Valve for seat comfort system or seat and seat comfort system or seat

Abstract

The utility model relates to a valve, preferably an electromagnetic valve, for a seat comfort system or / and a seat, the seat comfort system is preferably provided with at least one fluid actuator, the seat comfort system is preferably a vehicle seat comfort system, the seat is equipped with such a comfort system, the seat is preferably a vehicle seat, and the seat comfort system is preferably provided with at least one fluid actuator. The valve comprises a base body having a linearly movable piston which can be pressed against a sealing seat by means of a tension force and which can be reversibly displaced against the tension force in the direction of an end stop, in the region of which a damping element is arranged, preferably by means of an electromagnetic drive, the damping element is provided for reducing a collision of the piston on the end stop, and the damping element is designed to generate a tensioning force acting on the piston. The utility model further relates to a seat comfort system or a seat. The seat comfort system or the seat comprises at least one fluid actuator and at least one valve.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a valve for a seat of a seat comfort system or / and, the seat comfort system preferably having at least one fluid actuator, the seat comfort system preferably being a vehicle seat comfort system, the seat being equipped with such a comfort system, and the seat preferably being a vehicle seat. Background Art

[0002] Seats mainly used in vehicles often have adjustment functions that go beyond their usual inclination and height changes. Therefore, for example, at least one seat area can be ergonomically matched to the person coming into contact with the seat to improve their comfort. A corresponding functional device can be provided, for example, as a lumbar support in the back part of the seat. In addition to other equipment features such as seat heating, a massage system can be alternatively or additionally integrated to preferably relax the back muscles during a long drive. The actuator generates the necessary movement process here. The operation of the actuator can be purely electrical or (preferably to obtain the shortest possible response time) by operating the fluid pressure in a fluid actuator acting in the sense of an airbag to purposefully change the volume of the fluid actuator. The control of the fluid actuator requires at least one valve to ensure rapid switching of the one or more fluid flows.

[0003] The valves used for this purpose each include a base body in which a linearly movable piston is supported. The piston is used to open or close the valve according to its changeable position. Usually, this piston can be held in the closed position by a preferably mechanically generated tension force, in which the piston is pressed onto a sealing seat. By means of a suitable, preferably electromagnetic drive device, the piston can then be reversibly displaced against the tension force acting on it in the direction of an end stop to open the valve. The end stop basically serves to limit the linear movability of the piston. Depending on the structural type, the stroke of the piston with respect to its displaceability can be influenced by the possible adjustability of the end stop. Since the members movable relative to each other are usually made of hard materials, once the moving piston is suddenly braked by its impact on the end stop, such a valve emits an operating noise that can be called a clicking sound. To reduce the impact of the piston, suitable buffer elements are sometimes provided in the region of the end stop.

[0004] US6,517,044B1 discloses a solenoid valve having a buffer element provided in the region of the end stop, in which solenoid valve the tension force necessary for closing the valve is applied to the piston by a metal helical spring. Similar valves are derived from EP3581409A1 and CN113027977A, which also each show at least one buffer element and a helical spring loading the corresponding piston of the buffer element.

[0005] Previously known valve constructions provide for a large number of parts in order to achieve quieter operation by damping the noise generated by the piston movement. Due to the number and expense during assembly, these valves are correspondingly costly to manufacture. Summary of the Utility Model

[0006] Against this background, the object of the present utility model is to further improve a valve of the type such that the valve can achieve as quiet as possible, preferably quieter operation despite generally low-cost manufacturability.

[0007] To this end, the present utility model provides a valve for a seat comfort system or / and a seat, the seat being equipped with such a comfort system, the valve comprising a base body having a piston capable of linear movement, the piston being capable of being pressed against a sealing seat by a tension force and being reversibly displaceable against the tension force in the direction of an end stop, and a buffer element being provided in the region of the end stop, the buffer element being provided for reducing the impact of the piston on the end stop, the buffer element being configured to generate a tension force acting on the piston.

