Attachment element for a device for stabilizing body joints and / or for supporting items of sports equipment

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for stabilizing body joints and / or for supporting items of sports equipment. The device comprises a receiving area, said receiving area being filled with a fluid; an active body for interacting with the fluid, said active body being movably mounted in the receiving area; and a force transmission element for transmitting external forces to the interior of the receiving area. The force transmission element extends at least partly through the receiving area and can be moved relative to the receiving area, and the active body is mounted on a first end of the force transmission element. The receiving area has an opening through which the force transmission element extends from outside into the interior of the receiving area, and an attachment element for introducing an external force into the device is mounted on a second end of the force transmission element outside of the receiving area. A flexible chamber adjoins the receiving area in the region of the opening, said flexible chamber extending between the opening and the attachment element, and the force transmission element portion protruding out of the receiving area extends through the flexible chamber. The flexible chamber is fluidically connected to the receiving area via the opening, and the flexible chamber is configured such that when the attachment element moves relative to the receiving area, the flexible chamber is stretched or compressed. The attachment element closes off the flexible chamber, at a first end, from the surroundings in a fluid-tight manner, and the attachment element is characterized by being divided into two parts, wherein a first part has a receiving region, in particular a seat, for the second end of the force transmission element, in particular for receiving the second end of the force transmission element in a force-fitting manner, and a second part which is configured to close the receiving region, in particular in the manner of a cover.

Description

[0001] Connecting element for a device for stabilizing body joints and / or for supporting sports equipment

[0002] Technical area

[0003] The present invention relates to a connecting element for a device for stabilizing body joints and / or for supporting sports equipment.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] It is known to stabilize body joints, muscles, and tendons using devices that enable adaptive movement limitation. For example, the movement of the ankle joint can be stabilized speed-dependently using orthoses, orthopedic shoes, supports, or similar devices to prevent injuries resulting from excessive or incorrect loading. Furthermore, it is known to equip sports equipment that may be subjected to jerky movements with adaptive movement limitation devices.

[0006] The adaptive behavior of such devices is achieved, among other things, by a relative movement of two bodies, with a filling medium between the bodies. These two bodies are each attached to two elements of an orthopedic shoe or an orthosis, for example, and thus the forces acting on the elements of the orthosis are transferred to the two bodies of the device. One body of the device can now form a receptacle that is filled with the filling medium. The other body of the device can form an extension body that is movably arranged in the receptacle. When one element of the orthosis moves relative to the other element of the orthosis and thus the connected extension body of the device moves relative to the connected receptacle, the filling medium can flow in an intermediate region.This in turn causes increased resistance of the filling medium in the holder, as a result of which relative movement between the extension body and the holder, and thus relative movement of the elements of the orthosis, is only possible with very high expenditure of force. The flow rate of the filling medium depends crucially on the cross-sectional area perpendicular to a relative direction of displacement of the holder and the extension body. This cross-sectional area available for flow for the filling medium is also referred to as the hydraulic diameter and is ultimately decisive for the reactive behavior of the device when exposed to external forces. The choice of the hydraulic diameter can therefore determine the resistance that the device offers to external forces. The devices can be fixed between two parts of a user's body or between two elements of a sports equipment that can move relative to one another.For the purpose of fixation, the devices have appropriate connecting elements.

[0007] The connection elements for installation, fixation on, or integration into orthoses, sports orthoses, shoes, bandages, sports equipment, or the like are of essential importance. The connection elements directly transmit the forces acting from the environment to the device and must therefore provide a suitable fastening option. In order to enable the transmission of high forces, known connection elements are often made of metal. However, metal components pose an increased risk of injury, particularly in sports applications. The use of connection elements made of metal can lead to pressure sores and even injuries to the wearer of the device or a third party. In addition, the use of connection elements made of metal places greater demands on the manufacturing processes of the devices.Bonding joints between plastic and metal elements exhibit lower adhesion than plastic-to-plastic bonds. Accordingly, metal connecting elements combined with plastic sealing tubes are more likely to exhibit unsatisfactory bonding joints, which can lead to leaks and thus a loss of function of the device. To prevent leaks, an additional manufacturing step is usually included, for example, in which an epoxy resin seal is applied or a heat-shrink tube is applied.

