JP6794892B2 - Movable device - Google Patents

Description

The disclosure herein relates to a mobile device that utilizes deformation of the actuator element.

Patent Document 1 discloses a movable device that utilizes deformation of an actuator element. In this technique, the deformation of the member is directly or indirectly utilized to mechanically move the driven body. One example of an actuator element is an elongated synthetic fiber.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-42783

The prior art does not fully disclose components or devices for increasing or decreasing the energy of actuator elements. It is desirable that the energy transfer component for increasing or decreasing the energy of the actuator element provides energy transfer over a wide range of the actuator element.

From another point of view, in a movable device that utilizes the deformation of the actuator element, the stability of the electrical connection may be impaired due to the deformation of the actuator element. For example, deformation of the actuator element may break the electrical connection.

Further improvements are required of the mobile device in the above-mentioned viewpoint or in other viewpoints not mentioned.

One object disclosed is to provide a mobile device capable of transmitting energy over a wide range of actuator elements.

Another object disclosed is to provide a mobile device with a stable electrical connection.

The movable device disclosed herein includes an actuator element (41, 42) that is deformed by increasing or decreasing energy, and a driven body (31) that is connected to the actuator element, and the actuator element is a material wire that causes deformation. (41a) and energy transfer components (41d, 341d, 441d, 541d, 741d, 841d) that are energy transfer components that increase or decrease the energy of the material wire and are arranged in a reciprocating manner along the actuator axis of the actuator element. Control that controls the energy increase / decrease device (71, 72) that increases / decreases the energy of the actuator element, and the energy increase / decrease device that alternately repeats the period in which the energy of the actuator element increases and the period in which the energy of the actuator element decreases. A first actuator element (41) and a second actuator element (42), which are provided with a device (70) and are arranged symmetrically with respect to a driven body and deform in the opposite direction, are provided. In the control device, the energy of the first actuator element increases and the energy of the second actuator element decreases, and the energy of the first actuator element decreases and the energy of the second actuator element increases. a period for alternately and repeatedly Ru to oscillate the driven body.

According to the disclosed mobile device, the energy transfer components are reciprocally arranged along the actuator shaft. The reciprocating energy transfer component can realize energy transfer to and from the material wire over a wide range along the actuator shaft. As a result, the energy of the material wire can be increased or decreased in a wide range along the actuator shaft. The reciprocating energy transfer component allows the connection for the energy transfer component to be centralized in a direction along the actuator axis. Therefore, the energy transfer component can be arranged in a wider range than the connection portion.

The disclosed aspects of this specification employ different technical means to achieve their respective objectives. The claims and the reference numerals in parentheses described in this section exemplify the correspondence with the parts of the embodiments described later, and are not intended to limit the technical scope. The objectives, features, and effects disclosed herein will be made clearer by reference to the subsequent detailed description and accompanying drawings.

It is a perspective view of the movable device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a partial cross-sectional view of a movable device. It is a perspective view of the actuator element. It is a flowchart for swinging a movable device. It is a side view which shows the energy transfer component of 1st Embodiment. It is a side view which shows the energy transfer component of 2nd Embodiment. It is a side view which shows the energy transfer component of 3rd Embodiment. It is a side view which shows the energy transfer component of 4th Embodiment. It is a side view which shows the energy transfer component of 5th Embodiment. It is a perspective view of the movable device which concerns on 6th Embodiment. It is a side view which shows the energy transfer component of 7th Embodiment. It is a side view which shows the energy transfer component of 8th Embodiment.

A plurality of embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In a plurality of embodiments, functionally and / or structurally corresponding parts and / or associated parts may be designated with the same reference code or reference codes having a hundreds or more different digits. References can be made to the description of other embodiments for the corresponding and / or associated parts.

1st Embodiment In FIG. 1, the movable device 1 has a fixed base 2 and a movable portion 3 that can be mechanically moved with respect to the base 2. The movable portion 3 can rotate and move around a rotation shaft AXR extending along the height direction HD. The movable portion 3 reciprocates in a predetermined angle range RG around the rotation shaft AXR. The movable portion 3 has a driven body 31. The movement of the movable portion 3 is also called swinging. The moving direction of the movable portion 3 is not limited to rotation. The moving direction of the movable portion 3 can be adapted to various movements such as parallel movement along the height direction HD, parallel movement along the width direction WD, and rotational movement around the depth direction DD.

The movable device 1 has an element 32 mounted on the driven body 31. The element 32 provides an electrically active action or an electrically passive action. The element 32 is, for example, an electric light source, an electric blower, an electric heat source, an electric radio wave source, or an electric magnetic force source. The element 32 is, for example, an electrical sensor element. The movable device 1 may include a connecting member that electrically connects the base 2 and the element 32 for electrical connection. The element 32 has an axis VR 32 for a primary function. The axis VR 32 corresponds to, for example, an optical axis when the element 32 is a light source. The shaft VR 32 corresponds to the detection shaft, for example, when the element 32 is a sensor. The shaft VR 32 is shaken by the rotation of the driven body 31. The shaft VR32 is swung within the range of the rotation angle VRS.

The movable device 1 is also a sensor device. The element 32 is a sensor element. The element 32 has an axis VR 32 indicating a detection direction and a detection range. The element 32 detects a physical quantity in the direction of the axis VR32. The element 32 is provided by various elements such as an image sensor, an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a radar antenna, an electromagnetic wave sensor, and a radiation sensor. In this embodiment, the element 32 is an infrared sensor installed indoors. The detection signal of the element 32 is supplied to a device that uses infrared information by wire or wirelessly. Infrared information is supplied to, for example, an air conditioner and used. The movable device 1 is installed in a room such as a house, an office, a vehicle, a ship, or an aircraft, and is used for collecting information related to a person in the room. The base 2 is stationary in these rooms.

The movable device 1 is moved so as to swing the shaft VR32. The movable device 1 provides a sensor device for moving the shaft VR32. The movement of the axis VR32 makes it possible to provide various sensor devices such as a variable directivity type, a tracking type, and a scanning type. In this embodiment, since the driven body 31 swings periodically, a scanning type sensor device is provided. The shaft VR32 rotates about the rotation shaft AXR. The shaft VR32 can move within a range of a predetermined rotation angle VRS along a plane extending in the width direction WD and the depth direction DD. In this embodiment, the rotation angle VRS is the scanning range.

