AN ACTUATOR MECHANISM

Abstract

The present invention relates to a body (2); at least one actuator (3) made of an electro-active polymer material, which changes form depending on the electrical energy so that it triggers the body (2); at least two reinforcers (4) which allow the actuator (3) to change form, are positioned on the actuator (3) such that they remain opposite to each other, and are connected to the actuator (3) by clamping, thus transmitting movement to the body (2).

Claims

1-14. (canceled)

15. An actuator mechanism (1) configured for an air and/or space vehicle comprising a body (2), the actuator mechanism (1) comprising: at least one actuator (3) made of an electro-active polymer material which changes form depending on the electrical energy so that it triggers the body (2); at least two reinforcers (4) which allow the actuator (3) to change form are positioned on the actuator (3) such that they remain opposite to each other and are fixedly connected to the actuator (3) by clamping and thus transmitting movement to the body (2); at least one gripper (5) located and attached by clamping on the actuator (3) such that it is capable of changing shape and extends longitudinally between the reinforcers (4) and at least partially limits the form change of the actuator (3).

16. An actuator mechanism (1) according to claim 15, wherein the actuator (3) has a first position (I) in which the actuator (3) is not electrically energized and a second position (II) in which the actuator (3) is electrically energized and is brought towards the reinforcers (4) by changing shape; and wherein at least one of the at least one gripper (5) resists the form change of the actuator (3) when the actuator (3) is brought from the first position (I) to the second position (II).

17. An actuator mechanism (1) according to claim 15, wherein at least one of the at least one gripper (5) extends on the actuator (3) and between opposed reinforcers (4).

18. An actuator mechanism (1) according to claim 15, comprising a plurality of grippers (5) located on the sides of the actuator (3) such that they are opposite to each other and extend longitudinally between the reinforcers (4), wherein one end of the grippers (5) is fixed to one reinforcer (4) and the other end is fixed to the other reinforcer (4).

19. An actuator mechanism (1) according to claim 15, wherein at least one of the at least one gripper (5) having a surface contacting with the actuator (3) is in a serrated form so as to increase the friction force and allow the gripper (5) to hold onto the actuator (3).

20. An actuator mechanism (1) according to claim 15, wherein at least one of the at least one gripper (5) has a concave and/or convex form upon triggering the actuator (3).

21. An actuator mechanism (1) according to claim 15, wherein at least one of the at least one gripper (5) is made of an elastic material.

22. An actuator mechanism (1) according to claim 15, comprising at least two electrodes (7) located on the actuator (3) which enable the actuator (3) to be energized when a voltage is applied and thus enable the formation of an electric field on the actuator (3).

23. An actuator mechanism (1) according to claim 15, wherein at least one of the at least one actuator (3) is made of a dielectric elastomer material and has an elastomeric film feature.

24. An actuator mechanism (1) according to claim 15, comprising a control unit (6) for triggering the actuator (3) and causing the actuator (3) to change shape depending on commands predetermined by a user.

25. An actuator mechanism (1) according to claim 15, wherein the body (2) is configured for using as a control surface in air and/or space vehicles.

Description

[0023] The actuator mechanism realized to achieve the object of the present invention is illustrated in the attached drawings, in which:

[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective of the gripper.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a perspective of the gripper.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a top view of the actuator mechanism when the actuator is in the first position (1).

[0027] FIG. 4 is a top view of the actuator mechanism when the actuator is in the second position (II).

[0028] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the body.

[0029] All the parts illustrated in figures are individually assigned a reference numeral and the corresponding terms of these numbers are listed below: [0030] 1. Actuator Mechanism [0031] 2. Body [0032] 3. Actuator [0033] 4. Reinforcer [0034] 5. Gripper [0035] 6. Control Unit [0036] 7. Electrode [0037] (I) First Position [0038] (II) Second Position

[0039] The actuator mechanism (1) comprises a body (2); at least one actuator (3) made of an electro-active polymer material, which changes form depending on the electrical energy so that it triggers the body (2); at least two reinforcers (4) which allow the actuator (3) to change form, are positioned on the actuator (3) such that they remain opposite to each other, and are connected to the actuator (3) by clamping, thus transmitting movement to the body (2) (FIG. 1 and FIG. 2).

[0040] The actuator mechanism (1) of the invention comprises at least one gripper (5) which is located on the actuator (3) such that it is capable of changing shape, extends longitudinally between the reinforcers (4), and at least partially limits the form change of the actuator (3) (FIG. 3 and FIG. 4).

