Area deformation device

Abstract

To provide an area deformation device that uses plants as a driving source.SOLUTION: An area deformation device 1 includes an active layer 11 made of a first type of wood (e.g., beech), and a passive layer 13 made of a second type of wood (e.g., cypress) that has a swelling rate lower than that of the first type of wood, and includes a driving member 10 in which one side 13a of the passive layer 13 is superimposed on one side 11a of the active layer 11, and an action area 21 that extends to at least one of the other side 11b of the active layer and the other side 13b of the passive layer and exerts a specific effect (e.g., a shading effect) on an object (e.g., sunlight) that attempts to pass through the area. The driving member 10 changes the shape of the action area 21 by out-of-plane deformation of the active layer 11 and the passive layer 13 in response to changes in environmental parameters including at least relative humidity.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an area transformation device that transforms an action area that exerts a specific action on an object or receives a specific action from an object, and in particular to an area transformation device that transforms an action area in response to changes in environmental parameters by using plants as a driving source. [Background technology]

[0002] Unlike animals, plants cannot move on their own. Therefore, they adapt to their environment by responding specifically to external stimuli such as light, relative humidity, and gravity. Focusing on this environmental responsiveness of plants, a shading device that uses plants as a driving source is known.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a light blocking device that includes a light blocking plate rotatably supported by a pivotal support so that the tilt angle of the plate surface can be changed, and a drive source that changes the angle of the light blocking plate. The shade blocks sunlight when the robot is in a reclined (or lying) position and allows sunlight to pass through when the robot is in an upright position.

[0004] The drive source is composed of two pieces of wood glued together, each with different shrinkage and swelling characteristics. One piece of wood is the active layer, whose length changes significantly in response to changes in relative humidity, while the other piece of wood is the passive layer, whose length changes little in response to changes in relative humidity. The active and passive layers are combined so that their fibers intersect at right angles. The drive source assumes a curved position when the relative humidity is relatively low and an uncurved position when the relative humidity is relatively high. When the drive source is curved, it presses the light blocking plate to displace it into an inclined position, and when it is not curved, it does not press the light blocking plate but displaces it into an upright position. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] WO2018 / 033422A1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Patent Document 1 has succeeded in reducing the environmental impact because it does not use electricity to drive the shading plate. However, there is room for further improvement as a device that uses plants as a drive source. The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a device that uses plants as a driving source and that deforms an action area that exerts a specific action on an object or receives a specific action from an object. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a driving member comprising an active layer made of wood of a first tree species and a passive layer made of wood of a second tree species having a swelling rate lower than that of the first tree species, with one surface of the passive layer superimposed on one surface of the active layer, and an action area extending to the other surface of at least one of the active layer and the passive layer, which exerts a specific action on an object passing through the area or is subjected to a specific action from the object, and the driving member is characterized in that it changes the shape of the action area by out-of-plane deformation of the active layer and the passive layer in response to changes in environmental parameters including at least relative humidity. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, a novel area transformation device is provided that uses plants as a driving source. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams illustrating the general configuration of an area modification device and the concept of an area that is modified by the area modification device. [Figure 2]1A and 1B are diagrams showing a driving member, in which (a) is an exploded perspective view, (b) is a perspective view showing the driving member in an extended state, and (c) is a perspective view showing the driving member in a curved state. [Figure 3] 1(a) to 1(d) are plan views showing configuration examples of an area modification device. [Figure 4] 10(a) and 10(b) are plan views showing an example of a module of an area modification device that functions as a light blocking device. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an area modification device configured by combining a plurality of modules. [Figure 6] 1(a) to 1(c) are perspective views showing an example of an area modification device configured to include a plurality of modules. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a graph plotting each tree species based on wood density and swelling rate per 1% moisture content. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a bilayer curvature calculation formula. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a photograph showing the change in curvature of a sample over time in a preliminary test. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a graph showing the results of a preliminary test, where (a) shows the relationship between elapsed time and curvature, and (b) shows the relationship between relative humidity and curvature. [Figure 11] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating the weather model reproduced in the prototype test. (a) is a graph showing the weather data used as the basis for creating the weather model, and (b) is a graph showing the weather model reproduced in the humidity-controlled chamber. [Figure 12] This is a photograph showing the changes in prototype A (with net). [Figure 13] This is a photograph showing the changes in prototype B (without net). [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a graph showing the changes in curvature of prototypes A and B. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention will be described in detail below using the embodiments shown in the drawings. However, unless otherwise specified, the components, types, combinations, shapes, relative positions, etc. described in these embodiments are merely illustrative examples and do not limit the scope of the present invention.

[0011] [Area transformation device] <Summary> 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the general configuration of the area modification device and the concept of the area that the area modification device modifies. In the figure, the positions and shapes of the variable area 20 and the action area 21 (action member 23) are conceptual, and are not intended to limit the positions and shapes of each area to those shown in FIG.

[0012] The area modification device 1 is a device that modifies the action area 21 (action member 23) in response to changes in the natural environment without using an electric power source or a control device such as a microcomputer. The area modification device 1 includes an active layer 11 made of wood of a first wood species, and a passive layer 13 made of wood of a second wood species that has a swelling rate lower than that of the first wood species, and includes a drive member 10 in which one surface 13a of the passive layer 13 is laminated onto one surface 11a of the active layer 11. Hereinafter, the direction in which the active layer 11 and the passive layer 13 overlap is referred to as the thickness t direction of the drive member 10.

[0013] The driving member 10 is configured so that the active layer 11 and the passive layer 13 undergo out-of-plane deformation in response to changes in environmental parameters, including at least relative humidity. The out-of-plane deformation of the driving member 10 causes it to change position between an extended position (FIG. 1(a)) with a relatively small curvature and a curved position (FIGS. 1(b) and 1(c)) with a relatively large curvature. FIG. 1(b) shows the driving member 10 bulging toward the active layer 11, and FIG. 1(c) shows the driving member 10 bulging toward the passive layer 13.

[0014] The drive member 10 may change position between an extended position (FIG. 1(a)) and one of the curved positions (FIGS. 1(b) and 1(c)), or may change position between one curved position (FIG. 1(b)) and the other curved position (FIG. 1(c)) via the extended position (FIG. 1(a)).

[0015] When the driving member 10 is placed in a space, it divides the space into a region extending toward the other surface 11b of the active layer 11 (a variable region 20A extending to one side in the thickness t direction) and a region extending toward the other surface 13b of the passive layer 13 (a variable region 20B extending to the other side in the thickness t direction), with the driving member 10 sandwiched between them. In the figure, the variable region 20 is shown as a region parallel to the paper surface. The driving member 10 deforms both variable regions 20 (20A, 20B) by the above-mentioned out-of-plane deformation.

