JP2006077397A - Automatic opening/closing mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To implement an automatic opening/closing mechanism for an opening/closing section for performing rotational opening/closing operation about a hinge portion as an axis, which is simple in structure, low in noise, and low in power consumption. <P>SOLUTION: The automatic opening/closing mechanism is formed of polymer actuators 5a, 6a each made of a polymer or a composite body of the polymer and a metal, for performing expanding/contacting operation upon impression of voltage thereon, and the opening/closing section 2a for performing rotational opening/closing operation about the hinge portion 3a as the axis. The opening/closing section 2a carries out the opening/closing operation depending on the power of the operation of the polymer actuators 5a, 6a. By virtue of employment of the polymer actuators 5a, 6a as operating means for the opening/closing section 2a, large power is obtained without using a motor, a gear mechanism, or the like, and therefore downsizing and simplification of the mechanism are achieved. Further the polymer actuators 5a, 6a enables low noise generation due to their silence at the time of their operation, and achieves power saving due to small power consumption at the time of their operation. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic opening / closing mechanism that uses a polymer actuator to open and close a door, a damper, and the like.

  Existing opening / closing means for rotating and opening / closing operations include a car doorway door, a trunk backdoor, a refrigerator refrigerator door, a building door, and dampers that exist as functional parts in various devices. It is done.

  Most of the conventional door opening / closing mechanisms use a motor, but the opening / closing operation of the rotating system requires a large generated force because it is difficult to transmit force. Therefore, a complicated gear mechanism or the like for increasing the generated force is required, and the actuator has to be large and expensive. In addition, due to large power consumption, noise, etc., the use of the automatic opening / closing mechanism remains mostly for large and expensive products such as buildings and automobiles.

As a conventional automatic opening / closing mechanism, an automobile back door is opened / closed using a motor (for example, see Patent Document 1), or a door is pushed out by a push-out operation by a solenoid (for example, see Patent Document 2). )
Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 3-55472 JP 2001-56176 A

  However, the configuration described in Patent Document 1 requires a complicated amplifying mechanism such as a gear mechanism in order to convert the motor power into the door opening / closing force, and driving the motor involves high power and high noise. In terms of cost, it becomes very expensive.

  Moreover, although the structure of patent document 2 implement | achieves the door opening mechanism of a simple structure by using a solenoid, in order to push and open a door, a big electric power is required and it can open a door. Cannot close.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic opening / closing mechanism having a simple structure, low noise, and low power consumption.

  In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention performs an opening / closing operation using the force of operation of a polymer actuator which is composed of a polymer or a composite of a polymer and a metal and which bends or expands by applying a voltage. Thus, an automatic opening / closing mechanism with a simple structure, low noise, and low power consumption can be realized.

  In the present invention, since a polymer actuator is used as the operating means of the opening and closing unit, a large generating force can be obtained without using a motor and a gear mechanism, and therefore the mechanism can be reduced in size and simplified. In addition, since the polymer actuator is silent during operation, it is possible to reduce the noise, and furthermore, since the operation power is small, it is possible to realize power saving.

  The invention of the automatic opening / closing mechanism according to claim 1 of the present invention comprises a polymer actuator composed of a polymer or a polymer and a metal and a metal, and bending or expanding / contracting by application of a voltage, and a hinge portion as an axis. An opening / closing portion that opens and closes, the opening / closing portion performs an opening / closing operation using the force of operation of the polymer actuator, and by using a polymer actuator as an operation means of the opening / closing portion, A large generating force can be obtained without using a motor and gear mechanism, etc., which makes it possible to reduce the size and simplify the mechanism, and because the polymer actuator is silent during operation, it can reduce noise. Furthermore, since the operating power is small, power saving can be realized.

