Method for filling an adapter

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for filling an adapter (10) for stabilizing body joints and / or for supporting items of sports equipment with a fluid (20), said adapter (10) comprising: a first chamber (30) and a second chamber (40); at least one channel (51) between the first chamber (30) and the second chamber (40) for establishing a fluidic connection, wherein the transition between the first chamber (30) and / or the second chamber (40) and the channel (51) forms an inlet (52) through which the fluid (20) can flow into the channel (51); a force transmission element (60) for transmitting external forces into the interior of the first chamber (30) and / or the second chamber (40), said force transmission element (60) extending at least partly through the first chamber (30) and the second chamber (40) and being movable relative to the first chamber (30) and the second chamber (40); a seal element (70) for sealing the channel (51) in order to suppress a flow of fluid between the first chamber (30) and the second chamber (40), said seal element (70) being movably mounted in the first chamber (30) or in the second chamber (40); and a driver (80), which is provided on the force transmission element (60), for moving the seal element (70) relative to the first chamber (30) and the second chamber (40).

Description

[0001] Procedure for filling an adapter

[0002] Technical area

[0003] The present invention relates to methods for filling an adapter for stabilizing body joints and / or for supporting sports equipment with a fluid.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] 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 may be subjected to jerky movements with adaptive movement limitation devices.

[0006] Among other things, the adaptive behavior of such devices is achieved by two bodies moving relative to each other, with a filling medium between the bodies. One body of the device can form a receptacle that is filled with the filling medium. The other body can form an extension body that is movably arranged in the receptacle. The filling medium can flow in the area between the receptacle and the extension body when the two bodies move relative to each other. The flow velocity of the filling medium depends crucially on the cross-sectional area perpendicular to a relative direction of displacement of the receptacle and the extension body. 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 when exposed to external forces.The resistance the device offers to external forces can be determined by selecting the hydraulic diameter. The devices can be fixed between two parts of a user's body or between two relatively movable elements of a piece of sports equipment.

[0007] Such devices generally comprise a receptacle filled with a filling medium, a first body for interacting with the filling medium, the first body being arranged such that it can move in the receptacle, and a force transmission means for transmitting an external force to the first body. The receptacle forms a first chamber for the filling medium. The force transmission means leads from the receptacle through a second chamber, which is also filled with the filling medium. The second chamber has the function of providing fluid compensation. When the device is at rest, pressure differences in the two chambers can be compensated by a corresponding fluid flow. However, if the device is loaded, i.e. if the active body is moved through the receptacle, i.e. the first chamber, any fluid exchange between the first and second chambers must be prevented.This ensures that sufficiently high pressures can build up in the housing and that the device responds properly. Thus, the damping effect of the device under load is primarily generated by the interaction of the active body with the fluid in the housing, i.e., the first chamber. To prevent fluid exchange between the first and second chambers under load, at least one sealing element is usually provided at the transition from the first to the second chamber.

[0008] The requirement profile described above also has a particular impact on the production of the adapter devices. In particular, filling the first and second chambers with fluid while simultaneously providing a sealing element between the first and second chambers presents additional challenges with regard to production time and thus production costs. For example, it is possible to fill the first and second chambers separately. However, this entails two filling steps. Alternatively, it would be possible to utilize the switchable properties of the sealing element and fill only one chamber. For example, filling could be carried out under high pressure of up to over 200 bar, so that the high pressure overcomes the sealing effect of the sealing element and thus the other chamber can also be filled.Alternatively, filling can be carried out at low pressure, where the sealing element allows fluid flow between the two chambers. However, the disadvantage of filling at low pressure is the required filling time, which is prolonged due to the slow fluid introduction.

[0009] Description of the invention

[0010] Based on the known prior art, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved method for filling an adapter. This object is achieved by a method for filling an adapter having the features of claim 1. Advantageous further developments emerge from the subclaims, the description, and the figures.

