WO2015052194A1

WO2015052194A1 - Bistable valve assembly for a device for pneumatically filling and draining bladders

Info

Publication number: WO2015052194A1
Application number: PCT/EP2014/071457
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Beuschel; Markus ZIEGELMEIER; Mehmet Cini
Original assignee: Conti Temic Microelectronic Gmbh
Priority date: 2013-10-11
Filing date: 2014-10-07
Publication date: 2015-04-16
Also published as: DE102013220561A1; DE102013220561B4

Abstract

The invention relates to an electromagnetic valve assembly (1) for a device for pneumatically filling and draining bladders in a motor-vehicle seat, comprising a number of valve setting-element units (6). Each valve setting-element unit (6) comprises: an electromagnetic setting element (16), which has an armature (17), a yoke (18), and a coil assembly; and a valve (27) associated with the setting element (16), which valve has a nozzle opening (28), a sealing element (29), which is coupled to the armature (17), and a sealing seat (30). In the first switching position, the armature (17) is drawn in. In the second switching position, the armature is thrown off. Each valve setting-element unit (6) also comprises a permanent magnet (21), which, in one of the two switching positions, holds the setting element (16) in the end position of the setting element associated with the switching position, and a spring element (33), which, in the other of the two switching positions, holds the switching element (16) in the end position of the switching element associated with the switching position. Each coil assembly comprises a single coil (22), through which current flows only in one direction during operation in order to change the switching position, regardless of which of the two switching positions is to be reached from the current switching position. A control unit is designed to apply current in the drawing-in direction of the armature (17) to one or more of the coils (22) whose associated armatures are in the drawn-in state in order to change the switching position of a valve (27).

Description

description

BISTABLE VALVE ASSEMBLY FOR A DEVICE FOR PNEUMATIC FILLING AND EMPTYING BUBBLES

In means of transport and especially in motor vehicles, pneumatically inflatable elastic cushions or cushions are increasingly being used. Blisters for shaping seat contours or for other functionalities, such as e.g. used for massage.

For controlling the compressed air streams for filling or emptying the bubbles, individual or group-connected valves are used. The production of the individual components and the assembly of corresponding valve assemblies should be cost-effective, in large quantities and scalable (ie different number of valves) possible. Furthermore, as a result of the increasing functionality in means of transport, the required space and weight must be kept as low as possible. For reasons of energy efficiency ^¬ and the availability of the power consumption is as low as possible.

For filling bubbles, prior art valves are in the form of electromechanical actuators, e.g. electromagnetic or piezoceramic actuators known. These control elements, which are usually constructed as 3/2 valves or 3/3 valves, are installed on circuit boards and connected via pressure distributors with pressure sensors and pneumatic external connections. The known electromagnetic control elements for filling or emptying of bubbles have the disadvantage that they have comparatively high power losses and, as a result, a large installation space and a high material weight of the winding and the components of the magnetic circuit.

From DE 689 11 004 T2 a bistable valve is known, which uses a permanent magnet in the stator or armature of a elektromag ^¬ netic actuator, through which the valve in each of the both closed positions is held without energy supply by the permanent magnet. The switch requires a complex coil design with two coils per actuator. It is an object of the invention to provide a bistable valve assembly for a device for pneumatic filling and emptying of bubbles in a seat of a means of transport and such a device, which is structurally and / or functionally improved, and in particular with a simple structure and compact dimensions a small Has power loss. It is a further object of the invention to provide a method by which the operation of an electromagnetic valve assembly in a simple and energy-efficient manner is feasible. This object is achieved by the valve arrangement according to claim 1, the apparatus according to claim 12 and the method according to claim 13. Further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims. The valve arrangement according to the invention is used in a device for the pneumatic filling or emptying of bubbles in a seat of a means of transport, such as in a motor vehicle, a rail vehicle, an aircraft, a ship and the like. Preferably, the device is used for filling or emptying of bubbles of a motor vehicle seat. The number of bubbles in the seat may vary depending on the design of the device. For example, between two and 20 bubbles or more can be provided, which are filled or emptied by one or more of the valve arrangements described below.