The movable device 1 includes an actuator mechanism 4. The actuator mechanism 4 provides a rotational force for rotating the movable portion 3. The actuator mechanism 4 is also a power source. The actuator mechanism 4 provides a rotational force so as to reciprocate.

The actuator mechanism 4 has two actuator elements 41 and 42. The two actuator elements 41 and 42 are arranged on an extension line of the rotation shaft AXR. The two actuator elements 41 and 42 are arranged on both sides of the driven body 31. The driven body 31 and the two actuator elements 41 and 42 are arranged in series. In the figure, the actuator elements 41 and 42 are shown with a little thick emphasis.

The first actuator element 41 is connected to the driven body 31 and the fixed portion 21. The first actuator element 41 extends along the actuator shaft AX41. The actuator shaft AX41 is also the central shaft of the first actuator element 41. The actuator shaft AX41 is located on an extension of the rotation shaft AXR. The actuator shaft AX41 and the rotation shaft AXR are coaxial.

The second actuator element 42 is connected to the driven body 31 and the fixed portion 22. The second actuator element 42 extends along the actuator shaft AX42. The actuator shaft AX42 is also the central shaft of the second actuator element 42. The actuator shaft AX42 is located on an extension of the rotation shaft AXR. The actuator shaft AX42 and the rotation shaft AXR are coaxial.

The driven body 31 is arranged at the center of the base 2. The fixing portion 21 is provided at one end of the base 2. The fixing portion 21 is fixed to the base 2. The fixing portion 22 is provided at the other end of the base 2. The fixing portion 22 is fixed to the base 2. The base 2 is made of a material capable of maintaining the shape of the movable device 1 against the force generated by the actuator mechanism 4. For example, the base 2 is made of metal or resin. Part or all of the base 2 may be provided by a printed wiring board.

The first actuator element 41 and the second actuator element 42 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the driven body 31. The first actuator element 41 and the second actuator element 42 have a symmetrical structure. In the following description, the first actuator element 41 will be described. This description can be referred to as a description of the second actuator element 42.

The first actuator element 41 has a fixed end 41b that can be connected to the fixed portion 21. The fixed end 41b is connected to the fixed portion 21 when at least the first actuator element 41 outputs rotational power. The first actuator element 41 has an output end 41c that can be connected to the driven body 31. The output end 41c is connected to the driven body 31 when at least the first actuator element 41 outputs rotational power. The driven body 31 is connected to the actuator element 41 on the actuator shaft AX41. The names of the fixed end 41b and the output end 41c are for convenience. In the following description, the fixed end 41b and the output end 41c may be simply referred to as ends.

The first actuator element 41 has a rod shape. The first actuator element 41 has a shape that can be called an elongated rod shape or a fibrous shape. The first actuator element 41 can be formed in a columnar or cylindrical shape.

The movable device 1 has a guide mechanism 5 for guiding the movement of the movable portion 3. The guide mechanism 5 is provided between the support portion 23 provided on the base 2 and the driven body 31. The support portion 23 is fixed to the base 2. The guidance mechanism 5 allows the driven body 31 to rotate around the HD in the height direction. The guide mechanism 5 suppresses the rotational movement around the depth direction DD and the rotational movement around the width direction WD. The guide mechanism 5 suppresses the vertical movement of the driven body 31 in the depth direction DD and the left-right movement in the width direction WD. The guide mechanism 5 may suppress the back-and-forth movement in the height direction HD. The guide mechanism 5 may allow back and forth movement in the height direction HD.

The height direction HD can be defined as the roll axis, the width direction WD can be defined as the pitching axis, and the depth direction DD can be defined as the yaw axis. In this case, the guide mechanism 5 allows the driven body 31 to roll. The guidance mechanism 5 may suppress excessive roll motion that exceeds the available range. For example, a direct collision between the driven body 31 and the support portion 23, or an indirect collision via an elastic member limits the roll motion range. The guide mechanism 5 suppresses the yawing motion and the pitching motion of the driven body 31. Further, the guide mechanism 5 suppresses the vertical movement and the left-right movement of the driven body 31. The guide mechanism 5 may suppress the back-and-forth movement of the driven body 31. The guide mechanism 5 may allow the driven body 31 to move back and forth.

The movable device 1 includes a control system 7. The control system 7 includes a control device (CNT) 70 and energy increase / decrease devices (EX1, EX2) 71 and 72. The energy increase / decrease devices 71 and 72 are devices that increase / decrease the energy of the two actuator elements 41 and 42 in order to extract mechanical motion from the two actuator elements 41 and 42. The energy increase / decrease devices 71 and 72 increase / decrease the energy of the two actuator elements 41 and 42 so as to rotate the two actuator elements 41 and 42.

The control device includes at least one arithmetic processing unit (CPU) and at least one memory device as a storage medium for storing programs and data. The control device is provided by a microcomputer equipped with a computer-readable storage medium. A storage medium is a non-transitional substantive storage medium that stores a computer-readable program non-temporarily. The storage medium may be provided by a semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, or the like. The control device may be provided by a single computer, or a set of computer resources linked by a data communication device. The program, when executed by the controller, causes the controller to function as the device described herein and to perform the methods described herein.

The control system has a plurality of signal sources as input devices that supply signals indicating information input to the control device. The control system acquires information by storing the information in the memory device by the control device. The control system has a plurality of controlled objects whose behavior is controlled by the control device as an output device. The control system controls the behavior of the controlled object by converting the information stored in the memory device into a signal and supplying it to the controlled object. For example, the control device acquires an operation signal and a stop signal from the outside, and intermittently activates the energy increase / decrease devices 71 and 72 to cause the movable device 1 to swing.

The control device, signal source, and controlled object included in the control system provide various elements. At least some of those elements can be called blocks for performing functions. From another point of view, at least some of those elements can be referred to as modules or sections that are interpreted as a composition. Further, the elements included in the control system can also be called means for realizing the function only when it is intentional.

