Device for stabilizing body joints and / or supporting sports equipment

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for stabilizing a body joint and / or supporting a sports apparatus, comprising a container (20) filled with a filling medium (3). A first body (40) for interacting with the filling medium (30), where the first body is displaceably mounted in the container (20). The invention relates to a container (20) for containing a filling medium (30), comprising a first body (40), a force transmission body (50) for transmitting an external force to the first body (40), a second body (60) for interacting with the filling medium (30), the second body (60) being displaceably mounted in the container (20). Wherein the second body can be elastically coupled to the first body (40) by means of a coupling element (70). Wherein at least a first body (40) has at least one channel opening (41) through which the filling medium (30) can flow, characterized in that the second body (60) is displaceably accommodated in the channel opening (41) of the first body (40). Wherein the first body (40) comprises a valve seat (42) in the region of the passage opening (41) and the second body (60) forms a valve body in order to allow or prevent a flow of the filling medium (30) through the passage opening (41) depending on the valve state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for stabilizing body joints and / or supporting sports equipment, the device comprising: a container filled with a filling medium; a first body, the first body being used to interact with the filling medium, wherein the first body is displaceably installed in the container; a force transmission body, the force transmission body being used to transmit external force to the first body; and a second body, the second body being used to interact with the filling medium, wherein the second body is displaceably installed in the container. Background Art

[0002] It is well known that the use of adaptive motion restraints can stabilize body joints, muscles and tendons. Sports equipment is subject to sports-related loads and therefore requires the installation of adaptive motion restraints.

[0003] In addition, the adaptive behavior of such devices is achieved by two bodies that move relative to each other and a filling medium located between the two bodies. One body of the device can form a container with a filling medium. The other body can form a pull-out body, which is displaceably mounted in the container. When the two bodies move relative to each other, the filling medium can flow in the area between the container and the pull-out body. The flow rate of the filling medium depends on the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the relative movement direction of the container and the pull-out body. The cross-sectional area available for the flow of the filling medium, also known as the hydraulic diameter, plays a decisive role in the reaction behavior of the device when an external force is applied. Therefore, the resistance of the device to external forces can be determined by selecting the hydraulic diameter. The device can be fixed between two parts of the user's body or between two elements of sports equipment, which can move relative to each other.

[0004] If physiological forces (i.e. forces that are not important for the body part or component to be stabilized) enter the device via two body parts of the user, a corresponding relative movement between the container and the pull-out body is allowed according to the hydraulic diameter in the device, thereby allowing the body part to be stabilized to move.

[0005] On the other hand, if non-physiological forces are introduced into the device (ie forces which are critical for the body part or component to be stabilized), relative movements between pull-out body and container are only possible with very large forces due to the influence of the hydraulic diameter.

[0006] The device for stabilizing a joint disclosed by EP 3 238 670 A1 and WO 2020 / 115227 A1 can achieve adaptive behavior depending on the intensity of the applied force.

[0007] Each device comprises a container filled with a filling medium, a first body for interacting with the filling medium, the first body being used to interact with the filling medium. The first body is displaceably mounted in the container, a force transmission body, the force transmission body being used to transmit an external force to the first body. A second body, the second body being used to interact with the filling medium. The second body is displaceably mounted in the container. In addition, the second body has a channel opening through which the filling medium can flow. The channel opening on the second body provides a hydraulic diameter for the filling medium, through which the filling medium can flow as long as there is a gap between the first body and the second body.

[0008] The first body forms a valve body and the second body forms a valve seat, ie, depending on the valve state, the filling medium is allowed or prevented from flowing through the channel opening.

[0009] The external force acting on the first body can be transmitted to the second body via the coupling element. Thus, via the coupling element, the first body can push and / or pull the second body through the filling medium.

[0010] The coupling element is designed to transmit the force to the second body within a physiological speed range when an external force acts on the first body, so that the second body can move in the filling medium together with the first body.

[0011] If the forces acting on the second body via the first body and the coupling element cause the relative movement speed in the device to reach a critical value, i.e. a non-physiological speed, the coupling element will give way, causing the first body to move towards the second body, thereby reducing the hydraulic diameter until the valve formed by the two bodies closes.

[0012] If there is no longer a hydraulic diameter through which the filling medium can flow, the first body and the second body can no longer be moved by the filling medium. The device is blocked.

[0013] It turns out that the switching behavior of the above device between the open and closed states of the valve is significantly affected by the friction between the second body and the inner surface of the container. The force acting indirectly on the second body through the first body and the coupling element is offset by the friction between the second body and the inner surface of the container, which directly affects the closing behavior of the valve. Summary of the invention

[0014] In light of the known background art, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved device for stabilizing body joints or for supporting sports equipment.

[0015] This problem is solved by a device for stabilizing body joints or for supporting sports equipment having the features of claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments can be found in the subclaims, the description and the drawings.

[0016] A device for stabilizing body joints and / or supporting sports equipment, the device comprising: a container, wherein the container is filled with a filling medium, a first body, the first body is used to interact with the filling medium, wherein the first body is displaceably mounted in the container, a force transmission body, the force transmission body is used to transmit external force to the first body, a second body, the second body is used to interact with the filling medium, the second body is displaceably mounted in the container, wherein the second body can be elastically coupled to the first body via a coupling element, wherein at least the first body has at least one channel opening, and the filling medium can flow through the at least one channel opening, characterized in that the second body is displaceably accommodated in the channel opening of the first body, wherein the first body includes a valve seat in the channel opening area, and the second body forms a valve body so as to be able to allow or prevent the flow of the filling medium through the channel opening depending on the valve state.

