EP3947967A1 - Élément actionneur et procédé permettant de faire fonctionner un élément actionneur - Google Patents

Élément actionneur et procédé permettant de faire fonctionner un élément actionneur

Info

Publication number
EP3947967A1
EP3947967A1 EP20712215.1A EP20712215A EP3947967A1 EP 3947967 A1 EP3947967 A1 EP 3947967A1 EP 20712215 A EP20712215 A EP 20712215A EP 3947967 A1 EP3947967 A1 EP 3947967A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
actuator
carrier element
movable component
actuator element
signal
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP20712215.1A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Sebastian Müller
Alexander Schneider
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Rapitag GmbH
Original Assignee
Rapitag GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Rapitag GmbH filed Critical Rapitag GmbH
Publication of EP3947967A1 publication Critical patent/EP3947967A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03G—SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS; MECHANICAL-POWER PRODUCING DEVICES OR MECHANISMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR OR USING ENERGY SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03G7/00—Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for
    • F03G7/06—Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using expansion or contraction of bodies due to heating, cooling, moistening, drying or the like
    • F03G7/065—Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using expansion or contraction of bodies due to heating, cooling, moistening, drying or the like using a shape memory element
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03G—SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS; MECHANICAL-POWER PRODUCING DEVICES OR MECHANISMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR OR USING ENERGY SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03G7/00—Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for
    • F03G7/06—Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using expansion or contraction of bodies due to heating, cooling, moistening, drying or the like
    • F03G7/066—Actuator control or monitoring
    • F03G7/0665—Actuator control or monitoring controlled displacement, e.g. by using a lens positioning actuator
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03G—SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS; MECHANICAL-POWER PRODUCING DEVICES OR MECHANISMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR OR USING ENERGY SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03G7/00—Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for
    • F03G7/06—Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using expansion or contraction of bodies due to heating, cooling, moistening, drying or the like
    • F03G7/061—Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using expansion or contraction of bodies due to heating, cooling, moistening, drying or the like characterised by the actuating element
    • F03G7/0616—Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using expansion or contraction of bodies due to heating, cooling, moistening, drying or the like characterised by the actuating element characterised by the material or the manufacturing process, e.g. the assembly
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03G—SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS; MECHANICAL-POWER PRODUCING DEVICES OR MECHANISMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR OR USING ENERGY SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03G7/00—Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for
    • F03G7/06—Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using expansion or contraction of bodies due to heating, cooling, moistening, drying or the like
    • F03G7/062—Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using expansion or contraction of bodies due to heating, cooling, moistening, drying or the like characterised by the activation arrangement
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03G—SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS; MECHANICAL-POWER PRODUCING DEVICES OR MECHANISMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR OR USING ENERGY SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03G7/00—Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for
    • F03G7/06—Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using expansion or contraction of bodies due to heating, cooling, moistening, drying or the like
    • F03G7/061—Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using expansion or contraction of bodies due to heating, cooling, moistening, drying or the like characterised by the actuating element
    • F03G7/0614—Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using expansion or contraction of bodies due to heating, cooling, moistening, drying or the like characterised by the actuating element using shape memory elements
    • F03G7/06143—Wires

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an actuator element comprising an actuator which comprises a shape memory alloy and is designed to be shortened or lengthened in its longitudinal direction in an excited state, an electronic control unit which has a carrier element and a plurality of electronic components for exciting the actuator Has the basis of a control signal, and a movable component which is fixedly arranged on a longitudinal end of the actuator and is movable relative to the carrier element by means of the actuator.
  • the invention also relates to a method for operating such an actuator element.
  • Actuators are drive components that execute a mechanical movement in response to a control signal.
  • Actuators are, for example, electric motors, consisting of several components, such as a conductor coil, a bearing and a shaft, which, however, require a large installation space and a comparatively high amount of energy is required for their operation.
  • the conductor coil which usually consists of several windings of copper wire, and low-wear materials for the other components are quite heavy. Electric motors are therefore not suitable for use in applications in which a light, compact and energy-saving design of the actuator is important.
  • Piezo actuators are relatively light and require one
  • acceleration sensors for example in acceleration sensors or pressure and force sensors as well as microbalances.
  • An actuator can also be formed using a shape memory alloy (SMA).
  • SMA shape memory alloys are special metals that can exist in two different crystal structures. This is due to the phenomenon that they seem to be able to remember an earlier shape despite the subsequent strong deformation. Materials that show such an effect are also called cryogenic materials, which include, for example, nickel-titanium, nitrol and nickel-titanium-copper. The acquisition costs for an actuator with a shape memory alloy are therefore comparatively low.
  • Shape memory alloys are characterized by the fact that they can transmit very large forces in relation to their material volume and have a travel of approx. 5% of the length of the actuator, for example 5% of the length of a wire with a shape memory alloy.
  • shape memory alloys can go through several 100,000 movement cycles without showing signs of fatigue, so they have a long service life. Furthermore, materials with shape memory alloys only take up a small amount of space and are comparatively light.