The means and / or functions provided by the control system can be provided by the software recorded in the substantive memory device and the computer, software only, hardware only, or a combination thereof that executes the software. For example, if the control device is provided by an electronic circuit that is hardware, it can be provided by a digital circuit containing a large number of logic circuits, or an analog circuit.

The two actuator elements 41, 42 cause active deformation in one direction. The deformation directions of the two actuator elements 41 and 42 are opposite directions, that is, symmetrical directions. By utilizing the two actuator elements 41 and 42, active deformation can be obtained in both directions, that is, in the reciprocating direction.

The actuator elements 41 and 42 are deformed around the actuator shafts AX41 and AX42 by increasing or decreasing the thermal energy. The first actuator element 41 is deformed so as to be twisted when the temperature of the first actuator element 41 rises. Since the fixed end 41b is fixed by the fixing portion 21, the driven body 31 rotates in the direction of the arrow M41, which is the first direction. The second actuator element 42 is deformed so as to be twisted when the temperature of the second actuator element 42 rises. Since the fixed end 42b is fixed by the fixing portion 22, the driven body 31 rotates in the direction of the arrow M42, which is the second direction. The direction of the arrow M41 and the direction of the arrow M42 are symmetrical with respect to the driven body 31. As a result, the driven body 31 rotates over the angle range shown by the arrow M31. The arrow M31 corresponds to the rotation angle VRS of the shaft VR32.

The actuator elements 41 and 42 and the energy increase / decrease devices 71 and 72 that can be used in this embodiment include those described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-42783. The contents of JP-A-2016-42783 are incorporated by reference as a description of the technical elements in this specification. Actuator elements 41, 42 can be provided by a variety of materials called artificial muscles. For example, materials such as synthetic resins, metals, shape memory alloys, and organics are available.

One example of the actuator elements 41, 42 is a synthetic fiber. The synthetic fiber extends along an extension of the rotation axis AXR. Synthetic fibers are elongated. Synthetic fibers are called polymer fibers. One typical example of polymer fibers is a monofilament resin. The monofilament resin includes a polyamide resin and a polyethylene resin. For example, a polymer fiber called nylon or polytilene may have a torsional deformation amount with respect to a temperature change, and can be used as actuator elements 41 and 42.

The polymer forming the polymer fiber is oriented so as to extend along the actuator shafts AX41 and AX42. The polymer may have a "twist" around the actuator shafts AX41, AX42. The term "twist" may refer to a twist within a single fiber or a twist between multiple fibers. The amount of torsional deformation of the polymer fiber with respect to temperature change may appear strongly along the direction of "twisting" in the single fiber. In this embodiment, the actuator elements 41 and 42 are single fibers. In another form, the amount of torsional deformation of the polymer fibers with respect to temperature changes may appear along the direction of "twisting" between the multiple fibers. The actuator elements 41 and 42 may be a bundle of a plurality of polymer fibers twisted together.

One example of the actuator elements 41, 42 is a shape memory alloy. Shape memory alloys extending along the actuator shafts AX41, AX42 can be used. Shape memory alloys are available in a variety of shapes, including single rods and coiled shapes. The shape of the shape memory alloy is selected so that the amount of torsional deformation with respect to temperature changes can be obtained.

The energy increase / decrease devices 71 and 72 change the energy state of the actuator elements 41 and 42 bidirectionally between the high energy state and the low energy state. The energy increase / decrease devices 71 and 72 can apply and remove energy electrically, optically, magnetically, electromagnetically, or radiationally. The application and removal of electrical energy includes an increase / decrease in electrical heat, an increase / decrease in electric current, an increase / decrease in electric field, or an increase / decrease in electric charge. For example, when the energy state of the actuator elements 41 and 42 is indicated by temperature, the temperature can be increased by applying light, and the temperature can be decreased by blocking light.

The addition and removal of energy can be done directly or indirectly. For example, energy may be applied by an energy transfer component that is in direct contact with the actuator elements 41, 42, or indirectly by an energy transfer component that is installed away from the actuator elements 41, 42. May be good. The energy transfer component can be provided, for example, by an electrical heating member.

For example, in order to actively rotate the actuator elements 41 and 42, the energy increase / decrease devices 71 and 72 increase the thermal energy of the actuator elements 41 and 42. The increase in thermal energy is realized, for example, by supplying a current to the heat generating member included in the actuator elements 41 and 42. For example, in order to restore the actuator elements 41 and 42 from active rotation, the energy increase / decrease devices 71 and 72 reduce the thermal energy of the actuator elements 41 and 42. The reduction in thermal energy is realized, for example, by cutting off the current supply to the heat generating member included in the actuator elements 41 and 42 and dissipating heat.

In FIG. 2, the fixed portion 21 and the fixed portion 22 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the driven body 31. The fixed portion 21 and the fixed portion 22 have a symmetrical structure. The driven body 31 has a structure symmetrical with respect to the guide mechanism 5. In the following description, the portion related to the first actuator element 41 will be described. This description can be referred to as a description of a portion related to the second actuator element 42. As a portion related to the first actuator element 41, there are a fixing portion 21 and a third connecting mechanism 31c provided on the driven body 31.

The fixing portion 21 has an end sleeve 21a and an anchor block 21c. The end sleeve 21a is connected to the end of the actuator element 41. The end sleeve 21a is fixed to the anchor block 21c. The anchor block 21c is fixed to the base 2.

The end sleeve 21a is a cylindrical member coaxial with the actuator element 41. The end sleeve 21a may have a polygonal square tube shape. The end sleeve 21a has an inner hole for receiving the fixed end 41b of the actuator element 41. The end sleeve 21a has a first connecting mechanism 21b that connects the fixed end 41b and the end sleeve 21a. The first connecting mechanism 21b connects the fixed end 41b and the end sleeve 21a with respect to the circumferential direction of the actuator shaft AX41 at least when the actuator element 41 outputs rotational power.

The first connecting mechanism 21b is provided by an inner hole and a set screw. The set screw is provided in the radial direction toward the inner hole of the end sleeve 21a. The set screw connects the fixed end 41b and the end sleeve 21a in the axial direction and the circumferential direction by tightening the fixed end 41b in the radial direction.

