Valve with a valve body

Abstract

Valve with a valve housing (101) comprising a first area (110) and a second area (118), wherein at least one air-operated valve chamber (111, 112) is arranged in the first area, in which an actuating element (142) for opening and closing a valve opening (147) of the valve chamber (111, 112) and an actuator (141) for actuating the actuating element (142) are arranged, wherein a circuit board (122, 123) extends further in each valve chamber (111, 112) which is configured to electrically actuate the actuator (141), wherein the circuit boards (122, 123) are connected to a common main circuit board (121) which is arranged in the second area (118), wherein the first area (110) and the second area (118), or at least the second area (118) and all valve chambers (111, 112) are essentially gas-tightly separated from each other by a first separating element (115) and wherein adjacent valve chambers (111,112) are substantially gas-tight separated by a second separating element (115), wherein a connecting element (130) of the printed circuit boards (122, 123) extends through the first separating element (115) and / or the second separating element (115) through an opening (116, 117) in the first separating element (115) and / or in the second separating element (115), wherein a sealing element (250) enclosing the connecting element (130) is provided, which gas-tightly seals the opening (116, 117) with the connecting element (130) extending through the opening (116, 117) and which is detachably connected to the separating element (115) limiting the opening (116, 117), wherein the valve housing (101) comprises a housing cover (360) and a housing base, wherein the first separating element (115) and the second separating element (115) extend between the housing cover (360) and the housing base, wherein , - the opening (116, 117) in the first and / or second separating element (115) is open towards the housing base and the housing base in the area of ​​the opening (116, 117) includes a reinforced area (361), or - wherein the opening (116, 117) in the first and / or second separating element (115) is open towards the housing cover (360) and the housing cover (360) comprises a reinforced area (361) in the region of the opening (116, 117), wherein the area of ​​the opening (116, 117) bounded by the first separating element (115) and / or the second separating element (115) and the reinforced area (361) is smaller than the area over which the sealing element (250) extends, so that the sealing element (250) experiences stress in the opening (116, 117).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a valve with a valve housing comprising a first area and a second area, wherein at least one air-operated valve chamber is arranged in the first area, in which an actuating element for opening and closing a valve opening of the valve chamber and an actuator for actuating the actuating element are arranged, wherein a circuit board further extends in each valve chamber, which is configured to electrically actuate the actuator, wherein the circuit boards are connected to a common main circuit board which is arranged in the second area, wherein the first area and the second area, or at least the second area and all valve chambers, are substantially gas-tightly separated from each other by a first separating element, and wherein adjacent valve chambers are substantially gas-tightly separated by a second separating element, and a method for manufacturing such a valve. State of the art

[0002] The valves mentioned above are already sufficiently known from the prior art, e.g. DE 10 2017 116 840 A1, and are usually used in systems for controlling the supply of air or compressed air to areas of car seats, for example by filling the areas of a lumbar support with air or releasing air through these areas.

[0003] Several techniques are known for this purpose. Recently, shape memory alloys (SMAs) have been used in particular; these undergo a change in shape when heated and cooled, and this change in shape allows them to move a valve between a closed and an open position. Other variations are also conceivable, and such valves are not limited to the use of SMA elements.

[0004] Particularly when using SMA elements, but also more generally with electrically actuated valve elements, it is known to provide a printed circuit board that extends into the individual valve housings. Since, for example, a lumbar support requires a multitude of valve chambers and valve elements to supply individual air cushions separately with compressed air, an electrical control of the actuator must be implemented separately for each of these valve chambers, meaning that a printed circuit board must extend into each valve chamber. At the same time, a main printed circuit board, connected to the other printed circuit boards but located outside the valve chambers, is typically provided in the prior art for the controlled actuation of all these actuators.In this sense, the main circuit board and the other circuit boards do not form separate elements, but rather a single circuit board, parts of which are arranged in the individual valve compartments, but these are interconnected.

[0005] From EP 3 281 821 A1 it is now known to seal the transition into the individual valve chambers, in which the individual circuit boards are transferred into the valve chambers, in order to create a gas-tight area and thus to ensure the reliable supply of compressed air to the individual valve chambers.

[0006] In the known state of the art, the electrical component, comprising the main circuit board and the individual circuit boards, is inserted into the housing during manufacturing, and then any remaining free space is filled with an adhesive that seals it.