[0008] According to the present utility model: The buffer element which has hitherto only been used for reducing the impact of the piston on the end stop should now also be configured to generate a tension force acting on the piston. In other words, according to the concept of the present utility model, the helical spring which has hitherto been used for applying the tension force to the piston is completely omitted, and the buffer element not only still serves to reduce the piston impact but now also serves to apply the tension force.

[0009] The resulting advantage lies in a significant reduction in parts, since the expense for manufacturing and installing the helical spring is completely omitted. In contrast, the function of the originally existing buffer element is now supplemented as follows such that the buffer element takes over the function of the cancelled helical spring.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment of the present utility model, the valve is an electromagnetic valve.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment of the present utility model, the seat comfort system has at least one fluid actuator.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment of the present utility model, the seat comfort system is a vehicle seat comfort system.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment of the present utility model, the seat is a vehicle seat.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment of the present utility model, the piston can be reversibly displaced against the tension force in the direction of the end stop by an electromagnetic drive device.

[0015] According to a preferred improvement of the basic concept of the present utility model, the buffer element can be composed of or have at least one non-metallic material. Thus, it is possible to further reduce the switching noise, which is mainly generated by metallic materials and / or propagated through their oscillation characteristics. Particularly preferably, the material used can be at least partially elastically compressible. In principle, the non-metallic material can be constructed such that it can divide the incoming air flow into smaller sub-flows and / or completely block the air flow. Thus, the noise generation formed by the air flow is also reduced.

[0016] According to the present utility model, in principle, the buffer element can be at least partially composed of or have a foamed material in an advantageous manner. Thus, the characteristics necessary for the tension force and buffering can be adjusted in a targeted manner. Particularly preferably, the material used can be at least partially elastically compressible.

[0017] According to a preferred improvement of the valve according to the present utility model, the buffer element can be at least partially composed of or have an open-celled material. Thus, a further reduction in operating noise can be achieved. In addition to the acoustic events caused by movement and the contact of the piston with other components, the flowing fluid flow causes additional noise. The perception of this noise, which can be described as hissing, may also reduce comfort, so that the reduction of this noise also forms the object of the present utility model. Since the piston can be at least partially flushed by the fluid flow, the structural design is for turbulent flow and corresponding frequencies. By using an open-celled material, the turbulent flow and corresponding frequencies can be reduced, which is mainly because the fluid flow is thus distributed over multiple channels of this material, which contributes to acoustic buffering. Particularly preferably, the material used can be at least partially elastically compressible. Thus, the oscillation in the material itself can be converted into mechanical motion, that is, heat in this regard, which may contribute to reducing the perceptible noise of the flowing fluid flow.

[0018] Preferably, the buffer element can be at least partially composed of or have a thermoplastic material. For example, it can relate to polyurethane (PUR, PU) here. Particularly preferably, the material used can be at least partially elastically compressible.

[0019] The present utility model provides that: the buffer element can be at least partially composed of or have an organic or synthetic material. Particularly preferably, the material used can be at least partially elastically compressible.

[0020] In principle, it is provided that: the buffer element is composed of or can have a homogeneous or mixed material, that is, a composite material. Particularly preferably, the material used can be at least partially elastically compressible.

[0021] According to a preferred design, the buffer element can be made of monomeric or polymeric materials or have such materials. Particularly preferably, the materials used can be at least partially elastically compressible.

[0022] The present utility model provides that the buffer element can be made of or can have biomaterials or sintered materials that are preferably at least partially elastically compressible.

[0023] Preferably, the buffer element can be made of synthetic rubber or polymers made of siloxanes or have such materials. The rubber can be, for example, nitrile or neoprene. Silicone resins are cited as preferred examples of polymers for siloxanes.