The valve assembly comprises a number of valve Stellele ^¬ ment units. Each of the valve actuator units comprises an electromagnetic actuator and a valve associated with the actuator. The control element has in each case an armature, a yoke and a coil arrangement. The valve includes a nozzle opening, a sealing element coupled to the armature, and a sealing seat. The valve comprises a first switching position and a second switching position. The armature is tightened in the first switching position and dropped in the second switching position. When the anchor is tightened, this means in the present description that between the anchor and the yoke is ideally no or only a minimal air gap. When the anchor is dropped, this means in the present description that there is an air gap of given length between the anchor and the yoke. In the first switching position, the sealing element is rejected, for example, from the sealing seat, that is, the valve is open. This means it connects a channel to a valve chamber. In the second switching position, the sealing element is then pressed by a spring element against the sealing seat, that is, the valve is closed. This means that the valve separates the channel from the valve chamber. The channel can be connected to a pressure accumulator. The channel may also be connected to one of the bubbles. Likewise, the channel may be connected to the environment.

Alternatively, reverse valve positions are possible in the first and second shift positions, i. in the first

Switch position, the valve is closed and opened in the second switching position.

Each valve-actuator unit further comprises a Perma ^¬ nentmagnet which holds the switching element in the associated one of the two switching positions in its, the switching position of the end position. Then, a spring element is provided which holds the switching element in its, the switching position associated end position in the other of the two switching positions.

According to the invention, each coil arrangement comprises a single coil, which is flowed through in one direction of current for a change in the switching position, regardless of which of the two switching positions is to be achieved starting from the current switching position. This means that the lenanordnung has no Spulenanzapfung on. The coil assembly further has no two-part winding.

The valve arrangement is further distinguished by the fact that a control unit is designed to energize one or more of the coils whose associated armatures are in the attracted state in the tightening direction of the armature for a change in the switching position of a valve. The invention provides an electromagnetic valve assembly having a number of bistable valve actuator units. The bistable function is realized by the permanent magnet provided in addition to the electromagnetic control elements. As a result, power dissipation occurs only when switching from the first to the second switching state, or vice versa, but not permanently (i.e., while the first switching state or while the second switching state is maintained). For this purpose, in one of the switching positions of the permanent magnet holds the actuator in its final position, in the other switching position this task takes over the spring element.

The fact that a change of the switching positions is provided without reversing the polarity of the coil, there is a simplified structural design of the valve assembly. The absence of a two-part winding or a Spulenanzapfung allows a simplified control unit with only one electrical switch per actuator. This results in cost advantages.

Due to the greatly reduced power loss due to the bistable function of the valve arrangement, the coil (winding) of the actuator can be designed compact, especially if there is only a core with a comparatively small cross section within the bobbin and the air gap is minimized in the attracted state.

The respective valve actuator units can ^"¬ closed normal ge" (normally closed, NC) valves alternatively as "normally open" (normally open, NO) or be operated as per after activation by the control unit, an optional operation of the valve actuator units is possible.

According to an expedient embodiment of the valve arrangement, a common permanent magnet is provided for a plurality of valve actuator units. This results in a simplified construction of the valve arrangement. In this embodiment, it is expedient if the adjusting element of each Ven ^¬ til actuator element comprises its own yoke and / or its own coil. As a result, a mutual influence of the magnetic forces can be minimized.

According to a further expedient embodiment, the armature of an actuating element is or remains attracted to at least one of the valve actuator units, regardless of which of the two switch positions assume the actuating elements of the other valve actuator units. In this way, a comparatively high level of ^flooding can be set in the associated coil without any other armature attracting unintentionally. Furthermore, the magnetic circuit always remains closed, which prevents demagnetization of the permanent magnet. This embodiment can be used, for example, to perform a pressure measurement. It is expedient if the magnetic circuit of the valve arrangement is designed in such a way and the coils of the other valve actuator ^¬ element units are energized so that the magnetic flux of the permanent magnet is evenly distributed to the armature so that the armature are not attracted. This embodiment is particularly useful at minimum air gaps of the actuating elements in the attracted state.

In an advantageous embodiment of the permanent magnet is a flat magnet, wherein the tightening force decreases with increasing air gap at the anchor. For example, a permanent magnet made of ferrite can be used. The anchor can optionally be designed as a lifting armature or as a hinged armature.

