WO2023122814A1 - Actuator device having a restoring element - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an actuator device (1) comprising: an actuator housing (2), wherein the actuator housing (2) is designed to receive a locking element (3) and a shape-memory element (4) and a restoring element (5); the locking element (3), wherein the locking element (3) is received in the actuator housing (2) such that it is movable relative to the actuator housing (2), between an active position (6) and a passive position (7); the shape-memory element (4), wherein the locking element (3) is adjustable by means of the shape-memory element (4) from the active position (6) to the passive position (7); an activation unit (8), wherein the shape-memory element (4) can be activated by means of the activation unit (8); an elastic restoring element (5), wherein the locking element (3) can be restored by means of the restoring element (5), from the passive position (7) to the active position (6).

Description

ACTUATOR DEVICE WITH A RETURN ELEMENT

The invention relates to an actuator device for actuating a locking element.

Actuator devices for operating locks are widespread in the prior art and are used in lockers, doors, security mechanisms and various containers.

For this purpose, different activation mechanisms are often used to actuate the actuators, which include, for example, electrical or electromagnetic mechanisms. It is also known to use shape memory materials to adjust actuators in order to bring the actuator into the desired position, or to use the shape memory material itself as an actuator.

A disadvantage of actuator devices from the prior art is that, due to their configuration, they often cannot be mounted in devices or containers without further complications, without special structural measures being provided for this purpose. In addition, complex mechanisms for locking by the shape memory elements are also provided.

The object of the present invention was to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide an actuator device and a method for producing the actuator device, by means of which a user is able to provide the actuator device without complex structural changes at the installation site and ensure the security of the lock.

This object is achieved by a device and a method according to the claims.

The actuator device according to the invention comprises; an actuator housing, wherein the actuator housing is designed to accommodate a locking element, as well as a shape memory element and a restoring element; the locking element, wherein the locking element is received in the actuator housing such that it can move relative to the actuator housing between an active position and a passive position; the shape memory element, wherein the locking element can be adjusted from the active position to the passive position by means of the shape memory element; an activation unit, wherein the shape memory element can be activated by means of the activation unit; an elastic reset element, wherein the locking element can be reset from the passive position into the active position by means of the reset element.

The actuator device according to the invention has the advantage that it has an extremely compact design and can therefore be retrofitted very easily, even in small areas.

A further advantage of an embodiment of an actuator device according to the invention is that it is in the active or locking position when the shape memory element is in a non-activated state, whereby locking is possible without activating the actuator device using energy and a container to be locked is secured.

In one embodiment it can be provided that the restoring element is designed in one piece with at least one of the following elements;

- the locking element;

- the actuator housing.

This configuration brings with it the advantage that a particularly robust and at the same time compact design of the actuator device can be provided. It can also be expedient to form the restoring element in one piece with the actuator housing and the locking element. In a further development it can be provided that each of the three elements is formed in one piece with each element. For example, the locking element can be formed on the actuator housing by means of elastic connecting webs.

In addition, it can be provided that the restoring element is formed in one piece with at least one of the elements from a plastic. A lightweight construction of the actuator device is possible by means of a plastic and a particularly advantageous configuration with regard to the material properties and an elasticity of the restoring element can be implemented.

In one embodiment it can be provided that the shape memory element is in the form of a filament. With this measure, an advantageous form of Shape memory element provided, which brings with it a further weight saving and supports a compact design of the actuator device.

It can also be advantageous if a coupling point is formed on the locking element, with the restoring element and the shape memory element being coupled to the coupling point of the locking element. A common coupling point of the two elements in turn leads to a more compact design and also has the advantage that the locking element can be adjusted in an optimized manner with respect to its center of gravity. Furthermore, it can be provided that the restoring element and the shape memory element are also coupled to the actuator housing at a second coupling point.

Said coupling points of the restoring element can preferably be arranged along a longitudinal central axis of the actuator housing and of the locking element.

In addition, it can be provided that a first longitudinal end of the shape memory element is coupled to the actuator housing at a first attachment point and that a second longitudinal end of the shape memory element is coupled to the actuator housing at a second attachment point, with the shape memory element being attached to a locking element (or to an im Lever arm described below) arranged coupling point is deflected. The advantage of this measure is that the locking element can be guided precisely by means of the shape memory element.

In addition, it can be provided that the restoring element is designed in the form of a serpentine line and has uneven windings. The advantage of this design is that the restoring element can be built shorter in relation to the actuator housing and can spread out in additional directions in an improved state in a pushed together or compressed state, as a result of which a more compact design can in turn be realized.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the locking element, as well as the shape memory element and the restoring element are arranged in one plane, with all elements being movable in the active position and passive position only with respect to this plane. This configuration brings with it the advantage that the thickness of the actuator device can be chosen to be particularly small. In addition, it can be provided that all elements are movable with respect to the longitudinal central axis. Irrespective of this, the restoring element can preferably only be deformable with respect to one plane. In one embodiment it can be provided that the restoring element extends between a first coupling point and a second coupling point, the restoring element having at least one cross-sectional taper along its length between the first coupling point and the second coupling point. This configuration brings with it the advantage that it is possible to influence the restoring force and the restoring behavior via the cross-sectional shape. It is also advantageous that the restoring element can be designed in such a way that it exerts a substantially constant resistance against the shape memory element during its deformation, resulting in an optimized movement of the locking element in the active and passive position. The cross-sectional tapering can be two-dimensional, but also three-dimensional. Furthermore, a cross-sectional minimum of the cross-sectional narrowing can be between 80% and 20% of the cross-section of the restoring element, preferably between 25% and 60%, in particular 30% to 50%.

It can be expedient if a straight connecting line runs through the first coupling point and the second coupling point, with the at least one cross-sectional taper being arranged in the region of the connecting line. The advantage of this configuration is that the restoring element can be pushed together in a targeted manner between the coupling points, as a result of which a particularly space-saving arrangement of the restoring element is possible. The connecting line can also be formed by the longitudinal center axis of the actuator housing and/or the locking element.

In addition, it can be provided that the cross-sectional reduction is formed in at least one web, with two windings of the restoring element being connected by means of the web, and with the cross-sectional reduction being formed in such a way that a cross-section of the web extends in one direction, starting from the web to each the two turns is increasingly formed. With this configuration, a particularly advantageous embodiment of a restoring element can be undertaken, in which the restoring force of the restoring element can be influenced in such a way that a constant restoring behavior is ensured. Furthermore, as a result, a smaller force of the shape memory element is required in order to move the locking element into the passive position, which in turn has the advantage of a lighter and more compact design.

A further advantage of the aforementioned cross-sectional tapering can be achieved in that the shape memory element between the coupling points of the restoring element can be arranged and extends between them, whereby the shape memory element can be placed in the areas of cross-sectional tapers and thus can be arranged in or on the restoring element.

It can be particularly advantageous if the restoring element has at least one first winding and at least one second winding, with the first winding being spaced further from the locking element (or a lever arm) in the active position than the second winding and with the second being in the passive position Turn of the locking element (or the lever arm) is further spaced than the first turn. This brings with it the advantage that, on the one hand, an optimized course of the restoring process can be seen and that the restoring element can be nested or arranged in itself with regard to a position.

For the sake of completeness, it should be mentioned that the first and second turns are movable turns with respect to the active and passive positions, or complete turn sections of the restoring element. Furthermore, these are not the areas where the restoring element is formed or wound for the first time at a coupling point or connection point and which areas are essentially rigid with regard to their shape in the movement relative to the actuator housing or the locking element. This also applies to the aforementioned uneven windings.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the restoring element has at least two first windings and at least two second windings. With this configuration, a particularly advantageous behavior of the restoring element with regard to its deformation with regard to the restoring force and a space-saving arrangement can be provided. The first and second turns are preferably adjacent turns. Another advantage is that the behavior described occurs more evenly in the restoring element, or synchronously in two opposite areas.

