Valve unit, valve assembly, device for massaging or supporting a seat user, seat, and method for operating the device for massaging or supporting a seat user

Abstract

The invention relates to a valve unit for a device for massaging or supporting a seat user by means of fluid bladders, comprising: - a first inlet for connecting to a pressure supply, - a first outlet, and - a fluid bladder connection, wherein the valve unit further comprises a first actuating element, a second actuating element, a first additional actuating element, and a second additional actuating element; the first actuating element and the second actuating element can each be switched between an energized state and a non-energized state; and the valve unit has a first state, a second state and a third state. The invention also relates to a valve assembly, to a device for massaging or supporting a seat user, to a seat, and to a method for operating the device for massaging or supporting a seat user.

Description

[0001] 03.11.2025

[0002] 1

[0003] Valve unit, valve assembly, device for massaging or supporting a seat user, seat and method for operating the device for massaging or supporting a seat user

[0004] DESCRIPTION

[0005] The invention relates to a valve unit, a valve arrangement, a device for massaging or supporting a seat user, a seat and a method for operating the device for massaging or supporting a seat user.

[0006] From DE 102017116841 A1, a valve with a valve housing is known, comprising a housing cover, a housing base, and an intermediate housing arranged between the housing cover and the housing base, wherein the valve housing encloses a valve chamber comprising a flow chamber and an actuating chamber, wherein the valve housing has at least one valve opening leading from the flow chamber into the actuating chamber, and wherein within the actuating chamber at least one actuating element axially movable between a closed position for closing the valve opening and an open position for releasing the valve opening, a wire- or strip-shaped SMA element made of a shape memory alloy serving to actuate the actuating element in the opening direction, a return element serving to move the actuating element in the closing direction, and a printed circuit board are arranged.wherein the SMA element is fixed to the actuator with a central section and electrically connected to the circuit board at its ends for energizing. The actuator can be coupled to a switching finger for opening and closing another opening of the valve.

[0007] From DE 102021 106253 A1, a valve is known with a valve housing, wherein the valve housing has at least a first port and a second port, wherein the valve housing encloses a valve chamber, wherein the valve comprises an actuator and an actuating element, the actuating element being arranged for opening or closing the first or second port. The valve further comprises at least one air mass measuring device for measuring the mass of air flowing through the valve. 03.11.2025

[0008] 2

[0009] Furthermore, for example, WO 2020 / 233868 A1 discloses an air cushion arrangement for a seat which is equipped with a pulsation module, wherein the air cushions can be subjected to pulsation while the arrangement is separate from a compressed air supply.

[0010] From DE 102018216874 A1, a pneumatic valve is known which has a first valve chamber that can be connected to a fluid source, a second valve chamber separate from the first valve chamber and that can be connected to the fluid bladder, and a third valve chamber separate from the first and second valve chambers, which can be connected to or is connected to the surroundings of the pneumatic valve. The pneumatic valve further has a fourth valve chamber separate from the first, second, and third valve chambers. The fourth valve chamber is fluidically connected to the first valve chamber only via a first fluid passage, to the second valve chamber only via a second fluid passage, and to the third valve chamber only via a third fluid passage.

[0011] From DE 102023 106135 A1, a fluid component with the function of a pressure sensor and / or valve for a fluid-carrying system of a vehicle comfort system is known, in which at least one actuator is incorporated. Each actuator has at least two electrodes and at least one section comprising an electroactive polymer arranged between them, or a plurality of stacked sections comprising an electroactive polymer.

[0012] However, there is a need for an alternative solution for devices used to massage or support a seated user, particularly a cost-effective and space-optimized solution. Furthermore, there is a need for a solution that eliminates residual air in the fluid bubbles of such a device. This need extends especially to suitable valve units, valve arrangements, and a method for operating such an arrangement.

