Electrically-controlled actuator device, and washing agents dispensing device comprising such an actuator device

摘要

An actuator device which includes a stationary support structure, a movable member displaceable relative to the structure, and a wire of a shape-memory material, which extends in the structure between two anchoring elements and the movable member such that the wire shortens when an electric current flows therethrough, causing a displacement of the movable member against the action of a counteracting member. In the structure there are provided two deflection members disposed along the path of the shape-memory wire, each one between the movable member and the corresponding anchoring element of the wire, such as to cause a deflection of the wire between each anchoring element and the movable member.

主权项

1. An electrically controllable actuator device comprising:
a support structure which is stationary in operation, a movable member displaceable relative to said support structure, and a wire (SMW) made of a shape-memory wire, which extends in said support structure between the movable member and electric connection members carried by said support structure, such that said wire (SMW) shortens when an electric current flows therethrough, causing a displacement of the movable member against the action of counteracting means, wherein respective anchoring elements are fastened to end portions of the shape-memory wire (SMW) and retained in the support structure, wherein said structure includes two deflection members disposed along the path of the shape-memory wire (SMW), each one between the movable member and a corresponding anchoring element of the wire (SMW), such as to cause a deflection of said wire (SMW) between each anchoring element and the movable member, so that the shape-memory wire (SMW) follows an essentially M-shaped path, wherein said electric connection members are carried by a circuit board, which is disposed in said support structure and to which the ends of the shape-memory wire (SMW) are connected wherein said anchoring elements are disk-shaped, inserted into respective retaining seats predisposed in said support structure, and wherein end portions of said shape-memory wire (SMW) respectively disposed between said anchoring elements and the circuit board remain loose so that there is no stress from the shape-memory wire applied to the ends of the shape-memory wire connected to the circuit board.