Actuator

Abstract

An embodiment comprises: a housing comprising a first side part and a second side part positioned opposite the first side part; a movable body disposed between the first side part and the second side part of the housing; a first shape memory alloy member comprising a first end part connected to the first side part of the housing and a second end part connected to the movable body; a second shape memory alloy member comprising a first end part connected to the second side part of the housing and a second end part connected to the movable body; and a lever comprising one end connected to the movable body, wherein the movable body moves in a first direction by the first and second shape memory alloy members, and the other end of the lever moves in a second direction intersecting the first direction by the movement of the movable body.

Description

Actuator

[0001] An embodiment relates to an actuator comprising a shape memory alloy.

[0002] Compared to actuators in camera devices, Augmented Reality (AR) or Virtual Reality (VR) applications require actuators capable of generating high driving force while maintaining a small size. In particular, low-power and lightweight actuators are required for AR or VR devices worn on the human head within limited dimensions. While such driving force can be achieved using magnets and coils, there are limitations to the driving force provided by these methods, as they are insufficient for small-sized AR or VR applications.

[0003] The embodiment provides an actuator that can obtain a large driving force and has a small size.

[0004] An actuator according to an embodiment comprises: a housing including a first side and a second side located opposite to the first side; a movable body disposed between the first side and the second side of the housing; a first shape memory alloy member including a first end connected to the first side of the housing and a second end connected to the movable body; a second shape memory alloy member including a first end connected to the second side of the housing and a second end connected to the movable body; and a lever including one end connected to the movable body, wherein the movable body moves in a first direction by means of the first and second shape memory alloy members, and the other end of the lever moves in a second direction intersecting the first direction by means of the movement of the movable body.

[0005] The second end of the first shape memory alloy member may be positioned closer to the second side than to the first side of the housing, and the second end of the second shape memory alloy member may be positioned closer to the first side than to the second side of the housing.

[0006] The above-mentioned moving body may include a first part coupled to the second end of the first shape memory alloy member; a second part coupled to the second end of the second shape memory alloy member; and a third part connecting the first part and the second part.

[0007] The actuator may include a first movement guide that includes one end coupled to the second side of the housing and guides the movement of the first part of the movable body. The actuator may include a second movement guide that is coupled to the housing and guides the movement of the other end of the lever in the second direction.

[0008] The first part of the moving body may be located closer to the second side of the housing than to the first side of the housing, and the second part of the moving body may be located closer to the first side of the housing than to the second side of the housing.

[0009] The length of the third part in the first direction may be greater than the length of the first part in the first direction and the length of the second part in the first direction.

[0010] The first shape memory alloy member may include a plurality of first shape memory alloy wires spaced apart in the second direction, and the second shape memory alloy member may include a plurality of second shape memory alloy wires spaced apart in the second direction.

[0011] The actuator may include a first board electrically connected to the first end of the first shape memory alloy member and supplying a first driving signal to the first shape memory alloy member; and a second board electrically connected to the first end of the second shape memory alloy member and supplying a second driving signal to the second shape memory alloy member.

[0012] The above-mentioned moving body may include a conductive member electrically connected to the second end of the first shape memory alloy member and the second end of the second shape memory alloy member. The one end of the lever may be located between the first shape memory alloy member and the second shape memory alloy member.

[0013] It may include a detachment prevention part that is coupled to the other end of the first moving guide and prevents the first part of the moving body from detaching from the first moving guide.

[0014] The housing comprises an upper portion disposed on the first side and the second side of the housing; and a lower portion disposed below the first side and the second side of the housing, wherein one end of the second moving guide is coupled to the upper portion of the housing and the other end of the second moving guide can be coupled to the lower portion of the housing.

[0015] The actuator may include a connecting part that connects the other end of the lever and the second movement guide.

[0016] An actuator according to another embodiment comprises: a housing including a first side and a second side located opposite to the first side; a movable body disposed between the first side and the second side of the housing; a first shape memory alloy member including a first end connected to the first side of the housing and a second end connected to a first part of the movable body; a second shape memory alloy member including a first end connected to the second side of the housing and a second end connected to a second part of the movable body; and a lever including one end connected to the first part of the movable body, wherein the first part of the movable body is located between the second side of the housing and the second part of the movable body, and the second part of the movable body is located between the first side of the housing and the first part of the movable body.

[0017] The moving body moves toward the first side of the housing by means of the first shape memory alloy member, and the moving body moves toward the second side of the housing by means of the second shape memory alloy member.

[0018] In the embodiment, the size of the actuator can be reduced and miniaturization can be achieved. The stroke range of the actuator can be increased.

[0019] In addition, since the driving force is implemented using an SMA wire in the embodiment, the product size can be reduced and miniaturization can be achieved.

