Method for fastening a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, and shoe, in particular sports shoe

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for fastening a shoe (1), having an upper part (2) and a sole (3) connected thereto, to a rotary closure (4) for fastening the shoe (1) on the wearer's foot by means of at least one tensioning element (5), the rotary closure (4) having a rotatably arranged tensioning roller (6), and the tensioning roller (6) being driven by means of an electric motor (7), and to a switching element (8), which is connected to a control means (9), wherein the switching element (8) and the control means (9) can actuate the electric motor (7), wherein the operation of fastening the shoe (1) takes place by virtue of the person using the shoe (1) using a finger (15) to actuate the switching element (8). In order for it to be possible for the shoe to be fastened on the wearer's foot in a particularly straightforward and reproducible manner, the invention provides for the switching element (8) to have a number of touch-sensitive sensors (10), which are arranged one beside the other and form a surface (11) which is accessible to a user's finger (15), wherein the method comprises the following steps: the finger (15) is passed over the surface (11) of the touch-sensitive sensors (10) in a first direction (R1), the control means (9) detects the signal from the touch-sensitive sensors (10), and the control means (9) and the electric motor (7) cause the shoe to be fastened on the wearer's foot with a first level of fastening force. The invention also relates to a shoe.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for lacing a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, the shoe comprising: a shoe upper and a sole connected to the shoe upper, a twist lock for lacing the shoe on the wearer's foot by means of at least one tensioning element, wherein the twist lock has a rotatably arranged tensioning roller for winding up the tensioning element, wherein the tensioning roller is driven by an electric motor, a switching element which is connected to a control, wherein the electric motor can be actuated via the switching element and the control, wherein the lacing of the shoe is effected by the user of the shoe actuating the switching element, preferably with a finger.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a shoe, in particular a sports shoe.

[0003] A shoe with an electric motor-operated twist lock is known from DE 298 17 003 U1. Here, a tensioning roller for winding up a tensioning element is driven by an electric motor, allowing the shoe to be laced and unlaced automatically.

[0004] WO 2014 / 036374 A1 discloses a motor-operated twist lock in a shoe that is connected to and can be controlled by a mobile phone. US 2013 / 0104429 A1 also discloses a motor-operated closure system in a shoe. , To operate the twist lock on the shoe, various buttons are arranged which are pressed for corresponding functions.

[0005] To lace the shoe, the user presses an electric switch, which activates the electric motor of the dial as long as the switch is held down. The lacing force gradually increases accordingly. Once the desired lacing force level is reached, the user releases the switch. To unlace the shoe, another switch can be pressed.

[0006] Accordingly, lacing the shoe requires a certain amount of time, during which the user must hold the switch. Furthermore, the user must adjust the desired lacing tension level each time they lace up.

[0007] The invention is based on the TaskThe aim is to further develop a method of the type mentioned above so that lacing the shoe can be accomplished more comfortably and in a simplified manner. In particular, it should be possible to adjust the lacing of the shoe to individual preferences in a user-friendly manner. This should allow the shoe to be put on according to the user's wishes with a defined lacing force level without great effort. Furthermore, a corresponding shoe should be provided.

[0008] The solution to this problem by the invention is characterized in that the switching element is arranged on the instep of the shoe, wherein the switching element has a number of touch-sensitive sensors arranged next to one another, which form a surface accessible to the user of the shoe (in particular for a finger of the user), wherein a first tensioning element is arranged, which runs on the lateral side of the shoe upper, wherein a second tensioning element is arranged, which runs on the medial side of the shoe upper, wherein both tensioning elements are fastened by their two ends to the tensioning roller and each form a closed curve on the lateral side and on the medial side of the shoe upper, wherein the method comprises the steps: Sweeping the surface of the touch-sensitive sensors by the user, preferably with the finger, in a first direction, detecting the signal of the touch-sensitive sensors from the controller and causing the shoe to be lacing on the wearer's foot with a first lacing force level by the controller and the electric motor.

