WO2007014413A1

WO2007014413A1 - Shoe, particularly ski boot, and skiing equipment

Info

Publication number: WO2007014413A1
Application number: PCT/AT2006/000329
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stefan Battlogg; Jürgen PÖSEL
Original assignee: Inventus Engineering Gmbh
Priority date: 2005-08-03
Filing date: 2006-08-03
Publication date: 2007-02-08
Also published as: AT502918B1; EP1909605A1; US20080155862A1; AT502918A1; CN101272707A; CN101272707B

Abstract

Disclosed is a shoe comprising an adjustable space (1) for the foot and several fluidically connected chambers (3). In order to adjust the space (1) for the foot, the flowability of a magnetorheological liquid can be influenced by means of at least one device (30) generating a magnetic field.

Description

Shoe, in particular ski boot, and equipment for skiing

The invention relates to a shoe, in particular ski boot, with a variable footwell and with a magnetorheological fluid whose fluidity for the change of the footwell can be influenced by means of at least one device for generating a magnetic field. Furthermore, the invention also relates to an equipment for skiing, with a ski having ski, a ski pole and with such a shoe.

Such a shoe can be found for example in DE 19 62 632 A. The resilience of a pad allows the closed shoe to conform to the foot shape by shifting the flowable mass from areas where the pressure on the foot is greater to areas where the pressure is less. Since the foot of the shoe should be as firmly as possible enclosed in order to avoid relative movements between the shoe and the foot, the flowable mass may move only slowly. The flowable mass is therefore either a liquid with high viscosity or is fluid and is forced in the displacement by flow restricting bottlenecks.

So that the shoe after its adaptation when tightening can also respond to changes in volume of the foot over time, for example, the insole can be adjustable in height or in particular in the sole a reservoir for the liquid to be provided with the pad or pads over lines fluidly connected, so that the amount of fluid contained in the pads can be changed. For this necessary control and adjusting devices are preferably also housed in the sole of the shoe.

From WO 00/47072 it has become known, in a ski boot or skate, to use an inner shoe or an insole with a padding which is continuous or provided only in the toe and heel area, in which a fluid which changes its fluidity upon exposure to a magnetic field is contained , Preferably, at least part of a device for generating the magnetic field is arranged on or in the shoe for this purpose. In the case of a ski boot, parts of the device may also be provided, for example, on the ski binding.

Magnetorheological fluids (MRF) are liquids that are characterized by an increase in their apparent viscosity under the influence of a magnetic field distinguished. Without field effect, they are generally thin and can be considered as a solid under field influence if the field strength-dependent limiting shear stress is not exceeded.

They consist of a base liquid and solid particles that are ferromagnetic. The volume fraction of the solid particles is between 20% and 60%. For the increase in viscosity, the formation of more or less highly branched chains of these solid particles is responsible. These are held together by magnetic forces between the particles. A shearing of the fluid causes first an elongation and at higher shear stresses the demolition of the chains. Continuous recombination of the chain fragments ensures that the increased viscosity under field influence is maintained even at higher shear rates. Experiments have shown that for use in shoes a dynamic viscosity of the fluid of more than 10 Pa. s is beneficial.

Both fluids have been known for some time and are used, for example, in shock absorbers and torque couplings. More recently, a magnetorheological fluid has also become known in the form of a gel.

In principle, electrorheological fluids are also usable for this purpose. Electrorheological fluids have a lower specific gravity, but require a higher voltage to alter fluidity, which can be applied to the fluid via electrodes, for example. Since higher voltages in the case of shoes require corresponding independent energy sources, magnetorheological fluids are much better suited for these and other mobile applications.

