JPS60176123A - Temperature sensing operating device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To obtain a temperature sensing operating device with large torque and low cost by releasing a force stored through the energyzing a spring provided between a stator and an operating piece by means of a shape restoring force of a shape memory alloy to drive the operating piece. CONSTITUTION:A force of a shape memory alloy member 9 to be restored to the stored shape is weak at a critical temperature or below and the member 9 remains curved. When the member 9 is heated and reaches the critical temperature or over because of ambient temperature rise or the like, the member 9 presses a stopper 7 outward strongly with the force to be restored to the stored shape. Thus, a claw 23 is released from a head 19, the operating piece 3 is moved downward by a repulsing force of the coil spring 5 and the head 19 and a flange 21 are moved until they touch a bracket 13 of the upper part of the cylinder and the bottom of the cylinder. Since the torque of the operating piece 3 uses the repulsing force of the coil spring 5 as it is, the torque is increased.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Technical Field] The present invention relates to a temperature-sensitive actuation device that utilizes the shape-memory recovery power of a shape-memory alloy.

[Prior art]

Once a shape memory alloy has been subjected to memory treatment into a predetermined shape,
This is an alloy that, even if deformed at low temperatures, returns to its memorized shape when heated above a predetermined temperature, and is expected to have a wide range of applications as temperature-sensitive actuating elements.

A conventional temperature-sensitive actuator using a shape memory alloy has a shape memory alloy member and a bias spring arranged between the stator and the actuator, and the shape memory alloy has a temperature below the transformation temperature (martensitic reverse transformation temperature). When the shape memory alloy member is deformed into a shape other than the memorized shape by the force of the bias spring,
For example, when the actuator is retracted and the temperature exceeds the transformation temperature,
Generally, the actuator is moved forward while biasing the bias spring with the force that causes the shape memory alloy member to recover its memorized shape.However, in such a structure,
Since the actuator is driven by the difference in force between the shape memory alloy member and the bias spring, there is a problem that a large driving force cannot be obtained, and the range of applications is limited.

In addition, the shape memory alloy member in a conventional temperature-sensitive actuating device is generally one in which a specific shape, characterized by a coil shape, is memorized because it is necessary to obtain a relatively large stroke and to make the device compact. However, in order to memorize a specific shape such as a coil, there is a problem that not only is the forming process expensive, but also the amount of expensive shape memory alloy used increases, which increases manufacturing costs. [Objective of the Invention] In view of the problems of the prior art as described above, the object of the present invention is to provide a temperature-sensitive actuating device that can obtain a large driving force and is low cost. It is about providing.

[Structure of the invention]

The temperature-sensitive actuating device of the present invention that achieves the above object includes a stator, an actuator that can reciprocate while being guided by the stator, and an actuator drive interposed between the stator and the actuator. a stopper whose base is attached to the stator and which engages the actuator when the actuator is in the position where the spring is biased; A shape memory alloy member is installed so that when the temperature is below the temperature, the stopper is bent and deformed to maintain the fixed state of the stopper, and when the temperature exceeds the transformation temperature, the stopper is released from the fixed state with a force corresponding to the memorized shape. It is characterized by consisting of.

Note that the linear shape includes not only the straight shape itself, but also the shape having a slight bend naturally caused by curling or the like.

〔Example〕

FIGS. 1(A) to 1(C) show an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, 1 is a circumferential constant, 3 is an actuator, 5 is a coil spring, and 7
9 is a stopper, and 9 is a shape memory alloy member.

The stator 1 has a U-shaped bracket 13 fixed to the upper end of a cylinder 11. Holes 15 for guiding the actuator 6 are formed in the upper and lower end plates of the cylinder 11. The actuator 6 is formed by integrally forming a head 19 at the upper end of a shaft portion 17 that passes through the cylinder 11, and a flange 21 at the middle portion. The head 19 is disc-shaped, but the shape memory alloy member 9 side thereof is notched so as not to come into contact with the member. Flange 21 is located within cylinder 11.

The coil spring 5 is interposed between the flange 21 and the upper end plate of the cylinder 11 in a compressed state.

