Valve assembly and pneumatic comfort system

Abstract

The embodiment of the utility model relates to the technical field of valve assemblies, in particular to a valve assembly and a pneumatic comfort system.The valve assembly comprises a valve body, a valve element, a medium runner and an actuator, the valve body is provided with a conduction chamber, a first medium opening, a second medium opening and a third medium opening, and the first medium opening, the second medium opening and the third medium opening are communicated with the conduction chamber; the medium flow channel is communicated with the second medium opening and the third medium opening, and the actuator is arranged on the valve body; the actuator is used for actuating the valve element to move to close or open the third medium opening. When the valve element seals the third medium opening, the first medium opening is opened and is in fluid communication with the second medium opening through the communicating chamber. When the valve element opens the third medium opening, the first medium opening is closed, and the third medium opening is in fluid communication with the second medium opening at least through the medium flow channel. By means of the mode, rapid fluid filling and rapid fluid discharging are achieved, and the requirements for rapid fluid filling and rapid fluid discharging are met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of valve assembly technology, and in particular to a valve assembly and a pneumatic comfort system. Background Technology

[0002] Pneumatic comfort systems typically employ air valves, such as solenoid valves, to control the inflation and deflation of the air bag between the air source and the air bag, enabling the air bag to expand when inflated and contract when deflated, thus achieving a pneumatic regulation effect. However, existing solenoid valves can only satisfy one of the requirements for rapid inflation or rapid deflation, and cannot simultaneously handle both, thus failing to meet the needs for rapid inflation and rapid deflation.

[0003] For example, in the solenoid valves disclosed in patents CN203604712U and CN108953683A, the inflation port and vent port are typically connected via a fluid channel formed by the gap between the valve core and the conduction chamber. Due to the limited size of the gap between the valve core and the conduction chamber, the airflow is restricted, and the efficiency of venting from the inflation port through the vent port cannot be improved, making it difficult to meet the demand for rapid venting. Similarly, in the solenoid valve disclosed in patent CN208021267U, the vent port is located on the same side as the inflation port and directly connected through the conduction chamber to accelerate venting; however, correspondingly, the inlet and inflation port are still connected via a fluid channel formed by the gap between the valve core and the conduction chamber, which limits the inflation efficiency and cannot simultaneously achieve rapid inflation and rapid venting. Utility Model Content

[0004] This invention provides a valve assembly and a start-up comfort system that can solve the technical problem that existing air valves cannot simultaneously handle rapid inflation and deflation, thus failing to meet the requirements for rapid inflation and deflation.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides a valve assembly comprising:

[0006] The valve body is provided with a conduction chamber and a first medium opening, a second medium opening and a third medium opening communicating with the conduction chamber;

[0007] The valve core is disposed in the conduction chamber;

[0008] A medium flow channel, connecting the second medium opening and the third medium opening;

[0009] An actuator is disposed on the valve body; the actuator is used to actuate the valve core to close or open the third medium opening;

[0010] When the valve core closes the third medium opening, the first medium opening is opened and fluidly communicates with the second medium opening through the conduction chamber; when the valve core opens the third medium opening, the first medium opening is closed, and the third medium opening is fluidly communicated with the second medium opening at least through the medium flow channel.

[0011] Optionally, the medium flow channel is disposed in the valve body.

[0012] Optionally, the valve assembly includes a housing, the valve body is mounted on the housing, and the medium flow channel is disposed in the housing.

[0013] Optionally, the valve body is provided with a first flow channel and a second flow channel, the first flow channel connecting the medium flow channel and the second medium opening, and the second flow channel connecting the medium flow channel and the third medium opening.

[0014] Optionally, the medium flow channel includes a first end and a second end, the valve body is provided with a first insertion part and a second insertion part, the first insertion part is provided with the first flow channel and is sealed and inserted into the first end, the second insertion part is provided with the second flow channel and is sealed and inserted into the second end.

[0015] Optionally, a gap flow channel is provided between the valve core and the side wall of the conduction chamber. The gap flow channel connects the second medium opening and the third medium opening. When the valve core closes the first medium opening, the third medium opening is opened, and the third medium opening is also in fluid communication with the second medium opening through the gap flow channel.

