Valve assembly and pneumatic comfort system

Abstract

The embodiment of the utility model relates to the technical field of fluid distribution, and particularly discloses a valve assembly and a pneumatic comfort system, which comprise a shell and a valve core. The shell is provided with an actuating chamber, a flowing chamber and a valve port, the valve port is communicated with the actuating chamber and the flowing chamber, the valve element is arranged in the actuating chamber, the actuator is arranged in the actuating chamber and used for actuating the valve element to move between a closing position for closing the valve port and an opening position for opening the valve port, and the electric connecting piece is arranged in the shell in a sealed mode. The electric connecting piece is connected with the actuator, the circuit board is arranged outside the shell, and the circuit board is connected with the electric connecting piece. Through the above mode, the SMA element can be in a stable environment, and the SMA element can be controlled more effectively and accurately.

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] The SMA valve operates with quiet operation and is widely used in pneumatic comfort systems. By controlling the switching of the SMA valve, the air pump can be connected to the air bag for inflation or the air bag can be connected to the outside for deflation.

[0003] However, in implementing the embodiments of this utility model, the inventors discovered that: an SMA valve typically consists of a housing, a valve body, an SMA element, and a circuit board. The end of the SMA element is connected to the circuit board, which is housed within the housing or fixed to the housing as part of it through a sealing adhesive, thus placing the circuit board and the SMA element in the same space. When the SMA valve operates, the circuit board supplies power to the SMA element, generating heat and placing the space containing the SMA element in a high-temperature environment. This is especially problematic for valve bodies that separate the actuation chamber and the flow chamber containing the SMA element. The air in the actuation chamber is essentially still, keeping it at a consistently high temperature, making it difficult for the SMA element to cool and reset after power is cut off. Utility Model Content

[0004] This invention addresses the technical problem in current technologies where the SMA element and circuit board are mounted in the actuation chamber. During SMA valve operation, the heat generated by the circuit board causes the actuation chamber to reach a high temperature, making it difficult for the SMA element to cool and reset after power failure. This invention provides a valve assembly that prevents the heat generated by the circuit board during operation from accumulating within the actuation chamber, ensuring a stable temperature environment for the SMA element and facilitating more effective and precise control.

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

[0006] The housing is provided with an actuation chamber, a flow chamber, and a valve port, wherein the valve port connects the actuation chamber and the flow chamber;

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

[0008] An actuator is disposed in the actuation chamber, the actuator being used to actuate the valve core to move between a closed position (closing the valve port) and an open position (opening the valve port). An electrical connector is sealed in the housing, and the electrical connector is connected to the actuator.

[0009] A circuit board is disposed outside the housing, and the circuit board is connected to the electrical connector.

[0010] Optionally, the electrical connector includes a first connection terminal and a conductive sheet, the conductive sheet being sealed and embedded in the housing, with opposite sides of the conductive sheet exposed, the first connection terminal abutting against the inner side of the conductive sheet, the actuator being connected to the first connection terminal, and the circuit board being connected to the conductive sheet.

[0011] Optionally, the circuit board is provided with conductive protrusions, and the outer side of the conductive sheet is provided with a recess, with the conductive protrusions abutting against the recess.

[0012] Optionally, the electrical connector includes a second connection terminal that is sealed through the side wall of the housing, the actuator is connected to one end of the second connection terminal, and the other end of the second connection terminal is electrically connected to the circuit board.

[0013] Optionally, the housing is provided with a partition wall that separates the actuation chamber and the flow chamber from each other. The valve port is opened on the partition wall, and the partition wall also extends a guide groove at the valve port position. The end of the valve core near the valve port is located in the guide groove.

[0014] Optionally, the actuator includes an SMA element and a reset element, the SMA element being connected to the valve core, and the two ends of the reset element abutting against the valve core and the inner wall of the housing, respectively.

[0015] Optionally, the flow chamber includes a first flow region and a second flow region, the first flow region being connected to the second flow region through the valve port; the housing is provided with a first medium opening and a second medium opening, the first medium opening being connected to the first flow region and the second medium opening being connected to the second flow region.