[0007] DE 20 2018 101 851 U1 also shows adhesive points that are arranged at the transition between individual separating elements in the valve in order to seal them.

[0008] However, the use of adhesives is problematic with regard to the tasks that the printed circuit boards (PCBs) must perform, as only certain adhesives are permissible. To increase adhesive strength, the material selection for both the PCBs and the valve housing must be carefully considered. In some cases, pretreatment may even be necessary to facilitate bonding of the adhesive to the conductive element, which further complicates the issue of the time required for the adhesive to cure.

[0009] Furthermore, the use of adhesives is considered critical with regard to the welding processes typically used in valve manufacturing and the resulting need for heat resistance. Additionally, a cured adhesive is poor at absorbing forces, which can potentially lead to a failure of the bonded joint and consequently a leak in the entire valve.

[0010] From DE 10 2017 116 840 A1, a valve with a valve housing is known. The valve housing can have partitions to separate areas from one another. To achieve a sealed transition of a printed circuit board between two areas separated by a partition, the document discloses applying an adhesive to the transition in the partition through an opening in the printed circuit board. This adhesive spreads into the space between the printed circuit board and the partition and is cured by UV light.

[0011] A shape memory alloy valve assembly with a plurality of valves is known from US patent 2018 / 0038514A1. The housing comprises several chambers separated from each other by partitions. The housing cover is preferably connected to the housing side walls and the partitions by laser welding. A UV-curable adhesive is used as the sealing material, which is selectively cured with UV radiation and a mask. Task

[0012] Based on the known state of the art, the technical problem to be solved is therefore to specify a valve and a method for manufacturing a valve which increases the durability and reliability of the valve thus produced and at the same time achieves the least complex production of the valve possible. Solution

[0013] This problem is solved by the valve according to claim 1 and the method according to claim 10 for manufacturing a valve. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0014] In the valve according to the invention, a connecting part of the circuit boards extends through the first separating element and / or the second separating element through an opening in the first separating element and / or in the second separating element, wherein a sealing element enclosing the connecting part is provided, which closes the opening gas-tight with the connecting part extending through the opening and which is detachably connected to the separating element limiting the opening.

[0015] The main circuit board and the circuit boards preferably form a single, unified circuit board body. Therefore, the main circuit board and the circuit boards are preferably not isolated elements.

[0016] Depending on the design and intended use of the valve, it may have only one valve chamber (especially for seat massage functions) or several valve chambers. The valve chambers are typically either insulated from each other or separated by a partition with an opening through which the circuit board extends.

[0017] The fact that the sealing element is detachable and connected to the separating element that defines the opening means, in particular, that it preferably rests against the separating element to create a gas-tight seal, but does not form any other permanent chemical and / or physical bond with the separating element. This means, in particular, that the opening is closed solely by a positive fit, which, for example, occurs during the manufacture of the valve by pressing the sealing element against the separating element and any housing base or cover that may be applied.

[0018] Using such a sealing element offers the advantage that it can be bonded to the circuit boards during their manufacture and, for example, inserted when the circuit boards are fitted into the rest of the valve, thus eliminating the need for a subsequent curing step. This allows for a wider range of possible materials for the sealing element.

[0019] The valve housing may be provided to comprise a housing cover and a housing base, wherein the first separating element and the second separating element extend between the housing cover and the housing base, and wherein the opening in the first and / or in the second separating element is open towards the housing base or towards the housing cover.

[0020] The opening in the separating element forms, for example, a U-shape or a similar shape, into which the conductor element or connecting part, together with the sealing element, can be inserted. Subsequently, by connecting the separating element to the housing base or the housing cover, it can be closed during the final assembly of the valve, ensuring that the individual valve chambers are sealed from all other valve chambers or the first chamber. This is reliably achieved through the use of the sealing element, which significantly improves the quality of the manufactured valve.

[0021] In a further development of this embodiment, it is envisaged that the opening in the first and / or second separating element is open towards the housing base and the housing base includes a reinforced area in the region of the opening, or wherein the opening in the first and / or second separating element is open towards the housing cover and the housing cover includes a reinforced area in the region of the opening, wherein the area of ​​the opening bounded by the first separating element and / or the second separating element and the reinforced area is smaller than the area over which the sealing element extends, so that the sealing element experiences stress in the opening.

