DE102015225209A1 - Device with a variable chamber system - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device with a variable chamber system comprising at least two chambers which are filled with a fluid or at least fillable and of which at least one chamber having an elastic sheath, wherein the chambers are interconnected by means of fluid channels, so that each of the chambers a direct or having indirect fluid communication with the remaining chambers. The chamber system is characterized in that it comprises a control unit which controls and / or controls the fluid flow in at least two chambers (preferably in at least three chambers) and is adapted to the internal pressure and / or the volume of the chambers by means of a random principle or a fixed periodic or non-periodic sequence or in accordance with external control signals to control and / or to regulate, and a method for operating such a device.

Description

The invention relates to a device with a variable chamber system for an insole (eg insole, insole, stocking sole) or a compress (eg joint compress or an insert for plaster casts). The invention serves to provide the human body in contact with the chamber system a steadily or stepwise changing pressure sensation, so that when running on a particular sole or when wearing the compress of the skin area concerned at different locations a high and low pressure prevails.

With regard to compresses, it is very helpful for longer flow times for the flow of blood or lymph fluid, if not always at the same point of the skin, a high contact pressure prevails, which can lead to the fact that by squeezing of lymph or blood circulation parts of the body are undersupplied. In addition, pressure points also have a negative effect on the appearance.

In insoles, the problem arises in some people that a constant pressure profile when walking leads to irritation or pain on the feet. If there are certain clinical pictures (eg diabetes or nervous disorders), it can be very helpful for the foot and the feeling of walking, if the feeling is generated to run on a variable background.

The prior art discloses, for example, soles with different chambers, which are connected to each other via a channel system, and between which a liquid can flow.

Disadvantage of the prior art is that a satisfactory Gehgefühl so far can not be achieved, in particular that so far no inhomogeneous ground over several steps or a longer running distance can be simulated away.

The object of the present invention was to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a device with a variable chamber system and a method for providing a change of a chamber system, by means of which a satisfactory walking feeling can be achieved and that the general condition of the improved body site.

This object is achieved by an apparatus and a method according to the claims.

The terms "variable" or "change" refer to the temporal and / or spatial change, that is, different chambers have a different internal pressure and / or a different volume, and / or that the internal pressure of the chambers varies over a period of time. Thus, it is possible to realize insoles or compresses which always have different hardness and / or contour at always different points. The change can be done quickly, so that at every step or almost every step, a seemingly different underground is available, but also take place slowly, that z. B. in a long hike the pressure profile after a fairly long time (in the range of several minutes or even hours) is different than at the beginning of the hike.

The following refers to outlets which, depending on the fluid flow, can also be inlets and vice versa. To avoid misunderstandings, it should be understood that when referring to "inlets" and "outlets", only one direction of flow is considered and it is assumed that the function is consistently reversed in the reverse fluid flow (which may typically occur), and Outlets become inlets and vice versa.

The inventive device with a variable chamber system comprises at least two chambers (preferably at least three chambers), each filled with a fluid or at least fillable and of which at least one chamber has an elastic sheath (preferably at least two chambers have an elastic sheath), wherein the chambers are interconnected by fluid channels so that each of the chambers has a direct or indirect fluid communication with the remaining chambers. The chamber system is characterized in that it has a control unit which controls the flow of fluid into at least two chambers (preferably at least three chambers) and is adapted to the internal pressure and / or the volume of the chambers by means of a random or fixed periodic or non-periodic process or in accordance with external control signals to control and / or to regulate.

• a) Einstellen der Ventile dermaßen, dass Fluid von mindestens einer der Kammern in mindestens eine der übrigen Kammern strömen kann,
• b) ggf. Warten auf ein Ereignis aus der Gruppe Druckveränderung, Steuerbefehl, Zeitpunkt erreicht, Ort erreicht,
• c) Einstellen der Ventile dermaßen, dass Fluid von mindestens einer der Kammern in mindestens eine der übrigen Kammern strömen kann, wobei die Ventilstellung eine andere ist als die vorangehende Ventilstellung,
• d) Wiederholen der Schritte b) und c).

The method according to the invention with such a device comprises the steps:

• a) adjusting the valves so that fluid from at least one of the chambers in at least one of the remaining chambers can flow,
• b) possibly waiting for an event from the group pressure change, control command, time reached, location reached,
• c) adjusting the valves so that fluid can flow from at least one of the chambers into at least one of the remaining chambers, the valve position being different from the previous valve position,
• d) repeating steps b) and c).

