Pneumatic system

Abstract

The invention relates to a pneumatic system having a line which is connected to a fluid- fillable space, preferably to an expansion body, for filling and emptying the space. The line has a venting outlet through which fluid can escape from the pneumatic system when the space is being emptied. The pneumatic system comprises a sealing element which can open and close the venting outlet. The sealing element is arranged such that fluid escapes from the pneumatic system in the open state of the venting outlet. The pneumatic system comprises a plurality of venting channels into which the fluid escaping through the venting outlet flows in the open state of the sealing element and can thus escape. The venting channels are formed by grooves or channels whose open side opposite the channel or groove bottom is at least partially covered not only when the venting outlet is open but also when the venting outlet is closed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a pneumatic system. Background Technology

[0002] Corresponding pneumatic systems are typically used to fill or vent expansion bodies, such as airbags or the like. During venting, the fluid, preferably air, flowing out of the expansion body must be able to leak into the surrounding environment. For this purpose, the corresponding exhaust pipes typically have exhaust outlets that can be opened or closed by a valve. Corresponding pneumatic systems are known, for example, by CN101915229A or DE3240710A1. It is also known from these documents that exhaust noise occurs when venting through the outflowing compressed air. Known solutions for this purpose stipulate that air can be discharged through multiple grooved exhaust channels to reduce noise. For this purpose, known solutions propose a labyrinthine channel system from which air can flow. However, the known solutions still have drawbacks, because the generated noise is thus partially, but not completely, suppressed. Furthermore, a whole range of materials is typically required to meet the noise reduction requirements. While additional damping materials can be used, these increase both the cost and the number of required components and the time required to assemble the corresponding pneumatic system. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, the objective of this invention is to further improve known pneumatic systems, eliminate the aforementioned disadvantages as much as possible, and provide a pneumatic system that can achieve better noise suppression.

[0004] The pneumatic system according to the invention has a conduit connected to a fluid-fillable space, preferably to an expansion body, for filling and emptying the space. The conduit also has an exhaust outlet through which fluid can leak out of the pneumatic system when the space is emptied. The pneumatic system further includes a sealing element that can open and close the exhaust outlet. Here, the sealing element is configured such that fluid leaks out of the pneumatic system when the exhaust outlet is open. Furthermore, the pneumatic system includes a plurality of exhaust channels into which fluid flowing out through the exhaust outlet flows when the sealing element is open, and thus can leak out.

[0005] According to the present invention, the exhaust passage is formed by a groove or channel, and the opening side of the groove or channel opposite to the bottom of the channel or channel is at least partially covered not only when the exhaust outlet is open but also when the exhaust outlet is closed.

[0006] This arrangement offers a whole range of advantages and possibilities. The grooves or recesses can be incorporated not only into a portion of the sealing element itself but also into components adjacent to the sealing element in the pneumatic system. This structural approach allows for the particularly simple construction of the exhaust passage, as only the grooves or recesses are required, and the exhaust passage is thus created by combining these components during the assembly of the pneumatic system, eliminating the need for additional holes or similar features.

[0007] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least two exhaust channels in the exhaust passages have different lengths and / or different flow resistances. Airflow or fluid flow branching from the exhaust outlet into the exhaust channels is initially distributed to multiple flow channels. Dividing a large airflow into small individual flows already reduces noise generation. Due to the different lengths or different flow resistances of the exhaust channels, the fluid is transported at different speeds. Different frequency ranges of noise generated during exhaust are detected due to the different partial flows. In other words, noise generation in the different exhaust channels according to the invention is reduced and filtered according to frequency. Furthermore, this solution can be supplemented in existing systems by introducing corresponding grooves or channels around the exhaust opening into the material.

[0008] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least two of the exhaust channels have bends or changes in direction. In this way, space can be saved compared to a purely linear radial extension of the exhaust channel, and a longer channel can be achieved in the same structural space. Furthermore, the flow conductance, i.e., the flow resistance, of the channel can be further increased or modified by the bends.