The use of magnetorheological fluids would ideally allow the occasional or frequent, rapid adjustment of the footwell to the current foot shape, foot posture or foot position, the foot after each adjustment again without pressure points with the desired hold firmly enclosed by the shoe. However, the solution known from WO 00/47042 does not achieve this since that variability which is necessary for adaptation to the relatively complicated geometry and spatial shape of a foot can not be achieved. Furthermore, because of the ferromagnetic particles, magnetorheological fluids have a fairly high specific gravity, so that only a limited amount of fluid can be used even with ski boots. The described problem can now be solved according to the invention in that a plurality of flow-connected chambers are provided instead of a single essential parts of the foot enclosing chamber. In any case, since spaces remain in a relatively dense arrangement, the total volume of the chambers is smaller than that of a single large chamber. Preferably, however, slightly larger spaces are provided and the chambers are combined in units which are similar, for example, used for packaging purposes bubble wrap.

Several small chambers not only allow for weight reduction, but also allow a preferred embodiment in which the magnetic fields are applied only to the conduits or flow connections, so that only the magnetorheological fluid in the flow connections is solidified, then the fluid trapped in the compartments hinders the relocation. If the flow connections have a sufficient length, it is provided in a further preferred embodiment that the magnetorheological fluid in each flow connection is enclosed by two sealing members movable in the flow connection and separated from a different flowable mass in the chambers.

The liquid trapped in the chambers may be lighter in this embodiment, for example, a magnetorheological base liquid without magnetic solid particles or water, which can save not only in weight but also in costs, since magnetorheological fluids are relatively expensive. The trapped in the chambers liquid may also contain lightweight filler particles, such as plastic balls or the like, which may additionally contribute to improved thermal insulation.

In a further preferred embodiment, a constriction is formed in the flow connection, which is arranged approximately centrally in the magnetic field, so that the magnetorheological fluid solidifies into a plug that encloses the constriction on both sides in a form-fitting manner. The fixation in the flow direction can also be improved in that the inner wall of the flow connection is uneven, rough or provided with projections. It is essential to use the magnetic forces or the existing energy with the highest possible efficiency that the field lines enforce the flow connections at right angles to the flow direction of the magnetorheological fluid. There are various possibilities for the practical implementation. The chambers may be serially connected, that is, a conduit extends back from a reservoir through the chambers to the reservoir. The flow connections to be switched lie between the chambers or the reservoir and the first and last chamber. This requires a larger number of means for generating magnetic fields, preferably at each flow connection. For this purpose, permanent magnets are better suited to spare electrical lines. Of course, however, electromagnets can be used.

Another possibility is formed in such a way that a line emanates from the reservoir per chamber and each line or flow connection is associated with a device for generating a magnetic field. This embodiment can be implemented equally advantageous with permanent magnets or electromagnets, if all flow connections to be influenced are provided, for example in a region near the reservoir.

If flow connections can be influenced in groups the same way, they can be exposed to common magnetic fields. In the case of serially arranged flow connections, elongated permanent magnets, for example, can overlap all flow connections which lie in a row. If the lines run individually to each chamber, then the common same influence, as stated above, take place in a region near the reservoir in which several or all lines are parallel next to each other, if there is at least one device for generating a magnetic field. This can, for example, in turn have an elongated permanent magnet which engages over the lines. Of course, a common electromagnet can also be used here.

If permanent magnets are provided, then the magnetorheological fluid is in a constant magnetic field and the flow connections exposed to the magnetic field are solidified.

In order to change the footwell if necessary, it is provided in a first embodiment that the permanent magnet for weakening or deactivating the magnetic field in the shoe is arranged to be movable relative to the flow connection. For the weakening or deactivation of the magnetic field, which allows the balance between the chambers to be changed in shape and the reservoir, the Permanent magnet are twisted in a rod-shaped, cylindrical design, so that the field lines are no longer perpendicular to the flow connection or removed from a pocket of the shoe. As soon as the footwell is adjusted, the permanent magnets are turned back or plugged in again.

Another preferred possibility provides that the permanent magnet for weakening or deactivating its magnetic field is associated with a movable magnetic shield. The effect achievable thereby is similar, but instead of the permanent magnet, for example, the plate-shaped shield is twisted or taken out.

An alternative embodiment provides that each permanent magnet is assigned a switchable electromagnet which neutralizes, deactivates or deflects the magnetic field of the permanent magnet, so that electrical energy is required only for the short time necessary for the deformation of the chamber opening of the flow connections.