The chambers used in the invention are known in the art. These may be, for example, recesses in a sole or compress material, pads, balloons, or corresponding elements. The chambers are preferably cylindrical, spherical, lenticular, kidney-shaped, bellows-shaped or prism-shaped. The sheath or "wall" is preferably elastic over the entire outer surface of a chamber and, in particular, preferably comprises materials from the group of crosslinked elastomers (rubber), latex, silicone, leather, foam, polyurethane, flexible PVC, PET, polypropylene, but in each case preferably not exclusively in the execution as foil.

The at least two chambers (preferably at least three chambers) of the chamber system can all be present in the sole or compress, in which case preferably all chambers have an elastic sheathing. Depending on the application, however, it may also be the case that the surrounding space (ie the atmosphere) is used as a chamber. In this case, of course, this chamber lacks the elastic sheath and fluid is used in particular air. This would be the case if the chamber system were inflatable or designed to allow fluid to escape to the outside.

Suitable fluids are known in the art. Preference is given to inert gases, such as air, nitrogen or carbon dioxide or low-reaction liquids having a boiling point above 50 ° C., such as water, surfactant solutions, oils (in particular silicone oils) or alcohols (for example glycerol). Also, fluids of relatively high viscosity or with selected Tixotropie such. Gels are preferred depending on the application.

Also preferred are fluids whose viscosity can be changed by electric fields or magnetic fields. These are usually referred to as electrorheological or magnetorheological fluids. The use of such fluids has the advantage that the flow of these fluids through the fluid channels can be regulated or controlled by means of electric or magnetic fields. According to a preferred embodiment, therefore, the device comprises magnetic coils or units for the local generation of electrostatic or electrodynamic fields (eg electrodes / metal plates).

The chambers are interconnected by means of fluid channels so that fluid can flow from one chamber to the other, the system having to be such that the fluid can reach each of the chambers. The chambers are therefore all directly (via the fluid channels) or indirectly (via other chambers) connected to each other.

According to a preferred embodiment, these fluid channels and / or the chamber sheaths have valves which allow fluid flow only in one direction and in the return direction, at least one of these valves is preferably controllable, that it has a mode in which a reflux possible or the flow direction can be reversed monostable or bistable. Also check valves are preferred, which in a state (which can be possibly excited by a control signal) prevent fluid flow in both directions and allow in a excited by an external control signal state fluid flow in one or both directions.

The control unit controls and / or regulates the fluid flow in at least two chambers (preferably in at least three chambers), but it is preferred that the fluid flow in all chambers is controlled and / or regulated with the control unit. According to a preferred embodiment, the control unit controls and / or regulates the valves in the fluid channels and / or flow regulators in the chamber sheaths or the fluid channels.

According to a further preferred embodiment, which advantageously complements all the other embodiments in particular, the device comprises at least one pressure sensor, in particular in each chamber a pressure sensor and / or pressure sensors in fluid channels. In this way it is possible to create a pressure profile at rest as well as in motion. The device preferably also includes pressure sensors, which report data to the control unit about the internal pressure of at least one of the chambers. Preferably, at least one of the pressure sensors is used to turn on the control unit when a predetermined pressure is reached. In this way, it is possible to realize an automatic activation directly after putting on the shoes and the first appearance on the ground.

Preferably, the device comprises pedometer (which also the data of the pressure sensors can be used), level sensors or flow sensors.

The control unit carries out its control autonomously and / or due to external influences. The control unit preferably responds to one or more of the following influences: time ("time control"), number of steps ("step control"), radio or cable ("remote control"), electrical programming, mechanical design.

The influencing of the internal pressure and / or the volume serves to act on the chambers by means of a random principle or a fixed periodic or non-periodic process with a constantly changing internal pressure or its volume can be changed, resulting in a sole a passage over an uneven floor simulated or stimulated in a compress blood circulation or lymphatic flow or (especially with a control by external control signals but also with the aforementioned regulation) to create a slow transition between different pressure and / or volume profiles, which z. B. on long walks can be beneficial: You start with a certain attitude and ends with a completely different, as if you had changed while the insole.

In order to achieve an optimum effect of the invention, it is advantageous to make high demands on this control unit. First, it should not be too expensive and not need too much energy, especially not for the switching operations. In addition, it should be light and so small that it can be worn comfortably in a sole or compress. In the following, various embodiments are described which offer various advantages and can also be combined with each other.

