Valves, valve units and seat comfort systems

Abstract

The present application relates to a valve, a valve device and a seat comfort system. The present invention relates to a valve (120) having a valve housing (102), wherein the valve housing (102) has at least one first opening (105) and at least one second opening (106), wherein the valve housing (102) encloses a valve chamber (109), wherein the valve (120) comprises an actuator (103) having an actuator (104), wherein the actuator (104) is arranged to open or close the valve (120). The valve (120) according to the present invention is characterized in that the valve (120) comprises at least one air quality measuring device for measuring the quality of air flowing through the valve (120) or at least one measuring wire (100) of the air quality measuring device for measuring the quality of air flowing through the valve (120). In addition, the present invention also relates to a valve device and a seat comfort system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a valve, in particular to a valve for a seat comfort system. The present invention also relates to a valve device and a seat comfort system. Background Art

[0002] According to the prior art, for example, DE 10 2017 112 803 A1 discloses a circuit arrangement for controlling a system, in particular a lumbar support having at least two air cushions. The known circuit is therefore suitable for seat comfort systems.

[0003] A seat comfort system is a system for providing comfort functions in a seat (e.g., a vehicle seat). For example, such a seat comfort system may include a pneumatic lumbar support and / or massage device for the seat. A seat comfort system typically includes multiple air cushions that can be filled and charged to a desired, possibly time-varying pressure. To this end, the seat comfort system comprises a control unit, a pump for applying compressed air to the air cushions, and multiple valves, with at least one valve appropriately assigned to each air cushion. Each of these valves may include an actuator comprising an SMA element (SMA: shape memory alloy)—an element made of a shape memory alloy—that switches the valve into an open, partially open, or closed functional state depending on the application of electrical current. Typically, the SMA element is an SMA wire. The supplied power must typically remain within very narrow limits to ensure reliable activation of the actuator while avoiding thermal overload and thus permanent damage to the SMA element. Therefore, sensors for current, voltage, and / or temperature monitoring are appropriately assigned to the control unit.

[0004] Figure 1A 、 Figure 1B and Figure 1C A circuit arrangement for a plurality of valves 120 of a seat comfort system 2 according to the prior art is shown. For example, the circuit arrangement 1 is suitable for actuating valves of a seat comfort system 2 comprising a lumbar support device having at least two air cushions (not shown). Thus, such a seat comfort system 2 comprises at least two air cushions, each of which comprises at least one valve 120 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 1B 、 Figure 1C ), in particular at least one valve 120. As for example in Figure 1BAs shown in FIG, such a valve 120 includes a valve housing 102 and an actuator 103. The valve housing 102 includes a first opening 105 and a second opening 106. The housing encloses a valve chamber 109. The actuator 103 includes an SMA element 100 implemented as an SMA wire arranged in a V-shape, and an actuator 104 provided with a sealing element 108, which is movable by means of the SMA element 100, so as to selectively open or close the first opening 105. The first opening 105 is open in a first position of the actuator 104 and closed in a second position of the actuator 104.

[0005] WO 2005 / 026592 A2 discloses that such a valve can have a limit switch 107 that closes when the second position is reached. The limit switch can be used to partially or completely reduce the heating power supplied to the SMA element 100. WO 2005 / 026592 A2 also discloses a circuit having a temperature sensor that adapts the heating power to the ambient temperature.

[0006] for Figure 1B Alternatively to the actuator with a V-shaped SMA element shown in FIG, an actuator 103 with a linear or U-shaped SMA element 100 is known, wherein the actuator 104 can be formed, for example, by a leaf spring, at the first end of which the SMA element 100 is engaged. Figure 1C . Here, the sealing element 108 can be held at a first end of the actuator 104 in a through-hole 104 a of the actuator 104 . In the example shown, the actuator 104 is arranged with its other end between a base plate 111 and a printed circuit board or circuit board 110 , wherein the SMA element 100 can be held and contacted by means of a crimp 101 .

[0007] Figure 1AThe circuit arrangement shown in FIG. 1 is suitable for supplying power to and switching on a plurality of SMA elements 100 - 1 to 100 -N. The SMA elements 100 - 1 to 100 -N are connected to a voltage source U, indicated by an arrow. To this end, the circuit arrangement 1 includes a control unit 30 . Furthermore, a temperature sensor 70 and / or a voltage sensor 71 may be provided for measuring the ambient temperature of the SMA elements 100 . The control unit 30 is connected to a pulse width modulation device 60 . The pulse width modulation device 60 can be used to control the SMA elements 100 - 1 to 100 -N using pulse width modulation, wherein the duty cycle of the pulse width modulation, i.e., the ratio of the pulse width to the cycle duration, is set based on the measured supply voltage and temperature. For example, a circuit for pulse width modulation is known from DE 10 2017 112 803 A1. The associated SMA elements 100 - 1 to 100 -N can be supplied with power sequentially via respective drivers 20 - 1 to 20 -N. To avoid current peaks, series resistors 21 - 1 to 21 -N may be provided. Furthermore, the circuit arrangement may also comprise a limit switch or a feedback device 38. The feedback device 38 is connected to the pulse width modulation device 60 as shown or alternatively to the control unit 30 and is adapted to report the mechanically detected reaching of the end position of the actuator to the pulse width modulation device 60 or the control unit 30.

