JP5328950B2 - Actuator device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an actuator device (actuator device) that controls the operation of office automation equipment such as a copying machine, a printer, and a fax machine used in offices and homes.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming apparatus that creates an image on a sheet, such as a copying machine, a printer, or a fax machine, uses a large number of actuators for sheet conveyance control, driving and control of each image forming process unit.

  A solenoid is an actuator element that creates and controls movement with a simple electric circuit, and is used in many ways. There are various types of solenoids such as a plunger type and a flapper type, and a movement is caused by attracting an iron core (plunger or flapper) by electromagnetic force generated by energizing a coil. The solenoid has an advantage of a short operation time. However, when the iron core is attracted, sudden sound is generated during operation, which causes the noise level of the entire apparatus to increase. The coil is made of copper wire, and the attractive force is determined by the current flowing through it and the number of turns of the coil.

  Therefore, the size, weight, etc. of the solenoid are inevitably determined. Therefore, it is difficult to reduce the size while the suction force is high, power is consumed, and the price is high. The solenoid has a weak suction force at the start of the stroke and becomes stronger when attracted. Therefore, a large solenoid must be used. In addition, the solenoid can take only two positions, the position when the iron core is attracted by energization and the position when it is opened, and two solenoids are required when switching to the two driven parts to transmit the drive. It becomes.

  In recent years, an actuator element using a shape memory alloy or the like that does not cause operation noise has been proposed. The shape memory alloy actuator generates a shape restoring force by energizing to generate heat, thereby moving a lever or the like, and turning off the energization to return it to its original position. Moreover, it is power saving.

  However, it takes time until the actuator element is cooled in order to turn off the current and restore it. For this reason, various proposals such as measures for increasing the operation speed have been made (Patent Documents 1 to 3).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-3850 JP 2004-100537 A JP 2002-268748 A

  However, these actuators move a lever or the like between two stable positions, which complicates the device and does not make it compact.

  The present invention has been made in view of such technical problems. The object is to provide an actuator device which has three stop positions, which is an alternative to a solenoid, has no sound during operation, is small and lightweight, and operates quickly.

A typical configuration of an actuator device according to the present invention for achieving the above object is a first end that is rotatable about an axis and provided on one side and the other side with respect to the axis. And a third end that is provided between the first end and the second end, and rotates with the first end and the second end. The operating arm, the first end portion, and the first fixing member connected in series between the operating arm and the bridge are connected to each other and contracted to the shape memorized by energization, and the energization was cut off. The first actuator element and the first elastic body that can be stretched within the deformation recovery recovery limit, and the second end portion and the second fixing member are connected in series and suspended. The second shape that can contract within the memorized shape by being energized and can be stretched within the deformation recovery recovery limit by being energized. A first operating state in which the actuator element, the second elastic body, and the first actuator element are energized to rotate the operating arm to the first position on the first actuator element side about the axis. A second operating state in which the second actuator element is energized to rotate the operating arm to a second position on the second actuator element side about the axis; and the first actuator element And a third operation in which the operating arm is rotated to a third position intermediate between the first position and the second position without energizing any of the second actuator element and the second actuator element. Control means for controlling the state, and when the operating arm is in the first position and the second position, it is spanned between the third end and the third fixing member. Attaching the arm toward the third position A third elastic body, and having a.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an actuator device that has three operation positions without any sound during operation, and is small and light, and operates quickly. Therefore, it contributes to noise reduction, size reduction, and low power consumption of the apparatus main body on which this actuator device is mounted.

  The present invention can be used in an apparatus using an actuator that requires two stop positions to three stop position controls, for example, an operating device in a sheet feeding unit, a conveyance branch unit, and a drive switching unit of an image forming apparatus.

FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the actuator device according to the first embodiment. It is F arrow line view of FIG. It is the perspective view of the actuator device which removed the lid | cover and showed the inside of the casing. It is a disassembled perspective view of the actuator mechanism inside a casing. It is a block diagram of an actuator mechanism and a control system in an initial state. It is a figure at the time of the state by which the action | operation arm was rotated to the 1st position. It is a figure at the time of the state by which the action | operation arm was rotated to the 2nd position. It is a perspective view at the time of the state by which the action | operation arm was rotated to the 2nd position. FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an actuator mechanism and a control system in an initial state in the second embodiment. It is a figure at the time of the state by which the action | operation arm was rotated to the 1st position. It is a figure at the time of the state by which the action | operation arm was rotated to the 2nd position.

  Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like of the components described in this embodiment are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only to those unless otherwise specified. Absent.

[Embodiment 1]
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of an actuator device 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a view taken in the direction of arrow F in FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the actuator device 1 with the lid 2 removed to show the inside of the casing 17. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the actuator mechanism inside the casing.

  An actuator device (hereinafter abbreviated as “device”) 1 has a casing 17 in which an actuator mechanism is incorporated, and a lid 2 for an upper surface opening 17 a of the casing 17. The lid 2 is detachably attached to the upper surface opening 17a of the casing 17 by snap fits 2a and 17b. The casing 17 is integrally formed with a flange 17e provided with a positioning hole 17c and a mounting hole 17d such as a screw hole. The device 1 is attached to a predetermined location of a main apparatus (not shown) such as an image forming apparatus via the flange 17e.

  The casing 17 is a shallow bottom rectangular body having an upper surface side and one longitudinal end side opened as an upper surface opening portion 17a and an end surface opening portion 17f, respectively. The end surface opening 17 f is open even when the lid 2 is attached to the upper surface opening 17 a of the casing 17.

  A shaft 12 is erected on the inner surface of the bottom plate 17g of the casing 17 near the end face opening 17f and at a substantially central position in the bottom plate lateral direction (bottom plate width direction). A substantially cross-shaped actuating arm 9 made of metal and conductive is attached to the shaft 12 so as to be rotatable. That is, a hole 9 a is provided in the substantially center of the cross of the operating arm 9. The hole 9 a is loosely fitted to the shaft 12, and the operating arm 9 is mounted so as to be rotatable about the shaft 12. The operating arm 9 is positioned and held between the operating arm 9 and the lid 2 mounted on the casing 17.

  One arm portion 9b of the four arm portions of the substantially cross-shaped operating arm 9 is connected to a driven portion (not shown) of a main device such as an image forming apparatus to move the driven portion. The working arm portion protrudes outward from the casing 17 from the end surface opening 17f. Reference numeral 9c denotes a hole formed in the working arm portion 9b for connection with the driven portion.

  Of the two arm portions orthogonal to the working arm portion 9b, the arm portion 9d on one side is the first end portion and the arm portion 9e on the other side is the second portion with the shaft 12 in the middle. And the end. Further, an arm portion 9f that is directed between the first and second end portions and is opposite to the working arm portion 9b is defined as a third end portion. The first end portion 9d, the second end portion 9e, and the third end portion 9f are respectively formed with hook-shaped portions 9d1, 9e1, and 9f1 as locking portions.

  The side plate 17h on the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the casing 17 is provided with three grooves 17i, 17j, and 17k at predetermined intervals along the length of the side plate. The first terminal (first fixing member) 3, the third terminal (third fixing member) 4, and the second terminal (second fixing member) 5 are respectively provided for the groove portions. Three terminals are fitted and positioned and fixed. Positioning and fixing of the terminals 3, 4, and 5 is performed by engaging a concave portion provided in each terminal and a convex portion provided in each groove portion and the lid side. The first terminal 3 and the second terminal 5 are located on both sides of the third terminal 4 inside.

  The first terminal 3 corresponds to the first end 9 d of the operating arm 9. The second terminal 5 corresponds to the second end 9 e of the operating arm 9. The third terminal 4 corresponds to the third end 9 f of the operating arm 9. The first to third terminals 3, 4, and 5 are made of conductive metal, and the outer end portions 3 a, 4 a, and 5 a that protrude outward from the casing 17 form tab terminal shapes, and faston terminals 50 (FIG. 5) can be connected. Examples of the metal include copper, phosphor bronze, iron, and stainless steel.

  In addition, hook-shaped portions 3c, 4c, and 5c as locking portions are formed on the inner end portions 3b, 4b, and 5b inside the casing of the terminals 3, 4, and 5, respectively. The length of the inner end portion 4b of the third terminal 4 is longer than the length of the inner end portions 3b and 5b of the first and second terminals 3 and 5. A middle portion of the inner end portion 4 b of the third terminal 4 is fitted and fixed in a groove portion 17 m formed in a projection portion 17 n provided on the inner surface of the bottom plate 17 g of the casing 17.

