Aeroservo-controlled massage control valve group and multi-connection aeroservo-controlled unit

Abstract

The application provides a pneumatic control massage control valve group, which comprises a three-way air chamber, a bidirectional elastic sealing body and a memory alloy wire electric actuation control module; the three-way air chamber is provided with an air inlet, an air outlet and a pneumatic port; the bidirectional elastic sealing body is arranged between the air inlet and the air outlet; the memory alloy wire electric actuation control module comprises a memory alloy wire and a circuit board; the memory alloy wire is electrically connected with the circuit board; the memory alloy wire is also connected with the bidirectional elastic sealing body; the memory alloy wire is shortened / lengthened by controlling the power on / power off of the memory alloy wire and the circuit board, so as to drive the bidirectional elastic sealing body to open / close the air inlet. The pneumatic control massage control valve group has simple structure and light weight, is convenient to maintain and replace, and is used by controlling the power on / power off between the first electrode and the second electrode to control the contraction / elongation of the memory alloy wire, so that the bidirectional elastic sealing body is driven to open / close the air inlet, and corresponding inflation / deflation is performed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of pneumatic control valve assembly technology, and in particular to a pneumatically controlled massage control valve assembly and a multi-unit pneumatic control unit. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, with the advancement of automotive seat comfort system technology, car seats with massage functions have become increasingly accepted by the public. Existing car seats with massage functions mostly use pneumatic control mechanisms to apply pressure and massage to the occupant's body. These pneumatic control mechanisms often employ solenoid valve coils for pneumatic control, which results in complex structures, heavy weight, and inconvenience for maintenance and replacement. Therefore, this application proposes a pneumatically controlled massage control valve assembly and a multi-unit pneumatic control unit to solve the aforementioned problems. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this application is to address the above problems by providing a pneumatically controlled massage control valve assembly and a multi-unit pneumatic control unit.

[0004] In a first aspect, this application provides a pneumatically controlled massage control valve assembly, including a three-way air chamber, a bidirectional elastic sealing body, and a shape memory alloy wire electro-actuated control module; the three-way air chamber is provided with an air inlet, an air outlet, and a pneumatic port; the bidirectional elastic sealing body is disposed between the air inlet and the air outlet; the shape memory alloy wire electro-actuated control module includes a shape memory alloy wire and a circuit board; the shape memory alloy wire is electrically connected to the circuit board; the shape memory alloy wire is also connected to the bidirectional elastic sealing body; by controlling the energization / de-energization of the shape memory alloy wire and the circuit board to shorten / extend the shape memory alloy wire, the bidirectional elastic sealing body is actuated to open / close the air inlet.

[0005] According to the technical solutions provided in certain embodiments of this application, the circuit board 6 is provided with a first electrode 7 and a second electrode 8; the first electrode 7 and the second electrode 8 are respectively electrically connected to the shape memory alloy wire 5.

[0006] According to the technical solutions provided in certain embodiments of this application, the shape memory alloy wire electric actuation control module further includes a controller housing; the circuit board is placed inside the controller housing; the vent is connected to the inside of the controller housing; and an exhaust hole is provided on the controller housing.

[0007] According to the technical solutions provided in certain embodiments of this application, the bidirectional elastic seal is a plastic structure comprising at least one plastic material.

[0008] According to the technical solutions provided in certain embodiments of this application, the bidirectional elastic seal is a composite structure combining a plastic structure and an elastomer; the elastomer includes a metallic elastomer and / or a non-metallic elastomer.

[0009] According to the technical solutions provided in certain embodiments of this application, the metal elastomer is conductive and forms an electrical connection with the circuit board through positioning welding or riveting; the metal elastomer includes a metal spring and a metal sheet.

[0010] According to the technical solutions provided in certain embodiments of this application, the bidirectional elastic sealing body is provided with a hanging groove at one end near the vent; the shape memory alloy wire is clamped in the hanging groove.

[0011] According to the technical solutions provided in certain embodiments of this application, the first electrode or the second electrode and the outer shell of the three-ventilation chamber are an integral structure or a separate structure.

[0012] According to the technical solutions provided in certain embodiments of this application, an air passage buffer channel is provided in the air inlet and / or the pneumatic port; the air passage buffer channel is tortuous or branched.