The first connecting mechanism 21b can be provided by various mechanisms. For example, the first connecting mechanism 21b can be provided by a plurality of set screws arranged radially, a chuck mechanism that tightens the fixed end 41b in the radial direction, a caulking sleeve that tightens the fixed end 41b in the radial direction, and the like. The first connecting mechanism 21b may allow the fixed end 41b to move axially with respect to the end sleeve 21a along the actuator shaft AX41. For example, the fixed end 41b and the end sleeve 21a may be connected so that the fixed end 41b can move in the axial direction within the limited range. For example, elastic members such as springs or rubber can be used. The first connecting mechanism 21b may be provided by a mechanism that can be opened and closed. For example, the first connecting mechanism 21b can be provided by an electromagnetic mechanism capable of switching between a state in which the fixed end 41b is fixed in the circumferential direction and a state in which the fixed end 41b is rotatable in the circumferential direction. ..

The anchor block 21c has an inner hole for receiving the end sleeve 21a. The anchor block 21c has a second connecting mechanism 21d that connects the end sleeve 21a and the anchor block 21c. The second connecting mechanism 21d connects the end sleeve 21a and the anchor block 21c with respect to the circumferential direction of the actuator shaft AX41 at least when the actuator element 41 outputs rotational power.

The second connecting mechanism 21d is provided by an inner hole and a set screw. The set screw is provided in the radial direction toward the inner hole of the anchor block 21c. The set screw connects the end sleeve 21a and the anchor block 21c in the axial direction and the circumferential direction by tightening the end sleeve 21a in the radial direction.

The second connecting mechanism 21d can be provided by various mechanisms. For example, the second connecting mechanism 21d can be provided by a plurality of set screws arranged radially, a chuck mechanism for tightening the end sleeve 21a in the radial direction, a caulking sleeve for tightening the end sleeve 21a in the radial direction, and the like. The second connecting mechanism 21d may allow the end sleeve 21a to move in the axial direction along the actuator shaft AX41. For example, the anchor block 21c and the end sleeve 21a may be connected so that the end sleeve 21a can move in the axial direction within the limited range. For example, elastic members such as springs or rubber can be used. The second connecting mechanism 21d may be provided by a mechanism that can be opened and closed. For example, the second connecting mechanism 21d is an electromagnetic mechanism capable of switching between a state in which the end portion of the actuator element 41 is fixed in the circumferential direction and a state in which the end portion of the actuator element 41 is rotatable in the circumferential direction. Can be provided by.

The driven body 31 has an inner hole for receiving the output end 41c of the actuator element 41. The driven body 31 has a third connecting mechanism 31a that connects the driven body 31 and the output end 41c. The third connecting mechanism 31a connects the output end 41c and the driven body 31 at least in the circumferential direction of the actuator shaft AX41 when the actuator element 41 outputs rotational power.

The third connecting mechanism 31a is provided by an inner hole and a set screw. The set screw is provided in the radial direction toward the inner hole of the driven body 31. In the set screw, the driven body 31 and the output end 41c are connected in the axial direction and the circumferential direction by tightening the output end 41c in the radial direction.

The third connecting mechanism 31a can be provided by various mechanisms. For example, the third connecting mechanism 31a can be provided by a plurality of set screws arranged radially, a chuck mechanism that tightens the output end 41c in the radial direction, a caulking sleeve that tightens the output end 41c in the radial direction, and the like. The third coupling mechanism 31a may allow the output end 41c to move in the axial direction with respect to the driven body 31 along the actuator shaft AX41. For example, the output end 41c and the driven body 31 may be connected so that the output end 41c can move in the axial direction within the limited range. For example, elastic members such as springs or rubber can be used. The third connecting mechanism 31a may be provided by a mechanism that can be opened and closed. For example, the third connecting mechanism 31a can be provided by an electromagnetic mechanism capable of switching between a state in which the output end 41c is fixed in the circumferential direction and a state in which the output end 41c is rotatable in the circumferential direction. ..

The driven body 31 is rotatably supported by the guide mechanism 5. The guide mechanism 5 has a shaft 51 and a guide bore 52. The shaft 51 is provided by a coaxial cylindrical member of the rotating shaft AXR. The shaft 51 is fixed to the driven body 31. Both ends of the shaft 51 are fixed to the driven body 31. The driven body 31 has a shaft 51. The guide bore 52 is provided on the support portion 23. The support portion 23 has a guide bore 52. The support portion 23 is a member for supporting the driven body 31. The support portion 23 is fixed to the base 2. The support portion 23 is a block. The guide bore 52 is provided by a through hole that penetrates the support portion 23. The guide bore 52 accepts the shaft 51. The guide bore 52 allows the shaft 51 to rotate. As a result, the support portion 23 rotatably supports the driven body 31.

The outer surface of the shaft 51 and the inner surface of the guide bore 52 are in partial contact with each other. When the driven body 31 rotates, the outer surface of the shaft 51 and the inner surface of the guide bore 52 slide with each other. The driven body 31 is guided around the shaft 51. The members that provide the shaft 51 and the guide bore 52 are made of low friction material. The member that provides the shaft 51 or the guide bore 52 may be made of a low friction material. Friction between the shaft 51 and the guide bore 52 is suppressed.

The support portion 23 faces the driven body 31 on both end faces thereof. The support portion 23 is partially in contact with the driven body 31 on both end faces thereof. The support portion 23 and the driven body 31 slide with each other when the driven body 31 rotates.

The heat of the actuator element 41 is dissipated from the entire actuator element 41 to the external environment. The heat of the actuator element 41 is dissipated from the fixed end 41b via the fixed portion 21. At this time, the first connecting mechanism 21b and the second connecting mechanism 21d contribute to lowering the thermal resistance of the heat dissipation path. Further, the heat of the actuator element 41 is dissipated from the output end 41c via the driven body 31. The heat of the actuator element 41 may be dissipated from the output end 41c via the driven body 31, the support portion 23, and the base 2. At this time, the third connecting mechanism 31a contributes to reduce the thermal resistance of the heat dissipation path.