  The first actuator element 10 and the first buffer are provided between the hook-shaped portion 9d1 formed at the first end 9d of the operating arm 9 and the hook-shaped portion 3c of the first terminal 3. A spring (first elastic body) 6 is connected in series and stretched (stretched). That is, the hole portion of the round terminal 18 on one end side of the first actuator element 10 is hooked on the hook-shaped portion 9 d 1 of the operating arm 9.

  The first actuator element 10 and the first buffer spring 6 are connected to each other by hooking one end side hook portion 6 a of the buffer spring 6 into the hole of the round terminal 19 on the other end side of the actuator element 10. The other end side hook portion 6 b of the first buffer spring 6 is hooked on the hook shape portion 3 c of the first terminal 3.

  Further, the second actuator element 11 and the second buffer are provided between the hook-shaped portion 9e1 formed at the second end portion 9e of the operating arm 9 and the hook-shaped portion 5c of the second terminal 5. A spring (second elastic body) 7 is connected in series and is suspended. That is, the hole of the round terminal 20 on one end side of the second actuator element 11 is hooked on the hook-shaped portion 9 e 1 of the operating arm 9.

  The second actuator element 11 and the second buffer spring 7 are connected to each other by hooking a hook portion 7 a on one end side of the buffer spring 7 into a hole portion of the round terminal 21 on the other end side of the actuator element 11. The other end side hook portion 7 b of the second buffer spring 7 is hooked on the hook shape portion 5 c of the second terminal 5.

  A tension spring (third elastic body) 8 is provided between the hook-shaped portion 9f1 formed at the third end portion 9f of the operating arm 9 and the hook-shaped portion 4c of the third terminal 4. It is being transported. That is, one end side hook portion 8 a of the tension spring 8 is hooked on the hook shape portion 9 f 1 of the operating arm 9, and the other end side hook portion 8 b is hooked on the hook shape portion 4 c of the third terminal 4.

  The first and second actuator elements 10 and 11 used in the first embodiment are shape memory elements having the same characteristics. Specifically, Toki Corporation's Biometal (registered trademark) is adopted, and it has a spring shape in which a wire-like shape memory alloy is wound in a spiral. Metal, conductive round terminals 18, 19, 20, 21 are crimped to both ends, and the shape memory element is stretched (extendable) at room temperature within the deformation recovery recovery limit.

  The terminals at both ends are electrically connected, and the shape memory element generates heat with its own resistance when energized. Since the material contracts when the temperature rises by about 70 ° C., the shape memory element shrinks until the stretched shape is in a close contact state. The operating arm 9 is moved using the contraction force at this time.

  The first buffer spring 6, the second buffer spring 7, and the tension spring 8 are all conductive coil springs. The first buffer spring 6 and the second buffer spring 7 have the same spring characteristics.

  The first actuator element 10 and the first buffer spring 6 may be reversed. Further, the second actuator element 11 and the second buffer spring 7 may be reversely arranged.

  Next, the operation of the device 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the device 1 and the operation circuit 100 are electrically connected to the outer end portions 3a, 4a, and 5a of the first terminal 3, the third terminal 4, and the second terminal 5 of the device 1, respectively. Faston terminals 50 are connected. The operation circuit 100 includes a power supply 13 and a switch 16 controlled by a control circuit (CPU) 200. The switch 16 is controlled by the control circuit 200 so that the movable contact 20 is in a first switching state, a second switching state, and a third switching state.

  The first switching state is a state where the movable contact 20 has been moved to a position where it is electrically connected to the first fixed contact 21. The second switching state is a state where the movable contact 20 has been moved to a position where it is electrically connected to the second fixed contact 22. The third switching state is a state in which the movable contact 20 has been moved to the position of the third fixed contact 23. The third fixed contact 23 is a neutral contact (non-energizing contact) between the first and second fixed contacts 21 and 22.

  One electrode portion of the power supply 13 is electrically connected to the movable contact 20. The other electrode portion of the power source 13 is electrically connected to the third terminal 4 via the lead wire 24 and the faston terminal 50. The first fixed contact 21 is electrically connected to the first terminal 3 via the lead wire 25 and the faston terminal 50. The second fixed contact 22 is electrically connected to the second terminal 5 via the lead wire 26 and the faston terminal 50.

