Device and method for performing an autonomous movement of a movable part

Abstract

Toy for performing an autonomous movement of a movable part (4) with a basic body (5) and the at least one movable part (4) arranged on the base body (5), wherein the movable part (4) is arranged on the base body (5) by means of a shape memory alloy (7) or is formed with or from the shape memory alloy (7), and a heat source (1) designed to generate thermal energy, wherein the heat source (1) is arranged on or in the base body (5) such that the thermal energy generated by the heat source (1) is supplied to the shape memory alloy (7) and causes a phase transformation in the shape memory alloy (7), so that the movable part (4) performs a relative movement to the base body (5) mediated by the shape memory alloy (7) as a result of the phase transformation, wherein the base body (5) has a cavity (3) in which the heat source (1) is arranged in a manner not directly visible to a user, and wherein the heat source (1) is designed as a non-electrical heat source.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device and a method for performing an autonomous movement of a movable part.

[0002] In the toy sector, "heat toys" are static, immobile objects that usually represent different trades or people, or various everyday objects, but in which a heat source can be lit inside by the user, so that smoke is subsequently produced, as with a smoking man or incense smoker, creating the impression of a smoking figure.

[0003] However, even in this case, the toy remains a purely static object that cannot perform any independent movement. While it is known in principle to power wooden toys with heat or candles, for example, by using heated air to set an object in rotation, as with Seiffen bell angels, Christmas pyramids, heat mirrors, or tea light carousels, rising heated air drives a rotor and sets at least part of the object in motion. Furthermore, a light seesaw with a bimetallic spring is also known, where a candle heats the bimetallic spring, causing a rotational movement of the seesaw that is reversible as the temperature decreases.

[0004] The use of electrically operated actuators for moving toys is also known from the prior art (for example, from US 2002 / 0061695 A1). However, these solutions have the disadvantage of requiring relatively large objects due to their design or the use of electric motors or other electrically powered drives, which is often considered inappropriate, especially in traditional handicrafts. German patent DE 10 2018 105745 A1 discloses a thermal expansion element that can move a piston when an oscillating magnetic field is applied. WO 2012 / 163812 A1 discloses an actuator that moves a piston by inductively heating and melting a phase-change material. US 3374337 represents further prior art.

[0005] The present invention therefore aims to propose a device for performing autonomous movement that avoids the aforementioned disadvantages, thus enabling autonomous movement even with a compact design. This objective is achieved according to the invention by a device according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are described in the dependent claims.

[0006] A toy for performing an autonomous movement of a movable part comprises a base body, at least one movable part arranged on the base body, and a heat source. The movable part is attached to the base body by means of a shape memory alloy and / or is formed from or with the shape memory alloy. The heat source is configured to generate or release thermal energy and is arranged on or within the base body such that the thermal energy generated by the heat source is transferred to the shape memory alloy and causes a phase transformation in the shape memory alloy, so that the movable part, mediated by the shape memory alloy, performs a relative movement to the base body as a result of the phase transformation.

[0007] By using a shape memory alloy, the autonomous movement of at least one moving part can be reliably achieved. Compared to bimetallic actuators or expansion elements, shape memory alloys allow for large linear travel distances and can be integrated into small installation spaces. This enables the reliable movement of even compact devices. The moving part is attached to the base body by means of the shape memory alloy, which can be a mechanical contact such as simple contact or a positive or force-fit connection. This secure attachment does not impede movement.Particularly when the moving part is made of a shape memory alloy, a simple and compact design can be achieved. The shape memory alloy, together with the moving part, thus forms an actuator, i.e., a functional element that converts a signal into action with the aid of energy. As the shape memory alloy undergoes a phase transformation due to the supplied thermal energy and consequently changes its shape, a movement is executed as a result of this shape change.

[0008] In further embodiments, more than one heat source and / or more than one moving part can be used. It is therefore possible to set at least two or more moving parts in motion with exactly one heat source through the generated heat or thermal energy, or, for example, to move only a single moving part with two or more heat sources. Likewise, it is of course possible to move several moving parts with multiple heat sources, whereby the number of heat sources can, but does not have to, correspond to the number of moving parts.

[0009] The base unit has a cavity in which the heat source is located. This protects the heat source and keeps it out of direct view of the user. The cavity can be accessed and removed via a door or other opening and closing cover. Alternatively or additionally, the base unit can be made in two parts, with a first part that can be placed on and removed from a second part, and the cavity located between the two parts.

[0010] Typically, the heat source is located at the bottom of the cavity, which allows for a simple arrangement. Alternatively, the heat source can also be suspended within the cavity, i.e., positioned at a distance from the bottom of the cavity.

[0011] The base body can be designed such that the heat source is enclosed by the base body, preferably on all sides. Advantageously, the heat source is arranged on the base body by means of a force-fit or form-fit connection; however, it is also possible not to explicitly connect the heat source to the base body, but simply to place the heat source on the base body.