[0011] Accordingly, a method for filling an adapter for stabilizing body joints and / or for supporting sports equipment or functional clothing such as shoes, in particular shoelaces or shoe soles, with a fluid is proposed. The adapter comprises a first chamber and a second chamber, at least one channel between the first chamber and the second chamber for providing a fluid connection, wherein the transition from the first chamber and / or the second chamber to the channel forms an inlet through which the fluid can flow in the channel, a force transmission element for transmitting external forces to the interior of the first chamber and / or the second chamber, wherein the force transmission element extends at least partially through the first chamber and the second chamber and is displaceable relative to the first chamber and the second chamber,a sealing element for sealing the channel to prevent fluid flow between the first chamber and the second chamber, wherein the sealing element is displaceably arranged in the first chamber or in the second chamber, a driver arranged on the force transmission element for displacing the sealing element relative to the first chamber and the second chamber.

[0012] According to the invention, the method comprises at least the step of filling the first and second chambers with a fluid, wherein the second chamber or the first chamber is filled indirectly via the channel between the first chamber and the second chamber, and wherein the sealing element is spaced from a channel opening such that a fluid flow is provided between the first chamber and the second chamber. In a further preferred embodiment, the method comprises the step of moving the driver through the first or the second chamber, wherein the driver moves the sealing element towards an inlet of the channel. In a further development, the method comprises the step of closing the inlet by means of the sealing element.

[0013] Because the sealing element is initially spaced from the channel opening, fluid exchange between the first chamber and the second chamber is possible without hindrance through the channel. The flow cross-section provided by the channel is selected so that both chambers can be filled in a filling time that is economically adequate. Once the first chamber and the second chamber have been sufficiently filled with fluid, the sealing element can be brought into its sealing position at the channel inlet using the driver. Since the driver is arranged on the force transmission element and can be formed, for example, by the active body, no tools are required for the final positioning of the sealing element. The sealing element can be brought into its final position by simply pulling or pushing on the force transmission element.

[0014] The filling medium is a Newtonian fluid, such as silicone oil. The silicone oil can have a viscosity of 750–1000 cSt, preferably 250–500 cSt. Alternatively, dilatant fluids can be used as the filling medium. A shear-thickening plastic can also be used. The plastic is in powder form. Sand can also be used as a filling medium.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, a first groove or recess for receiving the sealing element is arranged at the inlet of the channel. This allows for secure reception of the sealing element at the inlet of the channel. By accommodating the sealing element in the groove or recess, it can be ensured that the sealing element can be positioned at the inlet of the channel in such a way that the sealing element can exert the prescribed sealing effect. The dimensions of the groove can be selected such that the sealing element is held in the first groove or recess by a press fit.

[0016] In a further preferred embodiment, a sealing plug is slidably arranged between the sealing element and the driver, whereby the driver can contact the sealing element via the sealing plug. The sealing plug enables gentle and as uniform as possible contact with the sealing element. Furthermore, the provision of a sealing plug between the driver and the sealing element eliminates the need to match the driver or the sealing element, in particular their contact surfaces. The sealing plug can be made of a softer material than the driver and / or the sealing element. For example, the sealing plug can be made of a deformable plastic.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, in order to close the inlet by means of the sealing element, the sealing plug is fixed in the first groove or recess in order to hold the sealing element in the first groove or recess. Because the sealant also enters the groove at the inlet of the channel, it can be ensured that the sealing plug brings the sealing element into the final position that seals the channel. In addition, a sealing plug that remains in the first groove or recess allows the sealing element to be locked in the first groove or recess. The sealing plug thus prevents the sealing element from moving out of the first groove or recess during use, for example during movement of the force transmission element. The sealing plug closes the groove and forms a sealing chamber in which the sealing element is held between the inlet and the sealing plug.

[0018] The dimensions of the sealing plug relative to the groove can be configured such that the sealing plug is press-fitted into the groove. This eliminates the need for a press fit for the sealing element in the groove. This helps ensure that fluid can flow past the sealing element into the channel when the adapter is in a low-movement situation.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, in order to close the inlet by means of the sealing element, the sealing plug is fixed in a second groove or recess upstream of the first groove or recess in order to hold the sealing element in the first groove or recess, wherein the second groove or recess has a larger cross-sectional area in the plane perpendicular to a displacement direction of the sealing element than the first groove or recess.

