Driver circuitry for latching type valve and the like
US6262620A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 2, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jul 17, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 2, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01R31/72
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A driver circuit for a latching type valve is provided which utilizes an electronic switch assembly to provide the dual polarity necessary to actuate the latching type valve to both its open and closed states. The driver circuitry includes a microprocessor and a slope detector circuit for monitoring the coil current used to energize the valve solenoid to determine when the valve armature has moved to its fully actuated position. The driver circuit preferably utilizes power MOSFET devices in the switch assembly configured into an H-bridge to drive the solenoid coil. Advantageously, the user of power MOSFET devices eliminates the necessity for a current sense resistor in the control circuitry, thereby decreasing power dissipation and increasing efficiency of the drive circuit, thereby prolonging the battery life used to drive the valve. A pulse of fixed duration may be utilized to transition the valve to an OFF position, or a second slope detector may be implemented to control the transition to the OFF position in like manner. Monitoring of the actual time required to actuate the valve may be utilized to signal low battery voltage or a failed valve, if desired.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.