Further, the contact between the driven body 31 and the support portion 23 and / or the contact between the shaft 51 and the guide bore 52 also contributes to reducing the thermal resistance of the heat dissipation path. The heat of the actuator element 41 is dissipated from the output end 41c via the driven body 31, the contact between the driven body 31 and the support portion 23, and the support portion 23. Further, the heat of the actuator element 41 is dissipated from the output end 41c through the driven body 31, the shaft 51, the contact between the shaft 51 and the guide bore 52, and the support portion 23. In this way, the actuator element 41 dissipates heat via the driven body 31 and the guide mechanism 5.

In FIG. 3, the actuator element 41 has a material wire 41a, a fixed end 41b, an output end 41c, and a heating wire 41d. The material line 41a is the polymer fiber described above. The heating wire 41d is also a part of the energy increase / decrease device 71. The heating wire 41d is also an energy transfer component for increasing or decreasing the energy of the material wire 41a. The heating wire 41d is arranged directly or indirectly on the surface of the material wire 41a. The heating wire 41d has a spiral shape or a coil shape. The heating wire 41d is a metal wire that generates heat when energized. The heating wire 41d can be provided by a platinum wire, a copper wire, or the like. The heating wire 41d is provided by a nichrome wire. The heating wire 41d can be provided by a round wire, a square wire, or a metal foil. The heating wire 41d is attached to the surface of the material wire 41a.

The heating wire 41d has a positive electrode 41p and a negative electrode 41n. The positive electrode 41p and the negative electrode 41n are electric wires that generate almost no heat. The positive electrode 41p and the negative electrode 41n are arranged at the connecting portion 41m. The connecting portion 41m is arranged at one end of the two ends of the actuator element 41. The connecting portion 41m is arranged in the vicinity of the fixed end 41b. The heating wire 41d is connected to an ordinary electric wire, a circuit board, a flexible circuit board, or the like at the connection portion 41m. The configuration in which both the positive electrode 41p and the negative electrode 41n are arranged in the connecting portion 41m simplifies the configuration for electrical connection.

The heating wire 41d has a return portion 41r. The return portion 41r is arranged at the other end of the two ends of the actuator element 41. The return portion 41r is arranged in the vicinity of the output end 41c. The heating wire 41d is formed in a "writing with a brush" shape starting from the connecting portion 41m and returning to the connecting portion 41m. In this embodiment, the heating wire 41d is formed in a reciprocating shape having two spirals. The heating wire 41d has an outward path portion that reaches the return portion 41r from the positive electrode 41p. The heating wire 41d has a return path portion that reaches the negative electrode 41n from the return portion 41r. The outward route portion and the return route portion are arranged in parallel. The heating wire 41d is formed in a spiral shape by winding a nichrome wire bent into a hairpin shape around a material wire 41a.

The heating wire 41d generates heat when energized. The heat supplied by the heating wire 41d is transmitted to the material wire 41a and raises the temperature of the material wire 41a. On the other hand, the heating wire 41d stops generating heat when the energization is cut off. The heat of the material wire 41a is dissipated to the external environment. At this time, the third connecting mechanism 31a at the output end 41c and the guide mechanism 5 contribute to heat dissipation. Therefore, a large temperature difference can be realized in the actuator element 41.

In FIG. 4, a control process 180 for swinging the driven body 31 is shown. The control process 180 is a part of the control process in the control device 70.

In step 181 it is determined whether or not the movable device 1 is required to swing (ON) or not (OFF). For example, when it is required to operate the scanning infrared sensor, the swing is turned on. If it is not required to operate the scanning infrared sensor, the swing is turned off. When the swing is OFF, the control is terminated. When the swing is ON, the process proceeds to the loop processing according to step 182 and step 183. Step 182 is a process for heating the first actuator element 41. Step 183 is a process for heating the second actuator element 42. By alternately repeating steps 182 and 183, the driven body 31 operates in a swinging manner. In step 184, it is determined whether or not the movable device 1 is required to swing (ON) or not (OFF).

Step 182 is a process of rotating the driven body 31 in the forward rotation direction. The forward rotation direction is a direction in which the driven body 31 is rotated in the clockwise direction when viewed from the first actuator element 41. Step 182 includes step 185 and step 186.

In step 185, first, the first actuator element 41 is activated. In step 185, the heating wire 41d of the first actuator element 41 is energized. Specifically, the control device 70 energizes the heating wire 41d from the energy increase / decrease device 71. The process of step 185 is executed so that the first actuator element 41 outputs a twist of a predetermined angle in the forward rotation direction. For example, step 185 is continued until the rotation angle of the driven body 31 is detected by the rotation angle sensor and rotation of a predetermined angle is obtained. Instead of this, the processing of step 185 may be continued for a certain period of time by timer processing.

In step 186, it inactivates the second actuator element 4 2. In step 186, interrupting the power supply to the second actuator element 4 2 of the heating wire 4 2 d. Specifically, the control device 70 de-energized from the energy decrease device 7 2 to the heating wire 4 2 d.

Step 183 is a process of rotating the driven body 31 in the reverse direction. Step 183 includes step 187 and step 188.

In step 187, first, the second actuator element 42 is activated. In step 187, the heating wire of the second actuator element 42 is energized. Specifically, the control device 70 energizes the heating wire from the energy increase / decrease device 72.

In step 188, inactivating the first actuator element 4 1. In step 188, interrupting the power supply to the first actuator element 4 1 of the heating wire. Specifically, the control device 70 de-energized from the energy decrease device 7 1 to the heating wire.

In this embodiment, the activation corresponds to energization of the heating wire 41d. The inactivation corresponds to the interruption of energization of the heating wire 41d. The word pair of activation and deactivation can be associated with the word pair of heating and heat dissipation, the word pair of urging and deactivating, and the word pair of active and standby.

The control device 70 controls the energy increase / decrease device 71 so as to alternately repeat the period in which the energy of the actuator element 41 increases and the period in which the energy of the actuator element 41 decreases. As a result, the two actuator elements 41 and 42 are actively driven alternately. When the first actuator element 41 actively outputs the torsional deformation in the forward rotation direction, the second actuator element 42 is passively driven in the forward rotation direction. On the contrary, when the second actuator element 42 actively outputs the torsional deformation in the reverse direction, the first actuator element 41 is passively driven in the reverse direction. Since the two actuator elements 41 and 42 are used and are driven alternately, a stable rotational output can be obtained in both directions.