[0016] Optionally, the valve assembly further includes a partition seal that divides the conduction chamber into a first chamber and a second chamber, the first chamber being in communication with both the first medium opening and the second medium opening, and the second chamber being in communication with the third medium opening.

[0017] Optionally, the actuator includes a coil, which, when energized, magnetically drives the valve core to close or open the third medium opening.

[0018] Optionally, the valve assembly further includes a reset element that drives the valve core to close or open the third medium opening.

[0019] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, another technical solution adopted by this utility model is: to provide a pneumatic comfort system, including an air source device, an air bag and the above-mentioned valve assembly, wherein the air source device is in fluid communication with the air bag through the valve assembly; wherein the air source device is in fluid communication with the first medium opening of the valve assembly, and the air bag is in communication with the second medium opening of the valve assembly.

[0020] The valve assembly of this invention has a medium flow channel that communicates with both the second and third medium openings. When the third medium opening is closed, the first medium opening is opened and fluidly connected to the second medium opening through the conduction chamber, enabling rapid filling of fluid with a large flow rate. When the third medium opening is opened, the first medium opening is closed, and the third medium opening is fluidly connected to the second medium opening at least through the medium flow channel, allowing the fluid in the second medium opening to be rapidly discharged with a large flow rate through the medium flow channel, thereby meeting the requirements for rapid filling and rapid discharge of fluid.

[0021] The pneumatic comfort system of this invention uses the aforementioned valve assembly to achieve rapid fluid filling and emptying, thereby improving the adjustment efficiency of the pneumatic comfort system and enhancing the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments of this utility model will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the valve assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the valve assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the valve assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the valve body of the valve assembly according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the housing of the valve assembly with a medium flow channel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0029] 100. Valve assembly;

[0030] 1. Valve body; 11. Conducting chamber; 12. First medium opening; 13. Second medium opening; 14. Third medium opening; 15. First insertion part; 151. First flow channel; 16. Second insertion part; 161. Second flow channel; 2. Valve core; 3. Medium flow channel; 31. First end; 32. Second end; 4. Actuator; 41. Coil;

[0031] 5. Shell;

[0032] 6. First sealing element;

[0033] 7. Second sealing element;

[0034] 8. Control circuit board. Detailed Implementation

[0035] To facilitate understanding of this utility model, a more detailed description is provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be noted that when an element is described as "locked" to another element, it can be directly on the other element, or one or more intermediate elements may exist between them. When an element is described as "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element, or one or more intermediate elements may exist between them. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this specification are for illustrative purposes only.

[0036] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this specification have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The term "and / or" as used in this specification includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0037] Please see Figures 1-4 The valve assembly 100 provided in this embodiment of the present invention includes a valve body 1, a valve core 2, a medium flow channel 3, and an actuator 4.

[0038] The valve body 1 includes a flow chamber 11 and three media openings 12, 13, and 14 communicating with the flow chamber 11. A valve core 2 is disposed within the flow chamber 11 and is movable within it. A media flow channel 3 connects the second media opening 13 and the third media opening 14. In some specific embodiments, one end of the media flow channel 3 communicates with the second media opening 13 through the space near the second media opening 13 within the flow chamber 11, and the other end of the media flow channel 3 communicates with the third media opening 14 through the space near the third media opening 14 within the flow chamber 11. The media flow channel 3 is independent of the flow chamber 11, allowing the second media opening 13 and the third media opening 14 to communicate without obstructing the gap between the valve core 2 and the inner wall of the flow chamber 11.

[0039] Actuator 4 is disposed on valve body 1. Actuator 4 is used to actuate valve core 2 to close or open the third medium opening 14. The opening and closing states of the third medium opening 14 and the first medium opening 12 alternate. In other words, the third medium opening 14 is normally open and the first medium opening 12 is normally closed, or the third medium opening 14 is normally closed and the first medium opening 12 is normally open. When valve core 2 closes the third medium opening 14, the first medium opening 12 is opened and fluidly connected to the second medium opening 13 through the conduction chamber 11, realizing rapid filling of fluid with a large flow rate. When valve core 2 opens the third medium opening 14, the first medium opening 12 is closed. The third medium opening 14 is fluidly connected to the second medium opening 13 at least through the medium flow channel 3, so that the fluid in the second medium opening 13 can be rapidly discharged with a large flow rate through the medium flow channel 3.