[0020] In the embodiment, since separate multiple shape memory alloy wires are used for raising and lowering the lever, a large driving force can be obtained to move the target object connected to the connection part.

[0021] In addition, in the embodiment, the direction of movement can be switched from the left-right direction to the up-down direction using a lever, thereby increasing the design freedom of the product or device on which the actuator is installed.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an actuator according to an embodiment.

[0023] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the actuator of Figure 1.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a first perspective view of an actuator excluding the cover member.

[0025] FIG. 4 is a second perspective view of an actuator excluding the cover member.

[0026] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the actuator of Figure 1 in the AB direction.

[0027] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the actuator of Figure 1 in the CD direction.

[0028] Figure 7 shows the driving of the first shape memory alloy member and the upward movement of the other end of the lever.

[0029] FIG. 8 shows the driving of the second shape memory alloy member and the downward movement of the other end of the lever.

[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited to some of the described embodiments but can be implemented in various different forms, and within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention, one or more of the components among the embodiments may be selectively combined or substituted.

[0031] In addition, terms used in the embodiments of the present invention (including technical and scientific terms) may be interpreted in a sense that is generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs, unless explicitly and specifically defined otherwise. Terms that are commonly used, such as terms defined in advance, may be interpreted in consideration of their meaning in the context of the relevant technology.

[0032] Furthermore, the terms used in the embodiments of the present invention are for the purpose of describing the embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. In this specification, the singular form may include the plural form unless specifically stated otherwise in the text, and when described as "at least one of A and B and C (or more than one)," it may include one or more of all combinations that can be formed from A, B, and C.

[0033] In addition, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc., may be used when describing the components of the embodiments of the present invention. These terms are used merely to distinguish the components from other components and are not intended to limit the essence, order, or sequence of the components.

[0034] Furthermore, where it is stated that a component is 'connected,' 'combined,' or 'joined' to another component, this may include not only cases where the component is directly connected, combined, or joined to the other component, but also cases where it is 'connected,' 'combined,' or 'joined' due to another component located between the component and the other component. Additionally, where it is stated that a component is formed or placed "above or below" each component, "above" or "below" includes not only cases where two components are in direct contact with each other, but also cases where one or more other components are formed or placed between the two components. Moreover, when expressed as "above or below," it may include the meaning of a downward direction as well as an upward direction relative to a single component.

[0035] For convenience of explanation, the actuator according to the embodiment is described using a Cartesian coordinate system (x, y, z), but may be described using other coordinate systems, and the embodiment is not limited thereto. In each drawing, the x-axis and y-axis represent directions perpendicular to the z-axis, which is the optical axis direction, and the z-axis direction can be defined as any one of the 'first direction', 'second direction', and 'third direction', the x-axis direction can be defined as another of the 'first direction', 'second direction', and 'third direction', and the y-axis direction can be defined as the remaining other of the 'first direction', 'second direction', and 'third direction'.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an actuator (100) according to an embodiment, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the actuator (100) of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a first perspective view of the actuator (100) excluding the cover member (300), FIG. 4 is a second perspective view of the actuator (100) excluding the cover member (300), FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view in the AB direction of the actuator (100) of FIG. 1, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view in the CD direction of the actuator (100) of FIG. 1.

[0037] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 6, the actuator (100) includes a fixed part, a moving part, a shape memory alloy member (31, 32) connecting the fixed part and the moving part and moving the moving part in a first direction, and a lever (60, lever) including one end connected to the moving part and the other end moving in a second direction. The second direction may be a direction intersecting the first direction. For example, the first direction (e.g., X-axis direction) may be perpendicular to the second direction (e.g., Z-axis direction).

[0038] The fixed part may be a fixed element or configuration that does not move together with the moving part. The moving part may be an element or configuration that moves in a first direction relative to the fixed part by means of a shape memory alloy member (31, 32).

[0039] The fixed portion of the actuator (100) may include a housing (140). The fixed portion may include a configuration that is coupled to the housing (140). The fixed portion may include a cover member (300). The movable portion may include a movable body (85). In another embodiment, the movable portion may include a lever (60).

[0040] The housing (140) may be disposed inside the cover member (300). The housing (140) may be coupled with the cover member (300). The housing (140) may include an upper portion (142A), a lower portion (142B), and a side portion (141) disposed between the upper portion (142A) and the lower portion (142B). The upper portion (142A) and the lower portion (142B) may be located opposite each other in a second direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction).

