Device for stabilizing movements of two parts of a body region and / or a sports device that are relatively movable to each other, comprising an active body assembly with a sealing lip

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for stabilizing movements of two parts of a body region and / or a sports device that are movable relative to each other. State of the art

[0002] It is known to stabilize body joints, muscles, and tendons using devices that enable adaptive movement limitation. Furthermore, it is known to equip sports equipment that can be subjected to jerky movements with adaptive movement limitation devices.

[0003] Among other things, the adaptive behavior of such devices is achieved by having two bodies move relative to each other, with a filling medium located between them. One body of the device can form a receptacle filled with the filling medium. The other body can form a receptacle, which is movably arranged within the receptacle. The filling medium can flow in the area between the receptacle and the receptacle when the two bodies move relative to each other. The flow velocity of the filling medium depends critically on the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the relative direction of movement of the receptacle and the receptacle. This cross-sectional area available for the flow of the filling medium is also referred to as the hydraulic diameter and is ultimately crucial for the reactive behavior of the device under external force.

[0004] The resistance the device offers to external forces can be determined by selecting the appropriate hydraulic diameter. The devices can be fixed between two parts of a user's body or between two elements of a piece of sports equipment that can move relative to each other.

[0005] If physiological forces or physiological velocities, i.e., forces that are not critical for the body part or component to be stabilized, are introduced into the device via the two body parts of the user, a corresponding relative movement of the receiving and the withdrawing body, and thus a movement of the body part to be stabilized, is permitted according to the hydraulic diameter in the device.

[0006] However, if unphysiological forces, i.e., forces critical for the body part or component being stabilized, are introduced into the device, relative movement between the pull-out body and the receptacle is only possible with a very high force due to the change in hydraulic diameter. The device locks.

[0007] Such a device is known, for example, from US Patent 5,712,011. US 5,712,011 discloses a device with two bodies movable relative to each other. A first body comprises a receptacle filled with a fluid. The second body extends at least partially into the receptacle of the first body and is configured to interact with the fluid. This interaction dampens relative motions between the first and second bodies.

[0008] In a blocked state, the device can be subjected to very high pressure loads, which can damage it. Using a material that is too hard or brittle for the receptacle has the disadvantage that, while it can withstand the pressure loads, it impairs the comfort of wearing the device on body parts and joints. Conversely, using a material that is too elastic for the receptacle causes it to bulge outwards under high pressure, allowing the filling medium to escape from the compressed space (when blocked) along the inner wall of the receptacle, past the seal or the active element and any attached sealing ring. This prevents the device from blocking as intended and impairs its functionality.

[0009] It has been shown that O-rings cannot adapt to the changing diameters of the receptacle, which result from the receptacle's curvature under pressure. Furthermore, it has been shown that O-rings cannot always maintain their position in the receptacle due to high pressure loads. As the filling medium escapes past the seal, the O-ring shifts or even slips over the actuator, impairing the device's functionality and potentially leading to total failure. This means the device switches too early, too late, or not at all, thus rendering the device's operating principle unreproducible.

[0010] Furthermore, the devices known in the prior art have the disadvantage that they do not block in the range of physiological velocities and there is a risk that an active body may strike the receiver during continuous movement at such velocities, which could damage the device.

[0011] US 5,730,263 A discloses a vibration damper. EP 1,437,524 B1 discloses a device for damping or decelerating moving parts of furniture. EP 3,092,980 A1 discloses a device for stabilizing body joints, muscles, and tendons. US 5,190,126 A discloses a shock absorber with air cavity-controlled openings according to the preamble of claim 1. US 2016 / 0213549 A1 discloses a portable posture support device. Description of the invention

[0012] Starting from the known state of the art, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved device for movements of two parts of a body region and / or a sports device that are movable relative to each other.

[0013] This problem is solved by means of a device having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0014] Accordingly, a device for stabilizing movements of two parts of a body region that are movable relative to each other, in particular two body joints that are movable relative to each other, and / or of a sports device, is specified, comprising a receptacle that can be fixed to a first part of a body region and / or of a sports device, wherein the receptacle is filled with a filling medium, and at least one active body arrangement that is slidably mounted in the receptacle and can interact with the filling medium, a force transmission body that can be fixed to a second part of the same body region and / or of the same sports device for transmitting an external force or velocity to the active body, wherein the active body comprises at least one through-opening through which filling medium can flow.The active element assembly has a sealing lip for sealing a gap between an inner surface of the receptacle and a lateral region of an outer surface of the active element assembly, the sealing lip being arranged on an outer surface of the active element. According to the invention, the active element comprises a first active element and a second active element, wherein the first active element and the second active element are slidably arranged in the receptacle and interact with the filling medium, wherein the force transmission element transmits the external force to the first active element, wherein the second active element is elastically coupled to the first active element via a coupling element, wherein the second active element and / or the first active element has at least one passage opening through which the filling medium can flow, wherein the first active element forms a valve body and the second active element forms a valve seat, and wherein the sealing lip is arranged on the second active element.

[0015] This allows the flow of the medium through the passage opening to be allowed or prevented depending on the valve position.

[0016] For example, the sealing lip is arranged on an outer side of the active body in the circumferential direction and / or on the top and / or bottom of the active body.

[0017] Inside the device's housing, high pressure loads can occur on the working element due to critical displacement speeds and the resulting forces when the device is locked. The pressure loads vary depending on the housing's diameter. Generally, the smaller the diameter, the higher the maximum pressure loads. For example, pressure loads of 160 to 280 bar can occur.

[0018] Such pressure loads can be managed by appropriately designing the device, i.e., by increasing the wall thickness. However, this is not desirable, as it would compromise the comfort of the device at the body's joints or areas due to such a bulky design, unnecessarily increasing the space required for the device in sports equipment.

[0019] Furthermore, it should be noted that the smaller the diameter of the receptacle, the more difficult it is to control pressure loads, which in turn would mean that the wall thickness would have to be increased even further. Therefore, increasing the wall thickness is not a suitable solution for the application-specific purpose of the device, as it should be as small as possible for use in sports equipment or on the body. In this context, the term "sports equipment" also includes sportswear such as sports bras, socks, shoes, and gloves.