[0016] The area modification device 1 has an action area 21 (21A, 21B) set within the variable area 20 (20A, 20B). The action area 21 is set in at least one of the variable areas 20A, 20B. For example, the action area 21 is set adjacent to the other surfaces 11b, 13b of the drive member 10.

[0017] The action area 21 is an area that exerts a specific action on an object that passes through the action area in a direction intersecting (or perpendicular to) the plane of the drawing, or is subjected to a specific action from the object. The action area 21 is configured so as to exert a specific effect based on the action. The target may be an electromagnetic wave, a fluid such as a gas or liquid, or a specific substance such as dust or pests. The action area 21 may control whether or not the target is allowed to pass through, the amount of passing through, the rate of passing through, the passing speed, or the frequency (wavelength), or may absorb, separate, or filter the target. In this way, the action area 21 can be configured to control, in some way, the target that attempts to pass through the action area.

[0018] The shape of the action area 21 changes due to out-of-plane deformation of the active layer 11 and the passive layer 13. This makes it possible to change the position, range, and size of the action area 21 that exerts a specific function, as well as the degree (level) of each function exerted by the action area 21, depending on the shape of the action area 21. Note that the action area 21 may also be deformed by torsional deformation of the drive member 10.

[0019] Acting members 23 (23A, 23B) that bring about the above-mentioned action can be placed in the action region 21. This allows a part of the variable region 20 to function as the action region 21 that exerts a predetermined effect depending on the type of acting member 23 (or the function of the acting member).

[0020] For example, if the acting member 23 is a shading sheet that blocks sunlight, the area modification device 1 functions as a shading device, and if the acting member 23 is a waterproof sheet that does not allow water droplets to pass through, the area modification device functions as a rain protection device. Note that the acting member 23 does not need to completely (100%) block the passage of an object. The acting member 23 only needs to be able to block the passage of at least a portion of an object. For example, a mesh sheet may be used as the shading sheet that serves as the acting member 23. The acting member 23 may also be a photovoltaic sheet that absorbs light energy and converts it into electrical energy, or may be a member that blocks light with certain properties (e.g., wavelength, polarization direction) and allows light with other properties to pass through.

[0021] <Driving member> FIG. 2 shows a driving member, where (a) is an exploded perspective view, (b) is a perspective view showing the driving member in an extended state, and (c) is a perspective view showing the driving member in a curved state. In the figure, the thickness, width, and length of each member are indicated by t, W, and L for the driving member 10, t1, W1, and L1 for the active layer 11, and t2, W2, and L2 for the passive layer 13. Note that in Figure 2, the thicknesses t, t1, and t2 of each member are exaggerated.

[0022] As shown in Figures 2(b) and 2(c), the driving member 10 includes an active layer 11, a passive layer 13, and an adhesive layer 15 that bonds the active layer and the passive layer. The active layer 11 and the passive layer 13 are generally flat or strip-shaped. The driving member 10 is a bilayer wood made by bonding together two types of wood with different expansion coefficients. The method for selecting the wood species that make up each layer will be described later.

[0023] The driving member 10 changes its posture between an extended posture (FIG. 2(b)) with a relatively small curvature and a bent posture (FIG. 2(c)) with a relatively large curvature in response to changes in environmental parameters. The driving member 10 bends so as to deform the opposing surfaces 11a and 13a of the active layer 11 and the passive layer 13 out of plane.

[0024] The behavior of the driving member 10 depends on the difference in the expansion coefficients of the active layer 11 and the passive layer 13. Environmental parameters that cause deformation of the driving member 10 include relative humidity and temperature, with relative humidity playing a major role. The behavior of the driving member 10 also changes depending on the environmental conditions (relative humidity and temperature) during the production of the driving member 10, in other words, during the bonding of the active layer 11 and the passive layer 13. That is, the materials constituting the active layer 11 and the passive layer 13 are placed under predetermined environmental conditions for a sufficient period of time to adjust the humidity before bonding. Furthermore, by bonding the materials constituting the active layer 11 and the passive layer 13 under the predetermined environmental conditions, the driving member 10 is configured to assume an elongated posture under those environmental conditions. Therefore, the driving member 10 undergoes bending deformation when the environmental conditions in which it is placed change from the predetermined environmental conditions.

[0025] There are three basic directions in wood: the fiber direction that runs along the trunk, the radial direction that runs from the core of the log to the inside and outside diameters, and the tangential direction that runs in contact with the annual rings. In this specification, the radial direction, particularly the direction toward the outside diameter, is called the radial direction.

[0026] 2(a), the fiber direction (first direction) of the first wood species constituting the active layer 11 and the fiber direction (second direction) of the second wood species constituting the passive layer 13 are combined so as to intersect. For example, the fibers of the active layer 11 are arranged in a direction intersecting one surface 11a (attachment surface or adhesive layer 15) of the active layer 11, and the fibers of the passive layer 13 are arranged in a direction parallel to one surface 13a (attachment surface or adhesive layer 15) of the passive layer 13. 1 and 2, the fiber direction of the passive layer 13 and the fiber direction of the active layer 11 are preferably orthogonal to each other. Depending on how the fiber directions of the first and second wood species are oriented, the drive member 10 can also be torsionally deformed.

[0027] As shown in Fig. 2(b), the driving member 10 is formed, for example, in a strip shape. In this case, as shown in Fig. 2(a), the fibers of the active layer 11 can be configured to extend in the thickness direction t of the driving member 10, and the fibers of the passive layer 13 can be configured to extend in the length direction L of the driving member 10. In this figure, the fibers of the active layer 11 are configured to be perpendicular to one surface 11a, and the fibers of the passive layer 13 are configured to be parallel to one surface 13a.

[0028] 2(a), in the active layer 11, the tangential direction, radial direction, and fiber direction of the wood are oriented in the length L direction, width W direction, and thickness t direction of the drive member 10, respectively. In the passive layer 13, the fiber direction, radial direction, and tangential direction of the wood are oriented in the length L direction, width W direction, and thickness t direction of the drive member 10, respectively. In the active layer 11, the radial direction, tangential direction, and fiber direction of the wood may be oriented in the length L direction, width W direction, and thickness t direction, respectively, of the driving member 10. In this case, the driving member 10 can be curved more greatly than in the example shown in Figure 2(a).

[0029] In the driving member 10, the active layer 11 can include a plurality of segments 12A-12E separated along the fiber direction of the second wood species that constitutes the passive layer 13. By forming the active layer 11 from a plurality of segments 12A-12E, the driving member 10 can bend more greatly than if the active layer 11 were not divided. The same adhesive as that that constitutes the adhesive layer 15 is filled between adjacent segments, and the adjacent segments are integrated by the adhesive.