[0009] Preferably, the exhaust passage is at least partially radially directed away from the exhaust outlet. This ensures that the main fluid flow is more or less symmetrically separated around the exhaust opening and prevents blockage. In principle, the cross-sectional shape of the exhaust passage, preferably configured as a groove or recess, plays only a secondary role. This cross-section can be constant throughout the entire orientation of the exhaust passage, but it can also vary. Thus, for example, at least one of the exhaust passages has a non-constant cross-section. In terms of tooling technology, a V-shaped cross-section can be achieved most easily if the passage is manufactured by milling. According to another preferred embodiment, the groove or recess of the exhaust passage has a U-shaped cross-section. This has the advantage that the corresponding groove or recess provides a relatively large cross-section for fluid flow.

[0010] Given that another geometric design has proven advantageous, the grooves or channels in the exhaust channel have a depth of 0.10 mm to 0.5 mm, preferably 0.2 mm to 0.4 mm. If the cross-section is too small, the flow resistance becomes very large, causing the exhaust process to last for a very long time until it ends. On the other hand, when the channel cross-section is too large, it is certain that flow noise will always be noticeable. It has been proven within the numerical range given above that the appropriate depth of the exhaust channel, especially when the channel cross-section is designed in the simplest V-shaped profile, can achieve a good trade-off between noise generation on the one hand and the duration of the exhaust process on the other.

[0011] Preferably, the sealing element has a movable sealing section for opening and closing the exhaust outlet. In this design, the exhaust opening is opened and closed only by the movable sealing section, while the rest of the seal is permanently placed on the exhaust channel. When the sealing element is opened, that is, when the exhaust opening is opened, fluid flows out of the exhaust opening and into the exhaust channel, passing beneath the immovable sealing section within the exhaust channel, which in this embodiment is an open channel, such as a groove or recess, when viewed towards the sealing element.

[0012] Here, according to a preferred embodiment, the immovable or fixed sealing section surrounds the movable sealing section. The movable sealing section may be configured as, for example, a punch or the like, and the immovable sealing section is a ring surrounding the punch. In this embodiment, the gap between the punch and the ring is correspondingly bridged by a transition section made of a fluid sealing material, wherein the transition section connects the ring and the punch to each other. Preferably, the transition section is flexibly constructed, allowing for simple relative movement between the punch and the ring. The sealing element may be made of a uniform material, such as rubber or soft plastic. Of course, the sealing element may also be made of different materials that ensure sufficient fluid tightness. Attached Figure Description

[0013] The following uses the appendix Figures 1A to 3 This invention will be explained in detail.

[0014] Figure 1A A longitudinal sectional view of a portion of the pneumatic system according to the present invention is shown.

[0015] Figure 1B Show along Figure 1A The longitudinal section view of the cutting plane CC in the middle.

[0016] Figure 1C Show along Figure 1B The cross-sectional view of the cutting plane DD in the middle.

[0017] Figure 1D Show Figure 1C A magnified view of detail B in the image.

[0018] Figure 2 Showing with Figure 1A Comparable cross-sectional views, in which the sealing element is in the closed position.

[0019] Figure 3 Showing with Figure 1A Comparable cross-sectional views, in which the sealing element is in the open position.

[0020] Figure 4 Showing with Figure 1A Comparable cross-sectional views, having the second or third embodiment according to the invention,

[0021] Figure 5A The second embodiment of the invention is shown along Figure 4 The cross-sectional view of the cutting plane AA in the figure.

[0022] Figure 5B The third embodiment of the invention is shown along Figure 4 The cross-sectional view of the cutting plane AA in the figure. Detailed Implementation

[0023] exist Figure 1A The cross-sectional view shown illustrates a portion of the pneumatic system 1. This pneumatic system includes a conduit 3 through which fluid (advantageously air) flows and can fill a fluid-fillable space (e.g., a hollow body or air bladder) connected to the conduit 3 and indicated only by reference numeral 2 in the drawing. The fluid-fillable space 2 can also be evacuated again via the conduit 3. This is done using an exhaust opening 6 in the conduit 3 through which fluid can leak outwards. As shown in the drawing, the exhaust opening 6 is closed by a sealing element 5, more precisely by a sealing section 5c. Section 5c presses against a sealing seat 8, which is disposed in or on a region 7 opposite to the sealing element 5, thus preventing fluid flow between the sealing seat 8 and the sealing element 5.