Electronic control unit

According to a preferred embodiment, the control unit is supplied with electrical energy. This energy is present in particular in the form of an electrical or electrochemical energy store (eg a battery or a rechargeable battery). In addition, a charging unit for charging the energy storage device is preferred. Preferred charging units include terminals for charging by means of a cable, solar cells or inductors, which convert a part of the energy consumed in walking into electrical energy and store it in the energy store. Particularly preferred is a charge via an induction coil in an alternating external magnetic field, as z. B. of electric toothbrushes already known. In particular, shoes or pads equipped with the invention are placed on a charging station (eg, a mat) equipped with a coil arrangement through which alternating current flows. Using the magnetic field between the charging station and the induction coil, data can also be transmitted wirelessly from the sole / compress to the charging station. If a charging cable is used, this can also be used for data transmission. For example, this is easily possible with the USB standard.

In particular, the control unit comprises a processor or microcontroller, which is in particular programmable, and additionally preferably a data memory. In addition, the control unit preferably comprises elements from the group of pumps, electrically controllable valves, switching valves, which can redirect the fluid flow data receiver and data transmitter. These elements are known to the person skilled in the art.

In particular, valves are preferred which can be electrically controlled so that a fluid flow in the opposite direction is possible. The valves are in particular monostable (reversal only with a control signal, with no control signal return to the ground state) or bistable (stable reversal of the flow in a control signal, return to the ground state at the next or another control signal).

Also preferred are switching valves that are monostable or bistable capable of allowing the flow of fluid from one channel to another, so that fluid flowing through an inlet into the switching valve, depending on the state flows through one of at least two outlets again (reversed Fluid flow is also possible in particular).

Preferably, a circuit is performed directly by the user or a higher-level control electronics. This is preferably done via radio (for example, any transmitter, Bluetooth, Wifi, mobile network) or switches that are included directly in the sole, in the shoe or in the compress. The communication may be monodirectional from user to device or bidirectional. Preferred in this sense is a magnetic switch that can be switched by a magnetic field from the outside. This can be realized for example in such a way that a magnetic switch is arranged in a shoe on the outside of the carrying position (eg right shoe, right outer side) and in the other shoe on the outside of the carrying position (eg left shoe, left shoe) Outside) a switching magnet (in particular a permanent magnet). During normal walking, these two elements are not affected and the magnetic switch is not switched. However, if you place your feet in a short crosswise position and lead them past each other, a circuit of the magnetic switch can be easily effected by the switching magnet. Other preferred possibilities are GPS receivers, by means of which, in particular, a distance traveled is determined by means of which switching operations are initiated (for example, after 10 km of walking, the pressure profile of an insole is changed).

Control unit based on a non-electrical control

According to a further preferred embodiment, the device is not or not only supplied with electrical energy, but draws its energy at least partially from a time-varying pressure in at least one of the chambers, which is effected by external influences (eg., By the rolling process when walking or Other movements), or by the mechanical tensioning of elements (eg., A metal spring) by the walking motion or a Aufziehvorgang. It is particularly advantageous if at least two chambers are subjected to the intended use with a respective phase-shifted external pressure, as is the case for example with chambers which are arranged in the heel area and ball area of a sole. The pressure on the chambers of the heel is usually out of phase with the pressure on the chambers of the bale when walking through the rolling process.

• – Der Durchfluss zwischen den Kammern wird in einer definierten Weise ermöglicht und/oder unterbunden.
• – Sodann wird das Arbeitsfluid von einer Kammer in eine andere befördert.

A switching operation preferably comprises two steps:

• - The flow between the chambers is enabled and / or prevented in a defined manner.
• - Then the working fluid is transported from one chamber to another.

The elements described below may well be included in a control unit whose other components are also supplied with electrical energy. This hybrid could save electrical energy where it is not essential. On the other hand, electronic control provides an advantage in all operations that last longer than the period of body movement (eg, the slow change in internal pressure during walking).

Preferably, the elements described above in the context of an electronic control, in which a mechanism is present instead of electronics. Preferred mechanisms are cables, gears or movements.

Preferably, an arrangement of the valves is such that the fluid flowing through the fluid channels causes a control of the valves or that the valve arrangement causes an always changing filling of the chambers.