[0017] By means of the above device, the direct switching behavior between the first body and the second body can be separated from the influence of the friction between the first body and the container. When the first body moves in the container via the force transmission body, the filling medium flows through the channel opening and circulates around the second body. According to the force exerted by the filling medium circling on the second body, the second body can move towards the valve seat under the action of the clamping force of the coupling element until the valve is completely closed.

[0018] The relative movement between the first body and the second body therefore depends primarily on the clamping force of the coupling element and the speed of the filling medium flowing around or the flow force of the filling medium on the second body. The friction between the first body and the inner surface of the container has no direct influence on the relative movement between the first body and the second body. In particular, possible fluctuations in the friction between the first body and the inner surface of the container have no influence on the switching or closing behavior of the second body relative to the valve seat of the first body. For example, the fluctuations can be in the form of friction-inducing material pairings, static friction or friction caused by the curvature of the container or the bending of the device.

[0019] The term "channel opening" refers to a channel that passes through at least the first body, providing a passage or flow path for the filling medium. The channel opening can be tunnel-shaped, channel-shaped or other forms of channel-shaped.

[0020] The term "force transmitting body" generally refers to an elongated, flexible, optionally elastic element in the form of a single fiber, a single strand of fiber, a wire, a string, a rope, a textile of limited width with fixed edges on both sides, or the like. Alternatively, the force transmitting body can also be designed as a tensile rigid rod with shearing properties. The rod is preferably integral with the first body.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the passage opening has a guide section extending in the relative movement direction of the second body relative to the first body so as to guide the second body in the relative movement direction. The guide section defines an inner surface of the passage opening of the first body, along which the second body can move relative to the first body between the initial position and the end position of the device.

[0022] In another preferred embodiment, the inner surface of the passage opening has a guide. As a result, the second body can be centered relative to the cross section of the passage opening. In this way, it is ensured that there is a predetermined gap between the inner surface of the passage opening and the second body, through which the filling medium can flow. The predetermined gap constitutes the hydraulic diameter of the device.

[0023] In another preferred improvement, the valve seat limits a relative displacement stroke of the second body relative to the first body in a relative displacement direction.

[0024] In another preferred improvement, the relative size of the second body relative to the channel opening is such that, in the valve open state, the filling medium is allowed to flow in the area between the second body and the inner surface of the channel opening. When an external force acts on the device, the filling medium can flow around the second body. The circulation of the second body can generate a flow rate or flow force of the filling medium, thereby causing the second body to move toward the valve seat of the first body, which depends on the magnitude or speed of the external force acting on the device.

[0025] In another preferred embodiment, in the initial position of the device, the second body is held in an open valve state by the coupling element, so as to ensure that in the initial position of the device a flow path is provided for the filling medium passing through the channel opening of the first body.

[0026] In a preferred design scheme, the coupling element is configured such that when a physiological force or a physiological speed acts on the device, the second body can be maintained in the open valve position opposite to the flow force of the filling medium through the coupling element; and when a non-physiological force or a non-physiological speed acts on the device, the flow force of the filling medium can overcome the clamping force of the coupling element to move the second body to the closed valve position and maintain it in this position.

[0027] In another preferred improvement, the second body is accommodated in the passage opening of the first body so that the filling medium can flow around at least one area of ​​the surface of the second body in the valve open position. In this way, due to the circulation of the filling medium in the second body, it is possible to generate flow forces acting on the second body. If the flow forces acting on the second body are greater than the clamping force of the coupling element, the second body can move in the direction of the valve seat of the first body until the passage opening of the first body is completely closed.

[0028] In another preferred embodiment, the circumferential surface area of ​​the second body extends from a first surface segment at least facing the first end opening of the channel opening to a second surface segment at least facing the second end opening of the channel opening. According to the flow rate or inflow speed of the filling medium, the properties of the filling medium and the shape of the second body, the circulation of the second body from its first surface segment to the second surface segment will cause the pressure acting on the first surface segment (i.e., the inflow segment) to be greater than the pressure acting on the second surface segment. The force generated by the pressure difference acts along the flow direction of the filling medium, and when the flow direction is consistent with the valve seat, the second body is displaced toward the valve seat.

[0029] In a preferred design, the device includes a first body with a plurality of valve seats and a plurality of second bodies corresponding to the number of valve seats. The valve seats may have passage openings of different sizes and may be arranged in series. The valve seats arranged in series are arranged in a stepped manner according to the size of their passage openings, so that the passage openings of the valve seats decrease from the first end opening of the first body to the second end opening of the first body. Similarly, each surface of the second body is adapted to the size of the unlocking hole of the corresponding valve seat. In this way, the valve can be closed in sections.

[0030] In another embodiment, the second body at least partially has a convex streamlined profile or a conical streamlined profile. This is conducive to generating a pressure difference effect acting on the inflow side and the side of the second body away from the inflow. The side of the second body away from the inflow is the side of the second body facing the valve seat.

[0031] In another preferred improvement, the second body is spherical.

