Engagement Mechanism

Abstract

To provide an engagement mechanism 1 which can automatically operate an actuator in accordance with a change of environment in which conductive materials enter prescribed space.SOLUTION: A blocking member 42 of the engagement mechanism 1 is engaged with piping 41 so as to move to a second position from a first position with respect to the piping 41 due to deformation of a flexible electrode 10 with driving of an actuator 100 and block a flow channel 45 at least in the second position. In a drive circuit 70, wiring 79 between the flexible electrode 10 connected through a power supply 71 and a base electrode 20 is disconnected, and a pair of terminals 73A and 73B are provided at a distance at ends of the disconnected wirings 79A and 79B in the flow channel 45. When conductive materials enter the flow channel 45, a pair of terminals are conducted by the conductive materials and a pair of terminals 73A and 73B are placed in positions where the drive circuit 70 forms closed circuits.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2A

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an engagement mechanism using an actuator. [Background technology]

[0002] Soft actuators that use the deformation of a flexible member as a power source to perform mechanical work have been known (for example, Patent Document 1). The actuator in Patent Document 1 realizes a simple linear motion by applying a voltage between electrodes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5714200 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, such actuators control the application of voltage between a pair of electrodes using a switch or the like during steady-state operation, and do not operate in response to environmental changes, such as the infiltration of a conductive material into a specified space.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above, and its object is to provide an engagement mechanism that can automatically operate an actuator in response to changes in the environment in which a conductive material enters a specified space. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In consideration of the above problems, an engagement mechanism according to the present invention includes an actuator having a flexible electrode having flexibility and a base electrode whose surface facing the flexible electrode is formed of an insulating layer, and which is driven by applying a voltage between both electrodes to deform the flexible electrode so as to approach the facing surface, a power source that applies the voltage between the flexible electrode and the base electrode, a drive circuit that drives the actuator, a connecting rod that is connected to the flexible electrode and displaced by the deformation of the flexible electrode, an engagement member connected to the connecting rod, and a drive circuit that drives the engagement member. and an engaged member with which the flexible electrode can be engaged, wherein the engaging member moves from a first position to a second position relative to the engaged member due to deformation of the flexible electrode and engages with the engaged member at least at the second position, and the driving circuit breaks a wiring between the flexible electrode and the base electrode connected via the power source, and a pair of terminals are provided at an end of the broken wiring, spaced apart within a predetermined space, and the pair of terminals are arranged at a position where the pair of terminals are conductive to each other due to the conductive material when a conductive material enters the predetermined space.

[0007] According to the present invention, in a steady state, the wiring of the drive circuit electrically connecting the flexible electrode and the base electrode via the power source is disconnected, and a pair of terminals provided at the ends of each wiring are separated within a predetermined space, so that the drive circuit forms an open circuit. Therefore, in such an open circuit state, the pair of terminals are not conductive with each other, so that the voltage of the power source is not applied between the flexible electrode and the base electrode. Therefore, the flexible electrode does not deform, and the engaging member does not move from the first position to the second position relative to the engaged member.

[0008] On the other hand, in a non-steady state, when a conductive material enters a predetermined space in which a pair of terminals are arranged, the conductive material causes the pair of terminals to conduct electricity with each other, and the drive circuit forms a closed circuit. As a result, a voltage is applied between the flexible electrode and the base electrode, and the flexible electrode is deformed. Since the connecting rod is connected to the flexible electrode, it is displaced by the deformation of the flexible electrode. Due to this displacement, the engaging member connected to the connecting rod moves from a first position to a second position relative to the engaged member, and at the second position, the engaging member can be engaged with the engaged member. In this way, the actuator can be operated in response to changes in the environment in which the conductive material enters.

[0009] In a more preferred embodiment, the engaged member is a pipe through which a non-conductive fluid flows, the pair of terminals are arranged in a flow path of the pipe as the specified space, and the engaging member is a blocking member that engages with the pipe at the second position and blocks the flow of the fluid through the pipe.

[0010] According to this aspect, when a non-conductive fluid flows through the pipe in a steady state, the pair of terminals provided at the flow end of the pipe are not conductive, and therefore the drive circuit maintains an open circuit, and the blocking member is held in the first position.