[0020] To avoid compromising wearing comfort or further increasing the wall thickness, the receptacle should be configured so that it is not too hard / brittle (e.g., a modulus of elasticity in the range of 1500-1800 MPa, test method DIN EN ISO 6721-1 (2018-03)). A receptacle made of a plastic with sufficient elastic properties is particularly preferred.

[0021] It has been shown that a material with elastic properties is particularly suitable for the mount. Under high compressive loads, the walls of the mount bulge outwards, a phenomenon known as bulging. The mount deforms slightly within the permissible stress. The elastic properties of the mount prevent it from bursting. This design is also advantageous because the elastic properties prevent the joint misalignment from abruptly stopping when the device is locked, instead cushioning it moderately. This cushioning effect allows for energy absorption, thus reducing stress on surrounding body structures and components.

[0022] However, the bulging partially increases the cross-section or diameter of the receptacle. Due to the lack of an adequate seal, this allows the filling medium to flow through the gap, potentially leading to a pressure loss inside the receptacle. This pressure loss, caused by the bulging, results in a significantly lower counterforce from the active element, preventing the device from locking properly and thus failing to provide or maintain sufficient protection. In some cases, the active element may even slip through and strike the upper end of the receptacle, potentially damaging both the active element and the receptacle.

[0023] However, this problem can be solved by the sealing lip. The sealing lip makes it possible to design the device's mounting so elastically (e.g., with a modulus of elasticity in the range of 300-700 MPa, test method DIN EN ISO 6721-1 (2018-03)) that, under high pressure loads, the mounting may bulge, but the filling medium cannot escape through the gap, or only to a very limited extent, because the sealing lip adapts to the changes in the mounting's diameter.

[0024] The holder can be made of metal. Alternatively, the holder can be made of plastic.

[0025] A plastic design for the receptacle allows it to be given elastic properties. This can be achieved, for example, using injection molding. In one example, the receptacle can be manufactured as a single piece together with other components, such as a return element, particularly a sealing sleeve responsible for returning the active element to its initial state. The advantage here is that manufacturing costs can be reduced significantly, as fewer parts need to be assembled.

[0026] Another advantage of the sealing lip is that it compensates for tolerances in the gap dimension, which can occur due to draft angles during injection molding. Tolerances or variations in the gap dimension also mean that the locking effect of the device does not always occur within constant force or speed ranges. The sealing lip's ability to compensate for gap tolerances / variations thus ensures better reproducibility of the device's operating principle. The seal therefore always adapts to a changing diameter of the receptacle and ensures consistent switching of the device, i.e., consistent locking of the device when tensile forces are applied to the force transmission element above a predetermined tensile force or speed.

[0027] The circumferential sealing lip thus offers the advantage that it compensates for a varying gap or distance between the active element and an inner wall of the receptacle, meaning that it deforms along with any bulging or protrusion of the receptacle and can therefore maintain the pressure in the receptacle when the device is blocked.

[0028] The elasticity of the sealing lip compensates for the slight deformation of the diameter of the receptacle, resulting in a slightly oval cross-section. This deformation causes the receptacle to become oval. The sealing lip is so elastic that it can compensate for varying gap sizes along its circumference. The sealing lip is thus compressed at certain points along the circumference and expanded at others to compensate for the increased gap size. This adaptive behavior of the sealing lip allows for a more elastic design of the receptacle, thereby improving the wearing comfort of the device.

[0029] Furthermore, the sealing lip can be used in a receptacle with an oval cross-section. The sealing lip is elastic enough to compensate for different gap sizes along the circumference of the working element. The sealing lip is thus compressible at certain points along its circumference and expandable at others to compensate for varying gap sizes due to its oval cross-section.

[0030] The filling medium can be a Newtonian fluid, such as oil, especially silicone oil. Alternatively, a dilatant fluid can be used.

[0031] The active element and the filling medium are operatively connected in such a way that, if the force or velocity acting on the active element is below a predetermined threshold, the active element can displace the filling medium through the opening; that is, the filling medium can flow relative to the active element within the receptacle. If the force or velocity acting on the active element is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold, the active element acts on the filling medium in such a way that flow of the filling medium relative to the active element through the opening is either not possible or only partially possible.

[0032] The sealing lip can also be referred to as a sealing membrane.

[0033] According to the invention, the active element arrangement has a sealing lip area on the inside of the receptacle which runs at an angle (α, β) to a lateral area of ​​the outside of the active element, wherein the angle (α, β) is variable in order to compensate for size variations of the gap between the inside of the receptacle and the lateral area of ​​the outside of the active element arrangement and to seal the gap even in the case of such size variations.

[0034] In this case, size variation is to be understood as a change in the distance between the inside of the recording and the lateral area of ​​the outside of the active body.

[0035] The distance changes particularly because the inner diameter of the recording changes section by section due to the bulging.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the variable angle (α, β) can compensate for a size variation of the gap of up to 15%, relative to the original size of the gap.

[0037] Such an adaptive sealing lip has the advantage that the receptacle can be designed to be elastic without impairing the functionality of the device. Furthermore, the receptacle can be designed with thin walls. This is particularly advantageous because the device can be dimensioned accordingly small, making it especially suitable for use in sports applications.

[0038] For example, the sealing lip for a receptacle with a diameter of 8 mm can compensate for a partial change in diameter due to bulging of up to 1 mm, preferably 1.2 mm. Such a design-integrated bulging of the receptacle also has the advantage that the device dampens joint misalignment when locked.

[0039] Furthermore, the sealing lip is configured in such a way that it is spring-back after deformation, so that after adaptive deformation it returns almost entirely to its original state. For this to occur, the sealing lip should possess the elastic moduli described above.

[0040] The through-hole connects a first chamber with a second chamber inside the housing via fluid technology.

[0041] The receptacle has a larger diameter than the active element. The gap is formed by the different diameters of the active element and the receptacle.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the filling medium can flow through the gap from a size increased by more than 15% relative to the original size of the gap, in order to avoid a critical internal pressure in the intake.

