Abstract: An apparatus and a method for driving a solenoid valve, which includes a coil and a movable armature. To move the armature, current and/or voltage is applied to the coil in a clocked manner. By varying the driving, the solenoid valve can be operated optionally as a control valve or as a relief valve.

Abstract: A fuel injection device having an injection valve on which an atomizing grid is arranged. The disk-shaped atomizing grid is arranged downstream of a valve seat face and is equipped with an atomizing structure which at least partially possesses variations in cross section in the axial direction, over the thickness of the atomizing grid. As a result of the geometry of the atomizing grid, the fuel is atomized particularly finely into very small droplets without auxiliary energy. The fuel injection device is particularly suitable for use in fuel injection systems of mixture-compressing spark-ignition internal combustion engines.

Abstract: The microvalve according to the invention is composed in a layered manner of at least one bottom part (11), one middle part (12) and one top part (13). The sealing ring (31) (closure member), the valve plate (29) (pressure-compensating surface) and the membrane (26) are integrated in the middle part (12), this integral component being manufactured by a plastic moulding process. The actuation of the valve takes place using an electrical operating apparatus, for example by an electrostatic drive, an electromagnetic or a piezoelectric drive. In particular in the case of the electrostatic drive, two electrodes (17, 22) are applied in a layered manner to the middle part (12) or the bottom part (11). The bottom part, middle part and top part are joined together and connected, for example bonded or welded, permanently to one another.

Abstract: A microminiature valve in multi-layered structure for switching or controlling fluid flows is proposed, having an inlet and a closing element. The inlet is embodied in a first layer in the form of at least one through-opening. The closing element is structured out of a second layer which is applied on the first layer. This second layer has at least one further through-opening in the area of the closing element. The closing element is displaceable by actuation means, in particular electrical ones, essentially parallel to the first layer and the second layer, so that in at least one first position of the closing element the at least one through-opening of the inlet, together with the at least one further through-opening in the second layer, forms at least one flow-through opening. The cross section of the at least one flow-through opening can be varied by actuating the closing element.

Abstract: A microvalve in multi-layer structure is proposed, where an inlet connector, a return connector and an outlet connector are produced by planar structuring of material layers. The microvalve has a first and a second stage, which is disposed behind the first stage in respect to the flow direction of the fluid. In the first stage the flow direction of the fluid is directed into a cavity formed by two chambers by means of a flexible tongue, which in the position of rest is oriented parallel to the flow direction of the fluid. At least one outlet connector is disposed in the second stage.

Abstract: A shock absorber damping system including at least one cylinder including a compensation chamber which is made to communicate with a pressure source. Thus the load-bearing capacity of the shock absorber can additionally be arbitrarily adjusted and varied within wide limits, independently of a damping of the shock absorber.

Abstract: A microvalve composed of multiple layers bonded together is distinguished by the fact that all layers are structured only from one side. Prior to bonding of a new layer to the preceding layer, the new layer is homogeneous or unstructured. Only after bonding of the new layer to the preceding layers or wafers is the newly-applied layer provided with a structure, by etching or other profiling method. This simplifies construction, and reduces manufacturing cost, of the microvalve. The valve can be used for either liquid or gaseous media. It is adapted for use, inter alia, as a fuel injection valve or as a pilot control stage of servo-valves used in anti-lock braking systems (ABS). A method of producing a sealed cavity with a residual gas pressure therein, which may have applications other than valve manufacture, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A microwave is made of a stack of layers. A sculptured silicon substrate is held between two covers each consisting of one or more layers. The inlet and the outlet of the microvalve are formed by perforations in the respective covers. A central valve plate is sculptured out of the silicon substrate with surfaces respectively facing the two covers in the region of the inlet and outlet in a symmetrical fashion. The valve plate is connected to the outer frame portion of the silicon substrate by one or more silicon strips. The valve plate is also shaped as a closure member near the inlet and/or the outlet. Electrodes are provided on the covers opposite the valve plate so that the valve can be electrostatically actuated with the valve plate serving as counterelectrode for these electrodes on the covers.

Abstract: A microvalve with a multi-layer structure for regulating or controlling fluid flows is proposed. In a first layer at least one feed connector, a first return connector, at least two working connectors and at least a second return connector are structured. The microvalve has a second layer which is connected via an at least first structured intermediate layer with the first layer. Means are structured in the second layer which are electrostatically operable and by means of which the degree of opening of the at least one feed connector can be changed. The microvalve is constructed symmetrically in respect to the second layer, in that a third layer, structured mirror-reversed in respect to the first layer, is applied to the second layer via a further structured intermediate layer.

Abstract: A microvalve has at least two pressurized-medium connections means forming a valve seat between the connections, a closure member cooperating with the valve seat, an electrical actuating unit deflecting the closure member, and a membrane which moves the closure member in opposition to he electrical actuating unit and adjoins a space which can be loaded with pressurized medium. The membrane has an area which is substantially reduced relative to the valve seat and is firmly joined to the membrane and also has a pressure-loaded area. The closure member has a ring-shaped pressure-compensation area which is opposite to the membrane and extends radially outwardly of the reduced surface of the membrane and counteracts the pressure loaded area of the membrane, the pressure-loaded area of the membrane and the pressure-compensation area of the closure member are essentially equally large.

Abstract: A microvalve composed of multiple layers bonded together is distinguished by the fact that all layers are structured only from one side. Prior to bonding of a new layer to the preceding layer, the new layer is homogeneous or unstructured. Only after bonding of the new layer to the preceding layers or wafers is the newly-applied layer provided with a structure, by etching or other profiling method. This simplifies construction, and reduces manufacturing cost, of the microvalve. The valve can be used for either liquid or gaseous media. It is adapted for use, inter alia, as a fuel injection valve or as a pilot control stage of servo-valves used in anti-lock braking systems (ABS). A method of producing a sealed cavity with a residual gas pressure therein, which may have applications other than valve manufacture, is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electro-fluid converter for controlling a fluid actuating an adjusting element, such as a main control slider of a servo valve, comprises at least one displaceable throttle arranged in a fluid-rich circuit. The throttle has at least one throttle element with a central inlet passage and a plurality of flow-mechanical identical base elements arranged around the central inlet passage in a star-like manner. Each of the base elements includes a bipolar wall stream element connected with the inlet passage and a whirling chamber element connected with the wall stream element, each of the wall stream elements being thermoelectrically controllable.