The stopper 7 is comprised of an L-shaped leaf spring whose base is fixed to the upper end of the cylinder 11, and has a claw 23 on the inner side of the upper part that engages with the head 19 of the actuator. The shape memory alloy member 9 is a wire rod (or a plate material) that memorizes a linear shape, and is fixed in a curved state to the rising portion of the bracket 16 at one end and to the rising portion of the stopper 7 at the other end. .

As shown in FIG. 1(A), when the actuator 6 is pushed up by an external force and the coil spring 5 is compressed, the claw 23 of the stopper 7 is placed under the head 19 of the actuator. It enters due to its springiness and prevents movement of the actuator 3 when the external force is removed.

When the temperature is below the transformation temperature, the force that causes the shape memory alloy member 9 to return to its memorized shape is weak, and the member 9 remains curved as shown in FIG. In this state, when the shape memory alloy member 9 is heated due to an increase in ambient temperature, etc., and the temperature exceeds the transformation temperature, the member 9 strongly presses the stopper 7 outward with the force of trying to return to the memorized shape, and the claw 23 is removed from the head 19, the actuator 6 moves downward due to the repulsive force of the coil spring 5, and becomes as shown in FIG. 1(c). At this time, the driving force of the actuator 3 can be made large because the repulsive force of the coil spring 5 is utilized. The force of the alloy member 9 is weak, and the stopper 7 deforms the member 9 by its own spring force and returns to the state shown in FIG.
When pushed up by an external force, it returns to the state shown in the figure (a).

FIGS. 2(a) to 2(c) show other embodiments of the present invention. In this embodiment, the bases of the bracket 7 and the stopper 7 are fixed to the circumferential surface of the cylinder 110. Further, a groove 25 is formed on the outer periphery of the head 19 of the actuator 3, and a protrusion 27 that falls into the groove 25 is formed on the stopper 7, thereby ensuring that the actuator 3 is prevented from operating. The neck shape memory alloy member 9 is attached so that the curved middle portion thereof protrudes outside the bracket 16. This is effective when temperature detection is performed locally. Furthermore, bracket 1
A coiled bias spring 29 is installed in tension between the shape memory alloy member 9 and the stopper 7 . This bias spring 27 is for deforming the shape memory alloy member 9 to the state shown in the figure when the temperature is below the transformation temperature, and is provided when the spring force of the stopper 7 is weak or when a spring material is not used for the stopper 7. It will be done. The configuration and operation other than this are the same as the embodiment shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 shows yet another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the bracket 13 is shaped like a gate, and stoppers 7A and 7B are attached to the inner sides of the rising portions on both sides thereof, respectively. The stoppers 7A and 7B have pieces 31A and 531B fixed to the inside of the upper end thereof, which engage with the head of the actuator 3. Also, stopper 7A
, 7B, the end portions of shape memory members 9 that memorize a linear shape and are deformed into a curved shape are fixed respectively. The shape memory member 9 has its curved middle portion projected to the outside through a slit formed on the upper surface of the bracket 16. This also makes it impossible to effectively detect the local temperature. Figure 6 (a) shows the state below the transformation temperature. A stopper 7A is located below the head 19 of the actuator 6 that has been pushed up.

Pieces 31A and 31B are engaged by the spring force of 7B,
Movement of the actuator 3 is prevented. Since the stoppers 7A and 7B are installed on both sides of the actuator B, the effect of preventing movement of the actuator is reliable. Figure (b) shows the state when the temperature exceeds the transformation temperature, and the stoppers 7A and 7B are opened on both sides due to the shape recovery force of the shape memory member 9, and the actuator 19
is moved downward by the force of the coil spring inside the cylinder 11.

FIGS. 4(A) to 4(C) show still other embodiments of the present invention. In this embodiment, a shape memory alloy member 9 that memorizes a linear shape is attached to the lower part of the head 19 of the actuator B. A stopper 7 made of a spring material is attached to the inner surface of the bracket 13 so that its tip abuts against the lower surface of the head 19, and a stopper 7 is attached to the upper end of the cylinder 11. A spacer 33 is attached to restrict the movement limit of the actuating element B.