[0032] To achieve the best stabilization effect, the closed state of the valve must be triggered in a controlled and targeted manner. For this purpose, the spherical shape of the second body has the advantage of minimizing the influence of friction on the function of the second body. According to Stokes' law, the friction is proportional to the radius of the sphere, which is another advantage for the compact design. In addition, the radially symmetrical shape of the sphere has the advantage of providing a constant flow curve over the entire surface, so that the valve closing is independent of any rotation of the second body.

[0033] In another preferred embodiment, the first body comprises a sealing segment, preferably an adaptive sealing segment, arranged between the first body and the inner surface of the container so as to seal the first body relative to the container in the closed valve state.

[0034] The sealing section ensures that the filling medium passes through the passage opening of the first body when the valve is in the open state, so as to pass from one side of the first body to the other side in the container. The sealing section contacts the inner surface of the container, allowing the first body to move relative to the container. This relative movement is only offset by the friction force generated by the contact between the sealing section and the inner surface of the container.

[0035] Since the sealing section is located between the first body and the inner surface of the container, the friction forces generated do not directly act on the second body as the valve body. This means that the closing behavior between the second body and the valve seat is mainly affected by the pressure difference caused by the flow around the second body. In particular, possible fluctuations in the friction forces between the sealing section and the inner surface of the container do not affect the switching behavior of the second body relative to the valve seat of the first body. The sealing section can also be molded as an O-ring.

[0036] The sealing segment comprises a positioning component, wherein the passage opening is at least partially constituted by the positioning component, and the second body can be elastically coupled to the positioning component via the coupling element.

[0037] Therefore, the positioning component can be designed to correspond to the first body, so that the positioning component is elastically coupled to the second body via a coupling element instead of the first body, and has at least one channel opening so that the filling medium can flow through the opening when the valve position is open. In addition, the positioning component also includes a valve seat located in the area of ​​the channel opening, so that the second body can allow or prevent the flow of the filling medium depending on the valve position, and the second body guide section is provided by the first body. This makes the design of the first body more concise and therefore more cost-effective. The connection between the positioning component and the first body is preferably fixed by a form-fitting method such as welding, tightening or gluing, and welding only needs to be performed in the area of ​​the connecting piece, and the second body guide section is not affected by the connection.

[0038] In addition, the positioning member is molded in such a way that the second body can be displaceably accommodated in the passage opening of the positioning member, thereby achieving favorable guidance of the second body and reducing the manufacturing tolerance of the positioning member. The preferred connection form of the positioning member to the first body is a positive connection, in particular a connection by welding. This design can also be used to support sports equipment, such as shoes, in particular laces, shoelaces and adaptive soles, for example, the bending stiffness of the adaptive sole is related to speed and / or load.

[0039] The force transmission body or the first body has an end stopper, wherein the force transmission body has at least one groove in the direction of movement from the end stopper to the cross-sectional expansion portion, or the first body has at least one groove in the direction of movement from the end stopper to the cross-sectional expansion portion, and / or the first body has at least one groove extending from the valve seat along the direction of movement to the force transmission body, so that the filling medium can flow through the at least one groove.

[0040] The design allows the first body and the force transmission body to be particularly compact. As a result, the spacing between the inner surface of the container and the first body and the inner surface of the container and the force transmission body is large enough so that the device can be bent in the direction of movement or the container can be bent in the direction of movement. The device can better adapt to movement trajectories of different shapes. In addition, at least one groove forms at least one passage opening for the filling medium and enables a form-fitting or force-fitting connection between the body having the at least one groove and the body defining the passage opening.

[0041] In another preferred embodiment, the adaptive section comprises a sealing lip, wherein the sealing lip can be pressed against the inner surface of the container by the filling medium in the closed valve state. When the valve is in the closed state, the pressure acting on the device increases, thereby increasing the force of the sealing lip pressing against the inner surface of the container.

[0042] In another improved solution, the first body divides the cavity in the container into a first chamber and a second chamber, wherein the channel opening can ensure the flow of the fluid medium between the first chamber and the second chamber in an open valve state. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] The preferred further embodiments of the present invention are explained in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:

[0044] Figure 1A A perspective schematic diagram of a device for stabilizing a body joint and / or sports equipment;

[0045] Figure 1B Figure 1A A side section of the device shown in its initial state;

[0046] Figure 2A Figure 1B A detailed schematic diagram of the device shown in the initial position;

[0047] Figure 2B Figure 1B A detailed schematic diagram of the device shown in the blocking position;

[0048] Figure 3 A partial cross-sectional view of the improved device;

[0049] Figure 4A A partial cross-sectional view of another alternative arrangement;

[0050] Figure 4B A partial cross-sectional view of another alternative arrangement;

[0051] Figure 5 Cross-sectional view of the device without sealing lip;

[0052] Fig. 6A A partial cross-sectional view of an alternative arrangement with a recess in the first body;

[0053] Figure 6B Along perpendicular to Fig. 6A A cross-sectional view of the device in the direction of motion;

[0054] Figure 6C A partial cross section of the integrally molded first body and the force transmitting body with a stopper;

[0055] Fig.6D a cross-sectional view of the positioning member, the coupling element and the second body;

[0056] Fig. 6E A partial cross-sectional view of an alternative arrangement with a recess in the first body; and

[0057] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of a positioning member in another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] The preferred embodiments are described below in conjunction with the figures. The same, similar or similarly functioning elements in different figures are marked with the same reference symbols. In order to avoid repetition, they will not be described in detail in some cases.