  • the stimulation for the change in shape can be via an increase in temperature or via an electrical one
  • the actuator When using a wire from a
  • Shape memory alloy is an example of such an application requires a wire that is about 10 cm long.
  • this is many times more expensive in comparison to a wire manufactured in a straight line and further restricts the area of application due to the shape.
  • Carrier element has a guide section, in particular dimensionally stable
  • the actuator can be excited on the basis of the control signal, whereby the shape memory alloy and thus the actuator go into the excited state and the actuator can shorten or lengthen in its longitudinal extension.
  • the movable component is mechanically coupled or connected to the actuator, so that the change in length of the actuator moves the movable component along an adjustment path.
  • the actuator is guided along its longitudinal extension by means of the guide section. That is, the actuator can slide along the guide section while it is simultaneously guided by the latter.
  • the guide section keeps the actuator on its path.
  • the configuration according to the invention of the path of the actuator makes it possible to considerably reduce the overall space of the actuator element.
  • the actuator can have a relatively large longitudinal extension in order to achieve the desired travel of the
  • the actuator element itself can have a size in all spatial directions which is smaller than the longitudinal extension of the actuator.
  • the actuator runs according to the invention that is to say has at least one turn, and reliable guidance of the actuator is provided by means of the guide section in accordance with the path provided for the actuator.
  • the actuator can run at least partially around an edge of the carrier element, so that the carrier element advantageously has a double function as
  • the actuator can run within the carrier element on a winding path, preferably a path with at least two turns.
  • a particularly secure and protected guidance of the actuator within a channel in the interior of the carrier element can be achieved.
  • the actuator on the carrier element can be deflected by at least one deflection element, for example a deflection roller or a deflection pin.
  • the carrier element is used for guiding the actuator and, on the other hand, the at least one deflection element allows the path of the actuator to be adapted with simple means and largely independently of the design of the carrier element.
  • the wire can be looped on the movable component or through the movable component, while the two
  • Longitudinal ends of the actuator are attached to the carrier element. This allows simple contacting of the actuator at its longitudinal ends on the carrier element.
  • a first longitudinal end of the actuator is attached to the movable component and a second longitudinal end of the actuator is attached to the carrier element.
  • the attachment can be formed by a stop, so that only a pulling movement between the actuator and the movable component beyond the stop is blocked, but a pushing movement is possible, or, conversely, a pushing movement between the actuator and the moving component is blocked, while a pulling movement is possible.
  • a stop can be provided between the actuator and the carrier element.
  • At least one longitudinal end of the actuator can be connected to the carrier element or to the movable component via an adjustable coupling, which is a
  • the voltage of the actuator can be adjusted.
  • the actuator element is preferably constructed as a closed system, which can be used modularly in various applications as a universal lock, such as in a security element, for example that described in utility model 20 2019 101 192
  • the actuator element can also be used quite generally in a lock, which is released by pulling back a closure element, or a water valve, in which a water flow is released after a closure element is withdrawn.
  • a lock which is released by pulling back a closure element, or a water valve, in which a water flow is released after a closure element is withdrawn.
  • a water valve in which a water flow is released after a closure element is withdrawn.
  • the carrier element can be a printed circuit board. In this way, the installation space of the actuator element can be further reduced, since the electrical control unit is anyway
  • a circuit board which can also accommodate the plurality of electronic components.
  • a circuit board usually consists of an insulating material, for example fiber-reinforced plastic or hard paper, which makes it insensitive to heat and only conducts electricity at desired, previously defined points. As a result, such a circuit board does not require any further material adjustments when the actuator is excited by means of heat or electricity.
  • Printed circuit board materials have good sliding properties, whereby the actuator can slide very well along the guide section of the carrier element in the event of a change of state, for example during the transition to the excited state and an associated shortening or lengthening of the actuator. In particular, it is thought that the actuator is guided on an edge of the circuit board and around the circuit board. Furthermore, the mostly very flat shape of a printed circuit board is advantageous for achieving the desired small installation space.
  • the movable component moves with respect to the carrier element when the actuator is brought into the excited state.
  • one longitudinal end of the actuator is firmly connected to the movable component.
  • This connection can be a soldered connection, but this has the disadvantage that the high temperatures during the soldering process reduce the material properties of the
  • the movable component consists of a part in which the actuator is clamped, screwed or plugged (for example by means of
  • Screw terminal An improvement are two interconnected sub-components, between which the longitudinal end of the actuator can be held.
  • the longitudinal end of the actuator can comprise a retaining element which is wedged between the sub-components.
  • the retaining element can be a thickening of the actuator, a crimp or a hook. This also has the advantage that assembly is faster and therefore cheaper.
  • the carrier element preferably comprises two plates which bear against one another, the other longitudinal end of the actuator not connected to the movable component being held between the plates.
  • this longitudinal end of the actuator can comprise a retaining element, as described above.