[0013] The aforementioned tasks will be carried out with regard to the valve unit according to claim 1, with regard to the valve arrangement according to claim 7, with regard to the device on 03.11.2025

[0014] 3

[0015] The solution is provided according to claim 10, with respect to the seat according to claim 11, and with respect to the method according to claim 12. Suitable embodiments are described in the respective dependent claims.

[0016] The valve unit according to the invention for a device for massaging or supporting a seat user by means of fluid bubbles comprises:

[0017] a first inlet for connection to a pressure supply,

[0018] a first exit and

[0019] a fluid bladder connection;

[0020] The valve unit further comprises a first actuator and a second actuator, as well as a first additional actuator and a second additional actuator,

[0021] wherein the first actuator can be switched between a powered and a non-powered state and wherein the second actuator can be switched between a powered and a non-powered state,

[0022] wherein the valve unit has a first state, a second state and a third state,

[0023] in the first state the first inlet is closed and the first outlet and the fluid bubble connection are open,

[0024] in the second state the first inlet is open, the first outlet is closed, and the fluid bubble port is open,

[0025] in the third state the first inlet is closed and the first outlet is open and the fluid bubble port is closed.

[0026] A pressure supply can refer in particular to a compressed air line or a pump.

[0027] The first outlet is, in particular, a vent hole connected to the ambient air. The valve unit is either controllable or equipped with a control unit.

[0028] The first and second actuators are active actuators. The first and second additional actuators are specifically dated November 3, 2025.

[0029] 4

[0030] passive actuators, which can conveniently be actuated by the first actuator or the second actuator.

[0031] Advantageously, in the first state, the first and second actuators are not energized. This allows for the emptying of a fluid bladder. This design is advantageous because complete residual emptying can occur in the de-energized and therefore switched-off state. Furthermore, because the first outlet is open in the de-energized state, unintentional filling of the bladder can be prevented if the first inlet closes poorly or incompletely.

[0032] Advantageously, in the second state, the first actuator is energized and the second actuator is not. Advantageously, in the third state, the first actuator is not energized and the second actuator is energized. The second state allows the bladder to be filled when it is connected to the fluid bladder port. The third state is designed to maintain existing fluid or air pressure in a fluid bladder connected to the fluid bladder port. The de-energization of the first actuator again serves to prevent unintentional filling through the first inlet in the event of a leak. In particular, this is intended to reliably prevent overfilling of the bladder.

[0033] In one embodiment, the first further actuating element is actuated by the first actuating element and / or the second further actuating element is actuated by the second actuating element, wherein the first further actuating element comprises a third sealing element and / or the second further actuating element comprises a fourth sealing element, in particular wherein the first further actuating element and / or the second further actuating element comprises a further return element. A further actuating element according to the invention is in particular designed by a rocker element, which can be a rod-shaped element that is mounted on a support in a central area so that it can pivot about this support point. Alternatively, the further actuating element can also be pivotably mounted in an end section. The third or fourth sealing element is arranged on a section, for example in a central section or an end section, of the respective further actuating element.The respective plunger will further 03.11.2025.

[0034] 5

[0035] The actuating element is deflected or pivoted from its rest position so that, depending on its pivot position, it closes or opens the respective associated opening, i.e., the first outlet or the fluid bladder connection, in conjunction with the sealing element of the respective other actuating element. To return to its rest position, the other actuating element is provided with a further return element, which can, for example, be a leaf spring.

[0036] In its embodiment, the first actuating element and / or the second actuating element comprises a plunger which is actuated by means of an SMA (Shape Memory Alloy;

[0037] The SMA wire can be switched, with the plunger being held in a rest position by a return element when the SMA wire is not energized and deflected against the force of the return element when energized. A return element can be, for example, a spring arranged spirally around the plunger. The SMA wire is arranged in a roof-like shape, with the plunger engaging the SMA wire at its center or at the "ridge." The two outer ends of the SMA wire are connected to a circuit board of the valve unit to allow energization. When energized, the wire's shape changes, thus moving the plunger, and the SMA wire returns to its original shape when not energized.

