JP4242580B2 - Actuator activated by temperature change - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an actuator that operates in accordance with a change in the ambient temperature of an installation place or a temperature that is artificially controlled, in other words, an actuator that is used as a prime mover that causes a target device to perform an operation in accordance with the temperature. .
[0002]
[Prior art]
Bimetals, shape memory alloys, and various fluids are widely known as prime movers that operate without power by temperature changes and perform reversible operations on target devices, that is, means for converting thermal energy into mechanical energy.
[0003]
As is well known, bimetal operates in proportion to changes in temperature, and therefore can provide the target equipment with an amount of operation corresponding to the change in temperature, making it suitable for controlling in proportion to the temperature. ing. However, on the other hand, the force generated by the bimetal is small, so the target equipment can not be used for large and heavy weights that can be operated with hydraulic cylinders or electric motors, but only for small and light weights. There is a major limitation.
[0004]
As is also well known, shape memory alloys exhibit a shape memory effect by having a crystal structure that can transform and reversely transform into a martensite phase under a specific temperature or stress, and are small and lightweight. Of course, it is possible to operate a large-sized and heavy-weight one, and attempts have been made in many fields. However, on the other hand, it is deformed from the memorized shape to the original shape at the specific temperature, or vice versa, so when used as a prime mover for the target equipment, it can only be controlled in two positions and is proportional to the temperature. The control corresponding to cannot be performed.
[0005]
On the other hand, gas has a very large coefficient of thermal expansion and expands and contracts in proportion to changes in temperature. Therefore, it is possible to give a large and heavy target device an operation amount corresponding to the change in temperature. However, since the gas is a compressive fluid, the amount of operation changes for the one whose load fluctuates during operation, and the operation corresponding to the temperature cannot be performed.
[0006]
Regarding the liquid in the fluid, it is possible to use a liquid that partially or completely evaporates within the operating temperature range of the target device, for example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 56-107980 and 7-194155, The use of a liquid in which the liquid phase and the gas phase coexist at room temperature is disclosed in, for example, JP-A-6-341371, and the use of a liquid that maintains the liquid phase within the operating temperature range is described in, for example, JP-A-54-144532. This is a well-known power source, as can be seen from the publications of JP-A-57-151077. However, since the former two liquids vaporize as the temperature rises, it is the same as in the case of using gas that the target devices whose load fluctuates during operation cannot be operated in proportion to the temperature change. There's a problem.
[0007]
Next, a mechanism that generates a mechanical force that operates under the expansion action of the fluid due to the thermal energy that is temperature and operates the target devices, that is, a mechanism that converts the thermal energy received by the fluid into mechanical energy for the operation of the target devices. Are the cylinders filled with the fluid described in the above-mentioned JP-A-54-144532, JP-A-57-1551077, and JP-A-7-194155, and the piston or plunger fitted thereto. Or an expansion container filled with a fluid described in the above-mentioned JP-A-6-341371 and a rod-shaped member coupled thereto, which is uniquely proportional to the expansion of the fluid. It is supposed to perform linear motion.
[0008]
For this reason, in order to cause the target devices to perform a desired operation, it is necessary to enlarge or reduce the operation of the piston, plunger, or rod-like member. In addition, the cylinder and the telescopic container may be installed in a place where heat energy is easily received, and as a result, the target device may be considerably separated. In these cases, the transmission mechanism becomes complicated or large, resulting in mechanical loss that cannot be ignored and energy transmission efficiency is reduced. Furthermore, since a fluid having a high coefficient of thermal expansion does not have lubricity, if the mechanism for converting thermal energy into mechanical energy is a cylinder, lubrication for the piston or plunger must be considered separately. .
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The present invention has the above-mentioned conventional means for converting the thermal energy into mechanical energy and causing the target equipment to perform an operation corresponding to the temperature, and it is impossible to generate a large force with the use of bimetal thermal deformation. While using fluid thermal expansion can generate a large force, it solves the problem that the transmission mechanism is complex or large and the energy transmission efficiency is lowered or the lubrication property must be considered depending on the conversion mechanism. Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to make the transmission mechanism simple or small, unnecessary in some cases, and not considering the lubricity of the conversion mechanism.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides a housing in which an actuator used as a prime mover for causing a target device to perform an operation according to temperature is partitioned into two chambers whose interiors are variable in volume by a movable partition member. A driving mechanism in which the first chamber of the two chambers is filled with a driving liquid having a high coefficient of thermal expansion and the second chamber is filled with a working liquid having lubricity; And a conversion mechanism having a working chamber whose volume changes by changing and a working member which performs linear movement in one direction according to the volume change, and which communicates the working chamber with the second chamber. The partitioning member contracts / expands the second chamber in accordance with the expansion / contraction, and the working liquid is fed / sent out to / from the working chamber to linearly move the working member. .