[0020] This makes it possible to limit the maximum possible displacement of the sealing element. The sealing element can be displaced by the driver over the sealing plug towards the inlet of the channel until the sealing plug has reached the bottom of the second groove, viewed in the direction of displacement. Because the sealing plug is larger than the first groove, it cannot enter the first groove or recess. This means that pressure can only be exerted by the sealing plug on the sealing element until the sealing element is completely located in the first groove or recess. When the sealing element is in its final position at the inlet of the channel, the locking behavior of the sealing element is not influenced by the sealing plug, in particular any contact force emanating from it.

[0021] In a further preferred embodiment, the sealing plug has guide bevels on its outer surface for insertion into the first groove or the second groove. The guide bevels on the outer surface of the sealing plug prevent the sealing plug from becoming tilted or jammed when pressed into the first or second groove or recess.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the sealing plug has a plurality of projections on its outer surface, wherein the projections are arranged uniformly, preferably in a star shape, distributed on the outer surface of the sealing plug, and wherein the projections comprise a deformable material. The flexible projections on the outer surface of the sealing plug promote the press fit of the sealing plug in the first or second groove or recess. If the sealing plug is pressed into the first or second groove or recess by means of the driver, the flexible projections on the outer surface of the sealing plug deform and create a clamping effect. The star-shaped arrangement of the projections on the outer surface of the sealing plug brings about a uniform clamping effect of the sealing plug in the first or second groove or recess.

[0023] In a further preferred embodiment, the force transmission element extends through the channel from the first chamber into the second chamber, wherein the force transmission element preferably exits the first chamber or the second chamber at an end of the first chamber or the second chamber opposite the channel. The force transmission element can thus be displaced relative to the channel within the channel, wherein, in the event of a load, i.e., the action of external forces on the force transmission element, the sealing element prevents the fluid from flowing through the channel between the first and second chambers.

[0024] In a preferred development, at least one recess for fluidically bypassing the sealing element is arranged at the inlet, wherein in the event that a contact pressure below a predefined threshold value acts on the sealing element from the driver or the fluid, the recess allows a fluid flow between the first chamber and the second chamber via the channel.

[0025] This ensures that fluid equalization between the first and second chambers is guaranteed, particularly after the sealing element has been inserted into the first groove. This is necessary because immediately after the sealing element has been moved into the first groove by the sealing plug and / or the driver, there is a negative pressure in the chamber on the side of the sealing element and an overpressure in the other chamber beyond the channel. The at least one recess in the wall at the inlet of the channel, in particular in the first groove, is configured such that in the case of a load, i.e. when the driver moves in the direction of the sealing element and thus in the direction of the channel, from a predefined threshold value of a pressure acting on the sealing element, the sealing element penetrates into the at least one recess and prevents fluid equalization through the at least one recess.The at least one recess can, for example, have a depth of 1 to 0.01 mm, preferably 0.5 to 0.05 mm, particularly preferably 0.1 mm and a width of 1.5 to 0.05 mm, preferably 1 to 0.1 mm, particularly preferably 0.6 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the adapter is filled with a fluid starting from the first chamber, wherein the first chamber has an opening for filling. This makes it possible to reduce the time and complexity of the filling process. Since only one component has to be provided with an opening for filling, other components of the adapter can be designed to be comparatively smaller. Finally, only one opening has to be closed after filling.

[0026] In a further development, the sealing element is slidably mounted on the force transmission element. This allows the force transmission body to serve as a guide for the relative movement of the sealing element through the first or second chamber. For example, the sealing element can have an opening through which the force transmission body extends.

[0027] In a further preferred embodiment, the sealing element is an O-ring. An O-ring can be easily pushed onto the force transmission body during assembly. Furthermore, only an annular first groove or recess needs to be provided at the inlet to accommodate the O-ring. The O-ring can then seal along its contact surfaces when inserted into the first groove. In particular, the O-ring can seal the inlet radially inwardly against the force transmission element, radially outwardly against an inner circumferential surface of the first groove or for storage, and axially in the direction of displacement of the O-ring against a bottom surface of the first groove or recess.