[0030] When the active layer 11 is composed of multiple segments 12A to 12E, the radial directions of the wooden pieces constituting the segments may be oriented in the same direction, but it is preferable to orient the segments 12A to 12E so that the radial directions of the wooden pieces are alternately arranged as shown in Fig. 2(a). By doing so, when the driving member 10 is deformed, the entire driving member 10 can be deformed uniformly or with symmetry maintained.

[0031] <<Adhesive layer>> The adhesive that constitutes the adhesive layer 15 is selected from materials that have flexibility that allows bending without interfering with the deformation of the active layer 11 and the passive layer 13, and that can maintain the active layer 11 and the passive layer 13 in an adhered state even when the driving member 10 is bent. Suitable adhesives that can be used include, for example, polyurethane-based, melamine urea formaldehyde (MUF)-based, epoxy-based, and phenol resorcinol formaldehyde (PRF)-based adhesives. The adhesive unites the active layer 11 and the passive layer 13 over the entire surfaces 11a and 13a of the active layer 11 and the passive layer 13, respectively. <Each model of the area transformation device> 3(a) to 3(d) are plan views showing configuration examples of an area modification device.

[0032] The left side of each figure shows the driving member 10 in an extended (linearly extended) state, and the right side of each figure shows the driving member 10 in a curved state. The driving member 10 repeatedly displaces between the extended and curved positions in response to changes in environmental parameters. In FIG. 3, the width W of the driving member 10 is perpendicular to the paper surface.

[0033] In the illustrated area modification device 1, the action area 21 expands or contracts in response to the deformation of the drive member 10. That is, the drive member 10 takes a first position (right figure) in which the action area 21 expands, and a second position (left figure) in which the action area 21 contracts. The action member 23 expands when the drive member 10 is bent (right figure), and contracts when the drive member 10 is extended (left figure). However, the correspondence between the extended / bent position of the drive member 10 and the expansion / contraction of the action area 21 (expansion / contraction of the action member 23) is not limited to this.

[0034] The action member 23 disposed in the action area 21 is a member that can control in some manner an object that is about to pass through the action area 21 (action member 23). The acting member 23 may have a deformable configuration, such as expanding or contracting, by receiving an external force (driving force) from the driving member 10. Here, the acting member 23 expanding means that the area over which the acting member 23 can control an object, etc., increases, and the acting member 23 contracting means that the area over which the acting member 23 can control an object, etc., decreases. For example, the acting member 23 may be a flexible or stretchable sheet-like member, a foldable sheet-like member, or a member made by stacking multiple thin plates like a cypress fan and integrating them as needed so that it can be expanded into a fan shape or contracted into a clapper shape.

[0035] 3(a) shows an area modification device 1 (1A) equipped with one drive member 10 and an action member 23. In this area modification device 1A, the action member 23 is disposed at a position that becomes the inner diameter side of the drive member 10 when the drive member 10 is bent. At least a portion of the action member 23 is supported by the drive member 10. When the drive member 10 is in an extended position, the action member 23 takes a contracted position in which it extends along the drive member 10, and when the drive member 10 is in a bent position, the action member 23 takes an expanded position in which it is deployed in a bow shape.

[0036] 3(b) to 3(c) show an area modification device 1 (1B to 1D) that includes at least one driving member 10, an acting member 23 that is supported at one portion by the driving member 10 and can be expanded or contracted, and a support member (fixed support member 30, driving member 10) that supports the other portion of the acting member 23. The acting member 23 is disposed between the driving member 10 and the support member.

[0037] In the area modification device 1B shown in FIG. 3(b), one end 10a of the drive member 10 in the longitudinal direction is a fixed end supported by a fixed support member 30, and the other end 10b of the drive member 10 in the longitudinal direction is a free end. The fixed support member 30 is a rigid body configured so that its displacement in response to changes in environmental parameters is sufficiently smaller than that of the drive member 10. In the figure, the fixed support member 30 is shown as a linearly extending member. As shown in the left figure, the linearly extending drive member 10 is parallel to the fixed support member 30. The drive member 10 deforms so that the other end 10b, which is the free end, moves away from or towards the fixed support member 30.

[0038] In this region modifying device 1B, the acting member 23 is disposed at a position that is on the outer diameter side of the driving member 10 when the driving member 10 is bent. When the driving member 10 assumes an extended position, the acting member 23 assumes a contracted position in which it is extended along the driving member 10 and the fixed support member 30, and when the driving member 10 assumes a curved position, it assumes an expanded position in which it is expanded between the driving member 10 and the fixed support member 30.

[0039] In the area modification device 1C shown in Figure 3(c), one end 10a of the drive member 10 in the longitudinal direction is rotatably supported by the fixed support member 30 via a hinge portion (hinge means) 41, and the other end 10b of the drive member 10 in the longitudinal direction is supported via a slider (slide means) 43 so as to be movable back and forth in the longitudinal direction (direction of arrow A in the figure) of the fixed support member 30. The slider 43 has a hinge portion (hinge means) 44. The hinge portion 44 supports the other end 10b of the drive member 10 in the longitudinal direction so as to be rotatable relative to the fixed support member 30.

[0040] The hinge portions 41, 44 and the slider 43 are movable connecting means that movably connect the drive member 10 to the fixed support member 30. The hinge portions 41, 44 operate in accordance with the rotational movement that accompanies the bending deformation of the drive member 10, thereby smoothly angularly displacing each end of the drive member 10 relative to the fixed support member 30 and the slider 43. The slider 43 moves the other end 10b back and forth in accordance with the expansion and contraction movement that accompanies the bending deformation of the drive member 10, thereby smoothly displacing the posture of the drive member 10.

[0041] The fixed support member 30 has a guide portion (guide means) 45 that guides the slider 43 so that it can move back and forth in the direction of arrow A in the figure. The slider 43 follows the change in the distance between one end 10a and the other end 10b that accompanies the bending deformation of the drive member 10. As shown in the left figure, the linearly extending drive member 10 is parallel to the fixed support member 30. As shown in the right figure, the drive member 10 deforms so that the intermediate portion in the length direction moves away from or towards the fixed support member 30.

[0042] In this region modifying device 1C, the acting member 23 is disposed at a position that is on the inner diameter side of the driving member 10 when the driving member 10 is bent. When the drive member 10 is in the extended position, the action member 23 is in a contracted position stretched along the drive member 10 and the fixed support member 30, and when the drive member 10 is in the curved position, the action member 23 is in a deployed position deployed in an arch shape between the drive member 10 and the fixed support member 30.

