Integral stop valve

Abstract

An assembly includes a valve including first and second layers joined to form a passage and a cavity adjacent the passage. The cavity includes a concave portion concave with respect to the passage.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] The seat may include a sac, which is constructed within a comfort component installed in the seat cushion or seat back. The sac can inflate and deflate to provide a massage effect. Attached Figure Description

[0002] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an exemplary seat.

[0003] Figure 2 This is a front view of the seat back, with the decorative cover removed to show instances of the comfort components.

[0004] Figure 3 An exemplary valve is shown.

[0005] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of an exemplary valve.

[0006] Figure 5 An exemplary valve in the closed position is shown.

[0007] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of an exemplary valve in the closed position is shown.

[0008] Figure 7 Another exemplary valve is shown.

[0009] Figure 8 Another exemplary valve is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0010] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Numerous specific details are set forth in the following detailed description to provide a thorough understanding of the various described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the various described embodiments can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, circuits, and networks have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments.

[0011] "One or more" includes functions performed by one element, functions performed by more than one element (e.g., in a distributed manner), several functions performed by one element, several functions performed by several elements, or any combination of the above.

[0012] It should also be understood that although the terms first, second, etc., are used in some instances herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first contact may be referred to as a second contact, and similarly, a second contact may be referred to as a first contact, without departing from the scope of the various described embodiments. Both a first contact and a second contact are contacts, but they are not the same contact.

[0013] The terminology used in the description of the various described embodiments herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the description of the various described embodiments and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “described” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used herein refers to and covers any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It should be further understood that the terms “includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and / or “comprising”, when used in this specification, specify the presence of the stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0014] As used herein, depending on the context, the term "if" may optionally be interpreted as meaning "when," "at," "in response to determination," or "in response to detection." Similarly, depending on the context, the phrase "if determination" or "if [the state or event] is detected" may optionally be interpreted as meaning "when determination," "in response to determination," "when [the state or event] is detected," or "in response to detection of [the state or event]."

[0015] It should be understood that terms such as “about,” “basically,” and “generally” are not intended to be unbounded terms and should be interpreted in accordance with the way those skilled in the art interpret these terms.

[0016] This disclosure relates to a fluid system comprising one or more main fluid sacs in fluid communication with a fluid supply source and one or more secondary fluid sacs in fluid communication with one of the main fluid sacs to provide a massage effect.

[0017] Figure 1A seat assembly 10 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. The seat assembly 10 can be used as a vehicle seat assembly 10 for seating in a vehicle such as a car, aircraft, ship, or any other seating environment. The seat assembly 10 includes a seat base 12, which can be adapted to be mounted for electrically driven adjustable translation in the forward and rearward directions and in the upward and downward directions of the vehicle. The seat assembly 10 includes a seat back 14, which can be pivotally connected to the seat base 12 to extend substantially upright relative to the seat base 12 for pivotal adjustment relative to the seat base 12. A head restraint 16 can also be mounted to the seat back 14.

[0018] The seat bottom 12 may include a central seating surface 18 and a pair of side wing regions 20 spaced laterally around the central seating surface 18. The seat back 14 may include a pelvic / lumbar seating surface 22 having a pair of laterally spaced side wing regions 24 on either side. A chest / shoulder seating surface 26 is disposed above the pelvic / lumbar seating surface 22 and the seat back side wing regions 24. It should be understood that this is merely one example of a seat configuration, and other configurations may also be used.

[0019] In one embodiment, the seat assembly 10 may include one or more comfort components 28 mounted within the seat base 12 and / or seat back 14. Figure 2 In one embodiment, the comfort component 28 is configured to provide a massage effect using pulsating motion, which is transmitted to the associated portion of the seated occupant via the seat bottom 12 or the seat back 14.

[0020] In one embodiment, the comfort component 28 includes one or more main fluid bladders 30 that can be selectively inflated via an actuator assembly 32, the actuator assembly being in... Figure 2 The diagram is schematically shown. In an embodiment, the main fluid bladder 30 may include discrete inflatable / deflatable bags or units, and the actuator assembly 32 controls the inflation and / or deflation of the main bladder assembly 30 via one or more controllers 34. The actuator assembly 32 may include a fluid supply source 36 connected to a valve assembly 38 to provide a fluid source to the fluid bladder 30. In one example, the valve assembly 38 may include any type of valve assembly suitable for controlling the flow from the fluid supply source 36 to the bladder 30, and the valve assembly 38 may include a single valve or multiple valves as needed. In an embodiment, the fluid supply source 36 may include one or more of, for example, a compressor, fan, air pump, blower, pump, and pneumatic pump.