[0041] The side (141) of the housing (140) may include a first side (141A) and a second side (141B) located opposite each other in a first direction (e.g., the X-axis direction). The side (141) of the housing (140) may include a third side (141C) positioned between the first side (141A) and the second side (141B) of the housing (140), and a fourth side (141D) positioned between the first side (141A) and the second side (141B) and located opposite the third side (141C). An opening that exposes a shape memory alloy member (31, 32) may be formed in each of the third side (141C) and the fourth side (141D) of the housing (140). In other embodiments, the opening may be omitted.

[0042] A groove (143) for guiding the movement of the lever (60) may be formed in the lower part (142B) of the housing (140). The groove (143) may be formed on the upper surface (or inner surface) of the lower part (142B). The groove (143) may extend in a first direction (e.g., the X-axis direction).

[0043] The cover member (300) can accommodate the housing (140). The cover member (300) may be in the form of a box including a top plate (301) and a side plate (302), and the bottom of the cover member (300) may be open. The cover member (300) may include an opening (303) that exposes at least a part of the lever (60) or at least a part of the connecting part (70) connected to the lever (60). The opening (303) may be formed in the side plate (302) of the cover member (300). The housing (140) may include a step (411) formed on the lower or bottom of the outer surface of the housing (140), and the step (411) of the housing (140) may be joined to the bottom of the side plate (302) of the cover member (300) by an adhesive.

[0044] The fixing part may include a fixing board (80) that is placed in or coupled to the housing (140). The fixing board (80) may include a first board (81) placed on a first side (141A) of the housing (140) and a second board (82) placed on a second side (141B) of the housing (140). The first board (81) and the second board (82) may be located opposite each other in a first direction (e.g., the X-axis direction).

[0045] The first board (81) may be placed on or coupled to the inner surface of the first side (141A) of the housing (140). The housing (140) may include a first coupling portion (144A) that is placed on the first side (141A) and to which the first board (81) is placed or coupled. For example, the first coupling portion (144A) may be placed on the inner surface of the first side (141A) of the housing (140). The first coupling portion (144A) may be replaced with a "first protrusion."

[0046] The second board (82) may be placed on or coupled to the inner surface of the second side (141B) of the housing (140). The housing (140) may include a second coupling portion (144B) that is placed on the second side (141B) and to which the second board (82) is placed or coupled. For example, the second coupling portion (144B) may be placed on the inner surface of the second side (141B) of the housing (140). The second coupling portion (144B) may be referred to as a "second protrusion."

[0047] The first board (81) may be replaced with "first fixed board," and the second board (82) may be replaced with "second fixed board." The movable body (85) may be placed within the housing (140). Each of the first board (81) and the second board (81) may include a substrate or a circuit board. For example, each of the first board (81) and the second board (81) may include a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) or a Flexible Printed Circuit Board (FPCB).

[0048] The moving body (85) may be positioned between the first side (141A) and the second side (141B) of the housing (140). The moving body (85) may include a substrate or a circuit board. For example, the moving body (85) may include a PCB or an FPCB. The moving body (85) may also be referred to as a "moving board."

[0049] For example, the first board (81) may be represented by being replaced with any one of "first substrate (or first circuit board)", "second substrate (or second circuit board)", and "third substrate (or third circuit board)", the second board (82) may be represented by being replaced with any other of "first substrate (or first circuit board)", "second substrate (or second circuit board)", and "third substrate (or third circuit board)", and the movable body (85) may be represented by being replaced with the other one of "first substrate (or first circuit board)", "second substrate (or second circuit board)", and "third substrate (or third circuit board)".

[0050] The actuator (100) may include a first shape memory alloy member (31) connected between one area of ​​the moving body (85) and one part of the housing (140), and a second shape memory alloy member (32) connected between another area of ​​the moving body (85) and another part of the housing (140).

[0051] The first shape memory alloy member (31) may include one end (or first end) connected to or coupled with the first side (141A) of the housing (140) and the other end (or second end) connected to or coupled with one region of the movable body (85). The first end and the second end of the first shape memory alloy member (31) may be located opposite each other in the longitudinal direction of the first shape memory alloy member (31).

[0052] The second shape memory alloy member (32) may include one end (or first end) connected to or coupled with the second side (141B) of the housing (140) and the other end (or second end) connected to or coupled with another area of ​​the movable body (85). The first end and the second end of the second shape memory alloy member (32) may be located opposite each other in the longitudinal direction of the second shape memory alloy member (32).

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the movable body (85) may include a first part (85A) coupled to the other end (or second end) of the first shape memory alloy member (31) and a second part (85B) coupled to the other end (or second end) of the second shape memory alloy member (32).

[0054] The first part (85A) of the movable body (85) may be located closer to the second side (141B) of the housing (140) than to the first side (141A) of the housing (140). Alternatively, the first part (85A) of the movable body (85) may be located closer to the second board (82) than to the first board (81).