[0016] Optionally, the housing is provided with a third medium opening, which communicates with the second flow region;

[0017] The valve assembly includes a linkage component, the middle of which is rotatably disposed in the second fluid chamber. One end of the linkage component is coupled to the valve core, and the other end of the linkage component is used to open or close the third medium opening.

[0018] Optionally, the linkage includes a base, a fulcrum, a reset spring, and an actuating finger. One end of the reset spring is connected to one side of the middle of the base, and the other end of the reset spring is connected to the inner wall of the housing. One end of the fulcrum is connected to the other side of the middle of the base, and the other end of the fulcrum is rotatably connected to the inner wall of the housing. The actuating finger is connected to one end of the base and passes through the valve port and abuts against the valve core.

[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, an air bag and the above-mentioned valve assembly, wherein the air source is connected to a first channel of the valve assembly and the air bag is connected to a second medium opening of the valve assembly.

[0020] In this embodiment of the invention, the circuit board is placed inside the housing, so that the heat generated by the circuit board during operation will not accumulate in the actuation chamber, and the SMA element is in a stable environment, which facilitates more effective and precise control of the SMA element.

[0021] Furthermore, since the conductive sheet is embedded inside the housing, the SMA element located in the actuation chamber is electrically connected to the circuit board outside the housing, effectively realizing the external placement of the circuit board and achieving a good sealing effect.

[0022] Furthermore, when at least two valve assemblies are required in the same pneumatic comfort system, the wiring of at least two valve assemblies can be integrated onto the same circuit board. Therefore, an external circuit board can simultaneously connect to at least two valve assemblies, saving on circuit board wiring and achieving more efficient use of space and reduced costs. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments of this application will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly of this utility model in the closed valve port state;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly of this utility model in the open valve port state;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of the electrical connection component of a valve assembly according to this utility model;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of another valve assembly of this utility model in the closed valve port state;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of another valve assembly of this utility model in the open valve port state.

[0029] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0030] 100. Valve assembly;

[0031] 1. Housing; 11. Actuation chamber; 12. Flow chamber; 121. First flow region; 122. Second flow region; 13. Valve port; 14. Partition wall; 141. Guide groove; 143. Flow gap; 15. Second medium opening; 16. Receiving groove; 17. Guide post; 18. Third medium opening;

[0032] 2. Valve core; 21. Through hole; 22. Guide groove;

[0033] 3. Actuator; 31. SMA element; 32. Reset element;

[0034] 4. Electrical connector; 41. Conductive sheet; 411. Recessed portion; 42. First connecting terminal; 421. Terminal body; 422. Spring-loaded portion; 423. Crimping portion; 43. Second connecting terminal;

[0035] 5. Circuit board; 51. Conductive protrusion;

[0036] 6. Linkage component; 61. Base; 62. Pivot point; 63. Reset spring; 64. Actuating finger; 65. Sealing part;