According to this embodiment described above, it is possible to provide a quiet movable device 1. In particular, it is advantageous when the movable device 1 is used for a device installed indoors. For example, a quiet, scanning infrared sensor can be obtained. Since the movable device 1 includes the guide mechanism 5, the vibration of the driven body 31 is suppressed. In particular, vibration in the direction intersecting the rotation shaft AXR, that is, in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction with respect to the rotation shaft AXR is suppressed. Since the guide mechanism 5 defines the rotation shaft AXR coaxial with the actuator shaft AX41, the torsional deformation of the actuator element 41 can be directly taken out. Further, the guide mechanism 5 contributes to heat dissipation of the actuator element 41.

In FIG. 5, the actuator element 41 is modeled and illustrated. The heating wire 41d is formed in a reciprocating manner along the actuator shaft AX41. The heating wire 41d is reciprocating with respect to the longitudinal direction of the actuator shaft AX41. The heating wire 41d is reciprocating around the actuator shaft AX41.

The actuator element 41 is one end of the actuator shaft AX41 and has a fixed end 41b that is fixed. The actuator element 41 is the other end of the actuator shaft AX41, is connected to the driven body 31, and has an output end 41c for outputting a torsional deformation.

The connecting portion 41m is arranged in the vicinity of the fixed end 41b. The connecting portion 41m is arranged closer to the fixed end 41b than the center in the longitudinal direction of the actuator shaft AX41. The connecting portion 41m is arranged closer to the fixed end 41b than the center in the longitudinal direction of the actuator shaft AX41. The amount of deformation at the fixed end 41b is small. Therefore, the mechanical displacement at the connecting portion 41 m can be suppressed. The connection portion arranged in the vicinity of the fixed end 41b contributes to suppress the deterioration of the electrical connection.

The return portion 41r is a portion for arranging the energy transfer component in a reciprocating manner. The return portion 41r can also be referred to as a turn portion. The return portion 41r is arranged on the output end 41c side from the center of the actuator shaft AX41 in the longitudinal direction. The heating wire 41d may be formed in a plurality of reciprocating shapes. For example, an even number of outward paths and an even number of return paths are provided. In this case, an even number of return portions 41r are arranged in the vicinity of the output end 41c. Further, an odd number of return portions 41r are arranged in the vicinity of the fixed end 41b.

An energy increase / decrease device 71 is arranged on the base 2. The heating wire 41d is electrically connected to the energy increase / decrease device 71 at the connection portion 41 m. In other words, the heating wire 41d is electrically connected to the base 2 at the connecting portion 41m. Both the positive electrode 41p and the negative electrode 41n are taken out from a narrow location on the elongated actuator element 41, that is, the connection portion 41m. Both ends 41p and 41n of the energy transfer component are collected in a connecting portion 41m provided at the end of the actuator element 41. As a result, the parts required for electrical connection can be centrally arranged.

According to this embodiment, a mobile device with improved energy transfer components is provided. From one viewpoint, the heat generating wire 41d arranged in a reciprocating manner can transfer energy from the heating wire 41d to the material wire 41a over a wide range of the actuator element. From another viewpoint, the positive electrode 41p and the negative electrode 41n centrally arranged in the connecting portion 41m show the same behavior even if the actuator element 41 is deformed. Therefore, deterioration of the electrical connection due to the difference between the behavior of the positive electrode 41p and the behavior of the negative electrode 41n is suppressed.

Further, the connecting portion 41m is provided closer to the fixed end 41b than the center in the direction of the actuator shaft AX41 among the elongated actuator elements 41. The connecting portion 41m is provided in the vicinity of the fixed end 41b. In this configuration, even if the actuator element 41 is deformed, the displacement between the positive electrode 41p and the negative electrode 41n is suppressed. Therefore, from yet another point of view, a mobile device having a stable electrical connection is provided.

Second Embodiment This embodiment is a modification based on the preceding embodiment as a basic embodiment. In the above embodiment, both the positive electrode 41p and the negative electrode 41n are directly connected to the energy increase / decrease device 71 at the connection portion 41m. Instead, in this embodiment, both the positive electrode 241p and the negative electrode 241n are supported by the fixing portion 21.

As shown in FIG. 6, the fixing portion 21 supports the positive electrode 241p and the negative electrode 41n. The positive electrode 241p and the negative electrode 41n are arranged so as to pass through the fixing portion 21, or are arranged along the surface of the fixing portion 21. The positive electrode 241p and the negative electrode 41n are separated from the fixed portion 21 in the vicinity of the connecting portion 41m and extend toward the material line 41a. The positive electrode 241p and the negative electrode 41n are separated from the fixed portion 21 in the vicinity of the base 2 and extend toward the energy increase / decrease device 71. According to this embodiment, the positive electrode 241p and the negative electrode 41n are stably supported. This configuration contributes to stabilizing the electrical connection.

Third Embodiment This embodiment is a modification based on the preceding embodiment as a basic embodiment. In the above embodiment, the heat generating member is provided by a nichrome wire. Alternatively, the heating member can be provided by a variety of electrical heating members. In this embodiment, the heat generating member is formed of a conductive thin film 341d.

As shown in FIG. 7, the conductive thin film 341d is arranged on the outer surface of the material wire 41a. The conductive thin film 341d may be provided by a film called a conductive polymer or a conductive metal film. In this case, the film is formed on the surface of the material wire 41a. For example, the conductive polymer or the conductive metal film is formed on the surface of the material wire 41a by various methods such as plating, synthesis, and sputtering. Its shape is a spiral that wraps around the material wire 41a. Further, even if a spiral energy transfer member is formed by winding a ribbon-shaped conductive polymer or a conductive metal film formed separately from the material wire 41a and arranged on the outer surface of the material wire 41a. Good.