[0055] The second part (85B) of the movable body (85) may be located closer to the first side (141A) of the housing (140) than to the second side (141B) of the housing (140). Alternatively, the second part (85B) of the movable body (85) may be located closer to the first board (81) than to the second board (82).

[0056] The first part (85A) of the movable body (85) may be located between the second side (141B) of the housing (140) and the second part (85B) of the movable body (85). Additionally, the second part (85B) of the movable body (85) may be located between the first side (141A) of the housing (140) and the first part (85A) of the movable body (85). Due to this arrangement of the first part (85A) and the second part (85B), the length of the shape memory alloy member (31, 32) in the first direction (e.g., X-axis direction) may be designed to be long, and the range of movement of the movable body (85) in the first direction may be increased.

[0057] In another embodiment, the first part (85A) of the movable body (85) may be located closer to the first side (141A) (or first board (81)) of the housing (140) than to the second side (141B) (or second board (82)) of the housing (140). In another embodiment, the second part (85B) may be located closer to the second side (141B) (or second board (82)) of the housing (140) than to the first side (141A) (or first board (81)) of the housing (140).

[0058] In another embodiment, the distance between the first part (85A) of the moving body (85) and the first side (141A) of the housing (140) and the distance between the first part (85A) of the moving body (85) and the second side (141A) of the housing (140) may be the same. In another embodiment, the distance between the second part (85B) of the moving body (85) and the first side (141A) of the housing (140) and the distance between the second part (85B) of the moving body (85) and the second side (141A) of the housing (140) may be the same.

[0059] The moving body (85) may include a third part (85C) connecting the first part (85A) and the second part (85B). The third part (85C) may extend in a first direction. Referring to FIG. 3, the length (L1) of the third part (85C) in the first direction may be greater than the length (L2) of the first part (85A) in the first direction. The length (L1) of the third part (85C) in the first direction may be greater than the length (L3) of the second part (85B) in the first direction. As a result, the length of the phase memory alloy member (31, 32) in the first direction (e.g., X-axis direction) may be increased, and the range of movement of the moving body (85) in the first direction may be increased.

[0060] The length of the first part (85A) of the moving body (85) in the second direction (e.g., Z-axis direction) may be greater than the length of the third part (85C) in the second direction (e.g., Z-axis direction). As a result, the first part (85A) of the moving body (85) can secure a sufficient area (or surface area) where a plurality of shape memory alloy wires (31A, 31B) of the first shape memory alloy member (31) are combined.

[0061] In addition, the length of the second part (85B) of the moving body (85) in the second direction (e.g., Z-axis direction) may be greater than the length of the third part (85C) in the second direction (e.g., Z-axis direction). As a result, the second part (85B) of the moving body (85) can secure a sufficient area (or surface area) where a plurality of shape memory alloy wires (32A, 32B) of the second shape memory alloy member (32) are combined.

[0062] In addition, since the length of the third part (85C) in the second direction is smaller than the length of the first part (85A) in the second direction and / or the second part (85B) in the first direction, the weight of the moving body (85) can be reduced, and thereby the driving force or power consumption required to move the moving body (85) can be reduced.

[0063] In addition, to avoid spatial interference between the first shape memory alloy member (31) and the second shape memory alloy member (32), the first part (85A) and the second part (85B) may not overlap each other in the first direction (e.g., the X-axis direction).

[0064] The first shape memory alloy member (31) may include at least one shape memory alloy wire (31A, 31B), and the second shape memory alloy member (32) may include at least one shape memory alloy wire (32A, 32B). In FIG. 3, the number of shape memory alloy wires of each of the first and second shape memory alloy members (31, 32) is six, but in other embodiments, the number of shape memory alloy wires may be two or more.

[0065] The first shape memory alloy member (31) may include a plurality of shape memory alloy wires (31A, 31B) spaced apart in a second direction. Each of the plurality of shape memory alloy wires (31A, 31B) may be arranged to extend in a first direction.

[0066] A plurality of shape memory alloy wires (31A, 31B) can be coupled to one side of a first part (85A) of a movable body (85). The plurality of shape memory alloy wires (31A, 31B) can be divided into a plurality of groups (e.g., 31A, 31B). In FIG. 3, they are divided into two groups, but in other embodiments, they may be divided into three or more groups. Each group may include one or more shape memory alloy wires. The spacing between groups may be greater than the spacing between two adjacent shape memory alloy wires in each group.

[0067] For example, the third part (85C) of the movable body (85) may be located between two groups (32A, 32B) of the second shape memory alloy member (32). In another embodiment, either of the two groups (31A, 31B) of the first shape memory alloy member (31) may be omitted. For example, the remaining one of the two groups of the first shape memory alloy member (31) may be combined with the central region of the first part (85A).