According to a further expedient embodiment of the valve arrangement, a longitudinal axis of the coil of the associated adjusting element and a longitudinal axis of the associated valve may be arranged substantially parallel or at a substantially perpendicular angle to each other. The armature may be formed of a soft magnetic spring steel with the sealing element arranged thereon, wherein the sealing element is provided in particular on both sides for damping the stop on the yoke and for sealing on the sealing seat. A further simplification of the constructive structure results when the armature of two juxtaposed

Adjusting elements are interconnected by a connecting web, which simultaneously forms the spring element. A separate spring element can be omitted. In this case, the anchor assembly formed thereby may be formed meander-shaped. It is useful if the armature and the connecting web are integrally formed. By posi ^¬ tioning of corresponding holders for the armature assembly, the contact pressure and thus the sealing force or the maximum allowable pressure of the valves can be adjusted. By under ^¬ different configuration of a respective connecting web between the two anchors, this can also be designed differently for each actuator. The valve arrangement comprises a first housing component (a so-called valve carrier) and a second housing component for forming a housing. The first housing component comprises a number of nozzle openings for an associated valve of a valve actuator unit and at least one channel for the connection of a bubble or a pressure accumulator. The second housing component is airtight connected to the first housing component. In a further embodiment, it is provided that the actuator and the valve of the number of valve Stellele ^¬ ment units are arranged in a pressurized region of the housing, wherein coil terminals penetrate the first or the second housing member at associated recesses and are sealed from the recesses. In this embodiment, all the valve function reali ^¬ sizing components of the number of valve actuator units are arranged in the pressurized area. An Ansteuer- electronics can be arranged either inside or outside of the housing here.

This approach has the advantage that it is possible to achieve a minimization of the air column in the at ^¬ contracted state of the armature by closing the magnetic circuit within the pressurized area of the valve. This has the advantage that a separating layer, which is usually made of non-conductive and non-ferromagnetic material, can be dispensed with. This is advantageous not only for functional reasons, but also allows a simplified construction of the valve assembly and thus lower manufacturing costs.

In a further embodiment, a pressure sensor is provided, which is arranged in a cavity of the valve carrier, which is connected to the channel or the valve chamber.

In a further expedient embodiment, the valve arrangement comprises at least three valve actuator units. The valve chamber may be connected to a common bladder or a common pressure accumulator or the environment.

The valve arrangement can be realized as a 3/3-valve with two control elements in a chamber and common admission pressure channel in the lid. Likewise, a 3/2 valve is provided by an additional vent, e.g. in the lid, possible.

Variants for different admission pressure can be provided by modification of the valve carrier. At a higher pressure, for example, nozzle orifices with less

Diameter used. The valve seat can be provided with comparable forces. The invention further proposes a device for pneumatic filling and emptying of bubbles in a seat of a means of transport, in particular in a motor vehicle seat, which has at least one valve arrangement with the features described above. This has the same advantages as described above in connection with the valve assembly.

The invention further proposes a method for operating an electromagnetic valve arrangement, which is designed according to this description, in which one or more of the coils whose associated armatures are in the tightened state, in the tightening direction, for a change in the switching position of at least one valve the armature is or will be energized. In an expedient embodiment of the method, the coils of the valve actuator units, the armature is attracted, continue to be energized with an increasing current for dropping the armature of one of the adjusting elements. It is useful if the current increases in particular ramps. The rise can be more linear. The increase can also

be non-linear. Thereby, the magnetic flux in the at least one armature to be discarded becomes nearly zero at a time, so that the armature can fall off. In this way, several anchors can be dropped simultaneously. The timing of the zero crossing of the magnetic field may vary slightly due to the arrangement of the magnetic resistances.

According to a further expedient embodiment, the coil associated with this actuating element is energized with a current of a predetermined first amount for attracting the armature of one of the adjusting elements. In a further embodiment of the method, in order to maintain the holding force of other valves whose armatures of the associated actuating element are dropped, the coils of these control elements are energized with a current of a predetermined second amount, wherein the second amount is smaller than the first amount. In this way, the changed division of the likes ^¬ netic flux can be compensated in the magnetic circuit of the valve assembly. It is possible to also tighten several anchors at the same time.