[0008] Another problem with known devices for stabilizing body joints concerns the connection between the force transmission element and the connecting element. Such a connection is usually made via a press clamp. However, the latter can lead to damage to the force transmission element, which, due to the inconspicuous nature of the connection, often only becomes apparent after the device is put into operation. If the force transmission element is designed as a wire rope, for example, there is a risk that individual strands of the wire rope will be cut off due to the press clamp. This can cause the wire rope to slip out of the connecting element under load.

[0009] Finally, the components of devices for stabilizing body joints are usually very small. The connection elements, in particular, are usually small and bulky, which makes automation difficult during production and instead requires additional manual steps.

[0010] Description of the invention

[0011] Based on the known prior art, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved device for stabilizing body joints and / or for supporting sports equipment.

[0012] The object is achieved by a device for stabilizing body joints and / or for supporting sports equipment having the features of claim 1. Advantageous further developments emerge from the subclaims, the description, and the figures.

[0013] Accordingly, a device for stabilizing body joints and / or for supporting sports equipment is proposed. The device comprises a receptacle, wherein the receptacle is filled with a fluid, an active body for interacting with the fluid, wherein the active body is displaceably arranged in the receptacle, a force transmission element for transmitting external forces to the interior of the receptacle, wherein the force transmission element extends at least partially through the receptacle and is displaceable relative to the receptacle, wherein the active body is arranged at a first end of the force transmission element, wherein the receptacle has an opening through which the force transmission element extends from the outside into the interior of the receptacle, wherein a connection element for introducing an external force into the device is arranged at a second end of the force transmission element outside the receptacle.wherein a flexible chamber adjoins the receptacle in the region of the opening, wherein the flexible chamber extends between the opening and the connecting element, wherein the section of the force transmission element protruding from the receptacle extends through the flexible chamber, wherein the flexible chamber is fluidically connected to the receptacle via the opening, and wherein the flexible chamber is configured such that it can be expanded or compressed upon a relative movement of the connecting element with respect to the receptacle, wherein the connecting element seals the flexible chamber fluid-tight against the environment at a first end. According to the invention, the connecting element is divided into two parts, wherein a first part has a receiving area, in particular a seat, for the second end of the force transmission element, in particular for the force-fitting reception of the second end of the force transmission element,and wherein a second part is configured to close off the receiving area, in particular in the form of a lid.,

[0014] The force transmission element extends along the (main) direction of movement of the device, from the active body through the interior of the receptacle, out of the receptacle, through the flexible chamber, and finally to the connection element. The surrounding area is defined as the areas that are not within the lumen, i.e., not within the fluid-filled areas of the device. Outside the receptacle refers to the area that lies outside the cavity defined by the receptacle.

[0015] The receiving area or seat for the force transmission element in the first part of the connecting element enables the creation of a force-locking connection between the force transmission element and the connecting element without the need for an additional joining step, such as subsequent pressing or bonding. Damage to the force transmission element resulting from such a joining step can thus be avoided. Furthermore, the elimination of such a joining step has a positive effect on production time and costs.

[0016] In a further exemplary embodiment, the second end of the force transmission element is fixed to the connecting element, in particular mounted in the connecting element, such that a tensile force and / or compressive force acting on the connecting element can be transmitted to the force transmission element.

[0017] This allows the position of the force transmission element to be secured to the connecting element. By securing the force transmission element to the connecting element, slipping of the force transmission element relative to the connecting element can be prevented.

[0018] In a further preferred embodiment, the second part seals the receiving area in a fluid-tight manner. This enables simplified manufacturing of the device. The device can be filled through a single filling opening, reducing the risk of leaks. During filling of the device, the fluid is first introduced into the receiving area via the filling opening and then flows from the receiving area, through the flexible chamber, to the connecting element. The receiving area is then closed with a closure after the fluid has been completely distributed within the device.

[0019] The fact that the fluid-tightness of the receiving area is achieved simply by joining the first part and the second part results in simplified manufacturing requirements. For example, a press fit or the provision of stocking sleeves can be dispensed with. Furthermore, a fluid-tight closure of the second part with the first part of the connecting element counteracts possible fluid loss during the filling process in the receiving area of ​​the connecting element. In particular, sealing the receiving area enables the device to be filled with fluid under vacuum conditions without any liquid being lost through leaks. This allows the pressures generated within the device during operation to be maintained. Even trapped air quantities do not escape from the device, in particular not from the receiving area in the connecting element, despite a negative pressure surrounding the device.