[0068] In another embodiment, either of the two groups (32A, 32B) of the second shape memory alloy member (32) may be omitted. Also, in another embodiment, instead of the third part (85C) of FIG. 3, the third part may include a first region connected to the upper part of the first part (85A) and a second region connected to the lower part of the first part (85A), and the other of the two groups (32A, 32B) of the second shape memory alloy member (32) may be located between the first region and the second region of the third part.

[0069] Each of the first and second shape memory alloy members (31, 32) may include a shape memory alloy (SMA). A shape memory alloy is an alloy that returns to its original shape, which is stored at a specific temperature, even if it is deformed into a different shape. The resistance and length of the first and second shape memory alloy members (31, 32) may change depending on whether current is applied or not.

[0070] For example, at a low temperature (e.g., room temperature), the resistance of the shape memory alloy member (31 or 32) may have a high resistance value. At this time, the shape memory alloy member (31, or 32) may have a first length. When a driving signal (e.g., driving current) is applied to the shape memory alloy member (31, or 32), the temperature of the shape memory alloy member (31, or 32) may rise, and at the driving temperature (e.g., 100°C to 110°C), the length of the shape memory alloy member (31 or 32) may decrease. At this time, the shape memory alloy member (31 or 32) may have a second length that is smaller than the first length. In this way, the shape memory alloy member (31 or 32) may expand or contract by the driving signal, and the movable body (85) coupled to the shape memory alloy member (31 or 32) may move in a first direction. Additionally, the end of the lever (60) connected to the movable body (85) can be moved in a second direction by the movement of the movable body (85) in a first direction. The strength of the driving signal supplied to the shape memory alloy member (31 or 32) can be adjusted, and thereby the movement of the end of the lever (60) in a second direction can be controlled.

[0071] The first and second shape memory alloy members (31 or 32) may be conductive members formed of a conductive material. For example, the first and second shape memory alloy members (31, 32) may be wires. In another embodiment, the first and second shape memory alloy members (31, 32) may be in the form of plates.

[0072] The first shape memory alloy member (31) and the second shape memory alloy member (32) may be arranged adjacent to each other, and at least a portion of the first shape memory alloy member (31) may face or overlap with the second shape memory alloy member (32) in a third direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction).

[0073] In order to prevent a short circuit caused by contact between the shape memory alloy wires (31A, 31B), a short circuit caused by contact between the shape memory alloy wires (31A, 31B), or an electrical short circuit caused by contact between the first shape memory alloy member (31) and the second shape memory alloy member (32), each of the shape memory alloy wires (31A, 31B, 32A, 32B) may be coated with an insulating material. That is, the surface of each of the shape memory alloy wires (31A, 32B, 32A, 32B) may be insulated.

[0074] The actuator (100) may include a first movement guide (40) that guides the movement of a moving body (85). The first movement guide (40) may be connected to or coupled with a fixed part. For example, one end of the first movement guide (40) may be connected to or coupled with a fixed part. One end of the first movement guide (40) may be coupled to a second side (141B) of a housing (140). For example, one end of the first movement guide (40) may be coupled to an inner surface of the second side (141B) of the housing (140). For example, one end of the first movement guide (40) may be coupled to a second coupling part (144B) of the housing (140).

[0075] The first moving guide (40) may be a sliding member. The moving body (85) may include a hole or groove for at least a portion of the first moving guide (40) to be placed or received. The first moving guide (40) may extend in a first direction. For example, the first moving guide (40) may be expressed as a "shaft," "shaft member," "support member," "pin member," "pin," or "rod member."

[0076] The first movement guide (40) may be connected to a first part (85A) of the movable body (85). The first movement guide (40) may be inserted into the first part (85A) of the movable body (65), and the first part (85A) of the movable body (85) may be moved in a first direction along the first movement guide (40). For example, at least a portion of the first movement guide (40) may penetrate the movable body (85). The movable body (85) may include a through hole for communicating with the first movement guide (40). For example, the through hole may be formed in the first part (85A) of the movable body (85).

[0077] The first moving guide (40) may include a plurality of shafts (41, 42) spaced apart from each other. In FIG. 3, the number of shafts is two, but in other embodiments, the number of shafts may be one or three or more. In FIG. 3, since each of the first and second shape memory alloy members (31, 32) includes two groups of shape memory alloy wires, the first moving guide (40) may include two shafts (41, 42) to ensure stable support of the moving body (85) while minimizing the weight of the shafts. The plurality of shafts (41, 42) may be spaced apart in a second direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction).

