Thermal actuator arrangement having improved reset time

US11815072B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• University of Saarland · DE
• Zema Ctr for Mechatronics and Automation Tech. · DE

Inventors

• Rouven Britz · Neuhaus, DE
• Stefan Seelecke · Riegelsberg, DE
• Paul MOTZKI · Riegelsberg, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 15, 2020
• Grant date: Nov 14, 2023
• Expiry date: Sep 15, 2040

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F03G7/0645
• WIPO field: Engines, pumps, turbines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

The invention relates to a thermal actuator arrangement for moving an actuator between a first actuating position and a second actuating position comprising: a first partial actuator having a first thermal actuator element to which a first opposing force is applied; a second partial actuator having a second thermal actuator element to which a second opposing force is applied, wherein the actuator elements are configured to modify their shape against the opposing force in each case as a result of a temperature change; an actuator which is coupled to the first partial actuator, such that, when the first actuator element is deactivated, the actuator is held in the first actuating position when a holding force takes effect and, when the holding force is eliminated, the actuator moves to the second actuating position due to the effect of the first opposing force; a securing element which is coupled to the second partial actuator in order to provide the holding force when the second actuator element is in the deactivated state and to reduce or eliminate the holding force in the activated state of the second actuator element.