  The invention of the automatic opening / closing mechanism according to claim 2 comprises a polymer actuator composed of a polymer or a polymer and a metal and a metal and performing a bending or expanding / contracting operation by application of a voltage, and the operation force of the polymer actuator. A transmission part for transmitting and an opening / closing part that rotates and opens and closes around a hinge part, and the opening / closing part opens and closes using the force of the bending or expansion / contraction operation of the polymer actuator via the transmission part. In addition to the operation and effect of the invention according to claim 1, by providing a transmission portion for transmitting the operation force of the polymer actuator, the mounting position of the polymer actuator has flexibility. Therefore, it is possible to transmit the bending or expansion / contraction operation to a remote place, and it is possible to convert these operations into a rotation operation or the like.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an automatic opening / closing mechanism comprising a polymer actuator composed of a polymer or a polymer and a metal and a metal and performing a bending or stretching operation by applying a voltage, A transmission section for transmitting, an opening / closing section that rotates and opens around the hinge section, a rotation operation mechanism provided at a location different from the hinge section, and a force of the rotation operation by the rotation operation mechanism. An arm that transmits as a force of pushing and pulling in, and the rotation operation mechanism performs a rotation operation using the bending or expansion / contraction operation force of the polymer actuator via the transmission unit, and the opening and closing unit is The opening / closing operation is performed using the rotational operation force of the rotational operation mechanism via the arm, and in addition to the function and effect of the invention according to claim 2, a polymer acti The power of operation of eta, convert the force of pushing pull-in operation, to transmit power to the closing part, it can be opened and closed for opening and closing portion easily.

  The invention of the automatic opening / closing mechanism according to claim 4 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the opening / closing portion performs an opening operation when the polymer actuator performs an operation of contracting. In addition to the action and effect of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the pulling force is efficiently generated particularly when the opening / closing part is opened using the shrinking action of the polymer actuator. Can communicate.

  The invention of an automatic opening / closing mechanism according to claim 5 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the opening / closing portion performs a closing operation when the polymer actuator performs a contracting operation. In addition to the action and effect of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the pulling force can be efficiently applied particularly when the opening / closing part is closed using the shrinking action of the polymer actuator. Can communicate.

  The automatic opening / closing mechanism according to a sixth aspect of the invention is characterized in that the polymer actuator in the invention according to any one of the first to third aspects is a pair of the polymer actuators, The other polymer actuator performs an operation of extending the other polymer actuator when the polymer actuator performs an operation of contracting, and the other polymer actuator performs an operation of contracting when performing the operation of extending one of the polymer actuators. In addition to the operation and effect of the invention according to any one of items 1 to 3, in particular, the expansion / contraction force can be efficiently transmitted during the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing part using the expansion / contraction operation of the polymer actuator.

  An invention of an automatic opening / closing mechanism according to a seventh aspect includes a switch in addition to the invention according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein when the switch is operated, the polymer actuator is predetermined. In addition to the operation and effect of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 6, it is generally popular as a means for starting a door opening / closing operation. By providing such a switch, it is possible to provide an automatic opening / closing mechanism with higher practicality.

  An invention of an automatic opening / closing mechanism according to an eighth aspect of the invention includes a remote controller in addition to the invention according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, and the polymer actuator has a predetermined function when the remote controller is operated. In addition to the functions and effects of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 7, an automatic opening / closing operation can be performed from a remote part by providing a remote control. It can be carried out.

  In addition to the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the invention of the automatic opening / closing mechanism according to claim 9 is provided with a sensor that detects a change in the surrounding environment, and when the sensor detects the high opening / closing mechanism. The sensor is configured so that a predetermined voltage is applied to the molecular actuator, and in addition to the operation and effect of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 8, a sensor for detecting a change in the surrounding environment is provided. As a result, automatic opening and closing can be performed triggered by human body detection, temperature detection, humidity detection, concentration detection, etc., so that the range of application to various products can be expanded.

  The invention of the automatic opening / closing mechanism according to claim 10 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the automatic opening / closing mechanism is configured to automatically close when an arbitrary time elapses after the opening / closing portion is opened. It is possible to cope with forgetting to close.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic top sectional view of a state in which an opening / closing part is closed when the automatic opening / closing mechanism according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is attached to a refrigerator, and FIG. 2 shows the automatic opening / closing mechanism according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is an upper surface schematic sectional drawing in the state where the opening-and-closing part at the time of attaching to a refrigerator opened.

  1 and 2, the casing 1a to which the opening / closing part 2a is attached corresponds to the main body of the refrigerator, and the opening / closing part 2a corresponds to the refrigerator compartment door of the refrigerator. In addition to this, for example, it may be configured as a functional part such as a door provided at an entrance / exit of an automobile, a back door of a trunk, or a damper provided in various products.

  The hinge portion 3a serves as an axis for the rotation opening / closing operation of the opening / closing portion 2a, and the lever 4 is provided on the rotation circumference of the hinge portion 3a. The outer polymer actuator 5a and the inner polymer actuator 6a are provided in two places on the housing 1a, and are respectively provided by an outer transmission portion 7a passing outside the hinge portion 3a and an inner transmission portion 8a passing inside the hinge portion 3a. Connected to lever 4.

