Actuator device for a pneumatic adjustment mechanism of a vehicle seat

Abstract

The invention relates to an actuator device for a pneumatic adjustment device of a vehicle seat, comprising an actuating section that can be configured to open and / or close a valve of the pneumatic adjustment device, a bending section connected to the actuating section, a mounting section that can be attached to a support element, and a lever section that can be supported on a section of the support element and is displaceable relative to the section, wherein the lever section is arranged between the actuating section and the mounting section, and wherein, when the actuator device is actuated, the bending section is bendable such that the actuating section is moved between a first position for opening the valve and a second position for closing the valve. The invention further relates to an actuator unit, with an actuator device according to the invention.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an actuator device for a pneumatic adjustment mechanism of a vehicle seat. The invention further relates to an actuator unit comprising an actuator device according to the invention. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] In vehicles, inflatable, elastic cushions can be used to shape seat contours. These cushions can be filled with air. Electrically actuated valves can be used to control the air pressure. For example, a wire made of a shape memory alloy (SMA) can be used as the actuator for actuating the valves. This wire shortens in length when an electric current flows and the resulting heat is generated. For simple and cost-effective assembly and connection technology, the SMA element is advantageously electrically and mechanically connected to a carrier element, such as a printed circuit board, which can also include the control electronics. For efficient control of the valve with such an actuator, it may be necessary to use a lever to translate the actuator's movement into a suitable movement of the valve element.

[0003] WO 2015 185132 A1 discloses an actuator comprising a parallelogram movable by means of film hinges, which translates the contraction of a U-shaped SMA wire into a larger movement of a sealing element. A coil spring serves as the return element.

[0004] DE 10 2018 112091 A1 describes a partially elastic element that translates a contraction of a U-shaped SMA wire into a larger movement of a sealing element. The elastic element simultaneously generates the restoring force.

[0005] Furthermore, DE 10 2019 208051 B4 discloses a one-piece actuating element with a bending section that converts the movement of a straight, tensioned SMA wire into a stroke of the actuating section. The bending section simultaneously generates the restoring force.

[0006] A disadvantage is that the bending section responsible for the restoring force must extend over a certain length to avoid excessive material stress, particularly fatigue fracture. An initial contraction of the SMA wire can therefore initially cause deformation of the bending section before the contraction is converted into a stroke of the valve element.

[0007] In this process, some of the mechanical work expended on the SMA wire, particularly during the initial contraction, may remain unused for actuating the valve. Furthermore, the SMA wire contracts more strongly to achieve the desired stroke of the valve element, which in turn can shorten its service life. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Against this background, the present invention aims to provide an actuator device that enables an efficient conversion of the mechanical work of an actuator element, such as an SMA wire, into an actuation path for a pneumatic valve.

[0009] According to the invention, this problem is solved by an actuator device with the features of claim 1 and / or by an actuator unit with the features of claim 12.

[0010] Accordingly, the following is planned: An actuator device for a pneumatic adjustment device of a vehicle seat, comprising an actuating section that can be configured to open and / or close a valve of the pneumatic adjustment device, a bending section connected to the actuating section, a mounting section that can be attached to a support element, and a lever section that can be supported on a section of the support element and is displaceable relative to the section, wherein the lever section is arranged between the actuating section and the mounting section, and wherein, when the actuator device is actuated, the bending section is bendable such that the actuating section is moved between a first position for opening the valve and a second position for closing the valve.

[0011] An actuator unit comprising an actuator device according to the invention, and comprising an actuator element connected to the lever section of the actuator device, and comprising a support element connected to the fastening section of the actuator device, wherein the lever section is supported on a section of the support element and is displaceable relative to the section.

[0012] The underlying insight of the present invention is that a contraction of an actuator element, such as in particular an SMA wire, should preferably be converted completely into mechanical actuation work for a valve in order to reduce the actuation force and / or the actuation path of the actuator element and thus increase its service life.

