Actuators, safety devices, and aircraft

Abstract

The goal is to obtain an actuator, safety device, and aircraft that are simpler in configuration and lighter than conventional designs. [Solution] The actuator 1 comprises an igniter 2, a piston 3 extending in one axis direction, a cylindrical housing 5 that restricts the direction of propulsion of the piston 3, a holder 6 that holds the igniter 2, a lid 7 provided at one end of the housing 5, a coil spring 8 provided inside the piston 3, and a locking member 9 provided between the lid 7 and the coil spring 8. The locking member 9 is provided between the lid 7 and the coil spring 8 and has a locking portion on the side wall that, in the initial state, is pushed toward the lid 7 by the coil spring 8 which is biased or compressed in the axial direction of the housing 5, and locks into a hole 5b formed in the side wall of the housing 5. The locking portion has a cantilevered beam portion 9a and a projection 9b provided on the outer surface side of the cantilevered beam portion 9a, which tapers radially from one end to the other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an actuator having a driving force for moving an object during operation, a safety device including the actuator, and an aircraft including the safety device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an actuator that operates by combustion gas or combustion heat is used, for example, as a power source for a safety device or an ejection device in an aircraft. Further, as other applications, the actuator is also used for, for example, a vehicle occupant restraint device, a bonnet lifting device for pedestrian protection for collision mitigation, and a device for retracting a steering wheel. As such an actuator, a type that pushes out a piston by operation is known.

[0003] For example, as an example of the above-described parachute safety device, an application according to Patent Document 1 below can be cited. The safety device of this Patent Document 1 opens the lid of a container in which an ejectable object is stored, and uses a spring in the container whose biasing force is released by an electric motor as a driving force to push out a piston on which the ejectable object is placed toward the lid side, and eject the ejectable object from the container.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the actuator represented by the above patent document, since a relatively heavy component such as an electric motor is used, there is a demand for weight reduction.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide an actuator that has a simpler configuration and is lighter than conventional actuators, a safety device equipped with the actuator, and an aircraft equipped with the safety device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) The actuator of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a cylindrical member having an opening at one end; a holder provided at the other end of the cylindrical member for holding a part of an igniter; a cylindrical sliding member provided inside the cylindrical member and sliding along the inner wall of the cylindrical member when the igniter is operated; an elastic body provided inside the sliding member; and a movable member provided between the opening of the cylindrical member and the elastic body, which in its initial state is pushed toward the opening by the elastic body which is biased or compressed in the axial direction of the cylindrical member, and moves toward the opening side of the cylindrical member when it comes into contact with the sliding member by the sliding of the sliding member during operation, thereby releasing the bias or compression.

[0008] (2) In the actuator described in (1) above, a recess or hole is formed in the side wall of the cylindrical member at a position facing the space between the opening of the cylindrical member and the elastic body in the initial state, and the moving member is a locking member having a locking portion on the side wall that engages with the recess or hole formed in the side wall of the cylindrical member in the initial state, and it is preferable that the actuator further comprises a release mechanism in which the locking portion is released when the locking portion comes into contact with one end of the sliding member that slides during operation, thereby disengaging the locking portion from the recess or hole.

[0009] (3) In the actuator described in (2) above, the locking portion is preferably a cantilevered beam portion formed so as to be a cantilever beam with the side of the opening being a free end, and a projection on the outer surface of the cantilevered beam portion whose radial thickness tapers from one end to the other, and the release mechanism releases the lock by the locking portion bending so as to be pushed inward of the locking member when one end of the sliding member that slides during operation comes into contact with the projection.

[0010] (4) In the actuator described in (1) above, it is preferable that a notch of a predetermined length is formed in the side wall of the sliding member from one end along the axial direction to guide the sliding of the sliding member, and that a projection is provided on the inner wall of the cylindrical member which is loosely inserted into the notch to control the sliding distance of the sliding member.

[0011] (5) In the actuator of (1) above, it is preferable that a cover portion is provided to cover the opening of the cylindrical member.

[0012] (6) The safety device of the present invention is characterized by comprising an actuator as described in any one of (1) to (5) above, a housing in which the actuator is provided inside, and an injection material contained within the housing and ejected by the actuator.