The advantages of the aforementioned embodiments of a valve arrangement according to the invention in comparison to conventional valve arrangements are summarized below: The control unit for controlling the valve actuator units can be constructed simply, since only one electric

Switching element per actuator is required.

There is no weakening of the field strength in the permanent magnet by reversed current supply to coils when one or more armatures are dropped off. Thus, permanent magnets with low coercive field strength can be used, such as magnets made of ferrite, which are inexpensive and can also be used at high temperatures of more than 85 ° C. For the required holding forces no rare earth magnets are required.

With a limited number of simultaneously opened valves, the permanent magnet need only be designed for the total holding force required. Thus, less permanent magnet material is needed for the Ventilan ^¬ order, in contrast to a use of individual magnets per actuator.

The valve arrangement minimizes the power loss of the valve actuator units by keeping in the de-energized

Condition without energy expenditure. Since no electrical continuous operation is required, the coil used in a respective valve actuator unit can be minimized. The valve assembly can optionally be provided with valve-actuating element ^¬ units in the NO or NC configuration. Thus, the valve assembly for pneumatic filling and emptying of bubbles can be used for both static functions and massage function.

The valve assembly allows for easy assembly by integration of the valve actuator units in a common housing member, which acts as a pressure distributor, pneumatic connection block and as a partial housing.

The small number of individual parts and the possibility

To use equal components, allows a cost-effective production. In particular, valve groups can be combined from more than one valve assembly of the same structure.

It is possible for any length of pressure measurement via a common pressure gauge in the valve chamber of the valve assembly. Likewise, arbitrarily long holding and venting times for bubbles can be realized. This is possible even without power supply.

Contact bushings do not need to be permanently under pressure. Therefore, there is less criticality to fine leakage.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to embodiments ^¬ examples in the drawing. 1 shows a schematic representation of the actuation of a valve arrangement according to the invention without reversing the polarity of the coil, a holding of the switching positions of a total of four valves being shown; Figure 2 is a schematic representation of the control of a valve assembly according to the invention without reversing the coil, wherein an opening of one of the four valves of Figure 1 is shown ..; Figure 3 is a schematic representation of the control of a valve assembly according to the invention without reversing the coil, wherein a closing of one of the four valves of Figure 1 is shown ..;

4 shows a cross section through an inventive Ven ^¬ tilanordnung according to a first embodiment;

Fig. 5 is a plan view of a valve assembly in Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of an anchor assembly;

and

7 shows a cross section through an inventive Ven ^¬ tilanordnung according to a second embodiment.

In the following figures, the same elements are provided with the same reference numerals. Furthermore, it should be noted that the representations are not to scale and the actual size ratios may differ from the illustration shown.

Figures 1 to 3 show a merely schematic representation of a valve assembly according to the invention, which is designed to simplify the explanation of the control greatly simplified. Concrete embodiments of the valve arrangement according to the invention are described in Figures 4 to 6.

The valve arrangement 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 comprises by way of example four valve actuator units 110, 120, 130, 140. The number of valve actuator units should be at least three. In any case, it can be greater than four.

Each valve actuator unit 110, 120, 130, 140 generally consists of an actuator and a valve associated with the valve 112, 122, 132, 142. Each actuator in turn consists of an armature 113, 123, 133, 143, a yoke and a coil assembly 111, 121, 131, 141. The yoke is in the Figures 1 to 3 by two opposite, comb-like yoke elements 101, 102 are formed. Each of the yoke elements 101, 102 comprises four yoke legs 116, 126, 136, 146 and 117, 127, 137, 147, respectively. The coils 111, 121, 131, 141 are wound around the yoke legs 116, 126, 136, 146, respectively. The yoke legs 116, 126, 136, 146 and 117, 127, 137, 147 are preferably each formed separately from the extending in the drawing plane from left to right connecting leg. However, this is not mandatory.