[0043] The bulging is therefore only compensated to a certain extent, i.e., until a certain (critical) internal pressure develops in the opening. At this critical internal pressure, the opening bulges to such an extent that the sealing lip only partially seals the gap in order to counteract the development of this critical pressure. In the example described above, the diameter would increase by more than 1 mm or 1.2 mm.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the sealing lip and the active element are formed as a single piece. Together, the sealing lip and the active element form the one-piece active element assembly. This prevents the seal from detaching or slipping off the active element and improves the sealing of the gap between the receptacle and the active element.

[0045] Furthermore, the one-piece design allows for simplified assembly, which in turn has a positive effect on the manufacturing costs of the device.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the receptacle comprises an opening through which the force transmission element extends, and the sealing lip is arranged at one end of the active element facing the opening of the receptacle. The force transmission element is displaceable along an extension direction. This extension direction runs essentially along the longitudinal axis of the active element. This arrangement of the sealing lip on the active element has the advantage that, in addition to its sealing function, the sealing lip also provides a buffer function against the active element striking the receptacle.

[0047] The longitudinal axis is to be understood as an axis that runs along the direction of extension or the centerline of the force transmission body.

[0048] Alternatively, an additional sealing lip can also be arranged at one end of the active element opposite the opening. This further increases the sealing effect and prevents the active element from striking the area of ​​the receptacle opposite the opening.

[0049] In one example, the sealing lip extends at least partially from the outer circumference of the active element towards an inner wall of the receptacle and is able to bear against it. This ensures that the sealing lip remains in contact with the receptacle in its initial position, i.e., when the receptacle is not bulging. The sealing lip is, for example, pre-tensioned such that it seals against the inner wall of the receptacle in its initial position.

[0050] Alternatively, the sealing lip is not pre-tensioned, but designed in such a way that, in its initial position, a small gap exists between the sealing lip and the inner wall of the receptacle. When the device is activated at unnatural velocities, the filling medium acts on the sealing lip, pressing it against the inner wall of the receptacle.

[0051] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the sealing lip extends at least partially beyond the active body in the direction of the opening of the receptacle in order to form a projection in an extension direction of the active body.

[0052] Such an orientation of the sealing lip has the advantage that the sealing lip is pressed against the inner wall of the receptacle by the filling medium when the force transmission element is withdrawn from the device in the extension direction. The filling medium is compressed in a first chamber of the receptacle, i.e., the chamber closer to the opening of the receptacle, and flows at least along the inner wall of the receptacle in the opposite direction to the extension movement of the active element. The filling medium thus presses against the sealing lip, thereby pressing the sealing lip against the inner wall of the receptacle and reinforcing the sealing effect of the sealing lip.

[0053] Furthermore, such an arrangement has the advantage that the sealing lip acts as a buffer when the active element strikes a second end, i.e., the end where the opening of the receptacle is located. This occurs, for example, when the device is activated at physiological speeds or when the active element is pulled against the receptacle's stop. The damping effect of the sealing lip prevents damage to the active element and / or the receptacle from impact.

[0054] Particularly preferred is the sealing lip for closing the gap between the active element assembly and the receptacle, which can be spread out from the active element in a shield-like or leg-like manner. This ensures a complete seal of the gap.

[0055] The term "umbrella-like" here refers to an orientation in space pointing away from a longitudinal axis of the active body. The sealing lip, which extends from the active body, is arranged at an angle α, β between the longitudinal axis and a perpendicular to the longitudinal axis in space, i.e., within an angle range of greater than 0° and less than 90°, preferably greater than 10° and less than 80° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the active body. 0° is understood as an orientation of the sealing lip that runs parallel to the longitudinal axis of the active body. 90° is understood as an orientation of the sealing lip that runs perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the active body. Alternatively, the sealing lip can also be partially offset along the longitudinal axis and around the circumference of the active body, i.e., arranged in a flower-like pattern on the active body. Furthermore, the active body can also be conical in design.

[0056] The sealing lip projecting from the active element can be designed in various shapes. For example, the sealing lip can be straight or curved. Furthermore, the end of the sealing lip facing the inner wall of the receptacle can have a larger cross-section than the rest of the sealing lip. This increases the contact area on the inner wall for sealing. A tapered cross-section of the sealing lip in the area adjacent to the active element is advantageous because it makes the sealing lip more flexible and thus allows it to adaptively compensate for changes in the diameter of the receptacle.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the sealing lip has a modulus of elasticity in the range of 300-700 MPa, preferably in the range of 350-450 MPa, and particularly preferably 420 MPa. This provides a sealing lip that is suitable both for sealing the gap between the active element and the receptacle against the flow of filling medium in the initial position and for compensating for gap size changes due to bulging or gap size tolerances.

[0058] The sealing lip is preferably made of a polymer, preferably a polymer from the class of polyhaloolefins, most preferably polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). PTFE is particularly low-friction and possesses elastic properties suitable for compensating for changes in the diameter of the receptacle due to bulging.

[0059] According to a further embodiment, the sealing lip allows the flow of filling medium through the gap from a certain threshold value of a force or speed acting on the force transmission body and a resulting certain pressure in the receptacle, preferably in a first chamber in the receptacle, in order to avoid a critical internal pressure in the receptacle.

[0060] For example, slots or flaps are incorporated into the sealing lip. These flaps expand when a certain threshold of tensile force applied to the force transmission element is reached, allowing the filling medium to pass through the sealing lip. Below this threshold, the slots and flaps are closed by the inherent tension of the sealing lip. This allows the sealing lip to act as a pressure relief valve. This has the advantage of preventing overpressure in the receptacle. In one example, the sealing lip could be configured to provide a counterforce of, say, 800 N, regardless of the force applied to the force transmission element.When the force transmission element is activated with a tensile force of, for example, 2000 N, the sealing lip acts as a pressure relief valve by allowing a certain amount of filling medium to pass through the gap via the sealing lip, which becomes permeable above a certain threshold, in order to constantly provide a counterforce of, for example, 800 N. This improves the service life and safety of the device, e.g., by preventing it from bursting.

[0061] In one example, the active element can have a stop that limits movement towards the inside of the receptacle depending on a certain pressure. This prevents the sealing lip from contacting the inside of the receptacle above a certain pressure, allowing a small flow of filling medium to pass through the gap to prevent overpressure from building up.