[0011] On the other hand, when a conductive material flows into the pipe in a non-steady state, a pair of terminals provided in the pipe become conductive, and the drive circuit becomes a closed circuit. This applies a voltage between the two electrodes, deforming the flexible electrode and displacing the connecting rod. As a result, the blocking member connected to the connecting rod moves from the first position to the second position, and the flow of fluid flowing through the pipe can be blocked. In this way, when a conductive material is mixed into a non-conductive fluid, the actuator can be automatically operated without detecting the presence of the conductive material by a detection sensor or the like.

[0012] Furthermore, in another aspect, the specified space is an enclosed space formed by closing a space with an opening / closing member, the engaged member is a locking mechanism that locks the opening / closing member in a closed state, the pair of terminals are disposed in the enclosed space, and the engaging member is a release member that engages with the locking mechanism in the second position and releases the lock of the locking mechanism.

[0013] According to this aspect, in a steady state, when the sealed space is closed by the opening / closing member and the opening / closing member is locked by the locking mechanism, the pair of terminals arranged in the sealed space are not electrically connected, and therefore the drive circuit is maintained in an open state, and the release member is held in the first position.

[0014] On the other hand, in the unsteady state, when a conductive material enters the sealed space, a pair of terminals provided in the sealed space are conductive, and the drive circuit becomes a closed circuit. This applies a voltage between the two electrodes, deforming the flexible electrode and displacing the connecting rod. As a result, the release member connected to the connecting rod moves from the first position to the second position, and unlocks the open / close member by the lock mechanism. In this way, when a conductive material enters the sealed space, the lock mechanism is unlocked without detecting the unsteady state (abnormal state), and the open / close member can be operated to open the sealed space sealed by the open / close member. In the unsteady state, the flexible electrode and the base electrode may be provided at a position away from the conductive fluid so as not to short-circuit the flexible electrode and the base electrode, and the other parts of the drive circuit, the flexible electrode, the base electrode, and the power source may be provided at a position not in contact with the conductive fluid, so that only the pair of terminals are provided at a position in contact with the conductive fluid. Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to the present invention, the actuator is automatically operated in response to a change in the environment in which a conductive material enters a predetermined space. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1A] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the engagement mechanism according to the first embodiment, showing the actuator in a non-driven state. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA shown in FIG. 1A. [Figure 2A] 2 is a schematic diagram of the engagement mechanism shown in FIG. 1 in a state where an actuator is driven. FIG. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB shown in FIG. 2A. [Diagram 3] 2B is a schematic diagram for explaining the restoration of the flexible electrode from the state shown in FIG. 2A. FIG. [Figure 4] 1B shows an engagement mechanism according to a modified example of FIG. 1A. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of an engagement mechanism according to a second embodiment, in which the actuator is in a non-driven state and the door is in an unlocked state. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the engagement mechanism shown in FIG. 5 in a state where the actuator is not driven and the door is locked. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the engagement mechanism shown in FIG. 6 in a state where an actuator is driven and the door is in an unlocked state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Components with the same reference numerals in each embodiment have the same functions in each embodiment unless otherwise specified, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0018] [First embodiment] The engagement mechanism 1 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1A to 4. Fig. 1A is a schematic diagram of the engagement mechanism 1 according to the first embodiment, and is a schematic diagram of an actuator 100 in a non-driven state. Fig. 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA shown in Fig. 1A. Fig. 2A is a schematic diagram of the engagement mechanism 1 shown in Fig. 1 in a driven state of the actuator 100, and Fig. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB shown in Fig. 2A. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining the restoration of a flexible electrode from the state shown in Fig. 2A. Fig. 4 is an engagement mechanism according to a modified example of Fig. 1A.

[0019] The engagement mechanism 1 according to the first embodiment engages with a pipe (engaged member) 41 through which a fluid F flows, and a blocking member (engaging member) 42 that can block the flow of the fluid F through a flow path 45 formed in the pipe 41 by driving an actuator 100. First, the actuator 100 and its driving principle will be described below.