  • connection of the subcomponents of the movable component and / or the plates of the carrier element, whereby the subcomponents can also be plates, can take place by means of gluing, screwing or soldering.
  • connection is preferably made in such a way that surfaces of the plates and / or subcomponents rest against one another.
  • the actuator can be put into the excited state by means of a supply of current and one of the electronic Components provides a power supply for the actuator, in particular the movable component is connected to the carrier element in such a way that a closed circuit is present between the longitudinal ends of the actuator and the power supply both in the excited and in the non-excited state of the actuator.
  • a heating coil can be used for heating, which is preferably from the electronic
  • Control unit is included.
  • the movable component is preferably in engagement with the carrier element. In this way, the movable component can be guided while it is being moved.
  • One possible embodiment is a slide rail or a tongue and groove connection between the movable component and the carrier element.
  • the movable component can be held rotatably relative to the carrier element, for example rotatably mounted on the carrier element.
  • an engagement region can be present between the movable component and the carrier element, in which the carrier element and the movable component are in engagement with one another.
  • this engagement area there can be a contact area which enables current to be transmitted between the power supply and the actuator independently of the positioning of the movable component relative to the carrier element.
  • a contact surface on the movable component can be connected in an electrically conductive manner to the longitudinal end of the actuator connected to the movable component and a contact surface of the carrier element can be electrically connected to the power supply, the contact surfaces resting against one another and being able to form the contact area.
  • the electronic control unit can have a particularly compact design, since additional conductor cables for contacting the movable component can be saved.
  • An even more compact design of the actuator element can be achieved in that the carrier element has a recess in which the movable component can be at least partially received.
  • the movable component is set up to execute a linear movement or a rotary movement.
  • This embodiment makes it possible, for example, to design the movable component as a bolt, a latching hook, a rotary arm, a sheet metal or a slide.
  • the movable component itself can also be a
  • the movable component can be part of a
  • the movable component prefferably be in a defined position, for example a rest position, in a state in which the actuator is not excited. This can preferably be achieved in that the movable component by means of a
  • Biasing element is biased in a rest position and the actuator is set up to move the movable component against the biasing force of the biasing element. This means that if the actuator is not shortened / required, i.e. is not in an excited state, the movable component is moved into the rest position.
  • the pretensioning element can be a spring or a magnet arrangement which exerts a force on the movable component which can be opposite to the force which the actuator exerts on the movable component in the excited state. Depending on the design, the movable component can be pushed or pulled into the rest position.
  • the actuator can have different shapes as long as it has the longitudinal extension provided according to the invention.
  • a preferred embodiment of the actuator is a wire from a Shape memory alloy.
  • the carrier element can be square, round or oval. The shape can be based on the intended application of the actuator element. Furthermore, a round or oval shape can be advantageous if the actuator runs around the carrier element, since friction at corner areas can thus be avoided.
  • the embodiment of the actuator element will be discussed in which the actuator runs around the edge of the carrier element, preferably directly at this edge.
  • a reduction in the installation space of the actuator element can already result if the actuator runs around the carrier element at least once. It goes without saying that the reduction in installation space can be further improved if the actuator runs around the carrier element twice, better still three times.
  • the guide section can define the path along which the actuator runs.
  • the windings can also run unevenly and leave out an area in which the movable component can move.
  • the guide section for the actuator defined by the carrier element is formed on an edge surface of the carrier element.
  • the carrier element can have a very flat shape, which reduces the overall height of the actuator element.
  • the guide section itself can be a depression, for example a channel, which can be milled into the carrier element, for example.
  • Guide section as a channel can be advantageous, since the actuator can thus be guided along the longitudinal extension of the actuator.
  • a simpler design of the guide element can take place by means of a guide through guide pins or pulleys, which can define the path of the actuator.
  • the guide section can have a surface structure with depressions and
  • a corrugated or dimpled structure can be used, such as the structure of a golf ball. In this way, the contact area between the guide section and the actuator can be reduced.
  • a preferred embodiment therefore consists in that the actuator only rests against the corners of the carrier element, these corners preferably being rounded.
  • the alternative embodiment of the actuator element in which the actuator runs within the carrier element on a winding path with at least one turn, preferably with several turns.
  • the path preferably has the shape of a spiral or a meander or some other shape which has at least one, better several turns.
  • the turns of the actuator make it possible for it to be accommodated compactly in the actuator element.
  • the turns can have any shape or angle, but a uniform shape, for example the shape of the spiral or the meander, is required
  • the guide section can be designed in such a way that it extends at least partially, preferably in a predominant part, between the mutually adjacent plates.
  • Guide section can be present in a plate or both plates can be designed to be complementary and the guide section together form.
  • the advantage of the design as a printed circuit board is the insulating effect against electricity and heat during the guide and at the same time
  • the guide section its surface structure can be designed with elevations and depressions, for example a corrugated or knobbed structure, for example the structure of a golf ball.
