A shape memory alloy actuator

Abstract

The present invention discloses a shape memory alloy driver, which is characterized in that it comprises an SMA driving structure, a power supply, a liquid storage tank, an electromagnetic valve structure, a control core and a spray structure; the power supply is electrically connected to the SMA driving structure; the liquid storage tank is filled with a refrigerant liquid; the electromagnetic valve structure is connected to the liquid outlet of the liquid storage tank through a pipeline; the control core is electrically connected to the power supply and the electromagnetic valve structure; the spray structure is connected to the electromagnetic valve structure and is used to spray a cooling spray onto the SMA driving structure; a control core is provided to control the power supply and the electromagnetic valve structure, the power supply is used to energize the SMA driving structure, the electromagnetic valve structure drives the refrigerant liquid in the liquid storage tank to be transported to the spray structure, the refrigerant liquid is atomized by the spray structure to form a cooling spray, and is sprayed onto the surface of the SMA driving structure to cool it, so that the cooling effect is significantly enhanced compared with the traditional cooling method, and the response speed is improved.

Description

[0001] This case is a divisional application based on the invention patent with application date of 2022-12-30, application number CN202211712481.X, and name “A Shape Memory Alloy Driver” as the parent case. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to the technical field of power transmission devices, and in particular to a shape memory alloy driver. Background Art

[0003] Shape memory alloy (SMA) material can be used as an actuator due to its shape memory effect. SMA actuators have the advantages of simple structure, large driving force, high power-to-weight ratio, and rapid response. They have been widely used in practice, especially in aircraft wing variant structures.

[0004] The cooling time of an SMA actuator directly affects the response speed of the actuator. Currently, there are several cooling methods for SMA actuators, including mechanical ventilation cooling, water cooling, air cooling, and radiator cooling. However, all of these cooling methods have a long cooling time and cannot meet the normal operation requirements of the SMA actuator. Therefore, how to shorten the cooling time of the SMA actuator and improve the response speed of the SMA actuator has become a technical problem that needs to be solved urgently in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a shape memory alloy driver with fast response speed.

[0006] In order to solve the above technical problems, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is: a shape memory alloy driver, comprising

[0007] SMA drive structure;

[0008] a power supply electrically connected to the SMA drive structure;

[0009] A liquid storage tank, wherein the liquid storage tank is filled with refrigeration liquid;

[0010] A solenoid valve structure connected to the liquid outlet of the liquid storage tank via a pipeline;

[0011] a control core, the control core being electrically connected to the power supply and the solenoid valve structure;

[0012] A spray structure is connected to the solenoid valve structure and is used to spray cooling spray toward the SMA drive structure.

[0013] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: the shape memory alloy driver provided by the present invention has the characteristics of fast response speed, a control core is set to control the power supply and the solenoid valve structure, the power supply is used to energize the SMA drive structure, the solenoid valve structure drives the refrigerant liquid in the liquid storage tank to be transported to the spray structure, the refrigerant liquid is atomized by the spray structure to form a cooling spray and sprayed onto the surface of the SMA drive structure to cool it, the cooling spray is sprayed on the heat source surface of the SMA drive structure to form a liquid film, and the cooling capacity is improved by relying on the heated evaporation of the liquid film and the nucleate boiling of the heat exchange surface. The cooling effect is significantly enhanced compared with the traditional cooling method, and the response speed is improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 This is a simplified structural diagram of a shape memory alloy actuator according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram of the SMA drive structure of the shape memory alloy actuator of Example 1 of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Detailed view of point A in the middle;

[0017] Figure 4 This is a simplified structural diagram of a shape memory alloy actuator according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 5 This is a schematic structural diagram of the SMA drive structure of the shape memory alloy actuator of Example 2 of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Detail of point B in the middle.