[0020] 1. About the Actuator 100 The actuator 100 is a soft actuator that performs mechanical work using the deformation of a flexible electrode 10 that has flexibility as its power source. Unlike conventional soft actuators that use the deformation of a dielectric elastomer sandwiched between a pair of electrodes as their power source, the actuator 100 is one in which the flexible electrode 10 itself deforms.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 2A, in the actuator 100 of the first embodiment, a Coulomb force is generated by applying a voltage between the flexible electrode 10 and the base electrode 20. This Coulomb force causes the actuator 100 to deform the flexible electrode 10 so that the flexible electrode 10 approaches the surface 21 of the base electrode 20 facing the flexible electrode 10 (see FIG. 2A). When the application of the voltage between the electrodes of the actuator 100 is released and the switch 81 is turned ON, the actuator 100 restores the deformation of the flexible electrode 10 (see FIG. 3). Thereafter, the switch 81 is turned OFF to drive the actuator 100 again (see FIG. 1A). Here, "between the electrodes" in this specification means between the flexible electrode and the base electrode.

[0022] The actuator 100 includes a flexible electrode 10 having a potential and a base electrode 20 for applying a voltage to generate a Coulomb force that deforms the flexible electrode 10. A space 23 is formed between the flexible electrode 10 and the base electrode 20. The space 23 is a space for the flexible electrode 10 to deform when a voltage is applied between the two electrodes, and the flexible electrode 10 deforms toward the opposing surface 21 of the base electrode 20 so as to fill the space 23. Such deformation of the flexible electrode 10 displaces a connecting rod 30 connected to the flexible electrode 10. The flexible electrode 10 and the base electrode 20 will be described in detail below.

[0023] 1-1. Flexible electrode 10 The flexible electrode 10 is formed by a flexible conductor. The flexible electrode 10 is flexible such that it is deformed by the action of the Coulomb force generated by applying a voltage between the flexible electrode 10 and the base electrode 20, and when the Coulomb force disappears, it returns to its original shape (the shape before deformation, i.e., the shape before the voltage is applied). The flexible electrode 10 and the base electrode 20 are connected via a switch 81, and the switch 81 is OFF until a voltage is applied between the base electrode 20 and the flexible electrode 10. When the switch 81 is turned ON, the flexible electrode 10 and the base electrode 20 (specifically, the electrode portion 25) are short-circuited, and the charge stored and maintained as a capacitor between the flexible electrode 10 and the electrode portion 25 disappears. As a result, the Coulomb force acting on the flexible electrode 10 disappears, and the flexible electrode 10 returns to the shape shown in FIG. 1A. When the actuator 100 is to be driven again, the switch 81 is turned OFF.

[0024] In this embodiment, the flexible electrode 10 and the base electrode 20 are connected via the switch 81. However, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, the flexible electrode 10 and the base electrode 20 may be connected to earth via the switches 82 and 83, respectively. The operation of the switches 82 and 83 is the same as that of the switch 81 described above. In this case, when the switches 82 and 83 are turned ON, the charge stored and maintained as a capacitor between the flexible electrode 10 and the electrode portion 25 disappears, and the flexible electrode 10 and the electrode portion 25 have the same potential. As a result, the flexible electrode 10 is restored to the shape shown in FIG. 1A. The operation of the switch 81 may be performed manually or via a control device.

[0025] The flexible electrode 10 may be formed using conductive rubber or conductive gel. An example of the conductive rubber is elastomer formed by mixing a conductive material. Examples of the conductive material include fine powder of carbon black, acetylene black, or carbon nanotubes, fine metal powder of silver or copper, or fine conductive powder of a core-shell structure in which an insulator such as silica or alumina is coated with a metal by sputtering or the like. Examples of the conductive gel include functional gel materials in which a solvent such as water or a moisturizer, an electrolyte, and additives are held in a three-dimensional polymer matrix. Examples of the functional gel material include Technogel (registered trademark) by Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.