[0024] According to an advantageous refinement of the valve according to the present utility model, the buffer element of the valve can consist of or have at least two parts. The parts are preferably different from each other in at least one characteristic with respect to their respective materials. The characteristics can be the tightness of the materials or / and the dimensions of the parts or / and the respective shapes of the parts or / and the respective cross-sections of the parts, in order to mention only some possible differentiating characteristics. By means of a targeted combination of the parts, it is thus possible to adjust the optimal characteristics of the buffer element with respect to the required tension force and buffer characteristics.

[0025] Alternatively or additionally, the buffer element or at least a part of the buffer element can at least locally have at least one linear or / and non-linear or / and non-proportional (hysteresis) spring characteristic.

[0026] Particularly preferably, the buffer element can be at least partially arranged in the sealing area. Thus, it is preferably possible to reduce the noise of the flowing fluid flow to a minimum, whereby the comfort during the operation of the valve can be significantly improved.

[0027] Advantageously, the valve according to the present utility model can be a solenoid valve.

[0028] The valve according to the present utility model now proposed can achieve an operation with as low a noise level as possible despite its generally low-cost manufacturability. Depending on the design and / or arrangement of the buffer element, the operation of the buffer element can sometimes also be carried out with less noise, which results in a significant improvement in comfort.

[0029] Furthermore, the present utility model relates to a seat comfort system, preferably a vehicle seat comfort system, and a seat, preferably a vehicle seat, which seat has such a comfort system, and the seat comfort system / the seat includes at least one fluid actuator and at least one valve according to the present utility model as described in detail above.

[0030] The advantages resulting therefrom have been explained in detail in connection with the valve according to the present invention, such that for the sake of avoiding repetition reference is hereby made to the corresponding embodiments at this point. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The present invention will be explained in detail below with the aid of embodiments schematically shown in the drawings. In the drawings:

[0032] Figure 1 A perspective view of the valve according to the present invention is shown as an exploded view;

[0033] Figure 2 shows Figure 1 a longitudinal sectional view of the valve as an exploded view, and

[0034] Figure 3 shows Figure 1 and Figure 2 a longitudinal sectional view of the valve in the assembled state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] Figure 1 An exploded view of the valve 1 according to the present invention is shown in perspective. The valve 1 includes a base body 2 which, for the present purely by way of example, has a first opening 2a and a second opening 2b. These two openings 2a, 2b can be connected to fluid lines not shown in detail here. In this way, fluid pressure can be applied, for example, to the first opening 2a. In the open state of the valve 1, the fluid can flow out via the second opening 2b through a part of the base body 2. In a likewise not shown in detail manner, the second opening 2b can be connected to a fluid actuator in order to control this fluid actuator.

[0036] The opening and closing of the valve 1 is effected via a piston 3 shown here outside the base body 2. The valve 1 also includes a coil 4 arranged around a part of the base body 2 as well as an end stop 5 and a damping element 6. The base body 2 can also be referred to as a coil support. In the assembled state, the end stop 5 is connected to the base body 2 by means of a C-shaped clip 7 and fixed in its position, as can be seen in further detail Figure 3 as will be seen in the following.

[0037] Figure 2 shows Figure 1The valve 1 in [description] is again shown as a longitudinal sectional view of its side view in an exploded view. As can be seen, the base body 2 has a cylindrical channel 2c through which there is a flow connection between two openings 2a, 2b. Thus, the fluid pressure P1 applied at the first opening 2a can propagate in the open state of the valve 1 and exist as the fluid pressure P2 at the second opening 2b. The piston 3 can be pushed into the channel 2c to such an extent that it abuts against the sealing seat 2d of the base body 2. To seal the channel 2c against otherwise uncontrolled discharge of the fluid, the end stop 5 has a surrounding sealing ring 5a, for example in the form of a sealing strip.