[0021] In one embodiment, the valve assembly 38 directs fluid into one or more fluid paths 39 associated with the bladder 30. For example, the fluid path 39 may be formed as a tube or conduit.

[0022] In one embodiment, one or more controllers 34 regulate the compressed air entering and exiting the main chamber 30 in the seat assembly 10. The controllers 34 and actuators 32 can be mounted in the seat back 14, under the seat bottom 12, or anywhere else suitable in the vehicle.

[0023] One or more controllers 34 may include processing units and non-transitory memory for executing various control strategies. The processing unit may be a custom or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), or generally any means for executing software instructions. The memory may include any or a combination of volatile memory elements and / or non-volatile memory elements. The processing unit may be programmed to execute one or more programs stored in the memory. For example, the program may be stored in the memory as software code. The program stored in the memory may include one or more additional or separate programs, each including an ordered list of executable instructions for implementing the logical functions associated with the control valve assembly. Although shown as a single controller, each controller 34 may consist of one or more controllers. Controller 34 may also communicate with and respond to instructions from another controller. Those skilled in the art, benefiting from this specification, will be able to determine how to configure one or more controllers 34 for the valve charging purposes set forth below.

[0024] Figure 3 An exemplary valve 40 is shown, which may be included, for example, in a valve assembly 38 or a similar valve assembly. The exemplary valve 40 includes a passage 42 and a cavity 44 adjacent to the passage 42. In an embodiment, the passage 42 may be a substantially straight passage having an inlet 46 at a first end 48 and an outlet 50 at a second end 52 opposite to the first end 48. In other instances, the inlet 46 may be at the second end 52, and the outlet 50 at the first end 48. In an embodiment, the valve 40 may be mounted in the seat back 14, under the seat bottom 12, or anywhere suitable in the vehicle.

[0025] Cavity 44 may include a concave portion 54 that is concave relative to passage 42. In embodiments, the concave portion 54 may be U-shaped, C-shaped, V-shaped, semi-circular, and / or curved. In embodiments, passage 42 is straighter than the concave portion 54, but in some embodiments, passage 42 may include slight curves or bends to facilitate fluid flow or engagement within spatial constraints. Passage 42 and cavity 44 may be defined by boundary 56. Passage 42 and cavity 44 may be fluidly separated from each other at boundary 56. Boundary 56 may form a fluid-impermeable separation between passage 42 and cavity 44. Boundary 56 of passage 42 may extend longitudinally and provide a lateral boundary. Concave portion 54 may include arms 58A, 58B extending from base portions 60 of arms 58A, 58B to a first end 62A and a second end 62B, wherein the first end 62A and the second end 62B are closer to passage 42 than the base portion 60 is closer to passage 42. Passage 42 and end 62A may share boundary 56. The passage 42 and cavity 44 can together form a P-shape. The boundary 56 of the concave portion 54 can be concave in shape as shown, and can extend to the boundary 56 of the passage 42.

[0026] Cavity 44 may include a post 64 extending from concave portion 54. Post 64 may be substantially parallel to passage 42. Post 64 is fluidly separated from passage 42 by one or more boundaries 56 between post and passage. Post 64 and passage 42 may share the boundary 56 as shown. Cavity 44 may include a first cavity end 66, a second cavity end 68, a cavity inlet 70 at the first cavity end 66, and a cavity outlet 72 at the first cavity end 66. The first cavity end 66 may be within post 64. Other inlet and outlet configurations may be utilized. In some instances, the respective fluid paths 39 may receive inlets and outlets as described herein, such as between layers 74, 76 (described below).

[0027] Figure 4 It shows crossing Figure 3 A cross-section of an exemplary valve 40 is shown. The valve includes a first layer 74 and a second layer 76 connected to form a passage 42 and a cavity 44. In one embodiment, the first layer 74 and the second layer 76 may be flexible sheets, and the cavity 44 and the passage 42 are disposed between the first layer 74 and the second layer 76. In another embodiment, the first layer 74 and the second layer 76 are a first thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) sheet and a second thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) sheet, and the cavity 44 and the passage 42 are disposed between the first thermoplastic polyurethane sheet and the second thermoplastic polyurethane sheet. Other materials may be used.

[0028] In one embodiment, boundary 56 is formed by connecting the first and second layers together. In another embodiment, boundary 56 is formed by laser welding the first layer 74 and the second layer 76 together. In this embodiment, the boundary can be formed in a single welding process step, thereby increasing efficiency and reducing manufacturing time. In this embodiment, laser welding may have the additional benefit of keeping the layers substantially flat. In other embodiments, high-frequency welding, thermal bonding, adhesive bonding, or lamination may be utilized. As shown, the inner surfaces of boundary 56 and layers 74, 76 can enclose passage 42 and cavity 44.