[0024] Sealing element 5 can be from in Figure 1A and Figure 2 The closed position shown is switched to the open position. On the outside of the component belonging to pipe 3 and next to the exhaust opening 6, exhaust passages 7f and 7c are introduced into component 7, which is located in the area opposite to the sealing element 5, and pipe 3 is also located in this component. Here, this essentially involves a groove or channel leading away from the exhaust opening 6. Figure 2The closed position of the sealing element 5 is also shown. There, fluid or air can only be distributed within the pipe 3 in the direction of the arrow, and the sealing element 5 prevents fluid or air from flowing out through the exhaust opening 6. The sealing seat 8 is preferably an annular region extending around the outlet area of ​​the exhaust opening 6, located between the exhaust opening 6 and the exhaust passage.

[0025] If the sealing element 5 is moved from the closed position to the open position, fluid can flow out of the conduit 6 and leak outwards below the sealing element 5, particularly below the portion 5b of the annular surrounding sealing section 5c. This situation occurs in... Figure 3 As shown, the arrows, particularly arrows P1 and P2, indicate leaked air or fluid. The sealing section 5c and the section 5a connected thereto are movable parts of the sealing element 5. Section 5a is given the shape of a movable section punch or push rod. In particular, section 5a can be used to couple with mechanical switching or adjusting elements, thereby allowing opening and closing manually or electrically. In contrast, section 5b of the sealing element 5 is fixedly or immovably positioned and placed on the exhaust passage.

[0026] Between the immovable sealing element 5b and the movable sealing elements 5a and 5c, the sealing elements are constructed with relatively thin walls and flexibility, thus allowing the lifting and lowering of the movable sections, but preventing fluid outflow between sections 5c and 5b. The exhaust channels 7f and 7c are preferably implemented as grooves or recesses opening toward the sealing element 5.

[0027] Other characteristics of the exhaust passage used are determined by Figures 1B to 1D The diagram shows the result.

[0028] exist Figure 1B The cross-sectional view shows a row of exhaust channels, some of which are labeled with reference numerals 7a to 7h. These exhaust channels lead more or less away from the exhaust opening 6, and exhaust channels 7a to 7h are visibly of different lengths and shapes. Some are more strongly curved, while others are less so. As a result, the flow resistance of these channels varies due to their different lengths and orientations. Consequently, the air flowing into the exhaust channels 7a to 7h through the exhaust opening 6 when the sealing element 5 is opened is propagated to varying degrees through the exhaust channels 7a to 7h. As a result, noise generation is reduced not only in one frequency range but also in several different frequency ranges. Therefore, the overall noise generated by the outflowing fluid is significantly reduced compared to known solutions.

[0029] As mentioned above, the exhaust channels 7a to 7h are preferably grooves or recesses introduced into the material surrounding the outlet of the exhaust opening 6. Existing components can also be retrofitted, for example, by milling such grooves or recesses around the sealing seat 8.

[0030] Therefore, these channels are not closed channels, but are open towards the sealing element 5. For example, by Figure 1B In Figure 1C and 1D The cross-section DD shown in the diagram serves a purpose, as it influences flow characteristics. If exhaust channels 7a to 7h are introduced via milling, the V-shape shown in the diagram is obtained in the simplest case. However, other shapes are also conceivable: firstly, because the immovable sealing section 5b ( Figure 1A Because the sealing material is flexible and extends a certain distance into the open side of the exhaust opening, the flow cross-section in the support area of ​​the immovable section 5b is reduced. Therefore, it is recommended that the exhaust passage be rounded at its bottom, which generally results in a U-shaped cross-section. Other cross-sectional shapes, as well as cross-sections that vary in the direction of the passage, are also possible.

[0031] For flow resistance, the depth d of the exhaust channel ( Figure 1D This is also important. Flow resistance should be neither too high nor too low. When flow resistance is too high, the exhaust process slows down due to the resulting stagnation pressure. When flow resistance is too low, loud noise is expected. Therefore, the depth d of the exhaust passages 7a to 7h can optimize flow resistance and thus exhaust characteristics.