[0013] Secondly, this application provides a multi-unit pneumatic control unit, including at least two massage control valve assemblies as described in any of the preceding claims.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this application are: the pneumatically controlled massage control valve group has a simple structure, is lightweight, and is easy to maintain and replace. In use, the shape memory alloy wire is controlled to contract / extend by controlling the energization / de-energization between the first electrode and the second electrode, thereby causing the bidirectional elastic seal to move to control the opening / closing of the air inlet and to perform corresponding inflation / deflation. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the pneumatically controlled massage control valve assembly in the inflation state provided in Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0016] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the pneumatically controlled massage control valve assembly in the venting state provided in Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0017] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the controller housing of the pneumatically controlled massage control valve assembly provided in Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0018] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the air path buffer channel of the pneumatically controlled massage control valve assembly provided in Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0019] Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the pneumatically controlled massage control valve assembly provided in Embodiment 2 of this application;

[0020] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the pneumatically controlled massage control valve assembly provided in Embodiment 3 of this application;

[0021] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the pneumatically controlled massage control valve assembly provided in Embodiment 4 of this application;

[0022] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the multi-unit pneumatic control unit in the inflation state provided in Embodiment 5 of this application;

[0023] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the multi-unit pneumatic control unit in the venting state provided in Embodiment 5 of this application;

[0024] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the multi-unit pneumatic control unit provided in Embodiment 6 of this application;

[0025] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the multi-unit pneumatic control unit provided in Embodiment 7 of this application.

[0026] The text labels in the image represent:

[0027] 1. Three-way air chamber; 2. Air inlet; 3. Air vent; 4. Pneumatic port; 5. Shape memory alloy wire; 6. Circuit board; 7. First electrode; 8. Second electrode; 9. Bidirectional elastic seal; 10. Main frame; 11. Air inlet seal; 12. Air vent seal; 13. Conductive spring; 14. Hanging slide; 15. Controller housing; 16. Exhaust hole; 17. Metal head; 18. Air path buffer channel. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of this application, the application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The description in this section is only exemplary and explanatory, and should not be used to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0029] Example 1

[0030] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2This embodiment provides a pneumatically controlled massage control valve assembly, including a three-way air chamber 1, a bidirectional elastic sealing body 9, and a shape memory alloy wire electric actuation control module; the three-way air chamber 1 is provided with an air inlet 2, an air outlet 3, and a pneumatic port 4; the air inlet 2 is connected to an air source body for receiving air supplied from the air source body; the pneumatic port 4 is connected to a massage airbag (not shown) via a pipeline, and the massage airbag body is installed inside the seat surface of a vehicle seat; the bidirectional elastic sealing body 9 is an elastic component that serves as an elastic interlocking blocking element between the air inlet 2 and the air outlet 3, and is disposed between the air inlet 2 and the air outlet 3. The inlet 2 and the vent 3 are controlled by the bidirectional elastic sealing body 9 to form an inverse opening / closing relationship; that is, when the inlet 2 is open, the vent 3 is closed, and when the inlet 2 is closed, the vent 3 is open. The shape memory alloy wire electric actuation control module includes a shape memory alloy wire 5 and a circuit board 6. The shape memory alloy wire 5 is electrically connected to the circuit board 6. The shape memory alloy wire 5 is also connected to the bidirectional elastic sealing body 9. By controlling the energization / de-energization of the shape memory alloy wire 5 and the circuit board 6, the shape memory alloy wire 5 shortens / extends, thereby actuating the bidirectional elastic sealing body 9 to open / close the inlet 2. In this embodiment, the circuit board 6 is provided with a first electrode 7 and a second electrode 8. The first electrode 7 and the second electrode 8 are respectively electrically connected to the two ends of the shape memory alloy wire 5. By controlling the energization / de-energization between the first electrode 7 and the second electrode 8, the bidirectional elastic sealing body 9 is controlled to open / close the inlet 2. It should be noted that the circuit board can also be a structure with circuit connection function, such as a terminal, one end of which is connected to the shape memory alloy wire, and the other end is used to connect to an external circuit or controller.

[0031] Furthermore, the bidirectional elastic sealing body 9 is a composite structure combining a plastic structure and an elastomer; the elastomer includes a metallic elastomer and / or a non-metallic elastomer; the metallic elastomer is conductive and forms an electrical connection with the circuit board 6 through positioning welding or riveting; the metallic elastomer can be a metal spring, a metal sheet, etc.; the non-metallic elastomer can be elastic rubber, elastic sponge, elastic felt pad, etc. In this embodiment, the bidirectional elastic sealing body 9 includes a main frame 10; the main frame 10 is provided with an air inlet sealing body 11 capable of sealing the air inlet 2, and also with an air vent sealing body 12 capable of sealing the air vent 3; a conductive spring 13 is also connected between the main frame 10 and the inner wall of the three-way vent chamber 1 near the air vent 3.