[0037] 7. Lid. Detailed Implementation

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2The valve assembly 100 includes a housing 1, a valve core 2, an actuator 3, an electrical connector 4, and a circuit board 5. The housing 1 has an actuator chamber 11, a flow chamber 12, and a valve port 13. The flow chamber 12 connects to the actuator chamber 11 via the valve port 13 and is used to connect the gas source and the gas bag. The valve core 2 is disposed within the actuator chamber 11 and is used to open or close the valve port 13. The actuator 3 is disposed within the actuator chamber 11 and is used to actuate the valve core 2 to move between the closed position (closing the valve port 13) and the open position (opening the valve port 13). Specifically, when the actuator 3 is energized, it actuates the valve core 2 from the closed position to the open position, switching the valve port 13 from closed to open. When the actuator 3 is de-energized, it moves from the open position to the closed position, switching the valve port 13 from open to closed. Electrical connector 4 is sealed within housing 1 and electrically connects to the actuator. Circuit board 5 is disposed outside housing 1 and connected to electrical connector 4, enabling electrical connection between actuator 3 and circuit board 5. This also prevents heat generated by circuit board 5 from accumulating in actuator chamber 11, stabilizing the temperature within chamber 11 and thus placing actuator 3 in a stable temperature environment for more effective and precise control. For housing 1, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The housing 1 is provided with a partition wall 14, a first medium opening, and a second medium opening 15. The partition wall 14 separates the flow chamber 12 and the actuation chamber 11 from each other. A valve port 13 is disposed on the partition wall 14. The partition wall 14 is provided with a guide groove 141, which connects to the valve port 13 and accommodates one end of the valve core 2. One end of the valve core 2 can slide along the guide groove 141. The flow chamber 12 has a first flow region 121 and a second flow region 122. The first flow region 121 is connected to the second flow region 122 through the guide groove 141 and the valve port 13. The first medium opening connects to the first flow region 121 and is used to connect to a gas source. The second medium opening 15 connects to the second flow region 122 and is used to connect to an air bag.

[0041] For the actuators mentioned above, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2The actuator 3 includes an SMA element 31 and a reset member 32. The SMA element 31 is connected to the valve core 2, and one end of the reset member 32 abuts against the valve core 2, while the other end abuts against the inner wall of the housing 1. The SMA element 31 deforms when energized, actuating the valve core 2 from the closed position of the closed valve port 13 to the open position of the open valve port 13. When the SMA element 31 is de-energized, its deformation returns to normal, and the reset member 32 actuates the valve core 2 from the open position of the open valve port 13 to the closed position of the closed valve port 13. Because the temperature inside the actuator chamber 11 is stable, the SMA element 31 is in a stable temperature environment, which facilitates more effective and precise control of the SMA element 31.

[0042] In some embodiments, the reset member 32 is an elastic member. See also [link to embodiments]. Figure 1 and Figure 2 A flow gap 143 exists between the valve core 2 and the inner wall of the guide groove 141. When the valve port 13 is closed by the valve core 2, the actuation chamber 11 communicates with the first fluid region 121 through the flow gap 143, allowing fluid exchange between the actuation chamber 11 and the first flow region 121 to balance the pressure of the actuation chamber 11 and the flow chamber 12. Due to the small volume of the actuation chamber 11, the pressure is quickly balanced. When the valve port 13 switches from closed to open, the main flow of fluid flows from the first flow region 121 through the guide groove 141 and the valve port 13 to the second flow region 122, while the bypass flow flows from the first flow region 121 through the flow gap 143, the actuation chamber 11, the flow gap 143, and the valve port 13 to the second flow region 122. This stabilizes the ambient temperature of the actuation chamber 11, preventing the SMA element 31 from cooling drastically. Consequently, the heating and cooling of the SMA element 31 are independent of the main flow, allowing for more precise temperature control of the SMA element 31. Furthermore, a smaller current can be applied to the SMA element 31, thereby increasing the lifespan of the SMA element 31.

[0043] It should be noted that, in order to avoid excessive fluid flow into the actuation chamber 11, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow gap 143 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the valve port 13.

[0044] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The inner wall of the housing 1 is provided with a receiving groove 16, that is, the inner wall of the actuation chamber 11 is provided with a receiving groove 16, and the other end of the reset member 32 and the other end of the valve core 2 are both received in the receiving groove 16. Furthermore, a guide post 17 extends from the bottom of the receiving groove 16, and the valve core 2 is provided with a guide groove 22. The guide post 17 is inserted into the guide groove 22, so that the guide post 17 guides the valve core 2.

[0045] Regarding the aforementioned electrical connector 4, please refer to section 3. The electrical connector 4 includes a conductive sheet 41 and a first connecting terminal 42. The conductive sheet 41 is sealed and embedded in the housing 1, with its opposite sides exposed. The outer surface of the conductive sheet 41 is connected to the circuit board 5. The first connecting terminal 42 is fixed inside the actuation chamber 11, abutting against the inner surface of the conductive sheet 41. The first connecting terminal 42 is connected to both ends of the SMA element 31, so that the SMA element 31 is electrically connected to the circuit board 5 through the electrical connector 4. By sealing the conductive sheet 41 within the housing 1, the circuit board 5 is externally mounted, while maintaining a good sealing effect.