[0032] exist Figure 4 The implementation shown is similar to that in Figure 1A The difference in the embodiments described herein lies only in that grooves or channels 5d, 5e are also provided in the non-movable portion 5b of the sealing element 5. The proportions of these grooves or channels can be kept exactly the same as in the previously described embodiments, and thus refer directly to those embodiments. In a second embodiment according to the invention, the grooves or channels 5d, 5e provided in the sealing element 5 may be provided only in the sealing element 5, such as along... Figure 5A As shown in the cross-sectional view of line AA. The groove or channel is located only in the immovable portion 5b of the sealing element. The sealing element is fixedly abutted against the opposite region 7, where the conduit 3 is also located. In the abutting region, the surface structure of region 7 is preferably just a simple surface.

[0033] According to an alternative implementation (which is capable of...), Figure 5BAs can be best seen in the diagram, the two embodiments described above can be combined with each other. Here, the grooves or recesses constituting the exhaust passage are provided not only in region 7 (exemplarily shown here as grooves 7e and 7f) but also in the immovable region 5b of the sealing element (exemplarily shown here as groove 5d). It is possible that the grooves or recesses in the two portions 7 and 5b are as follows: Figure 5B The arrangement shown presents an opening in the groove or channel that faces the corresponding other component. In the example shown, channels 7e, 7e are opposite to the region 5f that protrudes between channels 5d. Therefore, the channel of component 7 is offset from the channel of component 5b. This provides additional passageway, which may be advantageous for exhaust outlets. It is also possible that the openings of the channels from the opposite components are arranged in pairs opposite each other, resulting in an exhaust passage with a cross-section larger than that of the channel itself.

Claims

1. A pneumatic system (1) having a conduit (3) connected to a fluid-fillable space (2) for filling and emptying said space, wherein, The pipe (3) has an exhaust outlet (6) through which fluid can leak from the pneumatic system (1) into the surrounding environment when the space (2) is emptied. The pneumatic system (1) includes a sealing element (5) capable of opening and closing the exhaust outlet (6). The sealing element (5) is configured such that fluid leaks from the pneumatic system (1) when the exhaust outlet (6) is open. The pneumatic system (1) includes multiple exhaust channels (7a-7h; 5d, 5e) through which fluid flowing out of the exhaust outlet (6) flows into the exhaust channels when the sealing element (5) is open and thus can leak into the surrounding environment. The exhaust passages (7a-7h; 5d, 5e) are characterized by being formed by grooves or channels, wherein the open side of the groove or channel opposite to the bottom of the groove or channel is at least partially covered not only when the exhaust outlet (6) is open but also when the exhaust outlet is closed, and at least two of the exhaust passages (7a-7h; 5d, 5e) have different lengths and / or different flow resistances.

2. The pneumatic system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pipeline (3) is connected to the expansion body.

3. The pneumatic system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The groove or trough is disposed in the region (7) of the pneumatic system (1) opposite to the sealing element (5) and is covered by the immovable sealing section (5b) of the sealing element (5) and / or the groove or trough is disposed in the immovable sealing section (5b) of the sealing element (5) and is covered by the region (7) of the pneumatic system (1) opposite to the immovable sealing section (5b) of the sealing element (5).

4. The pneumatic system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, At least two of the exhaust passages (7a-7h; 5d, 5e) have bends or changes in direction.

5. The pneumatic system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The exhaust passages (7a-7h; 5d, 5e) are at least partially guided radially away from the exhaust outlet (6).

6. The pneumatic system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The grooves or channels of the exhaust passages (7a-7h; 5d, 5e) have V-shaped or U-shaped cross-sections.

7. The pneumatic system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The grooves or channels of the exhaust passages (7a-7h; 5d, 5e) have a depth of 0.10 mm to 0.5 mm.

8. The pneumatic system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The grooves or channels of the exhaust passages (7a-7h; 5d, 5e) have a depth of 0.2 mm to 0.4 mm.

9. The pneumatic system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The sealing element (5) has movable sealing sections (5a, 5c) for opening and closing the exhaust outlet (6).

10. The pneumatic system (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The sealing element (5) has movable sealing sections (5a, 5c) for opening and closing the exhaust outlet (6).

11. The pneumatic system (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The immovable sealing section (5b) surrounds the movable sealing sections (5a, 5c).

12. The pneumatic system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, At least one of the exhaust channels (7a-7h; 5d, 5e) has a non-constant cross-section.

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