  (1) FIG. 5 shows that the switch 16 is switched to the third switching state by the control circuit 200, the energization of the device 1 is off, and the temperatures of the first and second actuator elements 10 and 11 are in the normal temperature state. It shows a certain time.

  In this state, the shape memory elements of the first and second actuator elements 10 and 11 have substantially the same length within the deformation recovery recovery limit by the pulling force of the first and second buffer springs 6 and 7, respectively. Stretched. The longitudinal axis of the first actuator element 10 and the first buffer spring 6, the longitudinal axis of the second actuator element 11 and the second buffer spring 7, and the longitudinal axis of the tension spring 8 are substantially parallel. Therefore, the operating arm 9 is turned by the tension spring 8 so that the longitudinal direction of the working arm 9b is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the device 1, that is, the working arm 9b faces rightward in FIG. It is held in a rotation angle posture.

  The rotation angle posture of the operating arm 9 is set to the third position III or the neutral position. Further, the state of the device 1 in FIG. 5 is assumed to be an initial state (third operation state). Therefore, the driven portion of the main device connected to the working arm portion 9 b is held in an operating state corresponding to the third position III of the operating arm 9.

  (2) In the initial state of FIG. 5, when the switch 16 is switched to the first switching state by the control circuit 200, the movable contact 20 is electrically connected to the first fixed contact 21 as shown in FIG. Is done. Accordingly, the power source 13 → the movable contact 20 → the first fixed contact 21 → the lead wire 25 → the first terminal 3 → the first buffer spring 6 → the first actuator element 10 → the operating arm 9 → the tension spring 8 → the first 3 terminal 4 → lead wire 24 → power supply 13 is closed. That is, the first actuator element 10 is energized. The second actuator element 11 is not energized.

  Then, the shape memory element of the first actuator element 10 in the energized state generates heat due to its own resistance and rises in temperature. Due to this temperature rise, the shape memory element contracts until the shape that has been stretched becomes a memorized contact state that has been memorized, and the length becomes shorter. Therefore, the operating arm 9 rotates counterclockwise on the first actuator element side around the shaft 12 while extending the second actuator element 11 and the tension spring 8 as shown in FIG. The working arm portion 9b is held in a rotation angle posture facing diagonally upward to the right.

  The rotation angle posture of the operating arm 9 is defined as a first position I. Further, the state of the device 1 in FIG. 6 is defined as a first operation state. Accordingly, the driven portion of the main device connected to the working arm portion 9 b is held in an operating state corresponding to the first position I of the operating arm 9.

  (3) In FIG. 6, when the switch 16 in the first switching state is returned to the third switching state by the control circuit 200, the first actuator element 10 is in a non-energized state. For this reason, the shape memory element extends within the deformation recovery recovery limit by the pulling force of the tension spring 8 as the temperature decreases (natural cooling).

  As a result, the operating arm 9 returns to the third position III from the first position I by rotating back in the clockwise direction about the shaft 12 by the pulling force of the tension spring 8. That is, the device 1 returns to the initial state of FIG. Therefore, the driven part of the main device connected to the working arm 9b is returned from the operating state corresponding to the first position I of the operating arm 9 to the operating state corresponding to the third position III.

  (4) When the switch 16 is switched to the second switching state by the control circuit 200 in the initial state of FIG. 5, the movable contact 20 is electrically connected to the second fixed contact 22 as shown in FIG. Connected to. Accordingly, the power source 13 → the movable contact 20 → the second fixed contact 22 → the lead wire 26 → the second terminal 5 → the second buffer spring 7 → the second actuator element 11 → the operating arm 9 → the tension spring 8 → the second 3 terminal 4 → lead wire 24 → power supply 13 is closed. That is, the second actuator element 11 is energized. The first actuator element 12 is not energized.

  Then, the shape memory element of the second actuator element 11 in the energized state generates heat due to its own resistance and rises in temperature. Due to this temperature rise, the shape memory element contracts until the shape that has been stretched becomes a memorized contact state that has been memorized, and the length becomes shorter. Therefore, the operating arm 9 rotates around the shaft 12 in the clockwise direction on the second actuator element side while extending the shape memory element and the tension spring 8 of the first actuator element 10 as shown in FIGS. . And the action | operation arm 9 is changed into the rotation angle attitude | position in which the action arm part 9b faced diagonally rightward in FIG. 7, and is hold | maintained.