[0012] The movable part can be arranged on the base body at a distance from the heat source, preferably in line with it. This spaced arrangement (preferably up to 5 cm apart) allows heat to reach the movable part from multiple sides, particularly if the heat source is located at the bottom of the cavity. The arrangement can be configured such that the heat source is positioned below the shape memory alloy while generating thermal energy. The term "below" here refers to an arrangement in which the heat source is located closer to the Earth's center of gravity than the shape memory alloy, relative to the acting gravitational force. In particular, an arrangement can exist in which the center of mass of the movable part, viewed in the direction of gravity, lies above the center of mass of the heat source.

[0013] Heat conduction, i.e., the transfer of heat generated by the heat source to the shape memory alloy, can typically occur through convection, meaning that a rising airflow transports the thermal energy or heat. Alternatively or additionally, heat conduction can also occur through thermal radiation and / or conduction. In the case of heat conduction, the heat source and the shape memory alloy should be in mechanical contact with each other or at least with an intermediary component, whereby the intermediary component touches both the heat source and the shape memory alloy or is at least positioned close enough to these components to allow heat transfer from one element to the other.

[0014] The basic body can be made of wood and / or metal, as these materials are easy and reliable to process and can be shaped into almost any form.

[0015] A non-electrical heat source is used, meaning a heat source that can generate thermal energy without an electrical input. This allows the device to operate even without an electrical current or voltage source.

[0016] Preferably, the thermal energy is generated by a combustion process of the heat source; that is, the heat source is preferably designed as an incense cone, candle, incense stick, or tea light. Particularly when using a combustion process, the base body can be designed as a closed body except for at least one opening; that is, the cavity is supplied with oxygen from the ambient air through an opening, and smoke produced during combustion is also removed through this opening. However, it is advantageous in this case to provide at least two openings, typically arranged at opposite ends of the base body.

[0017] Preferably, the heat source is designed to generate thermal energy directly upon its commissioning and supply it to the shape memory alloy. Particularly when using a heat source in which a combustion process takes place, the device can be designed such that, as soon as the combustion process begins, the thermal energy generated by the combustion is immediately supplied to the shape memory alloy (for example, by rising heated air) in order to enable autonomous movement immediately after ignition of the heat source.

[0018] The shape memory alloy can contain or consist of NiTi, CuZn, CuZnAl, or CuAlNi. Unlike a bimetallic spring, the shape memory alloy is a permanent alloy, meaning the bond between the individual elements forming the alloy cannot be broken.

[0019] The described device is designed as a toy, in particular as a wooden or metal toy, preferably as an incense burner, for example as a smoker figure, incense house, or incense rocket. In this case, the movable part can be an extremity of the smoker figure, for example as an arm or leg, or even as a hat. However, the toy or wooden artwork can also be a pyramid, such as a Christmas pyramid, in which at least the movable parts arranged on the pyramid, such as figures, are moved by the shape-memory alloy, while the pyramid itself is set in rotation by candles as heat sources, as usual. The waste heat from these existing heat sources is then used for additional movement by means of the shape-memory alloy.

[0020] Typically, the shape memory alloy is attached to or arranged on the base body in such a way that the moving part moves away from the base body due to thermal energy. However, it can also be designed so that the moving part moves towards the base body due to thermal energy.

[0021] In a method for performing an autonomous movement of at least one movable part of a toy, wherein the movable part is arranged on a base body and is connected to the base body by means of a shape memory alloy, or is formed from or with the shape memory alloy, thermal energy is generated by a heat source. The heat source is arranged on or in the base body such that the thermal energy generated by the heat source is transferred to the shape memory alloy, causing a phase transformation in the shape memory alloy, so that the movable part, mediated by the phase transformation, performs a relative movement to the base body. The base body has a cavity in which the heat source is arranged and is not directly visible to a user.The heat source is designed as a non-electrical heat source.

[0022] The described procedure can be carried out with the described device, i.e., the described device is set up to carry out the described procedure.

[0023] An embodiment of the invention is described in Fig. 1 is shown and will be explained below using this figure.

[0024] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of a device for moving a movable part.

[0025] The device comprises a base body 5 with a cavity 3 arranged within the base body 5. In the illustrated embodiment, the base body 5 is provided with a flap through which a heat source 1, in this example an incense cone, can be inserted into the base body 5. In further embodiments, however, the base body 5 can also be constructed in two parts, with the heat source 1 placed on a lower part of the base body 5 and the upper part of the base body 5 placed on the lower part. A base body 5 enclosing the heat source 1 also ensures that the generated thermal energy cannot escape.

