Valve assembly and pump with integrated valve for lumbar support

US10948097B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Akfmeier Präzision SE · DE

Inventors

• Erich Dörfler · Treuchtlingen, DE
• Ronny Gehlmann · Hilpoltstein, DE
• Helmut Auernhammer · Laufenburg (Baden), DE
• Matthias Mitzler · Graben, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: May 16, 2019
• Grant date: Mar 16, 2021
• Expiry date: Jun 20, 2039

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60N2/976
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A valve arrangement includes a housing with pump and consumer connections, and first and second actuators arranged symmetrically. Each first and second actuator includes one base plate; one actuating element having first and second end sections, and a sealing element in the first end section; one connecting element; and one SMA element having a U-shape with first and second ends, and a middle section between the ends. The actuating element is at least partially arranged on and connected to the base plate via the second end section. The connecting element is conductively connected to two points of the SMA element. The middle section is connected to the first end section of the actuating element so that shortening the SMA element causes a stroke of the sealing element. A related pump mechanism is disclosed.