  The outer polymer actuator 5a and the inner polymer actuator 6a are made of a material composed of a polymer or a composite of a polymer and a metal, and use the feature that the material itself is deformed by energy such as electricity. It is a thing.

  Some polymer actuators undergo deformation such as bending and expansion / contraction upon application of a voltage. In this embodiment, a polymer actuator that performs an expansion operation when a positive voltage is applied and a contraction operation when a negative voltage is applied. The characteristic of is utilized.

  The outer transmission portion 7a and the inner transmission portion 8a correspond to wires connected to the outer polymer actuator 5a and the inner polymer actuator 6a, respectively. These are for conducting the expansion / contraction force of each polymer actuator to the lever 4 provided on the hinge portion 3a. If the structure is used, both the polymer actuators are directly connected to the lever 4. If possible, there is no need to provide it.

  Further, the lever 4 provided on the hinge portion 3a is for easily performing the action of conducting the operation force from both polymer actuators to the rotation operation of the hinge portion 3a. It is not necessary to take a lever shape in particular, and it can be considered as a connection portion between the hinge portion 3a and both transmission portions.

  The switch 9 is attached to, for example, the front surface of the opening / closing portion 2a, the handle of the opening / closing portion 2a, and the opening / closing portion 2a is opened and closed by operating the switch 9.

  Similarly, the remote controller 10 can be operated to open and close the opening / closing part 2a from the remote part.

  The sensor 11 may be, for example, a touch sensor using an electrostatic sensor, a human body detection sensor using an infrared ray or a radio wave sensor, or the like. If it is a touch sensor, the opening / closing part 2a operates when touched, and if it is a human body detection sensor, the opening / closing part 2a opens and closes when a person approaches the opening / closing part 2a.

  Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

  When the opening / closing part 2a is in a closed state, no voltage is applied to the outer polymer actuator 5a and the inner polymer actuator 6a, and no stretching motion is performed. In particular, if a large force is required for the closing force, the outer polymer actuator 5a may be extended and the inner polymer actuator 6a may be contracted.

  When opening the opening / closing part 2a, the outer polymer actuator 5a performs a contracting operation, and the inner polymer actuator 6a performs an expanding operation. Thereby, the hinge part 3a receives an effect | action in the opening operation direction, and the opening-and-closing part 2a opens automatically.

  When closing the opening / closing part 2a from a state in which the door is open, the outer polymer actuator 5a performs an expansion operation and the inner polymer actuator 6a performs a contraction operation. Thereby, the hinge part 3a receives an effect | action in the closing operation direction, and the opening-and-closing part 2a closes automatically.

  In addition, when the opening / closing part 2a is open for a predetermined time or more, an operation of automatically closing the opening / closing part 2a can be performed.

  As described above, the automatic opening / closing mechanism of the present embodiment is composed of the polymer actuators 5a and 6a which are composed of a polymer or a polymer and a metal composite and perform expansion / contraction operation by applying a voltage, and the hinge 3a as an axis. An opening / closing portion 2a that opens and closes, and the opening / closing portion 2a performs an opening / closing operation by using the force of operation of the polymer actuators 5a, 6a. As the operating means of the opening / closing portion 2a, the polymer actuator 5a, By using 6a, it is possible to obtain a large generated force without using a motor and a gear mechanism. For this reason, the mechanism can be reduced in size and simplified, and the polymer actuators 5a and 6a can be operated during operation. Since there is no sound, it is possible to reduce noise, and furthermore, since the operating power is small, power saving can be realized.

  The automatic opening / closing mechanism of the present embodiment includes transmission parts 7a and 8a that transmit the force of operation of the polymer actuators 5a and 6a. The opening / closing part 2a is connected to the polymer actuator 5a via the transmission parts 7a and 8a. , 6a is used to perform the opening / closing operation using the force of the bending or expansion / contraction operation, and by providing the transmission portions 7a, 8a for transmitting the operation force of the polymer actuators 5a, 6a, the polymer actuator 5a, It is possible to give flexibility to the attachment position of 6a, etc., and to transmit the bending or expansion / contraction operation to a remote place, and to convert these operations into a rotation operation or the like.