[0008] DE 10 2016 225 519 A1 discloses a pneumatic valve having an actuator and a movable blocking element. The actuator is operated by an SMA element that is deformable by electrical heating power. To operate the actuator, electrical heating power is supplied to the SMA element, causing it to deform in a known manner, thereby causing a predetermined movement of the blocking element to open or close the air connection. When the supply of electrical heating power ends, the deformation of the SMA element is reversed, thereby reversing the predetermined movement of the SMA element. The known actuator also includes a detection unit to detect the arrival and departure of an end position. In the illustrated embodiment, the end position is detected by bridging a portion of the SMA element and measuring the reduced resistance caused by the bridging.

[0009] A control device for regulating an air cushion is known from DE 10 2015 113 029 A1. For control, the operating time of a pump is detected and the air quantity or air volume supplied to at least one air cushion is determined taking into account the delivery rate of the pump.

[0010] A method for monitoring the pressure in a pneumatic seat adjustment is known from DE 10 2015 213 442. For this purpose, a pressure sensor is used to measure the pressure in each air chamber or supply channel.

[0011] The known method is based on the fact that, in each position of the actuator, a switch is actuated, which is implemented as a toggle switch or a bridge. The function of such a mechanical switch can be impaired by dust particles, wear, liquids and high switching frequencies. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The object of the present invention is to provide a new valve, in particular a valve that is improved compared to the prior art. Another object is to provide a valve device and a seat comfort system having such a valve.

[0013] This object is achieved by the valve, valve device and seat comfort system described below. Advantageous embodiments are also provided accordingly.

[0014] For example, the valve according to the present invention is a valve of a seat comfort system. A seat comfort system may include one or more valves. For example, a seat comfort system may be used in a vehicle seat. For example, a seat comfort system may be a lumbar support device and / or a massage device. Typically, a seat comfort system includes one or more air cushions, which are usually arranged in a seat, particularly a vehicle seat.

[0015] The valve according to the present invention comprises a valve housing, which may, for example, comprise a housing cover, a housing bottom, and an intermediate housing disposed between the housing cover and the housing bottom. The valve housing comprises at least one first opening and at least one second opening, and encloses a valve chamber. The valve chamber may comprise a flow chamber and an operating chamber. The valve comprises an actuator having an actuator for opening or closing the valve, such as the first opening and / or the second opening, or an opening within the valve, such as an opening between the flow chamber and the operating chamber, and preferably includes a reset element. In particular, the actuator is adjustable between at least a first position and a second position. Within the meaning of the present application, the first position and the second position are two different positions that can be selected as an open position and a closed position or an intermediate position of the valve. For example, the actuator may comprise a piezoelectric element or a magnetic element, in particular an electromagnetic element, or an SMA element (shape memory alloy element).

[0016] The valve according to the invention comprises at least one air mass measuring device for measuring the air mass flowing through the valve or at least one measuring line of an air mass measuring device for measuring the air mass flowing through the valve.

[0017] For example, as explained in more detail below, the air mass flowing through the valve can be determined using a measuring wire. The air mass to be measured flows through the measuring wire and, in doing so, causes, for example, a temperature change on or around the measuring wire. Thus, based on the air mass flowing through the valve, it is possible to determine or at least estimate the amount of air or the volume of air in an associated air cushion, such as a seat comfort system. For example, this can be accomplished by comparing the measured value of the air mass measuring device with a stored comparison value and / or by performing a parallel reference measurement in an area without air flow, such as with an additional reference measuring wire.

[0018] The invention therefore has the advantage that the air mass and thus the amount of air flowing through the valve can be determined by means of the valve. Thus, based on the air mass flowing through the valve, it is possible to determine or at least estimate how much air is present in an associated air cushion, for example, of a seat comfort system.

[0019] The air quality measuring device may comprise at least one measuring wire, wherein the measuring wire is arranged in the valve housing and / or in the valve chamber and / or in the first opening and / or in the second opening. For example, the measuring wire may be arranged in the flow chamber of the valve.

[0020] Furthermore, the air quality measuring device may include a measuring device for measuring a physical variable of the measuring wire. The measuring device may, for example, include:

[0021] a. a resistance measuring device for measuring the resistance of the measuring wire, and / or

[0022] b. a temperature sensor and / or a temperature measuring device for measuring the temperature of the measuring wire and / or the ambient temperature of the measuring wire, and / or

[0023] c. a current measuring device for measuring the heating current of the measuring wire, and / or

[0024] d. A power measuring device for measuring the input power of the measuring wire.

[0025] The change in the measured value determined by means of the measuring device depends on the heat removed from the measuring wire by the passing air and is therefore an indicator of the air quality to be determined. In the sense of the present invention, resistance is understood to mean an electrical resistance.

[0026] According to one development, the measuring device is part of a circuit arrangement for controlling a valve, wherein the circuit arrangement has at least one driver unit for operating an actuator and a control unit for controlling the driver unit, and wherein the control unit is suitable for processing an output signal of the measuring device of the air quality measuring device.