[0028] In a further preferred embodiment, the force transmission element comprises a wire rope, preferably a sheathed wire rope. The sheathing can be made of plastic. The sheathing preferably has relatively frictionless sliding properties, particularly with respect to the O-ring, the inlet, and / or the channel. The sealing element, for example an O-ring, and the sealing plug can be threaded onto the wire rope, preferably a flexible wire rope, in a preceding assembly step before the wire rope is guided through the channel connecting the first and second chambers.

[0029] Short description of the characters

[0030] Preferred further embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail by the following description of the figures, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic sectional view of an adapter in the assembled

[0031] Condition;

[0032] Figure 2 shows a schematic detailed view of the adapter according to Figure 1 in the state during filling;

[0033] Figure 3 shows a schematic detailed view of the adapter according to Figure 1 in the state after filling;

[0034] Figure 4 shows a schematic detailed view of the adapter according to Figure 1 in the assembled state;

[0035] Figure 5A schematically shows a perspective view of a sealing plug;

[0036] Figure 5B shows schematically a plan view of the sealing plug according to Figure 5A;

[0037] Figure 6 schematically shows a perspective view of a connecting element; and

[0038] Figure 7 shows schematically a side view of an adapter according to Figure 1.

[0039] Detailed description of preferred embodiments

[0040] 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. To avoid redundancies, a repeated description of some of these elements is omitted.

[0041] Figure 1 schematically shows an adapter 10 for stabilizing body joints and / or for supporting sports equipment with a fluid 20. The adapter 10 comprises a receptacle 36 and a flexible section 46, which is connected to the receptacle 36 via a connecting element 50. A force transmission element 60 extends through the adapter 10.

[0042] The receptacle 36 defines a first chamber 30 for receiving the fluid 20. The first chamber 30 is closed at a first end 32 by a first plug 38 and delimited at a second end 34 by the connecting element 50. The flexible section 46 defines a second chamber 40 for receiving the fluid 20. The second chamber is closed at a first end 42 by a second plug 48 and delimited at a second end 44 by the connecting element 50. The connecting element 50 has a male projection 53 which is inserted into the receptacle 36 in the region of the second end 34. An outer peripheral surface of the male projection 53 has undercuts or a knurling which is pressed onto the inner surface of the receptacle 36. Alternatively, the male projection 53 has no undercuts or knurling.

[0043] The connecting element 50 comprises a channel 51 which fluidically connects the first chamber 30 with the second chamber 40. The force transmission element 60 is anchored at a first end 62 in the second plug 48 and extends from there through the second chamber 40, through the channel 51 and finally into the first chamber 30. Within the first chamber 30, a driver 80 is arranged at a second end 64 of the force transmission element 60. The driver 80 benefits, among other things, from the function of an active body, for example in the form of a valve body. Via the force transmission element 60, the driver can be moved through the first chamber 30 and in doing so interact with the fluid 20 inside the first chamber 30. Through the interaction of the driver 80 with the fluid 20, the adapter 10 can provide a damping effect, preferably a speed-dependent damping effect.

[0044] The second plug 48 forms a force application point or fastening point for introducing an external force into the adapter 10. A second force application point or fastening point for the adapter 10 is formed in Figure 1 by the flange on the connecting element 50. Alternatively or additionally, the further force application point can be arranged on the first plug 38 or at another location on the receptacle 36.

[0045] The force transmission element 60 is connected to the second plug 48 such that an external force acting on the second plug 48 can be transmitted to the force transmission element 60. If the fastening points, i.e., the second plug 48 and the connecting element 50, are moved relative to one another, a relative movement of the force transmission element 60 with respect to the first chamber 30 occurs. As a result, the driver 80 can be moved by means of the force transmission element 60 through the fluid 20 within the first chamber 30.

[0046] Due to a relative movement of the second plug 48 relative to the connecting element 50, the flexible section 46, which laterally surrounds the second chamber 40, undergoes deformation. This deformation occurs essentially in the direction of movement R in the axial direction of the adapter 10. The purpose of the adapter 10 is to inhibit or suppress this relative movement, starting at a predetermined speed of the relative movement with which the force transmission element 60 moves the driver 80 through the first chamber. This damping effect is due to the interaction of the driver 80 and the fluid within the first chamber.