[0043] The region modifying device 1D shown in FIG. 3(d) includes two drive members 10 (10A: first drive member, 10B: second drive member) whose both longitudinal ends are connected by hinge portions 41, 41. The two drive members 10A, 10B are displaceable between a linearly extended extended position and a curved bent position. The two drive members 10A, 10B are combined so that the inner diameter sides of the drive members face each other when they are bent. When they are bent, the drive members 10A, 10B change position so that their longitudinal middle portions move away from each other.

[0044] In this area modifying device 1D, an action member 23 is disposed between drive members 10A and 10B. One portion of the action member 23 is supported by drive member 10A, and the other portion is supported by drive member 10B. When the drive members 10A, 10B are in an extended position, the action member 23 is in a contracted position stretched along the drive members 10A, 10B, and when the drive members 10A, 10B are in a curved position, the action member 23 is in an expanded position spread between the drive members 10A, 10B.

[0045] <Specific example of the configuration of the area transformation device> <<Module>> 4(a) and 4(b) are plan views showing an example of a module of an area modification device that functions as a light blocking device. This module 101 (area modification device 100) has a shading sheet (shading member) 123 as an operating member. The module 101 is designed to contract (close) the shading sheet 123 in the morning and at night to allow sunlight to pass through the module 101, and to expand (spread) the shading sheet 123 during the day to block sunlight and create shadows. The shading rate of sunlight by the module 101 is controlled according to the size of the operating region 121 (shading sheet 123).

[0046] The module 101 includes a drive unit 110 that includes a plurality of drive members 111 (111A to 111C: first to third drive members) and expands or contracts an action area 121 surrounded by each drive member 111 by bending and deforming each drive member 111 in response to changes in environmental parameters; a shading sheet (acting member) 123 that is supported by each drive member 111 and placed in the action area 121, and that can expand or contract as the action area 121 expands or contracts; a fixed support member 130 that supports the drive unit 110; and a plurality of movable connecting means 140 (140A to 140C) that movably connect the drive unit 110 to the fixed support member 130.

[0047] Each movable connecting means 140 includes a hinge portion (hinge means) 141 that follows the rotational movement associated with the bending deformation of each driving member 111, a slider 143 (slide means) that follows the expansion and contraction movement associated with the bending deformation of each driving member 111, a drift pin (guide means) 145 that guides the slider 143 so that it can move back and forth, and a tension coil spring (elastic biasing member) 147 arranged between the slider 143 and the fixed support member 130.

[0048] Each driving member 111 is roughly strip-shaped. A pair of driving members 111A to 111C is arranged at positions corresponding to the sides of a triangle (polygon) with their respective lengths extending along the sides. The driving members 111A to 111C form an action area 121 surrounded by them. In this example, when each driving member 111 is linearly extended (in the first position shown in (a)), the action area 121 is enlarged, and when each driving member 111 is curved inward (in the second position shown in (b)), the action area 121 is reduced. The shape of the action area 121 shown in this example when enlarged is approximately triangular (polygonal), and the shape when reduced is approximately tricuspid hypocycloid (hypercycloid).

[0049] The shading sheet 123 is a sheet-like member capable of blocking sunlight. The shading sheet 123 may be made of a foldable, flexible material, or may be made of an elastically stretchable material. The shading sheet 123 may be a mesh sheet with many holes on its surface as long as it can block sunlight and create shade when unfolded. If the shading sheet 123 is made of a mesh sheet, ventilation can be ensured between the upstream and downstream sides of the sunlight when the shading sheet 123 is unfolded.

[0050] The fixed support member 130 is a rigid body configured so that its displacement in response to changes in environmental parameters is sufficiently smaller than that of the drive member 111. The fixed support member 130 is arranged on the outer periphery of the drive member 111. The fixed support member 130 includes frame members 131 (131A to 131C) arranged parallel to the drive members 111A to 111C, and frame connecting members 133 (133A to 133C) that connect at least adjacent frame members 131, 131. That is, the fixed support member 130 has a roughly triangular (polygonal) shape in a plan view, with the frame members 131 at positions corresponding to the sides of the triangle and the frame connecting members 133 at positions corresponding to the vertices of the triangle. Each of the frame connecting members 133A to 133C is connected to the two drive members 111, 111 via a movable connecting means 140.

[0051] The movable connecting means 140 connects adjacent driving members 111, 111 at each end in the length direction of each of the driving members 111A to 111C, and also connects each of the driving members 111A to 111C to the fixed support member 130 so that they can move.

[0052] The drift pin (guide means) 145 has one longitudinal end 145b fixed to the frame connecting member 133 so that the other longitudinal end 145a protrudes toward the inside of the fixed support member 130. In this example, in which the module 101 is roughly triangular, the drift pin 145 extends linearly from the vertex of the triangle toward the opposing side of the triangle (the center of gravity of the triangle).

[0053] The slider 143 is supported so as to be able to advance and retreat along the longitudinal direction of the drift pin 145. As an example, the slider 143 has a through-hole through which the drift pin 145 is inserted. By inserting the drift pin 145 into this through-hole, the slider 143 can be advanced and retreated in the direction of arrow C in the figure along the longitudinal direction of the drift pin 145.

[0054] The hinge portion 141 is interposed between the slider 143 and the end portion of the driving member 111 in the longitudinal direction, and connects them so as to be capable of relative rotation. Two driving members 111, 111 are connected to one slider 143 via the hinge portions 141, 141.

[0055] The tension coil spring 147 is inserted into the drift pin 145. The tension coil spring 147 serves to maintain each drive member 111 in an extended position when assembling the module 101. In particular, when the drive members 111A, 111C are assembled in an upright state relative to a horizontal plane, the tension coil spring 147 prevents the drive members 111A, 111C from bending inward (in a direction away from the frame member 131) (forward bending).

[0056] The module 101 operates as follows. 4(a), when each driving member 111 takes an extended position parallel to the frame member 131, the light blocking sheet 123 unfolds within the fixed support member 130. The slider 143 approaches the frame connecting member 133.

[0057] As shown in Figure 4(b), when each driving member 111 assumes a curved position curved inward, the light-shielding sheet 123 shrinks within the fixed support member 130. The slider 143 moves away from the frame connecting member 133. The hinge portion 141 deforms in response to the relative angular displacement between the longitudinal end of the driving member 111 and the slider 143, thereby assisting the smooth displacement of each portion. The area between each driving member 10 and the frame member 131 is an area where the shading sheet 123 is not placed and sunlight passes through without being blocked, i.e., an area that has no special effect on sunlight (non-active area 125, variable area). When the shading sheet 123 shrinks, the non-active area expands. Compared to Figure 4(a), more sunlight can pass through the module 101 in Figure 4(b).