[0026] 1-2. Base electrode 20 The base electrode 20 includes an electrode portion 25 made of a conductive material such as a metal material, and an insulating layer 22 covering the surface of the electrode portion 25. Specifically, the insulating layer 22 is formed on a surface 21 of the surface of the base electrode 20 that faces the flexible electrode 10.

[0027] The electrode portion 25 is formed using a conductive metal material such as iron, copper, or aluminum, while the insulating layer 22 is formed using a ferroelectric material made of ceramics so that the charge accumulated in the base electrode 20 is reliably maintained by applying a voltage between the flexible electrode 10 and the base electrode 20.

[0028] In particular, the insulating layer 22 is formed using a ferroelectric material having a perovskite structure. Examples of ferroelectric materials having a perovskite structure include barium titanate (BaTiO3), lead titanate (PbTiO3), lead zirconate titanate (Pb(Zr,Ti)O3), lead lanthanum zirconate titanate ((Pb,La)(Zr,Ti)O3), strontium titanate (SrTiO3), barium strontium titanate ((Ba,Sr)TiO3), and potassium sodium niobate ((NaK)NbO3). Barium titanate may be solid-dissolved with a material such as CaZrO3 or BaSnO3.

[0029] Moreover, the material used to form the insulating layer 22 is preferably a material having a high relative dielectric constant that can generate a Coulomb force that deforms the flexible electrode 10. The relative dielectric constant of the insulating layer 22 may be 1000 or more, for example, by using ceramics (fine ceramics). Barium titanate has a relative dielectric constant of about 1000 to 10000. Lead zirconate titanate has a relative dielectric constant of 500 to 5000. Strontium titanate has a relative dielectric constant of 200 to 500. These ferroelectrics having a perovskite structure are materials having a high relative dielectric constant.

[0030] The base electrode 20 has a space 23 for the flexible electrode 10 to deform at a position facing the flexible electrode 10. Specifically, the base electrode 20 has a surface 21 facing the flexible electrode 10, which is made up of two inclined surfaces 21a, 21a inclined with respect to a direction facing the flexible electrode 10 (specifically, a direction in which the connecting rod 30 is displaced), as shown in FIG. 1A. A space 23 is formed between the flexible electrode 10 and the base electrode 20 by these two inclined surfaces 21a, 21a.

[0031] When a voltage is applied between the two electrodes, the flexible electrode 10 is attracted to the base electrode 20 by Coulomb force, and is deformed so as to fill the space 23 of the base electrode 20 (i.e., to approach the opposing surface 21). Due to this deformation, the connecting rod 30 connected to the center of the flexible electrode 10 is linearly displaced (linearly moves) in response to the deformation of the flexible electrode 10.

[0032] Here, in this embodiment, a V-shaped recess is formed in the base electrode 20, but as long as the connecting rod 30 connected to the flexible electrode 10 is displaced by applying a voltage between the electrodes 10, 20, the shape of the opposing surface 21 of the base electrode 20 (i.e., the shape of the space 23) and the connecting position of the connecting rod 30 are not particularly limited.

[0033] 2. Drive circuit 70 The driving circuit 70 is a circuit that includes a power source 71 that applies a voltage between the flexible electrode 10 and the base electrode 20 and drives the actuator 100. The power source 71 is configured with a DC voltage source. The driving circuit 70 has a pair of terminals 73A, 73B that are spaced apart from each other within the flow path 45 (a predetermined space) of the piping 41 so that the driving circuit 70 forms an open circuit. In this embodiment, the driving circuit 70 further includes wiring 77, 78 that connects the flexible electrode 10 and the base electrode 20 via the power source 71.

[0034] One end of the wiring 77 is connected to the negative electrode of the power source 71, and the other end is connected to the electrode portion 25 of the base electrode 20. The wiring 78 is formed by breaking the wiring 78 between the flexible electrode 10 and the base electrode 20 connected via the power source 71 into two wirings 78A and 78B, and a pair of terminals 73A and 73B are provided at each end of the broken wirings 78B and 78A, spaced apart within a predetermined space. That is, the wiring path between the base electrode 20 and the flexible electrode 20 via the power source 71 is partially interrupted, and a pair of terminals 73A and 73B are provided at this interrupted portion. One end of the wiring 78A is connected to the positive electrode of the power source 71, and the other end is provided with a terminal 73A. One end of the wiring 78B is provided with a terminal 73B, and the other end is connected to the flexible electrode 10. In this embodiment, the terminals 73A and 73B are disposed in a flow path 45 of the piping 41, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the negative electrode of the power source 71 is connected to the wiring 77, and the positive electrode of the power source 71 is connected to the wiring 78A. However, for example, even if the positive and negative electrodes of the power source 71 are connected in an inverted state, the flexible electrode 10 is deformed by the application of a voltage, and therefore such a connection is also acceptable.