According to a preferred embodiment, at least one of the chambers under the heel and at least one of the chambers under the bale of a sole. Each of the chambers of the chamber system includes a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, wherein the fluid flow is dictated by valves that act similarly to diodes. The valves are located directly at the inlet or outlet or in the respective fluid channels, which are arranged at the inlet or outlet. The fluid channels of each chamber are each connected to different chambers, in particular so that the fluid circulates in the chamber system.

A further advantageous embodiment comprises elements for data storage and elements for transmitting this data to an external station (eg elements for radio transmission or connections for cable transmission). In this way, it is possible to retrieve data on the function of the device (in particular print data), to view and optimize with their help the operation of the chamber system.

According to a preferred embodiment, the chamber system comprises the valve described below. This valve is not only applicable in the context of the invention, but also represents an independent invention. So far in the art for the respective chamber systems valves are known, which open after deformation of an elastic holding element (eg., A spring) in the opposite direction can be. The disadvantage, however, is that in normal valves the energy consumption for this opening of the reverse direction is very large. The object of the present valve is to accomplish a good shut-off but still be opened without high energy consumption in the opposite direction. The principle of this valve can also be applied to switches, in which a change of two fluid outlets can be made. The advantage of these switches is also the low switching energy.

These valves comprise at least two fluid passages (inlet or outlet depending on the direction of flow), which are connected to one another via a fluid channel. They form z. B. the end pieces of the respective fluid channel. In the fluid channel, a closure piece is movably arranged, so that it can seal at least one of the passages with suitable positioning. Such a structure is basically known to the skilled person and the basic structure of each valve. The difference with the prior art is that the walls of the fluid passages containing a magnetic or at least ferromagnetic material (magnetic or magnetizable tube) and the walls of the portion of the fluid channel between the fluid passages are formed by a non-ferromagnetic material, and the closure piece also is formed of a magnetic or at least ferromagnetic material. The valve is designed such that at least one of the walls of the passages and / or the closure piece is magnetic or magnetizable ( preferably by means of an electromagnet or a movable permanent magnet). In this application, the term "magnetic" always magnetized elements, ie elements that have a magnetic field. The term "ferromagnetic" refers to elements that can be magnetized but do not necessarily have to have a magnetic field (for example excited by electromagnets, after which excitation can have a remanence, but also need not have appreciable remanence or else) be demagnetized again).

According to a preferred embodiment, a sealing piece is arranged on the wall of at least one of the fluid flows on the side facing the closure piece, which is designed to fluid-tightly seal the relevant passage in the case of a pressure of the closure piece on the seal piece. This packer is still for a further purpose of advantage, namely it also serves as a spacer. Since the force of a magnetic field increases in proportion to the square of the distance, it may be necessary that the wall of the relevant passage and the closure piece do not touch each other directly in order to achieve a solution of the closure piece against a magnetic force. Preferably, the thickness of the packer is between 0.1 mm and 1 cm, in particular between 0.5 mm and 3 mm, particularly preferably between 0.8 mm and 1.5 mm. Suitable materials for the packer are known to those skilled in the art. They are preferably elastic such. As rubber, silicone or latex.

Instead of the position on the wall of at least one of the fluid flows on the side facing the closure piece, the sealing piece is arranged on the closure element in an alternative or supplementary preferred embodiment (of course on those sides which intentionally seal a flow). For example, the sealing element in this case can be formed from an elastic ring, an elastic ball or an elastic sheath of the closure piece.

According to a preferred embodiment, the valve comprises at least one adjacent tube in parallel to the fluid channel, in which a permanent magnet is slidably disposed so that its magnetic force causes displacement of the magnetic or ferromagnetic closure piece upon displacement of the permanent magnet. This tube is preferably also designed as a fluid channel and connected to at least one chamber, so that a fluid flow through this Fuidkanal causes a displacement of the permanent magnet. Compared with the adjustment with an electromagnet, this arrangement with a permanent magnet supports the closure of the valve, since the permanent magnet in the parallel tube pulls the closure element back into the desired position. The holding forces of the outer permanent magnets can be designed independently of the force on the closure element. The reaction of the closure element on the magnets is then smaller than the holding forces. The flow can then cause no accidental switching.

According to a preferred embodiment, the wall at least one passage comprises an electromagnet (which must consist only of a coil, since the wall can form the magnetic yoke). By a (preferably alternating) magnetization of the wall, a displacement of the magnetic or ferromagnetic closure piece is effected. In the case in which the closure piece contains a permanent magnet, the wall and the closure piece would repel or attract depending on the magnetization of the wall and thus a circuit or opening of the valve can be achieved. In the case where the closure piece contains a ferromagnetic material and is unmagnetised, alternating magnetization of the wall of opposing passages would permit movement of the closure piece, thereby achieving circuit or opening of the valve.