[0038] In this embodiment, the valve unit comprises a first valve, which includes the first actuating element and the first further actuating element, and a second valve, which includes the second actuating element and the second further actuating element, wherein the first valve includes the first inlet and the first outlet and the second valve includes the fluid bladder connection, wherein the first valve further comprises a connecting channel outlet and the second valve a connecting channel inlet, wherein the connecting channel outlet is fluidly connected to the connecting channel inlet via a connecting channel.

[0039] The valve arrangement according to the invention comprises:

[0040] a case,

[0041] one or more, in particular fluidically separated, valve units according to one of the preceding claims, which are incorporated in the housing, and 03.11.2025

[0042] 6

[0043] The circuit board comprises at least one circuit board, a main board. In particular, the circuit board may include the circuit boards of the individual actuators or valve units in addition to the main board, or the main board may be connected to them. In particular, such a valve arrangement has a central control unit or is connected to one.

[0044] In one embodiment, the valve arrangement comprises valve units, each valve unit having a U-shape, in which the first and second valves form the legs which are connected via the connecting channel, wherein in particular the connecting channels of the valve units are arranged parallel to each other and the first inlets are arranged adjacent to each other, in particular wherein the first inlets are connected via a common pre-chamber.The valve unit comprises a first valve, which includes the first actuating element and the first further actuating element, and a second valve, which includes the second actuating element and the second further actuating element, wherein the first valve includes the first inlet and the first outlet, and the second valve includes the fluid bladder port, wherein the first valve further comprises a connecting channel outlet and the second valve a connecting channel inlet, wherein the connecting channel outlet is fluidly connected to the connecting channel inlet via a connecting channel.

[0045] In one embodiment, the valve units are arranged adjacent to each other in a first area of ​​the housing and a main circuit board in a second area of ​​the housing, or

[0046] The valve units are arranged in the housing such that a main board is arranged between the legs and under the connecting channels, with pressure sensors being accommodated in the connecting channels in particular, which are preferably electrically connected to the main board.

[0047] The device according to the invention for massaging or supporting a seated user by means of at least one fluid bladder comprises a valve unit as described above, in particular a valve arrangement as described above, further comprising a fluid bladder assigned to each valve unit, which is arranged at the fluid bladder port of the valve unit, and a compressed air supply, which is connected to the first inlet of the / each valve unit. 03.11.2025

[0048] 7

[0049] The seat according to the invention comprises a device as described above for massaging or supporting a seat user, wherein the fluid bladder(s) is received in a seat cushion and / or a backrest of the seat, which is in particular a motor vehicle seat.

[0050] The inventive method for operating a device described above for massaging or supporting a seated user by means of at least one fluid bladder comprises:

[0051] Filling the at least one fluid bladder by means of a second state of the valve unit, wherein in a second state the first inlet is open, the first outlet is closed and the fluid bladder connection is open, in particular by energizing the first actuating element,

[0052] Emptying the at least one fluid bubble by means of a first state of the valve unit, wherein in the first state the first inlet is closed and the first outlet and the fluid bubble connection are open, wherein in particular in the first state the first actuating element and the second actuating element are not energized.

[0053] Optionally, the procedure can include further:

[0054] Maintaining pressure in the at least one fluid bladder in a third state of the valve unit, wherein in a third state the first inlet is closed and the first outlet is open and the fluid bladder port is closed, wherein the seat user is supported by maintaining the pressure, in particular by energizing only the second actuating element.

[0055] The procedure may further include: alternatingly performing the steps of filling the at least one fluid bladder and emptying the at least one fluid bladder, wherein the emptying is in particular not a complete emptying in order to massage the seat user, wherein optionally the filling pressure is maintained between filling and emptying by means of the third state of the valve unit.

[0056] The invention is further described below with regard to its features and advantages by means of a description of exemplary embodiments and with reference to 03.11.2025.