[0062] Furthermore, this ensures a gentle deceleration of the joint's misalignment. From a physiological perspective, this is more advantageous than a complete, abrupt stop of the device.

[0063] According to a further embodiment, an end stop is arranged around an opening of the receptacle to prevent the active body from directly impacting the receptacle.

[0064] The end stop, for example, is an elastic, soft plastic that acts as a buffer or cushion on the inside of the receptacle around the opening. The end stop can also be integrated into the receptacle using a two-component injection molding process.

[0065] In another example, the sealing lip and the end stop can combine to provide a buffering function. This is particularly important when the device is not blocked, i.e., when the movements are within the physiological range. In such cases, the active element can reach the stop of the receptacle. Without a buffer, there is a risk that parts of the device, especially the active element or the sealing lip and the receptacle, will be damaged by the impact of the active element against the receptacle. Furthermore, the sealing lip can also be attached to an end opposite the opening of the receptacle to form an impact damping element or a buffer element.

[0066] The second active body is positioned closer to the second end of the recording with respect to the longitudinal axis of the recording, while the first active body is positioned closer to the first end with respect to the longitudinal axis.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment, the second active body comprises at least one receiving space in the relative displacement direction, wherein the receiving space overlaps with the first active body with respect to the relative displacement direction independently of any relative displacement of the first active body and the second active body to each other.

[0068] This makes it possible to always maintain contact, i.e., guidance of the first active element on the second active element. Consequently, there is an overlap of the receiving space of the second element with the first element both when the device is in a starting position, in which no external force acts on the device and, in particular, on the first and second active elements, and in a blocking position, in which the first active element rests on the second active element and thereby closes the passage opening.

[0069] An overlap of the first and second actuating elements in a relative displacement direction allows the two elements to be guided when they are moved relative to each other due to an external force. This increases the probability that contact between the two actuating elements, which would otherwise block the opening, will result in the opening being completely closed. This contributes to consistent behavior of the device.

[0070] The relative displacement direction refers to the direction in which the first acting body and the second acting body can be moved relative to each other by an external force and / or the force transmission body.

[0071] In one example, the receptacle has a diameter ranging from 4 to 15 mm. The choice of diameter depends on the application. For instance, devices with a diameter of 15 mm are used in sports equipment. In applications such as the clothing industry, e.g., shoes, devices with a diameter of 4 mm are used. Devices with such small diameters can be used, for example, for weaving or knitting into textiles. The smaller the diameter of the receptacle, the more comfortable the device is to wear and the less space it requires when attached to sports equipment.

[0072] The sealing lip allows the device to be made correspondingly small, making it particularly suitable for use in sports. Alternatively, the devices can also be used for occupational safety, in the military, or for general fall prevention.

[0073] Preferably, the recess has a wall thickness between 1-3 mm, particularly preferably in the range between 1.5-2.5 mm, and more preferably of 2 mm.

[0074] According to a further embodiment, the gap dimension between the first active body and the receptacle differs from the gap dimension between the second body and the receptacle.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the sealing lip is injection-molded onto the active body using a two-component injection molding process, wherein at least the sealing lip comprises a polymer, in particular from the class of polyhaloolefins, preferably polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). PTFE is particularly low-friction and possesses elastic properties suitable for compensating for changes in the diameter of the receptacle. Furthermore, PTFE exhibits high reproducibility in the manufacturing process. Alternatively, the active body can be designed or injection-molded from a single component such that the active body itself forms the sealing lip and adaptively bulges or remains unaided depending on the applied force and speed.

[0076] In a preferred further development, the device is housed within a hollow fiber. This is advantageous, for example, when integrating the device into textile products such as bandages, pads, gloves, shoes, socks, and the like. The operating principle on which the device is based allows for a particularly small design. Integrated into a hollow fiber, such a device for limiting movement is possible, which is particularly suitable for sports applications.

[0077] The device for stabilizing body joints and / or sports equipment allows for a design of the mount with elastic properties. Bulging of the mount under high pressure loads and the associated pressure loss are compensated for by the sealing lip, as it adapts to the changed cross-section of the mount during bulging. Brief description of the characters

[0078] Preferred further embodiments and aspects of the present invention are explained in more detail by the following description of the figures. These show: Figure 1a schematically shows a sectional view of a device for stabilizing movements of two parts of a body region and / or a sports device that are movable relative to each other, according to one embodiment; Figure 1b schematically shows a detailed sectional view of the device. Figure 1a In the unblocked state of the device, Figure 1c schematically shows a detailed sectional view of the device. Figure 1a in the blocked state, Figure 1 schematically shows a perspective view of the device. Figure 1aFigure 2 schematically shows a sectional view of a device for stabilizing movements of two parts of a body region and / or a sports device that are movable relative to each other, according to a further embodiment; Figure 3a shows a perspective view of the second working body of the device. Figure 2 Figures 3b and 3c show schematic side views of the second working element of the device. Figure 2 Figures 4a-4g are perspective views and schematic sectional views of various embodiments of the sealing lip; Figure 5 is a schematic sectional view of a device for stabilizing movements of two parts of a body area and / or a sports device that are movable relative to each other, with an end stop; and Figure 6 is a schematic sectional view of a device for stabilizing movements of two parts of a body area and / or a sports device that are movable relative to each other, according to a further embodiment. Detailed description of preferred embodiments

[0079] Preferred embodiments are described below with reference to the figures. Identical, similar, or equivalent elements are designated with identical reference numerals.

[0080] To avoid redundancies, repeated descriptions of these elements are partially omitted in the following description.

[0081] The following describes a device 1 for stabilizing the movements of two parts of a body region and / or a sports device that are movable relative to each other, based on the Figures 1a to 1cThe device comprises a receptacle 20, which can be fixed to a first part of a body region and / or a piece of sports equipment, wherein the receptacle 20 is filled with a filling medium 30, and at least one active element assembly with an active element that is slidably mounted in the receptacle 20 and can interact with the filling medium, and a force transmission element 50, which can be fixed to a second part of the same body region and / or the same piece of sports equipment, for transmitting an external force to the active element 35, wherein the active element 35 comprises at least one through-opening 64 through which the filling medium can flow. The active element assembly has a sealing lip 33 for sealing a gap 31 between an inner surface of the receptacle 20 and a lateral area of ​​an outer surface of the active element assembly 35, wherein the sealing lip 33 is arranged on an outer surface of the active element 35.