[0013] The underlying idea of ​​the present invention is to provide a lever section arranged between the actuating section and the mounting section. The lever section is designed such that it can bear against a section of the support element. In particular, the support element, even in a rest position where the actuator device is not loaded, can bear against the section of the support element with a small force or press against the support element with a small force. This allows the lever section to be fixed in a specific position. When the actuator device is actuated, particularly by actuating an actuator such as an SMA wire, the bearing force on a section of the support element is initially increased by the lever section.In particular, the bearing force increases until the force on the actuating section, which may be connected to a valve opening, drops to zero. If this occurs, and the force on the actuator device, especially the force on the actuator element such as an SMA wire, continues to increase, the actuator element can contract and displace the actuating section, thereby opening the valve.

[0014] The actuator device is preferably designed to control at least one valve that can be used for an available elastic cushion to shape seat contours. Therefore, the actuator device can be integrated into a vehicle, particularly into a vehicle seat. The actuator device preferably allows a valve to be at least partially opened and closed to fill or release air from the cushion.

[0015] The pneumatic adjustment device can be designed as a valve assembly for at least one cushion for shaping the contour of a seat in a vehicle. The actuator device can also be described as a lever bender.

[0016] The actuating section is preferably designed to actuate a valve opening, whereby actuation of the actuating section can open or close the valve. The actuating section can therefore be configured to transmit mechanical work to a valve element or valve for opening or closing the valve.

[0017] The mounting section is preferably designed for attaching a support element. The support element can, for example, be a printed circuit board, which can serve as a carrier for electronic components. The support element can serve for the mechanical fastening and electronic connection of the electronic components to the actuator device. The mounting section can be connected to the support element by frictional and / or positive locking.

[0018] The bending section is designed to allow displacement of the actuating section relative to the mounting section. In particular, the bending section is designed as a type of spring element. The bending section can be arranged as a connecting element between the actuating section and the mounting section. The bending section can form an elastic spring section that can generate a restoring force. In particular, a restoring force can be generated for opening or closing the valve and thus for the actuator element.

[0019] The lever section can be in contact with the actuating section and / or the bending section. In particular, the lever section can be attached to the actuating section and / or the bending section. Specifically, the lever section is connected to the bending section at its edge, with the edge being located in the area of ​​the actuating section.

[0020] The lever section is preferably designed as a flat component that is oriented essentially transversely to the bending section and / or the mounting section. The lever section can be designed as a lever to allow displacement of the mounting section. In particular, the lever section can be substantially L-shaped, with one section of the L-shape serving to mount the actuator element and another section serving to contact the section of the support element.

[0021] In one possible embodiment, the lever section can be formed integrally with the mounting section and / or the bending section. For example, the actuator device can be formed in one piece, with all sections being manufactured from a single element.

[0022] Advantageously, the actuator device or actuator unit according to the invention is compact, requires little installation space, and can be implemented cost-effectively. Furthermore, it requires a small number of individual parts and is easy to assemble. Advantageously, the spring section of the bending segment can be significantly enlarged for a restoring force compared to known designs, thereby minimizing material stress due to internal tension. This allows the use of materials that were previously unsuitable. Advantageously, the contraction of the actuator element, particularly when designed as an SMA wire, is almost completely converted into mechanical actuation forces for the valve. This allows the actuation force and / or the actuation stroke of the actuator element to be significantly reduced, thus increasing its service life.

[0023] Advantageous designs and further developments result from the further sub-claims as well as from the description with reference to the figures in the drawing.

[0024] According to an advantageous embodiment, an actuator element can be connected to the lever section, wherein the actuator element transmits a force in a first direction to the lever section, and the lever section is configured to redirect this force in a second direction to open and / or close the valve. Advantageously, the actuator element acts primarily on the lever section and thereby indirectly on the actuating section. The actuator element is, in particular, a shape memory alloy, especially in the form of a wire. In particular, the actuator element can be designed as an SMA wire. The actuator element can be clamped, screwed, positively locked, frictionally locked, or similarly connected to the lever section.In particular, a pneumatic valve can therefore be implemented with a wire-shaped SMA actuator that is electrically and mechanically connected to a circuit board and is located at ambient pressure along with the circuit board.

