individual valves or control devices and their changes over the progression of a step are shown in tabular form. Above the table, a step cycle for walking on the level is shown. The usual knee angle KA runs between approximately 180 in the maximum-stretched position and about 120 in the maximum-flexed position. A gait cycle can be divided into multiple phases, the most important division taking place between the standing phase and the swinging phase. Shown is the progression of the knee angle, beginning with the heel strike, that is to say the setting down of a prosthetic foot joint, which is followed by a standing phase flexion. After the first contact with the ground, in which the knee joint is in a stable position, the knee joint is bent by the loading due to the body weight. The flexion immediately following the loading damps the impulse due to the ground contact. The initial ground contact and the loading response take place in the time periods 1 to 4. Subsequently, an extension of the knee joint is initiated, in order to achieve improved stability.

[0070] Subsequently, the extension is completed. These are the mid and terminal standing phases in the sixth time period. There is subsequently a passive flexion of the knee joint, in what is known as the forward swinging phase 7. At the end of the forward swinging phase 7, what is known as the toe off takes place, that is to say the lifting of the foot off the ground, in order that the leg can swing forward. In the initial swinging phase, the maximum flexion is then subsequently reached; in the mid swinging phase 9, the swinging 20 forward of the leg is reached and, in the terminal swinging phase, the extension of the knee joint is pursued, in order to reach the maximum knee angle and carry out the preparation for the standing phase.

[0071] In the table presented below this sequence of movements, the individual elements of the hydraulic circuit of the joint device are shown for the situation with active extension assistance and without active extension assistance. Up until the terminal standing 30 phase, the switching device 60 is arranged in the middle position C; for the terminal standing phase up to the maximum flexion, it is brought into the valve position A, in order to make assistance possible during the initiation of bending. After reaching the maximum flexion, without the extension-assisting function, that is to say extension assistance, assistance by a pressure accumulator 23 or the pump 21 is switched off again. In the case of extension assistance, after reaching the maximum flexion switching into the valve position B takes place, in order to achieve extension assistance.

[0072] The extension valve 40 remains predominantly closed during the standing phase. The extension valve only opens at the beginning of the terminal standing phase, remains substantially open during the entire flexion phase and the extension valve is only closed again during the terminal swinging phase, in order to avoid a hard strike against the extension limit stop. The high extension damping during the standing phase prevents a hard strike in the extension during the standing phase extension.

[0073] The flexion valve 50 is initially predominantly closed, in order to dampen standing phase bending. After the standing phase extension, the flexion damping is reduced, in order to make bending possible. Before the initiation of bending, the flexion damping is reduced to the maximum extent, since here the knee joint is kept up against the limit stop by the ground reaction forces. Without extension assistance, the flexion damping is increased in the swinging phase in order to avoid over-swinging of the prosthetic foot and what is known as heel rising. The flexion damping remains at a high level to allow stumbling to be averted. The flexion valve with the extension-assisting function does not provide any increase in the damping during the flexion phase because heel rising does not have to be avoided here, since this is brought about by the activation of the extension assistance. The damping in the direction of flexion remains low for longer in comparison with the damping without an extension-assisting function in order to make extension assistance possible. Subsequently, the flexion damping is increased again, in order to allow stumbling to be averted.

[0074] For the variant according to FIG. 8 with the valves 290 and 28, it is provided that the valve 290 remains closed, in order not to undergo any losses during the assistance or charging of an accumulator. At the end of the terminal swinging phase, the valve can be opened, in order to pass the oil flow through the pump 21 in generator mode, and thereby convert the mechanical energy into electrical energy. The valve 28 is only closed during the terminal swinging phase, in order when there is a filled accumulator 23 to use an enforced oil flow for generating power by way of the generator mode of the pump 21.

[0075] FIG. 10 shows the circuit arrangement when going steeply up an incline. It is advisable to work here with extension assistance. Up until the terminal standing phase, the valve 60 is in the position B, in order to ensure extension assistance, in order that the patient can climb a step of stairs more easily or can go up a sloping ramp more easily. Flexion assistance is provided in the initiation of bending after the toe off; extension assistance is provided in the terminal swinging phase. The extension valve 40 initially remains substantially open, in order to ensure low damping in the direction of extension, in order that the extension assistance is effective to the maximum extent. Before reaching the stretching limit stop, closing of the extension valve 40, and consequently increasing of the extension damping, is necessary in order to avoid a hard strike against the extension limit stop. At the switching times of the switching valve 60, brief closing of the extension valve may be appropriate in order to avoid hard impacts; alternatively, the flexion valve 50 may be briefly closed at these points in time. Otherwise, the flexion valve 50 is substantially open over the entire movement time period, in order to make minimal damping and maximum assistance possible.

[0076] In FIG. 11, a diagram for going steeply down an incline with the extension-assisting function is shown. Over the entire standing phase, the switching valve remains in the position C; no extension assistance or flexion assistance takes place. Only in the initial swinging phase is the position B assumed, in order to achieve flexion assistance. The extension valve is closed in the standing phase, or has a high degree of damping, in order to ensure a high degree of extension damping when there is no longer a steep downward incline. After reaching the maximum flexion, the extension damping is reduced; in order to make the extension possible, the valve 40 is consequently opened. At the end of the swinging phase, the extension is increased again, in order to avoid hard striking against the extension limit stop.