[0059] The function of the device will be described below with reference to its use in the field of sports, and it is conceivable that it will be used in the field of workwear, such as work boots. The device is used to damp the movement of two points of the body that can move relative to each other. For example, the body can be a sports shoe, which can counteract torsional movements when connected to the device. However, the device is not limited to the application fields described in this article. For example, it can also be installed between two body parts of a living being to suppress the corresponding body movement. In addition, the device can also be used in other daily necessities to damp sudden increases in force between the body or objects. In addition, the device can also be used for lacing in the field of sports shoes, in particular shoelaces and adaptive soles.

[0060] Figure 1AA perspective view of a device 1 for stabilizing body joints and / or sports equipment is shown. A force transmitting body 50 extends from a cylindrical container 20. The container 20 can be fixed to a certain point of the user's body or sports equipment (such as sports shoes). The end of the force transmitting body 50 located outside the container 20 can be connected to a second body point. The first body point and the second body point are characterized in that a sudden relative movement occurs between them. Direction B represents the movement direction of the device. In addition, the container can also be in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped.

[0061] Figure 1B The cross section of the device 1 in the initial state is shown. The container 20 has an opening 22, through which the force transmission body 50 extends into the inner space 24 of the container 20. If the body point connected to the container 20 moves relative to the body point where the force transmission body 50 is arranged, the force transmission body 50 will move relative to the container 20, in particular, the force transmission body 50 can move further into the container 20 or further out of the container 20 along the movement direction B.

[0062] A sealing insert 29 is installed in the region of the passage opening 22 and separates the interior 24 of the container 20 from the surroundings in order to introduce a filling medium 30 into the interior 24 of the container 20 .

[0063] The container 20 of the device 1 is made of stainless steel. Alternatively, the container can be made of plastic. Fiber reinforced plastic can also be used. Alternatively, the container can also be made of other metals such as aluminum or magnesium. In addition, the container can also be made of ceramics.

[0064] The force transmission body 50 is formed by a cable, extending from the first body 40 through the first chamber 25 of the container 20, and finally through the opening 22 of the container 20. Alternatively, the force transmission body 50 can also be formed by a rod-shaped element made of plastic. In addition, the force transmission body 50 can also be formed in a fiber shape, in particular plastic fibers, such as glass fibers, carbon fibers, etc., or natural fibers, such as hemp fibers, flax fibers, etc. In addition, the force transmission body 50 can also be made of metal, such as aluminum, magnesium or stainless steel.

[0065] The inner space 24 of the device 20 is filled with a filling medium 30. The filling medium 30 is a Newtonian fluid (e.g. silicone oil). Alternatively, a dilatant fluid can also be used as the filling medium. Furthermore, a shear thickening plastic can also be used. In this case, the plastic is in powder form. Alternatively, sand can also be used as the filling medium.

[0066] In addition, a first body 40 is arranged in the inner space 24 of the device 20, and the body can be moved in the moving direction B relative to the container 20 by the filling medium 30. In the embodiment, the first body 40 is pressed into the force transmission body 50 so as to transmit the force generated by the force transmission body 50 to the first body 40. Alternatively, the first body can also be welded, bonded, integrally formed or coupled with the force transmission body 50 in other ways.

[0067] The first body 40 is made of plastic. Alternatively, the first body can also be made of metal such as aluminum, magnesium or steel.

[0068] The cross section of the first body 40 is always smaller than the cross section of the container 20 , so at least a portion of the filling medium 30 can flow on the outer circumferential surface of the first body 40 relative to the container 20 .

[0069] Furthermore, the first body 40 comprises a passage opening 41 through which the filling medium 30 can flow. If the first body 40 is correspondingly moved relative to the container 20 under the effect of the force generated by the force transmission body 50, the filling medium 30 can flow between the first chamber 25 and the second chamber 27 through the passage opening 41 of the first body 40. Therefore, the passage opening 41 determines the hydraulic diameter of the filling medium 30 through the first body 40.

[0070] The following will describe the fluid connection between the first chamber 25 and the second chamber 27 of the container 20 and the initial position of the device 1. When the force transmission body 50 is moved out of the container 20, the filling medium 30 can first flow through the first hydraulic diameter between the outer circumferential surface of the first body and the inner circumferential surface of the container 20 when flowing from the first chamber 25 to the second chamber 27. The filling medium 30 then flows into the channel opening 41 through the side opening of the first body 40, that is, the first end opening 46. Finally, the filling medium 30 can flow from the second end opening 47 of the channel opening 41 into the second chamber 27 of the container 20.

[0071] Furthermore, a second body 60 is arranged in the passage opening 41 of the first body 40 , and the second body 60 can move relative to the first body 40 along the moving direction B of the guide section 43 . Figure 1B The second body 60 is spherical and has a diameter slightly smaller than the inner circumferential diameter of the guide surface 44 of the passage opening 41. The spacing between the second body 60 and the inner guide surface 44 constitutes the actual hydraulic diameter of the device 1, through which the active medium 30 can flow, thereby passing through the second body 60.