[0020] In a further exemplary embodiment, the first part of the connection element has a through-opening through which the force transmission element extends, wherein the through-opening has a first opening end directed towards the second part and a second opening end directed towards the receptacle, wherein the force transmission element has a holding device at its second end, wherein the holding device is configured to hold the second end of the force transmission element in the region of the first opening end, in particular to hold it in the receptacle region.

[0021] The holding device can be held in a form-fitting or force-fitting manner in the region of the first opening end, preferably in the receiving region. In a form-fitting embodiment, the holding device is designed, for example, in the form of a projection attached to the force transmission element, for example a compression sleeve. Such a projection acts as an undercut of the force transmission element and can protrude beyond the diameter of the first opening. If a force acts on the force transmission element in the direction of the second opening end, a corresponding relative displacement of the force transmission element with respect to the application element can be prevented due to the form-fitting connection between the holding device and the receiving region. In addition, in the region of the first opening end, ieIn the receiving area, a recess may be provided, for example, the first step of a stepped bore, in which the holding device is received and / or fixed, for example, clamped in a form-fitting manner. This allows the second end of the force transmission element to be held precisely in the receiving area of ​​the first part of the connecting element.

[0022] The force transmission element can first be connected to the holding device during production, ensuring sufficient connection strength. Subsequent threading of the holding element through a through-opening of the first part of the connecting element results in the force transmission element being locked in place if, as described above, the holding element has at least one distinguishing feature from the through-opening. Accordingly, the force transmission element can only be threaded through the through-opening up to a designated position. An additional joining step such as gluing, screwing, or press-fitting the force transmission element to the connecting element is therefore not required.

[0023] Furthermore, the force transmission element is aligned along the force acting during operation of the device by aligning the through-hole and positioning the first and second opening ends. This positioning enables gentle operation of the force transmission element by avoiding areas where bending can occur, which could lead to damage to the material of the force transmission element.

[0024] In a further preferred embodiment of the described device, the first part in the region of the second opening end can comprise a flange for guiding the force transmission element and for connecting a wall of the flexible chamber.

[0025] This allows the force transmission element to be guided along the alignment of the opening ends of the through-hole of the connecting element and additionally protects the force transmission element from overloads caused by bending, for example, during shock loads. The force element is aligned along the tensile force acting during operation.

[0026] In addition, the flange provides an additional surface for connecting a wall of the flexible chamber. For example, the flange can be provided in the form of a cylindrical peripheral surface. The flexible chamber can be fitted onto this flange, with the two joining partners being held together either by a press fit or additional bonding. This contributes to increased adhesion and sufficient tightness of the flexible chamber with respect to the first part of the connecting element.

[0027] In addition to the flange, the surface of the first part of the connecting element that runs perpendicular to the through-hole of the first part can also contribute to an enlarged bonding surface. This can contribute to increased stability when transverse forces or pivoting movements occur. Furthermore, an additional sheath of the force transmission element can be connected to the connecting element, in particular to the flange, to prevent bending due to impact forces acting on the force transmission element.

[0028] In a further preferred embodiment, the second part of the connection element can be configured to be coupled to an object external to the device in order to absorb or release external forces.

[0029] The advantage of this embodiment is the modular design of the connection element. The subsequent attachment of the second part of the connection element enables separate production of the device. The second part of the connection element can be attached as one of the final steps, before filling the device. The second part of the connection element can thus be attached in various configurations, separately from the coupling of the force transmission element and the first part of the connection element. The second part of the connection element can be used to connect the device to an external object and thus absorb the forces of the external object. This makes it possible to integrate the device into sports equipment, orthoses, preferably sports orthoses, supports, or other devices. An external force can be introduced into the device via the second part of the connection element.External forces generally refer to all forces that are introduced into the device by an external object. The force acting on the external object is transferred to the device. Accordingly, the device can reduce or induce movement of the external object.

