Pneumatic pump

Abstract

Pneumatic pump, including - a membrane element carrier (1); - a membrane element (2) attached to the membrane element carrier (1) and containing a plurality of coupling parts (21); - a valve diaphragm holder (3) which is attached to one end of the diaphragm element carrier (1) such that the diaphragm element (2) is located between the diaphragm element carrier (1) and the valve diaphragm holder (3), forming a pump chamber (22) between the diaphragm element (2) and the valve diaphragm holder (3); - a valve diaphragm (4) which is arranged on the valve diaphragm holder (3); - an end cover (5) attached to the valve diaphragm holder (3) and the valve diaphragm (4), wherein a spring chamber (51) and an air inlet chamber (522) are formed in the end cover (5), the air inlet chamber (522) being connected to the spring chamber (51); - a drive device (6) to which the coupling parts (21) are coupled; and - a pressure relief valve (7) arranged in the end cover (5), wherein the pressure relief valve (7) comprises a spring (71) and a sealing pad (72), wherein the spring (71) is arranged in the spring chamber (51) of the end cover (5) and presses against the sealing pad (72) such that the sealing pad (72) moves in the direction of the valve diaphragm holder (3) and the valve diaphragm (4); wherein an air outlet channel (100), an air flow channel (200) and a return channel (300) are formed between the pump chamber (22), the valve diaphragm holder (3), the valve diaphragm (4) and the end cover (5), wherein the air outlet channel (100) is not in communication with the pressure relief valve (7) and the spring chamber (51), wherein the sealing pad (72) is arranged between the air flow channel (200) and the return channel (300) and closes the air flow channel (200) in the normal state in order to block the air flow channel (200) from the return channel (300), wherein the diaphragm element (2) can be caused by the drive device (6) to release the air from the pump chamber (22) and to discharge the air via the air outlet channel (100), wherein if the pressure in the pump chamber (22) exceeds a predetermined limit, the The sealing pad (72) of the pressure relief valve (7) compresses the spring (71) so thatthat the airflow channel (200) is opened, whereby the air is not completely discharged via the air outlet channel (100), but a portion of the air flows back into the air inlet chamber (522) via the airflow channel (200) and the return channel (300), whereby the returned air can be drawn back into the pump chamber (22) and then discharged via the air outlet channel (100); , characterized by the fact that the end cover (5) comprises an inner cover (52) and an outer cover (53), wherein the outer cover (53) is placed on the inner cover (52), wherein the spring chamber (51) is located between the inner cover (52) and the outer cover (53), wherein the sealing pad (72) is arranged on the inner cover (52) and has a central part (721) and an outer ring part (722), wherein the outer ring part (722) is spaced apart from the central part (721) and is arranged around the central part (721), wherein several ribs (723) are arranged between the central part (721) and the outer ring part (722) which connect the central part (721) and the outer ring part (722) to each other, wherein the airflow channel (200) is closed by the central part (721) of the sealing pad (72) in the normal state;and wherein a sealing disc (726) is arranged on the side of the middle part (721) facing the inner cover (52) and a groove (727) is arranged on the side of the outer ring part (722) facing the inner cover (52), wherein the sealing disc (726) rests against the inner cover (52) and the groove (727) is engaged with a corresponding detent element (521) on the inner cover (52).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a pneumatic pump, in particular a pneumatic pump used in the area of ​​vehicle seats, e.g. in filling devices for filling a vehicle seat airbag, so that the profile of the area of ​​the seat against which the user leans can be changed by controlling the volume of the vehicle seat airbag.

[0002] Pneumatic pumps are used in vehicle seating systems, for example, in inflation devices for vehicle seat airbags. This allows the profile of the seat area against which the user leans to be altered by controlling the volume of the airbag. The pneumatic pump has a pump chamber. A drive unit adjusts the volume of the pump chamber. When the volume increases, air is drawn into the pump chamber from the surrounding environment. When the volume decreases, the air is expelled from the pump chamber into the surrounding environment.