[0011]
The stroke of the actuating member can be arbitrarily set according to the ratio of the effective area of the partition member, which is a part that transmits the force of the driving liquid to the actuating liquid, and the effective area of the part that transmits the force of the actuating liquid to the actuating member. . Further, since the force generated by the driving mechanism is transmitted to the conversion mechanism by the working liquid, it is possible to arbitrarily select the two mechanisms to be directly connected and integrated or separated. By these, it is possible to easily and downsize or eliminate the need for a transmission mechanism provided between the actuating member and the target device. Furthermore, since a working fluid with lubricity is used, a cylinder can be adopted without considering lubrication separately in the conversion mechanism, and it has a property of extremely low thermal expansion coefficient and high vapor pressure. The actuating member can be actuated stably and accurately.
[0012]
In carrying out the present invention, there are a case where the driving mechanism and the conversion mechanism are directly connected and integrated as described above, and a case where they are separated from each other, depending on the situation of the installation location and the operating conditions of the target equipment. The required operation according to the temperature change can be performed using a simple / small transmission mechanism or without using a transmission mechanism.
[0013]
In addition, it is preferable that the partition member is formed of a flexible cylindrical body or a free piston in order to increase the volume change of the second chamber and to apply a large stroke or a large force to the operating member.
[0014]
Furthermore, the conversion mechanism is composed of a cylinder and the working chamber and the working member are a cylinder chamber and a piston or a plunger, or a telescopic housing having a peripheral side wall that can be expanded and contracted, and the inside is used as an operating chamber and operates at the telescopic end. The configuration in which the member is attached means that the effective area of the piston or the telescopic housing that receives the pressure of the working liquid is set to an arbitrary area ratio with the effective area of the partition member, and the required stroke according to the target device is set on the working member. Or it is a preferable form in giving force.
[0015]
Further, the present invention provides an actuator used as a prime mover for causing a target device to perform an operation in accordance with temperature, a partition composed of a free piston in which at least a part of one end side is a cylinder body and the inside is fitted to the cylinder body. The first chamber, which is opposite to one end of the two chambers, is filled with a motive liquid having a high coefficient of thermal expansion, and has one end. A driving mechanism in which a working fluid having lubricity is filled in the second chamber on the side; an operating member made of a piston or a plunger is fitted in a cylinder cylinder integrated with the cylinder body and extended at one end thereof And a conversion mechanism that is filled with the working liquid at one end side from the working member and forms a working chamber including the second chamber, and is adapted to the temperature of the driving liquid. And the partition member due to expansion and contraction moves the working chamber, and with another solution means the actuating member via a working liquid with that assumed for linearly moving.
[0016]
The working liquid filled between the partition member and the actuating member causes the actuating member to perform a linear movement of a stroke corresponding to the stroke of the partition member according to the expansion / contraction of the driving liquid, and the working chamber has a volume. It is invariant and also serves as the second chamber in the first solving means. According to the present solution, the stroke and force applied to the partition member by the driving liquid are transmitted to the actuating member as they are, and a transmission mechanism provided between the target devices with a simpler structure than the first solution is provided. It is possible to achieve the object that it is small, simplified, or unnecessary, and that it is not necessary to separately consider the lubrication of the partition member and the operating member.
[0017]
Next, the two solving means are to linearly move the operating member from the preset operation start temperature to the maximum temperature given at the time of operation, and arbitrarily set the operating temperature range, The stroke cannot be limited to a certain value.
[0018]
Therefore, first, the present invention provides, with respect to any one of the above two solutions, an operation start temperature setting mechanism having a variable volume and a maximum volume adjustable chamber for receiving the working liquid when the driving liquid starts to expand; An operating end temperature setting mechanism that regulates the maximum stroke of the operating member by the operating liquid in an adjustable manner; and a relief mechanism having a variable volume chamber that receives the operating liquid after the operating of the operating member is finished. A means was added to make it possible to arbitrarily set the temperature range that can be linearly moved.
[0019]
The operation start temperature is arbitrarily set by adjusting the maximum volume of the chamber of the setting mechanism and appropriately adjusting the flow rate of the driving liquid flowing into the chamber, and the operation end temperature is adjusted by appropriately adjusting the stroke of the operation member. Set arbitrarily. Then, the abnormal increase in pressure of the driving liquid and the working liquid accompanying the temperature rise after the working member is stopped is avoided by letting the working liquid escape.
[0020]
In addition, a cylinder in which one of the cylinder chambers partitioned by the piston is a chamber into which the driving liquid flows, and a manual adjustment screw member that stops the movement of the chamber in the direction of increasing the volume when the piston hits. The operation end temperature setting mechanism is a manual adjustment screw member that the operation member hits to prevent further stroke, and the escape mechanism is a cylinder chamber partitioned by a piston. It is a cylinder with one of the chambers into which the working liquid flows, and a return spring that pushes the piston is installed in the other chamber of the cylinder chamber, which makes the structure simple and easy to operate. It is a preferable form.
[0021]
Next, the present invention provides a chamber having a variable volume and a discharge path that is opened when the stroke of the working member by the working liquid reaches a constant value and introduces the working liquid into the chamber. A stroke setting mechanism having a check valve that closes toward the chamber, and a return path for returning the working liquid in the chamber as the driving liquid contracts, and a stroke in which the working member linearly moves with the working liquid. Added means to make it always constant.