  Further, the automatic opening / closing mechanism of the present embodiment performs an operation in which the polymer actuator 5a contracts, and when the polymer actuator 6a performs an extension operation, the opening / closing part 2a performs an opening operation and the polymer actuator 5a extends. When the opening / closing part 2a performs the closing operation when the polymer actuator 6a is contracted, the expansion / contraction force is efficiently transmitted during the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing part 2a using the expansion / contraction operation of the polymer actuators 5a, 6a. Can do.

  The automatic opening / closing mechanism of the present embodiment includes a switch 9 and is configured such that a predetermined voltage is applied to the polymer actuators 5a and 6a when the switch 9 is operated. By providing the switch 9 that is generally used as a means for starting the opening / closing operation, an automatic opening / closing mechanism with higher practicality can be obtained.

  The automatic opening / closing mechanism of the present embodiment includes a remote controller 10 and is configured such that a predetermined voltage is applied to the polymer actuators 5a and 6a when the remote controller 10 is operated. By providing, automatic opening / closing operation can be performed from a remote part.

  The automatic opening / closing mechanism of the present embodiment includes a sensor 11 including a touch sensor and a human body detection sensor, and is configured so that a predetermined voltage is applied to the polymer actuators 5a and 6a when the sensor 11 detects the sensor 11. For example, when an object to be stored is put in a refrigerator, the approach of a person is detected by a radio wave sensor or the like, and the door is automatically opened. Since the door is automatically opened even when both the hands are blocked by the object to be preserved, there is no need to perform the troublesome work of opening the door once in another place.

  Further, the automatic opening / closing mechanism of the present embodiment can be configured to automatically close after an arbitrary time has elapsed after the opening / closing portion 2a is opened, and can cope with forgetting to close the door. Can do.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional top view of the automatic opening / closing mechanism according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention when the opening / closing part is closed when attached to a refrigerator, and FIG. 4 shows the automatic opening / closing mechanism according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. It is an upper surface schematic sectional drawing in the state where the opening-and-closing part at the time of attaching to a refrigerator opened.

  3 and 4, an opening / closing part 2b is attached to the housing 1b. The hinge part 3b becomes the axis of the rotational opening / closing operation of the opening / closing part 2b.

  The outer polymer actuator 5b and the inner polymer actuator 6b are provided from the housing 1b to the opening / closing part 2b, and pass through the outside and inside of the hinge part 3b, respectively.

  Some polymer actuators are deformed such as bending and expansion / contraction by applying a voltage. In this embodiment, when a positive voltage is applied, a bending operation in the positive direction is performed, and when a negative voltage is applied, a bending operation is performed in the reverse direction. The characteristics of the polymer actuator to be used are utilized.

  Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

  When the opening / closing part 2b is closed, the outer polymer actuator 5b and the inner polymer actuator 6b remain bent.

  When opening the opening / closing part 2b, the outer polymer actuator 5b and the inner polymer actuator 6b perform a bending operation in a direction opposite to the bending in the closed state. As a result, the opening / closing part 2b is automatically opened in response to the action in the opening operation direction.

  When closing the opening / closing part 2b from a state in which the door is open, the outer polymer actuator 5b and the inner polymer actuator 6b perform a bending operation in a direction opposite to the bending in the opened state. As a result, the opening / closing portion 2b is automatically closed by receiving an action in the closing operation direction.

  In addition, when the opening / closing part 2b is open for a predetermined time or more, an operation of automatically closing the opening / closing part 2b can be performed.

  As described above, the automatic opening / closing mechanism of the present embodiment is composed of the polymer actuators 5b and 6b which are composed of a polymer or a polymer-metal composite and perform a bending operation by applying a voltage, and the hinge 3b as an axis. An opening / closing portion 2b that opens and closes, and the opening / closing portion 2b performs an opening / closing operation using the force of operation of the polymer actuators 5b, 6b. As an operating means of the opening / closing portion 2b, the polymer actuator 5b, By using 6b, a large generated force can be obtained without using a motor, a gear mechanism, etc., so that the mechanism can be reduced in size and simplified, and the polymer actuators 5b and 6b can be operated during operation. Since there is no sound, it is possible to reduce noise, and furthermore, since the operating power is small, power saving can be realized. For example, a home appliance such as a refrigerator has a small space for mounting an actuator and is difficult to configure, but this problem can be solved by using the polymer actuator of this embodiment.