[0013] (7) The aircraft of the present invention is characterized by being equipped with the safety device described in (6) above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an actuator with a simpler configuration and lighter weight than conventional actuators, a safety device equipped with the actuator, and an aircraft equipped with the safety device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1]This is a bottom view showing the configuration of the actuator related to the 1 / 22 cross-sectional area. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view of the actuator in the direction of arrow AA in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view of the actuator in the direction of arrow BB in Figure 1. [Figure 4] This is a diagram illustrating the operating state. [Figure 5] This is a diagram illustrating the operating state. [Figure 6] This figure shows a modified example of an actuator and a safety device relating to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This figure shows an aircraft equipped with the safety device shown in Figure 6. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] The actuator according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0017] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the actuator 1 of this embodiment comprises an igniter 2, a piston 3 extending in one axial direction (an example of a sliding member), a cylindrical housing 5 (an example of a cylindrical member) that restricts the direction of propulsion of the piston 3, a holder 6 that holds the igniter 2, a lid 7 provided at one end of the housing 5, a coil spring 8 (an example of an elastic body) provided inside the piston 3, and a locking member 9 (an example of a movable member) provided between the lid 7 and the coil spring 8.

[0018] The igniter 2 has a cup-shaped case 2a that houses an ignition charge (not shown), and generates operating gas during operation by the combustion of the ignition charge, and is sometimes called a squib. Further, the igniter 2 can also be incorporated into an inflator or a micro gas generator. Here, the case 2a is formed of a metal such as stainless steel, aluminum, copper, iron, etc. Further, the igniter 2 includes a pair of terminal pins 2b for energization, and a resistor (not shown) made of a nichrome wire or the like connected to the pair of terminal pins 2b. Note that as the above ignition charge, any material can be used as long as it functions as an ignition charge, but generally ZWPP (zirconium tungsten potassium perchlorate), ZPP (zirconium potassium perchlorate), lead tricinate, etc. are used.

[0019] Further, the igniter 2 is held by a holder 6 in a state where the case 2a is disposed within the housing 5. One end portion of the housing 5 is closed by the igniter 2. The holder 6 is fixed to the other end portion side of the housing 5. Note that the vicinity of the opening at the other end of the housing 5 is fixed to the annular recess 6b of the holder 6 by caulking, but may be joined by welding. The holder 6 is made of, for example, metal, metal alloy, resin, resin and inorganic fiber (glass, carbon fiber, etc.), metal composite material, or thermoplastic resin. As this thermoplastic resin, for example, a synthetic resin such as PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PA6 (nylon 6), PA66 (nylon 66), PPS (polyphenylene sulfide), PPO (polyphenylene oxide) mixed with glass fiber or the like is preferable. Further, the holder 6 may be made of a thermosetting resin that is a room temperature curing type or a thermosetting type, and if necessary, a curing agent, a curing accelerator, etc. may be further blended. Examples of the thermosetting resin include epoxy resin, phenol resin, unsaturated polyester, polyurethane, polyimide, silicone resin, etc. Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the holder 6 has a plurality of hole portions 6a for fixing to other devices or the like.

[0020] The piston 3 is a cylindrical member that slides along the inner wall of the housing 5 when the igniter 2 operates. Further, a pair of cutout portions 3a of a predetermined length are provided on the side wall portion of the piston 3 so as to face each other and guide the sliding of the piston 3 along the axial direction from one end portion. Further, a recess 3b is formed at the bottom of the piston 3 to cover the periphery of the case 2a of the igniter 2. In the initial state, a combustion chamber 4 is formed in the space surrounded by the igniter 2, the recess 3b, and the holder 6. The material of the piston 3 is, for example, metal (for example, aluminum, etc.), metal alloy, resin, resin and inorganic fiber (glass, carbon fiber, etc.) or a composite material of metal, etc.

[0021] On the inner wall of the housing 5, a protrusion 5a is provided along the radial direction of the housing 5, and a part of the cutout portion 3a is loosely inserted into the protrusion 5a to control the sliding distance (slidable range) of the piston 3. The protrusion 5a may have any shape as long as it can control the sliding distance (slidable range) of the piston 3 as desired. The material of the housing 5 is, for example, metal (for example, iron, etc.), metal alloy, resin, resin and inorganic fiber (glass, carbon fiber, etc.) or a composite material of metal, etc.

[0022] The lid portion 7 is provided at one end of the housing 5 and has a hole portion 7a at the center. Here, the hole portion 7a may not be provided, or the diameter may be changed as necessary. The surface of the lid portion 7 on the side of the igniter 2 and one end portion of the locking member 9 are fixed. The lid portion 7 and the locking member 9 may be integrally formed, or may be separately manufactured and then adhesively fixed.

