EP1499209B1 - Damping element for a shoe - Google Patents

Abstract

Damping element comprises a first element in an unloaded state and defining an absorption space, a smaller second element, also in an unloaded state and coaxial to the first element, comprising a hollow body. The elements are bound together using an elastic connecting element.

Description

The invention relates to a damping element for a shoe, in particular for a sports shoe, according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such a damping element is disclosed in US-A-4 521 979.

From EP 0 387 505 B1 a shoe is known, which is equipped with a shoe sole, which already has a good damping behavior. To optimize the damping behavior and the restoring force of the shoe sole after the pressure relief is provided there that the shoe is equipped with a shoe sole with at least one consisting of a honeycomb body made of elastic, compressible material insert part, wherein the central axes of the gas-filled honeycomb cells are approximately perpendicular to the sole plane. The honeycomb body is designed as a final shape in its dimensions, the honeycomb cells are sealed gas-tight at the periphery or at the edge of the honeycomb body.

With such a damping element in the form of a honeycomb body, it is already possible to give the shoe a good damping behavior and the restoring force of the shoe sole and thus the energy recovery after significantly increase its pressure relief. Another increase of this Parameter is desirable.

From DE 33 38 556 A1 discloses a damping element for a sports shoe of the generic type is known, the outsole is provided with damping discs, each of which consists of a cylinder, can be inserted into the interchangeable damping discs, and consists of a piston associated with each cylinder, the engages in the respective cylinder and presses on the damping discs.

The invention is therefore based on the object , a damping element of the type mentioned in such a way that the damping behavior of the shoe is further improved. In particular, the restoring force of the shoe sole is to be increased after the pressure relief so that the energy recovery in the pressure relief of the shoe can be further increased.

The solution of this problem by the invention is defined by the characterizing features of claim 1.

The damping element according to the invention is therefore in the manner of a telescopic damper designed. The first element acts as a cylinder-like Receiving chamber into which the second element in the manner of a piston can penetrate. Thus, a high travel can be achieved and the spring and Damping characteristics of the shoe adapted to the desired interests become. Furthermore, there is also the possibility of compression the damping element energy expended to a considerable extent recover.

According to a first embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the first element and the second element in a section perpendicular to Stress direction have a mutually corresponding shape. among them is to be understood that the cross-sectional geometry of the first and the second Elements are formed congruent to each other, so that a matching Receiving and entry space in the first element for the second element is created.

Preferably, the first element and the second element in a section perpendicular to the direction of loading a polygonal, in particular hexagonal, Shape. In this case, the damping element in the manner of a Honeycomb pattern formed. But other geometries are possible; For example, the first element and the second element may be in one Section perpendicular to the loading direction have a circular shape.

The dimensions of the first element in a section perpendicular to Loading direction are greater than the corresponding Dimensions of the second element. This will be it allows the second element to enter the room through the first element is defined.

Advantageously, the first element is in the unloaded state of Damping element with its axial extent substantially outside the axial extent of the second element. Underneath is too understand that the piston-like second element in the unloaded state of Damping element axially outside of the cylinder-like first element is arranged. Only when loading the damping element in Loading direction then enters the "piston" in the "cylinder":

According to the invention, the first element and the second Element formed as a hollow body, which via a connecting portion connected to each other. The connecting section can in unloaded state of the damping element in a plane perpendicular to Loading direction just run. But it can also be the same be that the connecting portion in the unloaded state of the Damping element curved. With the latter embodiment the entry of the "piston" is favored in the "cylinder" under load. This is also the case when the connecting portion of elastic Material consists, as in accordance with another embodiment of the invention is provided.

Both functional and manufacturing advantages can be achieve when the first element, the connecting section and the second Element are integrally formed. It can be provided in particular be that the first element and the second element by a Injection molding process are made. It is favorable if the first element, the Connecting portion and the second element by a common Injection molding process are made.

To achieve a high damping and energy recovery property the damping element according to the invention is provided that the elements form gastight chambers. This is possible, that the second element facing away from the end of the first element with a sealing film is connected. Likewise, that may be the first element opposite end of the second element to be connected to a sealing film. The respective element and the sealing foils can be gas-tight with each other connected, in particular welded. With such a configuration can be achieved that the first element, the second element, the Connecting portion and the sealing foils a gas-tight closed form flexible chamber. This influences the mode of action of the damping element according to the invention in a particularly advantageous manner.