[0022] This reinforced area can be characterized, in particular, by a greater material thickness compared to the rest of the housing base or cover. During assembly, the forces exerted on the sealing element and the separating element can thus be better distributed, preventing unintentional breakage of part of the valve.

[0023] The housing base and the housing cover can be welded to a housing body that includes at least the first and second separating elements.

[0024] Welding can also be used to seal any remaining gas-permeable connection areas and simultaneously create a stable valve.

[0025] In one embodiment, the opening is formed as a sealing bead in the first separating element and / or the second separating element, the material expansion of which is at least partially greater than the material expansion of the first separating element and / or the second separating element.

[0026] The separating elements typically have a small material thickness, so widening them offers the advantage that the sealing element can cover a comparatively large area of ​​the separating element and thus ensure reliable sealing of the valve chambers.

[0027] Furthermore, the sealing element can be a sealing element manufactured using injection molding technology and connected to the connecting part during its manufacture (i.e., during the production of the sealing element).

[0028] These components are inexpensive and reliable to manufacture. They can also be integrated with the circuit board with minimal technical effort.

[0029] The invention is not limited to this particular design of the sealing element. Other materials, in particular prefabricated sealing elements made of, for example, rubber or PU (polyurethane), can also be used.

[0030] In one embodiment, the sealing element comprises a thermoplastic elastomer.

[0031] This material is flexible, so that when a housing cover or housing base is joined with the separating element, the sealing element can deform in order to effectively close any remaining non-gas-tight gaps in the opening and / or to ensure a favorable distribution of the contact pressure.

[0032] Furthermore, the connecting element can extend between two adjacent circuit boards and connect them together, with the opening being located in the second separating element.

[0033] In an alternative embodiment, the connecting element extends from each circuit board to the main circuit board, and the opening is located in the first separating element.

[0034] The sealing element can be elastic. An elastic element generally offers the advantage that even minor unevenness or irregularities can be compensated for, and a gas-tight seal of the opening can be achieved.

[0035] The valve can be an SMA valve, wherein the actuator is an SMA (Shape Memory Alloy) actuator and wherein the conductor element can heat the SMA actuator for actuation by means of an electric current.

[0036] The invention can be used particularly advantageously in SMA valves, since printed circuit boards can be useful for each valve chamber.

[0037] According to the invention, a method for manufacturing a valve according to one of the preceding embodiments is provided, wherein the method comprises manufacturing a conductor element comprising the circuit boards and the main circuit board and the connecting elements, wherein at least one sealing element is attached to the manufactured conductor element in the area of ​​a connecting element and subsequently the conductor element equipped with the sealing element is inserted into a housing body comprising at least the first and the second separating element such that the sealing element is arranged in the opening.

[0038] This method allows the valve according to the invention to be manufactured advantageously, since in particular long manufacturing times are eliminated.

[0039] It may be provided that the sealing element is attached to the conductor element during the production of the sealing element, or that the sealing element is manufactured and then attached to the conductor element.

[0040] This can reduce the time required to manufacture the valve.

[0041] Furthermore, the method can include connecting the housing body with the conductor element inserted therein to a housing cover and / or a housing base, the connection optionally including welding the housing body to the housing base and / or the housing cover.

[0042] Here, a tightly sealed and, at the same time, as gas-tight as possible valve can be produced with regard to the openings.

[0043] In a further development of this embodiment, the joining process includes welding the housing body to the housing base and / or the housing cover, wherein during and through the welding process the sealing element, which is solid before welding, is at least partially liquefied in the area of ​​the opening and hardens after welding.

[0044] It is particularly advantageous if the sealing element only liquefies in the peripheral areas of the openings, especially in the areas where welding takes place. The remaining part of the sealing element, particularly near the circuit board, can remain solid. This ensures that even small gaps in the opening are closed during the subsequent hardening of the sealing element, which can be achieved especially when applying a certain amount of pressure when pressing the housing body together with the housing base and / or the housing cover. Brief description of the characters Fig. 1 Schematic representation of a valve housing and circuit boards and a main circuit board Fig. 2a and b View of printed circuit boards and a main printed circuit board together with a sealing element Fig. 3 Schematic representation of a valve with a valve cover Fig. 4 Side view of an opening of a partition element with inserted sealing element Fig. 5 Schematic representation of another embodiment of an opening of a separating element with an integrated sealing element Detailed description

[0045] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a valve housing 101 of a valve according to the invention together with a conductor element 102, which comprises several circuit boards 122 and 123 as well as a main circuit board 121. Such valves are commonly used in car seats, for example to control the air cushions of a lumbar support.