[0009] The procedure may further include the steps: The user again sweeps over the surface of the touch-sensitive sensors, preferably with his finger, in the first direction, detects the signal from the touch-sensitive sensors from the controller, and causes the shoe to be laced on the wearer's foot by the controller and the electric motor with a second lacing force level that is higher than the first lacing force level.

[0010] This allows a second, higher lacing force level to be easily reached. This principle can also be continued: The process can further include the following steps: The user again sweeps over the surface of the touch-sensitive sensors, preferably with his finger, in the first direction, detects the signal from the touch-sensitive sensors from the controller, and causes the shoe to be laced on the wearer's foot by the controller and the electric motor with a third lacing force level that is higher than the second lacing force level.

[0011] Further sweeps of the touch-sensitive sensors can also be performed to further gradually increase the lacing force level. A lacing force level is preferably defined by specifying the current used to drive the electric motor (see below).

[0012] Opening the shoe or reducing the lacing force level is preferably done by following these steps: The user sweeps the surface of the touch-sensitive sensors, preferably with his finger, in a second direction opposite to the first direction, detects the signal from the touch-sensitive sensors from the controller and causes the controller and the electric motor to open the shoe or reduce the lacing force level.

[0013] For the fully untied end position, the tension pulley can be equipped with a rotation angle sensor that is able to detect the zero position of the tension pulley.

[0014] The aforementioned swiping over the surface of the touch-sensitive sensors is carried out according to a preferred procedure in such a way that the user (preferably using a finger) completely sweeps over the sensors, i.e., over the entire extent of the sensor surface. In this way, as described, the lacing force level can be increased gradually or in stages. Similarly, if the surface is swiped in the opposite direction, the lacing force level can be reduced or the shoe can be completely opened.

[0015] However, it is also possible to swipe the touch-sensitive sensors' surface not completely, but only over part of their extent (with the finger). The controller can then send a (preferably proportional) signal to the electric motor depending on the length the user swipes over the surface, so that the tension of the lacing is increased or decreased accordingly (when swiping in the opposite direction).

[0016] Thus, the proposed method allows a step-by-step closing (lacing) and opening (relaxing) of the shoe, for which the surface of the touch-sensitive sensors is completely or partially swept over in order to be able to finely adjust said lacing or opening.

[0017] This makes it possible to specifically target defined lacing force levels of the shoe by simply passing over the number of touch-sensitive sensors (in the first direction) and also to open the shoe, i.e. to relax the tension of the tensioning element, by passing over the sensors once (in the second direction).

[0018] This makes lacing and unlacing very easy and comfortable.

[0019] A number of light-emitting elements, particularly in the form of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), can be arranged on or around the switching element. The current lacing tension level is indicated by the number of activated light-emitting elements. This provides a simple way to indicate to the shoe wearer how tightly the shoe is currently laced. The more LEDs illuminate, the more tightly the shoe is taut. The LEDs can also indicate the open state of the shoe.

[0020] The proposed shoe with a twist fastener and switching element is characterized according to the invention in that the switching element is arranged on the instep of the shoe, wherein a first tensioning element is arranged which runs on the lateral side of the shoe upper, wherein a second tensioning element is arranged which runs on the medial side of the shoe upper, wherein both tensioning elements are fastened by their two ends to the tensioning roller and each form a closed curved track on the lateral side and on the medial side of the shoe upper, wherein the switching element is formed by a number of touch-sensitive sensors arranged next to one another, which form a surface accessible to the user of the shoe (in particular for a finger of the user). The common surface of the sensors is designed to be as smooth and flat as possible.

[0021] This means that by swiping over the surface, the individual touch-sensitive sensors can be activated to create the functionality mentioned above.

[0022] The individual touch-sensitive sensors are preferably designed as capacitive sensors.