[0040] In some embodiments, there are multiple valve bodies 1, valve cores 2, media flow channels 3, and actuators 4, forming an integral valve module structure. Specifically, a valve core 2 is disposed in the conduction chamber 11 of a corresponding valve body 1, a corresponding media flow channel 3 connects the second media opening 13 and the third media opening 14 of the corresponding valve body 1, and a corresponding actuator 4 is disposed in a valve body 1. The corresponding actuator 4 is used to actuate the corresponding valve core 2 to move and close or open the third media opening 14 of the valve body 1.

[0041] In some embodiments, multiple valve bodies 1 are connected to form an integral module. Preferably, when the first medium opening 12 serves as an air inlet, the first medium openings 12 of the multiple valve bodies 1 can be interconnected to achieve unified air intake. More preferably, when the third medium opening 14 serves as a vent, the third medium openings 14 of the multiple valve bodies 1 can be interconnected to achieve unified venting.

[0042] In other embodiments, the valve assembly 100 further includes a partition seal, which is sleeved on the valve core 2 and moves synchronously with the valve core 2. The partition seal dynamically seals the conduction chamber 11 into a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber is connected to both the first medium opening 12 and the second medium opening 13, so that the second medium opening 13 is connected to one end of the medium flow channel 3 through the first chamber. The second chamber is connected to the third medium opening 14, so that the third medium opening 14 is connected to the other end of the medium flow channel 3 through the second chamber.

[0043] In some embodiments, for valve cores 2 respectively provided in multiple valve bodies 1, the valve cores 2 in each valve body 1 may be independently provided with or without isolation seals.

[0044] In some embodiments, a gap flow channel is provided between the valve core 2 and the side wall of the conduction chamber 11. The gap flow channel connects the second medium opening 13 and the third medium opening 14. When the valve core 2 closes the first medium opening 12, the third medium opening 14 is opened, and the third medium opening 14 is also in fluid communication with the second medium opening 13 through the gap flow channel. Thus, the third medium opening 14 can simultaneously achieve fluid communication with the second medium opening 13 through the medium flow channel 3 and the gap flow channel, accelerating the fluid discharge of the second medium opening 13 and improving the fluid discharge efficiency.

[0045] For the above-mentioned medium flow channel 3, please refer to Figure 1 The medium flow channel 3 is located in the valve body 1, and the medium flow channel 3 and the conduction chamber 11 are independent channels.

[0046] In some embodiments, the medium flow channel 3 may be integrally formed, such as injection molded onto the valve body 1, or assembled onto the valve body 1 in a secondary manner.

[0047] It is understood that in some embodiments, the medium flow channel 3 is not limited to being disposed on the valve body 1, but may also be disposed on other structures. For example, the valve assembly 100 also includes a housing 5, which is used for assembling the valve assembly 100, especially for assembling valve modules including multiple valve bodies 1, so as to improve the integration of the valve modules and provide protection. The housing 5 may also be provided with an air inlet pipe for communicating with an external air source through a first medium opening 12, and an exhaust pipe for communicating with an external air source through a third medium opening 14. The valve body 1 is mounted on the housing 5, and the medium flow channel 3 may be disposed on the housing 5.

[0048] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4The valve body 1 is provided with a first flow channel 151 and a second flow channel 161. The first flow channel 151 connects to the medium flow channel 3 and the second medium opening 13. Specifically, one end of the first flow channel 151 is connected to the second medium opening 13 through a space near the end of the conducting chamber 11, and the other end of the first flow channel 151 is connected to one end of the medium flow channel 3. The second flow channel 161 connects to the medium flow channel 3 and the third medium opening 14. Specifically, one end of the second flow channel 161 is connected to the third medium opening 14 through a space near the end of the conducting chamber 11, and the other end of the second flow channel 161 is connected to the other end of the medium flow channel 3.

