초록 ▼

A piezo-electrically actuated fluid control valve has a nozzle type seat, a magnet opposite from the seat, and a piezoelectric actuator in sheet form between the seat and magnet. The actuator includes a piezo-ceramic layer laminated to an electrode sheet, so that the composite is parallel to the sea

A piezo-electrically actuated fluid control valve has a nozzle type seat, a magnet opposite from the seat, and a piezoelectric actuator in sheet form between the seat and magnet. The actuator includes a piezo-ceramic layer laminated to an electrode sheet, so that the composite is parallel to the seat and a surface of the magnet. The electrode sheet has opposite edges which extend beyond the piezo-ceramic layer and are clamped by the housing of the valve so that the center of the actuator is positioned between the seat and magnet. When an electric field is applied to the piezo-ceramic layer, the actuator bows or dishes so as to displace from the seat toward the magnet, and the magnetic field of the magnet draws the actuator further away from the seat, to increase the valve opening between the actuator and the seat. The actuator may be operated by a pulse width modulated or a proportional analog electrical signal, which may be applied in combination with the magnetic field to move the actuator, or if the magnetic field is induced by an electromagnet, electrical and magnetic control modes may be used alternatively.

대표청구항 ▼

In a valve of the type having a piezo-electric actuator for varying a flow area past a valve seat, said actuator being of the type having a layer of piezoelectric material and an electrode sheet laminated to said piezo-electric layer, the improvement wherein; said valve includes a magnet opposite fr

In a valve of the type having a piezo-electric actuator for varying a flow area past a valve seat, said actuator being of the type having a layer of piezoelectric material and an electrode sheet laminated to said piezo-electric layer, the improvement wherein; said valve includes a magnet opposite from said seat with said actuator between said magnet and said seat; and said actuator includes a material which is magnetically attractable by said magnet.