[0046] The valve housing 101 is shown here separately from the conductor element 102, although in the installed state the conductor element 102 is located in the valve housing and, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the valve housing may also be additionally closed by a housing cover. The housing cover of the valve housing is shown in the Fig. 1. Not shown for clarity.

[0047] Alternatively, instead of the housing cover (not shown), the housing base could also be removed. Since the entire valve is usually manufactured from the valve housing by attaching the housing cover and / or the housing base, both variants are equally feasible.

[0048] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the valve housing comprises an attached housing base (not shown in further detail) and at least two distinct areas are present within the valve housing.

[0049] The first area 110 comprises at least two valve chambers 111 and 112, which are shown here as identical in construction but are essentially separate from one another. The mechanical devices typically required for the operation of the valve are arranged in these valve chambers. Since the valve according to the invention is typically used in the upholstery of vehicle seats to supply air to parts of the vehicle seats (for example, in connection with lumbar support), the valve chambers are, according to the invention, gas-tight and preferably also independently controllable.

[0050] For this purpose, these valves typically include a (pressurized) air supply 144, through which (pressurized) air can be blown into the valve chamber (here, for example, into the valve chamber 111). A valve opening 147 is provided for this purpose, which can be opened and closed by an actuating element 142. The actuating element 142 can, for example, have a valve plunger 143 on its side facing the valve opening 147, which can seal the valve opening airtight. The (pressurized) air introduced into the valve chamber 111 can leave the valve chamber 111 via the outlet opening 146 and can then, for example, inflate an air cushion inside the vehicle seat.

[0051] An actuator 141 is known to be used to control the actuating element 142. In known embodiments, this actuator can comprise, for example, a shape memory alloy (SMA) that changes its shape when heated and / or cooled, thus actuating the actuating element 142 (e.g., against a preload into the closed or open position by a spring element, which is not shown). Since only small actuation distances are usually required for actuating the actuating element, the movement amplitude achieved by such a shape memory material can be sufficient.

[0052] Heating is typically achieved by an electric current passed through the SMA material. While such embodiments may be preferred, other electrically controlled valves are also conceivable, and the invention is therefore not limited to the use of SMA valves.

[0053] Valve chamber 112 is designed in the same way as valve chamber 111.

[0054] While previously only a single actuating element and a single valve opening were described for each valve chamber, other embodiments are also conceivable here. For example, several valve openings and a corresponding number of actuating elements can be provided in a single valve chamber.

[0055] In such embodiments, but also alternatively or additionally to the embodiments already described, it can be advantageous if the actuating element does not block or release the actual valve opening for supplying compressed air, but rather if the valve opening is arranged such that it blocks or releases the outlet opening 146. In such a case, the interior of the valve chamber can, for example, be permanently pressurized with (compressed) air, and only the relevant actuating element for the respective outlet opening is actuated to direct the air through it.

[0056] The outlet opening 146 can also be understood as a "valve opening" in this sense, so that the invention is not limited in this respect and either the valve opening, which allows compressed air to be supplied to the valve chamber, is opened or closed, or the "valve opening" (outlet opening) is opened or closed, through which this air can then be supplied to the corresponding air cushion to be inflated (e.g. a lumbar support).

[0057] According to the invention, the individual valve chambers are separated from each other by separating elements 115. These separating elements are, with the exception of the openings 116 and 117 shown here, which will be described below, preferably gas-tight, so that no gas, such as the compressed air introduced into the valve chamber, can pass through the separating elements.

[0058] Valve chambers 111 and 112 are separated from the second area 118 by a further separating element 115, particularly with regard to valve chamber 112.

[0059] These arrangements have proven advantageous with regard to the conductor element 102, which is composed of a main circuit board 121 and usually several circuit boards 122 and 123, all of which are connected to each other via respective connecting elements 130.