  The rotation angle posture of the operating arm 9 is defined as a second position II. Moreover, let the state of the mechanism of FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 be a 2nd operation state. Therefore, the driven portion of the main device connected to the working arm portion 9 b is held in an operating state corresponding to the second position II of the operating arm 9.

  (5) In FIG. 7, when the switch 16 in the second switching state is returned to the third switching state by the control circuit 200, the second actuator element 11 is deenergized, and the shape memory element is at the temperature. As the pressure drops, the tensile force of the tension spring 8 increases. Therefore, the operating arm 9 returns counterclockwise around the shaft 12 by the pulling force of the tension spring 8 and returns from the second position II to the third position III. That is, the device 1 returns to the initial state of FIG.

  Accordingly, the driven part of the main device connected to the working arm 9b is returned from the operating state corresponding to the second position II of the operating arm 9 to the operating state corresponding to the third position III.

  (6) Further, in FIG. 6, when the switch 16 in the first switching state is switched to the second switching state by the control circuit 200, the first actuator element 10 is in a non-energized state, and the second The actuator element 11 is energized. The shape memory element of the second actuator element 11 in the energized state generates heat due to its own resistance and rises in temperature, so that the stretched shape contracts until the memorized close contact state is reached. Becomes shorter.

  In this case, the first actuator element 10 in the non-energized state does not wait for natural cooling, and therefore the second actuator element 11 contracts before the first actuator element 10 has fully expanded. As a result, the return rotation of the operating arm 9 from the first position I (FIG. 6) to the third position III (FIG. 5) is made faster.

  At this time, a strong force acts on the first actuator element 10 side due to the contraction of the second actuator element 11, but the force is absorbed by the buffer action by the first buffer spring 6 and the first actuator element 10 is stretched. 10 damage can be eliminated. That is, the first buffer spring 6 absorbs the extension delay distance fluctuation of the first actuator element 10 and extends, whereby damage to the first actuator element 10 can be eliminated.

  Then, the operating arm 9 that has returned and rotated from the first position I to the third position III is further expanded by the return of the extension of the first actuator element 10 in the non-energized state sufficiently with natural cooling. It rotates from the third position III to the second position II (FIG. 7).

  (7) Further, in FIG. 7, when the switch 16 in the second switching state is switched to the first switching state by the control circuit 200, the second actuator element 11 is in a non-energized state, and the first The actuator element 10 is energized. The shape memory element of the first actuator element 10 in the energized state generates heat due to its own resistance and rises in temperature, so that the stretched shape contracts until the memorized close contact state is stored. Becomes shorter.

  In this case, the first actuator element 10 contracts without waiting for the natural cooling of the second actuator element 11 in the non-energized state, and therefore the second actuator element 11 does not fully recover. Thereby, the return rotation of the operating arm 9 from the second position II (FIG. 7) to the third position III (FIG. 5) is made faster.

  At this time, a strong force acts on the second actuator element 11 side due to the contraction of the first actuator element 10, but the force is absorbed by the buffer action by the second buffer spring 7 to extend, and the second actuator element Eleven damage can be eliminated. That is, the second buffer spring 7 absorbs the extension delay distance variation of the second actuator element 11 and extends, whereby the damage to the first actuator element 10 can be eliminated.

  Then, the operating arm 9 that has turned back from the second position I to the third position III is further rotated by the return of the second actuator element 11 that has been deenergized sufficiently to the natural cooling state. 3 to the first position I (FIG. 6).

  In the present embodiment, the third operating state of the device 1 is that the operating arm 9 is moved to the first position I about the shaft 12 without energizing any of the first and second actuator elements 10 and 11. It is in a state where it is rotated to a third position III that is intermediate to the second position II. The control circuit 100 and the operation circuit 100 make the actuator device 1 in the first operation state (FIG. 6), the second operation state (FIGS. 7 and 8), and the third operation state (FIG. 5). It is a control means to control.

  Further, the operating arm 9, the first elastic body 6, the first fixing member 3, the second elastic body 7, the second fixing member 5, the third elastic body 7, and the third fixing member 5 are electrically conductive. And also serves as an electric path for flowing current to the first actuator element 10, the second actuator element 11, and the like.

  As described above, it is possible to provide the actuator device 1 in which the operating arm 9 moves at the three positions of the first position I, the second position II, and the third position III.