[0078] The actuator (100) may include a detachment prevention part (90) that is coupled to the other end of the first moving guide (40) to prevent the moving body (85) from detaching from the first moving guide (40). The first part (85A) of the moving body (85) may be located between the second side (141B) of the housing (140) and the detachment prevention part (90). The detachment prevention part (90) may act as a stopper to prevent the first part (85A) of the moving body (85) from moving beyond a set range. The detachment prevention part (90) may be referred to as a "stopper."

[0079] The lever (60) can be connected to or coupled with the movable body (85) and can serve to convert the movement of the movable body (85) in a first direction into movement in a second direction. The lever (60) may also be referred to as a "crank," a "stick," or a "conversion part."

[0080] One end of the lever (60) can be coupled to a first part (85A) of the movable body (85). The first part (85A) of the movable body (85) may include a coupling part (86) for connecting to or being coupled to one end of the lever (60). The coupling part (86) may be in the form of a projection protruding from the side of the first part (85A) of the movable body (85). In another embodiment, the coupling part may be a recessed groove from the side of the first part (85A) of the movable body (85). In FIG. 3, one end of the lever (60) and the first part (85A) of the movable body (85) can be coupled to each other using a coupling member (62).

[0081] For example, one end of the lever (60) and the first part (85A) of the movable body (85) can be joined together by screw connection, male-female connection, connection using adhesive, or joint connection. For example, a hole (60A) may be formed at one end of the lever (60) to be joined to the connecting part (86) of the movable body (85). The hole (60A) at one end of the lever (60) may be joined to a screw or a projection formed on the connecting part (86). One end of the lever (60) may be movable or may rotate or tilt within a preset range.

[0082] The lever (60) may be positioned between the upper (142A) and lower (142B) portions of the housing (140). One end of the lever (60) may be positioned closer to the lower (142B) portion of the housing (140) than to the upper (142A) portion of the housing (140). In another embodiment, one end of the lever (60) may be positioned closer to the upper (142A) portion of the housing (140) than to the lower (142B) portion of the housing (140). As the moving body (85) moves in the first direction, one end of the lever (60) or a portion adjacent to one end may be moved in the first direction along the groove (143) of the housing (140).

[0083] At least a portion of the lever (60) may be positioned between the first shape memory alloy member (31) and the second shape memory alloy member (32). For example, one end of the lever (60) may be positioned between the first shape memory alloy member (31) and the second shape memory alloy member (32).

[0084] The actuator (100) may include a second movement guide (50) that guides the movement of the other end of the lever (60). The other end of the lever (60) may be connected to the second movement guide (50) and may be moved in a second direction along the second movement guide (50).

[0085] The second moving guide (50) may be connected to or coupled with the fixed part. For example, the second moving guide (50) may be positioned between the upper part (142A) and the lower part (142B) of the housing (140). One end (or first end) of the second moving guide (50) may be connected to or coupled with the upper part (142A) of the housing (140), and the other end (or second end) of the second moving guide (50) may be connected to or coupled with the lower part (142B) of the housing (140).

[0086] For example, a hole (21A) or groove may be formed in the upper part (142A) of the housing (140) for connecting one end (or first end) of the second moving guide (50), and a hole (21B) or groove may be formed in the lower part (142B) of the housing (140) for connecting the other end (or second end) of the second moving guide (50).

[0087] The second moving guide (50) may be a sliding member. The second moving guide (50) may extend in a second direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction). For example, the second moving guide (40) may be expressed as a "shaft," "shaft member," "support member," "pin member," "pin," or "rod member."

[0088] The second movement guide (50) may be positioned in a direction that intersects the first movement guide (50). The extension direction of the second movement guide (50) may intersect with the extension direction of the first movement guide (50). For example, the extension direction of the second movement guide (50) may be perpendicular to the extension direction of the first movement guide (50).

[0089] The second moving guide (50) may be positioned adjacent to the first side (141A) of the housing (140). For example, the second moving guide (50) may be positioned closer to the first side (141A) of the housing (140) than to the second side (141B) of the housing (140).

[0090] The lever (60) shown in FIG. 2 has a straight shape, but in other embodiments, the lever (60) may include a bent shape. Or, for example, in other embodiments, the lever (60) may include a plurality of bent portions.

[0091] The actuator (100) may include a connecting part (70) that connects the other end of the lever (60) and the second moving guide (50). The connecting part (70) may be coupled to the other end of the lever (60). For example, the connecting part (70) may be coupled to the other end of the lever (60) by screw coupling, male-female coupling, coupling using adhesive, or joint coupling. For example, the part of the connecting part (70) connected to the other end of the lever (60) may be movable or may be rotated or tilted within a preset range.

[0092] The connecting part (70) may include a hole (70A) for coupling with the second moving guide (50). The second moving guide (50) may be inserted into the hole (70A) of the connecting part (70). The second moving guide (50) may pass through the hole (70A) of the connecting part (70).