  • the guide section for example in the form of a channel, can also be inserted into the guide section
  • the guide section can define the path along which the actuator runs.
  • Guide section can move. That is, the actuator can move.
  • the guide section preferably slide along the guide section with as little friction as possible and / or there is preferably no fixed connection between the actuator and the guide section, preferably the guide section designed as a channel.
  • the electronic control unit is described in more detail below, the following statements referring to both alternatives of the course of the actuator.
  • the plurality of electronic components are one
  • the signal receiving unit can therefore receive a signal, preferably a wireless signal, and process it in such a way that the actuator changes to the excited state on the basis of the control signal. If the excitation takes place via the supply of electricity, is preferred activates the power supply in response to the receipt of the excitation signal by the signal receiving unit.
  • Wireless signals which can be received by the signal receiving unit, for example, can be generated using digital technologies such as digital radio signals, Bluetooth ® , RFID,
  • NFC Near field communication
  • LoRaWAN LoRaWAN
  • NB-loT via analog
  • Data transmission such as analog radio signals, light pulses, data transmission via tones or movement pulses, can be transmitted.
  • analog radio signals such as analog radio signals, light pulses, data transmission via tones or movement pulses.
  • Each module preferably has a unique identification number that enables a clear assignment. In this way, it can be prevented, for example, that several actuators of different actuator elements, which are located in the reception range of the excitation signal, are unintentionally excited at the same time. It can therefore target a
  • Actuator element directed excitation take place.
  • a signal received by the signal receiving unit for example an excitation signal to excite the actuator, can be an encrypted signal.
  • the control can take place, for example, by means of a mobile terminal, e.g. by means of a smartphone, a smartwatch, a tablet or other device that has a corresponding
  • the actuator element for example the electronic control unit thereof, comprises a display unit, for example a display or LEDs. This can be beneficial if the
  • the actuator element an energy storage unit, for example a rechargeable battery, an energy harvesting unit or a connection to the power grid, which is set up to supply the electronic control unit with energy.
  • an energy storage unit for example a rechargeable battery, an energy harvesting unit or a connection to the power grid, which is set up to supply the electronic control unit with energy.
  • the display unit and / or the energy storage unit can be part of the electronic control unit or be connected to it.
  • An integration of the display unit and / or the energy storage unit in the actuator element can enable a compact structure and the use of the actuator element as a closed system, which can easily be used in different systems.
  • the rechargeable battery can be a commercially available battery, for example a button cell. It is also preferred that the battery
  • the energy harvesting unit can be a solar module or an induction antenna in order to extract and store the smallest amounts of freely available energy from the environment.
  • the energy harvesting unit can be a solar module or an induction antenna in order to extract and store the smallest amounts of freely available energy from the environment.
  • shape memory alloys are very energy efficient, so that the energy storage unit can be relatively small compared to the use of other actuators.
  • control unit Further electronic components that can be included in the control unit are at least one LED and / or a loudspeaker and / or a sensor for measuring an active / passive electrical circuit and / or a light sensor and / or a motion sensor.
  • the present invention provides a method for operating an actuator element according to the first aspect of the invention, the method comprising the following steps:
  • Receiving a signal which preferably contains an encrypted token, preferably decryption of the token
  • excitation of the actuator can in particular be understood to mean electrical excitation by applying a predetermined voltage to the actuator and / and by generating or inducing a predetermined current flow through the actuator , the electrical excitation in particular for a predetermined
  • the actuator element of the second aspect of the invention can be used as a remotely controllable actuating module which is actuated in response to an electrical, in particular wirelessly transmitted, actuating signal and executes an actuating movement.
  • a token enables integration into a system with several actuator elements and / or several transceiver devices. If an encrypted token is used, undesired or unauthorized activation of the
  • Actuator element can be prevented.
  • the method of the second aspect further comprises the following steps:
  • a token preferably an encrypted token and / or a token for one-time use, preferably sending a signal with an identification code that uniquely identifies the actuator element from the actuator element to the transceiver,
  • the actuator element allows, for example, the addressing of various actuator elements by one and the same transceiver.
  • the electronics are activated to provide optical and / or acoustic and / and haptic feedback, with various optical and / or acoustic and / or and haptic signals are output, or / and that success or
  • the electronic sensor system comprising a proximity sensor and / or a position indicator sensor, for example a Hall probe, which is suitable for determining the position of the movable component and thus providing information about the success or failure of the excitation of the actuator.
  • FIG. 1a an actuator element according to a first one
  • Figure 1b shows an actuator element according to a second
  • Figure 3a is a plan view of a carrier element of a
  • Figure 3b is a side view of the carrier element of the third
  • FIG. 3c an enlarged detail from FIG. 3a
  • FIG. 4a perspective views of a carrier element and a movable component of an actuator element according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of FIG.
