ELECTRODE CAULKING APPARATUS

摘要

An electrode calking apparatus that enables to fix electrodes 2 at positions distant a predetermined distance on a shape memory alloy wire 1 in a condition that the shape memory alloy wire 1 is heated to a temperature recovering an original shape is provided. The electrode calking apparatus 101 comprises: a loading mechanism 20 for applying a predetermined tension to the shape memory alloy wire 1 in an axial direction thereof; a pair of supporting units 4 that supports the shape memory alloy wire 1 at two supporting points distant a predetermined distance in the axial direction, and holds a pair of electrodes each having a portion to be calked; a pair of energization contacting units 5 that contacts the shape memory alloy wire 1 at two contacting points between which a pair of the supporting units 4 are disposed, and supplies electric current between the two contacting points; and a pair of pressing units 6 that fixes the electrodes 2 to the shape memory alloy wire 1 by calking by plastically deforming the portions to be calked of the electrodes 2 held on the supporting units 4.