[0026] In the illustrated embodiment, the heat source 1 is placed on the bottom of the cavity 3 within the base body 5 and is located centrally on the bottom of the base body 5, but is not connected to the base body 5 in any way. In further embodiments, however, a frictional or positive-locking connection between the heat source 1 and the bottom of the base body 5 may be provided, or the heat source 1 may be suspended within the cavity 3. In the example presented, the movable part 4 is made of NiTi and is located opposite the heat source 1 at an upper end of the cavity 3. The described device is, in this case, a smoking figure.A "smoking man" is a generic term for all objects made of wood or metal (in the illustrated embodiment, the base 5 is made of wood) that have an internal cavity into which an incense cone can be placed and an opening through which smoke can escape. In the example shown... Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, one of the openings 6 is located at the bottom of the base body 5 next to the heat source 1. The second opening 6 is located in the upper part of the base body 5 next to the movable part 4, which may, for example, be mounted in a sleeve or a blind hole together with the shape memory alloy 7.

[0027] In the embodiment shown in the figure, the heat source 1 is therefore an incense cone, but in other embodiments it can also be a candle, a tea light, or an incense stick. To extend the function of the incense smoker, an actuator made of a shape-memory alloy 7 is integrated into the cavity 3, with which a lever can be moved as a movable part 4. The actuator element is activated by the waste heat 2 generated during combustion of the heat source 1, which spreads in the cavity 3 and rises in particular.

[0028] As the temperature rises, the actuator element expands due to the heat rising against the direction of gravity, lifting the arm. In further embodiments, the movable part 4 can also be raised, lowered, opened, or otherwise moved—that is, moved away from or toward the base body 5—thus performing a "bionic" and almost silent movement. After the incense cone, which serves as the heat source 1, has burned out, the temperature in the cavity 3 drops again, and the shape-memory alloy 7 can be returned to its original position by the user or another counterforce. The integration of the shape-memory alloy 7 therefore transforms a static incense smoker into a self-moving artistic figure that, moreover, retains essential elements of Erzgebirge folk art due to its non-electric design.The actuator element itself operates without electrical current or electrical or electronic components. Preferably, in the described device, heat is generated only internally, but not externally or in any area directly connected to the external environment. It can be provided that the movable part 4 has no influence on the heat generation of the heat source 1; that is, in particular, that the movable part 4 neither hinders nor influences the combustion of the heat source 1, provided it is designed to carry out a combustion process, regardless of its position.

[0029] Furthermore, the movement can indicate to the user when the incense cone has burned out and the incense smoker has cooled down. Even if in Fig.While only a single heat source 1 and a single moving element 4 are shown in Figure 1, further embodiments may use two or more heat sources and / or two or more moving parts 4. The number of heat sources 1 and the number of moving parts 4 can differ, or the same number of heat sources 1 as moving parts 4 can be used, with typically one of the heat sources 1 being assigned to one of the moving parts 4.

[0030] Only features of the various embodiments disclosed in the exemplary embodiments can be combined and claimed individually.

Claims

[1] Toy for performing an autonomous movement of a movable part (4) with a basic body (5) and the at least one movable part (4) arranged on the base body (5), wherein the movable part (4) is arranged on the base body (5) by means of a shape memory alloy (7) or is formed with or from the shape memory alloy (7), and a heat source (1) designed to generate thermal energy, wherein the heat source (1) is arranged on or in the base body (5) such that the thermal energy generated by the heat source (1) is supplied to the shape memory alloy (7) and causes a phase transformation in the shape memory alloy (7), so that the movable part (4) performs a relative movement to the base body (5) mediated by the shape memory alloy (7) as a result of the phase transformation, wherein the base body (5) has a cavity (3) in which the heat source (1) is arranged in a manner not directly visible to a user, and wherein the heat source (1) is designed as a non-electrical heat source. [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by that the heat source (1) is located at the bottom of the cavity (3) or suspended in the cavity (3). [3] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the movable part (4) of the heat source (1) is arranged at a distance opposite the base body (5). [4] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the base body (5) is made of wood and / or of a metal. [5] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the heat source (1) is designed as an incense cone, candle, incense stick or tea light. [6] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the shape memory alloy (7) is made of or with NiTi, CuZn, CuZnAl or CuAlNi. [7] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the device is designed as a smoking man. [8] Method for performing autonomous movement of a toy of at least one movable part (4) which is arranged on a base body (5) and is connected to the base body (5) by a shape memory alloy (7) or is formed with or from the shape memory alloy (7), wherein thermal energy is generated by a heat source (1) and the heat source (1) is arranged on or in the base body (5) such that the thermal energy generated by the heat source (1) is supplied to the shape memory alloy (7), and the thermal energy causes a phase transformation in the shape memory alloy (7) so that the movable part (4) performs a relative movement to the base body (5) mediated by the shape memory alloy (7) as a result of the phase transformation, wherein the base body (5) has a cavity (3) in which the heat source (1) is arranged so as not to be directly visible to a user,wherein the heat source (1) is designed as a non-electrical heat source.

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