[0020] Description of labels:

[0021] 1. Liquid storage tank; 2. Solenoid valve structure; 21. First solenoid valve; 22. Second solenoid valve; 3. Control core; 4. Spray structure; 41. First connecting pipe; 411. First nozzle; 42. Second connecting pipe; 421. Second nozzle; 51. First SMA spring; 511. First fixed bracket; 512. First rotating motor; 513. First rotating mounting seat; 514. First telescopic nozzle; 52. Second SMA spring; 521. Second fixed bracket; 522. Second rotating motor; 523. Second rotating mounting seat; 524. Second telescopic nozzle; 525. Spray hole; 53. Transmission member; 54. Transmission wheel; 55. Transmission shaft; 6. Power supply; 7. Multi-channel driver. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] To illustrate the technical content, achieved objectives and effects of the present invention in detail, the following description is given in conjunction with the embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0023] Please refer to Figures 1 to 6 , a shape memory alloy actuator comprising

[0024] SMA drive structure;

[0025] a power supply 6, electrically connected to the SMA drive structure;

[0026] A liquid storage tank 1, wherein the liquid storage tank 1 is filled with refrigeration liquid;

[0027] The solenoid valve structure 2 is connected to the liquid outlet of the liquid storage tank 1 through a pipeline;

[0028] a control core 3, the control core 3 being electrically connected to the power supply 6 and the solenoid valve structure 2;

[0029] The spray structure 4 is connected to the solenoid valve structure 2 and is used to spray cooling spray toward the SMA drive structure.

[0030] From the above description, it can be seen that the beneficial effects of the present invention are: a control core 3 is set to control the power supply 6 and the solenoid valve structure 2, the power supply 6 is used to energize the SMA drive structure, and the solenoid valve structure 2 drives the refrigerant liquid in the liquid storage tank 1 to be transported to the spray structure 4, and the refrigerant liquid is atomized by the spray structure 4 to form a cooling spray and sprayed onto the surface of the SMA drive structure to cool it. The cooling spray is sprayed on the heat source surface of the SMA drive structure to form a liquid film, and the cooling capacity is improved by relying on the heated evaporation of the liquid film and the nucleate boiling of the heat exchange surface. The cooling effect is significantly enhanced compared with the traditional cooling method, and the response speed is improved.

[0031] Furthermore, the SMA drive structure includes a first fixed bracket 511, a second fixed bracket 521, a transmission member 53, a transmission wheel 54 and a transmission shaft 55; the first fixed bracket 511 is provided with a first SMA spring 51 connected to one end of the transmission member 53, and the first SMA spring 51 is electrically connected to the power supply 6; the second fixed bracket 521 is provided with a second SMA spring 52 connected to the other end of the transmission member 53, and the second SMA spring 52 is electrically connected to the power supply 6; the transmission wheel 54 is installed on the transmission shaft 55, the transmission member 53 is entangled with the transmission wheel 54, and is used to drive the transmission wheel 54 to rotate, and the transmission shaft 55 is used to output power.

[0032] As can be seen from the above description, a transmission member 53 is provided on the transmission wheel 54 to drive the transmission wheel 54 to rotate, and the transmission member 53 is driven by the expansion and contraction of the first SMA spring 51 and the second SMA spring 52 at both ends of the transmission member 53.

[0033] Furthermore, the spray structure 4 includes a first connecting pipe 41 and a second connecting pipe 42, one end of the first connecting pipe 41 and one end of the second connecting pipe 42 are respectively connected to the solenoid valve structure 2; the other end of the first connecting pipe 41 is provided with a first nozzle 411 connected to the first fixed bracket 511, and the first nozzle 411 is used to spray cooling spray onto the first SMA spring 51; the other end of the second connecting pipe 42 is provided with a second nozzle 421 connected to the second fixed bracket 521, and the second nozzle 421 is used to spray cooling spray onto the second SMA spring 52.

[0034] Furthermore, it also includes a first rotating mounting seat 513 and a second rotating mounting seat 523; the first rotating mounting seat 513 is rotatably connected to the first fixed bracket 511, and the first nozzle 411 is installed on the first rotating mounting seat 513; the second rotating mounting seat 523 is rotatably connected to the second fixed bracket 521, and the second nozzle 421 is installed on the second rotating mounting seat 523.