[0003] Conventional pneumatic pumps are typically equipped with a pressure relief valve. In the event of excessive pressure, the vehicle seat airbag will deploy. The pressure relief valve's opening is closed by a valve element, and this element is actuated in the closing direction by a spring element housed in a spring chamber. If the pressure in the pump chamber exceeds a predetermined limit, the spring element opens the pressure relief valve, releasing the pressure. However, a drawback of conventional pneumatic pumps is that the air passing through the spring chamber is immediately released into the atmosphere, generating noise during the release of the air. Document EP 2 372 157 B1 describes a diaphragm pump for a seat adjustment device, incorporating a diaphragm and a valve element.Document DE 10 2015 205 651 A1 discloses a positive displacement pump, in particular a piston or diaphragm pump, with a pressure relief valve that can be used for it. Document DE 10 2018 102 120 A1 discloses another conventional diaphragm pump that has the features defined in the preamble of claim 1.

[0004] The inventor of the present invention believed that the aforementioned deficiency could be remedied. He dedicated himself to solving the problem and, applying scientific principles, produced the present invention, which is suitably designed and can effectively eliminate the aforementioned deficiency.

[0005] The invention is based on the objective of creating a pneumatic pump in which the air inlet chamber and the pressure relief spring chamber of the overpressure valve are connected, so that noises that arise when the pressure is immediately released into the atmosphere can be avoided, and so that the airflow can be reused after pressure relief, thereby increasing the work performance of the pneumatic pump.

[0006] This problem is solved according to the invention by a pneumatic pump with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0007] The pneumatic pump according to the invention comprises a diaphragm element carrier; a diaphragm element attached to the diaphragm element carrier and containing a plurality of coupling elements; a valve diaphragm holder attached to one end of the diaphragm element carrier such that the diaphragm element is located between the diaphragm element carrier and the valve diaphragm holder, forming a pump chamber between the diaphragm element and the valve diaphragm holder; a valve diaphragm arranged on the valve diaphragm holder; an end cover attached to the valve diaphragm holder and the valve diaphragm, wherein a spring chamber and an air inlet chamber are formed in the end cover, the air inlet chamber being connected to the spring chamber; and a drive device with which the coupling elements are coupled.and a pressure relief valve arranged in the end cover, the pressure relief valve comprising a spring and a sealing pad, the spring being arranged in the spring chamber of the end cover and being able to press against the sealing pad such that the sealing pad moves towards the valve diaphragm holder and the valve diaphragm.

[0008] Between the pump chamber, the valve diaphragm holder, the valve diaphragm, and the end cover, an air outlet channel, an airflow channel, and a return channel are formed. The air outlet channel is not connected to the pressure relief valve or the spring chamber. The sealing pad is positioned between the airflow channel and the return channel and, under normal conditions, closes the airflow channel to isolate it from the return channel. The actuator causes the diaphragm element to release air from the pump chamber via the air outlet channel. If the pressure in the pump chamber exceeds a predetermined limit, the sealing pad of the pressure relief valve compresses the spring, opening the airflow channel and allowing air to flow back through the airflow channel and the return channel.

[0009] According to the invention, the end cover comprises an inner cover and an outer cover, the outer cover being placed on the inner cover, with the spring chamber located between the inner and outer covers. The sealing pad is arranged on the inner cover and has a central part and an outer ring part, the outer ring part being spaced apart from the central part and arranged around the central part. Several ribs are arranged between the central part and the outer ring part, connecting the central part and the outer ring part to each other. In the normal state, the airflow channel is closed by the central part of the sealing pad.

[0010] Preferably, the central part of the sealing pad has a post over which a spring fastener is placed, with one end of the spring being attached to the spring fastener.

[0011] According to the invention, a sealing disc is arranged on the side of the middle part facing the inner cover and a groove is arranged on the side of the outer ring part facing the inner cover, wherein the sealing disc rests against the inner cover and the groove is locked to the inner cover with a corresponding locking element.

[0012] Preferably, the sealing pad is arranged at the end of the airflow channel facing away from the pump chamber, and a sealing opening is formed at this end of the airflow channel, the sealing opening being located on the inner cover of the end cap. The end cap has several return openings located between the return channel and the sealing opening. These return openings are connected to both the return channel and the sealing opening. In the normal state, the central part of the sealing pad is positioned over the sealing opening to close it, thus keeping the airflow channel closed. The sealing disc rests against the inner cover at the outer circumference of the sealing opening.