If electrical energy can be made available in sufficient quantities, then in a further embodiment only at least one electromagnet can be provided which not only switches on and off, but whose magnetic field, in particular, can be changed steplessly, in particular in its intensity. If the ski shoe is to be adjusted, the electromagnet is switched off so that the magnetorheological fluid can shift. When the ideal fit is achieved, the solenoid is energized again.

The reservoir preferably also constitutes a chamber, which in particular accommodated in the sole of the shoe and to which a pump or other pressure generator can be assigned.

As a source of electrical energy can be provided a vibrating motion converter. A first embodiment of such a generator generates according to Faraday's law of induction a rather low voltage, the

Influence of magnetorheological fluids is suitable, in that a

Head is reciprocated relative to a magnetic field. Especially when skiing occur constantly vibrations that provide more than enough electrical energy for a permanent magnet in this way. Each of the "shaker generators" described is preferably associated with control electronics and an energy store, for example an accumulator or a capacitor The generator for generating the electrical energy can be arranged obliquely upwards, in particular on the rear side or on the upper side of the ski boot Due to the constant vibration excess electrical energy can also be used to heat the shoe or feeding other consumers.

In a further embodiment, a chamber may be provided as a reservoir for the liquid, which is connected by means of a feed pump via at least one line to the chamber or the chambers, so that the pressure in each chamber adjusted and changed, and preferably in different chambers can also be changed independently. Each chamber can also be assigned a sensor.

The control electronics, the energy storage, the reservoir, the feed pump, etc. are preferably housed in the sole of the ski boot. User and driving style-specific data can be stored in a data memory, so that a corresponding adjustment of the seat of the ski boot can be specified on the foot. Signals emitted by the sensors may also be used to automatically adapt to external conditions such as runway conditions, driving conditions, driving conditions and so on.

Alternatively, however, it can also be provided that at least some of these devices are provided in the ski, in the ski binding or another part of the ski equipment. In this way it can be achieved, for example, that the reduction of the foot space takes place later and not directly during or after putting on the shoe. This causes comfortable walking with the shoe despite a firm stable seat while driving.

To attract the ski boot, for example, a closure flap od. Like. Be provided in the heel or forefoot area. When the flap is closed, the tight fit of the foot in the shoe can be achieved, for example, by operating a conventional buckle, knob, or the like, thereby increasing the pressure in the chambers before the magnetic fields are applied. Electromagnets can be switched on by a further, subsequently operable buckle or the like. If the ski boot contains control electronics, this can of course also be included in be programmed such that the closing of the shoe first increases the pressure in the chambers and then energized the electromagnet.

The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the figures of the accompanying drawings. Show

1 and 2 are schematic sections through two different embodiments of a ski boot,

3 shows a section through the shaft upper part of a ski boot of a third embodiment,

4 is a section along the line IV-IV of Fig. 3,

5 shows a schematic representation of a mechanically switchable permanent magnet,

6 shows a schematic representation of an electrically switchable permanent magnet,

7 is an oblique view of a flow connection between two chambers with an associated electromagnet,

Fig. 8 is a schematic arrangement of several parallel influenced

chambers,

9 shows a schematic structure of several chambers which can be influenced in parallel,

10 increases a flow connection with a bottleneck,

11 shows the schematic arrangement of a movable shield,

12 shows a variant in which the magnetorheological fluid is provided exclusively in the flow connection, and

Fig. 13 is a flow chart for the use of a ski boot according to the invention.