[0023] The individual touch-sensitive sensors are preferably positioned next to one another in a linear arrangement, with preferably between three and seven touch-sensitive sensors arranged next to one another. A number of lighting elements, in particular LEDs, are preferably arranged on or at the switching element.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, the switching element and the twist lock are arranged at different locations on the shoe. According to the invention, the switching element is arranged on the instep of the shoe; the twist lock is preferably arranged in the sole of the shoe.

[0025] However, other positions for the shifting element and the dial are also possible. Both elements can be positioned as a single unit on the instep. It is also possible to position the shifting element on the side of the shoe, on the upper, or in the heel area.

[0026] Here, too, a combination with the twist lock to form a unit (consisting of twist lock and switching element) is possible.

[0027] As explained above, the user will typically swipe over the surface of the touch-sensitive sensors with their finger. However, this is not mandatory; it may also be possible to use an aid (e.g., a stylus) for swiping.

[0028] Spring means can be arranged in the shoe upper to pre-tension the shoe upper into an open position, counteracting the action of the tensioning element. This ensures that after the twist lock is opened, the shoe upper "folds open" into an open position, thus making it easier to put on and take off the shoe.

[0029] To supply energy, a rechargeable battery is preferably arranged in the shoe, which can be charged inductively or contactlessly. The battery required to operate the motor is therefore designed as a rechargeable battery in this case and is supplied with a charging current via an induction coil. The battery can be arranged in a (mid)sole of the shoe. The electronics required for charging can be placed directly on the battery. By providing an induction coil, the shoe's battery can be charged contactlessly. For this purpose, the shoe can be placed on a suitable charging plate and the battery can be charged this way. The LEDs mentioned above can also be used to indicate charging or the charge level. For example, the LEDs can flash during charging, with more LEDs flashing the more the battery is charged.

[0030] It's also possible to have the battery charge level indicated by LEDs while the shoe is in use. For example, the LEDs might start flashing at a certain charge level (e.g., when the battery is below 50% of its maximum charge).

[0031] The touch-sensitive sensors discussed here are commercially available and are also referred to as "swipe sensors" or "touch panels." They generally consist of a number (usually between three and seven) of sensors arranged next to each other, each of which is touch-sensitive. This allows the control system to determine which action (opening or closing) should be performed based on the sequence of pulses measured by the individual sensors when swiping in the first or second direction.

[0032] The first lacing force level is preferably defined by a first predetermined maximum current that the controller specifies to the electric motor during the lacing process; said current is preferably between 1.1 A and 1.9 A. The second lacing force level is analogously preferably defined by a second predetermined maximum current that the controller specifies to the electric motor during the lacing process, wherein the second maximum current is higher than the first maximum current; said current is preferably between 2.1 A and 2.9 A. The third lacing force level is correspondingly preferably defined by a third predetermined maximum current that the controller specifies to the electric motor during the lacing process, wherein the third maximum current is higher than the second maximum current; the current is preferably between 3.1 A and 3.9 A.

[0033] Said lacing force levels are defined by specifying a corresponding motor current (e.g. first level: 1.5 A - second level: 2.5 A - third level: 3.5 A), so that the motor is operated with corresponding maximum torques, which in turn leads to a corresponding increasing tensile force in the tensioning element via the preferably used gear between the motor and the tensioning pulley.

[0034] According to the invention, a first tensioning element is arranged, which runs on the lateral side of the shoe upper, and a second tensioning element is arranged, which runs on the medial side of the shoe upper; both tensioning elements are fastened by their two ends to the tensioning roller and each form a closed curve on the lateral side and on the medial side of the shoe upper, respectively.

[0035] The two curved lines of the two tensioning elements on the lateral side and on the medial side of the shoe upper are preferably formed substantially symmetrically to a center plane of the shoe, wherein the center plane runs vertically and in the longitudinal direction of the shoe.

[0036] Particularly preferred is a special guide for the two tensioning elements on both sides of the shoe upper in order to achieve an optimal distribution of the lacing and thus an optimal fit of the shoe on the wearer's foot.

