Patent ID: 6725816
Filing Date: 2004-04-27
Classification: F01L

Abstract:
An apparatus for controlling a solenoid-operated valve device, comprising:a valve head movable between an open position to open a fluid passage and a closed position to close the fluid passage; an armature of a magnetic material movable in unison with said valve head; a valve opening electromagnet energizable for generating electromagnetic forces to attract said armature in a direction to move said valve head toward said open position; a valve closing electromagnet energizable for generating electromagnetic forces to attract said armature in a direction to move said valve head toward said closed position; biasing means for biasing said valve head into a neutral position between said open position and said closed position; and control means for performing an alternate energization process to alternately energize said valve opening electromagnet and said valve closing electromagnet periodically to cause said valve opening electromagnet and said valve closing electromagnet to generate electromagnetic forces alternately to vibrate said valve head together with said armature with an increasing amplitude when said valve head is moved from said neutral position in which said valve head is kept by said biasing means to an initial position which is either one of said open position and said closed position; said control means comprising means for de-energizing one of said valve opening electromagnet and said valve closing electromagnet and thereafter starting to energize the other of said valve opening electromagnet and said valve closing electromagnet with a delay from the time to de-energize said one of the valve opening electromagnet and the valve closing electromagnet in said alternate energization process.