  • FIG. 4b perspective views of a carrier element and a movable component of an actuator element according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 4c is a cross-sectional view of an engaging portion
  • FIG. 4d shows a perspective view of a movable component and an adjacent section of a
  • FIG. 5a shows a perspective view of an actuator element according to a seventh exemplary embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 5b shows a perspective view of a movable component of an actuator according to a variant of the seventh exemplary embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an actuator element according to an eighth exemplary embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 7 shows a flow chart for a method for operating an actuator element according to a
  • an actuator element according to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention is generally denoted by 10 and comprises an actuator 12 which is formed at least in sections from a shape memory alloy and is designed to be shortened when a
  • a shape memory alloy known per se also called Shape Memory Alloy (SMA)
  • SMA Shape Memory Alloy
  • Transition temperature has an austenite crystal structure, the geometries of the crystal structures in the two phases differing significantly from one another, so that it is particularly in the case of elongated bodies such as
  • Wires that are formed from a shape memory alloy show noticeable changes in length above or below the transition temperature.
  • shape memory alloys that can be used for the present invention are cryogenic materials, NiTi (nickel-titanium, nitinol), NiTiCu (nickel-titanium-copper), and further nickel-titanium
  • Alloys e.g. with Co, Cr, Fe or Nb, CuZn (copper-zinc), CuZnAI (copper-zinc-aluminum) and CuAINi (copper-aluminum-nickel).
  • the actuator 12 can be excited by applying a voltage via a power supply 14, whereby a current flow is generated in the actuator 12 and, due to the ohmic resistance of the actuator 12, the actuator 12 is heated to a temperature above the transition temperature of the shape memory alloy.
  • the actuator 12 is designed in particular as a wire.
  • the actuator 12 is guided along its direction of longitudinal extent in a guide section 16 which, in the first exemplary embodiment, can be embodied in a carrier element 18.
  • the guide section 16 can in particular be a channel which is designed as a recess or cavity in the carrier element 18 in a dimensionally stable manner.
  • the actuator 12 can then slide along the guide section 16, the guide section 16 defining a path along which the actuator 12 runs.
  • the actuator 12 is fixed at its one longitudinal end 13 with a
  • the movable member 20 is
  • the component 20 can execute a rotary movement or be guided on any other movement path suitable for the respective adjusting process.
  • the carrier element 18 is preferably part of an electronic one
  • Control unit and carries a plurality of electronic components 26, such as the power supply 14 for exciting the actuator 12 on the basis of a control signal.
  • the electronic components 26 accordingly cause, on the basis of a control signal, a supply of current to the actuator 12, which then changes to its excited state and is shortened.
  • the actuator 12 can slide along the guide section 16. While the longitudinal end 13 is fixedly connected to the movable component 20, the opposite longitudinal end 17 is fixed to the
  • actuator 12 shortens due to an excitation, it can slide along the guide section 16 and thus move the movable component 20, in the exemplary embodiment for
  • the carrier element has a recess 24 into which the movable component 20 can be drawn.
  • the actuator 12 leaves its excited state, for example when the supply of current is ended, the actuator 12 changes to its non-excited state, in which it is in relation to the excited state
  • the movable component 20 can again move in opposite directions relative to the carrier element 18 Move direction, ie away from the carrier element 18.
  • the movement in this direction is supported by a biasing element 27, for example a spring or magnet arrangement.
  • the pretensioning element 27 can in particular be a compression spring which is supported on the one hand on the carrier element 18 and on the other hand on the movable element 20, so that the spring force of the pretensioning element 27 has to be overcome when the actuator 12 is excited.
  • the position in which the movable component 20 is when the actuator 12 is not excited is referred to below as the rest position.
  • the carrier element 18 is preferably designed as a plate or housing and, in addition to guiding the actuator 12, takes on another one
  • the carrier element 18 is particularly preferably a printed circuit board, that is to say a circuit board on which a plurality of conductor tracks, e.g.
  • Conductor tracks made of etched copper, are arranged and on which the electronic components 26 are mechanically held and electrically contacted, in particular soldered to soldering surfaces or soldering eyes of the circuit board.
  • the fiber-reinforced plastic customary for circuit boards is preferably used as the material for the circuit board.
  • FIGS. 2a show views which explain the structure of the guide section 16 of the first exemplary embodiment in variants.
  • the guide section 16 is preferably formed in the interior of the carrier element 18.
  • the carrier element 18 can be constructed from two flat plates 30, 32 joined together, in the surface of which a groove corresponding to the course of the guide section 16 is made, the plates 30, 32 being joined together in such a way that the grooves of the plates 30, 32 fit lie one above the other and thus form a closed channel between them as a guide section 16 in which the actuator 12 can be received.
  • only one of the two plates 30, 32 could have a groove have along the guide section 16, while the other of the two plates 30, 32 covers the groove only flat.
  • the plates can be glued, screwed or fastened to one another in some other way.
  • Guide portion 16 can be defined such that the actuator 12 extends therein along a winding path 28.
  • the winding path 28 follows the course of the channel of the guide section 16.