In addition, it can be provided that the actuator housing has at least one groove, in which groove the locking element can be guided. This measure ensures improved guidance of the locking element and optimization of the behavior of the restoring element. It can be particularly advantageous if the actuator housing has a longitudinal extension and a transverse extension and a thickness, the thickness being between 1% and 20%, in particular between 2.5% and 10%, preferably between 4% and 6% of the longitudinal extension wherein the thickness is between 1% and 25%, in particular between 3% and 20%, preferably between 5% and 8% of the transverse extent. As a result of this measure, an actuator device that is particularly narrow in terms of thickness can be implemented, which can be arranged extremely easily in a space-saving manner in various applications and can also be retrofitted.

In addition, a method for producing an actuator device according to at least one of the claims is proposed, wherein the restoring element is produced in a shaping process and the restoring element is formed in one piece with at least one of the following elements:

- the locking element;

- the actuator housing.

It is particularly advantageous that typical weak points with regard to the connection between the elements, as in the case of conventional arrangements from the prior art, are thereby avoided.

It can be particularly expedient for at least one of the following additional elements of the actuator device to be molded in the shaping process:

- the shape memory element;

- the activation unit.

It is particularly advantageous as a result of this measure that a robust design of a compact actuator device is possible, which is insensitive to vibrations and shocks. For example, the shape memory element can be formed on or in the locking element and/or in the actuator housing. Furthermore, it can be formed, for example, at a coupling point or other areas of the restoring element. The activation unit can also be molded into the actuator housing, for example, or molded together with the shape memory element, so that their connection is also molded in.

In a further advantageous embodiment it can be provided that the shape memory element is coupled to a first lever arm and that the locking element is coupled to a second lever arm, with the first lever arm using the second Lever arm can be actuated, so that when the first lever arm is adjusted by means of the shape memory element, the locking element can be adjusted by means of the second lever arm into the passive position. This configuration has the advantage that actuation or displacement of the locking element (or also the second lever arm), e.g. by a blocking element or manually by hand, has no influence on the first lever arm, so that the shape memory element (or also the first lever arm) is decoupled from these movements. This contributes to a gentle arrangement of the shape memory element, as a result of which its service life is considerably increased.

In an advantageous embodiment, it can be provided that a sliding surface is formed on at least one of the two lever arms and that a counter surface that interacts with the sliding surface is formed on the other lever arm, with the sliding surface and the counter surface being displaceable relative to one another by means of the adjustment of the first lever arm and the second lever arm can be actuated by means of this displacement. By means of the surfaces formed, a higher tolerance with respect to the movements of the levers relative to one another is possible, so that they nevertheless have the desired adjustment behavior when there is a change in the behavior of the shape memory element and/or restoring elements. Furthermore, a friction-free movement of the lever arms is favored. In addition, further adaptation to the shape memory element and also to a restoring element is possible by means of the tolerance.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the restoring element is coupled to the second lever arm, it being possible for the second lever arm, together with the locking element, to be reset into the active position by means of the restoring element. With this configuration, a locking position or active position of the locking element can be achieved independently of the first lever arm or of the shape memory element.

A particular development provides that the locking element is designed in one piece with the second lever arm, or that the locking element forms the second lever arm.

Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the first lever arm can be reset against its adjustment by the shape memory element (or against the adjustment direction) by means of a second reset element. By means of this measure is an improved decoupling of the shape memory element (or the first lever arm) from the movements of the second Improved lever arm, which also causes a manual operation of the locking element no impact on the shape memory element. Furthermore, the second restoring element can be designed in the form of a previously described restoring element (concerning uneven turns, as well as cross-sectional tapers, etc.) which is coupled to the first lever arm in this way instead of the locking element. In the case of an elastic restoring element, it should be mentioned for completeness that the restoring force of the second restoring element is less than the tensile force of the shape memory element when it is activated.

Particularly preferably, it can be provided that the first lever arm can be adjusted by means of the shape memory element from a release position into at least one operating position, wherein in the at least one operating position the second lever arm together with the locking element is held in the passive position by means of the first lever arm and in the release position the Provision of the locking element is released in the active position.

A possible further development provides that the first lever arm is coupled to a link with regard to its adjustment, with the first lever arm being able to be transferred from the release position to a first actuating position by means of the link and the adjustment by the shape memory element (when it is activated) and by means of the link can be further transferred from the first operating position into an intermediate position, with the first lever arm being blocked in the intermediate position with respect to a return to the release position against its adjustment by the shape memory element (or counter to the adjustment direction) by means of the connecting link, and with the second lever arm being in the intermediate position is held in the passive position together with the locking element by means of the first lever arm.

By means of this intermediate position, it is possible to hold the locking element in the passive position without activating the shape memory element, so that the actuator device remains in an unlocked state without current, for example. A release from the intermediate position can take place, for example, with a lock or the like, so that a locked state can also be restored, for example, without current.

Provision can preferably be made for the first lever arm to be moved from the intermediate position to a second position by means of a renewed adjustment by the shape memory element via the connecting link Operating position can be converted, wherein the first lever arm can be converted from the second operating position back into the release position by means of the link

It can also be provided that the gate is formed on the first lever arm and is coupled to a guide element guided in the gate, the gate and the guide element being operable relative to one another by adjusting the first lever arm. By means of this design, the movement of the lever arm can be guided particularly easily via the slotted link by its own adjusting movement. Particularly advantageous with a moving link (or a link arranged on a movable lever) is the more harmonious movement of the components to one another than, for example, with a rigid link guide, which ensures a process-reliable movement sequence. In addition, with a link arranged or formed on the lever arm, e.g. during a pivoting movement by means of the distance of the link, the guide element can be guided along the link over larger paths even with small pivot angles, which means that the actuator device can also be made more compact overall. The linkage can preferably be actuated by means of the adjustment by the shape memory element in one direction and counter to this by a second reset element mentioned. The guide element can preferably be coupled to the actuator housing, the link movement itself being controlled via the lever arm

It can preferably also be provided that the guide element in the gate is positively guided by means of a stop with respect to the adjustment from the release position to the first operating position, with the gate having an incline with respect to the guide element, so that the guide element with respect to an adjustment from the intermediate position back to the release position can be traced back via the stop in the form of a step by means of the slope in the connecting link. It should be mentioned here that the guide element has a certain contact pressure in the connecting link in relation to the base or floor of the connecting link, so that the guide element slides down over the step when it is returned to the release position, or at the beginning when it is adjusted into the first operating position of this step cannot overcome.

A preferred embodiment provides that the first lever arm can only be adjusted with respect to a first plane and that the second lever arm can only be adjusted with respect to a second plane and that the first plane and the second plane are arranged perpendicular to one another are. By means of the vertically arranged adjustment movements, the decoupling of the first lever arm from the second lever arm with regard to its return movement or a movement by manual actuation can be improved, since the second lever arm acts on the first lever arm with regard to its movement in the second plane in such a way that the latter second lever arm blocked or limited, but remains unaffected with respect to movement in the first plane.

In another embodiment, however, it can also be provided that the first lever arm and the second lever arm can only be adjusted with respect to a first plane. A particularly compact design can in turn be achieved by means of this embodiment. Before that, the second lever arm is in turn mounted relative to the first lever arm or to the actuator housing in such a way that its movement has no influence on the first lever arm. For example, the second lever arm can be arranged essentially transversely to the first lever arm, so that its adjustment movements are also transverse to the movements of the first lever arm in the first plane.

Provision can furthermore be made for the first lever arm to be pivotable about a first pivot axis with respect to its adjustment, and/or for the second lever arm to be pivotable about a second pivot axis. By means of this configuration, an improved arrangement and simplified dimensioning of the components with regard to their individual effective distances on the respective lever arms is possible. For example, a restoring element and a shape memory element can be designed to be adaptable with regard to their distances from one another and from the pivot axis, so that they can also be adjusted.

A possible further development provides that a coupling section for the shape memory element is arranged on the first lever arm at a coupling distance from the first pivot axis and a first contact section for actuating the second lever arm is arranged at a first contact distance from the first pivot axis, with the first contact distance being first pivot axis is greater than the coupling distance.