[0082] The active element 35 divides the interior 25 of the receptacle 20 into a first chamber 23 and a second chamber 24. The force transmission element 50 is attached to the active element 35, which extends longitudinally through the second chamber 24 and protrudes from it at a second end 22 of the receptacle 20. The force transmission element 50 is attached to the active element 35, which extends longitudinally through the second chamber 24 and protrudes from it at a second end 22 of the receptacle 20. Figure 1aThe free end of the force transmission body 50 shown can be connected to a user's body part (not shown) by means of appropriate connection elements or to a piece of sports equipment in order to transmit a tensile force emanating from the body part or the sports equipment via the force transmission body 50 to the working body 35. The receptacle 20 includes a first connection element for force transmission between the receptacle 20 and the first body (not shown), and the force transmission body 50 includes a second connection element for force transmission between the force transmission body 50 and the second body (not shown). The first connection element for force transmission between the receptacle 20 and the first body (not shown) is arranged in the area of ​​the receptacle opening. In one example, the first connection element is designed as a flange.

[0083] The first connecting element serves as an interface for force transmission between the first external body and the device 1. The second connecting element is arranged on the exposed part of the force transmission body 50 and serves as an interface for force transmission between a second external body and the device 1. Thus, under load, a force flow occurs between the first connecting element, the filling medium 30, the force transmission body 50, and the second connecting element.

[0084] Recording 20 is in the area of ​​a first end 21, see Fig. 2 , closed by a closure 26, so that the filling medium located in the receptacle 20 can be retained.

[0085] In the area of ​​the second end 22, see Fig. 2A sealing element 29 is arranged in the receptacle 20, which seals the interior of the receptacle 20 against the force transmission element 50. The receptacle 20 has an opening 52 through which the force transmission element 50 emerges from the interior of the receptacle 20.

[0086] The active element 35 can be moved through the filling medium towards the second end 22 by means of the force transmission element 50. The receptacle 20 is connected to a first body or sports equipment location, and the force transmission element 50 is connected to a second body or equipment location, whereby the first body or equipment location and the second body or equipment location can move relative to each other.

[0087] The device 1 can be dimensioned according to the specific application so that it allows for physiological movements of the user. If the active element 35 is moved towards the second end by means of the force transmission element 50 as part of a physiological movement, filling medium can be introduced, as shown here, through the passage opening 64 between the receptacle 20 and the active element 35 or through a valve arranged in the active element 35 (see figure). Fig. 2) from the second chamber 24 into the first chamber 23. The flow velocity of the filling medium depends crucially on the cross-sectional area perpendicular to an extension direction B of the receptacle 20 and the active body 35. This cross-sectional area available for the flow of the filling medium is also referred to as the hydraulic diameter and is ultimately decisive for the reactive behavior of the device under external force. Thus, the resistance that the device 1 offers to external forces or acting velocities can be determined by selecting the hydraulic diameter. The arrows represent the flow direction S of the filling medium. If no force acts on the active body 35 via the force transmission body 50, the body 35 can be retracted by means of a restoring element 42, see Fig. 6 , are moved back to the starting position, with the filling medium 30 flowing from the first chamber 23 into the second chamber 24.

[0088] If, however, unphysiological forces, i.e., forces critical for the body part or component to be stabilized, are introduced into the device, relative movement between the active body 35 and the receptacle 20 is only possible with a very high force due to the hydraulic diameter. The filling medium 30 consists of Newtonian fluids, such as silicone oil. Alternatively, dilatant fluids can also be used as the filling medium. Furthermore, a plastic can also be used.

[0089] As in Fig. 1b and Fig. 1c in a detailed excerpt of Fig. 1aAs shown, the active element arrangement, i.e., the active element 35 and the sealing lip 33, has a sealing lip area that abuts the inside of the receptacle 20 and is at an angle (α, β) to a lateral area of ​​the outside of the active element, the angle (α, β) being variable in order to compensate for size variations (ΔS) of the gap 31 between the inside of the receptacle 20 and the lateral area of ​​the outside of the active element arrangement and to seal the gap 31 even in the case of such size variations.

[0090] Fig. 1b shows a detailed section of the device from Fig. 1aHere it is shown that the sealing lip 33 rests against the inner wall of the receptacle 20 at an angle α with respect to the longitudinal axis of the active element 35 in order to prevent the flow of the filling medium through the gap 31; that is, the gap 31 is essentially sealed or bridged by the sealing lip 33. The sealing lip 33 and the active element 35 can be formed as a single piece, as shown here, and thus constitute the active element assembly. This prevents the sealing lip 33 from separating from the active element 35. Alternatively, the sealing lip and the active element can also be formed in multiple parts.

[0091] In the Figures 1a to 1cIn the embodiment shown, the sealing lip 33 extends beyond the active element 35 towards the opening 52 of the receptacle 20 to form a projection in the extension direction of the active element 35. This orientation of the sealing lip 33 has the advantage that the sealing lip 33 is pressed against the inner wall of the receptacle 20 by the filling medium when the force transmission element 50 is pulled out of the device in the extension direction B. The filling medium is compressed in the second chamber 24 of the receptacle and flows at least along the inner wall of the receptacle 20 in the opposite direction to the extension direction, i.e., towards the active element 35. The filling medium thus presses against the sealing lip 33, thereby pressing the sealing lip 33 against the inner wall of the receptacle 20 and reinforcing the sealing effect of the sealing lip 33.

[0092] Fig. 1cFigure 33 shows the sealing lip in a state where the receptacle 20 bulges or bulges due to an increase in pressure inside the receptacle. Very high pressures, up to 280 bar, can occur inside the receptacle of the device due to the critical displacement speeds and the resulting forces on the working element 35. The receptacle is made of an elastic material that bulges or bulges outwards under high pressure; that is, the walls of the receptacle curve outwards in an arc-like fashion.