[0022]
As a result, even if the temperature rises so that the linear movement beyond the stroke required by the operating member increases, the operating member is always limited to a constant stroke and accurately performs a predetermined operation on the target equipment. Can be made.
[0023]
The variable volume chamber is one chamber of the cylinder chamber partitioned by the piston, the piston spring is inserted into the other chamber, the operating member is the plunger fitted in the cylinder chamber, and the discharge path is Connecting to the cylinder chamber and closing it with a plunger until a constant stroke is achieved is a preferable form for reliably achieving the object with a simple structure.
[0024]
Here, in carrying out the present invention, one kind selected from alcohol, ether, ketone, and liquefied petroleum gas, which are low molecular weight organic compounds, is used as the driving liquid, and the working liquid is selected from hydraulic oil for hydraulic equipment and lubricating oil. It is better to use one kind. The priming liquid selected from these is kept in a pressurized state in the operation start temperature range as necessary, so that the liquid phase is maintained without vaporization in the natural environment receiving sunlight, and the target equipment changes in temperature. The working fluid generally has a high viscosity index and excellent low-temperature fluidity, and it moves efficiently between the second chamber and the working chamber without causing a large resistance change. Does not decrease.
[0025]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 1 to 6 are longitudinal sectional views showing different embodiments, in which A is a driving mechanism and B is a conversion mechanism.
[0026]
In the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the housing 1 of the driving mechanism A has a cylindrical shape, and the conversion mechanism B includes a cylinder 11 having a smaller diameter than the housing 1, and these are directly connected and integrated. A pedestal 2 is formed on one end wall 1a of the housing 1 so as to protrude inward, and the base end of a partition member 3 formed of a cylindrical bag with a distal end made of a flexible synthetic resin closed on the pedestal 2 is liquid. It is tightly attached and fixed. The interior of the housing 1 is partitioned by a partition member 3 into a first chamber 4 that is an outer space and a second chamber 5 that is an inner space, and the other end wall 1b is open to the first chamber 4. The supply / discharge port 6A is provided and is closed by a plug 6B so as to be opened and closed.
[0027]
The cylinder 11 that constitutes the conversion mechanism B includes a piston 14 that is an operation member that is fitted on the cylinder chamber 13 and is disposed on the same center axis as the housing 1 by fitting the base end of the cylinder cylinder 12 into the end wall 1 a. The extending piston rod 15 projects outward from the tip of the cylinder cylinder 12. A portion of the cylinder chamber 13 on the base end side from the piston 14 forms a working chamber 16 and communicates with the second chamber 5 through a communication hole 17 penetrating the pedestal 2 and the end wall of the cylinder cylinder 12. In addition, a supply / discharge port 18A that opens to the working chamber 16 is provided at the base end portion of the cylinder cylinder 12, and is closed by a plug 18B so as to be opened and closed.
[0028]
The first chamber 4 is filled with a driving liquid M made of a liquid having a large thermal expansion coefficient, and the second chamber 5 is filled with a working liquid W made of a liquid having lubricity. 17. The working chamber 16 is also filled.
[0029]
The driving liquid M is one selected from alcohols exemplified by methanol and ethanol, or one selected from ethers exemplified by methyl ether and ethyl ether, or one selected from ketones represented by a single ketone and a mixed ketone. One kind selected from the liquefied petroleum gas exemplified by the kind or further liquefied butane is used. As the working liquid W, one selected from hydraulic oil for hydraulic equipment, petroleum-based or synthetic lubricating oil is used.
[0030]
These motive liquid M and working liquid W are used for replenishment and replacement in addition to injecting and filling the first chamber 4, the second chamber 5 and the working chamber 16 using the supply / discharge ports 6A and 18A. It is filled with zero pressure or an appropriately pressurized positive pressure at a kind of operation start temperature.
[0031]
The piston rod 15 is operated at a predetermined position with respect to the target device so that the target device is operated through a transmission mechanism such as a gear, a link, a cam, and a rope, or directly without the transmission mechanism. Arranged in posture. Further, the piston rod 15 is pushed into the cylinder cylinder 12 by a load, a rotational force, or a separately provided spring force that generates a force for returning to the operation start position of the target equipment, that is, the inoperative position, and at the start of the operation. The piston 14 is placed at a position where the working chamber 16 has a minimum volume.
[0032]
When the temperature of the place where the housing 1 is placed, generally the atmospheric temperature rises, or in addition to this, sunlight irradiates the housing 1, the motive liquid M inside is heated and greatly expanded to form a cylindrical shape. The partition member 3 made of a bag is compressed to reduce the volume of the second chamber 5 that is the internal space. Since the working liquid W has a low coefficient of thermal expansion and is incompressible, it moves from the communication hole 17 to the working chamber 16 as the second chamber 5 is reduced, and the piston 14 moves at a stroke proportional to the temperature rise. Press and move in the direction of the tip of the cylinder 11.