[0038] In Figure 3 [description], Figure 1 and Figure 2 the valve 1 in [description] can be shown in a longitudinal sectional view in its assembled and thus operational state. As can be seen, the piston 3 is arranged to be linearly movable within the cylindrical channel 2c of the base body 2. Here, the piston 3 presses onto the sealing seat 2c of the base body 2 in its starting position. Thus, the two openings 2a, 2b are separated from each other so that no fluid can flow; the valve 1 is in its closed state. The buffer element 5 constitutes the tension force necessary for pressing onto the piston 3, and thus this buffer element is arranged exactly between the end of the piston 3 facing away from the sealing seat 2c and the end stop 5 in the region of the end stop 5. In other words, the buffer element 6 is configured to generate a tension force acting on the piston 3. At the same time, if the piston is displaced away from its starting position in the direction of the end stop 5, the buffer element 6 serves to mitigate the impact of the piston 3 on the end stop 5. The displacement of the piston 3 is effected by applying a voltage to the coil 4, which is part of the electromagnetic drive device in this regard. Thus, the exemplary embodiment of the valve 1 shown here is an electromagnetic valve.

[0039] Therefore, the buffer element 6 undertakes a dual task in such a way that the buffer element itself provides the tension force necessary for the sealing pressing of the piston 3 onto the sealing seat 2d and serves to attenuate or buffer the moving piston 3 in order to mitigate its impact on the end stop 5.

[0040] For this purpose, the buffer element 6 is preferably at least partially elastically compressible. The buffer element 6 can advantageously be made of or have a non-metallic material. Thus, the buffer element 6 can be made of or have a foamed material. Additionally or alternatively, the buffer element 6 can be made of or have an open-celled material. Further additionally or alternatively, the buffer element 6 can be made of or have a thermoplastic material, preferably polyurethane. Additionally or alternatively, the buffer element 6 can be made of or have an organic or synthetic material. In principle, the buffer element 6 can be made of or have a homogeneous or mixed material. Alternatively or additionally, the buffer element 6 can be made of or have a monomeric or polymeric material. Furthermore, alternatively or additionally, the buffer element 6 can be made of or have a biomaterial or a sintered material. The buffer element 6 can be made of or have a synthetic rubber, preferably nitrile or neoprene, or a polymer made of silicone, preferably silicone resin. In principle, it is provided that the buffer element 6 can be composed of or can have at least two parts, which can preferably differ from each other with respect to their respective materials, with respect to their tightness or / and dimensions or / and shape or / and cross-section. Alternatively or additionally, the buffer element 6 or at least a part of the buffer element 6 can at least locally have linear or / and non-linear or / and non-proportional spring characteristics.

[0041] By the preferred arrangement of the buffer element 6 in the sealing region of the valve 1, the noise generated by the flow of the fluid can be further reduced additionally.

[0042] List of reference numerals

[0043] 1 Valve

[0044] 2 Valve body

[0045] 2a First opening of the body

[0046] 2b Second opening of the body

[0047] 2c Channel in the body

[0048] 2d Sealing seat of the body

[0049] 3 Piston of the valve

[0050] 4 Coil of the valve

[0051] 5 End stop of the valve

[0052] 5a Sealing ring of the end stop

[0053] 6 Buffer element of the valve

[0054] 7 Clip of the valve

[0055] P1 fluid pressure

[0056] P2 fluid pressure.

Claims

1. A valve for a seat comfort system or / and a seat, the seat being equipped with such a comfort system, the valve comprising a base body (2) having a piston (3) capable of linear movement, the piston being able to be pressed against a sealing seat (2d) by a tension force and being reversibly displaceable against the tension force in the direction of an end stop (5), a buffer element (6) being provided in the region of the end stop (5), the buffer element being provided for reducing the impact of the piston (3) on the end stop (5). Characterized in that the buffer element (6) is configured to generate a tension force acting on the piston (3).

2. The valve according to claim 1, Characterized in that the valve is an electromagnetic valve.

3. The valve according to claim 1, Characterized in that the seat comfort system has at least one fluid actuator.

4. The valve according to claim 1, Characterized in that the seat comfort system is a vehicle seat comfort system.

5. The valve according to claim 1, Characterized in that the seat is a vehicle seat.

6. The valve according to claim 1, Characterized in that the piston can be reversibly displaced against the tension force in the direction of the end stop (5) by an electromagnetic drive device.