[0093] The bulging of the receptacle 20 partially enlarges its cross-section. However, the sealing lip 33 is so elastic that no filling medium flows through the gap 31, even if the cross-section of the receptacle 20, i.e., its diameter, changes. As in Fig. 1cAs shown, the sealing lip spreads outwards, i.e., towards the inner wall of the receptacle, to compensate for the bulge. With respect to the longitudinal axis of the active element, the sealing lip is now no longer at an angle α in space, but at an angle β, where β is greater than α. This prevents any pressure loss inside the receptacle 20, particularly in the second chamber 24, thus ensuring the continued function of the device 1.

[0094] The circumferential sealing lip thus has the advantage that it compensates for a varying gap 31 or distance between the active body 35 and an inner wall of the receptacle 20, i.e., that it deforms along with a bulge or protrusion of the receptacle 20 and can thus maintain the pressure in the receptacle 20 when the device 1 is blocked.

[0095] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the variable angle (α, β) can compensate for a size variation of the gap 31 of up to 15%, relative to the original size of the gap 31. In other words, the sealing lip 33 is designed to be adaptive such that the sealing lip 33 can seal even with a changing diameter d2 of the receptacle and a resulting gap size variation (ΔS) between the receptacle 20 and the active element. Fig. 1c shows the original diameter d1 and the changed diameter d2 of the receptacle 20 after the bulging, where d2-d1= Δ S (max) corresponds to the maximum size variation of the gap 31 along the bulge of the receptacle 20, which the sealing lip 33 must seal.

[0096] Such an adaptive sealing lip has the advantage that the receptacle can be designed elastically without impairing the functionality of the device. For example, as in Fig. 1cAs shown, the sealing lip for a receptacle with a diameter of 8 mm can compensate for a partial change in diameter due to bulging of up to 1 mm, preferably 1.2 mm.

[0097] Fig. 1a Figure 20 shows a receptacle 20 with an opening 52, wherein the force transmission body 50 extends through the opening 52, and wherein the sealing lip 33 is arranged at one end 22 of the active body 35 facing the opening 52 of the receptacle 20. The force transmission body 50 is displaceable along an extension direction B. The extension direction B runs essentially along the longitudinal axis of the active body 1. As shown in Fig. 1 b and Fig. 1c As shown in detail by way of example, the sealing lip 33 extends beyond the active body 35 in the direction of the opening 52 of the receptacle 20 in order to form a projection in an extension direction of the active body 35.

[0098] This has the advantage that the sealing lip acts as a damper when the active element strikes the second end. This is the case, for example, when the device is activated at physiological speeds (see Fig. 5 The damping effect of the sealing lip prevents damage to the active element from impact on the receiver.

[0099] In Fig. 1d Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the device 1. The force transmission body 50 protrudes from the receptacle 20. The receptacle 20 can be attached to a point on the body of a user or sports equipment, such as a sports shoe. The end of the force transmission body 50 that lies outside the device 20 can be attached to a second point on the body. The receptacle 20 is cylindrical. Alternatively, the receptacle can also be cuboid or oval.

[0100] Fig. 2Figure 1 shows a further preferred embodiment of the device. The active element arrangement comprises a first active element 40 and a second active element 60, wherein the first active element 40 and the second active element 60 are slidably arranged in the receptacle 20 and can interact with the filling medium 30, wherein a force transmission element 50 transmits the external force to the first active element 40, wherein the second active element 60 is elastically coupled to the first active element 40 via a coupling element 72, and wherein the second active element 60 and / or the first active element 40 has at least one passage opening 64 through which the filling medium 30 can flow. The passage opening 64 in the second active element 60 provides a hydraulic diameter for the filling medium through which the filling medium 30 can flow as long as a distance exists between the first active element 40 and the second active element 60.

[0101] Furthermore, the first active element 40 forms a valve body and the second active element 60 a valve seat, with the sealing lip 33 being arranged on the second active element 60. This allows the flow of the medium through the passage opening 64 to be permitted or prevented depending on the valve position. The flow of the filling medium through the passage opening 64 can be permitted or prevented depending on the valve position. External forces acting on the first active element 40 can be transmitted to the second active element 60 via the coupling element 72. Accordingly, the first active element 40 is able to push and / or pull the second active element 60 through the filling medium by means of the coupling element 72. The second active element 60 is arranged closer to the second end 22 of the receptacle 20 with respect to the longitudinal axis of the receptacle, while the first active element 40 is arranged closer to the first end 21 with respect to the longitudinal axis.

[0102] The second active body 60 has a receiving space 61 that extends towards and overlaps the first active body 40. The receiving space 61 is configured to engage behind the first active body 40. The first active body 40 is partially received within the receiving space 61.

[0103] According to the present embodiment, the first active element 40 has a stepped design. The first active element 40 comprises a first section 43, which is slidably received in the receiving chamber 61 of the second active element 60, and a second section 44, which is tapered in diameter compared to the first section 43 and extends out of the receiving chamber in the direction of movement B. The receiving chamber 61 is configured such that it engages behind the first section 43 of the first active element 40 and forms a guide in the direction of movement B for the second section 44. In this way, the first active element 40 can be centered relative to the second active element 60, ensuring that the passage opening 64 is always closed when the first active element 40 and the second element 60 are in a closed valve position.

[0104] The coupling element 72 is configured such that, when an external force acts on the first active body, in the range of a physiological velocity, it transmits a force to the second active body 60, so that it can be moved through the filling medium together with the first active body 40.

[0105] If the force acting on the second active body via the first active body 40 and the coupling element 72 leads to critical relative displacement velocities in the device, i.e., to unphysiological velocities, the coupling element 72 yields, causing the first active body 40 to move towards the second active body 60. This reduces the hydraulic diameter until the valve formed by the two active bodies is closed.

[0106] If no hydraulic diameter is available through which the filling medium can flow, the first active element 40 and the second active element 60 can no longer be moved through the filling medium. Device 1 is blocked.

[0107] The sealing lip 33 thus prevents the filling medium from flowing through the gap 31 and ensures this even in the event of a bulging of the receptacle 20 through the adaptive design of the sealing lip (see Fig. 1c ).