The valve assembly 1 further comprises a permanent magnet 103. Preferably, the permanent magnet for the Ven ^¬ til actuator units 110, 120, 31, 140 is a common, continuous permanent magnet, but this is also not mandatory. In conjunction with the separate yoke legs 116, 126, 136, 146 and 117, 127, 137, 147, mutual interference of the magnetic forces can be minimized. The Perma ^¬ nentmagnet 103 is rigid, ie immovably arranged with respect to the actuating elements.

In the initial state shown in Fig. 1, the valves 122, 142 of the valve actuator units 120, 140 are de-energized. The valves 122, 142, as shown in FIG. 1, are closed or the armatures 123, 143 are tightened. With the reference numerals 125 and 145, the magnetic flux passing through the valves 122, 142 are shown. The magnetic flux across the valves / actuators is generated by the permanent magnet 103 due to the attracted armatures 123, 143. The valves 112, 132 of the valve actuator units 110, 130 are opened by way of example, ie, the armatures 113, 133 are dropped. The opened state can be caused for example by a spring force. In the initial state shown in Fig. 1, none of the coils 111, 121, 131, 141 is energized. This will ^¬ In behaltung this exemplary state no energy needed to.

In FIG. 2, the closing of the valve 112 of the valve actuator unit 110 is shown by way of example. Closing the Valve 112 means that the armature 113 of the associated control element must be tightened. For this purpose, the coil 111 is energized, which is symbolized by the in the drawing plane ^¬ incoming arrows in the coil 111. The resulting magnetic flux is designated by the reference numeral 115 ge ^¬ . This is slightly larger than the magnetic flux 125, 145 caused by the permanent magnet 103 through the valves 122, 142. This is also indicated by the somewhat thicker line of the magnetic flux 115 in comparison to the magnetic flux lines 125, 145.

In order to maintain the holding force of the still closed valves 122, 142, it may be necessary to energize the coils 121, 141 in order to compensate for the changed division of the magnetic flux. In this way, it is basically possible to open several valves simultaneously.

In Fig. 3 the opening of the valve 111 of the valve actuator unit 110 is exemplified. The opening of the valve 111 means that the armature 113 of the associated

Stellelement must be dropped. For this purpose, the coils of the still closed valves 122, 142 are energized, which is symbolized by the entering into the plane of arrows in the coils 121, 141. The resulting, in comparison to the decreasing magnetic flux 115, magnetic fluxes 125, 145 are characterized by the thicker lines.

Preferably, the energization is divided equally between the coils 121, 141. It is expedient if the current increases in the form of a ramp. Thereby, the magnetic flux in the armature 113 of the valve 112 to be dropped becomes nearly zero at a time, so that the armature 113 can fall off.

In this way, several valves can be closed simultaneously or the anchor can be dropped. The timing of the zero crossing of the magnetic field may vary slightly due to the arrangement of the magnetic resistances. Preferably always a control element, ie its anchor, remains in the tightened position. Thus, a comparatively high level of flooding can be set in the associated coil, without any other armature attracting unwanted. Also, the magnetic circuit thus always remains closed, which prevents demagnetization of the permanent magnet 103.

With minimal air gaps in the tightened state, the last anchor can preferably also be thrown off with a larger number of valves (more than 3). For this purpose, the magnetic circuit are designed and the coils energized so that the magnetic flux of the permanent magnet is evenly distributed to the remaining armature so that it just does not lead to their tightening.

It is expedient if a flat permanent magnet 103 is set ^¬ , in which the tightening force decreases rapidly with increasing air gap at the anchor. For example, a permanent magnet of ferrite can be used whose maximum temperature is> 120 ° C. The dimensions per actuator to be held simultaneously are, for example, about 3 × 3 × 10 mm, the holding force about 0.7 N and the weight about 0.5 g.

This control allows a bistable actuator that can be switched without polarity reversal.

The valve actuator units of the valve assembly 1 can in the context of an initialization in a NC or a

NO start state can be offset. If necessary, this initialization can also be repeated at regular or irregular intervals.