A ski boot according to the invention preferably comprises an outer shoe having a relatively thick sole on which front and rear binding elements engage to make the connection with the ski. Inside the ski boot may be provided in selected areas with a padding 5 made of foam, for example on the rear flap 2, which is rotatable about an axis 19 as shown in FIG. At least in pressure-sensitive areas a plurality of chambers 3, for example between ten and twenty, are provided, which are filled with a magnetorheological fluid, which preferably has a dynamic viscosity of at least 10 Pa. s and solidifies upon application of a magnetic field. It is also possible, but not required, for the entire footwell to be enclosed by chambers 3. 3 and 4 schematically show means 30 for generating a magnetic field, which are designed as permanent magnets 8 and in whose magnetic fields flow connections 7 are located between the chambers 3. The chambers are arranged one above the other in several rings in the shaft, so that the front provided in this embodiment flap 2 has chambers 3. The permanent magnets 8 are inserted into pockets that extend to the upper edge of the shaft, so that they can be twisted or pulled upwards for the change of the footwell 1 and deformation of the chambers 3. As soon as the ski shoe has adapted to the foot again, the permanent magnets 8 can be turned back or pushed in again, as a result of which the magnetorheological fluid in the vicinity of the flow connections 7 solidifies again. Alternatively, as schematically shown in FIG. 11, a magnetic shield 32 can be inserted between the permanent magnets 8 and the flow connections 7. In the chambers 3 contained magnetorheological fluid remains liquid, but can not shift due to the small, blocked by the flow connections 7 volume of the chamber 3. The flow connections, as shown in FIG. 10, each have a constriction 29, so that the solidified magnetorheological fluid forms a constriction enclosing the constriction form-fitting plug. Alternatively or additionally, the inner wall of the flow connections 7 may also be uneven or rough. The pressure in the chambers 3 can be adjusted manually, for example, by means of at least one rotary knob, not shown, and also be maintained differently with corresponding variable influencing of the flow connections despite subsequent adaptation.

The chambers 3 may consist of a resilient, possibly also elastic material and, as is schematically apparent from FIG. 9, may be provided on one side of a carrier plate 28 or the like. The chambers 3 may have the same or also, as indicated in Fig. 9, different shapes. The lines 6 and the flow connections 7 not shown here are arranged on the other side of the support plate 28 and guided through a respective bore to the chambers 3. The chambers 3 can also be arranged one above the other in a plurality of staggered layers.

Returning to FIGS. 1 and 2, in which the chambers 3 indicated only schematically are associated with the footwell 1 laterally and fore and optionally also at the rear and / or in the insole 4. The chambers 3 are interconnected via lines 6 and connected to a reservoir 14, which are arranged together with other elements 11, 12, 13, 15 and 16 in the shoe sole usually thick sole. The reservoir 14 may optionally constitute a further chamber itself. The lines 6 are electromagnets, not shown, for example, similar to the permanent magnet 8 of FIG. 3 and 4 assigned by means of which the fluidity of the magnetorheological fluid can be changed in the manner described.

In Fig. 1, an electric motor 11 is further indicated schematically, which actuates a piston 12 of a pump via a drive shaft 13, by means of which the magnetorheological fluid from the reservoir 14 can be pressed into the chamber 3, at least during the first use of the footwell 1 at to adjust the foot. In the later change, for example, too loose fit of the foot, with pressure points or inconvenience can be reduced by the pump 12, the pressure or increased. The motor 11 is a control electronics 15 and an energy storage 16, for example, a capacitor or an accumulator assigned. The pressure can be monitored, for example, by means of at least one sensor whose signals are processed by the control electronics so that an automatic adjustment of the ski boot to the foot is achieved.

As shown in FIG. 1, the electrical energy required for the electromagnets and other electrical consumers, for example a shoe heater, can also be generated in the ski boot if, for example, a vibration generator 9 is provided on the rear side, whereby a permanent magnet and a shock due to the vibrations Induction coil to be moved relative to each other. The embodiment shown schematically in Fig. 1 shows a generator 9, which has two linearly moving against resilient end stops permanent magnet 18, which are associated with two induction coils. The generated current flows via a line 10 to the energy store 16 and the motor 11 in the shoe sole.