[0072] The second body may also have other geometric shapes, such as a partially convex profile or a conical profile, etc. The second body 60 is made of plastic. Alternatively, the second body may be made of metal such as aluminum.

[0073] The guide section 43 of the passage opening 41 has an end stopper 48 for the initial position of the second body 60. Figure 1B As shown, the end stopper 48 is composed of a force transmission body 50 press-fitted with the first body 40. On the opposite side of the end stopper 48, the guide section 43 is limited by the cross-sectional taper of the channel opening 41. The cross-sectional taper of the channel opening 41 forms a valve seat 42, and the second body 60 acts as a valve body, sealing the channel opening 41 when in contact with the valve seat 42.

[0074] Furthermore, a coupling element 70 in the form of a spring is arranged in the passage opening 41, which extends between spring seats 72 in the first body 40 and the second body 60 and couples the first body 40 to the second body 60. The coupling element 70 is subject to a preload, by which the second body 60 can be fixed in an initial position, i.e. pressed against the end stop 48. According to the embodiment, the coupling element 70 is fixed in the initial position of the second body 60 due to the preload of the coupling element 70. That is, the second body 60 is only attached to the coupling element 70.

[0075] In addition, the coupling element 70 and the second body 60 can be continuously connected and even integrated. The coupling element 70 can then fix the second body 60 in the initial position, and the end stopper 48 is not required in the embodiment.

[0076] According to this embodiment, the coupling element 70 is additionally arranged to keep the second body 60 centered in the radial direction of the passage opening 41. This ensures that there is a certain spacing between the guide surface 44 and the second body 60 in the region of the guide section 43. Alternatively, a guide 45 may also be arranged on the guide surface 44 to keep the second body 60 centered relative to the longitudinal axis of the passage opening 41.

[0077] On the outer circumferential surface of the first body 40 there is an adaptive section 80 which is sealed to the inner circumferential surface of the container 20. The adaptive section 80 is arranged on the first body 40 in this way, i.e. between the two end openings 46, 47 of the passage opening 41, the first end opening 46 being associated with the first chamber 25 and the second end opening 47 being associated with the second chamber 27 in terms of fluid technology. The adaptive section 80 thus blocks the fluid communication between the first chamber 25 and the second chamber 27 on the outer circumferential surface of the first body 40, the only fluid communication between the first chamber 25 and the second chamber 27 being via the passage opening 41.

[0078] If the force transmission body 50 moves out of the container 20 along the movement direction B, part of the active medium 30 will accumulate on the adaptive segment 80 and press it against the inner circumferential surface of the container 20. Figure 1BIn the illustrated embodiment, the sealing lip 82 on the adaptive segment 80 enhances this effect.

[0079] according to Figure 1B The adaptive section 80 is fixed to the first body 40 through a positioning member 84, and the positioning member 84 is designed in the form of a bolt and nut, which is screwed on the external thread at the end of the first body 40. Alternatively, the adaptive section 80 can also be fixed to the first body 40 through a snap ring, and for this purpose, a corresponding notch for receiving the snap ring can be provided at the end of the first body 40.

[0080] Figure 1A and 1B The device 1 shown is designed for tensile loads. That is, it can withstand the loads generated by the movement between the body point to which the container 20 is connected and the body point to which the force transmission body 50 is connected. When the force transmission body 50 is pulled out of the device 20, the first body 40 is pulled out at the same time, causing the active medium 30 to flow out of the first chamber 25 along a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the first body 40, through the passage opening 41, through the second body 60 and into the second chamber 27.

[0081] Figure 1A and Figure 1B The principle of the device 1 described above can also be used for a device designed for pressure loading. In this case, the force transmission body 50 is designed in the form of a compression rod, which is connected to the first body on one side of the second chamber. Figure 1A and Figure 1B In contrast, the outlet of the force transfer body 50 from the container is also located on the other side of the container.

[0082] Figure 2A and 2B A detailed view of the device 1 is shown, which describes in detail the function of the device 1. If a force in the physiological speed range is applied and the force transmission body 50 is pulled out of the container 20, the active medium 30 flows out of the first chamber 25 along the outer circumferential surface of the first body 40, flows into the channel opening 41 through the end opening 46, passes through the second body 60 in the channel opening 41, and finally flows into the second chamber 27 through the end opening 47 of the channel opening 41.

[0083] The surface of the second body 60 can be divided into a first surface section 64 facing the first chamber 25 and a second surface section 66 facing the second chamber 27. According to the flow rate or inflow speed of the filling medium 30, the properties of the filling medium 30 and the shape of the second body, the circulation of the second body 60 from its first surface section 64 to the second surface section 66 will cause the pressure acting on the first surface section (i.e., the inflow section) to be greater than the pressure acting on the second surface section. The force generated by the pressure difference acts along the flow direction of the filling medium 30, and when the flow direction is consistent with the valve seat 42, the second body 60 is displaced toward the valve seat 42.

[0084] The clamping force of the coupling element 70, in this case the spring force, is selected in such a way that the coupling element 70 is deflected only when the pressure acting on the second body 60 reaches a critical value. If the pressure generated is below the threshold, the second body 60 does not move relative to the first body 40. When the pressure is greater than the threshold, the spring starts to compress, causing the second body 60 to move towards the valve seat 42 of the second body 40 until the passage opening 41 is completely closed, as shown in FIG. Figure 2B In this state, the hydraulic diameter of the device is zero. Therefore, when the filling medium 30 flows between the first chamber 25 and the second chamber 27, there is no hydraulic diameter.