[0058] <<Module combination example>> FIG. 5 is a plan view showing an area modification device configured by combining a plurality of modules. Each module 101 is configured to be connectable to other modules 101. For example, each frame connecting member 133 is configured to hold the frame members 131 and drift pins 145 of multiple modules 101 in a radially protruding state. The frame connecting member 133 is shared between multiple adjacent modules 101, 101, ... The modules 101 are connected roughly along the direction in which the light blocking sheet 123 (active area 121) extends. This makes it possible to increase the area in which the light blocking control is possible for the area modifying device 1 as a whole. The area transformer 100, which is configured by combining multiple modules 101, can take various shapes.

[0059] 6(a) to 6(c) are perspective views showing examples of area modification devices configured to include a plurality of modules. FIG. 6(a) shows an example in which the modules 101 are combined horizontally to make the area modification device 100A function as a canopy (roof or eaves). FIG. 6(b) shows an example in which modules 101 are combined in the vertical direction and arranged along the outer wall of a building 202, causing the area transforming device 100B to function as a building facade. FIG. 6(c) shows an example in which the modules 101 are combined in a hemispherical shape to make the area modification device 100C function as a dome-shaped shelter.

[0060] If the area transformation device 100 is made to function like a roof or wall, sunlight can reach the ground surface 201 or building 202, etc. when the shading sheet 123 (FIGS. 4 and 5) is contracted, and sunlight can be prevented from reaching the ground surface or building, etc. when the shading sheet 123 is deployed. Each module 101 of the area transformation device 100 controls the light transmission and shading of sunlight. If the shading sheet 123 is made of a material that allows gas to pass through, such as a mesh sheet, wind and air can be taken into the space where sunlight has been blocked by the area transformation device 100, thereby maintaining a comfortable environment within the space.

[0061] [Design and Testing of the Area Modifier] <Selection of wood species to be used for drive components> A method for selecting the species of wood that constitute the active layer 11 and the passive layer 13 of the driving member 10 shown in FIG. 2 will be described. Figure 7 shows a graph in which each tree species is plotted based on the density of the wood and the swelling rate per 1% of moisture content. This graph was created based on data described in the following document. 1. Wood Science Experiment Book I. Physics and Engineering (https: / / ci.nii.ac.jp / ncid / BN03037716) 2. Physics of Wood (https: / / buneido-shuppan.com / index.php?gloc_id=02000&bkcd=2007133004) As shown in Figure 7, wood species with a relatively high swelling rate are suitable for the active layer because they have a large expansion rate in response to humidity changes. Wood species with a relatively low swelling rate are suitable for the passive layer because they have a small expansion rate in response to humidity changes. Hardwood (broadleaf trees) are suitable for the active layer because many species have a relatively high swelling rate, while softwood (coniferous trees) are suitable for the passive layer because many species have a relatively low swelling rate.

[0062] The active layer mainly plays a role in bending and deforming the driving member, and the passive layer mainly plays a role in resisting the behavior of the active layer and ensuring the rigidity of the driving member. The combination of wood species selected for the active layer and the passive layer is determined based on the balance between the flexibility and rigidity of the drive member.

[0063] <Curvature calculation of driving member> Figure 8 explains the formula for calculating the curvature of a bilayer. This formula is generally used to calculate the curvature of a bimetal. This formula can also be applied to calculate the curvature of a driving member that is a double layer of wood.

[0064] The curvature (1 / ρ) of the actuation member is determined by the combination of the thickness (h1, h2), Young's modulus (E1, E2), and swelling ratio (α1, α2) of the passive and active layers, respectively, where h = h1 + h2. When designing the drive member, first set the target curvature (1 / ρ). Next, decide on the wood species to be used for the passive and active layers. Using the Young's moduli E1 and E2 (literature values) and swelling rates α1 and α2 (measured values) of each wood species, the required thicknesses h1 and h2 for each layer can be calculated using the formula shown in Figure 8.

[0065] <Preliminary test of driving components> A preliminary test was conducted to verify whether the curvature of the drive member can be estimated based on the curvature calculation formula in Figure 8. In the preliminary test, the relationship between the relative humidity in the environment in which the drive member is placed and the curvature of the drive member was determined.

[0066] The thickness of each layer was calculated using the bilayer curvature calculation formula, assuming that the active layer was made of beech and the passive layer of cypress, and the design curvature of the drive member was 2.8 [1 / m]. Based on the calculation results, a drive member (specimen) for preliminary testing was fabricated. The dimensions of the fabricated specimen are as follows:

[0067] [Table 1]

[0068] Before conducting the preliminary test, the specimens were conditioned for two weeks in an environment with a relative humidity of 40% and a temperature of 20°C. The beech and cypress boards that make up each layer were bonded together after a sufficient period of conditioning at the above temperature and humidity, and the specimens were fabricated to assume an elongated position at the above relative humidity and temperature. In the preliminary test, the humidity inside the humidity-conditioned chamber containing the specimens was changed to deform the specimens. The specimens were also removed from the humidity-conditioned chamber every hour to measure their curvature.

[0069] Figure 9 is a photograph showing the change in curvature of the sample over time in the preliminary test. Figure 10 is a graph showing the results of the preliminary test, where (a) shows the relationship between curvature and time, and (b) shows the relationship between relative humidity and curvature. The curvature of the sample shown in the graph of Figure 10 was calculated based on the photographs shown in Figure 9.

[0070] As shown in Figure 10(b), when the relative humidity reached 74% RH, the curvature of the sample reached the designed value of 2.8. Furthermore, when the relative humidity finally reached 77% RH, the curvature of the sample reached 3.5, which was larger than the target design curvature of 2.8. This confirmed that the sample satisfied the target curvature. It was also confirmed that the curvature of the drive member can be estimated based on the curvature calculation formula in Figure 8.

[0071] <Prototype operation test> After the preliminary tests, a full-scale prototype of the area transformation device 100 (module 101: Figure 4) was created, and prototype tests were conducted to confirm whether the drive members mounted on the prototype could perform the desired transformation operation under an environment simulating actual weather conditions.