  Since a heavy object such as an iron core does not operate but uses the expansion and contraction of the shape memory element, a quiet operation is possible.

  Here, the difference between the device configuration of the first embodiment and the device configuration of Patent Document 1, particularly FIGS. 6 and 7, will be described.

  In the device configuration of the first embodiment, the actuator element and the buffer spring are connected in series, are electrically conductive, and form a circuit through which current flows also through the buffer spring. In Patent Document 1, there is an intermediate member between the actuator element and the spring. If the current does not flow through the spring and the current does not flow through the intermediate member or the operation end member, the circuit is short-circuited. 6 and 7, regardless of which contact is connected, the operation end member can be rotated only in the direction of FIG. 7, and when the contact is released and returned to its original position, the spring force balance is returned to the position of FIG. 6. .

  On the other hand, the device configuration of the first embodiment is a configuration in which the contact 21 and the contact 22 are inclined in different directions, and return to an intermediate position with a spring force when not energized.

[Embodiment 2]
9 to 11 are diagrams showing the second embodiment. The same components and portions as those of the device 1 and the operation circuit 100 in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  In the second embodiment, the second switch which is controlled to be switched on / off by the control circuit 200 in the electric circuit 27 connecting the movable contact 20 of the switch 16 (first switch) of the operation circuit 100 and the power supply 13. 28 is provided. Other configurations of the actuator device 1 and the configuration of the operation circuit 100 are the same as the configurations of the device 1 and the operation circuit 100 in the first embodiment.

  (1) FIG. 9 shows an initial state of the device 1, the control circuit 200 sets the first switch 16 to the third switching state, the second switch 28 is turned off, and The temperature of the first and second actuator elements 10 and 11 is in a normal temperature state. Accordingly, the operating arm 9 is held at the third position (neutral position) III.

  Here, in the initial state of the device 1, the first and second switches 16 and 28 may be controlled so as not to energize any of the first and second actuator elements 10 and 11. Therefore, the second switch 28 may be in a control state in which the second switch 28 is held in the on state and the first switch 16 is in the third switching state. Further, the first switch 16 may be in a control state in which the first switch 16 is held in the first or second switching state and the second switch 28 is turned off.

  (2) In the initial state of FIG. 9, when the operating arm 9 is changed from the third position III to the first position I, the control circuit 200 energizes the first actuator element 10. The first and second switches 16 and 28 are controlled. In other words, the control circuit 200 controls the first switch 16 to the first switching state and the second switch 28 to the on state as shown in FIG. As a result, the first actuator element 10 contracts, so that the operating arm 9 is converted from the third position III in FIG. 9 to the first position I in FIG. 10 and held.

  (3) Then, when the operating arm 9 is returned from the first position I to the third position III, the control circuit 200 causes the first and the second to stop energizing the first actuator element 10. The switches 16 and 28 are controlled. That is, the control circuit 200 controls the first switch 16 to the third switching state in FIG. Alternatively, the second switch 28 is controlled to be turned off. Alternatively, the first switch 16 is controlled to the third switching state, and the second switch 28 is controlled to the off state.

  As a result, the first actuator element 11 is in a non-energized state, and the shape memory element is naturally cooled and stretched by the pulling force of the tension spring 8. Therefore, the operating arm 9 returns to the third position III from the first position I by rotating back in the clockwise direction about the shaft 12 by the pulling force of the tension spring 8.

  (4) In the initial state of FIG. 9, when the operating arm 9 is switched from the third position III to the second position II, the control circuit 200 energizes the second actuator element 11. The first and second switches 16 and 28 are controlled. That is, the control circuit 200 controls the first switch 16 to the second switching state and the second switch 28 to the on state as shown in FIG. As a result, the second actuator element 11 contracts, whereby the operating arm 9 is converted from the third position III in FIG. 9 to the second position II in FIG. 11 and held.

  (5) When the operating arm 9 is returned from the second position II to the third position III, the control circuit 200 cuts off the energization of the second actuator element 11 with the first and second positions. The switches 16 and 28 are controlled. That is, the control circuit 200 controls the first switch 16 to the third switching state in FIG. Alternatively, the second switch 28 is controlled to be turned off. Alternatively, the first switch 16 is controlled to the third switching state, and the second switch 28 is controlled to the off state.