[0060] However, embodiments are also conceivable in which each circuit board is connected directly to the main circuit board only via a connecting element.

[0061] In the embodiment shown here, the main circuit board comprises electrical and / or electronic devices 125, which may be necessary for the overall control of the current flows to the valve chambers and can therefore be arranged centrally on the main circuit board. The remaining circuit boards 122 and 123 typically comprise current-carrying lines and / or switches and / or electronic devices 124 such as processors, which may be necessary for any control in the individual valve chambers.

[0062] Control in the individual valve chambers, especially in the case of SMA valves, includes the power supply to the SMA element, which then acts as an actuator to operate the control element, for example to open or close the valve, as has already been described.

[0063] In the second area 118, connections 113 and access points 114 can also be arranged, which can be used, for example, to connect the main circuit board to power.

[0064] While in the embodiment shown here the conductor element 102 is designed such that the main circuit board 121 is connected to a circuit board 122 via a first connecting element 130 and the next circuit board 123 is then connected to the circuit board 122 and thus only indirectly to the main circuit board 121 via a further connecting element, other embodiments are also conceivable.

[0065] In particular, it can be provided that instead of the indirect connection of further printed circuit boards, such as printed circuit board 123 to the main printed circuit board 121 via another printed circuit board 122, each printed circuit board is directly connected to the main printed circuit board, so that printed circuit boards 122 and 123 would be arranged next to each other, but the respective connecting elements 130 are connected to the main printed circuit board 121 and not to an adjacent printed circuit board. This embodiment is not shown here, but is encompassed by all described embodiments, unless they explicitly exclude this embodiment.

[0066] In such a case, the individual valve chambers would be separated from each other by completely gas-tight separating elements, and a further separating element would be arranged analogously to the separating element 115, which separates the second area 118 from the valve chamber 112, in such a way that all the individual connecting elements 130 pass through this separating element.

[0067] This embodiment is in Fig. 1 is not shown, but is known in principle to the person skilled in the art as an alternative arrangement.

[0068] As at the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, the conductor element 102 is connected to the valve housing 101 in such a way that the connecting elements 130 pass through the openings 116 and 117 in the respective separating elements 115, so that the circuit board 122 is arranged in the valve chamber 112 and the circuit board 123 in the valve chamber 111, with the main circuit board 121 being arranged in the second area 118.

[0069] The housing cover can then be attached after the entire valve has been manufactured. This allows the in Fig. The openings 116 and 117, which open upwards (i.e. towards the housing cover), are limited.

[0070] Without further measures, however, the openings 116 and 117 would not be sealed gas-tight, so that air could escape from the valve chamber 112 into the second area 118 or enter the valve chamber 112 from the second area 118 and / or compressed air could enter the other valve chamber, i.e., the valve chamber 112 or 111, unintentionally.

[0071] For this purpose, the invention provides that the conductor element 112 is arranged accordingly Fig. 2a is provided with a sealing element 250 at least in the area of ​​the connecting elements 130. This sealing element is in Fig. 2a is shown as the connecting element 130 is designed to completely encompass or enclose it. This embodiment is not mandatory. For example, the sealing element 250 can also be attached only to the top of the connecting element. The embodiment of a sealing element encompassing the connecting element is preferred, as this maximizes the effectiveness of the sealing element around the connecting element.

[0072] This embodiment is therefore in a corresponding cross-section along the AA axis in Fig. 2b shown. Fig. 2b is the connecting element 130, which is located in the Fig. Figure 2a shows the connection between the circuit boards 122 and 123, as shown in the illustration, completely surrounded by the sealing element 250. In this embodiment, the sealing element 250 is provided with a partially curved surface 251 and a substantially straight surface 252. This design can be adapted approximately to the contour of the openings 116 and 117, since the sealing element is intended to seal these openings gas-tight according to the invention.

[0073] Regardless of whether the sealing element 250 is designed to completely enclose the connecting element or only partially covers it, it is particularly preferred if the sealing element is attached to the conductor element during or immediately after its manufacture, especially before the conductor element is inserted into the valve housing 101. This can be ensured particularly when using plastic materials or rubber as the material for the sealing element 250 using injection molding processes. In these processes, the manufactured conductor element is placed in a suitable mold, and the sealing element is produced in the area of ​​the connecting element using injection molding.The temperatures that occur are usually not so high that the conductor element could be damaged, and at the same time this ensures that the sealing element 250 is manufactured in a reliable and reproducible manner.