[0035] As can be seen from the above description, the first rotating mounting seat 513 is used to adjust the spraying angle of the first nozzle 411, ensuring that the first nozzle 411 can spray the cooling spray on the first SMA spring 51 at a suitable angle; the second rotating mounting seat 523 is used to adjust the spraying angle of the second nozzle 421, ensuring that the second nozzle 421 can spray the cooling spray on the second SMA spring 52 at a suitable angle.

[0036] Furthermore, a first rotating motor 512 connected to the first rotating mounting seat 513 is provided on the first fixed bracket 511 ; and a second rotating motor 522 connected to the second rotating mounting seat 523 is provided on the second fixed bracket 521 .

[0037] As can be seen from the above description, the first rotary motor 512 is used to control the rotation of the first rotary mount 513, so that the first nozzle 411 can spray cooling spray in the extension direction of the first SMA spring 51; the second rotary motor 522 is used to control the rotation of the second rotary mount 523, so that the second nozzle 421 can spray cooling spray in the extension direction of the second SMA spring 52; this is conducive to improving the cooling effect.

[0038] Furthermore, the spray structure 4 includes a first connecting tube 41 and a second connecting tube 42, one end of the first connecting tube 41 and one end of the second connecting tube 42 are respectively connected to the solenoid valve structure 2; the first fixed bracket 511 is provided with a first telescopic nozzle 514 connected to the end of the first SMA spring 51 near the transmission member 53, the first telescopic nozzle 514 has a plurality of spray holes 525 extending along its length, and the first telescopic nozzle 514 is connected to the other end of the first connecting tube 41; the second fixed bracket 521 is provided with a second telescopic nozzle 524 connected to the end of the second SMA spring 52 near the transmission member 53, the second telescopic nozzle 524 has a plurality of spray holes 525 extending along its length, and the second telescopic nozzle 524 is connected to the other end of the second connecting tube 42.

[0039] From the above description, it can be seen that the first telescopic nozzle 514 can be synchronously extended and retracted according to the extension and retraction stroke of the first SMA spring 51, and the spray range and spray volume of the cooling spray can be adjusted according to the extension and retraction amount of the first SMA spring 51, so that the first SMA spring 51 is completely wrapped by the cooling spray during the extension and retraction process; the second telescopic nozzle 524 can be synchronously extended and retracted according to the extension and retraction stroke of the second SMA spring 52, and the spray range and spray volume of the cooling spray can be adjusted according to the extension and retraction amount of the second SMA spring 52, so that the first SMA spring 51 is completely wrapped by the cooling spray during the extension and retraction process; the uniformity of heat dissipation is improved and the waste of cooling liquid is reduced.

[0040] Furthermore, the transmission member 53 is a pull rope, a transmission belt or a chain.

[0041] It can be seen from the above description that the transmission member 53 can be selected according to actual application requirements.

[0042] Furthermore, hooks are respectively provided at both ends of the transmission member 53 , and the first SMA spring 51 and the second SMA spring 52 are respectively provided with snap rings connected to the hooks.

[0043] As can be seen from the above description, the hook and the snap ring facilitate the connection of the first SMA spring 51 and the second SMA spring 52 to the transmission member 53 .

[0044] Furthermore, the transmission member 53 and / or the transmission wheel 54 are provided with anti-slip grooves.

[0045] It can be seen from the above description that the anti-slip groove can reduce the risk of relative sliding between the transmission member 53 and the transmission wheel 54.