[0033]
When the temperature decreases, the driving liquid M changes from expansion to contraction, and the piston 14 starts moving in the proximal direction by the aforementioned return force, and moves the working liquid W in the working chamber 16 to the second chamber 5. Since the stroke of the return operation of the piston 14 also corresponds proportionally to the temperature decrease, the target devices can be made to perform an operation proportional to the temperature increase / decrease.
[0034]
In the first embodiment, since the effective area of the piston 14 is smaller than the effective area of the partition member 3 as shown in FIG. 1, the stroke of the piston 14 corresponding to the temperature change is large, and the operation is large for the target devices. Can be performed.
[0035]
In the second embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the housing 21 of the driving mechanism A is formed into a cylindrical shape, and the conversion mechanism B is separated into a cylinder 31 having a smaller diameter than the housing 21. One end wall 21a of the housing 21 is formed with a pedestal 22 projecting inward, and a cylindrical body whose peripheral side wall can be expanded and contracted, that is, a distal end of the partition member 23 made of a bellows is a pedestal. 22 is fixed liquid-tightly. The interior of the housing 21 is partitioned by a partition member 23 into a first chamber 24 that is an outer space and a second chamber 25 that is an inner space, and the other end wall 21b is open to the first chamber 24. The supply / discharge port 26A is provided and is closed by a plug 26B so as to be opened and closed.
[0036]
A plunger 34, which is an operating member, is fitted in the cylinder chamber 33 of the cylinder 31 constituting the conversion mechanism B so that the distal end protrudes from the distal end of the cylinder cylinder 32 to the outside. This part forms a working chamber 36. The second chamber 25 and the working chamber 36 are communicated with each other by a pipe passage 37 made of a metal tube or a pressure hose screwed and joined at both ends to the end wall 21a of the housing 21 and the head cover 31a at the base end of the cylinder 31; In addition, a supply / discharge port 38A that opens to the working chamber 36 is provided at the base end of the cylinder cylinder 32, and is closed so as to be opened and closed by a plug 38B.
[0037]
The first chamber 24 is filled with the same driving liquid M as in the previous embodiment, and the second chamber 25, the working chamber 36, and the pipe passage 37 are filled with the same working liquid W as in the previous embodiment. Yes.
[0038]
The filling, replenishment, and replacement of the driving liquid M and the working liquid W are performed from the supply / discharge ports 26A and 38A, setting their filling pressures appropriately, applying a return force to the plunger 34, and starting operation. Placing the plunger 34 at a position where the working chamber 36 has a minimum volume is the same as in the previous embodiment.
[0039]
When the driving liquid M expands as the temperature rises, the partition member 23 made of bellows is compressed to reduce the volume of the second chamber 25, which is the internal space, and the working liquid W in the second chamber 25 is piped accordingly. It moves to the working chamber 36 through the passage 37, and the plunger 34 is pushed and moved toward the tip of the cylinder 31 with a stroke proportional to the temperature rise. When the temperature decreases, the driving liquid M contracts, and the plunger 34 moves in the proximal direction with a stroke proportional to the temperature decrease while moving the working liquid W in the working chamber 36 to the second chamber 25. .
[0040]
Also in the second embodiment, the effective area of the plunger 34 is smaller than the effective area of the partition member 23 as shown in FIG. Can be done.
[0041]
In particular, in the second embodiment, since the driving mechanism A and the conversion mechanism B are separated from each other by the pipe passage 37, the conversion mechanism B is installed close to the target equipment, and the transmission mechanism is extremely It is very easy to make it simple, small or unnecessary. In addition, the driving mechanism A can be installed in a place where a temperature change that conforms to the operating conditions of the target device is generated, and the target device can be appropriately operated.
[0042]
In the third embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the housing 41 of the driving mechanism A is a cylinder, and the conversion mechanism B is provided with an expansion / contraction housing 51 whose peripheral side wall can be expanded and contracted and whose tip is closed, that is, a bellows. Directly connected and integrated. A pedestal 42 is formed on one end wall 41a of the housing 41 so as to protrude to the outside, and a supply / exhaust port 46A is provided on the other end wall 41b so as to be opened and closed by a plug 46B. . The housing 41 is fitted with a partition member 43 formed of a free piston, and the space on the supply / exhaust port 46A side defined by the partition member 43 inside the housing 41 forms a first chamber 44, and the pedestal 42 side. These spaces form the second chamber 45. Further, the pedestal 42 is provided with a supply / discharge port 58A opened in the communication hole 57, and is closed so as to be opened and closed by a plug 58A.
[0043]
The conversion mechanism B is composed of the above-described telescopic housing 51 and an operating member composed of a rod-like body 54 whose base end is fixed to the telescopic end 52 which is the closed distal end. The base end of the telescopic housing 51 is liquid-tight to the pedestal 42. Attached to and fixed. The telescopic housing 51 is covered with a protective cover body 59 attached to the housing 41, and the rod-shaped body 54 protrudes from the tip of the protective cover body 59 to the outside.
[0044]
The first chamber 44 is filled with the same driving liquid M as in the previous two embodiments, and the second chamber 45, the working chamber 56 that is the internal space of the telescopic housing 51, and the communication hole 57 that communicates these are provided. The working liquid W similar to the previous two embodiments is filled.