Provision can preferably be made for the link on the first lever arm to be arranged at a link distance from the first pivot axis, the link distance being greater than the first contact distance. It is also possible for a return section for engaging the return element to be arranged on the second lever arm at a positioning distance from the second pivot axis and a second contact section for actuation by the first lever arm to be arranged at a second contact distance from the second pivot axis, with the return section and the second Contact portion are arranged opposite each other with respect to the second pivot axis.

Provision can also be made for the locking element to be arranged on the second lever arm at an element spacing relative to the second pivot axis, with the locking element being arranged opposite the reset section relative to the second pivot axis and the element spacing being greater than the second contact spacing. For a better understanding of the invention this is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.

They each show in a greatly simplified, schematic representation:

1 shows an actuator device according to the invention;

2 shows a possible arrangement of the elements of an actuator device;

3 shows a possible embodiment of a restoring element;

FIG. 4 shows the restoring element according to FIG. 3 in the passive position; FIG.

5 shows a possible storage of the locking element in the actuator housing;

6 shows a possible mounting of the locking element in the actuator housing;

7 shows an oblique view of a possible embodiment of an actuator device;

8 shows a method for producing a restoring element;

9 shows a further embodiment of a restoring element,

10 shows a further embodiment of the actuator device,

FIG. 11 the actuator device according to FIG. 10 in the passive position,

12 another possible embodiment of the actuator device, FIG. 13 the actuator device according to FIG. 12 in the passive position,

14 shows a link in a detailed view

15 the lever arm according to FIGS. 12 and 13 in the intermediate position,

16 shows a further possible embodiment of the actuator device;

17 shows a further embodiment of the actuator device in an oblique view;

18 shows a possible embodiment of the actuator device in plan view.

As an introduction, it should be noted that in the differently described embodiments, the same parts are provided with the same reference numbers or the same component designations, it being possible for the disclosures contained throughout the description to be applied to the same parts with the same reference numbers or the same component designations. The position information selected in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., is related to the figure directly described and shown and these position information are to be transferred to the new position in the event of a change of position.

1 shows an actuator device 1 according to the invention.

The actuator device 1 comprises an actuator housing 2 which is designed to accommodate a locking element 3 and a shape memory element 4 and a restoring element 5 .

A locking element 3 can be moved relative to the actuator housing 2 between an active position 6 and a passive position 7 , the locking element 3 being adjustable from the active position 6 to the passive position 7 by means of a shape memory element 4 .

An activation unit 8 is preferably provided for this purpose, with the shape memory element 4 being able to be activated by means of the activation unit 8 . In this case, the activation unit 8 can comprise a circuit board which is arranged in the actuator housing 2 . Furthermore, it is also possible to provide only one connection of the shape memory element 4 to an external connection or energy supply, or an energy cell. As mentioned at the outset, the activation unit can also be formed in the actuator housing 2 . The shape memory element preferably comprises a material with a memory effect, also known as SMA or FGL. In this regard, reference is made to the prior art.

An elastic restoring element 5 is also provided, with the locking element 3 being able to be reset from the passive position 7 into the active position 6 by means of the restoring element 5 . The restoring element 5 is preferably designed to be elastic in such a way that a restoring force is formed by the shape and the choice of material of the restoring element 5 .

The actuator device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is shown in the active position 6 , with the locking element 3 being able to protrude at least partially out of the actuator housing 2 . As indicated, a component of a locking unit 25 that interacts with the locking element 3 can be provided, which comes into operative engagement with the locking element 3 when the actuator device 1 is in a mounted state. In addition, the component and/or the locking element 3 can have, for example, an insertion bevel 26 , with the insertion bevel 26 being able to move the locking element 3 from the active position 6 into the passive position 7 without activating the shape memory element 4 . The active engagement of the locking unit 25 can take place, for example, with a detent, as shown.

Furthermore, the restoring element 5 can be designed in one piece with the locking element 3 or the actuator housing 2 . Preferably, the reset element 5 can also be designed in one piece with the locking element 3 and the actuator housing 2 . As mentioned at the outset, the restoring element 5, but also the actuator housing 2 and/or the locking element 3 can preferably be formed from a plastic.

The shape memory element 4 can preferably be in the form of a filament. Furthermore, a coupling point 9 can be formed on the locking element 3 , with the restoring element 5 and the shape memory element 4 preferably being coupled to the coupling point 9 .

Depending on the design and shape of the shape memory element 4 , the coupling point 9 can be designed, for example, as a connection point or engagement point with respect to the shape memory element 4 . In one embodiment, the coupling point 9 can have a guide or rounding or the like, with the shape memory element 4 being deflected at the coupling point 9 . Irrespective of this, the restoring element 5 can be designed in the form of a serpentine line and have uneven windings, as illustrated.

In addition, it can be provided that a coupling point is arranged along a longitudinal center axis of the locking element 3 and a further coupling point of the restoring element 5 is offset from the longitudinal center axis, as shown. With this arrangement, the restoring element 5 can be arranged in a more space-saving manner during a pushed-together position.

2 shows a possible arrangement of the elements of an actuator device, with the locking element 3 and the shape memory element 4 and the restoring element 5 being arranged in a plane 14 and all elements being movable only with respect to this plane 14 in the active position 6 and passive position 7 are. As also shown, the restoring element 5 and the shape memory element 4 can be coupled to the coupling point 9 of the locking element 3 .

Furthermore, the shape memory element 4 can be designed in such a way that it is coupled to the actuator housing 2 and the locking element 3 at one or both coupling points of the restoring element 5, and provision can be made for recesses 36 to be provided in the restoring element 5, through which recesses 36 the Shape memory element 4 is guided. The recesses 36 can be provided, for example, in the restoring element 5 or on its surface.

The movement with respect to the plane 14 described in FIG. 2 can be provided in all of the following embodiments of the actuator device 1 .

Fig. 3 shows another possible embodiment of a restoring element 5, with restoring element 5 extending between a first coupling point 9 and a second coupling point 15, with restoring element 5 along its length 27 between first coupling point 9 and second coupling point 15 at least one Cross-sectional taper 16 has. The cross-sectional constriction 16 can be designed differently depending on the shape of the restoring element 5 .

In one embodiment, the at least one cross-sectional taper 16 can be arranged in the area of a straight connecting line 17 , the connecting line 17 running through the first coupling point 9 and the second coupling point 15 . Furthermore, the shape memory element 4 can be arranged in the area of the connecting line 17 and can be arranged essentially parallel to it. Furthermore, the shape memory element 4 can be deflected around the first coupling point 9 arranged on the locking element 3 .

For this purpose, a first longitudinal end 10 of the shape memory element 4 can be coupled to the actuator housing 2 at a first attachment point 11 in the region of the second coupling point 15, and a second longitudinal end 12 of the shape memory element 4 can be coupled to the actuator housing 2 at a second attachment point 13.

Alternatively, the shape memory element 4 can also be deflected at the first coupling point 9 and the second coupling point 15, e.g. in an endless arrangement. Furthermore, the shape memory element 4 can also be arranged linearly between the two coupling points 9,15 in a simple form.

Regardless of the embodiment shown, the two coupling points 9, 15 of the restoring element 5 can be arranged along a longitudinal center axis of the actuator housing 2 and a longitudinal center axis of the locking element 3, which longitudinal center axes are formed by the connecting line 17 in the embodiment shown, but independently of this. It is also possible for one of the two coupling points to be offset from the longitudinal center axis.

As shown, the cross-sectional narrowing 16 can be formed in at least one web 18, with two windings of the restoring element 5 being connected by means of the web 18 and the cross-sectional narrowing 16 being formed in such a way that a cross-section of the web 18 extends in one direction, starting from the Web 18 is increasingly formed to each of the two turns. In other words, the web 18 has a minimum cross-section in a central section and experiences an increase in the cross-section of the two windings which are connected by means of the web 18 .

As mentioned above, the cross-sectional constriction 16 can be two-dimensional in accordance with the illustration, but it can also be three-dimensional.

