Drive unit for a micro valve comprising a shape memory alloy, and micro valve

US9267617B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• BUERKERT WERKE GMBH · DE

Inventors

• Birgit Stadelbauer · Ludwigshafen, DE
• Klaus Beck · Oberkochen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 26, 2011
• Grant date: Feb 23, 2016
• Expiry date: Mar 18, 2034

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C08L2201/12
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A drive unit for a micro valve comprises a housing, a spring and at least one shape memory alloy element which is attached to the housing in a deflectable manner. The shape memory alloy element is loaded by the spring towards a deflected position and is movable in response to a temperature increase and the shape memory effect activated thereby, into a position which is at least less deflected against an increasing load by the spring. A normally closed micro valve includes a fluid housing, at least one valve seat, a sealing element opposite the valve seat, and a drive unit of the type mentioned above. The shape memory alloy element cooperates with the sealing element and exerts an operating force on the sealing element for closing and opening the valve seat with or against a compression spring force.