[0023] The locking member 9 is provided between the lid portion 7 and the coil spring 8. In its initial state, when pushed toward the lid portion 7 by the coil spring 8, which is biased or compressed in the axial direction of the housing 5, the locking member 9 has a locking portion on its side wall that engages with a hole 5b formed in the side wall portion of the housing 5 at a position facing the space between the opening on one end of the housing 5 in its initial state and the coil spring 8. Here, as one modification, the hole 5b may be a recess. Furthermore, the locking portion here refers to a part of the locking member 9 that has a cantilevered beam portion 9a (see Figures 2 and 3) formed together with a hollowed-out portion 9c that is shaped like a cantilever beam with the lid portion 7 side being a free end, and a projection 9b (see Figure 3) provided on the outer surface side of the cantilevered beam portion 9a, with its radial thickness tapering from one end to the other. Furthermore, the release mechanism is composed of at least the locking portion and the piston 3, and the locking portion (projection 9b) and one end of the piston 3 which slides during operation come into contact, causing the cantilevered beam portion 9a to bend inward, thereby disengaging the projection 9b from the hole 5b and releasing the locking of the projection 9b to the hole 5b. The hollowed-out portion 9c does not need to be formed by hollowing out a cylindrical member. For example, the cantilevered beam portion 9a, the projection 9b, and the hollowed-out portion 9c may be obtained by molding (such as injection molding) the locking member 9.

[0024] Next, the operating state of the actuator 1 having the above configuration will be explained using Figures 4 and 5. In Figures 4 and 5, parts necessary for explanation are denoted by reference numerals, but parts without reference numerals are the same as the parts shown in Figures 1 to 3 and may not be denoted by reference numerals.

[0025] First, when a predetermined amount of current is supplied to the terminal pin 2b of the igniter 2, Joule heat is generated in the resistor, and the igniter begins to burn. The high-temperature flame generated by the combustion causes the case 2a containing the igniter to rupture (see Figures 4(a) and 5(a)). As a result, the heat particles generated by the combustion of the igniter flow into the combustion chamber 4, propelling the piston 3 toward the lid 7. The time from when current flows through the resistor until the igniter 2 operates is generally less than 2 milliseconds when a nichrome wire is used for the resistor. Then, the piston 3, propelled toward the lid 7, has one end in contact with the lower part of the pair of locking parts (projections 9b) (see Figure 4(b)). Subsequently, the piston 3, further propelled toward the lid 7, bends so that the cantilevered beam 9a tilts inward, pushing each of the pair of locking parts (cantilevered beam 9a, projection 9b) into the locking member 9. Subsequently, when the state shown in Figure 4(c) is reached, the projection 9b disengages from the hole 5b, and the locking of the projection 9b to the hole 5b is released. At this time, the biased or compressed coil spring 8 is also released, and the biasing force or restoring force of the coil spring 8 causes the lid 7 and the locking member 9 to separate and be ejected from the housing 5 (see Figures 4(d) and 5(b)). Therefore, in the initial state, the locking member 9 is positioned in a state where it is pushed toward the lid 7 by the coil spring 8, which is biased or compressed in the axial direction of the housing 5. During operation, it comes into contact with the piston 3 due to the sliding of the piston 3, and then moves toward the opening (lid 7) at one end of the housing 5 when the biasing or compression of the coil spring 8 is released. Note that the movement (sliding) of the piston 3 stops when the end of the notch 3a on the igniter 2 side of the piston 3 collides with the projection 5a. In other words, piston 3 cannot be positioned above the positions shown in Figures 4(d) and 5(b).

[0026] As described above, according to this embodiment, by using an igniter 2 that is lighter than an electric motor or the like, it is possible to provide an actuator 1 that is lighter and has a simpler configuration than conventional ones.

[0027] Furthermore, the output of actuator 1 (i.e., the thrust of piston 3) can be easily adjusted by appropriately adjusting the biasing force or restoring force of coil spring 8, regardless of the output of ignition device 2. In other words, ignition device 2 is merely a trigger for operation, and the driving force is generated by coil spring 8.

[0028] Furthermore, the amount of gunpowder in the igniter 2 is relatively small (only the minimum amount necessary to release the locking part of the locking member 9 is required), and because the space surrounded by the housing 5 and piston 3 is a closed space, it is possible to suppress the flame from escaping to the outside.

[0029] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, it should be understood that the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than the above description of embodiments, and further includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0030] For example, the coil spring 8 can be any elastic material. For instance, it could be a leaf spring or a rubber material.