[0029] Return to reference Figure 3 The opening 78 may be configured to extend through the first layer 74 and the second layer 76, defined by the concave portion 54 and the passage 42. In embodiments, the opening 78 may provide improved shut-off performance for the cavity 44 and the passage 44 (described below). In embodiments, the passage 42 has a first width w1, and the cavity 44 has a second width w2 greater than the first width w1. Widths w1 and w2 may be adjacent to the opening 78, but a similar configuration without the opening 78 may also be utilized. The applicant has found that in some embodiments, this arrangement may provide improved shut-off performance for the cavity 44 (described further below). However, other width relationships will also benefit from this disclosure. Widths w1 and w2 may be coplanar. The cavity 44 may have a larger volume than the passage 42.

[0030] Figure 5 and Figure 6 An exemplary valve 40 in the closed position is shown. The cavity 44 can be inflated, such as to a substantially full position, causing the inner surfaces of layers 74 and 76 (e.g., at bends) to contact each other to restrict airflow through passage 42. The closed position shown prevents fluid from flowing from inlet 46 to outlet 50 due to blockage at the contact points of layers 74 and 76 caused by the inflating of cavity 44. Contact can be induced in region 80 longitudinally located between ends 62A and 62B of passage 42. In some embodiments, passage 42 may taper at region 80, or passage 42 may not have a taper. Thus, cavity 44 can act as a shut-off valve for passage 42 when fluid is received. Inflating cavity 44 can cause bends in passage 42 such that passage 42 resembles the shape of cavity 44. In embodiments, controller 34 can control the inflating of cavity 44 when passage 42 is desired to be closed or blocked.

[0031] In one implementation, opening 78 can allow for increased flexibility in the layers of passage 42 used to create blockages, thereby facilitating the movement required to achieve the blockage. Opening 78 can also accommodate expansion during inflation.

[0032] Figure 7Another exemplary valve 140 is shown that is substantially similar to valve 40, except that passage 142 tapers at region 160.

[0033] Figure 8 Another exemplary valve 240 is shown that is substantially similar to valve 40, except that the concave portion 254 is V-shaped.

[0034] A method of one or more exemplary valves disclosed herein may include shutting off a valve, the valve including a first layer and a second layer connected to form a passage and a cavity adjacent to the passage, wherein the shutting off includes inflating a concave portion of the cavity to induce contact between the first layer and the second layer in the passage.

[0035] The inflation may include introducing air into the cavity through an inlet until the cavity is substantially full. The method may include opening the valve by venting the concave portion.

[0036] In some aspects, the pathway includes a pathway inlet at a first pathway end and a pathway outlet at a second pathway end opposite to the first pathway end, and the bend restricts flow from the pathway inlet to the pathway outlet.

[0037] Components according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure are considered to include a valve, the valve including a first layer and a second layer connected to form a passage and a cavity adjacent to the passage, wherein the cavity includes a concave portion concave relative to the passage.

[0038] In one embodiment, the first layer and the second layer are a first thermoplastic polyurethane sheet and a second thermoplastic polyurethane sheet, and the cavity and the passage are disposed between the first thermoplastic polyurethane sheet and the second thermoplastic polyurethane sheet. In another embodiment, the first layer and the second layer are laser-welded together at the boundary of the cavity and the passage.

[0039] In one embodiment, the cavity includes a column portion extending from the concave portion.

[0040] In one embodiment, the passage includes a passage inlet at a first passage end and a passage outlet at a second passage end opposite to the first passage end, and the cavity includes a first cavity end, a second cavity end, a cavity inlet at the first cavity end, and a cavity outlet at the first cavity end.

[0041] In one embodiment, the passage has a first width, and the cavity has a second width greater than the first width.

[0042] In one embodiment, the passage and the cavity together form a P-shape.

[0043] In one implementation, the component may include an opening through the first layer and the second layer defined by the concave portion and the passage.

[0044] In one embodiment, the concave portion is U-shaped. In another embodiment, the concave portion is V-shaped.

[0045] In one embodiment, the first layer and the second layer are a first thermoplastic polyurethane sheet and a second thermoplastic polyurethane sheet. The cavity and the passage are disposed between the first thermoplastic polyurethane sheet and the second thermoplastic polyurethane sheet. The first layer and the second layer are connected together at the boundary of the cavity and the passage. The passage includes a passage inlet at a first passage end and a passage outlet at a second passage end opposite to the first passage end. The cavity includes a first cavity end, a second cavity end, a cavity inlet at the first cavity end, and a cavity outlet at the first cavity end.

