Latch valve and flow control device using the same

Abstract

Provided is a simpler, more efficient, and more reliable latch valve. The latch valve includes an inflow path and an outflow path formed in a housing; a solenoid having a coil wound thereon; a permanent magnet positioned at an upper portion of a plunger and latching the plunger when the plunger is lifted; a spring positioned between the permanent magnet and the plunger; a support body having an inlet connected to the inflow path and an outlet connected to the outflow path; a diaphragm having the support body inserted therein; and the plunger lifted or lowered by a magnetic force induced by the coil to open and close the outlet, wherein an additional outflow path constantly communicating with a space part between the support body and the plunger is provided to allow a flow to be generated in the additional outflow path even when the plunger is closed.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A latch valve comprising:
 an inflow path and an outflow path formed in a housing;   a solenoid having a coil wound thereon;   a permanent magnet positioned at an upper portion of a plunger and latching the plunger when the plunger is lifted;   a spring positioned between the permanent magnet and the plunger;   a support body having an inlet connected to the inflow path and an outlet connected to the outflow path;   a diaphragm having the support body inserted therein; and   the plunger lifted or lowered by a magnetic force induced by the coil to open and close the outlet,   wherein an additional outflow path constantly communicating with a space part between the support body and the plunger is provided to allow a flow to be generated in the additional outflow path even when the plunger is closed.   
     
     
         2 . The latch valve of  claim 1 , wherein the additional outflow path of the second latch valve is formed in the housing surrounding the plunger. 
     
     
         3 . The latch valve of  claim 2 , wherein a stopper is formed in the space part of the latch valve in order to prevent the support body from lifting by more than a certain degree. 
     
     
         4 . The latch valve of  claim 3 , wherein the stopper is formed on an upper surface of the support body. 
     
     
         5 . The latch valve of  claim 3 , wherein the stopper is formed of an elastic member.