[0093] At the other end of the lever (60), a coupling means (61) may be provided for connecting or joining an object (or configuration) to be operated or moved. In FIG. 1, the coupling means (61) is in the form of a protrusion, but in other embodiments, it may be a groove or a hole.

[0094] FIG. 7 shows the driving of the first shape memory alloy member (31) and the upward movement of the other end of the lever (60).

[0095] Referring to FIG. 7, the first board (81) may be electrically connected to one end of the first shape memory alloy member (31). The first board (81) may include a first terminal (P1) for electrically connecting to one end of the first shape memory alloy member (31). For example, one end of the shape memory alloy wires (31A, 31B) of the first shape memory alloy member (31) may be commonly connected to the first terminal (P1). For example, the first board (81) may include a circuit pattern or wiring that electrically connects one end of each of the shape memory alloy wires (31A, 31B) to the first terminal (P1).

[0096] Additionally, the second board (82) may be electrically connected to one end of the second shape memory alloy member (32). The second board (82) may include a second terminal (P2) for electrically connecting to one end of the second shape memory alloy member (32). For example, one end of the shape memory alloy wires (32A, 32B) of the second shape memory alloy member (32) may be commonly connected to the second terminal (P2). For example, the second board (82) may include a circuit pattern or wiring that electrically connects one end of each of the shape memory alloy wires (32A, 32B) to the second terminal (P2).

[0097] The movable body (85) may be electrically connected to the other end of the first shape memory alloy member (31). Additionally, the movable body (85) may be electrically connected to the other end of the second shape memory alloy member (32). For example, the movable body (85) may include a conductive member. The conductive member of the movable body (85) may be electrically connected to the other end of the first shape memory alloy member (31) and the other end of the second shape memory alloy member (32). For example, the conductive member of the movable body (85) may be a conductive layer, a terminal member, or a circuit board.

[0098] For example, the movable body (85) may include a third terminal (P3) to which the other end of the first shape memory alloy member (31) and the other end of the second shape memory alloy member (32) are electrically connected in common. For example, the third terminal (P3) may be a common power terminal. For example, the third terminal (P3) may be a common ground terminal. Or, for example, the third terminal (P3) may be a ground terminal.

[0099] The moving body (85) can move toward the first side (141A) (or first board (81)) of the housing (140) by means of the first shape memory alloy member (31). A first driving signal (I1) can be supplied to the shape memory alloy wires (31A, 31B) of the first shape memory alloy member (31) through the first terminal (P1). When a first driving signal (I1) is supplied to the shape memory alloy wires (31A, 31B), the shape memory alloy wires (31A, 31B) can be retracted, and the movable body (85) can receive a force (F1) that pulls it toward the first side (141A) (or the first board (81)) of the housing (140), and the movable body (85) can be moved toward the first side (141A) (or the first board (81)) of the housing (140), and the other end of the lever (60) and the connecting part (70) can be moved upward.

[0100] FIG. 8 shows the driving of the second shape memory alloy member (32) and the downward movement of the other end of the lever (60).

[0101] Referring to FIG. 8, the moving body (85) can move toward the second side (141B) (or second board (82)) of the housing (140) by means of the second shape memory alloy member (32).

[0102] A second driving signal (I2) can be supplied to the shape memory alloy wires (32A, 32B) of the second shape memory alloy member (32) through the second terminal (P2). When the second driving signal (I2) is supplied to the shape memory alloy wires (32A, 32B), the shape memory alloy wires (32A, 32B) can be retracted, and the movable body (85) can receive a force (F2) that pulls it toward the second side (141B) (or the second board (82)) of the housing (140), and the movable body (85) can be moved toward the second side (141B) (or the second board (82)) of the housing (140), and the connecting part (70) connected to the other end of the lever (60) can be moved downward.

[0103] Although not illustrated in FIG. 2, the actuator (100) may further include a conductive member electrically connected to terminals (P1, P2, P3). For example, the conductive member may be a conductive layer, a conductive pattern, a terminal, or a circuit board. In another embodiment, the actuator (100) may further include an elastic member connected between the housing (140) and the movable body (85), and the elastic member may support the movable body (85). Additionally, the elastic member may include a conductive material. The elastic member may be electrically connected to the other end of the first shape memory alloy member (31) and the other end of the second shape memory alloy member (32). For example, the elastic member may be electrically connected to the third terminal (P3) of the movable body (85). The actuator (100) may include a circuit board electrically connected to the elastic member.