[0027] The control unit is thus configured such that it processes the output signal and the measurement result of the air quality measuring device and thus uses this measurement result, for example, to control the drive unit in order to operate the actuator, i.e., to close the valve, for example, when a predetermined threshold value of the air quality or air quantity flowing through is reached. Thus, for example, when filling or emptying an air cushion, the valve according to the invention enables, in particular, contactless detection of one or more predetermined filling states of the air cushion and can control or regulate the valve accordingly, for example, closing or opening the valve.

[0028] Thus, the air quality measuring device generates an output signal, for example based on a measurement of the temperature and / or heating current and / or electrical power consumption and / or resistance of at least one measuring wire of the air quality measuring device and / or the change over time of these measured variables, which output signal is characteristic of the air quality and thus also the air quantity flowing through the valve. This output signal is forwarded to the control unit so that the control unit can, for example, control or regulate the drive unit based on the measured air quality or air quantity.

[0029] The output signals of the corresponding measuring devices are forwarded to the control unit so that the control unit can control or adjust the driver unit based on the measured values ​​of the measuring devices. The circuit device can be designed to measure the resistance, current and / or power of the measuring wire or to energize it, so that the measuring device and the driver unit are alternately effectively connected to the measuring wire, which is particularly suitable when the measuring wire is an SMA element, that is, an SMA wire that is also an element of the valve actuator. This will be explained in more detail below. In the case of temperature measurement, the driver unit can also be measured and controlled simultaneously or alternately. It can be proposed that the control unit also controls the resistance measuring device and / or the temperature sensor and / or the temperature measuring device and / or the current measuring device and / or the power measuring device.

[0030] One design proposal provides that the valve actuator comprises an SMA element. For example, the SMA element may be an SMA wire, which is understood to be a linear but also a ribbon-shaped SMA element. The SMA wire may then be the measuring wire of an air quality measuring device, or one of these measuring wires. If necessary, one or more additional measuring wires may be provided for the air quality measuring device. A refinement of this design proposal provides that the air quality measuring device includes a measuring device, in particular a resistance measuring device, and the circuit arrangement is designed such that the measuring device and the driver unit are alternately operatively connected to the SMA element, specifically the SMA wire. This alternating control can be achieved by a correspondingly configured control unit. Thus, the SMA wire, which functions as a measuring wire, is used to measure air quality, or the SMA wire, which functions as an actuator, is energized. These two functions are performed alternately, i.e., the air quality measuring device and the driver unit are alternately operatively connected to the SMA wire. To this end, the control unit can also control the air quality measuring device in addition to the driver unit.

[0031] In addition to the SMA element, at least one separate wire may be provided, i.e., a wire provided in addition to the SMA element, wherein the separate wire is the measuring wire of the air quality measuring device or one of these measuring wires. If necessary, one or more further measuring wires of the air quality measuring device may be provided, wherein the SMA element may also be an SMA wire provided as a further measuring wire.

[0032] Thus, a separate wire is arranged separately from the SMA elements of the actuator. The separate wire can be made of SMA material or other metal materials (e.g., tungsten or platinum) or alloys. For example, the separate wire can be connected in parallel with one or more SMA elements, but can be driven separately from them, i.e., independently of them.

[0033] In one embodiment, the valve can have additional sensors for current, voltage, and / or temperature monitoring. In one embodiment, the valve, in particular the control unit, can have a communication interface for control via switches and / or an onboard computer present in the vehicle. The valve, in particular the control unit, can have a LIN (Local Interconnect Network) communication interface as a further input, which in particular has a transceiver and / or switch input interface. The switch input interface is particularly suitable for processing resistance-based switching signals, and the switch input interface can be designed for multiple switch inputs, for example, for seat adjustment, in particular seat position, as well as for lumbar and / or massage functions. The control unit can include a memory for storing data.

[0034] The valve housing can have at least one valve opening, for example, leading from a flow chamber into an operating chamber, wherein the operating chamber is provided with: an actuator that can move axially between a closed position for closing the valve opening and an open position for releasing the valve opening; a wire-shaped or strip-shaped SMA element made of shape memory alloy, which is used to operate the actuator in an opening direction; a reset element, which is used to move the actuator in a closing direction; and a circuit board, wherein a section of the SMA element is fixed to the actuator and at least one end is electrically connected to the circuit board in order to be loaded with current.

[0035] In an expedient embodiment, the middle section of the SMA element is fixed to the actuator and the two ends are connected to the printed circuit board.

[0036] In another embodiment, the air quality measuring device and / or the control unit is configured to determine the air quality from:

[0037] a. Measure the wire temperature and heating current, and / or

[0038] b. Measure the temperature and input power of the wire, and / or

[0039] c. Measure the resistance and heating current of the wire, and / or

[0040] d. Measure the resistance of the wire and the input power.

[0041] The aforementioned circuit arrangement for controlling the valve, in particular the measuring device, may include an evaluation unit or be connected to an evaluation unit. For example, the evaluation unit may record and evaluate specific measured values ​​of the air quality measuring device, such as resistance values, temperature values, current intensity, and / or power values, and generate an output signal therefrom, which is forwarded to the control unit. In particular, this output signal may include a signal for signaling that a termination condition has been reached.