[0030] Furthermore, it is possible to adapt the second part of the connection element to the requirements of a coupling to the object external to the device. The shape and dimensions of the second part can be selected for the specific application and connected to the uniform first part of the connection element. In a further exemplary embodiment of the described device, the second part of the connection element can have a through-opening for receiving a band for transmitting force to the device.

[0031] This enables easy assembly and integration of the device into, for example, orthoses, preferably sports orthoses, bandages, or shoes. Such bands can consist of wires, ropes, or cords, for example. Modular bands attached to objects not connected to the device can be easily passed through a through-opening and connected to the second part of the connecting element. The through-opening offers the possibility of flexibly integrating the device into a variety of objects and removing it again without causing damage if necessary. Furthermore, it is possible to provide a variety of second parts with different through-openings. The through-openings can be circular, slit-shaped, oval, etc. Depending on the application, the appropriate second part of the connecting element can be selected and connected to the first part.

[0032] In a further preferred embodiment of the described device, the first part and the second part of the connecting element can have projections or recesses that are complementary to one another.

[0033] This enables precise positioning of the parts during device production. Protrusions, such as cylindrical recesses in the first part, can be inserted into recesses provided for this purpose in the second part. This enables an initial coupling of the two parts and prevents them from slipping relative to each other, for example, during the bonding process. The protrusions and complementary recesses can be designed in different shapes and numbers to enable precise fixation of the two parts. Furthermore, the positioning predetermined by the protrusions and recesses enables precise fixation of the first and second parts of the connecting element.Furthermore, this can promote a fluid-tight connection as well as smooth connections at the transition areas of the first and second part of the connecting element without protruding corners or edges, which in turn reduces the post-processing effort, such as smoothing the edges.

[0034] In a further preferred embodiment, the first part is joined to the second part and the first part is joined to a wall of the flexible chamber. Due to the redistribution of the liquid from the receptacle and the flexible chamber during the operating state of the device, different pressures arise in the device. This embodiment enables long-term operation of the device without possible pressure losses that can occur through leaks. Joining the first part of the connecting element to a second part of the connecting element reduces the risk of liquids escaping, which would result in reduced function of the device. Joining the first part of the connecting element to a wall of the flexible chamber ensures a closed chamber and prevents the fluid from escaping. The operating pressures of the device are accordingly kept constant over longer-term use of the device.

[0035] In a further exemplary embodiment of the described device, the first part and / or the second part can have receiving surfaces for receiving by a gripping device for producing the device.

[0036] This enables a simplified and automated manufacturing process. The gripping surfaces allow the individual components of the fixture to be picked up and assembled using automated processes. For example, a gripper arm can position the second part of the connecting element onto the first part of the connecting element. Furthermore, the individual, not yet connected or already connected parts of the fixture can be held or moved relative to each other using external fastening units, such as automated gripper arms with appropriate clamps or suction devices, which allows for significantly shorter production times compared to manual production.

[0037] Short description of the characters

[0038] Preferred further embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail in the following description of the figures. In the figures:

[0039] Figure 1 shows schematically a device for stabilising body joints and / or for supporting sports equipment;

[0040] Figure 2 shows schematically a detailed view of a receiving element of the device according to Figure 1;

[0041] Figure 3 schematically shows a detailed view of a device for stabilizing body joints and / or for supporting sports equipment; and Figure 4 schematically shows a perspective view of a device for stabilizing body joints and / or for supporting sports equipment in a volumetric representation.

[0042] Detailed description of preferred embodiments

[0043] Preferred embodiments are described below with reference to the figures. Identical, similar, or equivalent elements in the different figures are provided with identical reference numerals, and a repeated description of these elements is partially omitted to avoid redundancies.

[0044] Figure 1 schematically shows a device 1 for stabilizing body joints and / or for supporting sports equipment. The device 1 comprises a receptacle 20 with a first end 21 and a second end 23. The receptacle can be designed in various ways, for example, in a cylindrical shape. A closure 25 is arranged in the region of the second end 23 of the receptacle 20 in order to close the receptacle 20 in a fluid-tight manner. Furthermore, a closing opening 26 and an insert 24 are arranged on the closure. The first end of the cylindrical receptacle 20 is provided with an end-side opening 22. The receptacle 20 is filled with a fluid 30. An active body 40, which is arranged such that it can move within the receptacle along a direction of movement R, can be moved back and forth through the receptacle 20, wherein the fluid 30 can flow through a passage opening 42 arranged in the active body.If, for example, the active body is moved toward the front opening 22, the fluid 30 flows from one side of the receptacle through the active body 40 to the other side of the receptacle 20. Rapid movements of the active body, which in the unphysiological case lead to blocking of the device, i.e., the relative movement of the active body relative to the receptacle 20, can cause high pressures to build up inside the receptacle 20. Overpressure in the receptacle 20 can cause a small portion of the fluid 30 to escape from the receptacle 20 through the front opening 22.