In Fig. 2, in which the elements 11 to 16 are not shown individually in the shoe sole, a tilt adjustment for the shaft with damping in the form of a likewise containing a magnetorheological fluid piston-cylinder unit 17 is arranged on the shoe front side, via the Line 6 is also in communication with the reservoir 14 in the sole, and is also associated with a device for generating the corresponding field. Fig. 5 shows schematically an arrangement of a permanent magnet 8, which is rotatably arranged within two magnetic poles iron caps 24. In the illustrated position, the field lines 27 of the magnetic field extend through the region near the pole. The entire arrangement is associated with a flow connection 7 between two chambers 3 so that it lies within the field lines 27. If the permanent magnet 8 is rotated by 90 °, for example by means of an outer knob, the magnetic field shifts, and the field lines run within the two iron caps 24. The running in the near-polar region flow connection 7 is therefore outside the magnetic field and solidified in this area magnetorheological fluid becomes flowable again, so that a displacement of the liquid can take place. A common circuit of a plurality of successively arranged flow connections 7 is possible in a simple manner, when the permanent magnet 8 is rod-shaped.

FIG. 6 schematically shows a flow connection 7 with a rectangular cross section, which is also under the influence of a permanent magnet 8. The magnetic flux is represented by the field lines 27. The two iron caps 24 have a first pole pair 26 and on the opposite side a second pole pair. One of the two iron caps 24 is associated with a winding 25. Now, electrical energy can be supplied in such a way that the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet 8 is neutralized, and the magnetic flux no longer passes over the first pole pair 26, but over the second pole pair, which is off the flow connection 7. The magnetorheological fluid solidified therein becomes flowable again. This design requires little energy, since this only needs to be supplied to deactivate the permanent magnet 8.

Fig. 7 shows a cutaway oblique view of a flow connection 7, which is associated with an electromagnet 20. The line 6 containing the magnetorheological fluid is provided, for example, with a cross-shaped iron core 21 which leaves open four flow channels. A winding 23 surrounds the line 6, which in turn is enclosed by an iron jacket 22. If a voltage is applied to the winding 23, then the magnetorheological fluid solidifies due to the magnetic field and the flow is no longer possible. After switching off the flow of current, the flow connection 7 is again continuous.

Fig. 8 shows schematically the parallel arrangement of chambers 3, to which from the reservoir 14 in each case a line 6 is guided. The reservoir 14 is a Assigned pump 12, which is actuated by a motor 11. The piston of the pump 12 may be assigned as a power source and instead of the motor 11, the spring shown schematically or another pressure generator, optionally also a hand pump or the like. Near the reservoir, a common device 30, for example in the manner shown in FIG. 11, for generating a magnetic field is associated with the flow connections 7, at which preferably the constrictions 29 (FIG. 10) already described are provided. 11 shows, on the side of the flow connections 7 opposite the permanent magnets 8, whose cross-section is preferably substantially rectangular or trapezoidal as shown, a layer 36 of a magnetic material, for example an iron plate or an iron sheet, a magnetic foil or the like ., Are arranged so that the field lines 27 are closed and traverse the flow connections 7 perpendicular to the flow direction. The strength of the field of the permanent magnet or 8 can now be changed by a shield 32 between the flow connections 7 and the permanent magnet 8 is inserted, which can be done manually or by an example motor drive. This is shown on the right side of Fig. 11, in which the outermost field lines 27 are already deflected over the shield and no longer traverse the flow connection 7. In simple terms, in the area of the shielded field lines 27, the magnetorheological fluid is liquid and solidified in the area of the unshielded field lines. The displacement of the shield 32 from the position shown results in either complete opening of the flow connection 7 (insertion in the direction of the arrow) or its complete closure (withdrawal in the opposite direction).

In the embodiment according to FIG. 12, the magnetorheological fluid is restricted to the region of the flow connection 7 and is sealed in the conduit 6 on both sides by a sealing element 31 against the medium used in the remaining regions, which is in particular less expensive and / or lighter.

If a balance between the reservoir 14 and the chamber 3, for example, to reduce a resulting in the chamber 3 by swelling of the foot pressure, the magnetic field of the device 30 is weakened or canceled, and the excess medium is pressed into the conduit 6. The magnetorheological fluid can shift to the right along with the sealing elements 31. The corresponding amount of the medium in the line leading to the reservoir 6 is pumped back into this. Once the balance is achieved, the magnetic field is restored and the magnetorheological fluid solidifies in the flow connection 7. The new state is thus secured.