[0013] When the sealing pad is removed from the opening to be sealed, the air in the airflow channel flows through the opening to be sealed and the return openings and is directed into the return channel.

[0014] Preferably, two positioning openings are arranged on the outside of the outer ring part and two positioning pins are arranged on the inner cover, wherein the two positioning openings interact with the two positioning pins.

[0015] Preferably, the drive device comprises a motor and a transmission element, wherein the transmission element is connected to the motor and the coupling parts of the membrane element and is located between the motor and the coupling parts.

[0016] The pneumatic pump according to the invention is advantageous in that the diaphragm element can be moved by the drive device to adjust the volume of the pump chamber. When the volume is reduced, the air is discharged from the pump chamber into the surrounding environment, with the air being expelled via the air outlet channel. According to the invention, the air inlet chamber and the pressure relief spring chamber of the pressure relief valve are connected, and this design ensures that noises generated during the immediate pressure release and venting of the air into the atmosphere are avoided, and that the airflow during which the pressure was released is reused, thus increasing the performance of the pneumatic pump.

[0017] The following section explains the tasks, features and special characteristics of the present invention in more detail with reference to a detailed description of an exemplary embodiment and the accompanying drawings, in order to make the technology and method used to solve the tasks and the advantages more understandable. Fig. Figure 1 shows a first perspective view of a pneumatic pump according to the invention in its disassembled state. Fig. Figure 2 shows a second perspective view of the pneumatic pump according to the invention in its disassembled state. Fig. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the pneumatic pump according to the invention. Fig. Figure 4 shows a sectional view of the pneumatic pump according to the invention with a closed pressure relief valve. Fig. Figure 5 shows an enlarged view of section V from Fig. 4. Fig. Figure 6 shows a sectional view of the pneumatic pump according to the invention with the pressure relief valve open. Fig. Figure 7 shows an enlarged view of section VII from Fig. 6. Fig. Figure 8 shows a first perspective view of a pressure relief valve of the pneumatic pump according to the invention in its disassembled state. Fig. Figure 9 shows a second perspective view of the pressure relief valve of the pneumatic pump according to the invention in its disassembled state.

[0018] As in Fig. As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the pneumatic pump according to the invention comprises a diaphragm element carrier 1, a diaphragm element 2, a valve diaphragm holder 3, a valve diaphragm 4, an end cover 5, a drive device 6 and a pressure relief valve 7.

[0019] The membrane element carrier 1 serves to receive and support the membrane element 2. The membrane element 2 is arranged on the membrane element carrier 1 and is made of an elastic material (e.g., rubber). The membrane element 2 comprises a plurality of coupling elements 21 that extend from one side of the membrane element 2 in the direction away from the valve diaphragm holder 3. The coupling elements 21 are coupled to the drive device 6 and can thus be moved by driving the drive device 6. In the present embodiment, the drive device 6 comprises a motor 61 and a transmission element 62. The transmission element 62 is connected to the motor 61 and the coupling elements 21 of the membrane element 2. When the drive device 6 is in operation, the drive force is transmitted via the transmission element 62 to the coupling elements 21 to move the membrane element 2.

[0020] The valve diaphragm holder 3 is arranged at one end of the diaphragm element carrier 1 such that the diaphragm element 2 is located between the diaphragm element carrier 1 and the valve diaphragm holder 3 and a pump chamber 22 is formed between the diaphragm element 2 and the valve diaphragm holder 3, the volume of the pump chamber 22 being variable with the movement of the diaphragm element 2.