  Further, a more practical automatic opening / closing mechanism can be realized by urging the opening / closing operation by the switch 9, the remote controller 10, the sensor 11, and the like. Furthermore, when the opening / closing part 2b is open for a certain period of time or more, it is possible to perform an operation such as automatically closing, and it is possible to cope with forgetting to close the door.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional top view of the automatic opening / closing mechanism according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention when the opening / closing portion is closed when attached to a refrigerator, and FIG. 6 shows the automatic opening / closing mechanism according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. It is an upper surface schematic sectional drawing in the state where the opening-and-closing part at the time of attaching to a refrigerator opened.

  5 and 6, an opening / closing part 2c is attached to the housing 1c. The hinge portion 3c serves as the axis of the rotation opening / closing operation of the opening / closing portion 2c.

  The outer polymer actuator 5c and the inner polymer actuator 6c are provided on the housing 1c, and the outer transmission portion 7c and the inner transmission portion 8c connected thereto are respectively routed outside and inside the rotational operation mechanism 12.

  Some polymer actuators bend and stretch when applied with a voltage. In this embodiment, the characteristics of a polymer actuator that performs an expansion operation when a positive voltage is applied and a contraction operation when a negative voltage is applied. Is used.

  The arm 13 is provided on the rotational operation mechanism 12 with a certain distance from the center as an axis, and is connected to the opening / closing part 2c. When the rotation mechanism 12 rotates in the forward and reverse directions, the arm 13 performs the push-in / out operation of the opening / closing portion 2c, whereby the opening / closing portion 2c performs the opening / closing operation.

  5 and 6, the arm 13 is depicted as a single rod-shaped component. However, the arm 13 may have a plurality of components and a joint portion.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the rotational operation mechanism 12 is provided on the housing 1c. However, this opening / closing operation can also be established by providing the rotational operation mechanism 12 on the opening / closing portion 2c and connecting the arm to the housing 1c. .

  Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

  When the opening / closing part 2c is in a closed state, no voltage is applied to the outer polymer actuator 5c and the inner polymer actuator 6c, and no expansion / contraction motion is performed. In particular, if a large force is required for the closing force, the outer polymer actuator 5c may be extended and the inner polymer actuator 6c may be contracted.

  When opening the opening / closing part 2c, the outer polymer actuator 5c performs a contracting operation, and the inner polymer actuator 6c performs an expanding operation. As a result, the rotating mechanism 12 is acted in the opening direction, and the arm 13 pushes the opening / closing part 2c. As a result, the opening / closing part 2c is automatically opened.

  When closing the opening / closing part 2c from a state in which the door is open, the outer polymer actuator 5c performs an expansion operation and the inner polymer actuator 6c performs a contraction operation. As a result, the rotary operation mechanism 12 is acted on in the closing operation direction, and the arm 13 performs an operation of retracting the opening / closing part 2c. As a result, the opening / closing part 2c is automatically closed.

  In addition, when the opening / closing part 2c is open for a predetermined time or longer, an operation of automatically closing the opening / closing part 2c can be performed.

  As described above, the automatic opening / closing mechanism of the present embodiment includes the polymer actuators 5c and 6c, which are composed of a polymer or a polymer and metal composite, and perform expansion and contraction operations by applying a voltage, and the polymer actuators 5c and 6c. Transmission portions 7c and 8c that transmit the force of operation, an opening / closing portion 2c that rotates and opens around the hinge portion 3c, a rotation operation mechanism 12 that is provided at a different location from the hinge portion 3c, and a rotation operation mechanism 12 And the arm 13 that transmits the rotational force of the opening / closing part 2c as the force of pushing and retracting the opening / closing part 2c. The opening / closing part 2c performs an opening / closing operation using the force of the rotation operation of the rotation operation mechanism 12 via the arm 13, and uses a polymer actuator. Motor 5c, a force of operation 6c, after converting the force of the push pull operation, for transmitting power to the switching unit 2c, it is possible to perform opening and closing operations of the opening and closing portion 2c easily.

  Further, the automatic opening / closing mechanism of the present embodiment performs an operation in which the polymer actuator 5c is contracted, and when the polymer actuator 6c is extended, the opening / closing part 2c is opened and the polymer actuator 5c is extended. When the opening / closing part 2c performs the closing operation when the polymer actuator 6c is contracted, the expansion / contraction force is efficiently transmitted during the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing part 2c using the expansion / contraction operation of the polymer actuators 5c, 6c. Can do.

