Fluid actuator

Abstract

A fluid actuator comprises a fluid-fillable bladder (4) which has a fluid-fillable interior (41, 42) bounded by a flexible wall (61, 62, 63, 64). The fluid-fillable bladder (4) further comprises a connector (1) for establishing a fluid connection with a fluid system. The connector (1) includes a fluid passage (8) and is connected to a portion of the wall (61) in the region of a through-opening (61a) formed in the wall, such that fluid, preferably air, can flow into and / or out of the bladder (4) through the fluid passage and the through-opening (61a). The connector (1) has at least one sectionally uneven area (3) on its side facing the interior (41, 42).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a fluid actuator according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Fluid actuators of this type are known, for example, from DE 20 2023 105 320 U1. These fluid actuators generally have a fluid-fillable bladder with a flexible wall. The fluid-fillable bladder can be inflated when filled with fluid, preferably air, and then deflated again according to a corresponding control program. This allows, for example, massage functions or seat adjustments to be implemented in the area of ​​vehicle seats. With a view to minimizing the number of components required, it is known to arrange a suitable connector directly on the fluid-fillable bladder, with which the resulting fluid actuator can then be connected to a fluid-carrying piping system. Such connectors can, for example, also have corresponding clip connections to enable tool-free assembly.Such connectors, which usually have a fluid passage that, when properly installed, aligns with an opening in the wall of the fluid-fillable bladder, are generally made of a thermoplastic material, like the bladders themselves, so that the connection with the wall of the fluid-fillable bladder can be made, for example, by welding.

[0003] Fluid actuators, however, have the disadvantage that during bladder evacuation, the suction effect can cause wall sections to be pressed against each other. Such an adhesive bond then means that, especially in the initial stages of the filling process, considerable pressure must be applied to break the bond. This results in two walls or material layers of the fluid-fillable bladder remaining stuck together for a while, despite the increasing pressure, before being separated by the increased pressure. This, in turn, leads to uneven filling and undesirable noise.

[0004] The object of the present invention is therefore to improve a known fluid actuator in such a way that the disadvantages described do not occur.

[0005] This problem is solved by a fluid actuator with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are found in the dependent claims.

[0006] The fluid actuator according to the invention comprises a fluid-fillable bladder, which in turn has a fluid-fillable interior bounded by a flexible wall. The fluid-fillable bladder further comprises a connector for establishing a fluid connection with a fluid system. The connector itself includes a fluid passage and is connected to a portion of the wall in the region of a through-opening formed in the wall, such that fluid, preferably air, can flow into and / or out of the bladder through the fluid passage and the through-opening. The through-opening in the wall can have any shape. It can, for example, be a hole; however, it is sufficient if the wall merely contains some kind of opening in the region where the fluid passage is also arranged, for example, a simple slot, a cross slot, or the like.

[0007] According to the invention, the connector has at least one partially uneven area on its side facing the interior. Preferably, the uneven area projects at least locally from the inside, i.e., the side facing the interior of the fluid-fillable bladder, in order to prevent a portion of the wall of the fluid-fillable bladder from resting completely against it at this point.

[0008] The fluid actuator according to the invention solves the underlying problem by means of an uneven design of the connector on the side facing the fluid-fillable interior. This initially prevents overlapping wall sections from adhering to each other, at least locally, during evacuation of the fluid-fillable bladder, as the contact area between materials is reduced, so that, for example, film fragments cannot stick together. Thus, it prevents the flexible walls of the fluid-fillable bladder from coming into contact with and adhering to each other. This is achieved both in a fluid-fillable bladder comprising only a single chamber and in fluid-fillable bladders with multiple chambers.In the latter case, an uneven area will preferably be designed in such a way that they can at least partially extend through connecting openings between the individual chambers when the fluid-fillable bladder is emptied.

