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

摘要

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.

主权项

1. A drive unit for a micro valve comprising:
a housing free from fluid ports; a spring; at least one shape memory alloy element which is attached to the housing in a deflectable manner, 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; wherein the at least one shape memory alloy element comprises at least one pair of foils stacked upon each other which are connected to each other at an outer perimeter at least in sections and are biased by the spring into the deflected position, and wherein the foils include a central passage through which the spring extends; and wherein the at least one shape memory alloy element and the spring engage the same side of a transmission element, and wherein the transmission element is formed as one-piece.