[0072] <<Simulated environment conditions>> Figure 11 is a diagram explaining the weather model reproduced in the prototype test, where (a) is a graph showing the weather data used as the basis for creating the weather model, and (b) is a graph showing the weather model reproduced in the humidity-controlled chamber. As the weather data that forms the basis of the weather model, we selected weather data for three days (4th, 5th, and 7th) in August 2021 in Osaka when the weather was clear and the maximum temperature exceeded 35°C. (a) shows the average temperature and relative humidity values for each time period over the three days, plotted as a graph. The weather model shown in (b) was created to satisfy the temperature and relative humidity for each of the times in (a): 6:00, 9:00, 12:00, and 15:00. However, the weather model reproduced the nine hours from 6:00 to 15:00 in half the time, 4.5 hours. In addition, a three-hour humidity adjustment period was added before the weather model reproduction period. In the weather model, the relative humidity varies from 48% to 82% and the temperature varies from 27°C to 36°C.

[0073] <<Prototype configuration>> Figure 12 is a photograph showing the changes in prototype A (with net), and Figure 13 is a photograph showing the changes in prototype B (without net). For the prototype test, two prototypes, A and B, were prepared for comparison. One of them, prototype A, had a stretchable screen net attached between the drive members as a member to simulate a shading sheet. The other prototype, prototype B, did not have a screen net attached to the drive members. The dimensions of the drive members mounted on prototypes A and B are as follows:

[0074] [Table 2]

[0075] The relative humidity during the creation of the drive members of prototypes A and B was different: the former was approximately 30% RH, and the latter was approximately 20% RH. 12 and 13, the prototype does not include the frame connecting member 133 (see FIG. 4) in the module 101. In addition, when conducting the test, five measurement points were marked at equal intervals on the drive member.

[0076] <<Test Results>> The experimental time of 10:00 shown in Figure 11(b) was before the prototype was placed in the humidity-controlled chamber. The state of the prototype was recorded with a camera before being placed in the humidity-controlled chamber. The curvature of the drive member was calculated from the coordinates of the measurement points. The environment in the laboratory at 10:00 was 15°C and 35% RH. The prototype was taken out of the humidity chamber and its condition was recorded with a camera at the experimental times of 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:30, 16:30, and 18:00, as shown in Figure 11(b). The curvature of the drive member was calculated from the coordinates of the measurement points.

[0077] FIG. 14 is a graph showing the changes in curvature of prototypes A and B. The table below shows the transition data for temperature, relative humidity, and curvature of prototypes A and B during the return period. The reference numbers in the table correspond to the circled numbers in Figures 12 and 13.

[0078] [Table 3]

[0079] Prototype A (4) reached a maximum curvature of 4.4 [1 / m] at the experimental time of 13:00 (reproduced time of 06:00). Prototype B (4) reached a maximum curvature of 5.8 [1 / m] at the experimental time of 13:00 (reproduced time of 06:00).

[0080] <<Considerations>> This test showed the following about prototypes A and B: In Table 3, (4) Experiment time 13:00 (reproduced time 06:00) to (5) Experiment time 14:30 (reproduced time 09:00) show that the shading sheet shrinks from the summer night to the early morning when the humidity is relatively high and the temperature is low, allowing sunlight to reach the ground. In Table 3, (6) Experimental time 16:00 (reproduced time 12:00) to (7) Experimental time 17:30 (reproduced time 15:00) show that the shading sheet expands and blocks sunlight during the hottest time of the afternoon in summer, when humidity is relatively low and temperatures are high.

[0081] Furthermore, the following was shown from Figure 14 (curvature transition graph). Even with large humidity fluctuations from 35%RH to 82%RH, the drive member reached equilibrium in approximately three hours. In the experiment, the drive member deformed far beyond its designed curvature, but it did not interfere with other components or break. It has already been proven in other experiments that the drive member can be deformed repeatedly.

[0082] The relative humidity at the time of production of the drive member has a significant effect on the curvature of the drive member after deformation. In other words, prototype A, produced in an environment of approximately 30% RH, reached a curvature of 4.4 [1 / m], while prototype B, produced in a lower environment of approximately 20% RH, showed a large deformation of 5.8 [1 / m].

[0083] [Summary of Examples of Embodiments, Actions, and Effects of the Present Invention] <First embodiment> The area deformation device 1, 100 of this embodiment comprises an active layer 11 made of wood of a first tree species, and a passive layer 13 made of wood of a second tree species having a swelling rate lower than that of the first tree species, and is equipped with a driving member 10, 111 in which one side 13a of the passive layer is superimposed on one side 11a of the active layer, and an action area 21, 121 which is an area extending on at least one of the other side 11b of the active layer and the other side 13b of the passive layer, and which exerts a specific action on an object passing through the area or receives a specific action from the object, and is characterized in that the driving member changes the shape of the action area by out-of-plane deformation of the active layer and the passive layer in response to changes in environmental parameters including at least relative humidity.

[0084] The area deformation device includes at least one actuating member. The actuating member is a double layer of wood made by bonding two types of wood with different expansion coefficients. The actuating member changes its curvature depending on the difference in the expansion coefficients of the active and passive layers. For example, the actuating member can be displaced between an extended position (Fig. 2(b)) and a curved position (Fig. 2(c)). This changes the shape of the working area when the actuating member is deformed. According to this aspect, by using plants as a driving source, the shape of the action area can be changed in response to changes in the natural environment without using an electrical power source or a control device such as a microcomputer.

[0085] The object that is affected by or affects the area of action may be electromagnetic waves, fluids such as gases or liquids, specific substances such as dust or pests, etc. The area of action may control whether or not the object can pass through, the amount of passage, the rate of passage, the speed of passage, the frequency (wavelength), etc., or may absorb, separate, or filter the object. According to this aspect, the position, range, and size at which the area modification device exerts each function, as well as the degree (level) of each function exerted by the area modification device, can be changed according to the shape of the action area.

[0086] <Second embodiment> In the area modifying device 1, 100 according to this embodiment, the driving member 10, 111 is characterized in that it expands or contracts the action area 21, 121 by out-of-plane deformation of the active layer 11 and the passive layer 13. According to this aspect, by using plants as a driving source, the area of action can be expanded or contracted in response to changes in the natural environment without using an electrical power source or a control device such as a microcomputer.

[0087] <Third embodiment> In the area deformation device 1, 100 according to this embodiment, an action member 23 (light-shielding sheet 123) that exerts a specific action on an object or receives a specific action from the object is arranged in the action area 21, 121, and the action member is characterized by expanding or contracting in response to the out-of-plane deformation of the driving member.

[0088] The acting member is a member that can control in some way an object that is passing through the acting member. For example, the acting member can be a shading sheet that blocks at least part of the sunlight, or a waterproof sheet that prevents rainwater from passing through. When the acting member is a shading sheet, the area deformation device functions as a shading device, and when the acting member is a waterproof sheet, the area deformation device functions as a rain protection device. The acting member expands (expands) or contracts in accordance with the posture displacement of the drive member.