[0042] In one embodiment, the circuit arrangement includes an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit) having one or more of the following components: a driver unit, in particular a driver unit having one or more SMA actuators; a measuring device of the air quality measuring device or a measuring device thereof, in particular a measuring device having an evaluation unit and / or a memory; and a control unit. This embodiment including an ASIC makes the circuit arrangement smaller and more cost-effective to manufacture. As described above, the measuring device can be a temperature measuring device, a resistance measuring device, a current measuring device, and / or a power measuring device.

[0043] In another embodiment, the valve and / or the circuit arrangement comprises further sensors, in particular end position switches, which can be used as a safety measure or as a calibration aid, for example.

[0044] In one embodiment, a circuit arrangement is associated with a plurality of valves and thus includes a plurality of actuators, wherein a driver unit, in particular a driver unit having an SMA driver, is assigned to each actuator for operating the corresponding actuator, or an SMA driver is assigned to each actuator in the driver unit. The circuit arrangement advantageously includes a multiplexer that is connected to each of the SMA elements of the actuators so that the resistance of each SMA element can be measured individually. Thus, each SMA element is sequentially connected to a resistance measuring device for measuring the resistance using the multiplexer.

[0045] In another embodiment, the circuit arrangement, for example the evaluation unit and / or the control unit, comprises a memory for storing data. Alternatively, the memory can also be a common memory of the evaluation unit and the control unit.

[0046] It can be provided that the evaluation unit and / or the control unit evaluates a series of successively measured values ​​of the same SMA element, in particular temperature measured values, current measured values, resistance values ​​or (input) power values, and / or compares these measured values ​​with one or more predetermined values.

[0047] For example, the control unit is designed to be controlled using pulse width modulation. To this end, the control unit includes, for example, a pulse width modulation unit. Consequently, the SMA elements are sequentially energized by the associated SMA drivers of the driver unit within a predetermined duty cycle of pulse width and pulse height, thereby heating them. In one embodiment, the pulse width modulation unit can output a timing signal to a measuring device, such as a resistance measuring device and / or an air quality measuring device.

[0048] Furthermore, it can be provided that the circuit arrangement, in particular the measuring device and / or the evaluation unit, comprises a signal amplifier and / or a noise suppressor.

[0049] In one embodiment, a measuring device, particularly a resistance measuring device, includes two or more multiplexers, each of which is connected to a portion of the SMA elements. This embodiment is feasible for large systems with a large number of SMA elements. For example, each multiplexer can be equipped with 20 SMA elements.

[0050] Advantageously, a series resistor is connected in series between the measuring device, in particular the resistance measuring device, and the SMA element. The series resistor serves primarily to reduce current peaks and thus the risk of overloading the SMA element.

[0051] It can also be provided that the valve and / or the circuit arrangement comprises sensors other than those already described above (eg end position switches).

[0052] The method for controlling a valve according to the invention, in particular by means of the aforementioned circuit arrangement, comprises the following steps:

[0053] a. Measuring air quality,

[0054] b. Then, by means of a driver unit, the actuator, in particular the SMA element of the actuator, is driven according to the measured air quality.

[0055] c. Repeat the measurement and control cycle until the termination condition is reached.

[0056] For example, the termination condition may be or include reaching a predetermined air quality value and / or a predetermined change and / or a filling level of, for example, an air cushion.

[0057] When an SMA element is heated, particularly by passing a heating current through it, its resistance changes. This resistance change is disclosed, for example, in "Resistance Modeling of SMA Wire Actuators," published in Canada in 2011 by Song et al., International Workshop Smart Materials Structures & NDT in Aerospace, NDT. Therefore, the resistance change can be correlated with a predetermined length change, particularly a shortening. However, the resistance change is not linear, but rather includes linear and nearly linear ranges. Experiments have shown that the slope of the resistance curve reverses sign upon reaching the end point of the actuator, resulting in a reversal point, i.e., a zero crossing of the second derivative of the resistance curve. The reversal point can be determined by comparison with one or more previously measured resistance values. The combination of detecting the reversal point and comparing with a predetermined absolute value improves the accuracy of the method. If a wire made of another material (e.g., metal) is used for air quality determination, resistance and temperature have a different relationship.

[0058] In particular, the end condition can be selected for normal operation so that the actuator is in an intermediate position close to the open position or the closed position, so that the end point of the actuator is not reached using the method according to the invention. This reduces the mechanical load on the valve.

[0059] The method expediently comprises control by means of pulse width modulation.

[0060] In one embodiment, the method further comprises at least one of the following steps, wherein the air quality measuring device comprises at least one measuring wire:

[0061] a. Measure the resistance of the test wire, and / or

[0062] b. measuring the temperature of the measuring wire and / or the ambient temperature, and / or

[0063] c. Measure the heating current of the measuring wire, and / or

[0064] d. Measure the input power of the test wire.

[0065] The method may also include measuring the resistance of all SMA elements, wherein the resistance of all SMA elements is measured within a common actuation dead time, or wherein the resistance of one SMA element is measured between the actuation of one SMA element and the actuation of another SMA element (in particular a subsequent SMA element). In this case, two or more valves are assigned to the circuit arrangement, and two or more actuators are provided accordingly, each of which includes an SMA element.

[0066] In a further embodiment, the power required for operating the actuator is calculated by means of the driver unit or read from a table.