[0074] Particularly advantageous materials for the sealing element include, for example, thermoplastic elastomers or rubber.

[0075] In principle, it can be advantageous if the material used for the sealing element is an elastic material, since this makes it possible to adapt the sealing element 250 to the shape of the opening 116 or 117 in the respective separating element by applying a certain pressure, which ensures an even better sealing of these openings.

[0076] This shows Fig. Figure 3 shows an embodiment in which the valve housing 101 of the valve is now closed by the housing cover 360. In the embodiment shown here, this cover 360 is depicted as transparent, so that the internal components are also visible.

[0077] As shown by the Fig. As could be seen from Figure 1, openings 116 and 117 are open in the separating element towards the lid, so that the conductor element can be inserted.

[0078] This open part of the opening 116 or 117 is closed by applying the housing cover 360.

[0079] As in the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 3, the sealing element 250 now extends into the opening formed by the separating element 115 and the housing cover 360. According to the invention, the sealing element completely seals these openings gas-tight, so that no gases can diffuse from the second area 118 into one of the valve chambers or gases can diffuse back and forth between the valve chambers.

[0080] According to the invention, the sealing element 250 is further provided that it is detachably connected to the separating element that delimits the opening (and also to the housing cover 360, or analogously to the housing base). This means that when the conductor element, with the sealing elements attached to it or to the connecting elements of the conductor element, is inserted into the opening, and also when it is subsequently closed with the housing cover or the housing base, so that the opening is also closed at the top, no chemical bond and / or other permanent connection is formed that cannot be broken by destroying the sealing element and / or the separating element and / or the housing cover or housing base. This preferably also applies to methods in which the housing cover or the housing base is welded to the rest of the valve housing.This can lead to softening or melting of the sealing element material, which can be particularly advantageous for closing even the smallest gaps.

[0081] During the subsequent curing or re-curing of the sealing element, it is preferred that no chemical bond is formed with the surrounding material of the separating element and the housing base or housing cover. Conversely, a firm bond between the connecting element and the sealing element is not required, for example, if the sealing element is designed as a clamp encompassing the connecting element.

[0082] As in the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 3, the housing cover (and similarly the housing base) can have a reinforced area in the region of the openings, particularly in the area where the sealing element is attached. This reinforced area may, for example, have a greater material thickness than the rest of the housing cover. Such an embodiment is shown in Fig. 4 in a side view along the in Fig. 3 shown in the AA direction or in the AA plane shown.

[0083] Here again, the cross-section of the sealing element 250 and the part of the connecting element 130 that extends through the sealing element is shown.

[0084] The separating element 115 is also shown, as is a section 451 of this separating element that limits the opening. This section extends essentially vertically. However, to facilitate the insertion and positioning of the sealing element 250, this section can also extend at a slight angle α rather than perfectly vertically, so that the opening is narrower towards the lower end 453 than at the upper end facing the housing cover 360. This design also allows for better fixation of the sealing element.

[0085] The housing cover 360 can then be applied to the valve housing, particularly with an optionally provided reinforced area, in such a way that the sealing element is compressed in order to achieve a deformation of the sealing element, especially in the case of a flexible material, so that it closes as many passages as possible in the opening of the separating element.

[0086] For example, the area of ​​the opening bounded by the separating element 115 and the reinforced area 361 (if provided, otherwise only by this area of ​​the housing cover) may be smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the sealing element shown here. The resulting stress in the sealing element, particularly when a flexible material is used, causes deformation of the sealing element.

[0087] Additionally, it may, but does not have to, be provided that the sealing element 250 is designed as a "clamp", as is the case in Fig. Figure 4 shows that this clamp has an opening area 452 at which it can be pulled apart to accommodate a connecting element before the conductor element, together with the attached sealing element, is inserted into the valve housing. This can simplify manufacturing, as the sealing element can be produced independently of the conductor elements and only needs to be positioned around the connecting element(s) in a further step before the conductor element is inserted into the valve housing.