[0089] According to this aspect, the area modification device performs a specific function depending on the type of acting member (or the function of the acting member). Furthermore, the degree (level, etc.) of each function performed by the area modification device can be changed depending on the size of the acting member.

[0090] <Fourth embodiment> In the area modification device 1, 100 of this embodiment, the environmental parameters include temperature, and the driving member 10, 111 is characterized in that it expands the action area 21, 121 when the humidity is relatively low and the temperature is high, and contracts the action area when the humidity is relatively high and the temperature is low.

[0091] The actuating member can operate in various modes depending on various parameters related to the active layer and the passive layer, the environmental conditions at the time of production of the actuating member, etc. For example, if the active region is a region that blocks sunlight, expanding the active region when the humidity is relatively low and the temperature is high can block sunlight during the hottest hours of the afternoon in summer, and shrinking the active region when the humidity is relatively high and the temperature is low can allow sunlight to reach the ground, etc., from summer nights to dawn. According to this aspect, the area of action can be expanded or contracted in a desired manner in response to changes in the natural environment.

[0092] <Fifth embodiment> The area deformation devices 1B and 1C according to this embodiment comprise an active layer 11 made of wood of a first species of wood, and a passive layer 13 made of wood of a second species of wood having a swelling rate lower than that of the first species of wood, and are provided with a driving member 10 in which one surface 13a of the passive layer is superimposed on one surface 11a of the active layer and bonded together, an acting member 23 having one portion supported by the driving member and capable of expanding or contracting, and which exerts a specific action on an object or receives a specific action from the object, and a fixed support member 30 which supports the other portion of the acting member. In this aspect, the actuation member is characterized in that the acting member is deployed or contracted by out-of-plane deformation of the active and passive layers in response to changes in environmental parameters including at least relative humidity.

[0093] In this embodiment, the working member is supported by the drive member and the fixed support member. Furthermore, this aspect has the same effects as the first to fourth embodiments.

[0094] <Sixth embodiment> The area deformation device 1C, 100 of this embodiment comprises an active layer 11 made of wood of a first tree species, and a passive layer 13 made of wood of a second tree species having a swelling rate lower than that of the first tree species, and is equipped with a drive member 10, 111 in which one side 13a of the passive layer is superimposed and bonded to one side 11a of the active layer, an action member 23 (light-shielding sheet 123) having one portion supported by the drive member and capable of expanding or contracting, and which exerts a specific action on an object or receives a specific action from the object, fixed support members 30, 130 that support the drive member, and movable connecting means 41, 43, 140 that movably connect the drive member to the fixed support member. In this embodiment, the driving member expands or contracts the working member by out-of-plane deformation of the active layer and the passive layer in response to changes in environmental parameters including at least relative humidity. The movable connecting means is characterized by comprising hinge means 41, 141 that follows the rotational movement accompanying the out-of-plane deformation of the driving member, and slide means 43, 143 that follows the expansion and contraction movement accompanying the out-of-plane deformation of the driving member.

[0095] In this embodiment, the drive member is supported by the fixed support member via the hinge means and the slide means, so that the drive member can move smoothly. Furthermore, this aspect has the same effects as the first to fourth embodiments.

[0096] <Seventh embodiment> The area deformation device 1D, 100 of this embodiment comprises an active layer 11 made of wood of a first tree species, and a passive layer 13 made of wood of a second tree species having a swelling rate lower than that of the first tree species, and is equipped with first drive members 10A, 111A and second drive members 10B, 111B in which one side 13a of the passive layer is superimposed and bonded to one side 11a of the active layer, and an action member 23 (light-shielding sheet 123) one part of which is supported by the first drive member and the other part of which is supported by the second drive member, which is expandable or contractible, and which exerts a specific action on an object or receives a specific action from the object. In this aspect, the first and second drive members are characterized in that out-of-plane deformation of the active and passive layers in response to changes in environmental parameters including at least relative humidity causes the working members to expand or contract.

[0097] This aspect has a configuration in which the pair of drive members are respectively operated to deform the acting member. Furthermore, this aspect has the same effects as the first to fourth embodiments.

[0098] <Eighth embodiment> The area modification device 100 of this embodiment comprises an active layer 11 made of wood of a first tree species, and a passive layer 13 made of wood of a second tree species having a swelling rate lower than that of the first tree species, and includes a plurality of drive members 111 (drive members 111A to 111C) each having one surface 13a of the passive layer superimposed on one surface 11a of the active layer, and each drive member is curved and deformed in response to changes in environmental parameters including at least relative humidity, thereby expanding or contracting an action area 121 surrounded by each drive member, and is also equipped with a drive unit 110, an action member (light-shielding sheet 123) supported by each drive member and arranged in the action area, which can expand or contract as the action area expands or contracts, and which exerts a specific action on an object or receives a specific action from the object, a fixed support member 130 that supports the drive unit, and a plurality of movable connecting means 140 that movably connect the drive unit to the fixed support member. Each movable connecting means is characterized by comprising hinge means 141 that follows the rotational movement accompanying the bending deformation of each drive member, and slide means 143 that follows the expansion and contraction movement accompanying the bending deformation of each drive member.

[0099] This aspect has a configuration in which a pair of drive members are operated to deform the acting member. Each drive member is supported by a fixed support member via hinge means and slide means, which allows each drive member to operate smoothly. Furthermore, this aspect has the same effects as the first to fourth embodiments.

[0100] <Ninth embodiment> The area modifying device 1, 100 according to this embodiment is characterized in that the fiber direction of the first wood species constituting the active layer 11 and the fiber direction of the second wood species constituting the passive layer 13 intersect. By crossing the fiber directions of the wood materials that make up the active layer and the passive layer, the drive member can be curved and deformed.

[0101] <Tenth and Twelfth Embodiments> In the area modifying device 1, 100 according to this embodiment, the active layer 11 is characterized by including a plurality of divided pieces 12A to 12E divided in the fiber direction of the second wood species that constitutes the passive layer 13. According to this aspect, the driving member can be curved more greatly.

[0102] <Eleventh embodiment> In the area modification device 1, 100 according to this embodiment, the fiber direction of the first wood species constituting the active layer 11 extends in a direction perpendicular to one surface of the active layer, and the fiber direction of the second wood species constituting the passive layer 13 extends parallel to one surface of the passive layer. In this embodiment, the fiber direction of each wood material constituting the active layer and the passive layer is perpendicular to one surface of the active layer and the passive layer, thereby allowing the driving member to bend and deform so as to deform one surface of each of the stacked active layer and the passive layer out of plane.