Fig. 13 shows a block diagram of the essential steps in the use of ski shoes according to the invention, which begin with the opening of the tailgate. Subsequently, the ski boot is tightened and the tailgate closed and locked. In this case, a secure closing is ensured by the locking mechanism (locking) or by a sensor (switch). (eg bolts that snap in laterally, Velcro around ski boot, buckle, snap closure, etc.) Then user-specific settings are made: namely according to the weight, the driving style (beginner, normal, sport, walking), the slope conditions, etc. Subsequently, a push button " Start by pressing the on / off switch to open the magnetic field generating devices (MRF valves) and activating the pump, the magnetorheological fluid The pressure after the pump is measured by the pressure sensor and increased until the desired pressure (user-specific setting) is reached, after which the valves are automatically closed, after which the ski boot is automatically moved at a time interval or on actuation through the use r adapted (and, for example, the pressure kept constant).

The comfort of a ski boot according to the invention is substantially improved, since the inner shape of the footwell 1 both at hand operation by pulling and inserting the permanent magnets, by adjusting a knob, etc., as well as in the operation using electrical energy, at least when needed immediately changed and the foot can be adjusted.

Claims

claims:

1. shoe, in particular ski boot, with a variable footwell (1) and with a magnetorheological fluid whose flowability for the change of the footwell (1) by means of at least one means (30) for generating a magnetic field can be influenced, characterized in that the

Shoe with deformable, flow-connected chambers (3) is provided.

2. Shoe according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one

Means (30) for generating a magnetic field associated with the flow connections (7).

3. Shoe according to claim 2, characterized in that the at least one device (30) for generating a magnetic field

Flow connections (7) between the chambers (3) is provided.

4. Shoe according to claim 2, characterized in that the at least one device (30) for generating a magnetic field at flow connections (7) between a reservoir (14) and the

Chambers (3) is provided.

5. Shoe according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that each flow connection (7) is associated with a device (30) for generating a magnetic field.

6. Shoe according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that flow connections (7) between a plurality of chambers (3) and the reservoir (14) is associated with a common device (30) for generating a magnetic field.

7. Shoe according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that at least one means (30) for generating a magnetic field comprises at least one permanent magnet (8).

8. Shoe according to claim 7, characterized in that the permanent magnet (8) for weakening or deactivating the magnetic field in the shoe relative to the flow connection (7) is arranged movable.

9. Shoe according to claim 8, characterized in that the permanent magnet

(8) is removable from the shoe.

10. Shoe according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the permanent magnet (8) for weakening or deactivating its magnetic field, a movable, magnetic shield (32) is associated.

11. Shoe according to claim 10, characterized in that the magnetic shield (32) is removable from the shoe.

12. Shoe according to claim 11, characterized in that the magnetic

Shield (32) is movable by motor.

13. Shoe according to claim 7, characterized in that the permanent magnet (8) is associated with a switchable electromagnet (20) for weakening or deactivating the magnetic field of the permanent magnet (8)

14. Shoe according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the means (30) for generating the magnetic field comprises at least one switchable electromagnet (20).

15. Shoe according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that at least two chambers (3) are provided, in which the liquid is under different pressure.

16. Shoe according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the magnetorheological fluid is also contained in the chambers (3).

17. Shoe according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the magnetorheological fluid in each flow connection (7) by two in the flow connection (7) movable sealing members (31) enclosed and of a different flowable mass in the chambers (3). is disconnected.

18. Shoe according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the flow connection (7) has a constriction (29), which is provided approximately centrally in the magnetic field.

19. A ski equipment comprising a ski having a ski binding, a ski pole and a shoe according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein at least part of said magnetic field generating means (30) is provided on the ski binding or on the ski. characterized in that a source (9) for electrical energy is provided on the shoe, on the ski pole, on the ski binding or on the ski.

20. Equipment according to claim 19, characterized in that as the source (9) for electrical energy, a vibration movement is provided alternator.

21. Equipment according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that a control system and at least one sensor are provided.