[0046] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a component comprising: a vehicle seat; a plurality of sacs disposed within the vehicle seat; and a valve system for regulating fluid flow to the plurality of sacs, the valve system comprising: a valve including a first layer and a second layer connected to form a passage and a cavity adjacent to the passage, wherein the cavity includes a concave portion concave relative to the passage.

[0047] In one embodiment, the vehicle seat includes a seat back, and the valve is located in the seat back.

[0048] Although the different embodiments have the specific components shown in the figures, the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to those specific combinations. Some components or features from one embodiment may be used in combination with features or components from another embodiment. In addition, the various figures accompanying this disclosure are not necessarily drawn to scale, and some features may be enlarged or minimized to show certain details of a particular component or arrangement.

[0049] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above embodiments are exemplary and non-limiting. That is, modifications to this disclosure will fall within the scope of the claims. Therefore, the following claims should be studied to determine their true scope and content.

Claims

1. A component comprising: A valve comprising a first layer and a second layer connected to form a passage and a cavity adjacent to the passage, wherein the cavity includes a concave portion that is concave relative to the passage.

2. The component of claim 1, wherein the first layer and the second layer are a first thermoplastic polyurethane sheet and a second thermoplastic polyurethane sheet, and the cavity and the passage are disposed between the first thermoplastic polyurethane sheet and the second thermoplastic polyurethane sheet.

3. The component of claim 2, wherein the first layer and the second layer are laser-welded together at the boundary between the cavity and the passage.

4. The component of claim 1, wherein the cavity includes a column portion extending from the concave portion.

5. The component according to claim 1, wherein: The passage includes a passage inlet at a first passage end and a passage outlet at a second passage end opposite to the first passage end, and The cavity includes a first cavity end, a second cavity end, a cavity inlet at the first cavity end, and a cavity outlet at the first cavity end.

6. The component of claim 1, wherein the passage has a first width and the cavity has a second width greater than the first width.

7. The component of claim 1, wherein the passage and the cavity together form a P-shape.

8. The component of claim 1, comprising: An opening defined by the concave portion and the passageway through the first layer and the second layer.

9. The component of claim 1, wherein the concave portion is U-shaped.

10. The component of claim 1, wherein the concave portion is V-shaped.

11. The component according to claim 1, wherein: The first layer and the second layer are a first thermoplastic polyurethane sheet and a second thermoplastic polyurethane sheet, and the cavity and the passage are disposed between the first thermoplastic polyurethane sheet and the second thermoplastic polyurethane sheet. The first layer and the second layer are joined together at the boundary between the cavity and the passage. The passage includes a passage inlet at a first passage end and a passage outlet at a second passage end opposite to the first passage end, and The cavity includes a first cavity end, a second cavity end, a cavity inlet at the first cavity end, and a cavity outlet at the first cavity end.

12. A component comprising: Vehicle seats; Multiple bladders disposed within the vehicle seat; as well as A valve system for regulating fluid flow to the plurality of bladders, the valve system comprising: A valve comprising a first layer and a second layer connected to form a passage and a cavity adjacent to the passage, wherein the cavity includes a concave portion that is concave relative to the passage.

13. The component of claim 12, wherein the vehicle seat includes a seat back, and the valve is located in the seat back.

14. The component of claim 12, wherein the first layer and the second layer are a first thermoplastic polyurethane sheet and a second thermoplastic polyurethane sheet, and the cavity and the passage are disposed between the first thermoplastic polyurethane sheet and the second thermoplastic polyurethane sheet.

15. The component of claim 14, wherein the first layer and the second layer are laser-welded together at the boundary between the cavity and the passage.

16. The component of claim 12, wherein: The passage includes a passage inlet at a first passage end and a passage outlet at a second passage end opposite to the first passage end, and The cavity includes a first cavity end, a second cavity end, a cavity inlet at the first cavity end, and a cavity outlet at the first cavity end.

17. A method comprising: A shut-off valve includes a first layer and a second layer connected to form a passage and a cavity adjacent to the passage, wherein shut-off includes inflating a concave portion of the cavity, thereby causing a bend in the passage.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the inflation comprises introducing air into the cavity through an inlet until the cavity is substantially full.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein: The pathway includes a pathway inlet at a first pathway end and a pathway outlet at a second pathway end opposite to the first pathway end, and the bend restricts flow from the pathway inlet to the pathway outlet.

20. The method of claim 18, comprising: The valve is opened by allowing the concave portion to release water.

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