This is to protect the shape memory alloy member 9. - A detent 65 is still attached to the lower end of the cylinder 11 to prevent rotation of the actuator 3. The lower part of the shaft portion 17 is
Since the surface facing the rotation stopper 65 is formed flat, rotation is prevented and the circumferential positional relationship between the shape memory alloy member 9 and the stopper 7 is prevented from shifting. (a) is a state below the transformation temperature. Stopper 7
The tip of the actuator 3 hits the lower surface of the head 19 of the actuator 3, preventing movement of the actuator 3. At this time, the shape memory alloy member 9
The tip is in contact with the inside of the stopper 7 and is curved. When the temperature exceeds the transformation temperature, the stopper 7 comes off from the head 19 and operates because the material 9≠(Jigen rental 1rr- + Otara loss 1 istuppa 7 is pressed) Child 3 is in the state shown in the same figure (c).

In the above embodiment, a compression coil spring is used as the spring for driving the actuator, but a tension coil spring may also be used. Furthermore, leaf springs, bamboo shoot springs, constant force spiral springs, etc. can also be used depending on the requirements.

Unfortunately, in the above example, there is no particular mention of the heating method or mode of heating of the shape memory alloy member, but the heating of the member may be done by any method that effectively increases the temperature, for example, by increasing the ambient temperature. Of course, heat may be introduced from other places using a ventilation pipe, a heat conductor, or even a heat pipe. The temperature-sensitive actuation device according to the present invention may also be configured such that a heater is placed near the member, or the member itself is heated by an ilH electric current.
It can be used for various purposes such as circuit breakers, sprinkler-1 automatic circuit breakers, and shutoff doors.

Although it is possible to use a shape memory alloy member having a coil shape memorized therein, the problem of high cost remains.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As explained above, the temperature-sensitive actuating device of the present invention uses the shape recovery force of the shape memory alloy member to release the force accumulated by energizing the spring provided between the stator and the actuator. Well, since it drives the actuator,
Large driving force can be obtained. Since the memorized shape of the shape memory alloy member is still linear, there is no need for shaping during memory treatment, and the amount of alloy used can be reduced, resulting in lower manufacturing costs. Therefore, it becomes possible to greatly expand the range of applications of temperature-sensitive actuators using shape memory alloys, and the industrial benefits are extremely large.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIGS. 1(a) to 1(e) show an embodiment of the present invention,
(A) is a partially cutaway front view before operation, (B) is a left side view of the same, and (C) is a partially cutaway front view after actuation. Figure 2 (/
1) to (C) show other embodiments of the present invention, in which (A) is a front view before operation, (B) is a right side view, and (C) is a plan view. 3(a) to 3) show still another embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) is a front view before operation, (b) is a left side view of the same, (c) is a plan view of the same, ) is a front view after operation. Figures 4 (a) to (c) show still other embodiments of the present invention, in which (i) is a front view before operation, (b) is a bottom view of the same, and (c) is a front view after operation. It is a diagram. 1... Stator, 3... Operator, 5...
... Coil spring, 7.7A, 7B ... Stopper, 9 ... Shape memory alloy member. Figure 1 Figure 2 (C) Figure 3 111 G (B) (A) To) Figure 4 (A) ←→

Claims (1)

[Claims] (1) Attach a stator, an actuator that can reciprocate while being guided by the stator, a spring for driving the actuator interposed between the stator and the actuator, and a base to the stator. When the actuator is in the position where the spring is biased, the actuator retains its linear shape, and when the temperature is below the transformation temperature, the actuator is bent and deformed. and a shape memory alloy member installed to maintain the retained state of the strut and disengage the strut horn with a force that restores the memorized shape when the temperature exceeds the transformation temperature. (2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the shape memory alloy member has a bent and deformed intermediate portion protruding outside the stator.0(6) Claim 1. 1. The device according to item 1, wherein the stopper bends and deforms the shape memory alloy member by the force of a spring when the shape memory alloy member is below a transformation temperature, so that the stopper comes to a position where it can be held with the actuator. Something that exists.