Valve device

Abstract

A valve member is located in a passage through which fluid passes. The valve member selectively opens and closes the passage. The valve member is supported by a support member formed a magnetic material. An electromagnetic driving mechanism attracts the support member with magnetic force. The electromagnetic driving mechanism is located outside the passage. When attracting the support member, the electromagnetic driving mechanism selectively opens and closes the passage with the valve member.

1 .- 55 . (canceled)  
   
   
       56 . A valve device, comprising: 
 a valve member located in a passage through which fluid moves;    an operational member formed of a magnetic material, the operational member being located in the passage, wherein a relative distance between the operational member and the valve member is changed such that the passage is selectively opened and closed;    a magnet located outside the passage, wherein, at a predetermined attraction position, the magnet attracts the operational member with magnetic force to open the passage; and    a moving mechanism, which causes the magnet to separate from or approach the attraction position.    
   
   
       57 . The valve device according to  claim 56 , 
 wherein the passage is formed by a passage forming member, and    wherein the magnet is located outside the passage forming member.    
   
   
       58 . The valve device according to  claim 56 , 
 wherein the magnet comprises a permanent magnet.    
   
   
       59 . The valve device according to  claim 56 , 
 wherein the operational member is shaped like a plate.    
   
   
       60 . The valve device according to  claim 59 , 
 wherein the operational member includes a proximal section, the proximal section being fixed to the passage forming member.    
   
   
       61 . The valve device according to  claim 58 , further comprising: a film, which is located on an outer surface of the passage forming member and seals the passage, wherein, at the attraction position, the film is arranged to be between the magnet and the operational member.  
   
   
       62 . The valve device according to  claim 61 , 
 wherein the film is heat welded to the passage forming member.    
   
   
       63 . The valve device according to  claim 61 , 
 wherein the film is formed of a material having a high gas barrier property.    
   
   
       64 . The valve device according to  claim 56 , 
 wherein a filter is located in an upstream section of the valve device.    
   
   
       65 . The valve device according to  claim 56 , wherein the operational member is formed of an elastic material.  
   
   
       66 . (canceled)  
   
   
       67 . The valve device according to  claim 56 , 
 wherein the valve member is formed of an elastic material.    
   
   
       68 . The valve device according to  claim 56 , 
 wherein the passage is closed by causing the operational member to contact a projection formed on the valve member.    
   
   
       69 . The valve device according to  claim 56 , 
 wherein, when the magnet moving mechanism causes the magnet to approach the attraction position, the passage is opened, and wherein, when the magnet moving mechanism causes the magnet to separate from the attraction position, the passage is closed.    
   
   
       70 . The valve device according to  claim 56 , 
 wherein, when the magnet moving mechanism causes the magnet to approach the attraction position, the passage is closed, and wherein, when the magnet moving mechanism causes the magnet to separate from the attraction position, the passage is opened.    
   
   
       71 . The valve device according to  claim 56 , 
 wherein a direction in which the magnet is moved by the magnet moving mechanism is substantially perpendicular to a direction in which the operational member operates.    
   
   
       72 . The valve device according to  claim 56 , 
 wherein a direction in which the magnet is moved by the magnet moving mechanism is substantially the same as a direction in which the operational member operates.    
   
   
       73 . The valve device according to  claim 56 , 
 wherein the magnet moving mechanism comprises a solenoid.    
   
   
       74 . The valve device according to  claim 73 , wherein, 
 when the solenoid is supplied with current, the passage is closed, and wherein, when the solenoid is not supplied with current, the passage is opened.    
   
   
       75 . The valve device according to  claim 73 , 
 wherein, when the solenoid is supplied with current, the passage is opened, and wherein,    when the solenoid is not supplied with current, the passage is closed.    
   
   
       76 .- 152 . (canceled)