[0021] The valve diaphragm 4 is arranged on the valve diaphragm holder 3 and is made of an elastic material (e.g., rubber). The valve diaphragm 4 and the valve diaphragm holder 3 together form a valve element. The valve diaphragm 4 is made of an elastic material and is essentially plate-shaped. The end cover 5 is placed on the valve diaphragm holder 3 and the valve diaphragm 4. The diaphragm element carrier 1, the valve diaphragm holder 3, and the end cover 5 can be fastened together by means of fasteners such as bolts or fixings. The valve diaphragm 4, the valve diaphragm holder 3, and the end cover 5 are arranged such that air is allowed to enter the pump chamber 22, air is allowed to be discharged via the pump chamber 22, and backflow of air is prevented.Backflow of air can be prevented, for example, by using a conventional one-way valve. Since the one-way valve is known and not the focus of the present invention, it will not be explained further here.

[0022] The pressure relief valve 7 is located in the end cover 5. The pressure relief valve 7 comprises a spring 71 and a sealing pad 72. A spring chamber 51 is formed in the end cover 5, in which the spring 71 is received. The sealing pad 72 is made of an elastic material (e.g., rubber, thermoplastic). The spring 71 can be arranged so that one end of the spring 71 rests against the sealing pad 72, thus exerting spring force on the sealing pad 72. This causes the sealing pad 72 to move towards the valve diaphragm holder 3 and the valve diaphragm 4 until it aligns with the respective centers of the valve diaphragm holder 3 and the valve diaphragm 4. An air outlet channel 100 is formed between the pump chamber 22, the valve diaphragm holder 3, the valve diaphragm 4 and the end cover 5, through which the air is discharged to the outside.The air outlet duct 100 is separated from the pressure relief valve 7 and the spring chamber 51 and is not connected to either of them. It is possible to connect one end of the air outlet duct 100 to a vehicle seat airbag (not shown) via a line in order to inflate the vehicle seat airbag.

[0023] In the present invention, the end cover 5 is formed from two parts, for example an inner cover 52 and an outer cover 53. The outer cover 53 is placed on the inner cover 52. The spring chamber 51 can be formed between the inner cover 52 and the outer cover 53. An air inlet chamber 522 is formed in the inner cover 52 of the end cover 5, which is connected to the spring chamber 51. The sealing surface 72 has a central part 721 and an outer ring part 722 (see figure). Fig. 8 and Fig. 9), wherein the outer ring part 722 is spaced apart from the middle part 721 and arranged around the middle part 721. Several ribs 723 are arranged between the middle part 721 and the outer ring part 722, connecting the middle part 721 and the outer ring part 722. Two positioning openings 724 are arranged on the outside of the outer ring part 722 and two positioning pins 54 are arranged on the inner cover 52, the two positioning openings 724 cooperating with the two positioning pins 54 to enable the sealing pad 72 to be attached to the inner cover 52.

[0024] The central part 721 has a post 725 which is umbrella-shaped. A spring fastener 73 is placed over the post 725 such that the spring fastener 73 is attached to the sealing base 72, which has the umbrella-shaped post. One end of the spring 71 is attached to the spring fastener 73, and the other end of the spring 71 rests at a suitable point such that one end of the spring 71 can bear against the sealing base 72 through the spring fastener 73. A sealing washer 726 is arranged on the side of the central part 721 facing the inner cover 52, and a groove 727 is arranged on the side of the outer ring part 722 facing the inner cover 52. The sealing washer 726 is brought into contact with the inner cover 52 to increase the sealing of the central part 721 against the sealing base 72.The groove 727 can be locked to the inner cover 52 with a corresponding locking element 521 and ensures that the sealing pad 72 is positioned precisely on the inner cover 52 and reduces the risk of the sealing pad 72 and the inner cover 52 becoming loose.

[0025] An airflow channel 200 and a return channel 300 are formed between the pump chamber 22, the valve diaphragm holder 3, the valve diaphragm 4, and the end cover 5. The sealing pad 72 is arranged between the airflow channel 200 and the return channel 300. This means that the sealing pad 72 can be positioned at the end of the airflow channel 200 facing away from the pump chamber 22. A sealing opening 201 is formed at the end of the airflow channel 200 facing away from the pump chamber 22 and can be located on the end cover 5. This means that the sealing opening 201 can be positioned on the inner cover 52 of the end cover 5. The end cover 5 has several return openings 301 located between the return channel 300 and the sealing opening 201. The backflow openings 301 are connected to the backflow channel 300 and the opening 201 to be sealed.In the normal state, where the pressure in the pump chamber 22 does not exceed the specified limit, the sealing pad 72 is positioned over the opening 201 to be sealed. This means that the central part 721 of the sealing pad 72 is positioned over the opening 201 to be sealed in the normal state, thus closing the opening 201 and preventing the airflow channel 200 from being blocked and therefore isolated from the return channel 300. The sealing disc 726 rests against the inner cover 52 on the outer circumference of the opening 201 to be sealed, thereby increasing the seal.