Preferably, at least one electromagnet, or all the electromagnets that are required for a switching operation, is designed such that the switching energy is less than 0.5 Joule, preferably <0.1 Joule, or that the switching capacity is less than 0.5 W, preferably <0.1W. With freely available batteries or accumulators with volume <1 ccm, which can be easily integrated into the sole, could be accomplished with this low switching capacity more than 1000 switching operations. This means that the energy requirement is so low that energy is provided for typical operations for at least one day, usually for> one week, before replacement or recharging must take place. Preferably, the ohmic resistance of at least one electromagnet, in particular all electromagnets, greater than 50 ohms, in particular> 250 ohms. At a switching voltage of 5 volts, this would correspond approximately to the above switching power.

When switching, a high current is required for a short time. For this purpose, the device preferably comprises a capacitor (in particular with a capacity of more than 0.5 mF, eg of 2 milli-radads), which is charged to a predetermined switching voltage (eg 5 volts or 10 volts), and a Switch (in particular a semiconductor switch), by means of which the capacitor is discharged via the respective electromagnet. The switching voltage can be according to the prior art z. B. also reach by cost DC / DC converter, if this is higher than the power supply of the device supplies. The charging current of the capacitor should be so dimensioned that the power supply of the device (eg battery or rechargeable battery) is operated in an efficient load mode. The device should be designed so that the new switching capability of the system is restored after a few seconds (<10 s).

The switching current is preferably reversible at a desired change in direction of the fluid. This can be achieved, for example, by means of a corresponding switching element, in particular between capacitor and electromagnet. In some applications, however, it may also be advantageous if each electromagnetic coil has two independent, but substantially similar windings, which are then acted upon depending on the desired direction of action with switching current.

According to a preferred embodiment, in which the valve acts as a switch, the wall of the fluid channel has a further passage or a further fluid channel with a further passage, in particular exactly in the middle between the above-mentioned two passages, so that preferably a T shaped body yields. In a reciprocating movement of the closure piece to one of the two above-mentioned passages would then alternately a flow from the third passage through one of the other two passages result (the one that is not closed by the closure piece).

The closure piece preferably has a shape that has an unambiguously longest dimension in space (in particular at least 1.5 times longer than the largest dimension of the other two spatial dimensions). It is preferably dumbbell-shaped, cuboidal, cylindrical or ellipsoidal. Depending on the application, however, a round shape (eg a ball) is also preferred, in particular in the case that the closure piece is not magnetized (ie ferromagnetic and not a permanent magnet). For example, a ball would be attracted by two mutually magnetized by means of electromagnet walls of the flows. The respective non-magnetized part could, if it has a magnetic remanence, be additionally demagnetized z. B. by means of a decreasing alternating current.

However, an embodiment with a permanent-magnetic, spherical closure piece or a cylindrical closure piece whose cylinder axis is arranged orthogonally to the flow direction of the valve is also preferred. In an external magnetic field, such a magnetic closure piece may rotate in the valve body. In order to enable a fluid flow, at least one recess, in particular an elongated recess (eg a fluid channel), is introduced into the closure piece so that no fluid can flow in a first orientation and a fluid flow in a second orientation rotated to this orientation is possible or at least the recess is located above the outflow, so that fluid located in the recess can flow into the outflow. By rotation of the closure piece, it is possible to position the recess by rotation so that a fluid flow through the elongate recess on a sealing element can pass into an outlet. In this way, a circuit of valves would not be possible by shifting, but by a rotation. By a rotation of the closure piece, the side with the recess can also be guided by a fluid and the recess can be filled with fluid in this way, and then be guided by a further rotation to a fluid outlet, where the recess can empty. In this way, a controlled inflow and outflow of a precisely defined amount of fluid is possible, which can be controlled by the speed of the closure piece. A control of the fluid flow is also possible with the above-described variant with displaced closure pieces, in which a short opening of the valve is forced by a pulsed magnetic field in the electromagnet. By controlling the power and / or the time length of the pulse, the outflow can be controlled very accurately.

According to a preferred embodiment, a valve or a fluid passage leading to the valve has a pressure reducer which is designed to reduce the pressure of the fluid in the direction of the valve so that, when the valve is closed, the closure will not be opened by the fluid back pressure. The force that exerts the fluid on the closure piece in this case must therefore be smaller than the magnetic force that keeps the valve closed. Preferably, the passages of the valve are designed as a pressure reducer, in which a suitable diameter was selected.

