Patent ID: 7738234
Filing Date: 2010-06-15
Classification: H01H

Abstract:
1. A solenoid-operated valve, which is driven by applying a first voltage to a solenoid coil and which is maintained in a driven state by applying a second voltage, said solenoid-operated valve comprising: a solenoid-operated valve-driving circuit electrically connected respectively to a power source and to said solenoid coil, said solenoid-operated valve-driving circuit including a switch control section and a switch section, wherein said switch control section generates a control signal composed of first and second pulse signals, the generated control signal being supplied to said switch section; and said switch section applies a power source voltage of said power source, as said first voltage, to said solenoid coil during a period of time in which said first pulse signal is supplied, while said switch section applies said power source voltage, as said second voltage, to said solenoid coil during a period of time in which said second pulse signal is supplied, wherein said switch section comprises a semiconductor element comprising one of a transistor and a MOSFET, said semiconductor element having a first terminal electrically connected to said power source, a second terminal electrically connected to said solenoid coil, and a third terminal electrically connected to said switch control section, wherein said switch control section further includes a single pulse-generating circuit that generates, as said first pulse signal, a single pulse signal having a predetermined pulse width on the basis of said power source voltage, said single pulse signal being generated and supplied to said switch section simultaneously with said second pulse signal, wherein said switch control section is capable of adjusting an intermittent discontinuity time of said solenoid-operated valve-driving circuit, and wherein said single pulse-generating circuit comprises a timer counter circuit, which stops generation of said single pulse signal while maintaining generation of said second pulse signal when a predetermined period of time elapses from supply of said power source voltage.