  Further, a more practical automatic opening / closing mechanism can be realized by urging the opening / closing operation by the switch 9, the remote controller 10, the sensor 11, and the like. Furthermore, when the opening / closing part 2c is open for a certain period of time or more, it is possible to perform an operation such as automatically closing, and it is possible to cope with forgetting to close the door.

  Since the present invention can realize an automatic opening / closing mechanism with a simple structure, low noise, and low power consumption, it is possible to implement an automobile entrance / exit door, a trunk back door, a refrigerator refrigerator door, a building door, The present invention can be applied to a damper or the like that exists as a functional component in a simple device.

Top schematic sectional view of the state where the opening / closing part is closed when the automatic opening / closing mechanism according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is attached to the refrigerator Schematic top sectional view of the state where the opening / closing part is opened when the automatic opening / closing mechanism according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is attached to the refrigerator Upper surface schematic sectional drawing of the state which the opening-and-closing part at the time of attaching the automatic opening and closing mechanism in Embodiment 2 of this invention to the refrigerator was closed Upper surface schematic sectional drawing of the state which the opening-and-closing part at the time of attaching the automatic opening-and-closing mechanism in Embodiment 2 of this invention to the refrigerator Upper surface schematic sectional drawing of the state which the opening-and-closing part at the time of attaching the automatic opening and closing mechanism in Embodiment 3 of this invention to the refrigerator was closed Upper surface schematic sectional drawing of the state which the opening-and-closing part at the time of attaching the automatic opening and closing mechanism in Embodiment 3 of this invention to the refrigerator

Explanation of symbols

1a, 1b, 1c Housing 2a, 2b, 2c Opening / closing part 3a, 3b, 3c Hinge part 4 Lever 5a, 5b, 5c Outer polymer actuator 6a, 6b, 6c Inner polymer actuator 7a, 7c Outer transmission part 8a, 8c Inner transmission part 9 Switch 10 Remote control 11 Sensor 12 Rotation mechanism 13 Arm

Claims (10)

  A polymer actuator that is composed of a polymer or a polymer and a metal and that is bent or stretched by applying a voltage; and an opening / closing part that rotates and opens around a hinge part. An automatic opening and closing mechanism characterized in that the opening and closing operation is performed using the force of operation of the molecular actuator.   A polymer actuator composed of a polymer or a polymer-metal composite that bends or stretches when a voltage is applied, a transmission unit that transmits the operation force of the polymer actuator, and a hinge that rotates around the hinge An automatic opening / closing mechanism comprising: an opening / closing portion that operates, wherein the opening / closing portion performs an opening / closing operation using a bending or expansion / contraction operation force of the polymer actuator via the transmission portion.   A polymer actuator composed of a polymer or a polymer-metal composite that bends or stretches when a voltage is applied, a transmission unit that transmits the operation force of the polymer actuator, and a hinge that rotates around the hinge An opening / closing part that operates, a rotation operation mechanism provided at a location different from the hinge part, and an arm that transmits the force of the rotation operation by the rotation operation mechanism as the force of pushing and retracting the opening / closing part, The rotation operation mechanism performs a rotation operation using the bending or expansion / contraction operation force of the polymer actuator via the transmission unit, and the opening / closing unit rotates the rotation operation mechanism via the arm. Automatic opening and closing mechanism characterized by opening and closing operations using the power of   The automatic opening / closing mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the opening / closing portion is configured to open when the polymer actuator is contracted.   The automatic opening / closing mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the opening / closing portion is configured to perform a closing operation when the polymer actuator performs a contracting operation.   The polymer actuators are a pair of the polymer actuators, and when one of the polymer actuators performs a contracting operation, the other polymer actuator performs an extension operation. The automatic opening / closing mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein when the extending operation is performed, the other polymer actuator performs a contracting operation.   The automatic opening / closing mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a switch, wherein a predetermined voltage is applied to the polymer actuator when the switch is operated. .   The automatic opening / closing mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising: a remote controller configured to apply a predetermined voltage to the polymer actuator when the remote controller is operated. .   9. The sensor according to claim 1, further comprising a sensor that detects a change in an ambient environment, wherein a predetermined voltage is applied to the polymer actuator when the sensor detects the change. Automatic opening and closing mechanism.   The automatic opening / closing mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the automatic opening / closing mechanism is configured to automatically close when an arbitrary time elapses after the opening / closing portion opens.

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