The elements can be made of plastic, in particular of thermoplastic Material, consist. As plastic have polyethylene, polypropylene, Polybutane, polyamide, polyurethane or a mixture of at least two proven of these plastics. Furthermore, the plastic translucent or be transparent.

To form a sufficiently large damping element that the desired areas of a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, covered, a plurality of first and / or second elements can be interconnected be connected or arranged side by side.

According to one embodiment, the first elements are in their lateral Area interconnected. Such a design is particularly easily realized with a geometry according to a honeycomb pattern.

In the case of having a large number of first and second elements can be arranged side by side, it can be provided that the Connecting portion of at least two adjacent first and second Elements is designed as a common part. It is also possible that the plurality of juxtaposed first and second elements are connected to each other via the connecting portions. Another Training provides that the first and second elements by far and away are arranged parallel to each other.

The adaptation of the damping element to the specific needs in terms of geometry and function is facilitated by that further it can be provided that the first and / or second elements at least partially in the unloaded state of the damping element have different heights.

The damping properties, as well as the ability of the damping element for energy intake and return can by selecting the parameters affecting the geometry and material properties determine. Preferably, therefore, it is provided that the material of the first Elements, the second element and the connection section, as well as the geometric dimensions of said parts laying down the Stiffness of the damping element can be selected.

With the proposal according to the invention is a damping element created to a high degree the damping and the restoring force the shoe sole and thus the energy recovery after the pressure relief the shoe sole increases. The proposed embodiments will further achieved that the damping element according to the invention manufacturing technology cheap and thus can be produced inexpensively.

Fig. 1

schematisch die Seitenansicht eines Dämpfungselements im Schnitt,

Fig. 2

schematisch die Draufsicht auf das Dämpfungselement gemäß Fig. 1,

Fig. 3

eine der Fig. 1 entsprechende Darstellung, wobei sich das Dämpfungselement im verformten Zustand befindet,

Fig. 4

ein Dämpfungselement, bestehend aus einer Anzahl von Einzelelementen in der Draufsicht,

Fig. 5

den Schnitt A-B gemäß Fig. 4,

Fig. 6a

ein Dämpfungselement bestehend aus einer Anzahl von Einzelelementen in der Vorderansicht,

Fig. 6b

die zu Fig. 6a zugehörige Draufsicht,

Fig. 6c

die zu Fig. 6a zugehörige Seitenansicht und

Fig. 7

das Dämpfungselement nach Fig. 6a, 6b bzw. 6c in perspektivischer Ansicht.

In the drawing, an embodiment of the invention is shown. Show it:

Fig. 1

schematically the side view of a damping element in section,

Fig. 2

1 is a schematic plan view of the damping element according to FIG. 1, FIG.

Fig. 3

1 corresponding representation, wherein the damping element is in the deformed state,

Fig. 4

a damping element consisting of a number of individual elements in plan view,

Fig. 5

the section AB according to FIG. 4,

Fig. 6a

a damping element consisting of a number of individual elements in the front view,

Fig. 6b

the plan view associated with FIG. 6a,

Fig. 6c

the associated to Fig. 6a side view and

Fig. 7

the damping element according to Fig. 6a, 6b and 6c in a perspective view.

In Fig. 1, a damping element 1 is shown in section. The Damping element 1 is in a - not shown - shoe, in particular in the sole of a sports shoe, integrated. It serves to load under the Sole in load direction R to absorb energy and relieve the load Sole to give the energy stored in the damping element 1 again.

As can be seen in conjunction with FIG. 2, this shows Damping element 1, a first element 2 and a second element 4, the hexagonal are formed in the manner of a honeycomb pattern. The first element 2 has a receiving space 3, resulting from the volume of the hexagonal body results. The extension of the first element 2 in Loading direction R is indicated by H (height of the first element 2 in FIG unloaded state of the damping element 1). Axially above the first Elements 2 is - in the unloaded state of the damping element 1 - the second element 4, which extends over an axial height h in Loading direction R extends. As is apparent in particular from Fig. 2, are the dimensions - width B of the first element 2 and width b of the second element 4 - chosen so that the second element 4 under load of the damping element 1 in the loading direction R in the receiving space. 3 can enter, which is defined by the first element 2. The first element 2 and the second element 4 thus operate in the manner of a telescopic damper, wherein the first element 2 acts as a "cylinder" into which the second element 4 may occur in the manner of a "piston".