[0045] The active body 40 is arranged centrally in the receptacle 20 and is connected to a force transmission element 50 arranged along the length of the receptacle 20 via a first end 52 of the force transmission element 50. The force transmission element 50 is made of a wire rope 53 encased in a plastic sheath 51. In particular, the force transmission element 50 is made of several strands and is flexible. Alternatively, the force transmission element 50 can be made of a plastic. The force transmission element 50 extends at the front side beyond the first end 21 of the receptacle 20, through the opening 22 of the receptacle 20, and beyond the receptacle 20.

[0046] A second end 54 of the force transmission element 50, located outside the receptacle 20, is connected to a connecting element 60. The section of the force transmission element 50 that lies between the first end 21 of the receptacle 22 and the connecting element 60 forms a flexible chamber 70 with a flexible section 76. This flexible chamber 70 extends cylindrically around the force transmission element 50 and comprises a second end 73, which is arranged in the direction of the receptacle 20, and a first end 71, which is arranged in the direction of the connecting element 60. The spaces between the force transmission element 50 and the cylindrical, flexible section 76 surrounding the force transmission element form a further reservoir filled with fluid 30.The flexible section can be made, for example, of an elastomer that can be elastically deformed and, accordingly, completely returns to its original shape when the force is released. The receptacle 20 and the flexible chamber 70 are hermetically connected via a wall 72 of the flexible chamber, so that a displacement of the active body 40 leads to a changed fluid volume and changed pressures in the receptacle 20 and in the flexible chamber 70.

[0047] Such a connection between the wall 72 of the flexible chamber 70 with the receptacle 20 and with the connecting element 60 is provided in Figure 1 via a flange 28 on the receptacle 20 and a flange 61 on the connecting element 60. Due to the elastic properties of the flexible section 76, it can be slipped over the projections, i.e. the flange 28 and the flange 61, thereby providing a first fixation between the connecting element 60, the flexible section 76 and the receptacle 20. Alternatively or additionally, the inner wall 72 of the flexible section 76 can also be chemically bonded, for example glued, to the flange 61 on the connecting element 60 and / or to the flange 28 of the receptacle 20.

[0048] The second end 54 of the force transmission element 50 extends along the direction of movement R into the connecting element 60 and is coupled thereto. The connecting element 60 has a through-opening 80, where it enables further coupling to an external object. Accordingly, the through-opening 80 forms the counterpart for the connecting projection 29. Both serve to couple two external objects that move relative to one another, whereby the forces emanating from the two objects can be transmitted to the device 1, so that the device can exert its effect. A force induced by an external object acting on the connecting element 60 via the through-opening 80 results in a force acting on the force transmission element 50.In an operating state of the device 1, such as a tensile force acting in opposite directions on the connecting element 60 and the connecting projection 29, the tensile force acting on the connecting element 60 is transmitted to the force transmission element 50. The flexible chamber 70 is reversibly deformed along the tensile direction R, while the active body 40 is displaced by the force transmission element 50 relative to the receptacle 20, onto which the second force induced by a second external object, introduced via the connecting projection 29, acts. This can also lead to a redistribution of the quantities of the fluid 30 between the receptacle 20 and the flexible chamber 70. The opposing forces exerted by the two external objects, as well as their associated relative movements, are dampened by the device 1.When external forces decrease, the flexible chamber 70 and accordingly also the active body 40 are returned to a relaxed state due to its elastic properties.