With the illustrated design of the webs 18, it is possible to form the restoring process or the compression of the restoring element 5 in such a way that this is not usual Has course of a spring force and thus a reduced restoring force results, especially during the process. This brings with it the advantage that the resistance of the restoring element does not increase significantly when deformed by the shape memory element, in contrast to a spring in which the resistance increases depending on the progress of the compression or expansion, in accordance with Hooke's law.

Regardless of the design of the webs shown, it can be provided that the restoring element 5 has at least one first winding 19 and at least one second winding 20, with the first winding 19 being spaced further from the locking element 3 in the active position 6 than the second winding 20 and wherein in the passive position 7 the second winding 20 is further spaced from the locking element 3 than the first winding 19. In this regard, a first spacing 28 of the first winding 19 and a second spacing 29 of the second winding 20 with respect to the coupling point are indicated.

For easier understanding, the restoring element 5 according to FIG. 3 is shown in the passive position 7 in FIG.

In the passive position 7, the second winding 20 is further spaced from the locking element 3 than the first winding 19, as a result of which the second spacing 29 is greater than the first spacing 28. As shown in the figure, the restoring element 5 can in particular have at least two first windings 19 and at least two second turns 20, the two first turns 19 and the two second turns 20 being adjacent turns.

Also shown, a cross-sectional reduction 16 that is independent of this has the advantage that the restoring element 5 can be arranged in itself in as space-saving a manner as possible and guided in a targeted manner. In addition, the restoring energy in this compressed state of the restoring element 5 is lower than with a compressed spring, which leads to a lower required force and dimensioning of the shape memory element 4 .

In the figures 5 and 6 possible embodiment of a storage of the locking element 3 relative to the actuator housing 2 are shown. 5 shows an articulation point 30 via which articulation point 30 the locking element 3 can be deflected, the locking element 3 being brought into the active position 6 via the articulation point 30 by means of the restoring element 5 . In this regard, the locking element 3 can in turn have different shapes, for example to engage with a complementary shape of a locking unit. Furthermore, it can have an insertion bevel 26 . In one embodiment, the hinge point 30 can be stationary. Furthermore, the hinge point 30 can also be movably connected to the actuator housing 2 and/or the locking element 3 in such a way that it exerts, for example, an eccentric or curved movement between the active and passive position 6 , 7 . The locking element 3 can be pivoted at the pivot point 30 . However, the hinge point 30 can also be designed as an elastic connection web.

Irrespective of the mounting of the locking element 3, FIG. 5 shows a possible configuration of a cross-sectional reduction 16, with the cross-sectional reduction 16 being able to run over a turn, as shown, so that, for example, the turns on one side have a thicker cross-section than the turns on the opposite side. The embodiment of the cross-sectional reduction 16 shown has the effect that the area with the thicker cross-section is deformed less than the area with the smaller cross-section, which leads to a targeted guidance of the deformation of the restoring element 5 . Such a narrowing of the cross section 16 can be particularly advantageous in an embodiment with a pivot point 30 since the coupling point 9 pivots about the pivot point 30 .

It would also be conceivable to arrange the restoring element 5 inclined relative to the actuator housing 2, so that the coupling point 9 on the locking element 3 is further away from the pivot point 30, as indicated by dashed lines.

In addition, independently of this, a possible embodiment of an activation unit 8 is shown, which can be designed as a connection cable, e.g. USB, a normal mains connection or the like.

In a further embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the locking element 3 can be mounted so that it can be guided linearly relative to the actuator housing 2 , for example in a groove 21 or also positively guided purely by the shape of the actuator housing 2 . Regardless of this, the locking element 3 can be connected to the actuator housing 2, for example by means of an elastic connection s web 31. The elastic connecting web 31 can be U-shaped, for example, and follow the locking element 3 between the active and passive position 6.7, as shown in dashed lines implied. It is also conceivable for the locking element 3 to be guided or supported only by the elastic connecting web 31 . Furthermore, it is also possible to form the locking element 3 in one piece with the actuator housing 2 by means of the elastic connecting web 31 .

In addition, a possible embodiment of a shape memory element 4 is shown, in which the shape memory element 4 is provided in a simple linear configuration, for example as a wire. The shape memory element 4 can be attached to both coupling points 9, 15, but also to other positions. In addition, the shape memory element 4 can be deflected at both coupling points, e.g. as a kind of loop.

Furthermore, a possible, independent embodiment of an activation unit 8 is shown, in which the activation unit 8 is designed as a circuit board and is integrated in the actuator housing 2 . The circuit board can be connected to an external supply source, not shown, or to an energy cell. Furthermore, an energy cell can also be integrated in the actuator housing 2 .

By way of example, in FIG. 6 the restoring element 5 is formed in one piece with the actuator housing 2 and the locking element 3 .

FIG. 7 shows an oblique view of a possible embodiment of an actuator device 1 . The actuator housing 2 can be designed to be closed, so that the restoring element 5 is covered by it, for example. However, it is also possible to design the actuator housing 2 to be open and to provide only the lateral wall sections 32 for guiding and mounting the locking element 3, which leads to a thinner construction.

Regardless of the embodiment shown, the actuator housing 2 has a longitudinal extent 22 and a transverse extent 23 and a thickness 24 . The thickness 24 is preferably between 1% and 20%, in particular between 2.5% and 10%, preferably between 4% and 6% of the longitudinal extent 22 and/or the thickness 24 is between 1% and 25%, in particular between 3% and 20%, preferably between 5% and 8% of the transverse extent 23.

As a possible but non-limiting example, the actuator device 1 can be a component approximately the size of a credit card, so that it has a length of approximately 80 mm, a width of 55 mm and a thickness of 5 mm.

In one possible embodiment, the longitudinal extension can have a ratio to the transverse extension in a range from 2:1 to 1:1, preferably 1.8:1 to 1.2:1, in particular 1.5:1 to 1:3:1 .

As provided, the locking element 3 can have a length in relation to the longitudinal extent 22, for example 60%-90% of the longitudinal extent. Furthermore, it is also conceivable to design the locking element at least partially over the entire longitudinal extension 22, e.g. T-shaped.

In alternative embodiments, however, the locking element 3 can also be made significantly narrower with respect to the longitudinal extent 22, for example only 10%-60% of the longitudinal extent. The shape of the locking element 3 can also be designed differently and have other link shapes, for example, one-sided actuation, as in the case of the aforementioned insertion bevel. This is only to make it clear that the locking element 3 is not restricted to the forms shown in the figures.

The actuator device 1 can also include other elements, such as damping and stops for the locking element 3, or sliding coatings, or consist of lubricious material.

A possible method for producing a restoring element 5 is shown schematically in FIG. 8 . In this case, the restoring element 5, preferably made of plastic, is produced in a mold 33 by means of a shaping process, for example casting, extrusion or the like. As mentioned at the outset, the restoring element 5 can be formed in one piece with the locking element 3 and/or the actuator housing 2 . In this regard, an extension of the mold 33 for the production of the locking element 3 and/or the actuator housing 2 indicated by dashed lines. In addition, it can be provided that the shape memory element 4 and/or the activation unit 8 is also formed, as mentioned at the outset.

When using plastic, different materials known from the prior art can be used, e.g. also temperature-resistant ones. It is also conceivable to form conductive materials in the area of the activation unit and the shape memory element.

It should be mentioned that the shaping process is not limited to the variant mentioned, but is only suitable for forming the restoring element 5 in one piece with at least one of the elements. 3D printing, for example, is also suitable as a shaping process.

9 shows a further embodiment of a restoring element 5 in which the locking element 3 is returned to the active position 6 by means of the elastic contraction of the restoring element 5 . In this regard, a housing section 34 of the actuator housing 2 can engage, for example, in an opening 35 in the locking element 3 , with the restoring element 5 being coupled to the housing section 34 .

Regardless of this, a possible embodiment of the actuator housing 2 with elastic connection s webs 31 is shown, which elastic connection webs 31 follow the locking element 3 between the active and passive position 6.7. The elastic connecting web 31 can preferably be designed in such a way that it supports the restoring process of the restoring element 5 . In addition, the elastic connecting web 31 can be bistable.