To do this while achieving a reset effect on pressure relief of the Damping element 1 can be done, is the in Fig. 1 to be seen upper axial End portion of the first member 2 and the axial lower end portion of the second element 4 via a connecting portion 5 with each other connected. It is in the connecting portion 5 - as well as at first and second element 2, 4 - to a part of elastic Plastic material, so that when you put a loading force on the Damping element 1 in the loading direction R takes place a deformation, as shown schematically in Fig. 3. The second element 4 occurs piston-like in the receiving space 3 of the first element 2 a.

So after pressure relief of the damping element 1 of the initial state is reached again, as outlined in Fig. 1, not only the Connecting portion 5 executed elastic, but it will continue following measures are taken:

The second element 4 facing away from the end 6 of the first element 2 is with a first sealing film 7 connected, in particular welded. In the same Way is the end facing away from the first element 2 8 of the second element 4 provided with a second sealing film 9. These sealing foil 9 is with the second element 4 connected, preferably welded. This forms the first element 2, the second element 4, the connecting portion 5 and the both sealing films 7 and 9 a gas-tight sealed space, the has optimal spring and damping properties.

Single "piston-cylinder elements", consisting of the components 2, 4, 5, 7 and 9, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, can - as shown in FIGS. 4 and Fig. 5 can be removed - to form a Damping element 1 with greater areal extent next to each other to be ordered. Particularly preferred for this purpose are the elements 2 and 4 formed hexagonal or in the manner of a honeycomb pattern.

While acting as "cylinder" lower honeycomb elements 2 according to Fig. 5 are interconnected, the upper "piston" 4 are free next to each other and are only through the sealing film 9 together connected. The connection between the "cylinders" 2 and the "piston" 4 takes place via the connecting portions 5, which - as can be seen in Fig. 5 - Are formed arched. As a result, the entry of the "piston" 4 in the "Cylinder" 2 at the introduction of a loading force in the loading direction R favored.

The entire damping element 1 shown in Fig. 4 can - accordingly tailored - in a shoe and there especially in a midsole be introduced.

When loading the damping element 1, the "piston" 4 press in the "Cylinder" 2, since the substantially horizontal connecting sections 5 are not as stiff as the substantially perpendicular Cell walls of the first and second elements 2, 4.

With increasing force, the second elements 4 press more and more in the axial region of the first elements 2 a.

Thus, one obtains according to the load of the damping element. 1 counteracting force until the "piston" 4 completely pressed into the "cylinder" 2 are.

When pressure relief of the damping element 1 forms again original geometry, as outlined in Figures 1 and 5, respectively.

For the arrangement of the sealing foils 7 and 9, the following is also noted: Im Embodiment according to the figures 1 to 5, the areal extends Sealing film 7 or 9 via a number of juxtaposed "piston-cylinder elements", d. H. a film 7, 9 covers a number of such elements from. But it can also - alternatively be provided - that only individual film sections are used, each having only one end. 6 of the first element 2 and / or only one end 9 of the second element 4 seal gas-tight. These foil sections then form one "Lid", which closes the end portions of the elements 2, 4. This "lid" may be welded to the ends 6 and 8 of the elements 2 and 4, respectively; it is but also possible that he, for example, in the injection molding of the elements. 2 or 4 with injected, d. H. is formed in situ with. Preference is given provided that the ends 6 of the first elements 2 with a large area Slide 7 are closed (as shown in Fig. 1), while the ends of the 8th the second elements 4 only with individual film sections 9 in the form are closed by "lids".

FIGS. 6a, 6b, 6c and 7 show an alternative embodiment of the invention To see damping element. Here it is intended that a multiplicity of first and second elements 2 and 4 are arranged side by side. Here are the first and second elements 2 and 4 at a distance and parallel to each other positioned (shown without films 7 and 9, see Fig. 1).

The connection of the individual units, each consisting of a first and a second element 2 or 4, via the connecting portions 5, which also connect the first and the second element 2, 4 together. The So connecting sections 5 not only provide the connection between first and second element 2, 4 - in the axial direction - ago, but also the Connection of the individual sub-elements to the structure described in the above Figures is shown.

As especially Fig. 6c and Fig. 7 can be seen, is there provided that the first and second elements 2 and 4 at least partially in the illustrated unloaded state of the damping element have different heights H and h (see Fig. 1).

By adapting the geometry and here in particular these heights as well the widths of the individual elements 2 and 4, the thickness and design of the Connecting sections 5 and also by appropriate choice of material, from which these parts exist, the spring and damping characteristics the damping element 1 are arbitrarily adapted or selected.

The spring and damping characteristic of the damping element 1 - in particular the spring force on the spring travel - can thus largely according a desired course can be selected.