Preferably, the device additionally comprises light-generating elements or vibrators for indicating a changeover of the control unit. By means of these elements, a user can be informed that a control command has reached the control unit.

Preferably, the device additionally comprises a heating system.

Examples of preferred embodiments of the device according to the invention are shown in the figures.

1 schematically shows a preferred chamber system.

2 schematically shows another preferred chamber system.

3 schematically shows another preferred chamber system.

4 schematically shows a preferred valve.

5 schematically shows another preferred valve.

6 schematically shows another preferred valve (switch).

7 schematically shows another preferred valve (check valve).

8th shows schematically a preferred closure element.

9 schematically shows a preferred device in a sole.

In 1 is a preferred chamber system sketchy. In this system, a fluid moves through a total of four chambers, of which chambers A and C may be positioned, for example, in the heel of an insole (or insole) and chambers B and D in the ball area. When walking, the foot usually rolls from the heel over the bale. As a result, the chambers A / C in the heel and the chambers B / D in the bale undergo a phase-shifted, periodic pressure difference. The chambers are connected by fluid channels, in which valves 1 are arranged. The passage direction of these valves is indicated by the arrowhead. The outline of the valve is modeled on the circuit diagram of a diode to clearly illustrate the forward direction and reverse direction. Starting from chamber A, fluid contained in chamber A at a pressure on the heel flows through the left of the two channels leaving chamber A (in the right the valve shuts off) in chamber B. Upon a subsequent load on the bale, the fluid flows through the left The next time the heel is loaded, the fluid flows through the left of the two channels from chamber C into chamber D and thence back into chamber A the next time the bale is loaded a suitable choice of the diameter of the channels or the viscosity of the fluid, the flow rate of the fluid can be influenced.

In 2 a preferred chamber system is sketchily represented, which is a switching valve 2 operated by the movement of a permanent magnet 3 can be switched. This chamber system comprises three chambers, of which, for example, chamber A can be arranged in the heel of an insole and the chambers B and C in the ball area. When walking becomes fluid depending on the position of the switching valve 2 between the chamber and one of the chambers B or C reciprocated. By a suitable choice of the diameter of the respective fluid channels or the viscosity of the fluid, the flow rate and thus the pressure can be determined, which exert the influence of their fluid content in their hardness chambers on the foot. If the magnet is adjusted from the outside (eg by a switch or it is moved past the outside of the sole), then the closure piece moves 4 with the magnet with. By design of the limiter 5 and the closure piece 4 of magnet materials or ferromagnetic materials (one of which should be magnetized) becomes the plug 4 at one of the limits 5 remain, even if the magnet 3 was removed again.

In 3 a preferred chamber system is sketchily illustrated, which is a switching valve 2 includes, its closure piece 4 can be moved by the fluid flow, but in particular due to magnetic forces at the boundaries 5 liable. Through the valves 1 in the fluid channels, the fluid flow is specified. The chamber system comprises three chambers, of which, for example, chamber A can be arranged in the heel of an insole and the chambers B and C in the ball area. When pressure on chamber A is at the illustrated position of the closure piece 4 the fluid from chamber A in chamber B flow. Upon pressure on chamber B, the fluid will flow out of the left channel from chamber B. As pressure is applied to chamber C at the same time (both chambers are in the bale in this example), the fluid must flow towards chamber A and move the closure piece 4 to the right. This will cause the fluid to flow into chamber C the next time chamber A is pressurized. The next time you press the bale, it will be the stopper 4 moved back to the left by the fluid flow.

It is of course possible in all of these embodiments that the fluid also divides homogeneously into all chambers once. In each movement process, however, inhomogeneities of the flow velocities in the channels (which may also be induced artificially) result in a different filling of the chambers and so that with each step an almost random local pressure feeling results.

In the 4 to 6 are preferred embodiments of valves 1 represented, by means of which a comparatively slow emptying of a chamber can be achieved if these z. B. are arranged in the reverse direction in the single fluid channel to the chamber and repeatedly opened by pulses, so that a small amount of fluid can escape from the chamber in question.