[0037] According to this, each tensioning element can run from the tensioning roller to a first deflection element, which deflects the tensioning element in the lower area of ​​the shoe upper and at a point which lies between 30% and 42% of the longitudinal extent of the shoe, calculated from the toe of the shoe.

[0038] Furthermore, it can be provided that each tensioning element runs from the first deflecting element to a second deflecting element, which deflects the tensioning element in the lower region of the shoe upper and at a point which lies in the range between 50% and 60% of the longitudinal extent of the shoe, calculated from the tip of the shoe.

[0039] Furthermore, each tensioning element can run from the second deflecting element to a third deflecting element, wherein the tensioning element is located in the upper region of the shoe upper adjacent to the twist fastener.

[0040] Each tensioning element can further extend from the third deflecting element to a fourth deflecting element which deflects the tensioning element in the lower region of the shoe upper and at a point which lies in the range between 55% and 70% of the longitudinal extent of the shoe, calculated from the toe of the shoe.

[0041] Finally, it can be provided that each tensioning element runs from the fourth deflection element to a fifth deflection element, which deflects the tensioning element in the range between 33% and 66% of the total height of the shoe and at a point which lies in the range between 75% and 90% of the longitudinal extent of the shoe, calculated from the toe of the shoe, wherein the tensioning element runs from the fifth deflection element to the tensioning roller.

[0042] The above-mentioned arrangement of the deflection elements in the lower region of the shoe upper is to be understood in such a way that the deflection elements are fixed to the sole of the shoe or slightly above the sole on the shoe upper and thus the deflection point of the tensioning element is in a height range which is below a mark of 20% of the vertical extension (when the shoe is on the ground) of the shoe upper 2.

[0043] At least one of the deflection elements can be designed as a loop that is attached, in particular sewn, to the upper part of the shoe and / or to the sole of the shoe.

[0044] The loops can consist of a band that is sewn onto the upper and / or the sole of the shoe.

[0045] The fifth deflecting element preferably surrounds the heel area of ​​the shoe. It is preferably provided that the fifth deflecting element has a V-shaped configuration in the side view of the shoe, with one leg of the V-shaped structure ending in the upper heel area and the other leg of the V-shaped structure ending in the lower heel area in the side view of the shoe.

[0046] The tensioning elements are preferably tension wires. They can be made of polyamide or made of this material.

[0047] This can advantageously improve the comfort of using a shoe with an electromotive lacing system using a twist lock.

[0048] The proposed method can also be further developed by placing a pressure sensor on or in the shoe that detects the degree of lacing tension on the wearer's foot. This pressure can be compared with a value stored in the control system. If excessive pressure is detected while the shoe is being worn, the control system can independently initiate a reduction in lacing tension. Conversely, if the pressure is too low, the control system can also initiate re-lacing of the shoe.

[0049] The drawing shows an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 1 schematically shows a side view of a partially sectioned sports shoe which can be laced with a twist lock, and Fig. 2 in perspective view shows a switching element for actuating the twist lock by the finger of the person using the sports shoe.

[0050] In Figure 1 1 shows a shoe 1 in the form of a sports shoe, which has a shoe upper 2 and a sole 3. The lacing of the shoe 1 is effected by means of a rotary fastener 4 (ie a central fastener), whereby by turning a tensioning roller 6 at least one tensioning element 5 is wound onto the tensioning roller 6 and thus the shoe upper 2 is tensioned or laced on the foot of the wearer of the shoe 1. The tensioning element 5 and its course are shown in Fig. 1 only indicated very schematically.

[0051] The twist lock 4 is arranged in the sole 3 of the shoe 1. A switching element 8 for operating the twist lock 4 is arranged remotely from the twist lock 4 on the instep 13 of the shoe 1. This provides convenient access to the switching element 8 for operating the twist lock 4.