[0045]
Also in the present embodiment, the supply and discharge ports 46A and 58A are used to inject, fill, replenish, and replace the driving liquid M and the working liquid W in the same manner as in the previous two embodiments, and the filling pressure is appropriately set. In addition, a return force is applied to the rod-shaped body 54. Further, the partition member 43 made of a free piston is placed at a position where the working chamber 56 has a minimum volume when the operation is started.
[0046]
When the driving liquid M expands as the temperature rises, the partition member 43 is pressed and moved to reduce the volume of the second chamber 45, and accordingly, the working liquid W in the second chamber 45 passes through the communication path 57 and the working chamber. 56, the telescopic housing 51 is extended, and the rod-like body 54 is moved in the distal direction with a stroke proportional to the temperature rise. When the temperature drops and the driving liquid M contracts, the rod-like body 54 moves in the proximal direction with a stroke proportional to the temperature drop while moving the working liquid W in the working chamber 56 to the second chamber 45. To do.
[0047]
In the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, since the effective area of the telescopic housing 51 is larger than the effective area of the partition member 43, the stroke of the rod-like body 54 with respect to the temperature change is the first two embodiments. Although it is smaller than the strokes of the piston 14 and the plunger 34 in FIG. 1, the target devices can be operated with a force larger than these, and it is suitable for operating a large and heavy object.
[0048]
In the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the housing 61 of the driving mechanism A is composed of a flat box body 61A and a cylinder body 61B that protrudes from the tip thereof, and the conversion mechanism B is integrated with the cylinder body 61B. In this case, the working cylinder 71 is formed to extend in front of the working cylinder 71. A supply / discharge port 66A is provided in an end wall 61b of the housing 61 opposite to the cylinder body 61B, and is closed by a plug 66B so as to be opened and closed. In addition, a partition member 63 made of a free piston is fitted in the cylinder body 61B, and a piston or plunger as an operating member is installed in the cylinder chamber 73 of the operating cylinder 71 of the conversion mechanism B. In this embodiment, a piston 74 is used. The piston rod 75 extending from the piston 74 protrudes from the tip of the cylinder cylinder 72 to the outside.
[0049]
The space on the box body 61A side from the partition member 63 of the box body 61A of the housing 61 and the cylinder body 61B forms a first chamber 64, and the tip side of the cylinder body 61B on the opposite side forms a second chamber 65. . A space on the cylinder body 61 </ b> B side from the piston 74 of the cylinder cylinder 72 forms a working chamber 76. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the second chamber 65 and the working chamber 76 are substantially one chamber formed in one cylinder, and the working chamber 76 includes the second chamber 65. In addition, a supply / discharge port 78A is provided in the cylinder cylinder 72 at a portion where the working chamber 76 is located at the start of operation, and is closed by a plug 78B so as to be opened and closed.
[0050]
The first chamber 64 is filled with the same driving liquid M as in the previous three embodiments, and the working chamber 76 including the second chamber 65 is filled with the working liquid W as in the previous three embodiments. Has been. These injection filling, replenishment and exchange, and setting of the filling pressure are performed using the supply / discharge ports 66A and 78A, and a return force is applied to the piston 74 which is an operating member.
[0051]
In the present embodiment, the cylinder body 61B and the cylinder cylinder 72 have the same diameter and are integrally continuous. Therefore, the partition member 63 and the working chamber 76 are stroked with a stroke corresponding to the expansion / contraction of the driving liquid M due to a temperature change. The piston 74 moves integrally, and the stroke and force applied to the partition member 63 by the driving liquid M are transmitted to the piston 74 as they are.
[0052]
In other words, in the present embodiment, the second chamber 65 is integrated with the working chamber 76, so that the transmission mechanism between the second device 65 and the target equipment is small in size with a simpler structure than the previous three embodiments. It can be simplified or unnecessary, and there is no need to consider lubrication of the partition member 63 and the piston 74 separately. In the present embodiment, since a part of the housing 61 is formed in the flat box 61A, the surface area is large, the heat of the driving liquid M is transferred well, and the operation of the target equipment is sensitive to the temperature change. Can be matched.
[0053]
In the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 5, similarly to the first embodiment, the housing 81 of the driving mechanism A has a cylindrical shape, and the conversion mechanism B is constituted by a cylinder 91 having a smaller diameter than the housing 81. Are integrated directly. The base end of a partition member 83 formed of a cylindrical bag with a flexible synthetic resin closed tip is mounted and fixed in a liquid-tight manner on a pedestal 82 that protrudes inwardly from one end wall 81a of the housing 81, The interior of the housing 81 is partitioned by a partition member 83 into a first chamber 84 that is an outer space and a second chamber 85 that is an inner space.
[0054]
The cylinder 91 that constitutes the conversion mechanism B is disposed on substantially the same central axis as the housing 81 with the base end of the cylinder cylinder 92 fitted into the end wall 81a, and the plunger 94 that is an operating member fitted in the cylinder chamber 93 is a cylinder. Projecting from the tip of the tube 92 to the outside. A portion of the cylinder chamber 93 on the proximal end side from the plunger 94 forms a working chamber 96 and communicates with the second chamber 85 through a communication hole 97 penetrating the end wall of the base 82 and the cylinder tube 92.