[0041] The actuator (3) located on the body (2) changes shape when it is exposed to an electric field. The actuator (3) located between the electrodes (7) is located longitudinally between two reinforcers (4) positioned opposite to other. The actuator (3), on which an electric field is generated by means of the electrodes (7) when triggered by the control unit (6), changes shape by expanding and contracting between the reinforcers (4) (FIG. 5).

[0042] Thanks to the gripper (5) extending longitudinally between the reinforcers (4) and preventing the energized actuator (3) from changing shape, the tendency of the actuator (3) to retract due to the internal force effect is minimized. Thus, the strength of the actuator (3) is increased. The gripper (5) allowing the actuator (3) to become at least partially flat moves in a form-fitting manner with the actuator (3).

[0043] In an embodiment of the invention, the actuator mechanism (1) comprises a first position (1) in which the actuator (3) is not electrically energised; a second position (II) in which the actuator (3) is electrically energised and is brought towards the reinforcers (4) by changing shape; a gripper (5) which resists the form change of the actuator (3) when the actuator (3) is brought from the first position (1) to the second position (II). There is a first position (1) in which no electric field is applied on the actuator (3) and the actuator (3) is in free state, and a second position (II) in which the actuator (3) extends towards the parts where it is connected to the reinforcers (4) by the application of electric field. It comprises a gripper (5) which prevents the actuator (3) from being concave inward due to the effect of internal force, while the actuator (3) changes shape, in a form-fitting manner therewith.

[0044] In an embodiment of the invention, the actuator mechanism (1) comprises a gripper (5) extending on the actuator (3) and between opposed reinforcers (4). The gripper (5) extends longitudinally between the reinforcers (4), which are positioned in an opposed manner. Thus, the gripper (5) compresses the actuator (3), and a form-fitting structure with the actuator (3) is obtained. It comprises a gripper (5) which contracts and/or expands in a form-fitting manner with the actuator (3) in the first position (1) and/or the second position (11). It comprises a gripper (5) which changes shape in a form-fitting manner with the actuator (3) when the actuator (3) is in the first position (1) and/or the second position (II).

[0045] In an embodiment of the invention, the actuator mechanism (1) comprises a plurality of grippers (5) located on the sides of the actuator (3) such that they are opposite to each other and extending longitudinally between the reinforcers (4). wherein one end of the grippers (5) is fixed to one reinforcer (4), and the other end is fixed to the other reinforcer (4). Thanks to the fact that the gripper (5) is located to cover the sides where the actuator (3) does not contact with the reinforcer (4), the gripper (5) allows the actuator (3) to change shape in a better way.

[0046] In an embodiment of the invention, the actuator mechanism (1) comprises a gripper (5) which can be produced in different geometries in a form-fitting manner with the actuator (3). The flexible gripper (5) is produced in different geometries so that an actuator (3) with a better performance is obtained.

[0047] In an embodiment of the invention, the actuator mechanism (1) comprises a gripper (5) whose surface contacting with the actuator (3) is in a serrated form, thus increasing the friction force and allowing the gripper (5) to hold onto the actuator (3). The fact that the gripper (5) has a serrated structure enables the gripper (5) to be better connected to the actuator (3).

[0048] In an embodiment of the invention, the actuator mechanism (1) comprises a gripper (5) having a concave and/or convex form upon triggering the actuator (3). The gripper (5) can change shape in different forms depending on the actuator (3).

[0049] In an embodiment of the invention, the actuator mechanism (1) comprises a gripper (5) made of an elastic material. Thus, the gripper (5) can change its form according to the shape change of the actuator (3).

[0050] In an embodiment of the invention, the actuator mechanism (1) comprises at least two electrodes (7) located on the actuator (3), which enable the actuator (3) to be energized when a voltage is applied, thus enabling formation of an electric field on the actuator (3). When voltage is applied to the electrodes (7), the actuator (3) triggered by the electric field generated on the actuator (3) changes shape between the reinforcers (4).

[0051] In an embodiment of the invention, the actuator mechanism (1) comprises an actuator (3) which is made of a dielectric elastomer material and has an elastomeric film feature.

[0052] In an embodiment of the invention, the actuator mechanism (1) comprises an actuator (3) which is made of a silicon/graphite, carbon and/or silver-based material, and thus, increasing electrical conductivity.

[0053] In an embodiment of the invention, the actuator mechanism (1) comprises a body (2) suitable for use in air and/or space vehicles.

[0054] In an embodiment of the invention, the actuator mechanism (1) comprises a control unit (6) that allows the actuator (3) to be triggered and allows the actuator (3) to change shape depending on the commands predetermined by the user.

[0055] In an embodiment of the invention, the actuator mechanism (1) comprises a body (2) suitable for use as a control surface in air and/or space vehicles.