[0026] Under normal conditions, air in pump chamber 22 can only be discharged to the outside via air outlet duct 100. Only when the air in pump chamber 22 exceeds the specified limit can it flow through air flow duct 200 and press against the sealing pad 72, thus separating the sealing pad 72 from the opening 201 to be sealed. The air in air flow duct 200 is then directed through the opening 201 to be sealed and the return openings 301 into the return channel 300, thereby relieving the pressure.

[0027] According to the invention, the diaphragm element 2 is driven by the drive device 6 and thus set in motion to adjust the volume of the pump chamber 22. When the volume increases, air is drawn from the environment into the pump chamber 22. When the volume decreases, the air is discharged from the pump chamber 22 into the environment outside the pump. As in Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the air is released via the air outlet channel 100. In this way, the air is directed via a line into a fluid chamber in a seat adjustment device to control the volume of the seat airbag and thereby change the profile of the area of ​​the seat against which the user leans by controlling the vehicle seat airbag. If the pressure in the pump chamber 22 exceeds the predetermined limit, the sealing surface 72 of the pressure relief valve 7 compresses the spring 71 in such a way that the airflow channel 200 is opened (see Figure 5). Fig. 6 and Fig.7) This means that the opening 201 to be sealed is now exposed so that pressure relief can occur. The air is not completely released via the air outlet channel 100. A portion of the air now flows back into the air inlet chamber 522 via the air flow channel 200 and the return channel 300 to prevent the vehicle seat airbag from exploding under excessive pressure. The returned air can be drawn back into the pump chamber 22 and then released via the air outlet channel 100 to increase the performance of the pneumatic pump.

[0028] The pneumatic pump according to the invention is advantageous in that the diaphragm element is driven and moved by the drive device to adjust the volume of the pump chamber. When the volume decreases, the air is discharged from the pump chamber into the environment outside the pump, with the air being released via the air outlet channel. According to the invention, the air inlet chamber and the spring chamber of the pressure relief valve are interconnected, so that noises that occur when the pressure is immediately released into the atmosphere are avoided, and so that the airflow can be reused after pressure release, thereby increasing the performance of the pneumatic pump. Reference symbol list 1 Membrane element carrier 2 Membrane element 21 coupling part 22 Pump chamber 3 valve diaphragm holders 4 valve diaphragm 5 End cover 51 spring chamber 52 inner lids 521 Latching bodies 53 Outer covers 54 positioning pins 6 Drive device 61 Engine 62 Transmission element 7. Overpressure valve 71 spring 72 Sealing pad 721 Middle section 722 Outer ring part 723 rib 724 Positioning opening 725 pile 726 Sealing washer 727 groove 73 spring fasteners 100 air outlet duct 200 airflow duct 201 Opening to be sealed 300 Return channel 301 Backflow preventer