[0055]
The first chamber 84 is filled with the same driving liquid M as in the previous embodiments, and the second chamber 85, the communication hole 97, the working chamber 96, and the two chambers 104 and 115 described later are used in the previous embodiments. The working liquid W similar to the form is filled. The driving liquid M is injected by opening the supply / discharge port 84A closed by the plug 86B of the other end wall 81b of the housing 81, and the working liquid W is supplied / discharged 98A closed by the plug 98B of the cylinder cylinder 92. Open and injected.
[0056]
When the driving liquid M expands as the temperature rises, the partition member 83 is compressed to move the working liquid W therein to the working chamber 96, and the plunger 94 is pressed and moved toward the tip of the cylinder 91. The basics are that the devices are operated, and that when the driving liquid M contracts as the temperature decreases, the plunger 94 moves in the proximal direction by a return force (not shown) to move the working liquid W to the second chamber 85. The operation is the same as in the previous embodiment.
[0057]
In the present embodiment, the conversion mechanism B is provided with an operation start temperature setting mechanism C, an operation end temperature setting mechanism D, and a relief mechanism E.
[0058]
The operation start temperature setting mechanism C includes a cylinder 101 in which a piston 103 is fitted in a cylinder chamber 102 and a manual adjustment screw member 107, and one chamber defined by the piston 103 in the cylinder chamber 102. Variable volume chamber 104 is connected to the communication hole 97 by a guide hole 105, and the piston 103 is placed in the other chamber. Variable volume A push spring 106 having a weak force that pushes the chamber 104 in the direction of reducing the volume is inserted. The adjusting screw member 107 is screwed into the end wall of the cylinder 101 on the side where the pressing spring 106 is inserted. Further, the operation end temperature setting mechanism D is fixed to the plunger 94 and protrudes in the radial direction, and the adjusting screw member 110 screwed into an appropriate member such as a base to which the actuator according to the present embodiment is attached. And have.
[0059]
The escape mechanism E has a cylinder 112 in which a piston 114 is fitted in a cylinder chamber 113, and is provided in one chamber partitioned by the piston 114 in the cylinder chamber 113. Variable volume chamber 115 is connected to the communication hole 97 by the guide hole 116, and the piston 114 is connected to the other chamber. Variable volume A return spring 117 having a strong force to push the chamber 115 in the direction of reducing the volume is inserted.
[0060]
When the temperature rises and the working liquid W in the second chamber 85 starts moving to the working chamber 96, the working liquid W pushes the piston 103 with the smallest resistance. Variable volume until motive liquid M expands to maximum It flows into the chamber 104 and continues to flow until the piston 103 stops against the adjusting screw member 107. Next, the plunger 94 flows into the working chamber 96 while pushing the plunger 94 having the next smallest resistance, and continues to flow until the contact piece 109 stops against the adjusting screw member 110. Finally, while pushing the piston 114 with the greatest resistance Variable volume It flows into the chamber 115 and continues until the maximum temperature is reached and the motive liquid M expands to the maximum.
[0061]
When the temperature is lowered, the working liquid W flowing into each of the chambers 115, 96, Variable volume It flows out toward the second chamber 85 in the order of the chamber 104.
[0062]
By manually operating the two adjusting screw members 107 and 110 and appropriately setting the stop positions of the piston 103 and the plunger 94, the operation start timing and operation of the plunger 94 by the driving liquid M that expands in proportion to the temperature rise. The end timing, that is, the operation start temperature and the operation end temperature can be arbitrarily set, and the target devices can be operated in an arbitrary temperature range.
[0063]
In the sixth embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the housing 121 of the driving mechanism A has a cylindrical shape, and the conversion mechanism B has a cylinder chamber 133 having a smaller diameter than that of the housing 121. . A cylindrical body whose peripheral side wall is extendable and closed at a pedestal 122 provided on one end wall 121a of the housing 121 so as to protrude inwardly, that is, a base end of a partition member 123 made of a bellows is fixed in a liquid-tight manner. The interior of the housing 121 is partitioned by a partition member 123 into a first chamber 124 that is an outer space and a second chamber 125 that is an inner space.
[0064]
The cylinder cylinder 132 forming the end wall 121a and the cylinder chamber 133 of the conversion mechanism B is provided in one cylinder block 131. The housing 121 and the cylinder cylinder 132 are arranged in parallel to each other and fitted into the cylinder chamber 133. The plunger 134 as an operating member protrudes from the tip of the cylinder tube 132 to the outside. A portion of the cylinder chamber 133 on the proximal side from the plunger 134 forms a working chamber 136 and communicates with the second chamber 125 through a communication hole 137 passing from the cylinder block 131 through the base 122.