[0032] Furthermore, one end of the bidirectional elastic sealing body 9 extends out of the three-way vent chamber 1 through the vent 3, and is provided with a hooking groove 14. The hooking groove 14 can be a linear receiving groove of metal or non-metal. The middle part of the shape memory alloy wire 5 is locked in the hooking groove 14 and forms a linkage relationship with the bidirectional elastic sealing body 9.

[0033] When the first electrode 7 and the second electrode 8 are de-energized, the shape memory alloy wire 5 is in an extended state. When energized, the shape memory alloy wire 5 is heated to the point of martensite transformation into austenite due to its own resistance, and the shape memory alloy wire 5 becomes contracted. When the shape memory alloy wire 5 is in an extended state, i.e., a relaxed state, it will not pull the bidirectional elastic seal 9. The side of the air inlet seal 11 of the bidirectional elastic seal 9 near the air inlet 2 is squeezed against the air inlet 2, forming a blocked and closed state. At this time, the side of the vent seal 12 near the vent 3 is separated from the vent 3, forming an open state. Gas enters the three-way vent chamber 1 through the pneumatic port 4 and is discharged through the vent 3. Figure 2 As shown; when the shape memory alloy wire 5 is in a contracted state, it will pull the bidirectional elastic sealing body 9 to move towards the side closer to the vent 3. The side of the vent sealing body 12 of the bidirectional elastic sealing body 9 that is close to the vent 3 will press against the vent 3, forming a blocked and closed state. At this time, the side of the air inlet sealing body 11 that is close to the air inlet 2 will disengage from the air inlet 2, forming an open state. Gas enters the three-way air chamber 1 through the air inlet 2 and is discharged into the massage airbag body through the pneumatic port 4, as shown. Figure 1 As shown.

[0034] For further details, please refer to... Figure 3 The shape memory alloy wire electric actuation control module also includes a controller housing 15; the circuit board 6 is placed inside the controller housing 15; the vent 3 is connected to the inside of the controller housing 15; the controller housing 15 has an exhaust hole 16, and the airflow discharged from the vent 3 enters the controller housing 15 and is discharged into the atmosphere through the exhaust hole 16. The configuration of the controller housing 15 and the exhaust hole 16 helps to discharge the heat generated by the electric heating of the shape memory alloy wire 5 into the atmosphere. It should be noted that the controller housing 15 can be the same structure as the outer shell of the three-way vent chamber 1, or it can be an independent shell structure that encloses the outer shell of the three-way vent chamber 1. In addition, the controller housing 15 can be a one-piece structure, or it can be formed by assembling multiple sub-shells. Each sub-shell does not have holes, and adjacent sub-shells are assembled to form a gap. The function of the gap is the same as that of the exhaust hole, which is used for exhaust.

[0035] Furthermore, the first electrode 7 or the second electrode 8 is either an integral or separate structure from the outer shell of the three-way ventilation chamber 1. In this embodiment, the first electrode 7 and the outer shell of the three-way ventilation chamber 1 are separate structures, and the second electrode 8 and the outer shell of the three-way ventilation chamber 1 are also separate structures.

[0036] For further details, please refer to... Figure 4 An airflow buffer channel 18 is provided within the air inlet 2 and / or the pneumatic port 4. In this embodiment, both the air inlet 2 and the pneumatic port 4 are provided with airflow buffer channels 18, and the airflow buffer channels 18 are tortuous, forming a tortuous airflow path. In other embodiments of this application, the airflow buffer channels 18 can also be branched, forming a branched airflow path. The provision of the airflow buffer channels 18 can reduce the airflow velocity, which is beneficial for reducing airflow noise.

[0037] Example 2

[0038] Please refer to Figure 5 This embodiment provides another pneumatically controlled massage control valve assembly. The similarities between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 will not be repeated. The difference lies in that the bidirectional elastic sealing body 9 in Embodiment 1 uses a composite structure, while the bidirectional elastic sealing body 9 in this embodiment uses a one-piece structure. This one-piece structure is a single plastic structure with a self-resetting function. It should be noted that in other embodiments of this application, the bidirectional elastic sealing body 9 can also be a structure made of two or more soft and hard plastic materials. In this embodiment, the end of the shape memory alloy wire extends to the outside of the three-way air chamber 1.