[0057] 8

[0058] The accompanying drawings explain this in more detail. Each shows a schematic diagram of the principle:

[0059] FIG. 1 Valve unit,

[0060] FIG. 2 Valve unit in a first state,

[0061] FIG. 3 Valve unit in a second state,

[0062] FIG. 4 Valve unit in a third state,

[0063] FIG. 5 Valve arrangement according to a first embodiment,

[0064] FIG. 6 Valve arrangement according to a second embodiment,

[0065] FIG: 7 seats.

[0066] Fig. 1 schematically shows a valve unit 20. The valve unit 20 for a device 200 for massaging or supporting a seat user by means of fluid bubbles 13 comprises:

[0067] a first input 2 for connection to a pressure supply 1, a first output 7 and

[0068] a fluid bladder connection 13 ;

[0069] The valve unit 20 further comprises a first actuating element 22 and a second actuating element 24, as well as a first further actuating element 5 and a second further actuating element 10. The first actuating element 22 here comprises a first plunger 4 and a first SMA wire 3. The first actuating element 22 is further provided with a first sealing element 26, which is designed to close a valve opening that connects a first inlet 2 via a pressure channel 2a to a first main valve chamber 30.

[0070] The first actuator 22 can be switched between a energized and a non-energized state, i.e., the first SMA wire 3 can be energized or not energized. A reset element 32 is provided for resetting the first actuator 22; this reset element is arranged spirally around the plunger, for example, as a coil spring.

[0071] The second actuating element 24 comprises a second plunger 9 and a second SMA wire 8. The second actuating element 24 may also be provided with a second sealing element 28. The second sealing element 28 may be non-functional or replaced by a support for one end of the second further actuating element. The second actuating element 24 also comprises a reset element 32. 03.11.2025

[0072] 9

[0073] The second actuator 24 can be switched between a powered and a non-powered state, i.e. the second SMA wire 8 can be powered or not powered.

[0074] The first actuator 22 is connected to a first further actuator 5 such that the first actuator 22 can actuate the first further actuator 5. A third sealing element 6 is arranged at one end of the first further actuator 5, which is designed to seal the first outlet in a specific position. The first actuator is coupled to the first further actuator 5 such that when the first SMA wire 3 is energized, the first outlet 7 is closed by the third sealing element 6, and the first actuator 22 allows pressure to flow through the valve opening into the main valve chamber 30. When the first SMA wire 3 is not energized, the first outlet 7 is open. In particular, an up-and-down movement of the first actuator 22 rotates the first further actuator 5 accordingly about its contact point 5a.

[0075] A second actuator 10 is arranged with the second actuator 24, which can be actuated by the second actuator 24, in particular by its plunger 9. A fourth sealing element 11 is arranged on the second actuator 10. This fourth sealing element 11 is designed to open and close the fluid bladder port 120. Specifically, when the second SMA wire 8 is energized, the fluid bladder port 120 is closed, while when the second SMA wire 8 is not energized, the fluid bladder port 120 is open. The second actuator 10 can rotate about its support point 10a.

[0076] The valve unit thus has a first state, a second state, and a third state.

[0077] In the first state, the first inlet 2 is closed and the first outlet 7 and the fluid bubble port 12 are open. This state is shown in FIG. 2. 03.11.2025

[0078] 10

[0079] In the second state, the first inlet 2 is open, the first outlet 7 is closed, and the fluid bubble port 12 is open. This state is shown in FIG. 3.

[0080] In the third state, the first inlet 2 is closed, the first outlet 7 is open, and the fluid bubble port 12 is closed. This state is shown in FIG. 4.

[0081] In particular, the valve unit can be implemented as shown in Figures 1-4 by two interconnected valves, wherein a first valve comprises the first actuating element and the first additional actuating element, and a second valve comprises the second actuating element and the second additional actuating element. The first valve further comprises the first inlet and the first outlet, and the second valve further comprises the fluid bladder connection. Furthermore, the first valve has a connecting channel outlet 40, and the second valve has a connecting channel inlet 42, wherein the connecting channel outlet 40 is fluidly connected to the connecting channel inlet 42 via a connecting channel 14. This design allows the valve unit to be better adapted to available installation space.