[0088] In the Fig. In the three illustrated embodiments, the additional pressure resulting from the relatively small opening compared to the size of the sealing element ensures that this opening area 452 of the clamp is securely and gas-tightly closed. A rubber sealing element can be particularly advantageous for this embodiment.

[0089] As mentioned previously, the housing cover can be welded to the rest of the valve housing to create the most gas-tight seal possible. Welding can also be performed in the area of ​​the separating elements to improve the gas tightness between the separating element and the housing cover and / or the housing base.

[0090] This process can lead to a partial melting or at least softening of part of the sealing element's material due to thermal factors. However, this can be advantageous, as the softer material of the sealing element better seals even small irregularities in the opening and can then harden or fully re-harden.

[0091] Fig. Figure 5 shows another embodiment of the separating element, here without the housing cover or the housing base.

[0092] In the embodiment shown here, the separating element comprises a material extension 581 in which the sealing element 250 can be positioned. This material extension can be greater in the AA direction than the material thickness of the separating element in that direction and can serve as a bearing surface for the sealing element 250, which extends within this material extension 581 inside the opening. The material extension can extend approximately 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, or 5 mm in the AA direction.

[0093] Optionally, a sealing lip 580 may also be arranged in the material expansion area. This sealing lip may extend from the material expansion area (or, if this is not provided, from the separating element) in the direction of the opening. As shown in the cross-sectional view along the AA plane in Fig.As shown in Figure 5, this sealing lip 580 presses into the sealing element. Such a sealing lip can also be provided, for example, in an optionally applied housing cover 582, so that the opening as a whole includes such a sealing lip at its boundary surface, which presses into the sealing element in order to close any openings.

[0094] This embodiment is particularly advantageous for sealing element materials that are flexible, as it ensures that the sealing element conforms to the sealing nose or sealing lip 580 on the one hand and to the material expansion 581 on the other.

[0095] For the manufacture of a valve, it can be particularly advantageous to attach the sealing element to the connecting element of the conductor element before the conductor element, including the circuit boards and the main circuit board, is inserted into the valve housing. Subsequently, the valve housing cover or the housing base (depending on which part is not yet attached) can be fitted, and then a secure connection can be made to completely close the valve housing, for example by welding.

[0096] As previously described, the sealing element can be manufactured directly on the conductor element, and especially on the connecting element, for example by injection molding. Alternatively, the sealing element can be prefabricated, for example in the form of an elastic clamp (e.g., made of rubber), and then attached to the connecting part of the conductor element. In either case, this is done before the conductor element is inserted into the valve housing.

[0097] After the conductor element with the sealing element has been inserted into the valve housing, it may be possible to partially or completely soften or melt the sealing element 250 in order to slightly liquefy the surface or convert it into a viscous phase in which it can deform, thus ensuring a conformity to the contour of the separating element and / or the housing cover and / or the housing base. This can occur, for example, during welding, since the heat generated during welding essentially "automatically" heats the sealing element and can thus cause it to liquefy or soften.