[0025] According to an advantageous embodiment, the lever section can be made to contact the support element at a free end, wherein the free end is displaceable relative to the support element. The free end can be formed on a type of cantilever provided on the lever section. In particular, a type of projection is provided on the support element with which the free end can be made to contact. In particular, the section of the support element with which the free end is in contact can be arranged between the lever section and the bending section. In particular, the lever section extends substantially transversely to the orientation of the support element. Preferably, point or line contact can be achieved between the free end and the section of the support element. The contact area between the support element and the lever section is therefore small in relation to the size of the entire lever section.The lever section can therefore be aligned from the fastening section towards the actuating section, with the free end in particular extending towards the fastening section.

[0026] According to an advantageous embodiment, the lever section can have a support area that is aligned in a plane parallel to the first direction and / or parallel to the actuator element. The support area can have a flat surface. The support area can exert a force on the carrier element and preferably displaces in a direction from the mounting section towards the actuating section relative to the carrier element. In particular, the displacement is directed perpendicular to a force with which the mounting section acts on the valve element of the valve. A section of the carrier element can therefore serve as a kind of support for the lever section.

[0027] According to an advantageous embodiment, the support area can form a movable pivot point about which the lever section is rotatable when the actuating section is moved, particularly when the valve is moved from an open to a closed state, or vice versa. When the actuator element contracts to open the valve, the force of the actuator element can be deflected by the actuator device, in particular by 80° to 100°, preferably 90°, whereby a virtual pivot point for such deflection can be formed in the contact area where the support area rests against the section of the carrier element. The virtual pivot point is movable because the lever section moves relative to the carrier element when the actuator element contracts.

[0028] According to an advantageous embodiment, the lever section can be arranged in a plane defined by the first direction and the second direction. The first direction is, in particular, a force direction resulting from the actuator element during contraction. The second direction is, in particular, a force direction with which a valve element of the valve can be opened and closed. The lever section can therefore be designed as a planar element.

[0029] According to an advantageous embodiment, the support area can be guided and displaceable within the section of the support element. For this purpose, for example, a mechanical guide can be provided in the section of the support element into which the support area can engage, or vice versa.

[0030] According to an advantageous embodiment, the lever section, when the actuator device is installed in a vehicle, particularly in a pneumatic adjustment mechanism of a vehicle seat, can exert a compressive force on the section of the support element. The support area can, for example, shift relative to the support element and simultaneously exert a force on it. In a preferred embodiment, the actuator device is installed in a pneumatic adjustment mechanism, which may, in particular, have integrated control electronics. One or more such pneumatic adjustment mechanisms can be installed in a vehicle seat.

[0031] According to an advantageous embodiment, the lever section for transmitting forces to the support element can be formed from the actuation of the actuator device. This can help to ensure that a contraction of the actuator element can be almost completely converted into mechanical actuation of a valve. In particular, the actuation force and / or the actuation stroke of the actuator element can be reduced, thereby increasing the service life of the actuator element.

[0032] According to an advantageous embodiment, the bending section can be pre-tensioned when the actuator device is installed in a vehicle, particularly in a pneumatic adjustment mechanism of a vehicle seat. In a disassembled state, an angle greater than 90° can be formed between the actuating section and the bending section. When the actuator device is installed, the bending section is pre-tensioned in such a way that it deforms. This allows a force to be exerted on the actuating section and on the lever section at the free end, causing the lever section to press against the support element.

[0033] According to an advantageous embodiment, the actuator element can comprise a shape memory alloy and / or be designed as a shape memory element. The actuator element is particularly wire-shaped. Specifically, the actuator element can be designed as an SMA wire (SMA = shape memory alloy).