[0035] As described below, pipe 41 has a flow path 45 through which a non-conductive fluid flows. When a non-conductive fluid flows through flow path 45 in pipe 41, terminals 73A and 73B are separated from each other and therefore not conductive.

[0036] The pair of terminals 73A, 73B are arranged at a position where the pair of terminals 73A, 73B are electrically connected to each other by the conductive material when a conductive material enters the flow path 45 (predetermined space) of the pipe 41. When the terminals 73A, 73B are electrically connected to each other, the drive circuit 70 forms a closed circuit. Specifically, when a conductive material is mixed with the non-conductive fluid flowing through the pipe 41, or when the non-conductive fluid changes to a conductive fluid, the pair of terminals 73A, 73B are arranged at a position where they can be electrically connected to each other. Note that the non-conductive fluid may be an insulating coolant used to cool a fuel cell or the like, and when a conductive material such as water is mixed in, the coolant (the fluid itself) becomes conductive.

[0037] 3. Engagement mechanism 1 The engagement mechanism 1 includes the above-mentioned actuator 100 and a drive circuit 70 that drives the actuator 100. In addition, the engagement mechanism 1 includes a connecting rod 30 that is connected to the flexible electrode 10 and displaced by deformation of the flexible electrode 10, a pipe 41 through which a fluid F flows, and a blocking member 42 that is connected to the connecting rod 30 and engages with the pipe 41. The pipe 41 corresponds to the "engaged member" that engages with the engaging member according to the present invention, and the blocking member 42 corresponds to the "engaging member" according to the present invention.

[0038] The connecting rod 30 is a tubular or columnar rod, and one end of the connecting rod 30 is connected to the center of the flexible electrode 10, and the other end of the connecting rod 30 is connected to the blocking member 42. In the first position shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the blocking member 42 is not present in the flow path 45 of the pipe 41, but is present at a position separated from the flow path 45 of the pipe 41 via the connecting rod 30.

[0039] Specifically, the pipe 41 is provided with a storage section 43 in which a storage space for storing the blocking member 42 is formed so as to communicate with the flow path 45. In Fig. 1B, in a state in which the blocking member 42 is stored in the storage section 43 at the first position, the blocking member 42 is engaged with the pipe 41. In this state, a part of the tip side of the connecting rod 30 crosses the flow path 45 of the pipe 41.

[0040] 2A and 2B, blocking member 42 moves to a second position due to deformation of flexible electrode 10, and engages with pipe 41 at the second position to block the flow of fluid F flowing through pipe 41. Therefore, at the second position, blocking member 42 closes flow path 45 of pipe 41 to block the flow.

[0041] According to this embodiment, as described above, as shown in FIG. 1, in a steady state, the driving circuit 70 electrically connecting the flexible electrode 10 and the base electrode 20 via the power source 71 forms an open circuit. Specifically, the driving circuit 70 has a pair of terminals 73A, 73B spaced apart from each other in the piping 41, which makes the driving circuit 70 an open circuit. Therefore, in such an open circuit state, the pair of terminals 73A, 73B are not electrically connected to each other (no current flows between the terminals 73A, 73B), and therefore no voltage is applied between the flexible electrode 10 and the base electrode 20. That is, in this case, the flexible electrode 10 is not deformed, and the blocking member 42 is held at the first position relative to the piping 41 and does not move to the second position.