7. The valve according to claim 1, Characterized in that the buffer element (6) is made of or has at least one non-metallic material.

8. The valve according to claim 1, Characterized in that the buffer element (6) is made of or has at least one non-metallic material that can be at least partially elastically compressed.

9. The valve according to any one of claims 1 to 8, Characterized in that the buffer element (6) is at least partially made of or has a foamed material.

10. The valve according to any one of claims 1 to 7, Characterized in that the buffer element (6) is at least partially made of or has a foamed material that can be at least partially elastically compressed.

11. The valve according to any one of claims 1 to 8, Characterized in that the buffer element (6) is at least partially made of or has an open-cell material.

12. The valve according to any one of claims 1 to 7, Characterized in that the buffer element (6) is at least partially made of or has an open-cell material that can be at least partially elastically compressed.

13. The valve according to any one of claims 1 to 8, Characterized in that the buffer element (6) is at least partially made of or has a thermoplastic material.

14. The valve according to any one of claims 1 to 7, Characterized in that the buffer element (6) is at least partially made of or has a thermoplastic material that can be at least partially elastically compressed.

15. The valve according to claim 13, Characterized in that the thermoplastic material is polyurethane.

16. The valve according to claim 14, Characterized in that the thermoplastic material is polyurethane.

17. The valve according to any one of claims 1 to 8, Characterized in that The buffer element (6) is at least partially made of an organic or synthetic material or has such a material.

18. The valve according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the buffer element (6) is at least partially made of an organic or synthetic material that can be at least partially elastically compressed or has such a material.

19. The valve according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the buffer element (6) is made of a homogeneous or mixed material or has such a material.

20. The valve according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the buffer element (6) is made of a homogeneous or mixed material that can be at least partially elastically compressed or has such a material.

21. The valve according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the buffer element (6) is made of a monomeric or polymeric material or has such a material.

22. The valve according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the buffer element (6) is made of a monomeric or polymeric material that can be at least partially elastically compressed or has such a material.

23. The valve according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the buffer element (6) is made of a biomaterial or a sintered material or has such a material.

24. The valve according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the buffer element (6) is made of a biomaterial or a sintered material that can be at least partially elastically compressed or has such a material.

25. The valve according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the buffer element (6) is made of a synthetic rubber or a polymer made of siloxane or has such a material.

26. The valve according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the buffer element (6) is made of a synthetic rubber that can be at least partially elastically compressed or a polymer made of siloxane or has such a material.

27. The valve according to claim 25, characterized in that the synthetic rubber is nitrile or neoprene.

28. The valve according to claim 25, characterized in that the polymer made of siloxane is silicone resin.

29. The valve according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the buffer element (6) is composed of at least two parts or has these parts, and the parts are different from each other in at least one of the following characteristics: - Sealing performance, - Size, - Shape, - Cross-section.

30. The valve according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the buffer element (6) is composed of at least two parts or has these parts, and the parts are different from each other in at least one of the following characteristics regarding their respective materials: - Sealing performance, - Size, - Shape, - Cross-section.

31. The valve according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the buffer element (6) or at least a part of the buffer element (6) at least partially has at least one of the following spring characteristics: - Linear, - Non-linear, - Non-proportional.

32. The valve according to claim 31, Characterized in that, The non-proportional spring characteristic is hysteresis.

33. A valve according to any one of claims 1 to 8, Characterized in that, The damping element (6) is arranged at least partially in the sealing area.

34. A seat comfort system or a seat, the seat comprising such a comfort system, the seat comfort system or the seat comprising at least one fluid actuator and at least one valve (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 33.

35. A seat comfort system or a seat according to claim 34, Characterized in that, The seat comfort system is a vehicle seat comfort system.

36. A seat comfort system or a seat according to claim 34, Characterized in that, The seat is a vehicle seat.

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