[0049] Figure 2 shows an enlarged section of the connecting element 60 of the device 1 from Figure 1. The modular connecting element 60 can be made from any suitable material, but preferably from plastics such as PA, in order to minimize the risk of injury during operation. In addition, additional adhesive bonds between the flexible chamber 70 and the connecting element 60 have increased strengths and load-bearing capacities than known metal-plastic adhesive bonds. The connecting element 60 shown in Figure 2 is made from a first part 62 and a second part 66. The first part 62 of the connecting element 66 has a through-opening 64 which extends along the alignment of the force transmission element 50 from a second opening end 67 to a first opening end 65 and in which the second end 54 of the force transmission element 50 is centrally arranged.The first part 62 of the connecting element 60 additionally has a flange 61, which extends along the alignment of the force transmission element 50 and thus forms a guide for the force transmission element 50. The flange 61 can be designed in various lengths to prevent the force transmission element 50 from bending when the receiving element 60 is subjected to a tensile or impact load in a direction deviating from the alignment of the force transmission element 50. Such a flange 61 can be manufactured with the first part 62 of the connecting element 60 as a solid part, but can also be manufactured separately and subsequently bonded. A flange 61 offers an advantageous support surface for bonding to the inner wall 72 of the flexible chamber.The rectangular arrangement of the flange 61 also forms a precisely fitting section for the wall 72 of the flexible chamber 70, which helps to prevent leaks and reduces the need for post-processing steps.

[0050] The force transmission element 50 is provided with a holding device 56 at a second end 54. This holding device 56 forms a surface area that is larger than the opening area of ​​the first opening end 65 of the first part 62 of the connecting element 60. The holding device 56 can, for example, be implemented via a press clamp and be firmly connected to the second end 54 of the force transmission element. After the force transmission element 50 is threaded through the through-opening 64, the holding device locks the force transmission element 50 in a position of the first part 62 of the connecting element.

[0051] The second part 66 of the connecting element 60 can be connected to the first part 62 of the connecting element 60 via adhesive surfaces 90. Together with the second part 66 of the connecting element 60, a recess in the first part 62 of the connecting element 60 forms a receiving area 63 for the holding device 56 and, accordingly, for the second end 54 of the force transmission element 50. The second part 66 of the connecting element comprises the through-opening 80 for attaching an external object, for example a modular band, to the connecting element 60 and thus to the device 1. Such a through-opening 80 can be designed in any advantageous embodiment. The through-opening 80 is preferably bean-shaped in order to facilitate threading, for example, wider modular bands of orthoses or bandages.

[0052] Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a connecting element 60 of a device 1 for stabilizing body joints and / or for supporting sports equipment. Figure 3 shows a modular connecting element 60, which is made from two parts 62, 66. The first part 62 and the second part 66 comprise projections 68 and recesses 69 that are complementary to one another in order to enable precise positioning of the two parts 62, 66 and to connect them to one another via adhesive surfaces 90. The projections 68 and recesses 69 can be integrated in various designs, but are preferably cylindrical. The projections 68 and recesses 69 can also be implemented in any number. The first part 62 and the second part 66 of the connecting element 60 form a receiving area 63 for the holding device 56, which is hermetically sealed by an adhesive bond to the adhesive surface.The support surface 660 locks the holding device 56 and thus the force transmission element 50 to the connection element. The force transmission element is designed here as a wire cable 53 with a sheath 51. Accordingly, fluid loss is prevented by adhesive bonds. Furthermore, the connection element 60 is provided with gripping surfaces 92. These can be integrated in various forms. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the gripping surfaces 92 are formed via an angled recess, so that a gripper arm of a production robot can clamp the connection element 60 via the gripping surfaces 92.

[0053] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a connecting element 60 of a device 1 for stabilizing body joints and / or for supporting sports equipment. The projections 68 and recesses 69 are indicated. The projections 68 are formed in a receiving area 63 of the holding device 56 in order to additionally lock the latter and secure its position. The connecting element shows a positive connection of the first part 62 and the second part 66, which are connected in a precisely positioned manner via the adhesive surface 90. The holding device 56 is hexagonal in shape here. However, it can be designed in any other shape, such as rectangular or round.