[0046] Example 1

[0047] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3 , Embodiment 1 of the present invention is: a shape memory alloy driver, comprising an SMA driver structure, a power supply 6, a liquid storage tank 1, an electromagnetic valve structure 2, a control core 3 (i.e., MCU) and a spray structure 4; the power supply 6 is electrically connected to the SMA driver structure; the liquid storage tank 1 is filled with a refrigerant liquid; the electromagnetic valve structure 2 is connected to the liquid outlet of the liquid storage tank 1 through a pipeline; the control core 3 is electrically connected to the power supply 6 and the electromagnetic valve structure 2; the spray structure 4 is connected to the electromagnetic valve structure 2 for spraying a cooling spray to the SMA driver structure; the control core 3 is provided to control the power supply 6 and the electromagnetic valve structure 2, the power supply 6 is used to energize the SMA driver structure, the electromagnetic valve structure 2 drives the refrigerant liquid in the liquid storage tank 1 to be transported to the spray structure 4, the refrigerant liquid is atomized by the spray structure 4 to form a cooling spray and is sprayed onto the surface of the SMA driver structure to cool it, the cooling spray is sprayed onto the heat source surface of the SMA driver structure to form a liquid film, and the cooling capacity is improved by relying on the heated evaporation of the liquid film and the nucleate boiling of the heat exchange surface, and the cooling efficiency is improved. The effect is significantly enhanced compared to the traditional cooling method, and the response speed is improved. Specifically, the SMA drive structure includes a first fixed bracket 511, a second fixed bracket 521, a transmission member 53, a transmission wheel 54 and a transmission shaft 55; the first fixed bracket 511 is provided with a first SMA spring 51 connected to one end of the transmission member 53, and the two ends of the first SMA spring 51 are respectively electrically connected to the power supply 6 to form a closed loop; the second fixed bracket 521 is provided with a second SMA spring 52 connected to the other end of the transmission member 53, and the two ends of the second SMA spring 52 are respectively electrically connected to the power supply 6 to form a closed loop; the transmission wheel 54 is mounted on the transmission shaft 55, the transmission member 53 is wrapped around the transmission wheel 54, and is used to drive the transmission wheel 54 to rotate, and the transmission shaft 55 is used to output power. The transmission member 53 is provided on the transmission wheel 54 to drive it to rotate, and the transmission member 53 is driven by the expansion and contraction of the first SMA spring 51 and the second SMA spring 52 at both ends of the transmission member 53.

[0048] Preferably, a multi-channel driver 7 is further included, and the multi-channel driver 7 is electrically connected to the power supply 6, the SMA drive structure and the control core 3. Specifically, the power supply is electrically connected to both ends of the first SMA spring 51 through the multi-channel driver to form a closed loop, and the power supply is electrically connected to both ends of the second SMA spring 52 through the multi-channel driver to form a closed loop; that is, the multi-channel driver is used to control the on / off of the closed loop between the power supply 6 and the first SMA spring 51 and the second SMA spring 52; and the control core controls the multi-channel driver to supply or cut off power to the first SMA spring 51 or the second SMA spring 52 of the SMA drive structure.

[0049] In detail, the working steps of the shape memory alloy driver in this embodiment are as follows: the control core 3 controls the multi-channel driver 7 to energize the power supply 6 and the second SMA spring 52, so that the second SMA spring 52 contracts due to heat, and the first SMA spring 51 is pulled to stretch through the transmission member 53. At this time, the solenoid valve structure 2 is driven by the control core 3, so that the spray structure 4 atomizes the refrigerant liquid in the liquid storage tank 1 and sprays it on the second SMA spring 52, so that the second SMA spring 52 is cooled and stretched. At the same time, the control core 3 controls the multi-channel driver 7 to energize the power supply 6 and the first SMA spring 51, so that the first SMA spring 51 contracts due to heat. In this way, the first SMA spring 51 forms a pulling state, driving the transmission wheel 54 to rotate back and forth, thereby driving the transmission shaft 55 to rotate back and forth.

[0050] Preferably, the spray structure 4 includes a first connecting pipe 41 and a second connecting pipe 42 (such as Figure 1 As shown), one end of the first connecting pipe 41 and one end of the second connecting pipe 42 are respectively connected to the solenoid valve structure 2; the other end of the first connecting pipe 41 is provided with a first nozzle 411 connected to the first fixed bracket 511, and the first nozzle 411 is used to spray a cooling spray to the first SMA spring 51; the other end of the second connecting pipe 42 is provided with a second nozzle 421 connected to the second fixed bracket 521, and the second nozzle 421 is used to spray a cooling spray to the second SMA spring 52; specifically, the SMA drive structure further includes a first rotating mounting seat 513 and a second rotating mounting seat 523; the first rotating mounting seat 513 and the second rotating mounting seat 523 are connected to each other. A fixed bracket 511 is rotatably connected, and the first nozzle 411 is installed on the first rotating mounting seat 513; the second rotating mounting seat 523 is rotatably connected to the second fixed bracket 521, and the second nozzle 421 is installed on the second rotating mounting seat 523. The first rotating mounting seat 513 is used to adjust the spraying angle of the first nozzle 411, ensuring that the first nozzle 411 can spray cooling spray on the first SMA spring 51 at a suitable angle; the second rotating mounting seat 523 is used to adjust the spraying angle of the second nozzle 421, ensuring that the second nozzle 421 can spray cooling spray on the second SMA spring 52 at a suitable angle.