[0082] FIG. 5 shows a first embodiment of a valve arrangement 100. Such a valve arrangement 100 comprises a housing 102. In this illustration, the housing contains four valve units, each formed by a first valve, a second valve, and a connecting channel 14. The valve units 20 have a U-shape. A first valve forms a first leg, a second valve a second leg, and the connecting channel 14 is arranged between them. The four valve units are nested within each other such that the first inlets 2 are adjacent to each other, with a common pre-chamber 104 that can be connected to the pressure supply 1. A seal 106 can also be arranged in the housing 102.In the arrangement shown, the valve units 20 are arranged in a first area of ​​the housing, and a main circuit board 110 is arranged adjacent to them in a second area of ​​the housing. This design is dated 03.11.2025.

[0083] 11

[0084] Specifically designed for use without additional pressure sensors in the valve units.

[0085] FIG. 6 shows a second embodiment of the valve arrangement 100. This embodiment differs from the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, in particular, in the length of the connecting channels 14 and the arrangement of the main board 110. Here, the main board 110 is arranged between the legs of the valve units and below the connecting channels. In this embodiment, pressure sensors 120 are also provided. In particular, a pressure sensor 120 is arranged in each connecting channel 14. This pressure sensor 120 can be electrically connected to the main board and can be arranged on the main board.

[0086] FIG. 7 shows a seat 300 with a plurality of fluid bubbles 13 arranged in a backrest of the vehicle seat shown here. These fluid bubbles 13 are part of a device 200 for massaging and supporting a seat user by means of at least one fluid bubble 13, wherein the fluid bubble is connected to a valve arrangement 100, shown in FIGS. 5 or 6, and to a pressure supply 1. 03.11.2025

[0087] 12

[0088] Reference symbol:

[0089] 1 Pressure supply

[0090] 2 first entrance

[0091] 2a Pressure channel

[0092] 3 First SM A-wire

[0093] 4 First pestle

[0094] 5 first further actuating element

[0095] 6 third sealing element

[0096] 7 first exit

[0097] 8 Second SM A-wire

[0098] 9 Second pestle

[0099] 10 second further actuating element 11 fourth sealing element

[0100] 12 Fluid bladder connection

[0101] 13 Fluid bubble

[0102] 14 Connection channel

[0103] 20 valve unit

[0104] 22 first actuating element

[0105] 24 second actuator

[0106] 26 first sealing element

[0107] 28 second sealing element

[0108] 30 first main valve chamber

[0109] 32 Reset element

[0110] 40 connection channel output

[0111] 42 Connection channel input

[0112] 100 valve arrangement

[0113] 102 cases

[0114] 104 Antechamber

[0115] 106 Seal

[0116] 110 Mainboard

[0117] 120 pressure sensor

[0118] 200 Device

[0119] 300 seats

Claims

03. 11.2025 13 Patent claims 1. Valve unit (20) for a device (200) for massaging or supporting a seated user by means of fluid bubbles (13), comprising: a first inlet (2) for connection to a pressure supply (1), a first outlet (7) and a fluid bladder connection (12); wherein the valve unit (20) further comprises a first actuating element (22) and a second actuating element (24), as well as a first further actuating element (5) and a second further actuating element (10), wherein the first actuating element (22) can be switched between a energized and a non-energized state and wherein the second actuating element (24) can be switched between a energized and a non-energized state, wherein the valve unit (20) has a first state, a second state and a third state, wherein in the first state the first inlet (2) is closed and the first outlet (7) and the fluid bubble port (12) are open, wherein in the second state the first inlet (2) is open, the first outlet (7) is closed and the fluid bubble port (12) is open, wherein in a third state the first inlet (2) is closed and the first outlet (7) is open and the fluid bubble port (12) is closed.

2. Valve unit (20) according to claim 1, wherein in the first state the first actuating element (22) and the second actuating element (24) are not energized.

