초록 ▼

To control the operation of a piezoelectric relay, control circuitry is disclosed for direct ohmic connection to a utility AC source to draw the minimal power required to actuate the relay\s bimorph member pursuant to selectively switching power current through either one of two separate loads. The

To control the operation of a piezoelectric relay, control circuitry is disclosed for direct ohmic connection to a utility AC source to draw the minimal power required to actuate the relay\s bimorph member pursuant to selectively switching power current through either one of two separate loads. The control circuitry, which is largely implimented in a single integrated circuit chip, utilizes isolating resistance and the capacitances of a voltage doubler circuit and the piezoceramic plate elements for transient suppression and circuit protection.

대표청구항 ▼

A relay switching circuit for controlling the flow of power current to a load, said circuit comprising in combination: A. a piezoelectric relay including (1) a first terminal for conection to a source of power, (2) a second terminal for connection to a load, (3) a bimorph actuator member having firs

A relay switching circuit for controlling the flow of power current to a load, said circuit comprising in combination: A. a piezoelectric relay including (1) a first terminal for conection to a source of power, (2) a second terminal for connection to a load, (3) a bimorph actuator member having first and second prepolarized poezoceramic plates, (4) a movable contact, (5) at least one stationary contact, (6) said actuator members in its quiescent state supporting said movable contact in spaced relation to said stationary contact; and B. relay control circuitry including (1) a voltage conversion circuit for direct ohmic connection to a utility source of AC voltage and connected to said actuating member, said voltage conversion circuit having a diode-capacitor network for developing a high DC supply voltage, (2) a high voltage integrated circuit connected with said voltage conversation circuit and including at least one active device connected with said actuator member, and (3) means activating said active device to selectively apply said supply voltage across one of said first and second plates, (4) whereby said actuator member deflects to position said movable contact in engagememnt with said stationary contact to thereby complete a circuit between said first and second relay terminals connecting the source with the load.