[0047] In the load case, when the locking effect of the adapter is deployed, there may be a brief increase in pressure in the first chamber 30. For example, pressures of 200 bar may then prevail in the first chamber. In order to build up or briefly maintain such high pressures, it must be ensured that no fluid 20 leaves the first chamber 30 during the load case. A critical point in this case is the channel 51 in the connecting element 50, through which the force transmission element 60 extends from the first chamber 30 into the second chamber 40. If there is increased pressure in the first chamber 30, there is a risk that fluid 20 will escape from the first chamber 30 via the channel 51 into the second chamber 40. As a result, the pressure in the first chamber 30 cannot build up as desired and the adapter cannot develop its predetermined effect.

[0048] This is counteracted by providing a sealing element 70 at the inlet 52 of the channel. Figure 1 shows that an O-ring 70 is arranged at an inlet 52 of the channel 51. The O-ring 70 bears against the connecting element 50 and the force transmission element 60 and is configured to prevent the fluid 20 from escaping from the first chamber via the channel 51 in the event of a load.

[0049] According to Figure 1, the connecting element 50 has a first groove or recess 54 in the region of the inlet 52, in which the O-ring 70 surrounding the force transmission element 60 is seated. To ensure that the O-ring 70 remains in the groove or recess 54 during a relative movement of the force transmission element 60 with respect to the connecting element 50, the O-ring 70 is secured by means of a sealing plug 72. For this purpose, a further second groove or recess 56 is provided in the connecting element 50, downstream of the first groove or recess 54, in which the sealing plug 72 is arranged. Alternatively, only a first groove can be provided, in which both the O-ring and the sealing plug are arranged.

[0050] In the event that the adapter 10 is in a rest position or the external forces acting on the adapter 10 are comparatively low, a fluid flow between the first chamber 30 and the second chamber 40 should be provided despite the O-ring 70 located in the first groove or recess 54. Such a fluid flow is necessary, for example, to compensate for overpressures or underpressures that arise in the first chamber and / or second chamber when the adapter 10 is loaded following the loading phase. The connecting element 50 is made of a rigid injection-molded plastic. The force transmission element 60 is made of a wire rope. In particular, it is made of several strands and is flexible. Alternatively, the force transmission element can be made of a plastic. The O-ring 70 is made of rubber, but can be made of any other material that has comparable sealing properties.The first plug 38 is made of a rigid injection-molded plastic. The first plug 38 has a male projection that is inserted into the receptacle 36 in the region of the first end 32. An outer peripheral surface of the male projection has undercuts or a ribbing that is pressed against the inner surface of the receptacle 36. Alternatively, the male projection has no undercuts or ribbing. The plug 38 has an opening 39 that is closed by an insert 37. The insert 37 can, for example, be a plastic ball that is press-fitted into the opening 39. The fluid can comprise a silicone oil with a viscosity of 750-1000 cSt, preferably 250-500 cSt.

[0051] The assembly of the adapter 10, and in particular the filling with the fluid 20, is described below with reference to Figure 2. Filling the adapter 10 with the fluid 20 represents one of the final steps in the manufacture of the adapter 10. In contrast to the finally assembled adapter 10, as shown in Figure 1, Figure 2 shows an as yet unfilled adapter 10, wherein the first end 32 of the first chamber 30 is open through an opening 39 in the plug 38. Furthermore, the O-ring 70 and the sealing plug 72 are already arranged on the force transmission element 60, but the O-ring 70 and the sealing plug 72 are spaced apart from the connecting element 50 and in particular the inlet 52 of the channel 51. This means that the O-ring 70 is not yet located in the first groove 54. The sealing plug is also not yet located in the second groove 56.