[0067] It can be provided that the air quality measuring device and / or the measured values ​​of the measuring device are used and that the air quality and / or air quantity and / or actuation signals for the drive units are determined and / or outputted from these measured values ​​based on stored comparison values ​​and / or stored value tables. This can be performed, for example, in the evaluation unit and / or the control unit. Alternatively or additionally, the measured values ​​can also be compared (for example, using a reference measuring wire), for example, with comparison values ​​of a reference measurement performed in parallel, and the air quality and / or air quantity and / or actuation signals for the drive units can be determined and / or outputted based on this.

[0068] The valve arrangement according to the present invention comprises a plurality of valves according to the present invention. The aforementioned circuit arrangement for controlling each valve can be integrated into a common circuit arrangement. It can be provided that all valve housings of the valves are constructed in one piece. In particular, the valve housings enclosing the valve chambers of the individual valves, in particular the valve housings including the intermediate housing and / or the housing cover and / or the housing bottom, can be constructed in one piece.

[0069] In one embodiment, at least one first part of the plurality of valves has a common pressure port, which opens into the valve chamber, in particular into the flow chamber, particularly preferably into the first region of the flow chamber or into a region including the first region of the flow chamber, or is connected to the valve chamber, in particular into the flow chamber, particularly preferably into the first region of the flow chamber, or is connected to the valve chamber via at least one air channel. At least one second part of the plurality of valves can have a common opening for connection to the atmosphere, which opening can open into the first region of the flow chamber or into a region including the first region of the flow chamber, or is connected to the first region of the flow chamber. The measuring wire can be accommodated in each valve, in particular, as an SMA wire.

[0070] Alternatively to the above design, the measuring wires may not be housed in each valve of the valve device, but rather the wires of the air quality measuring device may be arranged in an air passage toward the pressure port and / or toward a common opening for connection to the atmosphere. Thus, the air quality measuring device may include a measuring wire for each valve, or a measuring wire for a first portion of multiple valves, and / or a measuring wire for a second portion of multiple valves.

[0071] The air quality measuring device can be controlled so that an air quality measurement is performed only when exactly one valve is open. For example, the air quality measuring device is integrated into the circuit arrangement so that an air quality measurement is performed only when exactly one valve is open.

[0072] The seat comfort system according to the invention comprises one or more valves according to the invention and / or a valve arrangement according to the invention and, in addition, one or more air cushions, wherein the filling level of each air cushion can be controlled by at least one valve. In particular, the seat comfort system is designed to be installed in a seat, in particular a vehicle seat. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0073] The following describes other features and advantages of the present invention in more detail based on the description of the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the schematic principle diagram:

[0074] Figure 1A shows a circuit arrangement according to the prior art,

[0075] Figure 1B shows an SMA valve with an actuator according to the prior art,

[0076] Figure 1C The actuator of the valve according to the prior art is shown. Figure 1B Alternative design options,

[0077] Figure 2 A first embodiment of a circuit arrangement for controlling a valve according to the invention is shown.

[0078] Figure 3 shows a design of a valve according to the invention, comprising an actuator with an SMA element,

[0079] Figure 4 A second embodiment of a circuit arrangement for controlling a valve according to the invention is shown.

[0080] Figure 5 A third embodiment of a circuit arrangement for controlling a valve according to the invention is shown.

[0081] Figure 6 An example of an ASIC for controlling a circuit arrangement according to the invention is shown.

[0082] Figure 7 shows a design of a valve device according to the invention for a seat comfort system according to the invention, having a plurality of valves according to the invention,

[0083] Figure 8 The embodiment of the seat comfort system according to the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0084] Figure 1A 、 Figure 1B and Figure 1C The prior art is shown and has already been described in the opening paragraph.

[0085] Figure 2 A first embodiment of a circuit arrangement 1 is shown. The circuit arrangement 1 is designed for actuating a plurality of valves 120 of a seat comfort system 2 together with a plurality of SMA elements 100-1 to 100-N, in particular SMA wires, which are respective parts of the actuators 103 and thus of the valves 120 (in particular as in Figure 1B and Figure 1C shown in ).

[0086] The circuit arrangement 1 includes a measuring device 5 and a control unit 30. The measuring device 5 is connectable or connected to each of the SMA elements 100-1 to 100-N. The measuring device 5 and each of the SMA elements 100-1 to 100-N form an air quality measuring device 305-1 to 305-N. The measuring device 5 can be designed as a resistance measuring device, a temperature measuring device, a current measuring device, and / or a power measuring device. The SMA elements 100-1 to 100-N are connected to a voltage source U, indicated by an arrow. The control unit 30 is connectable or permanently connected to each of the SMA elements 100-1 to 100-N via an SMA actuator 20. The SMA actuator 20 is arranged in the actuator unit 6. The measuring device 5 generates an output signal, which is transmitted to the control unit 30 by wire or wirelessly and used by the control unit 30 as an input signal for controlling or regulating the SMA actuator 20.

[0087] Optionally, the measuring device 5 includes a multiplexer 12 that is connectable or connected to each of the SMA elements 100-1 to 100-N, in order to measure the resistance of one of the SMA elements 100-1 to 100-N, in particular by applying a measuring current via a current source 13. Furthermore, a signal amplifier 14, which may include offset correction, is preferably provided in the measuring device 5. The obtained measurement signal can then be evaluated in an evaluation unit 8 for determining the air quality. In the example shown, the evaluation unit 8 is arranged in the measuring device 5. Alternatively, the evaluation unit may be arranged as a separate component between the measuring device 5 and the control unit 30.

