Preloaded piezo actuator and gas valve employing the actuator
US11079035B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 12, 2019 |
| Grant date | Aug 3, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 12, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16K41/10
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A valve arrangement for controlling gas flow. A gas block includes a gas inlet, a gas outlet, and a gas cavity fluidly connecting the gas inlet to the gas outlet. A diaphragm is configured for controlling gas flow between the gas inlet and the gas outlet. An actuator is configured to vary the position of the diaphragm so as to control the gas flow. The actuator comprises a tubular housing; a plunger positioned inside the housing and having an actuating extension extending outside of the housing and coupled to the diaphragm, the plunger configured to be slidable inside the housing; a piezoelectric body positioned inside the plunger; and a pre-loader applying force to the plunger so as to press the plunger against the piezoelectric body.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.