  • the perspective view in FIG. 2a illustrates a variant for a path, the course of which deviates from the course of the path 28 in FIG. 1a. In any case, however, the path defines at least one turn or
  • the difference in length of the actuator 12 between the excited state and the non-excited state and thus a relatively large travel range of the movable element 20 can be set.
  • Figure 1b shows an actuator element 10 according to a second
  • an actuator 12 of the second exemplary embodiment is guided on a guide section 16 which is located on an edge 34, in particular a peripheral peripheral edge, of a carrier element 18.
  • the actuator 12 is along the edge 34 of the carrier element 18 guided around at least part of the circumference of the carrier element 18.
  • the carrier element 18 can have an approximately rectangular base area, so that the actuator 12 is guided around at least one corner of the rectangle, preferably wrapped around several corners and longitudinal sides of the carrier element 18.
  • the actuator 12 is particularly preferably wound several times around the entire circumference of the carrier element 18, that is to say has a plurality of rectangular windings, comparable to
  • the carrier element 18 can have a different base area, for example the shape of another polygon or a round shape, for example a circular shape. It is only essential for the effect of the invention that also in this
  • the direction of longitudinal extent deviates at least in sections from a purely straight shape.
  • a guide section 16 is preferably provided on the edge 34 of the carrier element 18 in such a way that the actuator 12 is reliably guided in the guide section 16 along a defined path and in particular cannot slip transversely to the direction of longitudinal extent, i.e. transversely to the path.
  • the guide section can have the shape of a channel-like recess or use other guide elements to guide the actuator.
  • the actuator 12 If the actuator 12 according to the second exemplary embodiment is wound around the outer edge 34 of the carrier element 18, the actuator 12 also crosses the area in which the movable component 20 is located. Here is the course of the actuator 12 by corresponding
  • Design of the guide section 16 selected so that it passes the movable component undisturbed.
  • the actuator 12 runs below the movable component 20.
  • the Actuator pass through a passage opening of the movable component 20, for example indicated as a passage opening 19 in Figure 4a, provided that the passage opening is large enough in the direction of movement of the movable component 20 so that the movable component can move undisturbed.
  • FIGS. 3a to 3c A particularly low-friction variant is illustrated as a third exemplary embodiment of the invention in FIGS. 3a to 3c.
  • a carrier element 18 has strongly rounded deflecting sections 36 in its corner regions, around which an actuator 12 is deflected. Notches 37 are also provided between the deflection sections 36, so that the actuator 12 between the
  • Carrier element 18 is guided freely and therefore no friction at all occurs at these sections.
  • FIG. 3c illustrates in an enlarged representation a special surface of the deflection sections 36, by means of which the friction at the deflection sections 36 can be additionally reduced by the surface having a profiled structure of depressions and elevations, e.g. similar to the surface of a golf ball.
  • FIGS. 2b and 3a A variant for fastening a longitudinal end 17 of an actuator 12 to the carrier element 18 is also illustrated in FIGS. 2b and 3a.
  • the longitudinal end 17 of the actuator 12 can have an enlarged head, which can be produced, for example, by means of a brim.
  • the enlarged head can then be inserted positively into a correspondingly enlarged recess of the carrier element 18 so that it cannot be drawn into a channel of the guide section 16 and thus tensile force of the actuator 12 is transmitted when it is excited can.
  • a similar connection can be provided at the other longitudinal end 13 of the actuator 12 with the movable component 20.
  • Figure 4a shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention
  • Figures 4b and 4c show a fifth embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 4d shows a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
  • the fourth, fifth and sixth embodiments relate to, respectively
  • the fourth exemplary embodiment according to FIG it can move linearly in the region of the recess 24 along the directions indicated by an arrow 22.
  • a longitudinal end (cf. longitudinal end 13 of the first exemplary embodiment) of the actuator 12 can be attached to the movable component 20, for example by
  • the movable component 20 can be constructed from two components 40, 42 which bear against one another and enclose the longitudinal end of the actuator 12 between them.
  • the longitudinal end 13 of the actuator 12 fastened to the movable component 20 can be connected to a corresponding contact on the carrier element 18 by means of a free conductor 15, for example a simple wire (in the first exemplary embodiment with the negative pole, in the second embodiment with the positive pole of the power supply 14).
  • the length of the free conductor 15 is dimensioned so that this the
  • Adjusting movement of the movable component 20 can flexibly accommodate over the entire adjustment path.
  • the contact is not made via a free wire, but via a sliding contact 44 between
  • Carrier element 18 and movable component 20 can be designed as a slide which has a
  • Contact rail 43 carries in the area of sliding contact 44, which is electrically connected to longitudinal end 13 of actuator 12. A corresponding slide rail 45 of the carrier element 18 is then slidable with the slide rail 43 of the movable component 20 over the entire travel of the
  • the carrier element 18 is in turn connected to the electrical components 26 or the power supply 14 of the carrier plate 18. If the carrier element 18 is designed as a printed circuit board, the contact bar can be designed in a particularly simple manner as a conductor track on the printed circuit board.