4 shows a cross section through a valve arrangement 1 according to the invention in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment. FIG. 5 shows a plan view of the valve arrangement 1 in FIG. 4. This only includes, by way of example, three valve ^actuating element units 6A, 6B, 6C. The number can also be higher in practice. In Fig. 5, the to a Venus The valve assembly 1 comprises a first housing component 2, which is referred to as a valve carrier, and a further associated with the components referred to in the second part of the actuator control unit 6A, 6B, 6C second housing component 3, which together form the housing of the valve ^assembly 1. The valve carrier 2 serves as a pressure distributor and comprises for this purpose three sockets 4 or 4A, 4B, 4C, in which an associated nozzle channel 5 or 5A, 5B, A common or respective bladder, a common or respective pressure accumulator or a connection to the environment can be connected to the stub 4 or 4A, 4B, 4C. The nozzle channel 5 or 5A, 5B, 5C is connected to a nozzle opening 28 (FIG. 4) of a valve 27 or 27 A, 27 B, 27 C. The nozzle opening 28 or all of the nozzle openings of the valve actuator units 6 A, 6 B, 6 C are in turn provided with a vent ilkammer 37, which is formed between the valve carrier 2 and the housing member 3, connected.

In the further description, reference is first made to the cross section of Fig. 4.

The valve carrier 2 and the housing member 3 are connected to each other airtight. The bobbin 2 has two

Casing component systems 7, 8, to the two opposite wall sections 9, 10 of the second housing part 3 border. The airtight connection in this area can be realized by gluing or laser welding. A bottom 11 connects the wall sections 9, 10. The second housing component 3 has a substantially cup-shaped form. The bottom 11 is positively connected with latching hooks 14 of the valve carrier 2. In this area, an additional seal may be provided. For this purpose, for example, an O-ring or an insert can be provided. Below the bottom 11 and in this example outside the valve chamber 37, a circuit board 13 is attached to the valve carrier 2. The correct position fixation by means of a positive connection by latching hook 15. In addition, the circuit board 13 on one or more projections (not shown) can rest defined.

In the cavity 48 formed between the bottom 11 of the circuit board 13, a pressure sensor 47 is arranged. The cavity 48 is connected via a recess 12 in the bottom 11 with the valve chamber in connection. As a result, the pressure prevailing in the interior of the valve chamber 37 can be measured.

Through a recess in the bottom 11 of the housing member 3 and a corresponding recess 26 in the circuit board, a coil terminal 24 passes through and into the valve chamber 37 which is connected to a coil 22 of the electromagnetic actuator 16 of the valve assembly 1. In the region of the passage through the housing part 3 and / or the circuit board 13, a seal 25 is provided. This may for example be an elastomer.

The interior formed between the valve carrier 2 and the second housing part 3 forms the already mentioned valve chamber 37. The valve chamber 37 forms a pressurized area. In the valve chamber 37 all components of the three valve actuator units 6 and 6A, 6B, 6C are arranged.

Each of the valve actuator units 6 comprises an actuator 16 and a valve 22. The actuator 16 includes an armature 17, a yoke 18 and a coil 22. The coil 22 is disposed on a bobbin 23. A coil terminal 24 is electrically connected to the coil 22. The yoke 18 consists of two parallel legs (or leg elements as shown in Figures 1 to 3) 19 and 20 and a leg connecting the permanent magnet 21. The legs 19, 20 consist of a soft magnetic Ma TERIAL. The permanent magnet may be formed of ferrite. Conceivable, but not necessary, is also a rare earth magnet. The coil 22 is about the first leg 19 (or its

Yoke legs). The yoke 18 is fixed relative to the housing, i. immovable in the housing, arranged.

In principle, a separate permanent magnet 21 can be provided for each valve actuator unit. It is preferred if a common permanent magnet 21 is provided for all valve actuator units 6A, 6B, 6C of the valve arrangement 1. This then runs, as can be seen in Fig. 5, transverse to the coil axes of the coil (s) 22 and 22A, 22B, 22C. In this embodiment, it makes sense if separate yoke legs are provided for the respective valve actuating element units or their adjusting elements.

The armature 17 is formed in this example as a hinged armature. In the illustration shown in Fig. 4, in which the valve 27 is closed (that is, the armature 17 is dropped), in which the valve separates the nozzle channel 5 from the valve chamber 37, the armature 17 only with respect to the leg 19 of the yoke 18 an air gap 39, which is not visible in Fig. 1. Due to the only one-sided lifting of the armature 17 of the yoke 18, the sum of the air gaps with respect to a lifting armature is reduced at the same stroke at the end remote from the valve 27 of the armature 17.

