Solenoid driver circuit for use with digital magnetic latching valves

摘要

A driver circuit having logic circuitry which controls the coil and associated contacts of a four pole double throw relay. The four pole double throw relay is toggled such that a large latching current flows through a first of a pair of solenoid coils of the magnetic-latching solenoid, while a relatively small current flows in the second solenoid coil of the magnetic latching solenoid in an opposite direction. Toggling the relay's coil causes the latching current to now flow through the second solenoid coil of the valve, while the relatively small current flows in the first solenoid coil of the magnetic latching solenoid again in the opposite direction. This reverse current drives residual magnetism in the magnetic latching valve to about zero eliminating any holding forces so that the pulling force for moving the solenoid's actuator does not have to overcome a holding force which allows for greater holding forces at greater displacements; a simplified solenoid design and the use of magnetic materials with high magnetic permeability.