[0051] Optionally, the number of the SMA drive structures and the number of the solenoid valve structures 2 can be set according to actual application requirements. The number of the SMA drive structures is equal to the number of the solenoid valve structures 2. Each of the solenoid valve structures 2 includes a first solenoid valve 21 and a second solenoid valve 22. Each of the first solenoid valves 21 is connected to a first nozzle 411 through a first connecting pipe 41; each of the second solenoid valves 22 is connected to a second nozzle 421 through a second connecting pipe 42.

[0052] In this embodiment, a first rotating motor 512 connected to the first rotating mounting seat 513 is provided on the first fixed bracket 511; a second rotating motor 522 connected to the second rotating mounting seat 523 is provided on the second fixed bracket 521, and the first rotating motor 512 is used to control the rotation of the first rotating mounting seat 513, so that the first nozzle 411 can spray cooling spray in the elongation direction of the first SMA spring 51; the second rotating motor 522 is used to control the rotation of the second rotating mounting seat 523, so that the second nozzle 421 can spray cooling spray in the elongation direction of the second SMA spring 52; it is beneficial to improve the cooling effect; in detail, the first rotating motor 512 and the second rotating motor 522 are both electrically connected to the control core 3, and the first rotating motor 512 and the second rotating motor 522 are both micro motors.

[0053] Optionally, the transmission member 53 is a pull rope, a transmission belt or a chain, and the transmission member 53 can be selected according to actual application requirements; further, hooks are respectively provided at both ends of the transmission member 53, and the first SMA spring 51 and the second SMA spring 52 are respectively provided with snap rings connected to the hooks, and the hooks and the snap rings facilitate the connection of the first SMA spring 51 and the second SMA spring 52 to the transmission member 53; in this embodiment, the transmission member 53 is a pull rope, and the transmission member 53 and / or the transmission wheel 54 are provided with anti-slip grooves. It is easy to understand that the anti-slip grooves can reduce the risk of relative sliding between the transmission member 53 and the transmission wheel 54.

[0054] Example 2

[0055] Please refer to Figures 4 to 6, the second embodiment of the present invention is a further improvement of the spray structure 4 based on the first embodiment, and is different from the first embodiment in that: the spray structure 4 includes a first connecting pipe 41 and a second connecting pipe 42, one end of the first connecting pipe 41 and one end of the second connecting pipe 42 are respectively connected to the solenoid valve structure 2, the first fixed bracket 511 is provided with a first telescopic nozzle 514 connected to the end of the first SMA spring 51 close to the transmission member 53, the first telescopic nozzle 514 is provided with a plurality of spray holes 525 extending along its length direction, and the first telescopic nozzle 514 is communicated with the other end of the first connecting pipe 41; the second fixed bracket 521 is provided with a second telescopic nozzle 524 connected to the end of the second SMA spring 52 close to the transmission member 53, the second telescopic nozzle 524 is provided with a plurality of spray holes 525 extending along its length direction Multiple spray holes 525 are extended, and the second telescopic nozzle 524 is connected to the other end of the second connecting tube 42; specifically, the first telescopic nozzle 514 can be synchronously extended and retracted according to the extension and retraction stroke of the first SMA spring 51, and the spray range and spray volume of the cooling spray can be adjusted according to the extension and retraction amount of the first SMA spring 51, so that the first SMA spring 51 is completely wrapped by the cooling spray during the extension and retraction process; the second telescopic nozzle 524 can be synchronously extended and retracted according to the extension and retraction stroke of the second SMA spring 52, and the spray range and spray volume of the cooling spray can be adjusted according to the extension and retraction amount of the second SMA spring 52, so that the first SMA spring 51 is completely wrapped by the cooling spray during the extension and retraction process; the uniformity of heat dissipation is improved and the waste of refrigerant liquid is reduced; in detail, the first telescopic nozzle 514 and the second telescopic nozzle 524 are both bellows.