The armature 17 may be arranged as an inlay in a plastic rocker arm. The anchor can also consist of a soft magnetic spring steel. As better seen in the plan view of Fig. 5, a common armature assembly 35 may be provided for all valves 22.

In such an armature arrangement 35, as shown schematically in FIG. 6, two adjoining armatures 17A, 17B and 17B, 17C are connected to one another by connecting webs 33 connecting them to one another. The two outer anchors 17A and 17B have fastening webs 34 on their free sides. Due to the shape of the connecting webs 33 and the Fixing webs 34 restoring forces generating spring ^¬ elements 36 are provided. By the shape of Verbin ^¬ dung webs 33 and the attachment bars 34, the height of the respective Rückstellkäfte can be adjusted. At the points marked 31 and 32, the connecting webs 33 and the fastening webs 34 are clamped in the housing. The restoring forces can be formed per actuator different from ^¬. The restoring forces can be for everyone

Adjusting elements are designed the same.

As is also best shown in FIG. 6, the armatures 17A, 17B, 17C have a respective sealing element 29A, 29B, 29C in the region of the nozzle openings 28. On the rear side, not shown, and directly opposite, the armatures 17 have a respective damping element 38 in order to dampen the stop on the leg 19 of the yoke on the way to the tightened state.

The valve carrier 2 can be produced with different nozzle geometry, in particular different cross sections, but also different valve opening strokes.

This makes it easier to implement variants for different pressures and flow ranges. For example, for a high pre-pressure, small-diameter jet orifices are used (and vice versa), leaving the required forces and hence the design of the remaining geometry of the actuator and the magnetic circuit nearly identical.

Fig. 7 shows a second embodiment of an electromagnetic valve assembly 1. In this two, as shown in Fig. 4, valve assemblies as modules 45, 46 "back to back" arranged so that their circuit boards 13 and 13 ^λ are opposite to each other For the sake of simplicity, only the most important components are provided with reference symbols, the components of the module 46 being supplemented with a " ^λ ". The

Printed circuit board 13 of the module 45 is a first printed circuit board ^¬ section 43 of a flexible printed circuit board (so-called.

Flex circuit board). The circuit board 13 ^{λ of} the module 45 is a first printed circuit board portion 44 of the same flexible printed circuit board. The printed circuit board sections 43 and 44 are connected via a flexible printed circuit board section of the flexible printed circuit board.

Reference sign list

1 valve arrangement

2 (Valve (carrier / first housing component

3 second housing component

4 nozzles

5 nozzle channel

6 valve actuator unit

7 housing component system

8 housing component system

9 wall section of the second housing component

10 wall section of the second housing component

11 bottom of the second housing component

12 recess in the bottom of the second housing component 13 printed circuit board

14 snap hooks

15 snap hooks

16 control element

17 anchors

18 yoke

19 first legs of the yoke 18

20 second leg of the yoke 18th

21 permanent magnet and connecting part of the yoke 18

22 coil

23 bobbins

24 coil connection

25 seal

26 recess in circuit board 13th

27 valve

28 nozzle opening

29 sealing element

30 sealing seat

31 attachment point of the armature 17

32 attachment point of the armature 17th

33 connecting bridge

34 fastening bridge

35 Anchor composite, meandering

36 spring 37 valve chamber

38 damping element

39 air gap

40 connection element

41 contact pin

42 flexible circuit board section

43 first printed circuit board section

44 second circuit board section

45 module

46 module

47 pressure sensor

48 cavity

101 yoke element

102 yoke element

103 permanent magnet

110 valve actuator unit

111 coil

112 valve

113 anchors

114 air gap

115 magnetic flux through the first valve actuator unit

116 yoke legs of the yoke element 101 117 yoke legs of the yoke element 102

120 valve actuator unit

121 coil

122 valve

123 anchors

124 air gap

125 magnetic flux through the first valve actuator unit

126 yoke legs of the yoke element 101

127 yoke legs of the yoke element 102

130 valve actuator unit

131 coil

132 valve

133 anchors air gap

Yoke legs of the yoke element 101 yoke legs of the yoke element 102

Valve-actuator unit

Kitchen sink

Valve

anchor

air gap

magnetic flux through the first valve actuator unit

Yoke legs of the yoke element 101 yoke legs of the yoke element 102

Claims

claims

An electromagnetic valve arrangement (1) for a device for pneumatic filling and emptying of bubbles in a seat of a means of transport, in particular in a motor vehicle seat, with a number of valve actuator units (6), each valve actuator unit (6) comprising:

an electromagnetic actuator (16) having an armature (17), a yoke (18) and a coil assembly;