[0009] Preferably, the connector is joined to the wall section via a weld or adhesive bond surrounding the through-opening. This allows for the simplest possible manufacturing process. Therefore, preferably, both the walls of the fluid-fillable bladder and the connector, at least in the sections where they are to be joined, are made of a thermoplastic material that allows welding, e.g., high-frequency welding or ultrasonic welding. Preferably, the connector is an injection-molded part. This allows for the creation of any desired contours required for the invention during the connector's manufacture. Alternatively, the contours can be introduced into the connector during the assembly process of the fluid actuator, for example, during the welding process. The bladder wall can be formed from one or more sections of plastic film.For example, the foil sections can be arranged relative to each other in such a way that a plurality of fluid-fillable chambers of fluid-fillable bubbles can be formed. Between any two adjacent chambers, there will then be at least one passage through which fluid can flow from one chamber to the other.

[0010] It is also possible for the weld or bond to surround the uneven area(s) or be located within a number of uneven areas. These two alternatives are used in different scenarios, depending on the size of the opening in the wall and whether the connector is attached to the fluid-fillable bladder on the inside or outside of the wall.

[0011] The aforementioned uneven area can be configured in various ways. For example, it is possible for at least one uneven area, or several uneven areas, to include a projection and / or a recess. Both variants ensure that adhesion cannot form, at least locally, between two walls of the fluid-fillable bladder.

[0012] The shape of the uneven area is also variable. For example, at least one uneven area, or several uneven areas, can be round, circular, oval, triangular, and / or rectangular. Other shapes are, of course, also conceivable.

[0013] Overall, the shape of the connector, at least within the fluid-fillable bladder, can be symmetrical, for example circular, oval, rectangular, triangular or asymmetrical.

[0014] Furthermore, within a system of multiple fluid-fillable bladders, connectors with different shapes regarding symmetry or the geometry of uneven areas can be configured. Therefore, the invention also relates to a system of multiple fluid-fillable bladders, each of which has identical or at least partially different connectors with different geometries and / or different projections or uneven areas.

[0015] It is also conceivable that an uneven area includes a projection that is itself fluid-permeable. According to a preferred embodiment, at least one uneven area is arranged in the region of fluid passage and includes at least one opening. The fluid entering the fluid-fillable bladder through the fluid passage is then guided through the at least one opening in the uneven area. This makes it possible to distribute the fluid flow within the interior of the fluid-fillable bladders in a controlled manner, without any projections of the uneven area negatively affecting the airflow during filling or evacuation.

[0016] The connector can be designed in various ways. Preferably, the connector comprises a connecting plate, one side of which is attached to the wall section. This allows for particularly easy attachment of the connector to the fluid-fillable bladder, as the connecting plate provides sufficient space for gluing, welding, or other types of fastening.

[0017] Finally, the invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a fluid actuator described above, in which the following steps are carried out: - Providing a wall material for forming the wall surrounding the interior of the bubble with a passage opening, - Providing a connector with a through-hole - Connecting the part of the wall to the connector in such a way that its fluid passage is aligned with the passage opening and that at least one uneven area faces the interior of the bladder, which may still need to be formed, - wherein at least one uneven area is formed before, during or after the joining of the part of the wall to the connector.

[0018] The invention is described below with reference to the Fig. 1-9 explained in more detail. Fig. Figure 1 shows in general perspective view a connector according to the invention with a connecting piece for connection to a system, Fig. 2 - shows a connector according to the invention for connecting to uneven areas according to a first embodiment in a perspective view, Fig. 3 - shows another connector according to the invention with uneven areas according to a second embodiment in perspective view, Fig. 4 - shows a further connector according to the invention with uneven areas according to a third embodiment in perspective view, Fig. Figure 5 shows a perspective view according to a fourth embodiment of a connector according to the invention. Fig. Figure 6 shows a perspective view according to a fifth embodiment of a connector according to the invention. Fig. 7 - shows a sectional view through a fluid actuator according to the invention with a connector attached to it in a first connection variant, Fig. 8 - shows a sectional view through a fluid actuator according to the invention with a connector attached to it in a second connection variant, Fig. Figure 9 shows a sectional view through a fluid actuator according to the invention with a fluid-fillable bladder which has a plurality of chambers.