[0039] When the shape memory alloy wire 5 is in an extended state (i.e., a relaxed state), it will not pull the bidirectional elastic sealing body 9. The side of the bidirectional elastic sealing body 9 near the air inlet 2 is pressed against the air inlet 2, forming a blocked and closed state. At this time, the side of the bidirectional elastic sealing body 9 near the air vent 3 is separated from the air vent 3, forming an open state. Gas enters the three-way air chamber 1 through the pneumatic port 4 and is discharged through the air vent 3. When the shape memory alloy wire 5 is in a contracted state, it will pull the bidirectional elastic sealing body 9 to move towards the side near the air vent 3. The side of the bidirectional elastic sealing body 9 near the air vent 3 is pressed against the air vent 3, forming a blocked and closed state. At this time, the side of the bidirectional elastic sealing body 9 near the air inlet 2 is separated from the air inlet 2, forming an open state. Gas enters the three-way air chamber 1 through the air inlet 2 and is discharged into the massage airbag body through the pneumatic port 4.

[0040] Example 3

[0041] Please refer to Figure 6This embodiment provides another pneumatically controlled massage control valve assembly. The similarities between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 will not be repeated. The differences are as follows: In this embodiment, the first electrode 7 and the outer shell of the three-way air chamber 1 are an integral structure; the bidirectional elastic sealing body 9 includes a metal head 17; the metal head 17 is connected to the first electrode 7 via a conductive spring 13; one end of the shape memory alloy wire 5 is directly electrically connected to the second electrode 8, and the other end is electrically connected to the first electrode 7 via the metal head 17 and the conductive spring 13. In this embodiment, a gap is left between the outer wall of the metal head 17 and the inner wall of the three-way air chamber 1; in other embodiments of this application, the outer wall of the metal head 17 can also be attached to the inner wall of the three-way air chamber 1, and grooves are distributed on the outer wall of the metal head 17 to connect the pneumatic port 4 and the vent port 3.

[0042] It should be noted that in other embodiments of this application, the second electrode 8 and the outer shell of the three-way vent chamber 1 may be an integral structure. In this embodiment, one end of the shape memory alloy wire 5 extends outside the cavity of the three-way vent chamber 1, while the other end is located inside the cavity of the three-way vent chamber 1. In other embodiments of this application, the shape memory alloy wire 5 is completely located outside the cavity of the three-way vent chamber 1; please refer to [reference needed]. Figures 1 to 5 .

[0043] Example 4

[0044] Please refer to Figure 7 This embodiment provides another pneumatically controlled massage control valve assembly. The similarities between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 will not be repeated here. The differences are: one end of the shape memory alloy wire 5 is directly electrically connected to the first electrode 7, and the other end is fixedly connected to the tail end of the bidirectional elastic seal 9, i.e., the end near the vent 3; the second electrode 8 is connected to the outer shell of the three-way air chamber 1; the main frame 10 of the bidirectional elastic seal 9 is conductive; the first electrode 7, the shape memory alloy wire 5, the main frame 10 of the bidirectional elastic seal 9, the conductive spring 13, the outer shell of the three-way air chamber 1, and the second electrode 8 form a conductive circuit. By controlling the energization / de-energization between the first electrode 7 and the second electrode 8, the bidirectional elastic seal 9 is controlled to open / close the air inlet 2, thereby achieving corresponding inflation / deflation.

[0045] Example 5

[0046] Please refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9This embodiment provides a multi-unit pneumatic control unit, including two massage control valve assemblies. The housings of the two massage control valve assemblies can be assembled by ultrasonic welding, bonding, screw fastening, snap-fitting, or other methods. The two massage control valve assemblies share an air inlet 2, which is located on the side closest to one of the massage control valve assemblies.

[0047] Example 6

[0048] Please refer to Figure 10 This embodiment provides another multi-unit pneumatic control unit. The similarities between this embodiment and Embodiment 5 will not be repeated. The main difference is that the air inlet 2 shared by the two massage control valve groups is located in the middle position. It should be noted that the shape memory alloy wires of different massage control valve groups can be connected to their respective first and second electrodes; alternatively, their respective negative electrodes can share either the first or second electrode.