In the embodiment shown, the restoring element 5 is formed in one piece with the locking element 3 , for example, although this can also be formed in one piece with the actuator housing 2 . Furthermore, with the formation of the elastic connection s webs 31, the locking element 3 can be formed in one piece with the actuator housing 2, independently of the restoring element 5.

FIG. 9 shows a further embodiment of the restoring element, which may be independent of itself, with the same reference numerals or component designations as in the preceding figures being used again for the same parts. To unnecessary To avoid repetition, reference is made to the detailed description in the preceding figures.

Compared to the embodiments shown in all figures, it is also possible to arrange the restoring element and the locking element and the shape memory element in the actuator housing such that the locking element can be moved back and forth between, for example, an active and passive position along a horizontal line. For example, the locking element can be adjustable in such a way that the locking element or a part thereof is located outside of the actuator housing in both positions, instead of, for example, a retracted and extended position relative to the actuator housing.

In addition, it can be provided that more than one such restoring element is provided in the actuator housing, e.g. two, which are each coupled to a first and second section of the locking element.

According to a further embodiment of the actuator device 1, it can be provided that the shape memory element 4 is coupled to a first lever arm 37 and that the locking element 3 is coupled to a second lever arm 38, with the second lever arm 38 being actuatable by means of the first lever arm 37, so that when the first lever arm 37 is adjusted by means of the shape memory element 4, the locking element 3 can be adjusted by means of the second lever arm 38 into the passive position 7, as can be seen from FIGS. The locking element 3 is located, for example, in FIG. 10 in the active position 6 and in FIG. 11 in the passive position 7.

Such a configuration using the lever arms has the advantage mentioned above that manual actuation or displacement of the locking element 3, e.g. from the active to the passive position, by means of a blocking element 69 acting from the outside does not have any effect on the shape memory element 4 and thus its Service life significantly increased. In other words, it is also possible for the first lever arm to cause an adjustment movement of the second lever arm, but conversely the second lever arm does not cause an adjustment of the first lever arm. In this regard, the movement of a blocking element 69 is indicated in FIG. 11, for example by means of an aforementioned insertion bevel 26, as a result of which an adjustment of the locking element 3 into the passive position can be initiated. The component can, for example, a locking part of a door or a Locker or the like and interact directly with the locking element 3. The locking element 3 can also have the bevel.

Furthermore, the actuator device 1 shown in FIGS. 10 to 18 again has an actuator housing 2 for accommodating the locking element 3 , as well as a shape memory element 4 and a restoring element 5

The locking element 3 is accommodated in the actuator housing 2 so that it can be moved relative to the actuator housing 2 between an active position 6 and a passive position 7, with the locking element 3 being adjustable from the active position 6 to the passive position 7 by means of the shape memory element 4 - namely by means of the coupling via the lever arms 37 , 38.

It can be provided that the locking element 3 is formed in one piece with the second lever arm 38, or the locking element 3 itself can form the second lever arm. Alternatively, the locking element 3 can also be designed separately from the second lever arm 38 and can be adjustably guided in the actuator housing 2 and can be adjusted into the passive position by means of the lever arm 38 and can be reset again with a reset element. Furthermore, the locking element can be guided in a groove 21 formed in the actuator housing 2 . The groove 21 can also have an arc shape, for example, if the locking element is designed to be pivotable about an axis.

Furthermore, a sliding surface 39 can preferably be formed on at least one of the two lever arms 37, 38 and a counter surface 40 that interacts with the sliding surface 39 can be formed on the other lever arm, with the sliding surface 39 and the counter surface 40 being displaceable relative to one another by means of the adjustment of the first lever arm 37 are and by means of the displacement of the second lever arm 38 can be actuated.

As can be seen from FIG. 10, a counter-surface 40 can be formed on the second lever arm 38, for example, which forms a guideway for the sliding surface 39 of the first lever arm 37. In the illustrated embodiment, the mating surface 40 is designed as a slope in the direction of the locking element 3, so that when the first lever arm 37 by means of the shape memory element 4, the sliding surface 39 of which slides over the counter surface 40, so that the second lever arm 38 is pressed downwards by means of the slope.

A reset element 5 is preferably coupled to the second lever arm 38 , it being possible for the second lever arm 38 to be reset together with the locking element 3 into the active position 6 by means of the reset element 5 . In this regard, a limitation 66 of the actuator housing 2 is indicated in FIG.

At this point it should be mentioned that the actuator housing 2 is preferably closed at the top or has a cover or the like, which is removed to illustrate the invention.

However, the restoring element for restoring the locking element 3 can also be arranged on the first lever arm 37 and act with regard to the restoring of the second lever arm or the locking element in such a way that the movement of the first lever arm is not influenced by the restoring force.

Irrespective of the embodiment shown, the first lever arm 37 can preferably be designed to be adjustable only with respect to a first plane 49 and the second lever arm 38 can be designed to be adjustable only with respect to a second plane 50, with the first plane 49 and the second plane 50 being perpendicular in one possible embodiment are arranged to each other.

Furthermore, the first lever arm 37 can be designed to be pivotable about a first pivot axis 51 with respect to its adjustment, and/or the second lever arm 38 can be designed to be pivotable about a second pivot axis 52 .

The movement of the second lever arm 38 between the actuator housing and the first lever arm 37 is preferably limited. The movement of the first lever arm 37 can be limited with respect to the movement against the setting direction 68 by the resistance of the (non-activated) shape memory element, and in the setting direction by means of the interaction of the Shape memory element when activated and a counteracting restoring arrangement, or also a maximum change in the shape memory element. Furthermore, two limitations in the respective directions on the actuator housing can also be provided for the first lever arm 37 .

The first lever arm 37 can preferably be designed to be resettable against its adjustment by the shape memory element 4 by means of a second reset element 41 (opposite to the adjustment direction).

At this point it should be mentioned that the actuating direction 68 represents a direction of movement based on the activation or the movement of the shape memory element and also forms its direction of movement in relation to the first lever arm, whereby in the case of a pivotable arrangement of the lever arm this direction of movement in relation to the lever is a pivoting movement in the setting direction is

As indicated in Fig. 11, a coupling section of the first lever arm 37, which is coupled to the shape memory element 4, close to the first pivot axis 51, or between the first pivot axis 51 and the sliding surface 39, or the section for actuating the second lever arm be arranged, but also such that this is further away from the pivot axis 51 and is thus arranged after the portion for actuating the second lever arm 38, as shown in dashed lines. Furthermore, a further possible arrangement of the shape memory element 4a and a second restoring element 41a is indicated in this regard by dashed lines.

The geometric relationships of the effective areas on the respective lever arms are illustrated in FIG. 13, the distances shown in FIG. 13 being applied adaptively to the respective illustrated embodiment of the lever arms

Furthermore, it can be provided that the shape memory element 4 is deflected in the region of the coupling section on a rotatably mounted component, so that when the first lever arm moves, the rotation of the component contributes to protecting the shape memory element. As also indicated in FIG. 11 and independently of the embodiment shown, the second restoring element 41a can be designed in accordance with a previously described restoring element and have the features with regard to the turns, as well as non-uniform cross sections, etc. Such a restoring element can preferably be connected or formed with the first lever arm 37 as shown. It is also conceivable to design this in one piece with the lever arm, eg made of plastic.

The first lever arm 37 can preferably be adjusted (by means of the shape memory element 4) from a release position 42 to at least one actuating position 43, with the second lever arm 38 being held in the passive position 7 together with the locking element 3 by means of the first lever arm 37 in the at least one actuating position 43 and in the release position 42 the provision of the locking element 3 with the second lever arm 38 into the active position 6 is released.

As mentioned at the outset, the first lever arm 37 can be coupled to a link 44 with regard to its adjustment, the first lever arm 37 being transferrable from the release position 42 to a first actuating position 45 by means of the link 44 and the adjustment by the shape memory element 4 .

From the first actuating position 45, it can be moved further into an intermediate position 47 by means of link 44, with the first lever arm 37 being blocked by means of link 44 in the intermediate position 47 with respect to a return to the release position 42, and with the second lever arm 38 together with the Locking element 3 is held in its intermediate position 47 in the passive position 7 by means of the first lever arm 37 .

