Thermal actuator configuration with improved reset time

Abstract

The invention relates to a thermal actuator arrangement (1) for moving an adjustment element (4) between a first adjustment position (S1) and a second adjustment position (S2), comprising:-a first sub-actuator (2) having a first thermal actuator element (21) to which a first reaction force (F1) is applied; a second sub-actuator (3) having a second thermal actuator element (31) to which a second reaction force (F2) is applied, the actuator element (21, 31) being configured to change its shape by a temperature change counter to the corresponding reaction force (F1, F2); an adjusting element (4) which is coupled to the first sub-actuator (2) in such a way that, in the deactivated state of the first actuator element (21), the adjusting element (4) is held in the first adjusting position (S1) under the action of a holding force (H) and, in the case of the elimination of the holding force (H), the adjusting element (4) is held in the second adjusting position (S1) under the action of the holding force (H). The adjustment element (4) enters the second adjustment position (S2) on the basis of the action of the first reaction force (F1); a locking element (5), which is coupled to the second sub-actuator in order to provide the holding force (H) in a deactivated state of the second actuator element (31) and to reduce or eliminate the holding force (H) in an activated state of the second actuator element (31).

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention is concerned with thermal actuator arrangements, in particular modulating actuators, which can be modulated by thermal actuator elements. Background technique [0002] A thermal actuator configuration refers to an actuator having thermal actuator elements that can cause an actuating motion through thermal action. The thermal actuator arrangement can, for example, be provided with a thermoelastic actuator element having a thermoelastic material (also referred to as elastothermal or mechanothermal material). Such thermoelastic materials change their microstructure under the action of temperature changes. This allows the thermoelastic element to shrink in size or apply tension as it heats up. On cooling, the thermoelastic element regains its original shape, in particular in the presence of a corresponding restoring force. A common group of thermoelastic materials are shape memory alloys. [0003] Thermal actuators are often used ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0008] In conventional resistive thermoelastic actuator configurations, it is also not easy to quickly reset the adjustment element, since the reset speed is directly related to the material properties of the activated thermoelastic element and its cooling rate

In addition, the stretching of the thermoelastic element in the activated state causes attenuation of the thermoelastic material, and thus the reset caused by the corresponding reset force on the activated (contracted) element shortens the service life

[0009] Furthermore, conventional antagonistic thermoelastic actuator configurations do not have a defined reset position, which may result in undefined adjustment of the actuator configuration in the unenergized situation.

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