[0046] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 3 The first connecting terminal 42 includes a terminal body 421, a spring-loaded portion 422, and a crimping portion 423. One end of the spring-loaded portion 422 is connected to one side of the terminal body 421, and the other end of the spring-loaded portion 422 abuts against the inner side of the conductive sheet 41, so that the spring-loaded portion 422 is electrically connected to the conductive sheet 41.

[0047] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The circuit board 5 is provided with conductive protrusions 51, and the outer side of the conductive sheet 41 is provided with a recess 411, with the conductive protrusions 51 abutting against the recess 411.

[0048] It is understood that in some embodiments, the electrical connector 4 is not limited to the above structure, and the electrical connection can also be other structures. For example, the electrical connector 4 does not include the first connection terminal 42, and the two ends of the SMA element 31 are fixed to the conductive sheet 41 by welding or conductive adhesive.

[0049] It is understood that in some embodiments, the electrical connector 4 is not limited to the structure described above, and the electrical connection can also be other structures, for example, please refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The electrical connection includes a second connection terminal 43, which is sealed through the housing 1. One end of the second connection terminal 43 is located inside the actuation chamber 11. One end of the second connection terminal 43 is connected to both ends of the SMA element 31. The other end of the second connection terminal 43 is located outside the housing 1. The other end of the second connection terminal 43 is connected to the circuit board 5, so that the SMA element 31 is electrically connected to the circuit board 5 through the electrical connector 4.

[0050] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2The housing 1 is provided with a third medium opening 18, which connects to the second flow region 122 and is used to discharge fluid to the outside. The valve assembly 100 includes a linkage 6, the middle of which is rotatably disposed in the second flow region 122. One end of the linkage 6 is coupled to the valve core 2, and the other end of the linkage 6 is used to open or close the third medium opening 18. Specifically, when the valve core 2 is in the closed valve port 13 position, one end of the valve core 2 abuts against one end of the linkage 6, and the other end of the linkage 6 opens the third medium opening 18. When the valve core 2 is in the open valve port 13 position, one end of the valve core 2 abuts against one end of the linkage 6, and the other end of the linkage 6 closes the third medium opening 18.

[0051] In some embodiments, the linkage 6 includes a base 61, a fulcrum 62, a reset spring 63, and an actuating finger 64. One end of the reset spring 63 is connected to one side of the middle portion of the base 61, and the other end of the reset spring 63 is connected to the inner wall of the housing 1, that is, the reset spring 63 is connected to the inner wall of the second flow region 122. One end of the fulcrum 62 is connected to the middle portion of the base 61, and the other end of the fulcrum 62 is rotatably connected to the inner wall of the housing 1, that is, the other end of the fulcrum 62 is rotatably connected to the inner wall of the second flow region 122. The actuating finger 64 is connected to one end of the base 61, and the actuating finger 64 passes through the valve port 13 and abuts against one end of the valve core 2. When the valve core 2 moves from the closed position of the closed valve port 13 to the open position of the open valve port 13, under the action of the reset spring 63, the base 61 rotates with the fulcrum 62 as the fulcrum, and the other end of the base 61 closes the third medium opening 18. When the valve core 2 moves from the open position of the valve port 13 to the closed position of the valve port 13, the valve core 2 pushes against the actuating finger 64, so that the base 61 rotates with the fulcrum 62 as the fulcrum, and the other end of the base 61 opens the third medium opening 18.

[0052] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The linkage 6 includes a sealing part 65, which is fixed to the other end of the base 61.

[0053] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The valve core 2 is provided with a through hole 21. The inner wall of the through hole 21 is arc-shaped. The arc-shaped through hole 21 allows the middle part of the SMA element 31 to pass through, so that the middle part of the SMA element 31 makes smooth contact with the inner wall of the through hole 21, avoiding stress concentration and damage to the SMA element 31.