  • Linear guide of the movable component 20 can be defined.
  • a linear guide is additionally improved in the sixth embodiment of the invention by a tongue and groove connection between the movable component and the carrier element 18, it being possible for the contact area (sliding contact) to be provided within the tongue and groove connection.
  • a first contact rail can be provided on the groove and a second contact rail can be provided on the spring.
  • the carrier element 18 has the tongue, while the groove is formed on the movable component 20.
  • the groove can also be provided on the carrier element 18 and engage a tongue of the movable component.
  • Figure 5a shows a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
  • an actuator 12 is along a non-rectilinear path on an upper side of a
  • Deflection rollers 50 and / or deflection pins 52 which are attached to the upper side of the carrier element 18, so that they guide the actuator 12 at a distance parallel to the surface of the carrier element 18, serve as guide elements 16.
  • a plurality of guide rollers 50 and / or a plurality of guide pins 52 can be provided at suitable positions.
  • the deflection rollers 50 and / or deflection pins 52 can be used as independent features for deflecting the actuator 12 in the previously described exemplary embodiments or in all others
  • Embodiments of the invention are used.
  • the seventh exemplary embodiment also illustrates an alternative variant for fixing the longitudinal ends of the actuator 12. It can be seen that both longitudinal ends 54, 56 of the actuator 12 are each fixed on the carrier element 18, while a middle section of the actuator 12 is fixed on the movable one Component 20 is coupled. For example, the middle section can be passed through an opening 58 on the movable component 20. The actuator 12 can be freely displaceable within the opening 58. Such a variant has the advantage that a fastening of the longitudinal ends 54,
  • a disadvantage is a maximum travel of the movable component 20 that is reduced by a factor of 2.
  • FIG. 5b shows a variant of the seventh exemplary embodiment, in particular a variant of a movable component 20 of the seventh
  • Hook portion 60 is hooked.
  • Components 26 include switching devices for wireless activation of the actuator element.
  • the electronic control unit can have a signal receiving unit which can receive signals via a radio standard known per se, for example a Bluetooth receiving unit. The electronic control unit can then do this
  • control signal that is to say, for example, to activate the power supply 14.
  • the electronic components can also include a memory device for storing data.
  • the electronic control unit preferably has a signal transmission unit which
  • signals about an operating state of the actuator element 10 can be transmitted wirelessly to a remote receiving device.
  • the signal transmission unit can also be set up for a location function in order to locate the actuator element 10.
  • the actuator element 10 can comprise an energy storage device, for example a rechargeable battery, or it can be configured to be connected to an energy storage device.
  • the energy storage device can supply the electronic components 26 or the electronic control unit with energy.
  • Energy storage device is preferably rechargeable.
  • An energy requirement of the actuator element 10 can be reduced if the electronic control unit further comprises a movement sensor as an electronic component 26, which the electronic
  • Components 26 can selectively place in an active or an inactive operating mode depending on the signals received from the acceleration sensor.
  • a position indication sensor preferably a Hall probe, can additionally detect the status of the excitation of the actuator via the position of the movable component.
  • Status indication device or display can be the electronic
  • Control unit transmit this status to the operator. Also one
  • Transmission to the operator's mobile receiving device is possible in order to indicate the success of the suggestion or potential errors.
  • the electronic control unit could be a
  • Status indication device preferably an LED light source or an output for an acoustic signal, which can display the state of the actuator 12, for example. If the electronic
  • control unit comprises an energy storage device, for example a rechargeable battery
  • the status indicator device could also output an indication of the state of charge of the energy storage device.
  • the actuator element 10 can be used, for example, as an anti-theft device. A closure of the
  • the actuator element 10 can furthermore comprise an alarm generating device, for example as an electrical component 26, which is set up to emit an acoustic and / or visual alarm signal in response to an attempt to move the movable component 20 by unauthorized persons.
  • the alarm generating device can only be active when the movable component 20 is in its rest position.
  • the actuator element 10 is used as a anti-theft device, this can protect against unauthorized removal of the anti-theft device, for example from an item of clothing.
  • an actuator element further comprises a housing 46 in which the most important components of the invention, in particular, for example, the components described above in connection with exemplary embodiments one to seven, i.e. an electronic control unit, a carrier element, an actuator and a movable component are accommodated.
  • the housing 46 may have a recess (not shown) in order to transmit movement of the movable component 20 to an external element outside of the housing 46.
  • the movable component 20 can be guided at least partially out of the housing 46 through the recess.
  • the housing 46 can have a connection for the power supply 14, for example for connecting an external power supply or a charger.
  • Energy storage unit can be arranged in the housing 46 or outside of this.
  • the housing 46 may include a housing display unit 48 connected to at least one of the plurality of electronic components within the housing.
  • the case display unit can like the aforementioned display unit can be implemented. Furthermore, the
  • Housing 46 be transparent or have a recess which enables the user to read the display unit as part of the electronic control unit.