Fourth Embodiment This embodiment is a modification based on the preceding embodiment as a basic embodiment. In the above embodiment, the spiral heating wire 41d is adopted. Instead of this, in this embodiment, a linear heating wire 441d is used.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the energy transfer component is provided by the heating wire 441d. The heating wire 441d extends mainly along the actuator shaft AX41 in a straight line. The heating wire 441d has a return portion 41r. The heating wire 441d is formed in a reciprocating shape that turns at the return portion 41r. The heating wire 441d has at least two straight portions parallel to each other and a return portion 41r connecting the straight portions at the output end 41c. The actuator element 41 has a plurality of heating wires 441d. The plurality of heating wires 441d are connected in parallel between the positive electrode 241p and the negative electrode 241n. In this embodiment, the actuator element 41 has two heating wires 441d and 441d. On the outer surface of the material wire 41a, four straight portions are arranged at equal angle intervals.

More straight sections may be arranged. Further, the heating wire 441d is not limited to the reciprocating shape, and may have a plurality of reciprocating portions. This embodiment also improves the stability of the electrical connection.

Fifth Embodiment This embodiment is a modification based on the preceding embodiment as a basic embodiment. The linear shape can also be adopted in the conductive thin film 541d.

In FIG. 9, the conductive thin film 541d is provided by a film called a conductive polymer or a conductive metal film, as in the preceding embodiments. Also in this embodiment, the same effect as that of the preceding embodiment can be obtained.

Sixth Embodiment This embodiment is a modification based on the preceding embodiment as a basic embodiment. In the above embodiment, two actuator elements 41 and 42 are used. Instead of this, only one actuator element 41 may be provided. In this case, a passive rotation mechanism can be used instead of the second actuator element 42. The passive rotation mechanism can be provided by various mechanisms such as rubber, resin springs, metal springs, and air springs. The passive rotation mechanism is called a return mechanism.

In FIG. 10, the movable device 1 has a return mechanism 622 instead of the second actuator element 42. The return mechanism 622 has a passive elastic member 661, a fixing portion 662, and a fixing portion 663. The fixing portion 662 is a block fixed to the base 2. The fixing portion 663 is fixed to the driven body 31.

The elastic member 661 is a metal coil spring. The elastic member 661 exerts a counterclockwise force on the driven body 31 by being pulled from the free state. The elastic member 661 uses one end of the rotation range M631 of the driven body 31 as a reference position. The elastic member 661 is arranged so as to be pulled by the torsional motion of the actuator element 41. The elastic member 661 exerts a return force against the rotational force in the direction of the arrow M41. As a result, the actuator element 41 is intermittently driven, in other words, by periodically repeating the activated state and the inactivated state, the driven body 31 rotates in the rotation range M631. Exercise.

According to this embodiment, the reciprocating movement of the driven body 31 can be obtained by one actuator element 41. Moreover, since the guide mechanism 5 is provided, the driven body 31 is stable. The configuration of this embodiment is also available in other preceding embodiments.

Seventh Embodiment This embodiment is a modification based on the preceding embodiment as a basic embodiment. In the above embodiment, the energy transfer component directly contacts the material wire 41a and directly transfers energy to the material wire 41a. Instead, in this embodiment, the energy transfer component indirectly transfers energy to the material wire 41a.

In FIG. 11, a bobbin 741s, which is a tubular member, is arranged between the material wire 41a and the heating wire 741d. The bobbin 741s has excellent thermal conductivity. The bobbin 741s is electrically insulating. For example, the bobbin 741s is provided by a glass tube. For example, the bobbin 741s may be provided by a resin tubular member having a mesh-like wall.

The bobbin 741s is supported by the fixing portion 21. The bobbin 741s may be fixed to the base 2. In this case, the torsional deformation of the material wire 41a does not affect the connecting portion 41m. Therefore, the bobbin 741s is also a member that insulates mechanical deformation.

In the method of manufacturing the actuator element 41, the heating wire 741d is wound around the bobbin 741s. The heating wire 741d is in contact with the outer surface of the bobbin 741s. The heating wire 741s is held by the bobbin 741s. The bobbin 741s around which the heating wire 741d is spirally wound is arranged on the outer side in the radial direction of the material wire 41a. Therefore, the heating wire 741d is spirally arranged on the radial outer side of the material wire 41a.

According to this embodiment, the bobbin 741s completely separates the torsional deformation of the material wire 41a from the connecting portion 41m. Therefore, the stability of the electrical connection at the connection portion 41 m is improved.

Eighth Embodiment This embodiment is a modification based on the preceding embodiment as a basic embodiment. In this embodiment, a linear heating wire 841d is used.

As shown in FIG. 12, a linear heating wire 841d can be used instead of the spiral heating wire 741d. The heating wire 841d is arranged on the outer surface of the bobbin 741s. This embodiment also improves the stability of the electrical connection. Also in the 7th embodiment and the 8th embodiment, a conductive thin film can be used instead of the heating wire.

Other Embodiments The disclosure herein is not limited to the exemplified embodiments. The disclosure includes exemplary embodiments and modifications by those skilled in the art based on them. For example, disclosure is not limited to the parts and / or element combinations shown in the embodiments. Disclosure can be carried out in various combinations. The disclosure can have additional parts that can be added to the embodiment. The disclosure includes the parts and / or elements of the embodiment omitted. Disclosures include replacement or combination of parts and / or elements between one embodiment and another. The technical scope disclosed is not limited to the description of the embodiments. Some technical scopes disclosed are indicated by the claims description and should be understood to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims statement.

In a plurality of preceding embodiments, the guide mechanism 5 is provided by the shaft 51 and the guide bore 52. The shaft 51 and the guide bore 52 provide a so-called bearing mechanism. The bearing mechanism that provides the guide mechanism 5 can be provided by many mechanisms such as ball bearings, fluid bearings, and magnetic bearings, in addition to the sliding bearings as in the embodiment. In this embodiment, a relatively simple and lightweight sliding bearing is adopted in consideration of the upper limit of the rotational torque that can be output by the actuator elements 41 and 42.

In the preceding plurality of embodiments, a separate shaft 51 is fixed to the driven body 31. Instead of this, the shaft may be integrally formed on the driven body 31 or the support portion 23. For example, a cylindrical portion that replaces the shaft 51 can be formed on the driven body 31 or the support portion 23 by machining. Further, a cylindrical portion instead of the shaft 51 may be insert-molded into the driven body 31 or the support portion 23.