The respective function, which consists of the single partial damping element from the first element, second element and connecting section must, can be influenced, d. H. whether it's more of a support or a support Steaming effect is needed.

The damping element 1 according to the invention can also be used with a conventional damping element, as known in the art, in a shoe, in particular sports shoe, used in combination. This results in further possibilities, the spring and damping behavior a shoe, in particular a sports shoe, the respective To be able to optimally adapt to needs.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

damping element

2

first element

3

accommodation space

4

second element

5

connecting portion

6

End of the first element

7

sealing film

8th

End of the second element

9

sealing film

R

load direction

H

Height of the first element

H

Height of the second element

B

Dimension of the first element

b

Dimension of the second element

Claims (24)

1. Damping element (1) for a shoe, in particular for a sports shoe, consisting of at least one first element (2) which essentially extends over a predetermined height (H) in a loading direction (R) in the unladen state of the damping element (1) and, embodied as a hollow body, defines a receiving space (3) into which a corresponding second element (4), of smaller dimensions in cross-section than the first element (2), can at least partly penetrate, the second element (4) essentially extending over a predetermined height (h) in the loading direction (R) in the unladen state of the damping element (1) and being arranged coaxially with the first element (2), wherein the second element (4) is also embodied as a hollow body and wherein the two associated elements (2, 4) are connected to one another through an elastic connecting portion (5) which only extends between the first element (2) and the second element (4), characterised in that the elements (2, 4) forming a gas-tight chamber.
2. Damping element according to claim 1, characterised in that the first element (2) and the second element (4) exhibit a corresponding form in a section perpendicular to the loading direction (R).
3. Damping element according to claim 2, characterised in that the first element (2) and the second element (4) exhibit a polygonal, in particular hexagonal, form in a section perpendicular to the loading direction (R).
4. Damping element according to claim 2, characterised in that the first element (2) and the second element (4) exhibit a circular form in a section perpendicular to the loading direction (R).
5. Damping element according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the connecting portion (5) runs flat in a plane perpendicular to the loading direction (R) in the unladen state of the damping element (1).
6. Damping element according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the connecting portion (5) runs in a curve in a plane perpendicular to the loading direction (R) in the unladen state of the damping element (1).
7. Damping element according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the first element (2), the connecting portion (5) and the second element (4) are embodied in one piece.
8. Damping element according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the first element (2) and the second element (4) are manufactured by an injection moulding process.
9. Damping element according to claim 7 and 8, characterised in that the first element (2), the connecting portion (5) and the second element (4) are manufactured by a common injection moulding process.
10. Damping element according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the end (6) of the first element (2) remote from the second element (4) is connected to a sealing film (7).
11. Damping element according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the end (8) of the second element (4) remote from the first element (2) is connected to a sealing film (9).
12. Damping element according to claim 10 or 11, characterised in that the elements (2, 4) and the sealing films (7, 9) are connected to one another in a gas-tight manner, in particular welded.
13. Damping element according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterised in that the first element (2), the second element (4), the connecting portion (5) and the sealing films (7, 9) form a gas-tight sealed flexible chamber.
14. Damping element according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that the elements (2, 4) are made of plastic, in particular of thermoplastic material.
15. Damping element according to claim 14, characterised in that polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutane, polyamide, polyurethane or a mixture of at least two of these plastics is provided as the plastic.
16. Damping element according to claim 14 or 15, characterised in that the plastic is translucent or transparent.
17. Damping element according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterised in that a plurality of first and/or second elements (2, 4) are connected to one another.
18. Damping element according to claim 17, characterised in that the first elements (2) are connected to one another in their side area.
19. Damping element according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterised in that a plurality of first and second elements (2, 4) are arranged next to one another.
20. Damping element according to claim 19, characterised in that the connecting portion (5) of at least two adjoining first or second elements (2, 4) is embodied as a common part.
21. Damping element according to claim 20, characterised in that the plurality of first and second elements (2, 4) arranged next to one another are connected to one another through the connecting portions (5).
22. Damping element according to one of claims 19 to 21, characterised in that the first and second elements (2, 4) are arranged a distance from and parallel with one another.
23. Damping element according to one of claims 17 to 22, characterised in that the first and/or second elements (2, 4) exhibit different heights (H, h) at least in part in the unladen state of the damping element (1).
24. Damping element according to one of claims 1 to 23, characterised in that the material of the first element (2), the second element (4) and the connecting portion (5), and the geometric dimensions of these parts are selected to determine the damping properties of the damping element (1).

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