[0088] Figure 2 The control unit 30 of the circuit arrangement 1 shown may be designed to operate the SMA elements 100 - 1 to 100 -N by means of pulse width modulation.

[0089] Figure 3 An alternative design of a valve 120 is shown. In this valve 120, Figure 1B Unlike the valve 120 , a separate wire 140 as a measuring wire is arranged at a different position in the valve 120 relative to the SMA element 100 . Figure 3 Three different positions where the wire 140 may be arranged are shown as examples. For example, the wire 140 may be arranged as wire 141 in the second opening 106 of the valve 120 and / or as wire 142 in the first opening 105 of the valve 120. Alternatively or additionally, the wire 140 may be arranged as wire 143 in a valve chamber, such as a flow chamber of the valve. Figure 3In this embodiment of the valve 120 shown in FIG, the wire 140, in particular as the wire 141 and / or the wire 142 and / or the wire 143, can also alternatively or additionally be connectable or connected to the measuring device 5 (see, for example, Figure 4 ), and together with the measuring device 5 form an air quality measuring device.

[0090] Figure 4 A second embodiment of the circuit arrangement 1 is shown, in which separate wires 140 - 1 to 140 -M are additionally arranged in the respective valve 120 , as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown in FIG, these individual wires, like the SMA elements 100-1 to 100-N, form an air quality measuring device 305-X with the measuring device 5, so that air quality measurement can also be performed on the wires 140-1 to 140-M, and the corresponding SMA elements 100-1 to 100-N of the corresponding valve 120 are driven by the SMA actuator 20 based on the measurement. Figure 4 In the embodiment shown in FIG, the individual wires 140-1 to 140-M are connected in parallel with the SMA elements 100-1 to 100-N, but these individual wires 140-1 to 140-M for measurement can be driven individually for the corresponding measurement. However, alternatively or additionally to this driving, it is also possible to measure, for example, the resistance at the SMA elements 100-1 to 100-N with the aid of the circuit arrangement 1. The number M of the individual wires 140-1 to 140-M and the number N of the SMA elements 100-1 to 100-N can be the same or different. When the actuator 103 of the valve 120 uses a piezoelectric element or a magnetic, in particular electromagnetic, element to drive the actuator 104 instead of an SMA element, the piezoelectric element or magnetic element can be driven in a similar manner to the embodiment shown in FIG. Figure 4 The SMA elements 100 - 1 to 100 -N shown in FIG. 1 are driven using corresponding wires 140 - 1 to 140 -M based on corresponding measured values ​​of the air quality measurement.

[0091] Figure 5 A third embodiment of the circuit arrangement 1 is shown. Figure 2 The circuit arrangement 1 shown in FIG. 1 differs in that series resistors 21 - 1 to 21 -N are connected upstream of the SMA elements 100 - 1 to 100 -N, respectively. Figure 4 In addition to the SMA elements 100-1 to 100-N, separate wires 140-1 to 140-M are arranged, as shown in Figure 5As shown in FIG, series resistors 23-1 to 23-M are also connected upstream of these individual wires. Thus, series resistors 21-1 to 21-N and series resistors 23-1 to 23-M each complement the corresponding air quality measuring device 305-X.

[0092] In addition, according to Figure 5 The circuit arrangement 1 according to Figure 2 The circuit arrangement 1 of FIG. 5 differs in that a filter 16 is arranged in the measuring device 5 in addition to the amplifier 14. In principle, a plurality of filter stages and amplifier stages and / or integrated components for signal improvement can also be used here.

[0093] In accordance with Figure 5 In the embodiment shown, the evaluation unit 8 comprises a memory 36. Alternatively or additionally, an external memory is also possible, which the evaluation unit 8 can access.

[0094] Except in Figure 5 In addition to the input 31 shown in FIG. 5 (which may also be present in other embodiments and, for example, may be designed to input a control signal that may be transmitted wirelessly or by wire), the control unit 30 also includes a pulse width modulation device 60, which is connected to the drive unit 6 and thus to the SMA drives 20-1 to 20-N. Optionally, the control unit 30 may be designed to control the measuring device 5. As already described, Figure 4 As described, here too, the individual wires 140 - 1 to 140 -M can be easily integrated into the circuit arrangement 1 .

[0095] Figure 6 An ASIC 4 is shown, which can be used to implement the circuit arrangement 1 according to the present invention. This ASIC 4 can include components of the measuring device 5, such as the evaluation unit 8 and / or the memory 36 and / or the amplifier 14 and / or the filter 16. Furthermore, the ASIC 4 can include a control unit 30, for example, having a pulse width modulation device 60. Furthermore, if the ASIC 4 includes the control unit 30, it can also include an input 31, for example, which is designed for inputting a control signal, which can be transmitted wirelessly or by wire. Optionally, the ASIC 4 can also include a driver unit 6 having an SMA driver 20.