[0042] 2A and 2B, in an unsteady state, when a conductive material enters the pipe 41 in which the pair of terminals 73A, 73B are arranged, the conductive material causes the pair of terminals 73A, 73B to conduct to each other, and the drive circuit 70 forms a closed circuit. As a result, a voltage is applied between the flexible electrode 10 and the base electrode 20.

[0043] The flexible electrode 10 connected to the positive electrode of the power source 71 is positively charged, and the electrode portion 25 connected to the negative electrode of the power source 71 is negatively charged. The insulating layer 22 covering the opposing surface of the electrode portion 25 is dielectrically polarized. The insulating layer 22 of the electrode portion 25 is positively charged near the interface with the electrode portion 25, and negatively charged near the surface on the opposite side of the interface (space 23 side). Coulomb force is generated between the insulating layer 22 and the flexible electrode 10. The flexible electrode 10 is attracted to the insulating layer 22 by this Coulomb force. That is, the flexible electrode 10 is deformed so as to approach the opposing surface 21 of the base electrode 20 by this Coulomb force.

[0044] Since the connecting rod 30 is connected to the flexible electrode 10, it is displaced by the deformation of the flexible electrode 10. This displacement causes the blocking member 42 connected to the connecting rod 30 to move from a first position to a second position with respect to the pipe 41, and at the second position, the blocking member 42 can be engaged with the pipe 41. In this way, when a conductive material is mixed into the non-conductive fluid F, the actuator 100 can be automatically operated to block the flow of the fluid F in the pipe 41 without detecting the presence of the conductive material F by a detection sensor or the like.

[0045] [Second embodiment] The engagement mechanism 1 according to the second embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the engagement mechanism according to the second embodiment, in which the actuator is in a non-driven state and the door is in an unlocked state. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the engagement mechanism shown in FIG. 5, in which the actuator is in a non-driven state and the door is in a locked state. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the engagement mechanism shown in FIG. 6, in which the actuator is driven and the door is in an unlocked state. The actuator 100 and the drive circuit 70 of the engagement mechanism 1 according to the second embodiment are the same as those shown in the first embodiment. Therefore, hereinafter, the members having the same functions as those of the engagement mechanism 1 of the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0046] The engagement mechanism 1 according to the second embodiment is configured to engage the door 60 (opening / closing member) of the vehicle when the door 60 is in a closed state. Lock The vehicle includes a lock mechanism 50 and a release member 52 that releases the lock of the lock mechanism 50 by driving an actuator 100. The lock mechanism 50 is a mechanism that locks a door 60 that opens or closes an enclosed space 58 inside the vehicle, and the lock mechanism 50 locks the door 60 when the door 60 is in a closed state. The door 60 pivots toward the back of the paper shown in Fig. 5 by a hinge structure (not shown). In this embodiment, a pair of terminals 73A, 73B are arranged spaced apart in the enclosed space (interior space) 58 of the vehicle.

[0047] Specifically, the lock mechanism 50 is a latch-type lock mechanism, and includes a door lock striker (hereinafter referred to as "door striker") 55 attached to a center pillar 51 of the vehicle, and a hook 54 that can freely engage with the door striker 55. The hook 54 is rotatably attached to a vehicle body (not shown) by a pin 56, and is connected to a biasing member 57 via the vehicle body.

[0048] The biasing member 57 is made of an elastic member such as a spring material, and in the unlocked state shown in Fig. 5, it holds the hook 54 disengaged from the door striker 55 and does not bias the hook 54, and in the locked state shown in Fig. 6, it biases the hook 54 pushed in by the pushing member 53. The pushing member 53 is operated by the passenger to lock and unlock the lock mechanism 50, and specifically, the door 60 is locked by pushing the hook 54 toward the door striker 55 with the pushing member 53.

[0049] According to such a lock mechanism 50, when the hook 54 is pushed in by the pushing member 53, the hook 54 engages with the door striker 55, and the door 60 is locked, as shown in Fig. 6. On the other hand, when the pushing of the hook 54 is released by the pushing member 53, the urging member 57 disengages the hook 54 from the door striker 55, and the door 60 is unlocked, as shown in Fig. 5.