[0034] According to an advantageous embodiment, the actuating section can be connected to a valve opening. When the valve is opened by the actuator, the bending section can deform further, thereby achieving a greater deflection. Simultaneously, the lever section is pressed more strongly against the support element. Preferably, the material properties are matched such that the actuator element only shortens when the force at the actuating area connected to a valve drops to zero. In particular, a force of zero is present when the preload from the bending section can be balanced by the force from the actuator element.

[0035] According to an advantageous embodiment, the actuator element can be connected to the actuator device by means of a crimp connection. The crimp connection allows the actuator element to be electrically and / or mechanically connected to the lever section, and thus to the actuator device. In particular, the crimp connection is designed as an extension of the actuator element on the lever section. This allows one end of the actuator element to be electrically connected to the actuator device.

[0036] In another embodiment, the mounting section can be designed as an electrical contact to a circuit board in order to electrically connect one end of the actuator element.

[0037] In a further embodiment, the actuator device can have an additional electrical contact which, when the actuator is fully energized, particularly if configured as an SMA wire, can close an electrical circuit, especially by touching a conductive area of ​​the circuit board. This allows the actuator's control to be influenced.

[0038] The actuator device can be manufactured as a single component or from differently assembled elements. For example, a number of materials firmly bonded together can form the actuator device. An elastic material such as spring steel can be used for the bending section. For the crimp connection, a plastically deformable material such as a copper-tin alloy can be used. Rigid materials can be used for areas requiring rigidity, such as the actuation section or the mounting section. In particular, the different material properties can also be achieved through different material thicknesses, with a thicker section being more rigid than a thinner section. The different materials or elements can be joined into a single component by gluing, riveting, plugging, welding, or similar methods.to be connected to a one-piece actuator device.

[0039] To minimize friction between the support area and the section of the support element, a vertical orientation of these two elements can be selected to minimize horizontal movement. This orientation can be aligned, in particular, with the neutral axis of the bending section. Furthermore, friction can be reduced by selecting a suitable material pairing for the support and bearing area and / or by using lubricants.

[0040] The above embodiments and further developments can be combined with one another as appropriate. Further possible embodiments, further developments, and implementations of the invention also include combinations of features of the invention described previously or subsequently with regard to the exemplary embodiments, even if not explicitly mentioned. In particular, the person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the present invention. CONTENT OF THE DRAWING

[0041] The present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the schematic figures of the drawing. These figures show: Fig. 1 a side view of a possible embodiment of an actuator device according to the invention; Fig. 2 another view of the embodiment from Fig. 1 in an installed state; Fig. 3 another view of the embodiment Fig. 1 in a stressed state; Fig. 4 another view of the embodiment Fig. 1; Fig. 5 another view of the embodiment Fig. 1 in a superimposed representation; Fig. 6 a representation of a possible embodiment of an actuator unit according to the invention.

[0042] The accompanying figures are intended to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of the invention. They illustrate embodiments and, in conjunction with the description, serve to explain the principles and concepts of the invention. Other embodiments and many of the advantages mentioned will become apparent with reference to the drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale.

[0043] In the figures of the drawing, identical, functionally equivalent and similarly acting elements, features and components - unless otherwise stated - are each provided with the same reference symbols. DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF EXECUTION

[0044] Fig. Figure 1 shows a side view of a possible embodiment of an actuator device 1 according to the invention. In this embodiment, the actuator device comprises an actuating section 2, a bending section 3, a mounting section 4, and a lever section 6. The bending section 3 is provided between the actuating section 2 and the mounting section 4. The lever section 6 is arranged on the bending section 3. In particular, the lever section 6 is arranged in an edge region of the bending section 3 where the bending section 3 borders the actuating section 2.

[0045] In this embodiment, the lever section 6 has a substantially L-shaped design, resulting in a free end 11. A support area 12 is provided at the free end 11, which abuts a section of the support element 5, as shown in the figures. Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, can support.