In a plurality of preceding embodiments, the movable device 1 includes a guide mechanism 5. Instead of this, the driven body 31 may be supported by the actuator elements 41 and 42 and the connecting member without providing the guide mechanism 5. The winding-shaped connecting member enables stable rotation of the driven body 31. In a plurality of preceding embodiments, the guide mechanism 5 includes a shaft 51 and a guide bore 52. Instead of this, a guide mechanism for suspending the driven body such as a pendulum, or a guide mechanism for supporting the driven body at a fulcrum such as an inverted pendulum may be adopted.

In addition to the preceding embodiments, the fixation can be provided with a mechanism that mechanically limits the direction of rotation. For example, the fixed portion may be provided with a ratchet mechanism. The ratchet mechanism fixes the fixed end 41b, for example, when the fixed end 41b rotates in the direction of the arrow M42. On the contrary, when the fixed end 41b rotates in the direction of the arrow M41, the fixed end 41b is opened. The ratchet mechanism is in a fixed state to allow active deformation and is in an open state to nullify passive deformation.

In addition to the preceding embodiment, the fixing force at the fixed end 41b or the output end 41c may be variable. In this case, a fixing portion that can electrically control the fixing force variably may be provided. The fixing force by the fixing portions 21 and 22 may be changed to an open state, a fixed state, or a strong or weak state. For example, the connecting mechanism 21d may be switched between a state of being strongly tightened on the outer peripheral surface of the end sleeve 21a and a state of being weakly pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the end sleeve 21a. In this case, the end sleeve 21a rotates while rubbing against the set screw.

In the preceding embodiment, the heating wire 41d is directly wound around the material wire 41a. Instead of this, a member may be arranged between the material wire 41a and the heating wire 41d. For example, a support member that is electrically insulating and has excellent thermal conductivity can be arranged. The support member can be provided by an insulating paper wound around the material wire 41a or a glass cylinder accommodating the material wire 41a inside. Thus, in one embodiment, the heating wire 41d is in direct contact with the material wire 41a, whereas in the other embodiment, the heating wire 41d is wound without being in direct contact with the material wire 41a. Has a shape. A heat generating member may be arranged on the inner surface of the support member.

In the preceding embodiment, the actuator element 41 comprises a bobbin 741s. Alternatively, the energy transfer component can be supported in a reciprocating manner without the bobbin 741s. For example, the heating wire 741d itself may be fixed to the fixing portion 21. Further, the heating wire 741d may be arranged on the inner surface of the bobbin 741s.

In the preceding embodiment, the energy of the material wire 41a is increased or decreased by heating by the heating wire 41d and heat dissipation. Instead of this, the energy of the material wire 41a can be increased or decreased by cooling with a cooling device and allowing cooling. For example, the Peltier effect element can be arranged along the material line 41a. The Peltier effect element provides an energy transfer component. In this case, when the material wire 41a is cooled, it thermally expands or contracts to cause torsional deformation.

In the preceding embodiment, a nichrome wire is used as the heating wire 41d. Alternatively, the energy transfer component can be provided by a variety of electrical heating components. For example, the heat generating member may be provided by a conductive thin film called a conductive polymer or a conductive metal film. In this case, the film is formed on the surface of the material wire 41a. For example, the conductive polymer or the conductive metal film is formed on the surface of the material wire 41a by various methods such as plating, synthesis, and sputtering. Its shape is a spiral that wraps around the material wire 41a. Further, a spiral heat generating member may be formed by winding a ribbon-shaped conductive polymer or a conductive metal film formed separately from the material wire 41a, and may be arranged outside the material wire 41a.

1 movable device, 2 bases,
21 Fixed part, 22 Fixed part, 23 Support part,
3 Moving parts, 31 Driven body,
4 Actuator mechanism,
41 Actuator element, 42 Actuator element,
41a material wire, 41b fixed end, 41c output end,
41d heating wire, 41m connection, 41r return,
41p positive electrode, 41n negative electrode,
5 Guide mechanism, 51 shaft, 52 guide bore,
7 Control system, 70 Control device,
71, 72 Energy increase / decrease device,
241p positive electrode, 241n negative electrode,
341d conductive thin film, 441d heating wire,
541d conductive thin film, 622 return mechanism,
741d heating wire, 741s bobbin,
841d heating wire,
AX41 actuator shaft, AXR rotation shaft.

Claims (9)

Actuator elements (41, 42) that are deformed by increasing or decreasing energy,
A driven body (31) connected to the actuator element is provided.
The actuator element is
The material wire (41a) that causes the deformation and
Energy transfer components (41d, 341d, 441d, 541d, 741d, 841d) that are energy transfer components that increase or decrease the energy of the material wire and are arranged in a reciprocating manner along the actuator shaft of the actuator element .
Energy increase / decrease devices (71, 72) that increase / decrease the energy of the actuator element, and
A control device (70) for controlling the energy increase / decrease device so as to alternately repeat a period in which the energy of the actuator element increases and a period in which the energy of the actuator element decreases is provided.
The actuator element includes a first actuator element (41) that is symmetrically arranged with respect to the driven body and deforms in the opposite direction , and a second actuator element (42) .
The control device is
The period during which the energy of the first actuator element increases and the energy of the second actuator element decreases, and
The first energy of the actuator device is reduced, the movable device Ru is oscillating the driven body by repeating alternately the time period in which the energy is increased in the second actuator element. The movable device according to claim 1, wherein both ends (41p, 41n; 241p, 241n) of the energy transfer component are collected in a connection portion (41 m) provided at the end of the actuator element. The actuator element has a fixed end (41b) which is one end of the actuator shaft and is fixed, and an output end (41c) which is connected to the driven body and for outputting the deformation. And
The movable device according to claim 2, wherein the connecting portion is arranged closer to the fixed end than the center. The movable device according to claim 3, wherein the connecting portion is arranged closer to the fixed end than the center. The movable device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the energy transfer component has a return portion (41r) for reciprocating the energy transfer component closer to the output end side than the center. The movable device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a bobbin (741s) arranged between the material wire and the energy transfer component. The movable device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the actuator element undergoes the deformation due to an increase or decrease in thermal energy. The movable device according to claim 7, wherein the energy transfer component is a heat generating member. The movable device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the actuator element is a synthetic fiber.

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