[0054] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2To prevent the circuit board 5 from being exposed, the valve assembly 100 also includes a cover 7, which covers the valve body and isolates the circuit board 5 from the outside.

[0055] In this utility model embodiment, the circuit board 5 is placed inside the housing 1 so that the heat generated by the operation of the circuit board 5 will not accumulate in the actuation chamber 11, so that the SMA element 31 is in a stable environment, which facilitates more effective and precise control of the SMA element 31.

[0056] This utility model also provides an embodiment of a pneumatic comfort system, which includes an air source, an air bag, and the valve assembly 100 described above. Both the air source and the air bag are connected to the flow chamber 12. The structure and function of the valve assembly 100 can be found in the above embodiment, and will not be described in detail here.

[0057] In some embodiments, when the pneumatic comfort system requires at least two valve assemblies 100, the wiring of at least two valve assemblies 100 is integrated onto the same circuit board 5. Therefore, an external circuit board 5 can simultaneously connect at least two valve assemblies 100, saving wiring on the circuit board 5, achieving more efficient use of space and reducing costs.

[0058] 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 housing is provided with an actuation chamber, a flow chamber, and a valve port, wherein the valve port connects the actuation chamber and the flow chamber; The valve core is disposed in the actuation chamber; An actuator is disposed in the actuation chamber, the actuator being used to actuate the valve core to move between a closed position (closing the valve port) and an open position (opening the valve port); An electrical connector is sealed within the housing and is connected to the actuator; A circuit board is disposed outside the housing, and the circuit board is connected to the electrical connector.

2. The valve assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrical connector includes a first connection terminal and a conductive sheet. The conductive sheet is sealed and embedded in the side wall of the housing, and the opposite sides of the conductive sheet are exposed. The first connection terminal abuts against the inner side of the conductive sheet. The actuator is connected to the first connection terminal, and the circuit board is connected to the conductive sheet.

3. The valve assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The circuit board is provided with conductive protrusions, and the outer side of the conductive sheet is provided with a concave portion, with the conductive protrusions abutting against the concave portion.

4. The valve assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrical connector includes a second connection terminal that is sealed through the side wall of the housing. The actuator is connected to one end of the second connection terminal, and the other end of the second connection terminal is electrically connected to the circuit board.

5. The valve assembly according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The housing is provided with a partition wall that separates the actuation chamber and the flow chamber from each other. The valve port is opened on the partition wall, and the partition wall also extends a guide groove at the valve port position. The end of the valve core near the valve port is located in the guide groove.

6. The valve assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The actuator includes an SMA element and a reset element. The SMA element is connected to the valve core, and the two ends of the reset element abut against the valve core and the inner wall of the housing, respectively.

7. The valve assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The flow chamber includes a first flow region and a second flow region, and the first flow region is connected to the second flow region through the valve port; The housing is provided with a first medium opening and a second medium opening, the first medium opening being in communication with the first flow region and the second medium opening being in communication with the second flow region.

8. The valve assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The housing is provided with a third medium opening, which is connected to the second flow region; The valve assembly includes a linkage component, the middle of which is rotatably disposed in the second fluid chamber. One end of the linkage component is coupled to the valve core, and the other end of the linkage component is used to open or close the third medium opening.

9. The valve assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that, The linkage includes a base, a fulcrum, a reset spring, and an actuating finger. One end of the reset spring is connected to one side of the middle of the base, and the other end of the reset spring is connected to the inner wall of the housing. One end of the fulcrum is connected to the other side of the middle of the base, and the other end of the fulcrum is rotatably connected to the inner wall of the housing. The actuating finger is connected to one end of the base, and the actuating finger passes through the valve port and abuts against the valve core.

10. A pneumatic comfort system, characterized in that, It includes an air source, an air bag, and a valve assembly as described in any one of claims 1-9, wherein the air source and the air bag are both connected to the flow chamber.

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