[0046] Fig. Figure 1 shows an actuator device 1 in an uninstalled state. In particular, an angle greater than 90° between a mounting section 4 and a bending section 3 is visible. The angle is shown in the installed state in Figure 1. Fig. 4, changed by a deformation of the bending section 3.

[0047] Fig. Figure 2 shows another view of the embodiment. Fig. 1 in an installed state. In this state, the bending section 3 is pre-stressed, as it is subjected to a load by the actuating section 2 and the fastening section 4. This also leads to a displacement of the lever section 6, which aligns it horizontally in the illustration.

[0048] Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 each show a further view of the embodiment. Fig. 1 in a loaded state. The actuator device 1 is loaded in the direction R1 shown by an actuator element, such as, in particular, an SMA wire. Simultaneously, the actuating section 2 moves vertically upwards in the direction R2 shown. In other words, when the actuator element contracts, a rigid right section of the actuator device 1 tilts about a pivot point in the area of ​​the support section 12, while the bending section 3 continues to deform or bend. During the deformation, the support section 12 is pressed against a section 7 of the support element 5 and, in the illustration, is displaced horizontally to the left, in particular without impairing the leverage of the support section 12. In particular, any shortening of the actuator element, or of the SMA wire, can be converted into an increasing stroke of the actuating section 2.

[0049] Fig. Figure 5 shows another view of the embodiment. Fig. 1 in a superimposed representation of the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. The mounting section 4 is arranged in a fixed vertical and / or horizontal position, while the actuating section 2 moves vertically upwards and / or horizontally to the left. Furthermore, the lever section 6 is also moved vertically upwards and horizontally to the left. The point of contact between the support area 12 and the section 7 lies largely in the same plane during this deformation, which is defined by a pull direction of the actuator element 9, as shown in Fig. 6, and a vertical direction of movement of the rigid part of the actuator device, i.e., the mounting section 4, is established. This prevents, in particular, lateral deformation, i.e., deformation out of the plane of the drawing. Specifically, it prevents lateral collisions of the actuator device 1 with stationary components.

[0050] Fig. Figure 6 shows a representation of a possible embodiment of an actuator unit 10 according to the invention. It schematically illustrates that the actuating section 2 is connected to a valve 8 or a valve unit. Furthermore, the mounting section 4 is connected to a support element 5, such as, in particular, a printed circuit board. Section 7 can, in particular, be part of this support element 5.

[0051] In a further embodiment, the actuator device 1 can have a further electrical contact 14 which, when the actuator is fully actuated, in particular designed as an SMA wire, can close an electrical circuit.

[0052] In its installed state, the actuator device 1 can be permanently connected to a support element 5, such as a printed circuit board. This connection can be made, for example, using rivets, screws, clamps, hot crimping, or similar methods. In a rest position, where the actuator device 1 is installed but not actuated, the pre-stressed bending section 3 already exerts a perpendicular force on a valve element of a valve 8 via the actuating section 2. This force can be used to open, close, or switch the valve 8. For example, the actuator element 9, such as an SMA wire, can be attached to the lever section 6 via a crimp connection 13. When actuated, the actuator element 9 can shorten and thus exert a force in the direction R1 on the lever section 6 and consequently on the actuator device 1 with the actuating section 2.

[0053] To illustrate an advantage of the actuator device 1 or the actuator unit 10 according to the invention, the movement of the lever section 6 without section 7, i.e., as a freely movable support area 12, can be described as follows: A shortening of the actuator element 9 can cause a deformation of the entire bending section 3. A central spring section of the bending section 3 and the support area 12 can thereby shift relative to the illustrated Fig. Move 1-6 downwards until the force on the actuating section 2 drops to zero. The force is considered to have dropped to zero when no force from the preload of the bending section 3 acts on the actuating section 2. If the actuator element 9 is shortened further, the actuating section 2 can lift upwards. In this way, a significant portion of the mechanical work performed by the actuator element 6 for actuating the valve 8 can be lost.

