Solenoid actuator
US5575309A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 21, 1994 |
| Grant date | Nov 19, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 21, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/8275
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A solenoid actuator for a fluid flow valve comprises a closure member (64) adapted to engage a fluid flow orifice (16), and includes a magnetic plunger (46) under the control of a solenoid, for moving the closure member (64) into or out of engagement with the orifice (16). To assist the opening of the valve, a diaphragm spring (66) aids the downward force upon plunger (46) at changeover, being deflected during the upward stroke of plunger (46) and held deflected until changeover. The solenoid plunger (46) is stable at either end of its travel to maintain the selected state of the valve, change of state to open or close orifice (16) being by means of an magnetic pulse generated by solenoid coil (43), the plunger (46) being latched at closure by permanent magnets (32,34). The diaphragm spring (66) may form part of an assembly (62) including a membrane switch (70), responsive to the state of the valve, the assembly (62) fitting into the body of the closure member (64). Alternatively a reed switch responsive to magnetic flux may provide valve status indication. The use of a diaphragm spring to assist in valve opening, enables provision of an axially more compact, and electromagneticall…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.