[0049] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 3-5 The medium flow channel 3 includes a first end 31 and a second end 32. The valve body 1 is provided with a first insertion portion 15 and a second insertion portion 16. The first insertion portion 15 is provided with the aforementioned first flow channel 151 and is sealed and inserted into the first end 31, thereby communicating with the medium flow channel 3. Specifically, the valve assembly 100 also includes a first sealing element 6, which is sleeved on the first insertion portion 15 and abuts against the inner wall of the first end 31, thus achieving a seal between the first insertion portion 15 and the first end 31. The second insertion portion 16 is provided with the aforementioned second flow channel 161 and is sealed and inserted into the second end 32, thereby communicating with the medium flow channel 3. Specifically, the valve assembly 100 also includes a second sealing element 7, which is sleeved on the second insertion portion 16 and abuts against the inner wall of the second end 32, thereby achieving a seal between the second insertion portion 16 and the second end 32. The valve body 1 and the housing 5 module are assembled by inserting the first plug-in part 15 into the first end 31 and the second plug-in part 16 into the second end 32, thereby facilitating the replacement of the valve body 1.

[0050] In some embodiments, for a valve module composed of multiple valve bodies 1, multiple medium flow channels 3 corresponding to the multiple valve bodies 1 can be arranged side by side in the housing 5, and the multiple valve bodies 1 are respectively inserted into the multiple medium flow channels 3 of the housing 5, so that the overall valve module has a compact structure and is easy to assemble.

[0051] For actuator 4 mentioned above, please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The actuator 4 includes a coil 41 wound around the valve body 1, with pins connected to both ends of the coil 41. The corresponding valve core 2 includes a magnetic core such as an iron core or a permanent magnet. When the coil 41 is energized, it excites the valve core 2 to close or open the third medium opening 14. For example, the coil 41 can excite the valve core 2 to close the third medium opening 14 when a positive current is applied, and excite the valve core 2 to open the third medium opening 14 when a reverse current is applied.

[0052] In some embodiments, the valve assembly 100 further includes a reset element disposed on the valve body 1. The reset element drives the valve core 2 to close or open the third medium opening 14. The valve core 2 is driven to a normal state by the reset element, thereby causing the third medium opening 14 to be in a normally closed or normally open state. When the actuator 4 is activated, the third medium opening 14 is brought into an open or closed working state. Specifically, when the actuator 4 is used to actuate the valve core 2 to close the third medium opening 14, the reset element is used to drive the valve core 2 to reset and open the third medium opening 14; when the actuator 4 is used to actuate the valve core 2 to open the third medium opening 14, the reset element is used to drive the valve core 2 to reset and close the third medium opening 14.

[0053] In some embodiments, the reset element includes a spring, one end of which abuts against the valve core 2, and the other end of which abuts against the inner wall of the conduction chamber 11 where the third medium opening 14 is located, so that the third medium opening 14 remains normally open. Alternatively, one end of the spring abuts against the valve core 2, and the other end of the spring abuts against the inner wall of the conduction chamber 11 where the first medium opening 12 is located, so that the first medium opening 12 remains normally open, while the third medium opening 14 is normally closed.

[0054] In some embodiments, for valve cores 2 respectively disposed in multiple valve bodies 1, each valve body 1 may independently choose to be provided with or not provided with a reset element.

[0055] In some embodiments, please refer to Figures 1-3 The valve assembly 100 also includes a control circuit board 8, which is disposed on the valve body 1 and electrically connected to the actuator 4. The control circuit board 8 is used to control the actuator 4. Preferably, when the actuator 4 includes a coil 41, the control circuit board 8 is electrically connected to the coil 41, supplies power to the coil 41, and controls the working state of the valve core 2 by controlling the input direction and magnitude of the current.

[0056] In some embodiments, for a valve module in which valve cores 2 are respectively disposed within a plurality of valve bodies 1, a plurality of actuators 4 may share the same control circuit board 8. In this embodiment, for a valve module in which a plurality of valve bodies 1 are disposed within a housing 5, the control circuit board 8 is mounted on the housing 5, and the first insertion part 15 and the second insertion part 16 pass through the control circuit board 8 and are inserted into the medium flow channel 3.

[0057] The valve assembly 100 of this invention is provided with a medium flow channel 3 that communicates with both the second medium opening 13 and the third medium opening 14. When the third medium opening 14 is closed, the first medium opening 12 is opened and fluidly communicates with the second medium opening 13 through the conduction chamber 11, thereby enabling a large flow rate of fluid to be rapidly introduced. When the third medium opening 14 is opened, the first medium opening 12 is closed. The third medium opening 14 is fluidly communicated with the second medium opening 13 at least through the medium flow channel 3, allowing the fluid in the second medium opening 13 to be rapidly discharged through the medium flow channel 3, thus meeting the requirements for rapid fluid introduction and rapid fluid discharge.