  As a result, the second actuator element 11 is in a non-energized state, and the shape memory element is stretched by the pulling force of the tension spring 8 together with natural cooling. Therefore, the operating arm 9 returns to the clockwise direction around the shaft 12 by the pulling force of the tension spring 8 and returns from the second position II to the third position III.

  (6) Also, in FIG. 10, when the first switch 16 in the first switching state is switched to the second switching state by the control circuit 200, the first actuator element 10 is in a non-energized state, The second actuator element 11 is energized. The shape memory element of the second actuator element 11 in the energized state generates heat due to its own resistance and rises in temperature, so that the stretched shape contracts until the memorized close contact state is reached. Becomes shorter.

  In this case, the second actuator element 11 contracts without waiting for the natural cooling of the first actuator element 10 in the non-energized state, and therefore the first actuator element 10 does not fully recover. Thereby, the return rotation of the operating arm 9 from the first position I (FIG. 10) to the third position III (FIG. 9) is made faster. At this time, a strong force acts on the first actuator element 10 side due to the contraction of the second actuator element 11, but the force is absorbed by the buffer action by the first buffer spring 6 and the first actuator element 10 is stretched. 10 damage can be eliminated.

  Then, the operating arm 9 that has returned and rotated from the first position I to the third position III is further increased when the extension of the first actuator element 10 in the non-energized state is sufficiently restored together with natural cooling. 3 is rotated from position III to second position II (FIG. 11).

  (7) Also, in FIG. 11, when the first switch 16 in the second switching state is switched to the first switching state by the control circuit 200, the second actuator element 11 is in a non-energized state, The first actuator element 10 is energized. The shape memory element of the first actuator element 10 in the energized state generates heat due to its own resistance and rises in temperature, so that the stretched shape contracts until the memorized close contact state is stored. Becomes shorter.

  In this case, the first actuator element 10 contracts without waiting for the natural cooling of the second actuator element 11 in the non-energized state, and therefore the second actuator element 11 does not fully recover. Thereby, the return rotation of the operating arm 9 from the second position II (FIG. 11) to the third position III (FIG. 9) is made faster. At this time, a strong force acts on the second actuator element 11 side due to the contraction of the first actuator element 10, but the force is absorbed by the buffer action by the second buffer spring 7 to extend, and the second actuator element Eleven damage can be eliminated.

  The actuating arm 9 that has turned back from the second position I to the third position III is further rotated by the return of the non-energized second actuator element 11 sufficiently with natural cooling. 3 to the first position I (FIG. 10).

[Embodiment 3]
The third embodiment is different from the first or second embodiment in that the operating arm 9 is returned from the first position I to the third position III, or from the second position II to the third position III. This is to make it faster to return.

  When switching the device 1 from the first operation state to the third operation state, the control means 100 and 200 cut off the energization to the first actuator element 10 and temporarily energize the second actuator element 11 for a predetermined time. A control mode in which the power is turned off after the power is turned off. In addition, when switching the device 1 from the second operation state to the third operation state, the control means 100/200 cuts off the power supply to the second actuator element 11 and temporarily supplies the first actuator element 10 to a predetermined time. There is a control mode in which the energization is cut off after energization.

(1) Switching from the first operating state to the third operating state In the first or second embodiment, when the operating arm 9 is returned from the first position I to the third position III, the control circuit 200 The switch 16 in the switching state is temporarily switched to the second switching state for a predetermined time, and then switching control is performed to return to the third switching state.

  That is, the second actuator element 11 is contracted while the first actuator element 10 in the non-energized state does not wait for natural cooling, and therefore the first actuator element 10 does not fully recover. Thereby, the return rotation of the operating arm 9 from the first position I to the third position III is made faster.

  At this time, a strong force acts on the first actuator element 10 side due to the contraction of the second actuator element 11, but the force is absorbed by the buffer action by the first buffer spring 6 and the first actuator element 10 is stretched. 10 damage can be eliminated.

  Then, when the switch 16 is returned from the second switching state to the third switching state after a predetermined time, the energization of the second actuator element 11 is cut off. As a result, the extension of the first and second actuator elements 10 and 11 is fully restored together with natural cooling, and the return rotation state of the operating arm 9 to the third position III is maintained.