4 sketchy shows a valve 1 , which is a dumbbell-shaped closure piece 4 having, which by means of a magnet 3 can be moved. Of course, the size of the closure piece is selected or the channel cross-section is designed (eg longitudinal grooves, non-circular cross-section, or simply a round bore, which is larger than the closure body) that a fluid can flow around it. The limits 5 , which at the same time comprise the flow, have sealing elements 6 on (eg silicone rings), which when pressing the closure piece 4 cause a fluid-tight closure. Preferably, the closure piece 4 magnetic and at least one of the limits 5 also magnetic or of a ferromagnetic material (eg, the pipe piece in question is made of steel), so that the closure piece 4 and the relevant limitation 5 attract. In the illustrated form, the valve locks 1 a fluid flow from the right. By movement of the magnet 3 can the closure piece 4 be moved at a suitable strength of the magnetic field against the fluid flow to the right and allow flow. The valve 1 is thus switchable.

Another type of circuit is in 5 shown. This figure shows a sketchy sketch of a valve 1 which like 3 a dumbbell-shaped piece 4 which, however, here by means of two electromagnets 7 , whose coil turns are indicated, can be moved. Of course, the size of the closure piece is chosen so that a fluid can flow around it. Again, the limitations show 5 , which include ferromagnetic tubes, sealing elements 6 on. The closure piece 4 is magnetic and can thus be moved when applying a magnetic field to at least one of the electromagnets. The illustrated valve 1 is bistable, because the closure piece 4 stably adhere magnetically to the left and to the right boundary. However, it may also be present on only one side of an electromagnet and a ferromagnetic tube. In this case one could of a monostable valve 1 speak.

In the illustrated form, the valve locks 1 a fluid flow from the right. By applying an attractive magnetic field to the right and / or repulsive magnetic field on the left, the closure piece 4 be moved at a suitable strength of the magnetic field against the fluid flow to the right and allow flow. The valve 1 is thus electrically switchable. The switching energy is very low.

In 6 is a switching valve 2 represented, which has the same principle as the valve after 5 , In contrast to this is the closure piece 4 cylindrical and includes right and left the sealing elements 6 , In addition, a fluid flow opens in the middle of the switching valve 2 , Again, by means of two electromagnets 7 the closure piece 4 be moved monostable or bistable. In the illustrated form, a fluid stream entering from below would exit to the right fluid channel. After movement of the closure piece 4 to the right by means of the electromagnets 7 For example, a fluid flow entering from below would exit to the left fluid channel. Of course, could also reverse the direction of the fluid flow, so that fluid depending on the position of the closure element 4 flows from the right or left and flows down. However, care should be taken in this flow direction that the fluid flow could switch the switching valve by holding the plug 4 emotional. This could be counteracted with a magnetic field of corresponding strength.

7 shows a check valve in which two plugs 4 by means of three electromagnets 7 whose coil turns are indicated, can be moved. Between the two closure pieces 4 a central passage is arranged which controls the displacement of the closure pieces 4 limited, but fluid can flow. The two closure pieces may be magnetic (depending on the function are poles of the same name facing each other or facing away), but they can also be ferromagnetic and non-magnetized, in which case the boundaries 5 and the central passage should be magnetized (at least by means of the electromagnets 7 ).

8th shows a spherical closure piece 4 into which a recess 8th is introduced. The stopper is magnetic, with the poles outlined by the dash in the center of the sphere, and thus can rotate in a magnetic field.

By such rotation, the side with the recess 8th passed through a fluid and the recess 8th be filled with fluid, and then passed to a fluid outlet, where the recess 8th can empty. In this way, a controlled inflow or outflow of a precisely defined amount of fluid is possible, which can be controlled by the speed. It is also possible the elongated recess 8th by rotating so as to position a fluid flow through the elongate recess 8th past a sealing element into an outlet. In this way, a circuit of valves would not be by displacement, as in the 4 to 6 shown, but possible by a rotation.

In 9 is a sole comprising three chambers A, B and C shown, the fluid flow with each other via a valve unit 10 is controlled. This valve unit 10 in turn, is controlled by a control unit 11 controlling what their energy from an energy source 12 (eg a battery or a rechargeable battery). In the drawing is also an optional sensor 13 indicated, for. B. a pressure sensor, the control unit at a predetermined pressure corresponding to the occurrence of a user on the ground 11 turns. To influence the control unit, which may basically have a fixed programming, an optional external communication is outlined here. A communication unit in the sole 14 (At least one receiver for a monodirectional communication or together with a transmitter for bidirectional communication) changes the control of the control unit after receiving control signals 11 , The control signals may be by means of a communication unit of the user 15 reach the device, whereby a direct manual control is possible. The controller can also be accessed remotely 16 done, z. B. when the shoe is pulled out to reprogram it and thus to adapt exactly to the user. This remote access can be done manually or by software automatically. It would also be conceivable that the sole of a powerful computing unit and their programming 17 is controlled. This could be z. B. advantageous if the sole is equipped with many sensors whose signals are used for optimal adjustment. A processor built into the sole might be under-powered so that a more powerful, external unit is used.