- A valve (27) associated with the actuator (16) having a nozzle opening (28), a sealing element (29) which is coupled to the armature (17), and a sealing seat (30), wherein the valve (27) has a first Switching position and a second switching position comprises, wherein the armature (17) is tightened in the first switching position, and wherein the armature (17) is dropped in the second switching position;

a permanent magnet (21) in one of the two

Switching positions the actuator (16) holds in its, the switching position associated end position;

- A spring element (32), in the other of the two

Switch positions the switching element (16) holds in its, the switching position associated end position;

characterized in that

each coil arrangement comprises a single coil (22), which is flowed through in one direction only in one direction for changing the switching position, regardless of which of the two switching positions to be achieved starting from the current switching position;

a control unit is designed to energize one or more of the coils (22) whose associated armatures (17) are in the tightened state in the tightening direction of the armature (17) for a change in the switching position of a valve (27).

2. Valve arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that a common permanent magnet (21) is provided for a plurality of valve actuator units (6).

3. Valve arrangement according to claim 2, characterized in that the adjusting element (16) of each valve actuator element (6) comprises a separate yoke and / or a separate coil.

4. Valve arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the armature (17) of an actuating element (16) is attracted / remains at least one of the valve actuator units (6), regardless of which of the two switch positions the adjusting elements (16) assume other valve actuator units (6).

5. Valve arrangement according to claim 4, characterized in that the magnetic circuit of the valve arrangement is designed in such a way and the coils (22) of the other valve actuator units (6) are energized so that the magnetic flux of the Perma ^¬ nentmagneten (60) evenly on the armature (17) is distributed so that its armature (17) are not attracted.

6. Valve arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the permanent magnet (60) a

Flat magnet is, in which the tightening force decreases with increasing air gap (39) on the armature (17).

7. Valve arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the armature (17) as a lifting armature or as

Hinged armature is formed.

8. Valve arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a longitudinal axis of the coil (22) of the associated actuating element (16) and a longitudinal axis of the valve to ^¬ ordered (27) are arranged substantially parallel or at a substantially perpendicular angle to each other ,

9. Valve arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the armature (17) consists of a soft magnetic spring steel with the sealing element (29) arranged thereon, wherein the sealing element (29) in particular is provided on both sides of the stop damping on the yoke and for sealing on the sealing seat (30).

10. Valve arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the armature of two adjacently arranged adjusting elements (16) by a connecting web (33) are interconnected, which forms the spring element (32).

11. Valve arrangement according to claim 10, characterized in that the armature (17) and the connecting web (33) are integrally formed.

12. A device for pneumatic filling and emptying of bubbles in a seat of a means of transport, in particular in a

Motor vehicle seat comprising at least one of the valve arrangement according to one of the preceding claims.

13. A method for operating an electromagnetic valve- tilanordnung, which is formed ^¬ according to one of claims 1 to 11, in which for changing the switching position of a valve (27) one or more of the coils (22) whose associated armature (17 ) are in the tightened state, in suit view of the armature (17) is energized or become.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein for dropping the armature (17) of the adjusting elements (16), the coils (22) of the Ven ^¬ til actuator units (6), the armature (17) is tightened, continue with an increasing current be energized.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein for attracting the armature (17) of one of the adjusting elements (16), the said control element associated coil (22) is energized with a current of a predetermined first amount.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein for maintaining the holding force of other valves (22) whose armature (17) of the associated actuating element (16) are dropped, the coils (22). these adjusting elements (16) are energized with a current of a predetermined second amount, wherein the second amount is smaller than the first amount.