[0103] <Thirteenth embodiment> In the area deformation device 100 according to this embodiment, the environmental parameters include temperature, and the driving member 111 is characterized in that it expands the acting member (light-shielding sheet 123) when the humidity is relatively low and the temperature is high, and contracts the acting member when the humidity is relatively high and the temperature is low. This embodiment has the same effects as the fifth embodiment.

[0104] <Fourteenth embodiment> In the area transformation device 100 according to this embodiment, the object that exerts a specific action on the acting member or receives a specific action from the acting member is sunlight, and the acting member is a shading member (shading sheet 123) that blocks at least a portion of the sunlight. The area modifier may be configured to expand the light blocking member at relatively low humidity and high temperature, and to contract the light blocking member at relatively high humidity and low temperature. According to this aspect, the shading member can be deployed to block sunlight during the hottest time of the day in the summer afternoon, and can be retracted from the summer night to dawn to allow sunlight to reach the ground, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 1, 1A to 1D...area deformation device (shading device), 10...driving member, 10A...first driving member, 10B...second driving member, 10a...one end, 10b...other end, 11...active layer, 11a...one surface, 11b...other surface, 12A to 12E...divided piece, 13...passive layer, 13a...one surface, 13b...other surface, 15...adhesive layer, 20...variable region, 21...acting region, 23...acting member, 30...fixed support member, 41...hinge portion (hinge means), 43...slider (slide means), 44...hinge portion (hinge means), 45...guide portion (guide means), 100, 100A to 100C...area deformation device (shading device), 101... module, 110... drive unit, 111... drive member, 111A to 111C... first to third drive members, 121... action area, 123... shading sheet (acting member, shading member), 125... non-action area (variable area), 130... fixed support member, 131, 131A to 131C... frame member, 133, 133A to 133C... frame connecting member, 140... movable connecting means, 141... hinge portion (hinge means), 143... slider (slide means), 145... drift pin (guide means), 145a... one end, 145b... other end, 147... tension coil spring, 201... ground surface, 202... building

Claims

1. a driving member including an active layer made of a first wood species and a passive layer made of a second wood species having a swelling rate lower than that of the first wood species, with one surface of the passive layer being laminated to one surface of the active layer; an action region extending on the other surface side of at least one of the active layer and the passive layer, which exerts a specific action on an object passing through the region or receives a specific action from the object; The driving member changes the shape of the active area by out-of-plane deformation of the active layer and the passive layer in response to changes in environmental parameters including at least relative humidity.

2. The area modifying device according to claim 1 , wherein the driving member expands or contracts the action area by out-of-plane deformation of the active layer and the passive layer.

3. an action member that exerts the specific action on the object or receives the specific action from the object is disposed in the action region; 3. The area modifying device according to claim 2, wherein the action member expands or contracts in response to out-of-plane deformation of the drive member.

4. the environmental parameters include temperature; 4. The area modifying device according to claim 2, wherein the driving member expands the effective area when the humidity is relatively low and the temperature is relatively high, and contracts the effective area when the humidity is relatively high and the temperature is relatively low.

5. a driving member including an active layer made of a first wood species and a passive layer made of a second wood species having a swelling rate lower than that of the first wood species, with one surface of the passive layer being laminated to one surface of the active layer; an action member, one portion of which is supported by the drive member, can be expanded or contracted, and exerts a specific action on an object or receives a specific action from the object; a fixed support member that supports other portions of the working member, The driving member expands or contracts the acting member by out-of-plane deformation of the active layer and the passive layer in response to changes in environmental parameters including at least relative humidity.

6. a driving member including an active layer made of a first wood species and a passive layer made of a second wood species having a swelling rate lower than that of the first wood species, with one surface of the passive layer being laminated to one surface of the active layer; an action member, one portion of which is supported by the drive member, can be expanded or contracted, and exerts a specific action on an object or receives a specific action from the object; a fixed support member that supports the drive member; a movable connecting means for movably connecting the drive member to the fixed support member, the actuating member deploys or contracts the working member through out-of-plane deformation of the active layer and the passive layer in response to changes in an environmental parameter including at least relative humidity; The movable connecting means comprises a hinge means that follows the rotational movement associated with the out-of-plane deformation of the drive member, and a slide means that follows the expansion and contraction movement associated with the out-of-plane deformation of the drive member.

7. a first driving member and a second driving member, each of which comprises an active layer made of a first wood species and a passive layer made of a second wood species having a swelling rate lower than that of the first wood species, with one surface of the passive layer being superimposed on one surface of the active layer; an action member, one portion of which is supported by the first drive member and another portion of which is supported by the second drive member, which is deployable or retractable, and which exerts a specific action on an object or receives a specific action from the object; The first and second driving members are configured to expand or contract the acting member by out-of-plane deformation of the active layer and the passive layer in response to changes in environmental parameters including at least relative humidity.

8. a drive unit including an active layer made of wood of a first species of wood and a passive layer made of wood of a second species of wood having a swelling rate lower than that of the first species of wood, and including a plurality of drive members each having one surface of the passive layer bonded to one surface of the active layer, wherein each drive member is curved and deformed in response to changes in environmental parameters including at least relative humidity, thereby expanding or contracting an action area surrounded by each drive member; an action member supported by each of the drive members and disposed in the action area, capable of expanding or contracting with the expansion or contraction of the action area, and which exerts a specific action on an object or receives a specific action from the object; a fixed support member that supports the drive unit; a plurality of movable connecting means for movably connecting the driving unit to the fixed support member, A region deformation device characterized in that each of the movable connecting means comprises a hinge means that follows the rotational movement associated with the bending deformation of each of the drive members, and a slide means that follows the expansion and contraction movement associated with the bending deformation of each of the drive members.

9. 9. The area modification device according to claim 1, wherein the fiber direction of the first wood species intersects with the fiber direction of the second wood species.

10. The area modification device according to claim 9 , wherein the active layer comprises a plurality of divided pieces separated in the fiber direction of the second wood species constituting the passive layer.

11. The area deformation device according to any one of claims 1 or 5 to 8, characterized in that the fiber direction of the first wood species extends in a direction perpendicular to one surface of the active layer, and the fiber direction of the second wood species extends parallel to one surface of the passive layer.

12. The area modification device according to claim 11, wherein the active layer comprises a plurality of divided pieces separated in the fiber direction of the second wood species constituting the passive layer.

13. the environmental parameters include temperature; 9. The area modification device according to claim 6, wherein the driving member expands the operating member when the humidity is relatively low and the temperature is relatively high, and contracts the operating member when the humidity is relatively high and the temperature is relatively low.

14. The area modification device according to claim 13 , wherein the target is sunlight, and the acting member is a light blocking member that blocks at least a portion of the sunlight.

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