[0065]
The first chamber 124 is filled with the same driving liquid M as in the previous embodiments, and the second chamber 125, the communication hole 137, the working chamber 136, and the chamber 144 described later are similar to those in the previous embodiments. The working liquid W is filled. The driving liquid M is injected by opening the supply / discharge port 126A closed by the plug 126B of the other end wall 121b of the housing 121, and the working liquid W is supplied / discharged 138A closed by the plug 138B of the cylinder block 131. Is opened and injected into the communication hole 137.
[0066]
Then, when the driving liquid M expands as the temperature rises, the partition member 123 is compressed, the working liquid W inside thereof is moved to the working chamber 136, and the target device is operated by pressing the plunger 134. When the driving liquid M contracts as the temperature decreases, the basic operation of moving the working liquid W to the second chamber 125 by moving the plunger 134 in the proximal direction by a return force (not shown) is the same as the previous operation. The form is the same.
[0067]
In the present embodiment, the conversion mechanism B is provided with a stroke setting mechanism F. This mechanism F is one chamber partitioned by the piston 143 in which the piston 143 is fitted in the cylinder chamber 142 of the cylinder body 141 superimposed on the cylinder block 131. Variable volume chamber 144 is connected to an annular chamber 139 provided surrounding the cylinder chamber 133 forming the working chamber 136 by a discharge passage 145, and a piston 143 is connected to the other chamber. Variable volume A push spring 146 that pushes the volume of the chamber 144 in a direction to reduce the volume is inserted.
[0068]
Furthermore, Variable volume The chamber 144 is connected to the communication hole 137 by a return path 147. Variable volume A check valve 148 that closes toward the chamber 144 is provided.
[0069]
When the plunger 134 moves as the temperature rises and its proximal end reaches the annular chamber 139, the working liquid W passes through the discharge path 145. Variable volume Until the plunger 134 stops at that position and the maximum temperature is reached. Variable volume Continue to flow into chamber 144. When the temperature decreases and the driving liquid M contracts, the pressure of the working liquid W decreases and the plunger 134 starts moving in the proximal direction, and the working liquid W in the chamber 144 opens the check valve 148. The valve is moved from the return path 147 to the second chamber 125 through the communication hole 137.
[0070]
The interval between the base end position and the annular chamber 139 at the start of the operation of the plunger 134 is constant. Therefore, the plunger 134 is moved by a stroke corresponding to this initially set interval, and even if the temperature increase range is large, the target devices Can always perform a predetermined constant operation accurately. Then, the working liquid W is released from the working chamber 136 when the stroke of the plunger 134 reaches a constant value when the temperature rises, and the hydraulic fluid W is released when the temperature drops. By returning the working liquid W in the chamber 136 from the return path 147 with the check valve 148, the purpose of causing the plunger 134 to perform a constant stroke operation with a simple structure can be achieved.
[0071]
When the actuator of the present invention is operated according to the ambient temperature of the installation site, generally the atmospheric temperature, even if the motive liquid M is in a pressurized state at the operation start temperature, the motive liquid M is reduced when the temperature is significantly reduced. The pressure in the first chambers 4, 24, 44, 64, 84, and 124 may be greatly reduced and a part of the driving liquid M may be vaporized. Since the liquid phase is maintained, even if the load on the target device fluctuates during operation, the operation corresponding to the temperature can be performed without changing the operation amount.
[0072]
Further, the actuator of the present invention does not depend only on the atmospheric temperature, but also uses artificial heat supply means to amplify the expansion of the driving liquid M due to the change in the atmospheric temperature and cause the operating member to perform a large stroke linear movement. Therefore, the priming liquid M can be expanded exclusively by artificial heat supply means. As this heat supply means, it is possible to use an electric resistance heating element, hot air or hot water, gas / liquid fuel.