Regarding the continuation from the first operating position 45 to the intermediate position 47, this can be done further from the first operating position 45, for example, by the first actuation by the shape memory element (for the first operating position) and a path guide in the connecting link. Furthermore, this can also be done via a restoring force of the guide element 48 . The resetting of the first lever arm by means of the second resetting element can preferably cause this movement in the connecting link. Furthermore, it can be provided that the first lever arm 37 can be transferred from the release position 42 to a first actuating position 45 by means of the connecting link 44 and the adjustment by the shape memory element 4, and further into a second actuating position when there is a renewed (or the second) adjustment by the shape memory element 46 can be transferred, with the one intermediate position 47 being provided between the first and second actuating position 45,46 and the first lever arm 37 being blocked in the intermediate position 47 before the renewed adjustment with regard to a reset, and with the second lever arm 38 being in the intermediate position 47 with the Locking element 3 is held in the passive position 7 by means of the first lever arm 37 .

Thus, the first and second operating positions 45, 46 and the intermediate position 47 can be functionally an operating position 43 in which the second lever arm 38 is held together with the locking element 3 by means of the first lever arm 37 in the passive position 7.

The link 44 can preferably be formed on the first lever arm 37 and coupled to a guide element 48, with the link 44 being able to be actuated relative to the guide element 48 by means of the movement of the first lever arm 37 by the shape memory element, as can be seen in FIGS. 12 to 18.

In FIG. 12, the first lever arm 37 is in the release position 42, with the link 44 having a kind of starting point or end point in relation to the guidance of the guide element 48 in this regard.

In FIG. 13, the first lever arm 37 according to FIG. Furthermore, the position of the guide element 48a with respect to the first operating position 45 is indicated by dashed lines. The guide element is preferably prestressed in one direction, as indicated by the force F, so that it can be better guided in the link 44 between the individual positions or can also be positively guided with respect to one direction. As shown, the guide element 48 can be pretensioned with respect to a plane, preferably in the first plane 49, approximately perpendicular to the adjustment movement of the first lever arm 37, so that it is pushed in a direction transverse to the adjustment movement of the first lever arm 37 with respect to the link 44. Furthermore, with regard to the possible embodiment of the guide element 48, a fastening area 63 is shown, with the guide element 48 being held in the form of a flexible rod in the fastening area 63 and being pivoted about a bearing point in the fastening area 63 by means of the connecting link 44 and the adjustment of the first lever arm 37. or is pushed back in a clamping direction 70 by means of its pretension transversely to the adjustment movement or to the adjustment direction 68 of the first lever arm 37 .

With regard to the above-mentioned geometric relationships of the lever arms, these are shown in FIG. 13 with regard to their distances and can be transferred to the other figures accordingly.

The first lever arm 37 has a coupling section 53 for the shape memory element 4, which is arranged at a coupling distance 54 from the first pivot axis 51, and a first contact section 55 for actuating the second lever arm 38, which was at a first contact distance 56 from the first pivot axis 51 is arranged. As illustrated, the first contact distance 56 to the first pivot axis 51 may be greater than the coupling distance 54 . The coupling s distance 54 can preferably be between 25 and 60% of the first contact distance 56 .

In another embodiment, e.g. according to the variant indicated by dashed lines in Fig. 11, the first contact distance can also be smaller than the coupling distance.

When using a link 44, it can be provided that the link 44 is arranged on the first lever arm 37 at a link distance 57 from the first pivot axis 51, the link distance 57 being greater than the first contact distance 56. The connecting link distance 57 can preferably be between 110% and 150% of the first contact distance 56 . A large backdrop distance has the particular advantage that already by means of a small Swivel angle, the guide element can cover a large distance in the link track.

Alternatively, however, the reverse arrangement is also possible, so that link 44 is arranged, for example, between first pivot axis 51 and first contact section 55, and coupling section 53 is arranged after first contact section 55.

Furthermore, a restoring section 58 for engaging the restoring element 5 can be arranged on the second lever arm 38 at a positioning distance 59 from the second pivot axis 52 and a second contact section 60 for actuation by the first lever arm 37 can be arranged at a second contact distance 61 from the second pivot axis 51. wherein the reset portion 58 and the second Kontaktab section 60 with respect to the second pivot axis 52 are arranged opposite. The adjustment distance 59 can be approximately 50 to 100% of the length of the second contact distance 61 with respect to its length relative to the pivot axis 51 .

Furthermore, the locking element 3 can be arranged on the second lever arm 38 at an element spacing 62 with respect to the second pivot axis 52, the locking element 3 with respect to the second pivot axis 52 being arranged opposite the reset section 58 and the element spacing 62 being greater than the second contact spacing 61 is. The length of the element spacing 62 can preferably be 200 to 500% of the second contact spacing 61 .

With regard to the guidance of the guide element 48, the link 44 is shown in detail in FIG. In the example shown, the guide element 48 is prestressed transversely to the adjustment direction 68 of the first lever arm, in relation to the representation of the figure—upwards. As an alternative to the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the guide element 48 can also be designed as a bolt accommodated in a slot guide 67 of the actuator housing, which is prestressed in the clamping direction 70 with a spring, for example, as indicated by dashed lines in FIG.

The gate 44 also has a stop 64 for the guide element 48, so that the guide element 48 at the beginning of the link guide along the link path 65 to Initiation of the first operating position 45 is moved (since the guide element 48 could otherwise be pushed up into the other path due to the bias). The guide track 65 is preferably designed in such a way that it has a slope between the starting point and the end point of the guide element 48, with the guide element 48 falling down over the stop 64 before reaching the end point due to the slope, whereby the stop 64 acts as a kind of step in the Link track 65 is used. For the sake of completeness, it should be mentioned here that the guide element can also be prestressed in this direction with respect to the incline or the support in the web.

A method for actuating the actuator device 1 by means of the connecting link 44 is described below.

Initial position; the first lever arm 37 is in the release position 42, the guide element 48 is at the starting point 71 (=end point).

By actuating the shape memory element 4, the first lever arm 37 is actuated in the adjustment direction 68, so that the guide element 48 is brought into a first position 72 by means of the link track 65 and the stop 64, whereby the first lever arm 37 is transferred to the first actuating position 45. At the same time, the locking element 3 is moved into the passive position by actuating the second lever arm (by the first lever arm).

By resetting the first lever arm 37 counter to its adjustment direction 68, the guide element 48 is brought into a second position 73 by means of the link track 65, with the first lever arm 37 (if the guide element is present in the second position) being held in the intermediate position 47, since the Guide element 48 blocks the further provision of the first lever arm 37 against its setting direction 68 using the backdrop. In this intermediate position 47, the second lever arm 38 with the locking element 3 is held in the passive position 7 by means of the first lever arm 37, with the shape memory element 4 not being activated in this state, or a passive position 7 of the locking element 3 being enabled without activating the shape memory element 4 . In addition, the shape memory element is also unloaded in this position. Furthermore, that is Guide element 48 is blocked with respect to its movement in the clamping direction 70 by the link track 65 in the second position 73.

The intermediate position 47 of the first lever arm 37 is shown in FIG.

When the shape memory element 4 is activated again, the first lever arm 37 is again adjusted in the adjustment direction 68, as a result of which the guide element 48 is brought into the third position 74 by means of the link track 65, with the first lever arm 37 being transferred further into a second activation position 46.

Alternatively (or additionally), only one release mechanism can be integrated with regard to this third position, by means of which the connecting link (or the first lever arm) is actuated in such a way that the guide element is only guided out of the second position, so that it is guided back to the starting point . This release can also be removed without activating the shape memory element, e.g. by means of an integrated switch or the like that can be actuated.

After this renewed activation of the shape memory element 4, the first lever arm 37 is moved back against its adjustment direction 68 by means of the resetting of the first lever arm 37, with the guide element 48 being brought or guided back to the starting point 71 (= end point) by means of the link track 65, and that Guide element is transferred with respect to the sliding track 65 from a higher position to a lower position over the stop 64 in the form of a step. The higher position and the lower position are a level of the guide element 48 with respect to a plane of the guide track in which the guide element 48 rests, which can preferably be parallel to the first plane 49 or also be formed by the first plane 49 can. With regard to the higher and lower position, an incline can be provided over the entire link path 65 up to the stop 64, or else only between two positions, e.g. between the third position and the starting point.