Claims

[1] Pneumatic pump comprising - a membrane element carrier (1); - a membrane element (2) attached to the membrane element carrier (1) and containing a plurality of coupling parts (21); - a valve diaphragm holder (3) which is attached to one end of the diaphragm element carrier (1) such that the diaphragm element (2) is located between the diaphragm element carrier (1) and the valve diaphragm holder (3), forming a pump chamber (22) between the diaphragm element (2) and the valve diaphragm holder (3); - a valve diaphragm (4) which is arranged on the valve diaphragm holder (3); - an end cover (5) attached to the valve diaphragm holder (3) and the valve diaphragm (4), wherein a spring chamber (51) and an air inlet chamber (522) are formed in the end cover (5), the air inlet chamber (522) being connected to the spring chamber (51); - a drive device (6) to which the coupling parts (21) are coupled; and - a pressure relief valve (7) arranged in the end cover (5), wherein the pressure relief valve (7) comprises a spring (71) and a sealing pad (72), wherein the spring (71) is arranged in the spring chamber (51) of the end cover (5) and presses against the sealing pad (72) such that the sealing pad (72) moves in the direction of the valve diaphragm holder (3) and the valve diaphragm (4); wherein an air outlet channel (100), an air flow channel (200) and a return channel (300) are formed between the pump chamber (22), the valve diaphragm holder (3), the valve diaphragm (4) and the end cover (5), wherein the air outlet channel (100) is not in communication with the pressure relief valve (7) and the spring chamber (51), wherein the sealing pad (72) is arranged between the air flow channel (200) and the return channel (300) and closes the air flow channel (200) in the normal state in order to block the air flow channel (200) from the return channel (300), wherein the diaphragm element (2) can be caused by the drive device (6) to release the air from the pump chamber (22) and to discharge the air via the air outlet channel (100), wherein if the pressure in the pump chamber (22) exceeds a predetermined limit, the The sealing pad (72) of the pressure relief valve (7) compresses the spring (71) so thatthat the airflow channel (200) is opened, whereby the air is not completely discharged via the air outlet channel (100), but a portion of the air flows back into the air inlet chamber (522) via the airflow channel (200) and the return channel (300), whereby the returned air can be drawn back into the pump chamber (22) and then discharged via the air outlet channel (100); characterized by , that the end cover (5) comprises an inner cover (52) and an outer cover (53), wherein the outer cover (53) is placed on the inner cover (52), wherein the spring chamber (51) is located between the inner cover (52) and the outer cover (53), wherein the sealing pad (72) is arranged on the inner cover (52) and has a central part (721) and an outer ring part (722), wherein the outer ring part (722) is spaced apart from the central part (721) and is arranged around the central part (721), wherein several ribs (723) are arranged between the central part (721) and the outer ring part (722) which connect the central part (721) and the outer ring part (722) to each other, wherein the airflow channel (200) is closed by the central part (721) of the sealing pad (72) in the normal state;and wherein a sealing disc (726) is arranged on the side of the middle part (721) facing the inner cover (52) and a groove (727) is arranged on the side of the outer ring part (722) facing the inner cover (52), wherein the sealing disc (726) rests against the inner cover (52) and the groove (727) is engaged with a corresponding detent element (521) on the inner cover (52). [2] Pump according to claim 1, characterized by , that the central part (721) of the sealing pad (72) has a post (725) over which a spring fastener (73) is placed, wherein one end of the spring (71) is attached to the spring fastener (73). [3] Pump according to claim 1, characterized bythat the sealing pad (72) is arranged at the end of the airflow channel (200) facing away from the pump chamber (22) and an opening (201) to be sealed is formed at the end of the airflow channel (200) facing away from the pump chamber (22), wherein the opening (201) to be sealed is arranged on the inner cover (52) of the end cover (5), wherein the end cover (5) has several return openings (301) located between the return channel (300) and the opening (201) to be sealed, wherein the return openings (301) are connected to the return channel (300) and the opening (201) to be sealed, wherein the central part (721) of the sealing pad (72) is placed on the opening (201) to be sealed in the normal state in order to close the opening (201) to be sealed, so that the airflow channel (200) is closed. remains, with the sealing disc (726) resting against the inner cover (52) on the outer circumference of the opening (201) to be sealed,wherein when the sealing pad (72) is removed from the opening (201) to be sealed, the air in the airflow channel (200) flows through the opening (201) to be sealed and the return openings (301) and is directed into the return channel (300). [4] Pump according to claim 1, characterized by , that two positioning openings (724) are arranged on the outside of the outer ring part (722) and two positioning pins (54) are arranged on the inner cover (52), wherein the two positioning openings 724 () interact with the two positioning pins (54). [5] Pump according to claim 1, characterized by , that the drive device (6) comprises a motor (61) and a transmission element (62), wherein the transmission element (62) is connected to the motor (61) and the coupling parts (21) of the membrane element (2) and is located between the motor (61) and the coupling parts (21).

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