[0096] Figure 7The valve arrangement 200 of a seat comfort system 2 is shown. This valve arrangement 200 includes a plurality of valves, specifically first valves 120a and second valves 120b, which are actuated using a circuit arrangement 1 according to the present invention. This view shows a detail of an intermediate housing 208 of the seat comfort system 2. Air is supplied (indicated by dashed arrows) via a common pressure port 270, which can be connected to a pneumatic pump, through an air channel 276 formed by the intermediate housing 208 to a first flow area 282. This first flow area 282 is assigned to the first valves 120a, in this case four valves 120a. A check valve 272 is arranged in the air channel 276 between the pressure port 270 and the first flow area 282. The second valves 120b, in this case four second valves 120b, are connected to a common opening (not shown) to the atmosphere via a second flow area 274. On the side of the valves 120a, 120b which is fluidically opposite the first flow area 282 or the second flow area 274, the valves 120a and 120b are connected to one another via an air channel 278a, 278b, 278c, 278d, respectively.

[0097] The air cushions can be connected to load ports 230a, 230b, 230c, and 230d. When the air cushions are deflated, the air contained therein first flows through the corresponding load ports 230a, 230b, 230c, and 230d into the associated air channels 278a, 278b, 278c, and 278d, respectively, and then flows through the associated open second valve 120b into the second flow area 274 and from there into the atmosphere. In this case, the corresponding first valve 120a connected to the same air channel 278a, 278b, 278c, and 278d is closed. When the air cushions are filled with compressed air, air flows from the pressure port 270 into the air cushions via the first flow area 282 and the associated open first valve 120a, as well as the corresponding air channels 278a, 278b, 278c, and 278d and the corresponding load ports 230a, 230b, 230c, and 230d. In this case, the corresponding second valve 120b is closed.

[0098] In other words: the first valve 120a and the second valve 120b are each assigned to an air cushion or generally an air reservoir and connected thereto, wherein the first valve 120a serves to fill the air cushion with air and the second valve 120b serves to drain the air cushion.

[0099] exist Figure 7 In such a system, which is shown in a non-limiting manner in FIG, the SMA elements of the valves 120a, 120b, in particular the SMA wires, can be used as measuring wires of the air quality measuring device on the one hand, and the separate wire 140 can be used as measuring wires of the air quality measuring device on the other hand. Figure 3As shown in the example, the individual wires 140 can be arranged in areas associated only with the corresponding valves 120a, 120b. Alternatively or additionally, the wires 140 can also be arranged in a common air channel 276 (in Figure 7 144 in the figure), and / or arranged in a common pressure port 270 (in the Figure 7 145 ), and / or arranged in the second flow region 274 (in Figure 7 denoted additionally by reference numeral 146).

[0100] Figure 8 A seat comfort system 2 is shown. In the illustration shown, the seat comfort system 2 includes a valve 120 having a first valve opening 310, a second valve opening 311, and a third valve opening 312. The first valve opening 310 is connected to a pump 300 via a fluid line 320. The second valve opening 311 is connected to an air cushion 330 via a fluid line 321. The third valve opening 312 is connected to an atmospheric opening 340 via a further fluid line 322. Components of one or more air quality measuring devices, in particular measuring wires of the air quality measuring devices, can be arranged in one or more of the fluid lines 320, 321, 322. Figure 8 The air quality measuring device associated with the fluid line 320 is symbolically indicated by reference numeral 305a, the air quality measuring device associated with the fluid line 322 is symbolically indicated by reference numeral 305b, and the air quality measuring device associated with the fluid line 321 is symbolically indicated by reference numeral 305d. Alternatively or additionally, the measuring lines of the air quality measuring devices can also be arranged in the valve 120 itself. Figure 8 In the embodiment, the air quality measuring device is symbolically indicated by reference numeral 305c. In the seat comfort system 2 having a plurality of air cushions 330, the plurality of air cushions 330 can be connected to one or more valves 120. In particular, the plurality of air cushions 330 are connected to the valve device 200, wherein the valve device 200, for example, is connected to the seat comfort system 2 having a plurality of air cushions 330. Figure 7 The valve device basically replaces Figure 8 The valve 120 shown in FIG2 is omitted, and a plurality of air cushions 330 are connected in parallel to the valve device 200 instead of the one air cushion 330 shown. The air quality measuring device, in particular the measuring wire of the air quality measuring device, can then be arranged accordingly in the valve device 200 and / or the corresponding air channel and / or flow area and / or fluid line.