[0019] In the Fig. Figures 1-6 show different possibilities of a connector according to the invention.

[0020] In principle, a connector 1 according to the invention, as shown in Fig. Figure 1 shows a bottom surface with a connection 7, through which the connector 1 can be connected to a fluid system (not shown). This fluid system supplies a fluid-fillable bladder connected to the connector 1. The fluid used here is air, but other fluids (liquids or gases) are also possible. The connector 1 also has a fluid passage 8 through the connection 7. An outlet 7a can be part of the connection 7. From this outlet 7a, fluid can enter or exit the fluid-fillable bladder connected to the connector 1 through the fluid passage 8.

[0021] Preferably, a connection area 2 is provided on the connector 1, which preferably has the shape of a plate or the like, wherein the connection area 2 serves to connect the connector 1 to the fluid-fillable bladder.

[0022] The Fig. Figures 2-5 show various conceivable front faces (sides facing the interior of the fluid-fillable bladder) of the connector 1 according to the invention.

[0023] It is recognizable in Fig. 2 On the front side, an uneven area 3 is formed, raised above the connection area 2. In the example shown, multiple projections 3a are arranged. A single projection 3a is also possible. In the example shown, the projections are arranged circumferentially around the fluid passage 8. The projections 3a have an approximately circular base in the example shown. Other geometries are also conceivable, for example, oval, polygonal, and the like. The projections 3a can also extend into the opening area 7a. 5 denotes a possible location of a weld or adhesive joint by which the connector 1 can be attached to the fluid-fillable bladder. In the example shown, this adhesive joint or weld 5 surrounds the projections 3a of the uneven area 3.

[0024] In Fig. Figure 3 shows a similar example, in contrast to Fig. 2 are fewer projections here 3a with a difference compared to the embodiment of Fig. 2 differing geometries arranged around the fluid passage 8.

[0025] In Fig. 4 are again cam-like projections 3a arranged raised above the connection area 2, this time in such a way that the weld 5 or adhesive joint is arranged between the fluid passage 8 or the opening area 7a and the projections 3a of the uneven area 3.

[0026] The Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 shows alternative versions of the uneven area 3, which is also raised on the front side, but has an opening 9 through which the fluid flowing through the fluid passage 8 can then distribute itself in the fluid-fillable bladder. Fig. 6 is a variant of Fig. 5 shown, in contrast to the Fig. In section 5, a further opening 10 is also provided, so that fluid entering the fluid-fillable bladder through the fluid passage can flow into it through several openings 9, 10. As in the example shown, an opening 10 can be aligned with the fluid passage 8.

[0027] In the exemplary embodiments of the Fig. 7 and Fig. Figure 9 shows examples of fluid actuators according to the invention.

[0028] In Fig. Figure 7 shows a sectional view through a fluid actuator according to the invention. In the example shown, the connector 1 with its connection area 2 is arranged within the interior 41 of the fluid-fillable bladder 4. The front face of the connector 1, with its uneven area 3 and projections 3a, recesses, or other irregularities arranged thereon, thus points into the interior 41 in the direction of the wall 62 of the fluid-fillable bladder 4. A through-opening 61a is provided in the wall 61 opposite the wall 62, preferably designed such that the connection 7 can be led out of the bladder 4 through the opening 61a. The opening 61a can be a hole, but it is also conceivable that the wall 61 merely has a slot at this point; this can be a simple slot, a cross slot, or a slot of another shape.In principle, it is sufficient to create an opening 61a if any slot is provided in the wall 61.

[0029] In the area of ​​the system between the connection area 2 and the wall 61, welding or bonding 5 can then take place. In principle, for all fluid actuators according to the invention, the material of the connector 1 can be a plastic material, which can preferably be welded or bonded to the wall 61 of the fluid-fillable bladder 4. Likewise, the walls 61, 62 of the fluid-fillable bladder 4 should preferably be made of a thermoplastic material, preferably a film material, so that the fluid-fillable bladders can be produced, for example, by joining individual film sections.