Claims

[1] Valve with a valve housing (101) comprising a first area (110) and a second area (118), wherein at least one air-operated valve chamber (111, 112) is arranged in the first area, in which an actuating element (142) for opening and closing a valve opening (147) of the valve chamber (111, 112) and an actuator (141) for actuating the actuating element (142) are arranged, wherein a circuit board (122, 123) extends in each valve chamber (111, 112) which is configured to electrically actuate the actuator (141), wherein the circuit boards (122, 123) are connected to a common main circuit board (121) which is arranged in the second area (118), wherein the first area (110) and the second area (118), or at least the second area (118) and all valve chambers (111, 112) are essentially gas-tightly separated from each other by a first separating element (115) and wherein adjacent valve chambers (111,112) are substantially gas-tight separated by a second separating element (115), wherein a connecting element (130) of the printed circuit boards (122, 123) extends through the first separating element (115) and / or the second separating element (115) through an opening (116, 117) in the first separating element (115) and / or in the second separating element (115), wherein a sealing element (250) enclosing the connecting element (130) is provided, which gas-tightly seals the opening (116, 117) with the connecting element (130) extending through the opening (116, 117) and which is detachably connected to the separating element (115) delimiting the opening (116, 117), wherein the valve housing (101) comprises a housing cover (360) and a housing base, wherein the first separating element (115) and the second separating element (115) extend between the case cover (360) and the case base, wherein, - the opening (116, 117) in the first and / or second separating element (115) is open towards the housing base and the housing base in the area of ​​the opening (116, 117) includes a reinforced area (361), or - wherein the opening (116, 117) in the first and / or second separating element (115) is open towards the housing cover (360) and the housing cover (360) comprises a reinforced area (361) in the region of the opening (116, 117), wherein the area of ​​the opening (116, 117) bounded by the first separating element (115) and / or the second separating element (115) and the reinforced area (361) is smaller than the area over which the sealing element (250) extends, so that the sealing element (250) experiences stress in the opening (116, 117). [2] Valve according to claim 1, wherein the housing base and the housing cover (360) are welded to a housing body comprising at least the first and second separating element (115). [3] Valve according to one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the opening (116, 117) is formed with a sealing bead in the first separating element (115) and / or the second separating element (115), the material expansion of which is at least partially greater than the material expansion of the first separating element (115) and / or the second separating element (115). [4] Valve according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sealing element (250) is a sealing element (250) produced by injection molding and connected to the connecting element (130) during its production. [5] Valve according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sealing element (250) comprises a thermoplastic elastomer. [6] Valve according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the connecting element (130) extends between two adjacent circuit boards (122, 123) and connects them together and wherein the opening (116) is arranged in the second separating element (115). [7] Valve according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the connecting element (130) extends from each circuit board (122, 123) to the main circuit board (121) and the opening (117) is arranged in the first separating element (115). [8] Valve according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the sealing element (250) is elastic. [9] Valve according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the valve is an SMA valve, wherein the actuator (141) is an SMA (Shape Memory Alloy) actuator and wherein a conductor element (102) can heat the SMA actuator for actuation by means of an electric current. [10] Method for manufacturing a valve with a valve housing (101), wherein the valve housing (101) comprises a first region (110) and a second region (118), wherein at least one air-operated valve chamber (111, 112) is arranged in the first region, in which an actuating element (142) for opening and closing a valve opening (147) of the valve chamber (111, 112) and an actuator (141) for actuating the actuating element (142) are arranged, wherein a circuit board (122, 123) extends in each valve chamber (111, 112) which is configured to electrically actuate the actuator (141), wherein the circuit boards (122, 123) are connected to a common main circuit board (121) which is arranged in the second region, wherein the first region (110) and the second region (118), or at least the second region (118) and all valve chambers (111,112) are substantially gas-tightly separated from each other by a first separating element (115), and wherein adjacent valve chambers (111, 112) are substantially gas-tightly separated by a second separating element (115), wherein a connecting element (130) of the printed circuit boards (122, 123) extends through the first separating element (115) and / or the second separating element (115) through an opening (116, 117) in the first separating element (115) and / or in the second separating element (115), wherein a sealing element (250) enclosing the connecting element (130) is provided, which gas-tightly seals the opening (116, 117) with the connecting element (130) extending through the opening (116, 117) and which is detachably connected to the separating element (115) delimiting the opening (116, 117), wherein the method is a Manufacture of a conductor element (102) comprising the printed circuit boards (122, 123) and the main printed circuit board (121) and the connecting elements (130),wherein at least one sealing element (250) is attached to the manufactured conductor element (102) in the area of ​​a connecting element and subsequently the conductor element (102) equipped with the sealing element (250) is inserted into a housing body comprising at least the first and the second separating element (115) such that the sealing element (250) is arranged in the opening. [11] Method according to claim 10, wherein the valve is a valve according to any one of claims 1 to 9. [12] Method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the sealing element (250) is attached to the conductor element (102) during the production of the sealing element (250) or wherein the sealing element (250) is manufactured and then attached to the conductor element (102). [13] Method according to one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the method further comprises connecting the housing body with the conductor element (102) inserted therein to a housing cover (360) and / or a housing base, wherein the connecting optionally comprises welding the housing body to the housing base and / or the housing cover (360). [14] Method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the joining comprises welding the housing body to the housing base and / or the housing cover (360) and wherein during and through the welding the sealing element (250) which is solid before welding is liquefied in the area of ​​the opening and hardens after welding.

Images