  • Components such as an LED and / or a loudspeaker and / or a
  • Movement sensor and / or the status indication device and / or the output for an acoustic signal can be connected to operating elements 50 and / or display elements 48 on the housing 46.
  • FIG. 7 shows a method for operating an actuator element according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • the method can run together with a mobile terminal device, for example a user's smartphone.
  • a mobile terminal device for example a user's smartphone.
  • Parts of the method, in particular for encrypting or decrypting, receiving or transmitting or stimulating the actuator, are advantageously stored directly in one of the electronic components in the electronic control unit of the actuator element, for example in the form of embedded software.
  • a wireless connection is established between the actuator element and the mobile terminal, for example using the Bluetooth protocol.
  • a token or security code is generated which is intended to prevent unauthorized or accidental communication with the actuator element.
  • the token can be encrypted with a security standard corresponding to the application.
  • the actuator element sends a signal with a signal that uniquely identifies the actuator element
  • Identification code uniquely identifies a specific actuator element, so that it is ensured that among a large number of
  • Actuator elements only a specific actuator element is addressed.
  • the mobile terminal can be assigned to an actuator element
  • the identification code can be obtained in any other suitable manner, for example by manually entering an for example am
  • Actuator element displayed identifier by transmission from a server to the mobile terminal or the like.
  • step S4 the encrypted token is sent from the mobile terminal to the actuator element, whereupon the token is decrypted in the actuator element in step S5. If the decryption was successful, the method proceeds to step S6, in which the actuator is excited, for example by switching on the power supply.
  • Actuator element are detected, for example a movement of the movable component. If successful, a
  • a confirmation message is output, for example by emitting an acoustic confirmation signal.
  • an error signal can alternatively be output, for example by a

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • General Electrical Machinery Utilizing Piezoelectricity, Electrostriction Or Magnetostriction (AREA)
  • Transmission Devices (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un élément actionneur (10) comprenant un actionneur qui comprend un alliage à mémoire de forme et est conçu pour se raccourcir ou s'allonger, à l'état excité, dans sa direction d'étendue longitudinale, l'élément actionneur comprenant également une unité de commande électronique comportant un élément de support (18) et une pluralité de composants (26) électroniques permettant d'exciter l'actionneur (12) sur la base d'un signal de commande, et un composant (20) mobile couplé à l'actionneur et pouvant être mis en mouvement par rapport à l'élément de support au moyen de l'actionneur (12), l'élément de support (18) définissant une partie de guidage (16), notamment une partie de guidage dimensionnellement stable, au moyen de laquelle l'actionneur (12) est guidé le long de sa direction d'étendue longitudinale.
EP20712215.1A 2019-04-03 2020-03-04 Élément actionneur et procédé permettant de faire fonctionner un élément actionneur Pending EP3947967A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102019204782.3A DE102019204782A1 (de) 2019-04-03 2019-04-03 Aktuatorelement und Verfahren zum Betreiben eines Aktuatorelements
PCT/EP2020/055726 WO2020200617A1 (fr) 2019-04-03 2020-03-04 Élément actionneur et procédé permettant de faire fonctionner un élément actionneur

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3947967A1 true EP3947967A1 (fr) 2022-02-09

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EP20712215.1A Pending EP3947967A1 (fr) 2019-04-03 2020-03-04 Élément actionneur et procédé permettant de faire fonctionner un élément actionneur

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US (1) US11905935B2 (fr)
EP (1) EP3947967A1 (fr)
DE (1) DE102019204782A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2020200617A1 (fr)

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11661927B2 (en) * 2020-11-18 2023-05-30 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Driving device including shape memory alloy
EP4046865A1 (fr) * 2021-02-17 2022-08-24 Windsor Machine and Stamping (2009) Ltd. Verrou d'appuie-tête avec ensemble de libération en alliage à mémoire de forme

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6247678B1 (en) * 1999-11-01 2001-06-19 Swagelok Company Shape memory alloy actuated fluid control valve
US8769946B2 (en) * 2009-11-20 2014-07-08 GM Global Technology Operations LLC Cooling system
US8707694B2 (en) * 2011-12-23 2014-04-29 GM Global Technology Operations LLC Shape memory alloy actuator
US8966893B2 (en) * 2012-03-05 2015-03-03 GM Global Technology Operations LLC Shape memory alloy actuators with sensible coatings
JP6213738B2 (ja) * 2014-10-10 2017-10-18 Smk株式会社 駆動装置及びその取付け構造
IT201600077707A1 (it) 2016-07-25 2018-01-25 Elbi Int Spa Dispositivo valvolare per un condotto di erogazione di cubetti di ghiaccio in un frigorifero.

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US20220252056A1 (en) 2022-08-11
US11905935B2 (en) 2024-02-20
DE102019204782A1 (de) 2020-10-08
WO2020200617A1 (fr) 2020-10-08

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