[0108] The impact of the first active element 40 on the second active element 60 can deform the latter. Pressures of up to 1000 bar can act on the second active element at the contact point between the first and second active elements 60. Therefore, in a further embodiment, the second active element 60 can have an advantageous component design, which can be realized via a two-component injection molding process using a suitable material pairing (hard component / soft component). The area of ​​the second active element that comes into contact with the first active element can be injection molded from a high-strength material (e.g., Young's modulus 1800 MPa), while the opposite side of the second active element, i.e., the side forming the sealing lip, is injection molded from a soft component with high elasticity (e.g., Young's modulus 300-700 MPa).

[0109] Alternatively, an insert / insert component (not shown) made of a hard component such as metal can be arranged in the receiving space 61.

[0110] The appropriate advantageous design or the metal insert prevents the first active body 40 or the first section 43 from destructively pressing on or acting upon the second active body 60.

[0111] Fig. 3a - Fig. 3c The schematic views of the second active body 60 are shown. The second active body 60 is designed such that the coupling transmission body, the coupling element, and the first active body are enclosed within it. The second active body 60 has a cage-like receiving space (see also Fig. 2 ).

[0112] The sealing lip 33, together with the active element 60, forms an active element assembly. According to the embodiment shown here, the sealing lip 33 can be spread away from the second active element 60 in a shield-like manner to close the gap between the second active element 60 and the receptacle. This ensures a complete seal of the gap 31.

[0113] The sealing lip, extended from the active element, is arranged at an angle α, β between the longitudinal axis and a perpendicular to the longitudinal axis in space, i.e., in the angular range of greater than 0° and less than 90°, preferably greater than 10° and less than 80° with respect to the longitudinal axis of the active element. 0° is to be understood as an orientation of the sealing lip that would be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the active element. 90° is to be understood as an orientation of the sealing lip that would be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the active element.

[0114] Figs. 4a to 4fFurther alternative designs of the sealing lip are shown. As shown here, the sealing lip 33 projecting from the active element can be designed in various shapes. For example, the sealing lip can be straight (see Fig. 4a or Fig. 4b ) or bent (see Fig. 4c The sealing lip 33 can be designed in various ways. As shown here, the sealing lip 33 can be incorporated into the active body 35, 60 in different ways. In a preferred example, the sealing lip 33 is injection-molded onto the active body 35, 60 by means of a two-component injection molding process, wherein at least the sealing lip comprises a polymer, in particular from the class of polyhaloolefins, preferably polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

[0115] Furthermore, as in Fig. 4dAs shown, the sealing lip 33 is limited in its movement by a limiting element 37. This ensures that a small gap is always maintained between the sealing lip 33 and the receptacle 20. In one example, the limiting element 37 can be dimensioned (e.g., a hard plastic with a higher modulus of elasticity than the sealing lip) such that it prevents the sealing lip from spreading towards the inner wall of the receptacle above a certain pressure. In its initial state, the sealing lip does not contact the limiting element 37. In its extended state, indicated by the dashed line, the sealing lip spreads towards the inner wall of the receptacle 20, but only until the limiting element 37 allows it. This ensures that a thin film of filling medium can flow through the gap, thus preventing critically high pressures.At the same time, the intended gap is set by the limiting element in such a way that no pressure loss occurs and the device is still blocked.

[0116] In Fig. 4eA further embodiment of a limiting element 37 is shown. As shown, the limiting element can additionally possess elastic properties that allow the sealing lip 33 to return to its initial state (see dashed line). The return element can, for example, act as a spring, so that the sealing lip immediately returns to its original position after being loaded. At the same time, the limiting element 37 is configured such that the extension of the sealing lip 33 can be limited. As described above, the sealing lip can extend up to a certain pressure. As soon as a critical pressure is reached in the receptacle 20, the limiting element 37 restricts further extension and thus ensures that no excessively high pressures occur in the receptacle 20.

[0117] Fig. 4fFigure 1 shows a further embodiment of the sealing lip 33. In another embodiment, the sealing lip 33 can also be shaped such that it extends (also) towards the passage opening 64. This allows the active body 35 to be configured such that the sealing lip 33 can open or close the passage opening 64 in the active body 35 in a valve-like manner. The opening can be released again by the restoring properties of the sealing lip or via an additional restoring element. The sealing lip 33 is configured such that it can seal not only the gap 31 but also the passage opening 64, i.e., the flow of filling medium through the passage opening 64 can be essentially prevented. The dashed lines show the extent of the sealing lip 33 for a bulged state of the receptacle. The additional sealing of the passage opening 64 improves the blocking of the device.

[0118] Fig. 4g Figure 1 shows a further embodiment for limiting the spread of the sealing lip 33. The active body 35 is provided with an element 39 surrounding the active body, such as a ring or a sleeve, so that the path or the area of ​​formation of the sealing lip is limited.

[0119] The cuff 39 is fitted around the sealing lip 33. The shape of the cuff 39 allows the sealing lip 33 to extend only up to a preset point. For example, the cuff can be designed such that the cuff 39 allows the sealing lip to extend (see dashed line) up to a predetermined pressure (e.g., 160 bar).

[0120] Fig. 5 The device 1 shows Fig. 2with an end stop 27. The end stop 27 is positioned in the area of ​​an opening 52 of the receptacle 20 to prevent the active body 60 from directly impacting the receptacle. This occurs when the device is moved at physiological speeds, e.g., when a user of the device deliberately bends their knee at slow speed to such an extent that the device's maximum range of motion is utilized. The end stop 27 prevents the active body 60 from directly impacting the second end 22 of the receptacle 20. Thus, the end stop 27 dampens the impact of the active body on the second end 22 of the receptacle 20.

[0121] According to Fig. 5The end stop 27 is a damping, soft plastic that is arranged as a buffer element on the inside of the receptacle around the opening 52 of the receptacle 20. The buffer element can, for example, be a pad made of a polymer, in particular from the class of polyhalogenolefins, preferably polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

[0122] Alternatively, an upper region of the active element facing the second end of the receptacle could be made of a damping, soft plastic. For example, the active element can be manufactured using a two-component injection molding process, wherein the sealing lip 33 and the upper region consist of a soft damping material and the remaining region of the active element consists of a hard material.

[0123] In another example, the sealing lip 33 and the end stop 27 can provide optimal damping of the active element in combination.