[0085] By choosing a relatively low spring strength (preferably 0.05 Nmm to 1 Nmm), combined with the preload of the spring, a relatively fast reaction time of the device of about 20 milliseconds can be achieved, i.e. a fast closing of the passage opening 41. The filling medium 30 can no longer flow from the first chamber 25 into the second chamber 27, so that the first body 40 can no longer move relative to the container 20. In this state, the device 1 does not allow any further movement between the two body points for support / damping.

[0086] For example, the pressure threshold could be 4.5N, and when the resistance jumps from 4.5N to 5N, the system shuts down completely immediately.

[0087] Figure 3 Another alternative embodiment for modifying the above-described device 1 is shown.

[0088] In this case, the first body 40 and the force transmission body 50 are manufactured of plastic using an injection molding process, and the size of the components can be reduced in consideration of manufacturing tolerances.

[0089] In the illustrated state, the second body 60 is pressed against the valve seat 42 , that is, the passage opening 41 is blocked. In a normal state not shown in the figure, the coupling element 70 can press the second body 60 toward the end stopper 48 of the force transmission body 50 .

[0090] Additional guide pins may also be installed in the guide section 43. The guide pins are used to align the center of the second body 60, in particular the spring as coupling element 70, in order to compensate for manufacturing tolerances.

[0091] the following Figure 4A Another embodiment of the device 1 is shown.

[0092] The force transmission body 50 and the first body 40 are integrally formed, thereby achieving a space-saving and cost-effective design by reducing the number of components.

[0093] Furthermore, the first body 40 comprises an adaptive sealing section 80, wherein the channel opening 41 is at least partially formed by a positioning component 84, so that the filling medium 30 can flow through the channel opening. The second body 60 can be elastically coupled to the positioning component 84 via a coupling element 70; in the structural example, the coupling element 70 is a spring. The valve seat is arranged in the region of the channel opening 41, so that the second body 60, the valve body, can allow or prevent the flow of the filling medium 30 through the channel opening 41 depending on the valve state.

[0094] The force transmission body 50 and the first body 40 are integrally formed, and a first end opening 46 is provided in the region of the first body 40. The passage opening 41 on the first body 40 has a guide section 43 extending in the relative displacement direction of the second body 60 relative to the first body 40, so as to guide the second body 60 in the relative displacement direction.

[0095] Advantageously, in the described design, no welding is required in the region of the guide section 43 .

[0096] Figure 4B Shows the basis Figure 4A A perspective view of one embodiment of an improved device 1 having a force transmitting body 50 and a first body 40 that are integral.

[0097] and Figure 4A The difference from the embodiment in FIG. 4 is that the first end opening 46 is arranged in the region of the force transmission body 50 , so that the channel opening 41 is partially formed by the force transmission body 50 and can allow or prevent the flow of the filling medium 30 depending on the valve state.

[0098] The second body 60 is displaceably mounted in the area of ​​the passage opening 41 formed by the positioning member 84. To this end, the passage opening 41 has a guide section 43 extending in the relative displacement direction of the second body 60 relative to the first body 40 to guide the second body 60 in the relative displacement direction.

[0099] Advantageously, the positioning member 84 forms the functional area of ​​the coupling element 70 and the guide section 43, so that the molding of the positioning member 84 allows for precise manufacturing, small manufacturing tolerances and serves as a good guide for the second body 60. In addition, molding also means that no welding is required in the area of ​​the coupling element.

[0100] In addition to stabilizing the body's joints, Figure 4A and Figure 4B The illustrated embodiment is advantageous for supporting sports equipment, in particular shoes, which is particularly advantageous for lacing, shoelaces and adaptive soles.

[0101] Figure 5 is a further schematic diagram of the device 1.

[0102] The device 1 includes a container 20 , a first body 40 composed of a sealing segment 80 , a force transmission body 50 (wherein the first body 40 and the force transmission body 50 may be integral), a coupling element 70 and a second body 60 not shown.

[0103] Unlike the previous embodiment, the sealing section 80 does not include a sealing lip 82, but only includes a positioning component 84. For example, sealing is performed by the sealing section 80, in particular by the positioning component 84. Alternatively, the first body 40 is also formed in the same way, that is, sealing is performed between the first chamber 25 and the second chamber 27, and a combined seal consisting of the sealing section 80 and the first body 40 can be achieved. If the first body 40 and the force transmission body 50 are integrally formed, a seal can be formed accordingly. As a result of the sealing, a fluid film is formed between the inner surface of the container 20 and the body used for sealing, and the fluid film does not affect the function of the device 1. Without the sealing lip 82, the continuous load stability will be significantly improved. In addition, the number of components required is reduced, and the production cost is lower and simpler.

[0104] Fig. 6A A cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the device 1 is shown.

[0105] The device 1 comprises a second body 60 , a force transmission body 50 and a first body 40 , wherein the first body 40 comprises an adaptive sealing section 80 , and furthermore a container 20 which is not shown.