[0056] In summary, the shape memory alloy actuator provided by the present invention has the characteristics of fast response speed. A control core is provided to control the power supply and the solenoid valve structure. The power supply is used to energize the SMA drive structure. The solenoid valve structure drives the refrigerant liquid in the liquid storage tank to be transported to the spray structure. The refrigerant liquid is atomized by the spray structure to form a cooling spray and is sprayed onto the surface of the SMA drive structure to cool it. The cooling spray is sprayed onto the heat source surface of the SMA drive structure to form a liquid film. The cooling capacity is improved by the evaporation of the liquid film and the nucleate boiling of the heat exchange surface. The cooling effect is significantly enhanced compared to the traditional cooling method, and the response speed is improved. The first telescopic nozzle can be synchronously extended and retracted according to the extension and retraction stroke of the first SMA spring. The spray range and spray volume of the cooling spray can be adjusted according to the extension and retraction amount of the first SMA spring, so that the first SMA spring is completely covered by the cooling spray during the extension and retraction process. The second telescopic nozzle can be synchronously extended and retracted according to the extension and retraction stroke of the second SMA spring. The spray range and spray volume of the cooling spray can be adjusted according to the extension and retraction amount of the second SMA spring, so that the first SMA spring is completely covered by the cooling spray during the extension and retraction process. The uniformity of heat dissipation is improved and the waste of refrigerant liquid is reduced.

[0057] The above descriptions are merely embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent transformations made using the contents of the present invention's description and drawings, or directly or indirectly applied in related technical fields, are also included in the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A shape memory alloy actuator, characterized in that: include The SMA drive structure includes a first fixed bracket, a second fixed bracket, a transmission member, a transmission wheel, and a transmission shaft; the first fixed bracket is provided with a first SMA spring connected to one end of the transmission member; the second fixed bracket is provided with a second SMA spring connected to the other end of the transmission member; the transmission wheel is mounted on the transmission shaft, the transmission member is entangled with the transmission wheel for driving the transmission wheel to rotate, and the transmission shaft is used to output power; a power supply electrically connected to the first SMA spring and the second SMA spring; A liquid storage tank, wherein the liquid storage tank is filled with refrigeration liquid; A solenoid valve structure connected to the liquid outlet of the liquid storage tank via a pipeline; a control core, the control core being electrically connected to the power supply and the solenoid valve structure; The spray structure includes a first connecting pipe and a second connecting pipe, one end of the first connecting pipe and one end of the second connecting pipe are respectively connected to the solenoid valve structure; the other end of the first connecting pipe is provided with a first nozzle connected to the first fixing bracket, the first nozzle is used to spray a cooling spray toward the first SMA spring; the other end of the second connecting pipe is provided with a second nozzle connected to the second fixing bracket, the second nozzle is used to spray a cooling spray toward the second SMA spring; a first rotating mounting seat, the first rotating mounting seat being rotatably connected to the first fixed bracket, and the first nozzle being mounted on the first rotating mounting seat; A second rotating mounting seat is rotatably connected to the second fixed bracket, and the second nozzle is mounted on the second rotating mounting seat.

2. The shape memory alloy actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first fixed bracket is provided with a first rotating motor connected to the first rotating mounting seat; the second fixed bracket is provided with a second rotating motor connected to the second rotating mounting seat.

3. The shape memory alloy actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transmission member is a drawstring, a transmission belt or a chain.

4. The shape memory alloy actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both ends of the transmission member are provided with hooks, and the first SMA spring and the second SMA spring are respectively provided with snap rings connected to the hooks.

5. The shape memory alloy actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transmission member and / or the transmission wheel are provided with anti-skid grooves.

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