[0058] This utility model embodiment also provides a pneumatic comfort system, which includes an air source device, an air bag, and the aforementioned valve assembly 100. The air source device is in fluid communication with the air bag through the valve assembly 100. Specifically, the air source device is in fluid communication with the first medium opening 12 of the valve assembly 100, and the air bag is in communication with the second medium opening 13 of the valve assembly 100. The air source device is used to supply air to the air bag, and the valve assembly 100 is used to control the inflation and deflation of the air bag. The structure and function of the valve assembly 100 can be found in the above embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0059] The pneumatic comfort system can be a pneumatic massage system, a pneumatic lumbar support system, a pneumatic side support system, a pneumatic firmness adjustment system, etc., and the air source device includes, but is not limited to, an air pump, an air compressor, etc. During operation, the valve assembly 100 controls the air supply between the air source device and the air bag, as well as controls the inflation and deflation of the air bag, thereby controlling the inflation and deflation of the air bag to achieve pneumatic comfort adjustment.

[0060] The pneumatic comfort system of this invention uses the aforementioned valve assembly 100 to achieve rapid fluid filling and emptying, thereby improving the adjustment efficiency of the pneumatic comfort system and enhancing the user experience.

[0061] It should be noted that while the preferred embodiments of this utility model are provided in the specification and accompanying drawings, this utility model can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. These embodiments are not intended to impose additional limitations on the content of this utility model; their purpose is to provide a more thorough and comprehensive understanding of the disclosure of this utility model. Furthermore, the above-described technical features can be combined with each other to form various embodiments not listed above, all of which are considered to be within the scope of this utility model specification. Moreover, those skilled in the art can make improvements or modifications based on the above description, and all such improvements and modifications should fall within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A valve assembly, characterized in that, include: The valve body is provided with a conduction chamber and a first medium opening, a second medium opening and a third medium opening communicating with the conduction chamber; The valve core is disposed in the conduction chamber; A medium flow channel, connecting the second medium opening and the third medium opening; An actuator is disposed on the valve body; The actuator is used to actuate the valve core to close or open the third medium opening; When the valve core closes the third medium opening, the first medium opening is opened and fluidly communicates with the second medium opening through the conduction chamber; when the valve core opens the third medium opening, the first medium opening is closed, and the third medium opening is fluidly communicated with the second medium opening at least through the medium flow channel.

2. The valve assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The medium flow channel is located in the valve body.

3. The valve assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve assembly includes a housing, the valve body is mounted on the housing, and the medium flow channel is disposed in the housing.

4. The valve assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The valve body is provided with a first flow channel and a second flow channel. The first flow channel connects the medium flow channel and the second medium opening, and the second flow channel connects the medium flow channel and the third medium opening.

5. The valve assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The medium flow channel includes a first end and a second end. The valve body is provided with a first insertion part and a second insertion part. The first insertion part is provided with the first flow channel and is sealed and inserted into the first end. The second insertion part is provided with the second flow channel and is sealed and inserted into the second end.

6. The valve assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, There is a gap flow channel between the valve core and the side wall of the conduction chamber. The gap flow channel connects the second medium opening and the third medium opening. When the valve core closes the first medium opening, the third medium opening is opened, and the third medium opening is also in fluid communication with the second medium opening through the gap flow channel.

7. The valve assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve assembly further includes a partition seal that divides the conduction chamber into a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber is connected to both the first medium opening and the second medium opening, and the second chamber is connected to the third medium opening.

8. The valve assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The actuator includes a coil, which, when energized, magnetically drives the valve core to close or open the third medium opening.

9. The valve assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve assembly also includes a reset element that drives the valve core to close or open the third medium opening.

10. A pneumatic comfort system, characterized in that, The device includes a gas source, a gas bag, and a valve assembly as described in any one of claims 1-9, wherein the gas source is in fluid communication with the gas bag through the valve assembly; wherein the gas source is in fluid communication with a first medium opening of the valve assembly, and the gas bag is in communication with a second medium opening of the valve assembly.

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