[0124] In another embodiment, the sealing lip 33 can also be designed such that it is arranged offset from the end stop of the active element. This prevents wear or even destruction of the sealing lip upon repeated impact with the receptacle. In this case, a section of the active element first contacts the receptacle or the end stop before the sealing lip comes into contact with the receptacle.

[0125] Fig. 6 shows a sectional view of a device for stabilizing body joints, and / or sports equipment according to a further embodiment with a sealing insert 28 arranged at the opening and a sheathing 51 of the force transmission body 50.

[0126] The sealing insert 28 is arranged at the opening of the device 1 under an O-ring 53 that seals the opening. The sealing insert 28 is adapted to the dimensions of the receptacle 20 at its upper end such that a tight fit of the sealing insert 28 to the receptacle 20 is ensured by a force-fit connection, in particular an interference fit, between the sealing insert 28 and the receptacle 20. In one example, the working element 60 can be used to press the sealing insert 28 into the receptacle 20. Alternatively, the sealing insert 28 can be attached to the receptacle 20 by a positive-locking or material-locking connection. For example, the sealing insert can also be directly injection-molded onto the receptacle during its manufacture in a two-component injection molding process and thus produced as a single piece with the receptacle.The sealing insert 28 improves the seal 53 at the opening, as it not only provides a sealing effect but also ensures a secure fit for the O-ring 53. This prevents the O-ring 53 from slipping. Simultaneously, it improves the impact protection for the active element and the sealing lip.

[0127] According to another embodiment, the sealing insert 28 can be arranged on the receptacle 20 in addition to the end stop described above.

[0128] Furthermore, the in Fig. 6In the example shown, the force transmission element 50 is designed as a rope, in particular a wire rope (e.g., a Bowden cable), which is encased by a sheath 51, at least in the area in contact with the filling medium. The sheath 51 prevents the filling medium from flowing into the strands of the wire rope, thereby preventing an increase in fluid-mechanical resistance (e.g., turbulence) caused by the movement of the wire rope in the filling medium. This improves the sliding properties of the force transmission element 50 in the fluid medium.

[0129] Where applicable, all individual features shown in the individual embodiments can be combined and / or exchanged without leaving the scope of the invention. Reference symbol list

[0130] 1 device 20 Recording 21 First end 22 Second end 23 First chamber 24 Second chamber 25 Interior of the recording 26 Shutter 27 End stop 28 Sealing insert 29 Sealing body 30 Filling medium 31 Gap 33 Sealing lip 35 Active element 37 Limiting element 39 Cuff 40 First active element 42 Restoring element 43 First section of the first active element 44 Second section of the second active element 50 Power transmission body 51 Sheathing 52 Opening 53 O-ring 60 Second active body 61 Receiving chamber of the second active body 64 Passage opening 70 First connecting element 72 Coupling element 80 Second connecting element Flow direction B Withdrawal direction

Claims

1. Device (1) for stabilizing movements of two parts of a body region and / or a sports device that can move relative to each other, comprising: a receptacle (20) that can be fixed to a first part of a body region and / or a sports device, wherein the receptacle (20) is filled with a filling medium (30), and at least one active body arrangement with an active body (35) which is received displaceably in the receptacle (20) and can interact with the filling medium (30), a force transmission body (50) which can be fixed to a second part of the same body region and / or the same sports device for transmitting an external force to the active body (35), wherein the active body (35) comprises at least one passage opening (64) through which the filling medium (30) can flow, wherein the active body arrangement has a sealing lip (33) for sealing a gap (31) between an inner side of the receptacle (20) and a lateral region of an outer side of the active body arrangement (33, 35), wherein the sealing lip (33) is arranged on an outer side of the active body (35), the active body (35) comprises a first active body (40) and a second active body (60), wherein the first active body (40) and the second active body (60) are arranged displaceably in the receptacle (20) and can interact with the filling medium (30); wherein the force transmission body (50) transmits the external force to the first active body (40); wherein the second active body (60) is elastically coupled to the first active body (40) via a coupling element (72), wherein the second active body (60) and / or the first active body (40) have at least one passage opening (64) through which the filling medium (30) can flow, wherein the first active body (40) forms a valve body and the second active body (60) forms a valve seat, wherein the sealing lip (33) is arranged on the second active body (60), characterized in that the active body arrangement has a region of the sealing lip bearing on the inner side of the receptacle (20), which region extends at an angle (α, β) to a lateral region of the outer side of the active body (35), wherein the angle (α, β) can be varied in order to compensate for size fluctuations of the gap (31) between the inner side of the receptacle (20) and the lateral region of the outer side of the active body arrangement and to seal the gap (31) even in the event of such size fluctuations.

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the variable angle (α, β) can compensate for a size variation of the gap (31) of up to 15%, relative to the original size of the gap.

3. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the filling medium (30) can flow through the gap (31) when the size of the gap (31) increases by more than 15% relative to the original size of the gap (31), in order to avoid a critical internal pressure in the receptacle (20).

4. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing lip (33) and the active body (35) are formed in one piece.

5. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the receptacle (20) comprises an opening (52), wherein the force transmission body (50) extends through the opening (52), and wherein the sealing lip (33) is arranged at an end of the active body (35) facing the opening (52) of the receptacle (20).

6. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing lip (33) extends at least partially in the direction of the opening (52) of the receptacle (20) beyond the active body (35) to form a projection in an extraction direction of the active body.

7. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing lip (33) can spread away from the active body (35) in a shield-like manner to close the gap (31) between the active body arrangement and the receptacle (20).

8. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing lip (33) has a Young's modulus in the range of 300 to 700 MPa.

9. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing lip (33) allows a filling medium to flow through the gap (31) from a certain threshold value of a force acting on the force transmission body and a resulting certain pressure in the receptacle, preferably in a first chamber (24) in the receptacle (20), in order to prevent a critical internal pressure in the receptacle.

10. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an end stop (21) is arranged on the receptacle (20), around an opening (52) of the receptacle (20), in order to prevent the active body (35) from impacting directly on the receptacle (20).

11. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing lip (31) is injection molded onto the active body (35, 60) by a two-component injection molding method, wherein at least the sealing lip (33) has a polymer.