3. Valve unit (20) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in the second state the first actuating element is energized and the second actuating element is not energized and / or wherein in the third state the first actuating element is not energized and the second actuating element is energized.

4. Valve unit (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first further actuating element is actuated by the first actuating element and / or the second further actuating element is actuated by the second actuating element, wherein the first further actuating element is a third sealing element (6) and / or the second further 03.11.2025 14 The actuating element comprises a fourth sealing element (11), in particular wherein the first further actuating element and / or the second further actuating element comprises a further return element.

5. Valve unit (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first actuating element and / or the second actuating element comprises a plunger (4, 9) which can be switched by means of an SMA wire (3, 8), wherein the plunger is held in a rest position by a return element in a non-energized state of the SMA wire and is deflected against the force of the return element in an energized state.

6. Valve unit (20) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a first valve comprising the first actuating element and the first further actuating element and a second valve comprising the second actuating element and the second further actuating element, wherein the first valve comprises the first inlet and the first outlet and the second valve comprises the fluid bladder connection, wherein the first valve further comprises a connecting channel outlet and the second valve a connecting channel inlet, wherein the connecting channel outlet is fluidly connected to the connecting channel inlet via a connecting channel.

7. Valve arrangement (100), comprising: a case, one or more, in particular fluidically separated, valve units (20) according to one of the preceding claims, which are received in the housing, and at least one circuit board comprising a mainboard.

8. Valve arrangement according to claim 7 in conjunction with claim 6, comprising several valve units, wherein each valve unit has a U-shape, wherein the first and the second valve form the legs which are connected via the connecting channel, wherein in particular the connecting channels of the valve units are arranged parallel to each other and the first inlets are arranged adjacent to each other, in particular wherein the first inlets are connected via a common pre-chamber. 03.11.2025 15 9. Valve arrangement according to claim 8, wherein the valve units are arranged adjacent to each other in a first area of ​​the housing and a mainboard is arranged adjacent to each other in a second area of ​​the housing, or wherein the valve units are arranged in the housing such that a main board is arranged between the legs and below the connecting channels, wherein pressure sensors are accommodated in the connecting channels, which are preferably electrically connected to the main board.

10. Device (200) for massaging or supporting a seat user by means of at least one fluid bladder, comprising a valve unit according to one of claims 1 to 6, in particular comprising a valve arrangement according to one of claims 7 to 9, further comprising a fluid bladder (13) assigned to each valve unit (20), which is arranged at and connected to the fluid bladder port of the valve unit, and a compressed air supply (1) which is connected to the first inlet of the / each valve unit.

11. Seat (300) with a device for massaging or supporting a seat user according to claim 10, wherein the fluid bladder(s) is received in a seat cushion and / or a backrest of the seat, which is in particular a motor vehicle seat.

12. Method for operating a device (200) for massaging or supporting a seated user by means of at least one fluid bladder according to claim 10, comprising: Filling the at least one fluid bladder by means of a second state of the valve unit, wherein in a second state the first inlet is open, the first outlet is closed and the fluid bladder connection is open, in particular by energizing the first actuating element, Emptying the at least one fluid bubble by means of a first state of the valve unit, wherein in the first state the first inlet is closed and the first outlet and the fluid bubble connection are open, wherein in particular in the first state the first actuating element and the second actuating element are not energized. 03.11.2025 16 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: Maintaining pressure in the at least one fluid bladder in a third state of the valve unit, wherein in a third state the first inlet is closed and the first outlet is open and the fluid bladder port is closed, wherein the seat user is supported by maintaining the pressure, in particular by energizing only the second actuating element.

14. Method according to claim 12 or 13, comprising alternately performing the steps of filling the at least one fluid bladder and emptying the at least one fluid bladder, wherein the emptying is in particular not a complete emptying in order to massage the seat user, wherein optionally the filling pressure is maintained between filling and emptying by means of the third state of the valve unit.

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