[0049] Example 7

[0050] Please refer to Figure 11 This embodiment provides another multi-unit pneumatic control unit, including multiple massage control valve groups. In this embodiment, there are a total of eight massage control valve groups, all of which share an air inlet 2. In other embodiments of this application, the multi-unit pneumatic control unit can also be configured to include any number of massage control valve groups other than eight, depending on actual needs. Furthermore, the multiple massage control valve groups can partially share an air inlet, i.e., include more than one air inlet. It should be noted that the massage control valve groups can also be combined with at least one valve with a pressure-holding function to form a massage lumbar support control valve group.

[0051] Furthermore, the circuit board 6 may or may not be shared by multiple massage control valve assemblies. Figure 11 The scenario where the circuit board 6 is shared is given.

[0052] Example 8

[0053] This embodiment provides a seat pneumatic control assembly, including the aforementioned multi-unit pneumatic control unit, air source, pneumatic cavity (airbag body, cylinder, etc.), air pipe, and auxiliary electrical control circuit. The pneumatic port is connected via a pipe to an external massage airbag (installed inside the seat surface of the vehicle seat).

[0054] This document uses specific examples to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The descriptions of the above embodiments are only for the purpose of helping to understand the methods and core ideas of this application. The above descriptions are merely preferred embodiments of this application. It should be noted that due to the limitations of written expression, while there are objectively infinite specific structures, those skilled in the art can make several improvements, modifications, or changes without departing from the principles of this invention, and can also combine the above technical features in an appropriate manner. These improvements, modifications, changes, or combinations, or the direct application of the inventive concept and technical solution to other situations without modification, should all be considered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A pneumatically controlled massage control valve assembly, characterized in that, It includes a three-way air chamber (1), a bidirectional elastic sealing body (9), and a shape memory alloy wire electric actuation control module; the three-way air chamber (1) is provided with an air inlet (2), an air outlet (3), and a pneumatic port (4); the bidirectional elastic sealing body (9) is disposed between the air inlet (2) and the air outlet (3); The shape memory alloy wire electric actuation control module includes a shape memory alloy wire (5) and a circuit board (6); the shape memory alloy wire (5) is electrically connected to the circuit board (6); the shape memory alloy wire (5) is also connected to the bidirectional elastic seal (9); by controlling the power supply / power off of the shape memory alloy wire (5) and the circuit board (6) to shorten / extend the shape memory alloy wire (5), the bidirectional elastic seal (9) is activated to open / close the air inlet (2); An air passage buffer channel (18) is provided in the air inlet (2) and / or the pneumatic port (4). The air passage buffer channel (18) is used to reduce the air flow rate in order to reduce airflow noise. The circuit board (6) is located outside the three-way ventilation chamber (1); at least a portion of the shape memory alloy wire (5) is located outside the three-way ventilation chamber (1); The shape memory alloy wire electric actuation control module also includes a controller housing (15); the circuit board (6) is placed inside the controller housing (15); the vent (3) is connected to the inside of the controller housing (15); and the controller housing (15) is provided with an exhaust hole (16).

2. The pneumatically controlled massage control valve assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The circuit board (6) is provided with a first electrode (7) and a second electrode (8); the first electrode (7) and the second electrode (8) are electrically connected to the memory alloy wire (5) respectively.

3. The pneumatically controlled massage control valve assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bidirectional elastic seal (9) is a plastic structure comprising at least one plastic material.

4. The pneumatically controlled massage control valve assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bidirectional elastic seal (9) is a composite structure combining a plastic structure and an elastomer; the elastomer includes a metallic elastomer and / or a non-metallic elastomer.

5. The pneumatically controlled massage control valve assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The metal elastomer is conductive and forms an electrical connection with the circuit board (6) by positioning welding or riveting; the metal elastomer includes a metal spring and a metal sheet.

6. The pneumatically controlled massage control valve assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bidirectional elastic sealing body (9) has a hanging groove (14) at one end near the vent (3); the memory alloy wire (5) is inserted into the hanging groove (14).

7. The pneumatically controlled massage control valve assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first electrode (7) or the second electrode (8) and the outer shell of the three-way ventilation chamber (1) are either an integral structure or separate structures.

8. The pneumatically controlled massage control valve assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air buffer channel (18) is tortuous or branched.

9. A multi-unit pneumatic control unit, characterized in that, It includes at least two massage control valve assemblies as described in any one of claims 1-8.

Images