For the sake of completeness, it should be mentioned here that the force of the guide element 48 in the clamping direction 70 is significantly lower than the restoring force of the lever arm, so that Guide element 48 is returned counter to the clamping direction 70 to the starting point 71 (via the stop 64) along the link track 65, as shown. The guide track 65 encompasses a direction of movement of the guide element 48, shown with arrows.

Furthermore, the guide track 65 can be designed in the form of a curved track in relation to the first position 72 and third position 74 in these areas, so that the guide element 48 also follows a curved path—instead of the illustrated movement into a kind of dead end.

According to a further possible embodiment, it can be provided that at least one of the lever arms 37, 38 is linearly adjustable relative to the actuator housing 2, preferably with respect to the respective first plane 49 and second plane 50. In this regard, Fig. 16 (or also Fig. 18 ) The first lever arm 37 was accommodated in the actuator housing 2 in a linearly adjustable manner. The second lever arm 38 can be pivotable (e.g. about the second pivot axis 51), but also linearly adjustable, so that e.g. with regard to the adjustment of the first lever arm 37 by means of an inclined surface, e.g. via the sliding surface 39 and the interacting counter surface 40, the second Lever arm 38 is adjusted linearly, preferably along the second plane 50 in FIG. However, the second lever arm 38 can also be linearly adjustable and the first lever arm 37 can be pivoted.

Also, independently of the embodiment shown, an actuating unit 75 or the like indicated by dashed lines can be provided, by means of which mechanical adjustment of the connecting link for maintenance work or emergencies is made possible, which can be accessible via an access opening or a mechanism in the actuator housing. Furthermore, the actuating unit 75 can also be provided for adjusting the connecting link, e.g. from the intermediate position. The actuating unit 75 can also be a mechanical switch, for example, by means of which the link (and/or the first lever arm) can be adjusted relative to the actuating direction.

Furthermore, in FIG. 16, independently of the embodiment shown, the second restoring element 41 is shown in the form of a restoring element described in FIGS. As indicated, this can also be at least one cross-sectional reduction 16 between the two crosspoints 15, 9 have. The first coupling point 9 is preferably arranged on the first lever arm 37 instead of the locking element according to FIGS. 1 to 9. The first coupling point 9 is preferably arranged in the coupling section 53 of the first lever arm 37, where the shape memory element can also be deflected in this way. For example, the second restoring element also has a straight connecting line 17 between the first coupling point 9 and the second coupling point 15 , with the at least one cross-sectional taper 16 being arranged in the region of the connecting line 17 . Furthermore, the cross-sectional constriction 16 can be formed in at least one web 18, with two turns of the second restoring element 41 being connected by means of the web 18 and with the cross-sectional constriction 16 being formed in such a way that a cross-section of the web 18 extends in one direction, starting from the web 18 is formed increasing to each of the two turns.

Furthermore, the second restoring element 41 can have at least one first winding and at least one second winding, with the first winding being further away from the first lever arm in the active position than the second winding and with the second winding being further away from the first lever arm in the passive position 7 is spaced than the first turn.

With regard to the possible embodiment of the second restoring element 41, reference is made to the described forms of the restoring element 5 according to FIGS. Furthermore, the second restoring element 41 can also be attached at other positions or coupled to a pivotable lever arm, as indicated in FIG. 11 . The linear or uniform restoring behavior of the restoring element in relation to the shape memory element is again particularly advantageous. Furthermore, the second restoring element can also be designed in one piece with the first lever arm.

Possible embodiments of the actuator device 1 are shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, in which the first lever arm 37 and the second lever arm 38 are designed to be adjustable with respect to the same plane and are arranged in this plane. This preferably corresponds to the first plane 49. In this regard, the first and second pivot axes 51, 52 can preferably each be arranged perpendicular to the first plane 49. Furthermore, at least one of the two lever arms can also be designed to be adjustable linearly with respect to the first plane 49, as in Fig. 18 is shown by means of the first lever arm 37. However, the second lever arm 38 can also be designed to be linearly adjustable. As can also be seen from FIGS. 17 and 18, the first lever arm 37 and the second lever arm 38 can particularly preferably be arranged transversely to one another, so that their adjustment movements are also essentially transverse to one another.

The active and passive positions of the locking element 3 are shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, respectively. The first and second lever arm 37, 38 are indicated in FIG.

In the passive position 7 indicated by dashed lines in Fig. 18, the first lever arm is in an operating position 43. Furthermore, in Fig. 18 the movement of the guide element 48 in the slide path from the starting point to the first position is indicated in this regard, which corresponds to a movement of the lever arm from the release position 42 in the operating position 43 or the first operating position 45 with respect to the link 44 corresponds.

The arrangements of the coupling section 53, the contact section 55 and the link 44 shown in Fig. 17 are arranged in such a way that the first contact section 55 is arranged opposite the coupling section 53 and the link 44 with respect to the first pivot axis 51, the link spacing being greater than the coupling distance is and the coupling s was from and the first contact distance was about the same size. With regard to this arrangement, a large angle of rotation of the first contact section 55 for actuating the second lever arm 38 is possible by means of the actuation of the shape memory element even with short adjustment paths with respect to the adjustment direction 68 in the coupling section 53, since the first contact distance was and the coupling distance was relatively small in each case to the first pivot axis 51 are.

Alternatively, in an embodiment that is not shown, the first pivot axis 51 can also be arranged at a greater distance from the second lever arm 38, so that in the arrangement shown in FIG. 17 it is interchanged with the connecting link in terms of its position. It should be mentioned for completeness that the pivoting movement in this respect accordingly may be formed differently, whereby the contact portion with respect to the sliding surface 39 may be formed differently.

As shown, the second lever arm 38 can have the restoring section 58 for engaging the restoring element 5 and the second contact section 60 with respect to the second pivot axis 52 in such a way that the adjustment distance and the second contact distance can be approximately the same size, and with respect to the pivot axis 52 are arranged on the same side of the lever arm. The locking element is also arranged on the same side, the distance between the elements being approximately 150% to 200% of the second contact distance.

As indicated in Fig. 18, the restoring element 5 for restoring the second lever arm 38 can also be designed in terms of its shape according to a restoring element according to Figures 1 to 9 and it can also be made in one piece with the second lever arm 38 (and/or the Actuator housing) be formed, in which respect reference is made to the previous description. The same applies to the design of the second restoring element 41 and the first lever arm 37. A particularly flat design can in turn be realized by means of this configuration.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the locking element 3, as well as the shape memory element 4 and the restoring element 5, as well as the second restoring element 41 are arranged in a plane 14 and it can also be provided that all elements only with respect to this plane 14 in the active position 6 and passive position 7 are movable. In addition, this plane 14 can correspond to the first plane 49, which means that the first and second lever arms can also be arranged in this plane 14 (and can only be moved with respect to this plane).

Furthermore, the dimensions of the actuator device for FIGS. 10 to 18 are also indicated in FIGS. As mentioned above, the thickness 24 is between 1% and 20%, in particular between 2.5% and 10%, preferably between 4% and 6% of the longitudinal extension 22 and/or the thickness 24 is between 1% and 25%, in particular between 3% and 20%, preferably between 5% and 8% of the transverse extent 23. The thickness can be less than 8 mm, preferably in a range from about 4 to 6 mm. In this context, reference should also be made to the dimensions of a check card mentioned at the outset.

Furthermore, the longitudinal extent of the actuator housing can be made even longer, regardless of the embodiment, and can be made variable depending on the length of the shape memory element, as indicated in FIG. 18 by the broken length.

The exemplary embodiments show possible variants, whereby it should be noted at this point that the invention is not limited to the specifically illustrated variants of the same, but rather that various combinations of the individual variants with one another are also possible and this possibility of variation is based on the teaching on technical action through the present invention in skills of the specialist working in this technical field.