[0054] In contrast, the support element 5 is designed such that a section 7 can contact the support area 12. This ensures that the support area 12, even in its rest position (i.e., in a installed but not actuated state), exerts a certain force on the section 7 and is thus fixed in its vertical position. When a force is applied to or increases at the actuator element 9, the actuator element 9 does not initially shorten. Rather, only the contact force in the support area 12 increases until the force at the actuating section 4 drops to zero. Only with a further increase in the force at the actuator element 9 does it contract, and the right half of the actuator device 1 (i.e., the lever section 6 and the actuating section 2) tilts about the support area 12, thus moving the actuating section 2 upwards.Advantageously, the lever section 6 can be designed like a lever around the support area 12 as an axis of rotation.

[0055] Although the present invention has been fully described above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not limited thereto, but can be modified in many ways. Reference symbol list 1 actuator device 2 Actuation section 3 bending section 4 Mounting section 5 support element 6 Lever section Section 7 8 valve 9 Actuator element 10 actuator units 11 free ending 12 Support area 13 Crimp connection 14 electrical contact R1 first direction R2 second direction 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] WO 2015 185132 A1

[0003] DE 10 2018 112091 A1

[0004] DE 10 2019 208051 B4

[0005]

Claims

Actuator device (1) for a pneumatic adjustment device of a vehicle seat, comprising: an actuating section (2) which can be configured to open and / or close a valve (8) of the pneumatic adjustment device, a bending section (3) connected to the actuating section (2), a fastening section (4) which can be attached to a support element (5), a lever section (6) which can be supported on a section (7) of the support element (5) and is displaceable relative to the section (7), wherein the lever section (6) is arranged between the actuating section (2) and the fastening section (4), and wherein, when the actuator device (1) is actuated, the bending section (3) is bendable such that the actuating section (2) is moved between a first position for opening the valve (8) and a second position for closing the valve (8). Actuator device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that an actuator element (9) is connected to the lever section (6), wherein a force in a first direction (R1) can be transmitted to the lever section (6) by the actuator element (9), and the lever section (6) is configured to redirect this force in a second direction (R2) to open and / or close the valve (8). Actuator device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the lever section (6) can be contacted with the carrier element (5) at a free end (11), wherein the free end (11) is displaceable relative to the carrier element (5). Actuator device (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the lever section (6) has a support area (12) which is aligned in a plane parallel to the first direction (R1) and / or parallel to the actuator element (9). Actuator device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the support area (12) forms a movable pivot point about which the lever section (6) can be rotated when the actuating section (2) is moved. Actuator device (1) according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the lever section (6) is arranged in a plane formed by the first direction (R1) and the second direction (R2). Actuator device (1) according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the support area (12) is guided in the section (7) of the carrier element (5) and is displaceable. Actuator device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a pressure force can be exerted on the section (7) of the support element (5) by means of the lever section (6) in an installed state of the actuator device (1) in a vehicle seat, in particular in a pneumatic adjustment device of a vehicle seat. Actuator device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lever section (6) for transmitting forces to the support element (5) can be formed from the actuation of the actuator device (1). Actuator device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the bending section (3) is subjected to a preload in an installed state of the actuator device in a vehicle seat, in particular in a pneumatic adjustment device of a vehicle seat. Actuator device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuator element comprises a shape memory alloy and / or is designed as a shape memory element. Actuator unit (10), comprising: an actuator device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, an actuator element (9) connected to the lever section (6) of the actuator device (1), and a support element (5) connected to the fastening section (4) of the actuator device (1), wherein the lever section (6) is supported on a section (7) of the support element (6) and is displaceable relative to the section (7). Actuator unit (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that the actuating section (2) is connected to a valve opening of the valve (8). Actuator unit (10) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the actuator element (9) is connected to the actuator device (1) by a crimp connection (13).

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