If the system is connected to an external arithmetic unit, historical data such as pressure history, number of steps etc. can also be retrieved if a memory in the control unit was provided for this purpose.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Valve

2

switching valve

3

magnet

4

closing piece

5

limit

6

sealing element

7

electromagnet

8th

recess

9

Central passage

10

valve unit

11

control unit

12

energy

13

sensor

14

Communication unit in the sole

15

Communication unit of the user

16

remote access

17

programming

Claims (10)

Apparatus comprising a variable chamber system comprising at least two chambers filled or at least fillable with a fluid and at least one chamber having an elastic jacket, the chambers being interconnected by fluid channels such that each of the chambers communicates directly or indirectly with fluid has the remaining chambers. The chamber system is characterized in that it comprises a control unit which controls and / or controls the fluid flow in at least two chambers (preferably in at least three chambers) and is adapted to the internal pressure and / or the volume of the chambers by means of a random principle or a fixed periodic or non-periodic flow or according to external control signals to control and / or to regulate. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the fluid channels and / or the chamber sheaths comprise valves which allow fluid flow only in one direction and prevent in the return direction and / or have a blocking function and / or switch the fluid flow between at least two possible outflows in which at least one of these valves is preferably controllable and / or controllable, that it has a mode in which a reflux is possible or the flow direction can be reversed monostable or bistable, wherein preferably the control unit is adapted to the valves in the fluid channels and / or flow regulators in the chamber sheaths or the fluid channels. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device comprises at least one pressure sensor, in particular in the chambers and / or in fluid channels, wherein the pressure sensors in particular the control unit feedback data on the internal pressure of at least one of the chamber, or that the device comprises pedometer , Level sensors comprises and / or flow sensors comprises. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit is supplied with electrical energy, and the device comprises an electrical or electrochemical energy store, wherein the Device preferably additionally has a charging unit for charging the energy storage device, in particular an induction coil or a cable connection. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valves are designed so that they can be controlled magnetically and / or electrically so that a fluid flow in the opposite direction is possible or a monostable or bistable switching takes place, with switching valves are preferred which are monostable or bistable capable of allowing fluid flow from one channel to another, such that fluid flowing through an inlet into the switching valve, depending on the condition, flows out through one of at least two outlets. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a unit by means of which a circuit can be performed directly by the user or higher-level control electronics, to which radio units, which are preferred for communication via Bluetooth, Wifi or mobile network, or switches preferred are those which are contained directly in the sole, in the shoe or in the compress. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit exclusively or in combination with electrical energy draws its energy from a time-varying pressure in at least one of the chambers, which takes place by external influences, or by the mechanical tensioning of elements by the walking motion or a Aufziehvorgang, wherein it is particularly advantageous if at least two chambers are subjected to the intended use with a respective phase-shifted outer pressure, as is the case for example with chambers which are arranged in the heel area and ball area of a sole. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device comprises at least one valve, said at least one valve comprises at least two fluid passages which are interconnected via a fluid channel, a closure piece which is movably arranged in this fluid channel, so that it when suitably positioned, can seal at least one of the fluid passages and wherein the walls of the fluid passages contain a magnetic or at least ferromagnetic material and the walls of the portion of the fluid passage between the fluid passages are formed of a non-ferromagnetic material and are not magnetic, and also the stopper a magnetic or at least ferromagnetic material is formed. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the wall at least one passage of the valve comprises an electromagnet, which is arranged so that a displacement of the magnetic or ferromagnetic closure piece is effected by a magnetization of the wall. Method for carrying out with a device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps: a) adjusting the valves so that fluid can flow from at least one of the chambers into at least one of the remaining chambers, b) waiting for an event from the pressure change group, control command, time that a predetermined location has been reached and that a certain distance has been covered, c) adjusting the valves so that fluid can flow from at least one of the chambers into at least one of the remaining chambers, the valve position being different from the previous valve position, d) repeating steps b) and c).

Images