[0030] Due to the uneven area 3, e.g. by means of the projections 3a, in the evacuated state of the fluid-fillable bladder 3 the inside of the wall 62 is kept at a distance from the inside of the wall 61, so that it is not possible for the walls 61, 62 to adhere to each other.

[0031] The embodiment of Fig. 8 differs from that one Fig. 7 merely by virtue of the fact that the fastening area 2 lies outside the wall 61. The opening 61a must then, however, be designed at least in such a way that the uneven area 3, for example with projections 3a, extends into the interior space 41.

[0032] There are also fluid actuators in which the fluid-fillable bladder has multiple chambers. In the example of the Fig. Figure 9 shows an embodiment with two chambers K1, K2. However, in accordance with this invention, a fluid-fillable bladder can also have three or any number of additional chambers.

[0033] In principle, the following can be used to describe the Fig.Reference is made to the above statements. A further chamber K2 connects to the wall 62 of chamber K1 via a through-opening 62a (here too, the opening can be a hole, or it can be a slot or incision, as already described above), so that fluid which enters the interior 41 of chamber K1 via connector 1 is also conveyed to the interior 42 of chamber K2 via the through-opening 62a. The uneven area 3 is also present on the inside of connector 1 here. Preferably, in this embodiment with multiple chambers K1, K2, one or more projections 3a are provided in the uneven area, which, if possible, extend through the through-opening 62a (or, in the case of more than two chambers, through further through-openings) at least in the contracted (evacuated) state of the fluid-fillable bladder 4, in order to prevent the walls 61, 62 or 63, 64 from adhering to one another due to adhesive forces. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 20 2023 105 320 U1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Fluid actuator comprising a fluid-fillable bladder (4) which has a fluid-fillable interior (41, 42) bounded by a flexible wall (61, 62, 63, 64), wherein the fluid-fillable bladder (4) further comprises a connector (1) for establishing a fluid connection with a fluid system, wherein the connector (1) comprises a fluid passage (8) and is connected to a part of the wall (61) in the region of a passage opening (61a) formed in the wall such that fluid, preferably air, can flow into and / or out of the bladder (4) through the fluid passage and the passage opening (61a), characterized by , that the connector (1) has at least one uneven area (3) on its side facing the interior (41, 42). [2] Fluid actuator according to claim 1, characterized by, that the connector (1) is connected to the part (61) of the wall via a weld (5) or adhesive bond surrounding the through-opening (61a). [3] Fluid actuator according to claim 2, characterized by that the weld (5) or bond surrounds the uneven area(s) (3) or is located within a plurality of uneven areas (3). [4] Fluid actuator according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the connector (1) is an injection-molded part. [5] Fluid actuator according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the wall of the bubble (4) is formed from one or more sections of plastic film (61, 62). [6] Fluid actuator according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one uneven area (3) or a plurality of uneven areas (3) includes a projection (3a) and / or a rebound. [7] Fluid actuator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one uneven area (3) or a plurality of uneven areas (3) comprise a round, circular, oval, triangular and / or rectangular shape. [8] Fluid actuator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one uneven area (3) is arranged in the area of ​​the fluid passage (8) and comprises at least one opening (9, 10). [9] Fluid actuator according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the connector (1) comprises a connecting plate (2) one side of which is connected to the part (61) of the wall. [10] Method for manufacturing a fluid actuator according to any of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps: - Providing a wall material for forming the wall (61, 62, 63, 64) surrounding the interior (41, 42) of the bubble (4) with a passage opening (61a), - Providing a connector (1) with a through-hole (8) - Connecting the part (61) of the wall to the connector (4) such that its fluid passage (8) is aligned with the passage opening (61a) and the at least one uneven area (3) faces the interior space (41, 42) of the bladder (4), which may still need to be formed, - wherein at least one uneven area (3) is formed on the part (61) of the wall before, during or after it is connected to the connector (4).

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