[0104] In the embodiment, the first part (85A) of the movable body (85) to which the other end of the first shape memory alloy member (31) is connected is positioned close to the second side (141B) (or second board (82)) of the housing (140), and the second part (85B) of the movable body (85) to which the other end of the second shape memory alloy member (32) is connected is positioned close to the first side (141A) (or first board (81)) of the housing (140), so the size of the product can be reduced and miniaturization can be achieved. Additionally, as a result, in the embodiment, the range of movement of the movable body (85) in the first direction can be increased, and the stroke range of the other end of the lever (60) and the connecting part (70) in the second direction can be increased.

[0105] In addition, in the embodiment, since the driving force is implemented using an SMA wire, the size of the actuator can be reduced and miniaturization can be achieved. In particular, in the embodiment, the first and second shape memory alloy members (31, 32) can be implemented with an SMA wire having a length of 50 micrometers or more and 100 micrometers or less, and as a result, the size of the actuator can be reduced and miniaturization can be achieved.

[0106] In the embodiment, separate shape memory alloy wires (31, 32) are used for raising and lowering the lever (60), so a large driving force can be obtained to move the target object connected to the connecting part (71). In addition, in the embodiment, multiple shape memory alloy wires are used for moving the movable body (85), so a large driving force can be obtained to move the target object connected to the connecting part (71).

[0107] In addition, in the embodiment, the driving direction can be switched from the first direction (e.g., left-right direction) to the second direction (e.g., up-down direction) using the lever (60), thereby increasing the design freedom of the product or device on which the actuator is installed.

[0108] In addition, the embodiment may be suitable for AR or VR applications requiring large driving force and small size.

[0109]

[0110] Meanwhile, the actuator (100) according to the above-described embodiment may be used in an AR application or a VR application. That is, an AR device or a VR device according to the embodiment may include the actuator (100) according to the above-described embodiment. Additionally, a camera device or an optical device according to the embodiment may include the actuator (100). For example, the optical device according to the embodiment may be a mobile phone, a smartphone, a portable smart device, a digital camera, a laptop computer, a digital broadcasting terminal, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants), a PMP (Portable Multimedia Player), or a navigation device.

[0111] The features, structures, effects, etc. described in the embodiments above are included in at least one embodiment of the present invention and are not necessarily limited to only one embodiment. Furthermore, the features, structures, effects, etc. exemplified in each embodiment may be combined or modified and implemented in other embodiments by a person skilled in the art to which the embodiments belong. Therefore, details regarding such combinations and modifications should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present invention.

[0112] The embodiment can obtain a large driving force and can be used in an actuator having a small size.

Claims

1. A housing comprising a first side and a second side located opposite the first side; A movable body disposed between the first side and the second side of the above housing; A first shape memory alloy member comprising a first end connected to the first side of the housing and a second end connected to the movable body; A second shape memory alloy member comprising a first end connected to the second side of the housing and a second end connected to the movable body; and It includes a lever comprising one end connected to the above-mentioned moving body, and An actuator in which the moving body moves in a first direction by means of the first and second shape memory alloy members, and the other end of the lever moves in a second direction intersecting the first direction by means of the movement of the moving body.

2. In Paragraph 1, The second end of the first shape memory alloy member is positioned closer to the second side than to the first side of the housing, and An actuator in which the second end of the second shape memory alloy member is positioned closer to the first side than to the second side of the housing.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned mobile body is, A first part coupled to the second end of the first shape memory alloy member; A second part coupled to the second end of the second shape memory alloy member; and An actuator comprising a third part connecting the first part and the second part.

4. In Paragraph 3, An actuator comprising one end coupled to the second side of the housing and a first movement guide that guides the movement of the first part of the movable body.

5. In Paragraph 4, An actuator comprising a second movement guide that is coupled to the above housing and guides the movement of the other end of the lever in the second direction.

6. In Paragraph 3, The first portion of the above-mentioned moving body is located closer to the second side of the housing than to the first side of the housing, and The second part of the above-mentioned moving body is an actuator located closer to the first side of the housing than to the second side of the housing.

7. In Paragraph 3, An actuator in which the length of the third part in the first direction is greater than the length of the first part in the first direction and the length of the second part in the first direction.

8. In Paragraph 3, The first shape memory alloy member comprises a plurality of first shape memory alloy wires spaced apart in the second direction, and The above second shape memory alloy member is an actuator comprising a plurality of second shape memory alloy wires spaced apart in the second direction.

9. In Paragraph 1, A first board electrically connected to the first end of the first shape memory alloy member and supplying a first driving signal to the first shape memory alloy member; and An actuator comprising a second board electrically connected to the first end of the second shape memory alloy member and supplying a second driving signal to the second shape memory alloy member.

10. In Paragraph 9, The above-mentioned moving body is an actuator comprising a conductive member electrically connected to the second end of the first shape memory alloy member and the second end of the second shape memory alloy member.

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