[0031] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the actuator 101 may be provided with a base 110 having a protrusion 110a that fits into the hole 107a of the lid 107. In this modified example, reference numerals with the same last two digits as those in the above embodiment are the same and therefore their explanation is omitted. Also, parts that are not specifically described are the same as in the above embodiment and therefore their explanation is omitted.

[0032] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the actuator 101 may be fixed to the containment 112 via bolts 111 inside the containment 112, and a safety device 100 may be provided with a lid 113 at the opening of the containment 112. With this safety device 100, the projectile 114, such as a parachute or paraglider, placed on the base 110 can be ejected. Note that the actuator 1 of the above embodiment may be used instead of the actuator 101 shown in Figure 6.

[0033] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, the safety device 100 can be connected and fixed to the aircraft body 31 of the aircraft 30 from the aircraft body 31 side by bolts (not shown) via holes in the holder 106 (similar to holes 6a in Figure 1). Here, the aircraft 30 comprises an aircraft body 31, a safety device 100 connected to the aircraft body 31, one or more propulsion mechanisms (e.g., propellers, etc.) 32 connected to the aircraft body 31 to propel the aircraft body 31, and a plurality of legs 33 provided on the lower part of the aircraft body 31.

[0034] In the above embodiment, for example, if the only function required is to push out the locking member 9, the lid portion 7 may not necessarily be present. Also, in the above embodiment, the lid portion 7 is integrated with the locking member 9, but it does not have to be integrated. If the lid portion 7 and the locking member 9 are not integrated, they may or may not be in contact, but it is preferable that the lid portion 7 is locked to one end (opening) of the housing 5. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0035] 1.101 Actuator 2, 102 Igniter 2a, 102a case 2b, 102b terminal pins 3,103 pistons 3a, 103a Notch 3b, 6b, 103b, 106b recess 4, 104 Combustion Chamber 5,105 Housing 5a, 105a protrusion 5b, 6a, 7a, 107a holes 6, 106 holder 7, 107, 113 Lid 8, 108 coil springs 9, 109 Locking member 9a, 109a Cantilever beam section 9b Protrusion 9c, 109c cutout section 30 flying objects 31 aircraft 32 Propulsion mechanism 33 Legs 100 safety equipment 110 Pedestal 111 volts 112 containers 114 Projectile

Claims

1. A cylindrical member having an opening at one end, A part of the igniter is held, and a holder is provided at the other end of the cylindrical member, A cylindrical sliding member is provided inside the cylindrical member and slides along the inner wall of the cylindrical member when the igniter is activated, An elastic body provided inside the sliding member, A movable member is provided between the opening of the cylindrical member and the elastic body, and in its initial state, is pushed toward the opening by the elastic body which is biased or compressed in the axial direction of the cylindrical member, and when operated, comes into contact with the sliding member by the sliding of the sliding member, thereby releasing the bias or compression and moving toward the opening side of the cylindrical member, An actuator characterized by having the following features.

2. A recess or hole is formed in the side wall portion of the cylindrical member at a position facing the space between the opening of the cylindrical member in its initial state and the elastic body. The movable member is a locking member having a locking portion on its side wall that engages with the recess or hole formed on the side wall of the cylindrical member in its initial state. The actuator according to claim 1, further comprising a release mechanism in which the locking portion is released when it comes into contact with one end of the sliding member that slides during operation, thereby disengaging the locking portion from the recess or the hole.

3. The locking portion has a cantilevered beam portion formed so that the side facing the opening is a free end, and a projection on the outer surface of the cantilevered beam portion whose radial thickness tapers from one end to the other. The actuator according to claim 2, characterized in that the release mechanism releases the lock by the locking portion bending so that it is pushed inward of the locking member when one end of the sliding member that slides during operation comes into contact with the projection.

4. A notch of a predetermined length is formed in the side wall portion of the sliding member, extending from one end along the axial direction to guide the sliding of the sliding member. The actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that the inner wall of the cylindrical member is provided with a projection that is loosely inserted into the notch and controls the sliding distance of the sliding member.

5. The actuator according to claim 1, characterized in that a cover portion is provided to cover the opening.

6. An actuator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, A housing containing the actuator, The injectable material, enclosed within the aforementioned container and ejected by the aforementioned actuator, A safety device characterized by having the following features.

7. An aircraft characterized by being equipped with the safety device described in claim 6.

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