[0052] Filling takes place via the opening 39 in the first plug 38. Alternatively, the entire plug 38 can be removed and filling takes place via an opening at the second end 32 of the receptacle 36. The fluid 20 flows from the first end 32 into the interior of the chamber 30 and gradually fills it. The components located in the chamber 30, such as the driver 80, force transmission element 60, sealing plug 72 and O-ring 70, are flowed around by the fluid 20. Since, in the arrangement shown in Figure 2, the O-ring 70 is spaced from the first groove 54 at the inlet 52 of the channel 51, the fluid 20 can flow unhindered via the inlet 52 through the channel 51 and into the second chamber 40. Accordingly, the second chamber 40 can be filled indirectly with the fluid 20 via the first chamber 30. The fluid flow between the first chamber 30 and the second chamber 40 depends on the dimensions of the force transmission element 60 and the channel 51 in the connecting element 50.The gap between the outer surface of the force transmission element 60 and the inner surface of the channel 51 forms a flow cross-section dimensioned such that the second chamber 40 can be filled within an economically favorable period of time. Once the first chamber 30 and the second chamber 40 are completely filled, the filling process of the adapter 10 is completed, and the opening 39 on the first plug 38 can be closed.

[0053] Figure 3 shows the initiation of the closing process, in which the O-ring 70 is moved in the direction of the inlet 52. For this purpose, the driver 80 is moved by means of the force transmission element 60 in the direction of the second end 34 of the first chamber 30. This is generally done by pulling on the first end 62 (see Figure 1) of the force transmission element 60. On the way towards the second end 34 of the first chamber 30, the driver 80 first contacts the sealing plug 72 and also pushes this towards the second end 34 of the first chamber 30. As the driver 80 continues to move through the first chamber 30 towards the first end 34, the sealing plug 72 finally contacts the O-ring 70, so that this too is moved towards the first end 34 of the first chamber 30. In other words, the driver 80 carries the sealing plug 72 and the O-ring 70 on its way to the first end 34 of the chamber 30.

[0054] Alternatively, the O-ring 70 and the sealing plug 72 can initially be arranged adjacent to one another on the force transmission element 60, so that the O-ring 70 and the sealing plug 72 are driven simultaneously by the driver 80. The driver 80 is designed such that, during a movement toward the first end 34 of the first chamber 30, fluid 20 located in the first chamber 30 can flow around the driver 80 or through corresponding through-openings through the driver 80.

[0055] Figure 4 shows the state in which the driver 80 presses the O-ring 70 into the first groove 54 and the sealing plug 72 into the second groove 56. The O-ring 70 is inserted at moderate speeds so that the O-ring can slide into the first groove 54 undamaged. The sealing plug 72 is pressed into the second groove 56 with great force, for example 400 N. The surface of the second groove 56 which lies transversely to the direction of movement R forms the bottom of the second groove 56. This bottom limits the movement of the sealing plug 72 in the direction of the second end 34 of the first chamber 30. Once the sealing plug 72 has reached the bottom of the second groove 56, the O-ring 70 is no longer pressed into the first groove 54. Accordingly, unwanted excessive mechanical stress on the O-ring 70 by the sealing plug 72 can be avoided.In this way, it can be ensured that the O-ring 70 has a predetermined clearance in the first groove 54 to meet its functional requirements. These are providing a sealing function of the inlet 52 at high pressure prevailing in the first chamber 30 and enabling fluid flow between the first chamber 30 and the second chamber 40 at low pressure.

[0056] Figures 5A and 5B show detailed views of the sealing plug 72. Figure 5A shows a perspective view of the sealing plug 72. The sealing plug 72 is a rotationally symmetrical component that has a passage 73 through which the force transmission element extends when installed. The dimensions of the passage 73 are selected such that, when installed, sufficient play is provided between the sealing plug 72 and the force transmission element so that the sealing plug 72 can be moved easily and reliably on the force transmission element.

[0057] Figures 5A and 5B further show that elastic projections 78 are arranged on the outer circumferential surface 76 of the sealing plug 72. The elastic projections 78 promote clamping or anchoring of the sealing plug 72 when it is pressed into the second groove. Figure 5A shows that the projections 78 have guide bevels 74, which facilitate the insertion or pressing of the sealing plug 72 into the second groove. The sealing plug 72 is made of plastic. Compared to the material in which the second groove is formed, the sealing plug 72 can comprise a softer plastic. This ensures that the component in which the second groove is located, for example the connecting element, is not damaged when the sealing plug 72 is pressed in. Deformation forces are primarily absorbed by the sealing plug.