[0106] The adaptive sealing segment 80 includes a positioning member 84 and a sealing lip 82, which is completely located between the first body 40 and the inner surface of the container 20 and contacts the latter, and when the valve is in the closed position, the sealing lip is additionally pressed against the inner surface of the container 20 by the filling medium 30. In addition, the cross-sectional expansion 56 of the first body 40 is provided so that the sealing lip 82 is axially positioned by the positioning member 84. The arrangement of the sealing lip is not limited to the examples herein.

[0107] In addition, the first body forms at least one passage opening 41 through which the filling medium 30 can flow, wherein the first body comprises a valve seat 42 in the region of the passage opening 41, and the second body 60 is displaceably mounted in the passage opening 41 of the positioning member 84. The passage opening 41 has a guide section 43 extending in the relative displacement direction of the second body 60 relative to the first body 40, so as to guide the second body 60 in the relative displacement direction.

[0108] The force transmission body 50 has an end stop 48, wherein the force transmission body 50 has at least one groove 52 in the direction of movement B from the end stop 48 to the cross-sectional expansion 56, so that the filling medium 30 can flow through the at least one groove 52 in the second body direction. The at least one groove 52 can be regarded as a first end opening in terms of function. In addition, the force transmission body is provided with a plurality of notches 54 in the cross-sectional expansion 56 in the first body direction.

[0109] In this embodiment, if Figure 6B As shown, the cross section of the groove 52 is star-shaped, but the present invention is not limited to the shape or number of the grooves 52 described in the embodiment. In addition, the groove 52 can also be extended axially into the cross-sectional expansion portion 56, so that the groove 52 replaces the notch 54 in the cross-sectional expansion portion 56 area.

[0110] The grooves 52 are advantageously rotationally symmetrical and equidistantly distributed around the circumference in order to achieve a uniform flow towards the second body 60 .

[0111] The portion of the force transmission body 50 facing the first body 40 is partially connected to the first body 40 through the guide section 43. The material connection can be achieved by welding, such as ultrasonic or laser welding, or by force connection achieved by pressing, in which case the force transmission body 50 will not be in full contact with the guide section 43.

[0112] This design makes the shape of the first body 40 and the force transmission body 50 particularly compact. Therefore, the distance between the inner surface of the container 20 and the first body 40 or the force transmission body 50 allows the device 1 to bend along the movement direction B at the connection of the guide section 43 area.

[0113] Figure 6C Alternative shapes of a device 1 designed according to the invention are shown.

[0114] The first body 40 is cylindrical in the region of a cross-sectional expansion 56 extending from the end stop 48 to the movement direction B. Furthermore, the cross-sectional expansion 56 has a plurality of notches 54 in the direction of the end stop 48 .

[0115] from Fig.6D As can be seen in FIG. 1 , at least one groove 49 is arranged in the guide section 43 and forms the passage opening 41, in the embodiment described, a plurality of grooves 49, wherein Fig. 6A and 6B Similar to the embodiment in, the force transmission body 50 is connected to the guide section 43 in a force-fitting or material-fitting manner.

[0116] Fig. 6E A partial cross section of another embodiment of the device 1 with a groove 49' in the first body 40 is shown. The device 1 comprises a first body 40 displaceably arranged in a container 20 and a force transmission body 50 arranged on the first body 40 in the direction of the opening 22 of the container 20. In addition, the first body 40 also comprises an adaptive sealing section 80, which consists of a positioning part 84 and a sealing lip 82. The second body 60 is displaceably arranged in the positioning part 84 and can be elastically coupled to the positioning part 84 via a coupling element 70.

[0117] The force transmission body 50 is connected to the first body 40 , and the connection method can be a positive connection, such as welding, or a force connection, such as pressing.

[0118] The first body 40 has at least one groove 49', from the end stop 48 along the movement direction B to the cross-sectional expansion 56', so that the filling medium can flow through the at least one groove. In the embodiment shown, at least one of the grooves 49' forms at least one passage opening 41. For this purpose, the force transmission body 50 is connected to the adaptive sealing segment 80 so that the second body 60 is fixed in the initial position of the end stop 48 of the first body 40 by the coupling element 70. The first body 40 and the adaptive sealing segment 80 can be connected in a form such as welding or in a force connection such as pressing.

[0119] Figure 7The cross section of the positioning member 84 in another embodiment is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the area on the positioning member 84 through which the filling medium 30 flows is a stepped structure. In the direction of the second end opening 47, the stepped shape of the positioning member 84 narrows. This structure allows multiple second bodies 60 to be displaceably accommodated in the positioning member 84. Each second valve body 60 simultaneously forms a valve body with its own valve seat 42. In this embodiment, three valves are formed. Similar to the narrowing of the stepped shape of the positioning member 84, the surface 62 of the second body 60 becomes smaller in the direction of the second end opening 47. In the illustrated embodiment, the second body 60 is spherical (it may also be in other shapes). In addition, the second body 60 may not necessarily have the same shape. In addition, the second body 60 can be elastically coupled to the positioning member 84 through a coupling element 70. As a result, the channel opening 41 is consistent with the stepped shape of the positioning member 84.

[0120] The three valves close in different flow states because of the different sizes of the surfaces 62 around which they flow, thereby allowing or preventing the filling medium 30 from flowing through the passage opening 41 in stages. For example, an adaptive base with different bending stiffnesses depending on the number of valves can be provided, so that the base can be better adapted to the prevailing load conditions.