[0050] In this embodiment, there is provided a release member 52 that engages with the hook 54 of the lock mechanism 50 to release the lock of the lock mechanism 50. The release member 52 is a claw-shaped member that is connected to the connecting rod 30, and its tip (claw portion) enters into the recess 54a of the hook 54 and engages with the hook 54. In the state shown in Figures 5 and 6, the release member 52 maintains its position, and only the hook 54 rotates.

[0051] 6, in a steady state, when the sealed space 58 is closed by the door 60 and the door 60 is locked by the locking mechanism 50, the pair of terminals 73A, 73B arranged in the sealed space 58 are not conductive. Therefore, the drive circuit 70 is maintained in an open circuit state, and the release member 52 is held in the first position.

[0052] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, when the sealed space 58, which is the vehicle interior space, is flooded with water, an unsteady state is created. In this unsteady state, the pair of terminals 73A, 73B provided in the sealed space 58 are conductive due to water (conductive material) in the sealed space 58, and the drive circuit 70 becomes a closed circuit. As a result, a voltage is applied between the two electrodes, the flexible electrode 10 is deformed toward the base electrode 20, and the connecting rod 30 is displaced. Here, when the entire sealed space 58 is flooded with water, the flexible electrode 10 and the electrode portion 25 are short-circuited, so that no charge is accumulated between them and the flexible electrode 10 is not deformed. Therefore, the terminals 73A, 73B may be disposed at a position where they are first conductive due to flooding (for example, a position at a predetermined height from the floor of the vehicle (for example, a seat cushion)). In addition, the portion including the flexible electrode 10 and the electrode portion 25 may be covered with a waterproof case or the like so as not to be conductive due to flooding.

[0053] As a result, the release member 52 connected to the connecting rod 30 moves from the first position shown in Fig. 5 to the second position shown in Fig. 7. This causes the hook 54 of the lock mechanism 50 to rotate further than the position shown in Fig. 6, and the hook 54 disengages from the door striker 55. As a result, the door 60 is unlocked.

[0054] In this manner, according to this embodiment, even if water floods the vehicle interior, the locking mechanism 50 is forcibly unlocked without detecting the flooding of water as this is considered an unsteady state (abnormal state), so that the door 60 can be opened and the sealed space 58 sealed by the door 60 can be released.

[0055] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and various design modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention described in the claims. In the present invention, the configuration of one embodiment can be added to the configuration of another embodiment, the configuration of one embodiment can be replaced with the configuration of another embodiment, or part of the configuration of one embodiment can be deleted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 1: engagement mechanism, 10: flexible electrode, 20: base electrode, 21: opposing surface, 22: insulating layer, 30: connecting rod, 41: piping (engaged member), 45: flow path (predetermined space), 50: lock mechanism (engaged member), 52: release member, 58: sealed space (predetermined space), 70: drive circuit, 71: power source, 73A, 73B: terminal, 100: actuator, F: fluid

Claims

[Claim 1] an actuator having a flexible electrode having flexibility and a base electrode whose surface facing the flexible electrode is formed of an insulating layer, the actuator being driven by application of a voltage between the two electrodes to deform the flexible electrode so as to approach the facing surface; a drive circuit including a power source that applies the voltage between the flexible electrode and the base electrode and drives the actuator; a connecting rod connected to the flexible electrode and displaced by deformation of the flexible electrode; an engagement member connected to the connecting rod; an engaged member that is engaged with the engaging member, the engaging member moves from a first position to a second position relative to the engaged member due to deformation of the flexible electrode, and engages with the engaged member at least at the second position; the drive circuit has a wiring between the flexible electrode and the base electrode connected via the power source broken, and a pair of terminals are provided at ends of the broken wiring in a predetermined space apart from each other, the pair of terminals are disposed at a position where the pair of terminals are electrically connected to each other by the conductive material when the conductive material enters the predetermined space, the predetermined space is an enclosed space formed inside the vehicle by closing the vehicle door, the engaged member is a locking mechanism that locks the door in a closed state, The pair of terminals is disposed in the sealed space, The engagement mechanism is characterized in that the engagement member is a release member that engages with the locking mechanism at the second position and releases the locking mechanism.

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