[0058] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the connecting element 50 for connecting the first chamber to the second chamber of the adapter. The inlet 52 is connected to the channel 51. The first groove 54 for receiving the O-ring is provided at the inlet 52. The first groove 54 is followed in a stepped manner by the second groove 56, which serves to receive the sealing plug. In the view shown in Figure 6, the first groove 54 and the second groove 56 have the character of a stepped bore. The designation "groove" applies to the installed state in which the force transmission element extends through the channel 51 and, together with the stepped bore, defines the first groove 54 and the second groove 56.

[0059] Furthermore, Figure 6 shows that the first groove 54 has three additional recesses 55, which form bypass channels. The bypass channels each consist of a base channel 57 and a side channel 59. The base channel 57 is located at the bottom of the first groove 54 and runs in a plane perpendicular to the direction of movement of the adapter. The side channel 59 borders the base channel 57 and runs alongside the groove 54 in the direction of movement R. The number of bypass channels is not limited to three. Alternatively, one, two, or more bypass channels can be provided.

[0060] The recesses 55 or the bypass channels ensure that fluid equalization between the first and second chambers is guaranteed, particularly after the O-ring has been inserted into the first groove 54. This is necessary because immediately after the sealing element has been moved into the first groove 54 by the sealing plug and the driver, there is a negative pressure in the first chamber and an overpressure in the second chamber. The bypass channels in the wall of the first groove 54 are configured such that in the case of a load, i.e. when the driver moves towards the sealing element and thus towards the channel 51, from a predefined threshold value of a pressure acting on the sealing element, the sealing element penetrates into the bypass channels and prevents fluid equalization through the bypass channels.The recesses 55 can, for example, have a depth of 1 to 0.01 mm, preferably 0.5 to 0.05 mm, particularly preferably 0.1 mm, and a width of 1.5 to 0.05 mm, preferably 1 to 0.1 mm, particularly preferably 0.6 mm.

[0061] Figure 7 shows a side view of an adapter 10 according to Figure 1. The adapter 10 comprises a receptacle 36 and a flexible section 46, which are connected by a connecting element 50. The receptacle 36 defines a first chamber for receiving the fluid. The receptacle 36 is closed at a first end 32 by a first plug 38 and delimited at a second end 34 by the connecting element 50. The flexible section 46 defines a second chamber for receiving the fluid. The flexible section 46 is closed at a first end 42 by a second plug 48 and delimited at a second end 44 by the connecting element 50. The receptacle 36 is rigid and made of a strong plastic. Alternatively, the receptacle can be made of metal or a flexible plastic or a flexible plastic with a fabric wrapping.The flexible section 46 is made of a flexible plastic that is stretchable and highly abrasion-resistant. In an alternative embodiment, the receptacle and the connecting element are formed as a single piece.

[0062] In the embodiments described above, the flexible section, the connecting body, and the receptacle are separate components of the adapter. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the connecting element and the receptacle are formed as a single piece. In a further embodiment (not shown), the connecting body and the flexible section can be formed as a single piece, for example, by a two-component injection molding process. Furthermore, in an alternative embodiment (not shown), the flexible section, the connecting body, and the receptacle can be formed as a single piece, for example, by a two-component injection molding process.

[0063] Where applicable, all individual features presented in the embodiments may be combined and / or exchanged without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0064] List of reference symbols