The scope of protection is determined by the claims. However, the description and drawings should be used to interpret the claims. Individual features or combinations of features from the different exemplary embodiments shown and described can represent independent inventive solutions. The task on which the independent inventive solutions are based can be found in the description.

All information on value ranges in the present description is to be understood in such a way that it also includes any and all sub-ranges, e.g. the information 1 to 10 is to be understood in such a way that all sub-ranges, starting from the lower limit 1 and the upper limit 10, are also included , i.e. all subranges start with a lower limit of 1 or greater and end with an upper limit of 10 or less, e.g. 1 to 1.7, or 3.2 to 8.1, or 5.5 to 10.

Finally, for the sake of clarity, it should be pointed out that some elements are shown not to scale and/or enlarged and/or reduced in size for a better understanding of the structure. List of reference symbols

Actuator device 30 hinge point actuator housing 31 elastic connecting web

locking element 32 wall sections shape memory element 33 shape return element 34 housing section active position 35 opening passive position 36 recess activation unit 37 first lever arm coupling point 38 second lever arm first longitudinal end 39 sliding surface a first attachment point 40 counter surface second longitudinal end 41 second restoring element second attachment point 42 release position plane 43 actuation position second coupling point 44 Link cross-sectional reduction 45 first operating position

Connection line 46 second operating position bar 47 intermediate position first turn 48 guide element second turn 49 first level groove 50 second level

Longitudinal extension 51 first pivot axis transverse extension 52 second pivot axis thickness 53 coupling section

Locking unit 54 Coupling distance Insertion bevel 55 First contact section Length 56 First contact distance First distance 57 Link distance Second distance 58 Reset section Setting distance second contact section second Kontaktab stood

element distance stood

mounting area

attack

slide track

limitation

slot guide

setting direction

locking element

clamping direction

Starting point first position second position third position

actuation unit

Claims

- 38 - P a t e n t claims 1. actuator device (1), comprising; an actuator housing (2), wherein the actuator housing (2) is designed to accommodate a locking element (3), as well as a shape memory element (4) and a restoring element (5); the locking element (3), the locking element (3) being accommodated in the actuator housing (2) so that it can be moved relative to the actuator housing (2) between an active position (6) and a passive position (7); the shape memory element (4), wherein the locking element (3) can be adjusted from the active position (6) into the passive position (7) by means of the shape memory element (4); an activation unit (8), wherein the shape memory element (4) can be activated by means of the activation unit (8); an elastic restoring element (5), wherein the locking element (3) can be reset from the passive position (7) into the active position (6) by means of the restoring element (5). 2. Actuator device (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the actuator housing (2) has a longitudinal extension (22) and a transverse extension (23) and a thickness (24), the thickness (24) being between 1% and 20 %, in particular between 2.5% and 10%, preferably between 4% and 6% of the longitudinal extent (22) or the thickness (24) is between 1% and 25%, in particular between 3% and 20%, preferably between 5 % and 8% of the transverse extent (23). 3. actuator device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the shape memory element (4) is coupled to a first lever arm (37) and that the locking selement (3) is coupled to a second lever arm (38), wherein means of the first lever arm (37), the second lever arm (38) can be actuated, so that when the first lever arm (37) is adjusted by means of the shape memory element (4), the locking element (3) can be adjusted into the passive position (7) by means of the second lever arm (38). is. - 39 - 4. Actuator device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that a sliding surface (39) is formed on at least one of the two lever arms (37, 38) and that on the other lever arm a counter surface (40) cooperating with the sliding surface (39) is formed, wherein by means of the adjustment of the first lever arm (37) the sliding surface (39) and the counter-surface (40) can be displaced towards one another and by means of the displacement the second lever arm (38) can be actuated. 5. Actuator device (1) according to Claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the restoring element (5) is coupled to the second lever arm (38), the second lever arm (38) being releasable by means of the restoring element (5) together with the locking element (3rd ) can be reset to the active position (6). 6. actuator device (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the locking element (3) is formed in one piece with the second lever arm (38). 7. actuator device (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the first lever arm (37) by means of a second restoring element (41) against its adjustment by the shape memory element (4) can be reset. 8. Actuator device according to one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the first lever arm (37) by means of the shape memory element (4) from a release position (42) in at least one operating position (43) is adjustable, wherein in the at least one operating position ( 43) the second lever arm (38) together with the locking element (3) is held in the passive position (7) by means of the first lever arm (37) and in the release position (42) the resetting of the locking element (3) into the active position (6) is released. 9. Actuator device (1) according to Claim 8, characterized in that the first lever arm (37) is coupled with a link (44) with regard to its adjustment, the first lever arm (37) being adjusted by means of the link (44) and the adjustment by the Shape memory element (4) from the release position (42) in a first operating position (45) can be transferred and by means of the connecting link (44) from the first operating position (45) further into one - 40 - Intermediate position (47) can be transferred, the first lever arm (37) being blocked in the intermediate position (47) with respect to a return to the release position (42) by means of the link (44) against its adjustment by the shape memory element; and wherein in the intermediate position (47) the second lever arm (38) together with the locking element (3) is held in the passive position (7) by means of the first lever arm (37). 10. Actuator device (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the first lever arm (37) can be transferred from the intermediate position (47) into a second operating position (46) by means of a renewed adjustment by the shape memory element (4) via the link (44). whereby the first lever arm (37) can be transferred from the second operating position (46) back to the release position (42) by means of the connecting link (44) against its displacement by the shape memory element. 11. Actuator device (1) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the link (44) is formed on the first lever arm (37) and is coupled to a guide element (48) guided in the link (44), the link (44) and the guide element (48) can be actuated in relation to one another by means of the adjustment of the first lever arm (37). 12. Actuator device (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the guide element (48) in the link (44) is positively guided by means of a stop (64) with respect to the adjustment from the release position (42) to the first operating position (45), wherein the connecting link (44) has a slope with respect to the guide element (48), so that the guide element (48) with respect to an adjustment from the intermediate position (47) back to the release position (42) by means of the slope in the link (44) via the stop (64) is traceable in the form of a step. 13. Actuator device (1) according to one of Claims 3 to 11, characterized in that the first lever arm (37) can only be adjusted with respect to a first plane (49) and that the second lever arm (38) can only be adjusted with respect to a second plane (50). is adjustable and that the first plane (49) and the second plane (50) are arranged perpendicular to each other. 14. actuator device (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 11, characterized in that the first lever arm (37) and the second lever arm (38) are adjustable only with respect to a first plane (49). 15. actuator device (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 14, characterized in that the first lever arm (37) with respect to its adjustment about a first pivot axis (51) is pivotable, and/or that the second lever arm (38) about a second pivot axis (52) is pivotable. 16. The actuator device (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that a coupling section (53) for the shape memory element (4) is arranged on the first lever arm (37) at a coupling distance (54) from the first pivot axis (51) and a first contact section (55) for actuating the second lever arm (38) is arranged at a first contact distance (56) from the first pivot axis (51), the first contact distance (56) from the first pivot axis (51) being greater than the coupling s ab stood (54) is. 17. Actuator device (1) according to claim 16, characterized in that the link (44) on the first lever arm (37) is arranged at a link spacing (57) from the first pivot axis (51), the link spacing (57) being greater than the first contact gap was (56). 18. Actuator device (1) according to one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that a restoring section (58) for engaging the restoring element (5) is arranged on the second lever arm (38) at a positioning distance (59) from the second pivot axis (52). and a second contact section (60) for actuation by the first lever arm (37) is arranged at a second contact distance (61) from the second pivot axis (52), the return section (58) and the second contact section (60) being arranged with respect to the second Pivot axis (52) are arranged opposite one another. 19. Actuator device (1) according to claim 18, characterized in that the locking element (3) is arranged on the second lever arm (38) at an element spacing (62) with respect to the second pivot axis (52), the locking element (3) with respect to the second pivot axis (52) is arranged opposite the reset section (58) and the element spacing (62) is greater than the second contact spacing (61).