[0077] The flexion valve 50 has increased flexion resistance during the standing phase, in order to dampen the bending during the downward movement. Subsequently, the flexion valve 50 is slowly opened, in order to make a flexion movement possible. In the swinging phase, the damping remains low, in order to make extension assistance possible, if so desired; alternatively, the flexion damping may also be increased, as is provided in the region of the mid swinging phase. In the region of the terminal swinging phase, maximum flexion damping is again provided.

[0078] Shown in FIG. 12 are a circuit arrangement and a switching progression that can take place when steeply down an incline according to FIG. 11, if the pressure accumulator 23 is to be charged or if electrical energy is to be generated in the generator mode of the pump 21. The switching valve 60 is moved into the position A during the standing phase, in order that energy can be fed to the accumulator 23. It is advisable that this should only take place whenever the accumulator pressure does not exceed the piston pressure as a result. Should this be the case, the circuit diagram according to FIG. 11 would be applicable.

[0079] As a departure from FIG. 11, in the control according to FIG. 12 the extension valve is already opened in the terminal standing phase and the extension damping is reduced. The extension valve remains open over the entire initial swinging phase and is only closed again in the mid swinging phase, in order to increase the extension damping in order that a hard strike is avoided at the end of the swinging phase. The flexion valve remains open over the entire sequence of movements, in order to direct energy into the accumulator 23. The position of the valve should be adapted to the difference in pressure between the accumulator 23 and the piston. If the accumulator 23 is empty, the flexion valve 50 may be set in such a way that there is greater flexion damping. The flexion damping should likewise be kept low in the swinging phase, in order to make extension assistance possible, if so desired. The switching valve 290 is opened during the standing phase, in order that the oil flow through the generator can be used for obtaining power. The valve 28 remains closed. In the extension phase, the valve 290 is closed, in order that extension assistance by the pressure accumulator 23 can be made possible.

[0080] Shown in FIG. 13 is a timing diagram for a gait cycle in which a knee angle KA is represented over time t. On account of the initial standing phase flexion, the knee angle KA is greater than 0 at the beginning of the gait cycle, that is to say when the heel touches down, known as the heel strike; it remains constant at 0 over the subsequent standing phase portion, until it increases after about 1.1 s. The knee angle KA increases further after the end of the standing phase, known as the toe off, up to a maximum bending of about 55 at t=1.35 s. After reaching the maximum knee angle KA, a reversal of the movement takes place; the lower leg component is moved forward, so that the knee angle KA is reduced again on account of the extension movement, and at the end of the swinging phase, with the maximum or approximately maximum stretching, ends with a knee angle KA at 0. As a departure from the representation in the other figures, the knee angle KA in FIG. 13 is denoted by 0 in the stretched position.

[0081] FIG. 13 also reveals that an assisting bending moment FM is applied immediately before the bending. It can be seen from the knee angle progression that the bending moment FM is not sufficient to bring about the bending of the knee; rather, the level of the bending moment FM is chosen such that only assistance for bending by the user is provided, and bending is not brought about independently. This is evident from the fact that the knee angle KA remains unchanged over the entire time period of the maximum bending moment FM. Already before the beginning of the bending, that is to say changing of the knee angle in the direction of the bending of the knee, the level of the bending moment FM is reduced, in order to avoid that the knee joint bends too easily, which would have inadequate stability of the knee joint as a consequence. The only temporary application of the bending moment has the advantage that less energy has to be provided. Likewise, the knee joint remains predominantly without bending assistance during the standing phase, so that increased security against unwanted bending is ensured. The assistance, which can be understood as reduction of the initiating moment for bending, allows a stable set-up to be chosen, so that an increased degree of standing stability can be provided, without this leading to an increased strain on the patient as a result of the secure set-up, that is to say the assignment of the individual components to one another.

[0082] After the toe off, that is to say at about t=1.2 s, there is no longer an assisting bending moment; rather, an extension moment EM is applied, acting as flexion damping and preventing excessive bending of the knee joint. Instead of active application of an extension moment EM, purely passive damping may also take place; it is likewise possible that energy is drawn from the system by conversion for the damping, so that the energy required for the application of a bending moment can be at least partially returned. If a stretching moment EM is applied, the phase in which a stretching moment EM is applied is ended before complete stretching of the knee joint.

[0083] It is possible and intended that the energy remains applied even beyond the initiation of the movement, either at the same level or at a reduced level, in order to assist the user in the movement. The relatively low level of supplied energy prolongs the possible times of use without maintenance.

[0084] In the diagram according to FIG. 13, the applied power P and also the performed work W are also plotted. The power P supplied by motor increases at the beginning of the bending of the knee; after the toe off, there is an excess of power, that is to say no motor power has to be supplied. After reaching the maximum knee angle, power is required again for extension, so that the power P becomes positive again.

[0085] Control such as that described on the basis of FIG. 13 can be carried out not only with a hydraulic drive device; it is similarly intended that the bending and stretching moments are applied directly by way of an electric motor, possibly with a suitable gear mechanism interposed. For damping the movement at the end, the motor may be changed over to generator mode, it being possible for the electrical energy generated to be stored in a storage battery or capacitor, in order to be able to call upon it at the appropriate time.