[0121] The present invention is not limited to Figure 7 Furthermore, in another embodiment not shown in the drawings, a plurality of second bodies 60 are displaceably installed in the first body 40 .

[0122] Where applicable, all individual features shown in the embodiments may be combined and / or interchanged without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0123] Reference Symbols List

[0124] 1 Device

[0125] 20 Containers

[0126] 22 Opening

[0127] 24 Interior Space

[0128] 25 First Chamber

[0129] 27 Second Chamber

[0130] 30 Filling medium

[0131] 40 The first ontology

[0132] 41 Channel opening

[0133] 42 Valve seat

[0134] 43 Boot Segment

[0135] 44 Guide surface

[0136] 45 Guide

[0137] 46 First end opening

[0138] 47 Second end opening

[0139] 48 End stopper

[0140] 49 grooves

[0141] 49' Groove

[0142] 50 Force transmission body

[0143] 52 grooves

[0144] 54 Notch

[0145] 56 Cross-section extension

[0146] 56' Section Extension

[0147] 60 Second Body

[0148] 62 Surface

[0149] 64 First surface segment

[0150] 66 Second surface segment

[0151] 70 Coupling element

[0152] 72 Spring seat

[0153] 80 Sealing section

[0154] 82 Sealing lip

[0155] 84 Positioning components

[0156] B Moving direction

Claims

1. A device (1) for stabilizing body joints and / or supporting sports equipment, the device (1) comprising: A container (20), wherein the container (20) is filled with a filling medium (30), a first body (40), the first body (40) being adapted to interact with the filling medium (30), wherein the first body is displaceably mounted in the container (20), a force transmission body (50), the force transmission body (50) being used to transmit external force to the first body (40), a second body (60), the second body (60) being used to interact with the filling medium (30), the second body (60) being displaceably mounted in the container (20), The second body can be elastically coupled to the first body (40) via a coupling element (70). wherein at least the first body (40) has at least one passage opening (41), through which the filling medium (30) can flow, It is characterized in that The second body (60) is displaceably accommodated in the passage opening (41) of the first body (40), wherein the first body (40) comprises a valve seat (42) in the region of the passage opening (41) and the second body (60) forms a valve body so as to be able to allow or prevent the flow of the filling medium (30) through the passage opening (41) depending on the valve state.

2. The device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The passage opening (41) has a guide section (43) extending in a relative displacement direction of the second body (60) relative to the first body (40) so as to guide the second body (60) in the relative displacement direction.

3. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The inner surface of the passage opening (41) has a guide (45) for keeping the second body (60) centered in the radial direction relative to the inner surface of the passage opening (41).

4. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The valve seat (42) limits the relative displacement stroke of the second body (60) relative to the first body (40) in the relative displacement direction.

5. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The relative dimensions of the second body (60) with respect to the passage opening (41) are configured such that in the open valve state the filling medium (30) can flow in the region between the second body (60) and the passage opening (41).

6. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that In the initial position of the device (1), the second body (60) is held in an open valve position by the coupling element (70).

7. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The coupling element (70) is configured such that when a physiological force or a physiological speed acts on the device (1), the second body (60) can be maintained in the open valve position opposite to the flow force of the filling medium (30) through the coupling element (70); and when a non-physiological force or a non-physiological speed acts on the device (1), the flow force of the filling medium (30) can overcome the clamping force of the coupling element (70) to move the second body (60) to the closed valve position and maintain it in this position.

8. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The second body (60) is received in the passage opening (41) of the first body (40) in such a way that in the open valve state at least the surface area (62) of the second body (60) can be flowed around by the filling medium (30).

9. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The circulatory surface area (62) of the second body (60) extends from a first surface section at least facing a first end opening (46) of the passage opening (41) to a second surface section at least facing a second end opening (47) of the passage opening (41).

10. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The second body (60) at least partially has a convex streamlined profile or a conical streamlined profile.

11. The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that The second body is spherical.

12. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The first body (40) includes a sealing segment (80), preferably an adaptive sealing segment (80), which is arranged between the first body (40) and the inner surface of the container (20) so as to seal the first body (40) relative to the container (20) in the closed valve state.

13. The device (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that The sealing segment (80) comprises a positioning component (84), wherein the passage opening (41) is at least partially formed by the positioning component (84), and the second body can be elastically coupled to the positioning component (84) via the coupling element (70).

14. Device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that The force transmission body (50) or the first body (40) has an end stopper (48), wherein the force transmission body (50) has at least one groove (52) from the end stopper (48) to the cross-sectional expansion portion (56) in the direction of movement (B), or the first body (40) has at least one groove (49') from the end stopper (48) to the cross-sectional expansion portion (56') in the direction of movement (B), and / or the first body (40) has at least one groove (49) extending from the valve seat (42) along the direction of movement (B) to the force transmission body (50), so that the filling medium can flow through the at least one groove (49, 52).

15. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The sealing section (80) comprises a sealing lip (82), wherein the sealing lip (82) can be pressed against the inner surface of the container (20) by the filling medium (30) in a closed valve state, and / or the first body (40) divides the cavity in the container (20) into a first chamber (25) and a second chamber (27), wherein the channel opening (41) can provide the fluid medium (30) to flow between the first chamber (25) and the second chamber (27) in an open valve state.

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