(2)) Switching from the second operating state to the third operating state In the first or second embodiment, when the operating arm 9 is returned from the second position II to the third position III, the control circuit 200 Switching control is performed in which the switch 16 in the second switching state is temporarily set to the first switching state for a predetermined time and then returned to the third switching state.

  That is, the first actuator element 10 is contracted while the second actuator element 11 is not energized and does not wait for natural cooling, and therefore the second actuator element 11 does not fully recover. As a result, the return rotation of the operating arm 9 from the second position II to the third position III is made faster.

  At this time, a strong force acts on the second actuator element 11 side due to the contraction of the first actuator element 10, but the force is absorbed by the buffer action by the second buffer spring 7 to extend, and the second actuator element Eleven damage can be eliminated.

  Then, when the switch 16 is returned from the first switching state to the third switching state after a predetermined time, the first actuator element 10 is deenergized. As a result, the extension of the first and second actuator elements 10 and 11 is fully restored together with natural cooling, and the return rotation state of the operating arm 9 to the third position III is maintained.

  As described above, not the natural cooling of the actuator element and the return by the force of the tension spring 8, but the other actuator element is operated effectively, so that a high-speed response is possible.

  Here, in the second embodiment, the second switch 28 causes a current to flow to the actuator element on the opposite side for a short time for the purpose of temporarily rotating the action arm to the opposite side in order to quickly return the inclined operation arm. Acts to open the contact immediately. Since only the switch 16 is related to the responsiveness of the switch, the responsiveness can be accelerated by providing the switch 28 and disconnecting the circuit. At this time, the switch 16 does not necessarily require the contact 23.

  Moreover, it is not restricted to the electric circuit structure of Embodiment 1 thru | or Embodiment 3. As long as the current can be selectively supplied to the first and second actuator elements 10 and 11 or can be switched so as not to pass through both, an arbitrary circuit configuration can be obtained. The third elastic body 8 can be a device of an actuator mechanism that is omitted.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Actuator device, 2 ... Cover, 3 ... 1st terminal (conductive terminal), 4 ... 3rd terminal, 5 ... 2nd terminal, 6 ... 1st buffer spring, 7 ... 2nd buffer spring, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 8 ... Tensile spring, 9 ... Actuating arm, 10 ... 1st actuator element, 11 ... 2nd actuator element, 12 ... Turning axis, 13 ... Power supply, 16 ... Switch (1st switch), 20 ... Movable contact , 21 ... first fixed contact, 22 ... second fixed contact, 17 ... casing, 28 ... switch (second switch), 50 ... faston terminal, 100 ... operating circuit, 200 ... control circuit

Claims (3)

A first end and a second end, and a first end and a second end provided on one side and the other side of the shaft. An actuating arm having a third end that is provided between the first end and the second end ,
The first end member and the first fixing member are connected in series and stretched. When the current is applied, the contracted operation is performed to the memorized shape. When the current is cut off, the deformation is restored. A first actuator element and a first elastic body that are stretchable within a recovery limit;
It is connected in series between the second end portion and the second fixing member, and is contracted to a memorized shape by being energized, and deformed and restored by being energized. A second actuator element and a second elastic body that are stretchable within a recovery limit;
A first operating state in which the first actuator element is energized to rotate the operating arm to a first position on the first actuator element side about an axis; and the second actuator element is energized. Then, the operating arm is rotated to the second position on the second actuator element side about the axis, and either the first actuator element or the second actuator element is used. Control means for controlling the operating arm to a third operating state in which the operating arm is rotated around a shaft to a third position intermediate between the first position and the second position without energization.
When spanning between the third end and the third fixing member and the operating arm is in the first position and the second position, the operating arm is directed to the third position. A third elastic body that biases
An actuator device comprising:   The operating arm, the first elastic body, the first fixing member, the second elastic body, the second fixing member, the third elastic body, and the third fixing member are conductive. 2. The actuator device according to claim 1, wherein the actuator device also serves as an electric path for passing a current through the first actuator element and the second actuator element.   When the control means switches from the first operation state to the third operation state, the control means cuts off the power supply to the first actuator element and temporarily supplies the second actuator element to a predetermined time. And when switching from the second operation state to the third operation state, the power supply to the second actuator element is cut off and the first actuator element is temporarily turned off. The actuator device according to claim 1, further comprising a control mode in which energization is interrupted after energization for a predetermined time.