[0065] 10 adapters

[0066] 20 Fluid

[0067] 30 First Chamber

[0068] 32 First End

[0069] 34 Second End

[0070] 36 recording

[0071] 37 deployment

[0072] 38 First plug

[0073] 39 Opening

[0074] 40 Second Chamber

[0075] 42 First End

[0076] 44 Second End

[0077] 46 Flexible section

[0078] 48 Second plug

[0079] 50 connecting element

[0080] 51 channel

[0081] 52 Entrance

[0082] 53 Male advantage

[0083] 54 First groove

[0084] 55 recess

[0085] 56 Second groove

[0086] 57 floor channel

[0087] 59 side channel

[0088] 60 Power transmission element

[0089] 62 First End

[0090] 64 Second End

[0091] 70 Sealing element

[0092] 72 sealing plugs

[0093] 73 Passage 74 Guide bevel

[0094] 76 Outer surface

[0095] 78 lead

[0096] 80 Driver R Direction of movement

Claims

1. A method for filling an adapter (10) for stabilizing body joints and / or for supporting sports equipment with a fluid (20), the adapter (10) comprising: - a first chamber (30) and a second chamber (40); - at least one channel (51) between the first chamber (30) and the second chamber (40) for providing a fluid connection, wherein the transition from the first chamber (30) and / or the second chamber (40) to the channel (50) forms an inlet (52) through which the fluid (20) can flow into the channel (51); - a force transmission element (60) for transmitting external forces to the interior of the first chamber (30) and / or the second chamber (40), wherein the force transmission element (60) extends at least partially through the first chamber (30) and the second chamber (40) and is relatively displaceable with respect to the first chamber (30) and the second chamber (40); - a sealing element (70) for sealing the channel (51) to prevent fluid flow between the first chamber (30) and the second chamber (40), wherein the sealing element (70) is slidably arranged in the first chamber (30) or in the second chamber (40); - a driver (80) arranged on the force transmission element (60) for displacing the sealing element (70) relative to the first chamber (30) and the second chamber (40); characterized in that the method comprises at least the step: - Filling the first chamber (30) and second chamber (40) with the fluid (20), wherein the second chamber (40) or the first chamber (30) is filled indirectly via the channel (51) between the first chamber (30) and the second chamber (40), and wherein the sealing element (70) is spaced from the inlet (52) of the channel (51) such that a fluid flow is provided between the first chamber (30) and the second chamber (40).

2. Method according to claim 1, comprising, following the filling of the first chamber (30) and second chamber (40) with the fluid (20), the step of moving the driver (80) through the first chamber (30) or the second chamber (40), wherein the driver (80) moves the sealing element (70) towards the inlet (52) of the channel (51).

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, comprising closing the inlet (52) by means of the sealing element (70).

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a first groove or recess (54) for receiving the sealing element (70) is arranged at the inlet (52) of the channel (51).

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein a sealing plug (72) is slidably arranged between the sealing element (70) and the driver (80), wherein the driver (80) can contact the sealing element (70) via the sealing plug (72).

6. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein, in order to close the inlet (52) by means of the sealing element (70), the sealing plug (72) is fixed in the first groove or recess (54) in order to hold the sealing element (70) in the first groove or recess (54).

7. The method according to claim 5, wherein, in order to close the inlet (52) by means of the sealing element (70), the sealing plug (72) is fixed in a second groove or recess (56) arranged upstream of the first groove or recess (54) in order to hold the sealing element (70) in the first groove or recess (54), wherein the second groove or recess (56) has a larger cross-sectional area in the plane perpendicular to a direction of displacement (R) of the sealing element (70) than the first groove or recess (54).

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the sealing plug (72) has guide bevels (74) on its outer surface for insertion into the first groove or recess (54), or the second groove or recess (56).

9. Method according to one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the sealing plug (70) has a plurality of projections (78) on its outer surface (76), wherein the projections (78) are arranged uniformly, preferably in a star shape, distributed on the outer surface (76) of the sealing plug (72), and wherein the projections (78) comprise a flexible material.

10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the force transmission element (60) extends through the channel (51) from the first chamber (30) into the second chamber (40) and wherein preferably the force transmission element (60) emerges from the first chamber (30) or the second chamber (40) at an end (32, 42) of the first chamber (30) or the second chamber (40) opposite the channel (51).

11. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one recess (55) for fluidically bypassing the sealing element (70) is arranged at the inlet (52), wherein in the event that a contact pressure below a predefined threshold value acts on the sealing element (70) from the driver (80) or the fluid (20), the recess (55) allows a fluid flow between the first chamber (30) and the second chamber (40) via the channel (51).

12. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the adapter (10) is filled with a fluid (20) starting from the first chamber (30), wherein the first chamber (30) has a closable opening (39) for filling.

13. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing element (70) is arranged displaceably on the force transmission element (60).

14. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sealing element (70) is an O-ring.

15. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the force transmission element (60) comprises a wire rope, preferably a sheathed wire rope.

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