[0101] Reference Signs List

[0102] 1 Circuit device

[0103] 2 Seat comfort system

[0104] ASIC

[0105] 5. Measuring device

[0106] 6 driver units

[0107] 8 evaluation units

[0108] 12 multiplexers

[0109] 13 Current Source

[0110] 14 signal amplifier

[0111] 16 filters

[0112] 20, 20-1 to 20-NSMA drives

[0113] 21-1 to 21-N series resistors

[0114] 23-1 to 23-M series resistors

[0115] 30 control units

[0116] 31 Input terminal

[0117] 36 memory

[0118] 38 Feedback device

[0119] 60 pulse width modulation device

[0120] 70 temperature sensor

[0121] 71 voltage sensor

[0122] 100, 100-1 to 100-NSMA components, such as SMA wire

[0123] 101 crimping parts

[0124] 102 valve housing

[0125] 103 actuator

[0126] 104 actuators

[0127] 104a through hole

[0128] 105 First Opening

[0129] 106 Second Opening

[0130] 107 limit switch

[0131] 108 sealing element

[0132] 109 valve chamber

[0133] 110 circuit board

[0134] 111 substrate

[0135] 120, 120a, 120b valves

[0136] 140, 140-1 to 140-M wire

[0137] 141 to 146 wire

[0138] 200 valve device

[0139] 208 intermediate housing

[0140] 230a to 230d load ports

[0141] 270 pressure port

[0142] 272 check valve

[0143] 274 Second Flow Area

[0144] 276 air channels

[0145] 278a to 278d air passages

[0146] 282 First Flow Area

[0147] 300 pumps

[0148] 305-1 to 305-N, 305-X Air Quality Measurement Devices

[0149] 305a to 305d Air quality measuring devices

[0150] 310 first valve opening

[0151] 311 second valve opening

[0152] 312 third valve opening

[0153] 320 fluid pipeline

[0154] 321 fluid pipeline

[0155] 322 fluid pipeline

[0156] 330 air cushion

[0157] 340 atmospheric opening

[0158] U voltage source.

Claims

1. A valve device (200), comprising a plurality of valves (120) having a valve housing (102), in, The valve housing (102) has at least one first opening (105) and at least one second opening (106), wherein the valve housing (102) surrounds a valve chamber (109), Each valve (120) includes an actuator (103) having an actuator element (104), wherein the actuator (104) is arranged to open or close the valve (120), It is characterized by: Each valve (120) comprises at least one air quality measuring device (305-1-305-N, 305-X, 305a-305d) for measuring the quality of air flowing through the valve (120) or at least one measuring wire (100, 100-1-100-N, 140, 140-1-140-N) of an air quality measuring device (305-1-305-N, 305-X, 305a-305d) for measuring the quality of air flowing through the valve (120), wherein at least one first part (120a) of the plurality of valves has a common pressure port (270), which respectively opens into the valve chamber (109) or is connected to the valve chamber (109) via at least one air channel (276) and / or a first flow area (282), and / or wherein at least one second part (120b) of the plurality of valves has a common opening for connection to the atmosphere, wherein the opening is connected to the corresponding valve chamber (109) via a second flow area (274), The measuring wire of the air quality measuring device is arranged in the air channel (276) leading to the pressure port (270) and / or in the first flow area (282) and / or in the second flow area (274) and / or in the common opening for connection to the atmosphere.

2. The valve device (200) according to claim 1, wherein: The air quality measuring device (305-1-305-N, 305-X, 305a-305d) comprises a measuring device (5) for measuring a physical variable of the measuring wire (100, 100-1-100-N, 140, 140-1-140-M).

3. The valve device (200) according to claim 2, wherein: The measuring device (5) comprises: a resistance measuring device for measuring the resistance of the measuring wire, and / or b for measuring the temperature of the measuring wire and / or the measuring wire ambient temperature temperature measuring device, and / or c. a current measuring device for measuring the heating current of the measuring wire, and / or d. A power measuring device for measuring the input power of the measurement wire.

4. The valve device (200) according to claim 3, wherein: The temperature measuring device is a temperature sensor.

5. The valve device (200) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein: The measuring device (5) is part of a circuit arrangement (1) for controlling the valve (120). The circuit arrangement (1) comprises at least one driver unit (6) for operating the actuator (103) and a control unit (30) for controlling the driver unit (6). The control unit (30) is adapted to process output signals of the measuring devices (5) of the air quality measuring devices (305-1-305-N, 305-X, 305a-305d).

6. The valve device (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The actuator (103) of each valve has an SMA element (100, 100-1-100-N).

7. The valve device (200) according to claim 5, wherein the actuator (103) of each valve has an SMA element (100, 100-1-100-N).

8. The valve device (200) according to claim 6, wherein the SMA element (100, 100-1-100-N) is an SMA wire, wherein the SMA wire is one of at least one measuring wire of the air quality measuring device (305-1-305-N, 305-X, 305a-305d).

9. The valve device (200) according to claim 7, wherein the SMA element (100, 100-1-100-N) is an SMA wire, wherein the SMA wire is one of at least one measuring wire of the air quality measuring device (305-1-305-N, 305-X, 305a-305d).

10. The valve device (200) according to claim 6, in, In addition to the SMA element, at least one separate wire (140, 140-1-140-M) is provided. The separate wire is one of at least one measuring wire of the air quality measuring device (305-1-305-N, 305-X, 305a-305d).

11. The valve device (200) according to claim 7, in, In addition to the SMA element, at least one separate wire (140, 140-1-140-M) is provided. The separate wire is one of at least one measuring wire of the air quality measuring device (305-1-305-N, 305-X, 305a-305d).

12. The valve device (200) according to claim 8 or 9, in, In addition to the SMA element, at least one separate wire (140, 140-1-140-M) is provided. The separate wire is one of at least one measuring wire of the air quality measuring device (305-1-305-N, 305-X, 305a-305d).

13. A seat comfort system (2) comprising a valve device (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 and additionally one or more air cushions (330), wherein the filling level of each air cushion (330) can be controlled by at least one valve (120).

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