Patent ID: 8454327
Filing Date: 2013-06-04
Classification: F04B

Abstract:
1. A piezoelectric micropump comprising: a frame defining a pump chamber that includes an open end; a diaphragm including a first surface covering the open end of the pump chamber and a second surface opposite the first surface, the diaphragm being made of a non-piezoelectric elastic sheet material; a piezoelectric element including a first side disposed on the second surface of the diaphragm, and a second side opposite the first side, the piezoelectric element being arranged to undergo bending deformation in a thickness direction thereof when an alternating voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element, and the piezoelectric element being smaller than a displaceable region of the diaphragm; and a support member in contact with but not attached to the second side of the piezoelectric element; wherein the frame includes: the piezoelectric element and the support member are arranged such that when the piezoelectric element is deformed to bulge toward the pump chamber, a central portion of the diaphragm is displaced toward the pump chamber and end portions of the diaphragm are prevented from bending in a reverse direction away from the pump chamber due to the contact between the second side of the piezoelectric element and the support member; and the diaphragm includes a margin at a circumferential portion of the diaphragm located outside of a location of the piezoelectric element.