[0052] The electric motor 7 required to operate the twist lock 4 is indicated; it drives the tension roller 6 via a gear 16. The operation of the electric motor 7 to open and close the twist lock 4 is initiated by a control unit 9 connected to the switching element 8. A battery 14 is provided to supply power to the motor 7 and the control unit 9.

[0053] To close and open the shoe 1, the user proceeds as follows: The switching element 8, as shown in Figure 2As can be seen, the shoe has a surface 11 provided with a number of touch-sensitive sensors 10. Specifically, five touch-sensitive sensors 10 are arranged linearly next to one another. The individual touch-sensitive sensors 10 are designed as capacitive sensors, which are known as such in the prior art. They react to contact with the finger 15 of the user of the shoe 1.

[0054] To close the shoe, the user sweeps his or her finger 15 over the touch-sensitive sensors 10 in a first direction R1. If the control detects said contact between the sensors 10, it initiates a first lacing force level, i.e., the electric motor 7 is operated with a first, predetermined maximum value for the motor current, for example, 1.5 A.

[0055] LED lighting elements 12 are arranged on the switching element 8. By activating one or more of the lighting elements 12, the current lacing force level can be displayed to the user.

[0056] If the finger 15 is repeatedly swept over the sensors 10 in the first direction R1, a second, higher lacing force level can be reached; a second, predetermined maximum value for the motor current can now be, for example, 2.5 A.

[0057] By scanning the sensors 10 again, the lacing force level can be further increased; a third, predefined maximum value for the motor current can now be, for example, 3.5 A.

[0058] The light elements 12 can in turn be used to indicate the current lacing force level.

[0059] To open the shoe 1, the user sweeps their finger 15 over the surface 11, i.e., the touch-sensitive sensors 10, in a second direction R2, which is opposite to the first direction R1. The controller 9 then initiates the complete opening of the shoe. The electric motor 7 then moves to the fully relaxed state, which can be determined by a corresponding rotation angle sensor on the tensioning roller 6.

[0060] The user therefore does not have to operate a closing or opening switch for a longer period of time, as is the case in the prior art; it is sufficient to swipe over the touch-sensitive sensors 10 in the manner described.

[0061] This allows the user to advantageously select a lacing force level that best suits their needs without having to adjust it by pressing the closing switch for a correspondingly long time. List of reference symbols:

[0062] 1Shoe 2Shoe upper 3Sole 4Twist closure 5Tensioning element 6Tensioning pulley 7Electric motor 8Switching element 9Control 10Touch-sensitive sensor 11Surface 12Lighting element (LED) 13Instep 14Battery 15Finger 16Gear R1first direction R2second direction

Claims

1. Method for lacing a shoe (1), in particular a sports shoe, wherein the shoe (1) has: - a shoe upper (2) and a sole (3) connected to the shoe upper (2), - a rotary fastener (4) for lacing the shoe (1) to the foot of the wearer by means of at least one tensioning element (5), wherein the rotary fastener (4) has a rotatably arranged tensioning roller (6) for winding up the tensioning element (5), wherein the tensioning roller (6) is driven by means of an electric motor (7), - a switching element (8) which is connected to a controller (9), wherein the electric motor (7) can be actuated via the switching element (8) and the controller (9), wherein the shoe (1) is laced by the user of the shoe (1) actuating the switching element (8), preferably with a finger (15), characterized in that the switching element (8) is arranged on the instep of the shoe (1), wherein the switching element (8) has a number of touch-sensitive sensors (10) arranged next to one another, which form a surface (11) accessible to the user, wherein a first tensioning element (5) is arranged, which extends on the lateral side of the shoe upper (2), wherein a second tensioning element (5) is arranged, which extends on the medial side of the shoe upper (2), wherein both tensioning elements (5) are fastened with their two ends to the tensioning roller (6) and each form a closed curve on the lateral side and on the medial side of the shoe upper (2), wherein the method comprises the steps of: - Swiping of the surface (11) of the touch-sensitive sensors (10) by the user, preferably with the finger (15), in a first direction (R1), - Detecting of the signal from the touch-sensitive sensors (10) by the controller (9) and initiation of the lacing of the shoe on the wearer's foot with a first lacing force level by the controller (9) and the electric motor (7).

2. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that the method further comprises the steps of: - Repeated swiping of the surface (11) of the touch-sensitive sensors (10) by the user, preferably with the finger (15), in the first direction (R1), - Detecting of the signal from the touch-sensitive sensors (10) by the controller (9) and initiation of the lacing of the shoe on the wearer's foot with a second lacing force level by the controller (9) and the electric motor (7), which second lacing force level is higher than the first lacing force level.

3. Method according to claim 2, characterised in that the method further comprises the steps: - Repeated swiping of the surface (11) of the touch-sensitive sensors (10) by the user, preferably with the finger (15), in the first direction (R1), - Detecting of the signal from the touch-sensitive sensors (10) by the controller (9) and initiation of the lacing of the shoe on the wearer's foot with a third lacing force level by the controller (9) and the electric motor (7), which third lacing force level is higher than the second lacing force level.

4. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the method further comprises the steps of: - Swiping of the surface (11) of the touch-sensitive sensors (10) by the user, preferably with the finger (15), in a second direction (R2), which is opposite to the first direction (R1), - Detecting of the signal from the touch-sensitive sensors (10) by the controller (9) and initiation of the opening of the shoe or the reduction of the lacing force level by the controller (9) and the electric motor (7).

5. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that a number of light-emitting elements (12), in particular LEDs, are arranged on or at the switching element (8), wherein the current lacing force level is indicated by the number of activated light-emitting elements.

6. Shoe (1), in particular sports shoe, comprising: - a shoe upper (2) and a sole (3) connected to the shoe upper (2), - a rotary fastener (4) for lacing the shoe (1) to the foot of the wearer by means of at least one tensioning element (5), wherein the rotary fastener (4) has a rotatably arranged tensioning roller (6) for winding up the tensioning element (5), wherein the tensioning roller (6) is driven by means of an electric motor (7), - a switching element (8) which is connected to a controller (9), wherein the electric motor (7) can be actuated via the switching element (8) and the controller (9), characterized in that the switching element (8) is arranged on the instep of the shoe (1), wherein a first tensioning element (5) is arranged, which extends on the lateral side of the shoe upper (2), wherein a second tensioning element (5) is arranged, which extends on the medial side of the shoe upper (2), wherein both tensioning elements (5) are fastened with their two ends to the tensioning roller (6) and each form a closed curve on the lateral side and on the medial side of the shoe upper (2), wherein the switching element (8) has a number of touch-sensitive sensors (10) arranged next to one another, which form a surface (11) accessible to the user.

7. Shoe according to claim 6, characterised in that the individual touch-sensitive sensors (10) are designed as capacitive sensors.

8. Shoe according to claim 6 or 7, characterised in that the individual touch-sensitive sensors (10) are positioned next to one another in a linear arrangement, wherein preferably between three and seven touch-sensitive sensors (10) are arranged next to one another.

9. Shoe according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterised in that a number of light-emitting elements (12), in particular LEDs, are arranged on or at the switching element (8).

10. Shoe according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterised in that the switching element (8) and the rotary fastener (4) are arranged at different locations of the shoe (1).

11. Shoe according to claim 10, characterised in that the rotary fastener (4) is arranged in the sole (3) of the shoe (1).

12. Shoe according to one of claims 6 to 11, characterised in that spring means are arranged in the shoe upper (2), which pretension the shoe upper (2) into an open position counter to the action of the tensioning element (5).

13. Shoe according to one of claims 6 to 12, characterised in that a rechargeable battery (14) is arranged in the shoe (1) for the energy supply, which battery can be charged inductively and / or without contact.

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