[0054] Where applicable, all individual features presented in the embodiments may be combined and / or exchanged without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0055] List of reference symbols

[0056] 1 device

[0057] 20 recordings

[0058] 21 first end

[0059] 22 Opening

[0060] 23 second end

[0061] 24 deployment

[0062] 25 closure

[0063] 26 End opening 28 Flange

[0064] 29 Connection advantage

[0065] 30 Fluid

[0066] 40 active substances

[0067] 42 passage opening

[0068] 50 power transmission element

[0069] 51 Coat

[0070] 52 first end

[0071] 53 Wire rope

[0072] 54 second end

[0073] 56 Holding device

[0074] 60 connecting element

[0075] 61 flange

[0076] 62 first part

[0077] 63 Recording area

[0078] 64 passage opening

[0079] 65 first opening end

[0080] 66 second part

[0081] 660 recording areas

[0082] 67 second opening end

[0083] 68 projections

[0084] 69 recesses

[0085] 70 Flexible Chamber

[0086] 71 first end

[0087] 72 wall

[0088] 73 second end

[0089] 76 Flexible section

[0090] 80 through opening 90 adhesive surface

[0091] 92 gripping surfaces

[0092] R Direction of movement

Claims

Claims 1 . Device (1) for stabilizing body joints and / or for supporting sports equipment, comprising: - a receptacle (20), wherein the receptacle (20) is filled with a fluid (30), - an active body (40) for interacting with the fluid (30), wherein the active body (40) is displaceably arranged in the receptacle (20), - a force transmission element (50) for transmitting external forces to the interior of the receptacle (20), wherein the force transmission element (50) extends at least partially through the receptacle (20) and is relatively displaceable relative to the receptacle (20), wherein the active body (40) is arranged at a first end (52) of the force transmission element (50), wherein the receptacle (20) has an opening (22) through which the force transmission element (50) extends from the outside into the interior of the receptacle (20), wherein a connecting element (60) for introducing an external force into the device (1) is arranged at a second end (54) of the force transmission element (50) outside the receptacle (20), wherein a flexible chamber (70) adjoins the receptacle (20) in the region of the opening (22), wherein the flexible chamber (70) extends between the opening (22) and the connecting element (60),wherein the portion of the force transmission element (50) protruding from the receptacle (20) extends through the flexible chamber (70), wherein the flexible chamber (70) is fluidically connected to the receptacle (20) via the opening (22), and wherein the flexible chamber (70) is configured such that it can be expanded or compressed upon a relative movement of the connecting element (60) with respect to the receptacle (20), wherein the connecting element (60) closes the flexible chamber (70) at a first end (71) in a fluid-tight manner with respect to the environment, characterized in that, the connecting element (60) is divided into two parts, wherein a first part (62) has a receiving area (63), in particular a seat, for the second end (54) of the force transmission element (50), in particular for a force-fitting reception of the second end (54) of the force transmission element (50), and wherein a second part (66) is configured to close off the receiving area (63), in particular to close it off in the form of a lid.

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the second end (54) of the force transmission element (50) is fixed to the connecting element (60), in particular is mounted in the connecting element (60), such that a tensile force and / or compressive force acting on the connecting element (60) can be transmitted to the force transmission element (50).

3. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the second part (66) closes the receiving area (63) in a fluid-tight manner.

4. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first part (62) of the connecting element (60) has a through-opening (64) through which the force transmission element (50) extends, wherein the through-opening (64) has a first opening end (65) directed towards the second part (66) and a second opening end (67) directed towards the receptacle (20), wherein the force transmission element (50) has a holding device (56) at the second end (54), wherein the holding device (56) is configured to hold the second end (54) of the force transmission element (50) in the region of the first opening end (65), in particular to hold it in the receptacle region (63).

5. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first part (62) in the region of the second opening end (67) comprises a flange (61) for guiding the force transmission element (50) and for connecting a wall (72) of the flexible chamber (70).

6. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second part (66) of the connecting element (60) is configured to be coupled to an object external to the device in order to absorb external forces or to release internal forces.

7. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second part (66) of the connecting element (60) has a through opening (80) for receiving a band for transmitting force to the device (1).

8. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first part (62) and the second part (66) have mutually complementary projections (68) and recesses (69).

9. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first part (62) is joined to the second part (66) and the first part (62) is joined to a wall (72) of the flexible chamber (70).

10. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first part (62) and / or the second part (66) have receiving surfaces (660) for receiving by a gripping device for producing the device.

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