[0073]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the expansion / contraction of the driving liquid accompanying the temperature change is converted into the linear movement of the operating member through the incompressible operating liquid, and the target device is operated according to the present invention. The amount of expansion and contraction can be changed to any stroke or force and applied to the operating member. The transmission mechanism between the target device and the operating member can be made small, simple, or unnecessary, and the number of target devices can be reduced. It can be operated efficiently with mechanical loss. Further, since the working liquid has lubricity, it is not necessary to separately consider lubrication when the cylinder structure is adopted, and the structure can be simplified and the maintenance can be facilitated.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1, 21, 41, 61, 81, 121 Housing, 3, 23, 43, 63, 83, 123 Partition member, 4, 24, 44, 64, 84, 124 First chamber, 5, 25, 45, 65, 85, 125 Second chamber, 11, 31, 71, 91 Cylinder, 14, 74 Piston, 16, 36, 56, 76, 96, 136 Working chamber, 34, 94, 134 Plunger, 37 Pipe passage, 51 Telescopic housing, 54 Rod, 61A Box, 61B Cylinder, A Driving Mechanism, B Conversion Mechanism, C Operation Start Temperature Setting Mechanism, D Operation End Temperature Setting Mechanism, E Relief Mechanism, F Stroke Setting Mechanism, M Driving Fluid, W Operating Fluid ,

Claims (6)

The interior has a housing divided into two chambers whose volumes are variable by a movable partition member, the first chamber of the two chambers is filled with a driving liquid having a high coefficient of thermal expansion, and the second chamber A working mechanism in which a working fluid having lubricity is filled, a working chamber whose volume changes when the length in one direction changes, and a working member which performs linear movement in the one direction according to the volume change. A conversion mechanism in which the working chamber communicates with the second chamber, and the partition member contracts / expands the second chamber with expansion / contraction according to the temperature of the driving liquid. by fed-delivered to the working chamber, the actuator for linear movement of the actuating member, accepts the working fluid when the driving liquid one cylinder chamber which is partitioned starts expansion by the piston A cylinder having a variable volume and a maximum volume adjustable chamber, and a manual adjustment screw member that stops the movement of the chamber in the direction of volume increase when the piston hits the maximum of the working member by the working liquid. An operation end temperature setting mechanism that regulates the stroke to be adjustable, and one of the cylinder chambers defined by the piston is a volume-variable chamber that receives the working liquid after the operation of the operation member ends, and the other of the cylinder chambers A relief mechanism in which a return spring that pushes the piston into the chamber is inserted, and a temperature range in which the operating member is linearly moved by the working liquid can be arbitrarily set. Actuator that operates by temperature change . The housing has a housing partitioned into two chambers whose interiors are variable in volume by a movable partition member, the first chamber of the two chambers is filled with a motive liquid having a high coefficient of thermal expansion, and the second chamber A driving mechanism in which a working liquid having lubricity is filled, a working chamber whose volume changes when the length in one direction changes, and a working member which performs linear movement in the one direction according to the volume change. A conversion mechanism in which the working chamber communicates with the second chamber, and the partition member contracts / expands the second chamber with expansion / contraction according to the temperature of the driving liquid. by fed-delivered to the working chamber, the actuator for linear movement of the actuating member, the other one in the form of a cylinder chamber in which the piston of the push spring compartment has been one chamber by the piston is charged A variable volume chamber, and a stroke setting mechanism having a discharge path that is opened when the stroke of the working member by the working liquid reaches a constant value and introduces the working liquid into the variable volume chamber. Actuator that operates according to the characteristic temperature change . 3. The operation according to claim 2, wherein the operating member is a plunger fitted in a cylinder chamber, and the discharge path is connected to the cylinder chamber and closed by the plunger until a predetermined stroke is reached. actuator. At least a portion of one end side is a cylinder body, and the inside has a housing partitioned into two chambers whose volumes are variable by a partition member made of a free piston fitted to the cylinder body, A first chamber which is opposite to the one end in the first chamber is filled with a driving liquid having a large coefficient of thermal expansion, and a second chamber which is the one end side is filled with a working liquid having lubricity. And an operating cylinder in which an operating member made of a piston or a plunger is fitted to a cylinder cylinder integrally formed with the cylinder body and extended to the one end side, and the operating liquid is filled in the operating liquid from the operating member. And a conversion mechanism that forms a working chamber including the second chamber, and the partition member moves the working chamber along with expansion / contraction according to the temperature of the driving liquid, In an actuator that is operated by a temperature change that linearly moves the operating member through the working liquid, the volume of the cylinder chamber defined by the piston is variable when the working liquid starts to expand when the driving liquid starts to expand. The maximum stroke by the working liquid of the working liquid is controlled to be adjustable, which is composed of a cylinder having a maximum volume adjustable chamber and a manual adjusting screw member that stops the movement in the volume increasing direction of the chamber by the piston. An operation end temperature setting mechanism that performs the operation, and one of the cylinder chambers defined by the piston is a variable volume chamber that receives the working liquid after the operation of the operation member is completed, and pushes the piston into the other chamber of the cylinder chamber A relief mechanism in which a return spring is inserted, and the actuating member is linearly moved by the working liquid. Actuator, characterized in that the operating temperature range that is is arbitrarily settable by the temperature change, characterized in that. At least a portion of one end side is a cylinder body, and the inside has a housing partitioned into two chambers whose volumes are variable by a partition member made of a free piston fitted to the cylinder body, A first chamber which is opposite to the one end in the first chamber is filled with a driving liquid having a large coefficient of thermal expansion, and a second chamber which is the one end side is filled with a working liquid having lubricity. And an operating cylinder in which an operating member made of a piston or a plunger is fitted to a cylinder cylinder integrally formed with the cylinder body and extended to the one end side, and the operating liquid is filled in the operating liquid from the operating member. And a conversion mechanism that forms a working chamber including the second chamber, and the partition member moves the working chamber along with expansion / contraction according to the temperature of the driving liquid, In the actuator operated by the temperature change which linearly moving said actuating member via a serial hydraulic fluid, press the spring of the piston is formed to the other cylinder chamber that is charged to compartment has been one chamber by the piston A stroke setting mechanism having a variable volume chamber and a discharge path that is opened when the stroke of the working member by the working liquid reaches a constant value and introduces the working liquid into the variable volume chamber. Actuator activated by temperature change . 3. The operation according to claim 2, wherein the operating member is a plunger fitted in a cylinder chamber, and the discharge path is connected to the cylinder chamber and closed by the plunger until a predetermined stroke is reached. actuator.

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