Patent ID: 6247908
Filing Date: 2001-06-19
Classification: F04B

Abstract:
A micropump comprising: a first substrate; at least one pumping section formed in the first substrate and having a piezoelectric element and a diaphragm for undergoing deformation upon application of a voltage to the piezoelectric element to control the flow of fluid into and out of the pumping section; a second substrate connected to the first substrate and having an inlet port and an outlet port; at least two valve sections formed in the first substrate for controlling the flow of fluid from the inlet port to the outlet port through the pumping section, each of the valve sections having a piezoelectric element and a diaphragm for undergoing deformation upon application of a voltage to the piezoelectric element; a flow passage formed in the first substrate for connecting the pumping section and the valve sections in fluid communication; and a plurality of packing members each disposed between a respective diaphragm of the valve sections and the second substrate for blocking the flow of fluid when no voltage is applied to the piezoelectric elements of the valve sections, the packing members being operative to permit the flow of fluid through the valve sections when a voltage is applied to the piezoelectric elements of the valve sections to cause the diaphragms of the valve sections to undergo deformation and form a gap between each of the packing members and the second substrate or between each of the packing members and a respective diaphragm of the valve sections.