초록 ▼

The driving device includes a bendable shape memory alloy member, a resilient member for applying a tension to the shape memory alloy member in a longitudinal direction thereof, a bending member for bending the shape memory alloy member, and a movable body moved by a displacement of the shape memory

The driving device includes a bendable shape memory alloy member, a resilient member for applying a tension to the shape memory alloy member in a longitudinal direction thereof, a bending member for bending the shape memory alloy member, and a movable body moved by a displacement of the shape memory alloy member. The bending member contacts the shape memory alloy member, so that the tension is applied to the shape memory alloy member in the longitudinal direction thereof. Compared with the driving device in which the shape memory alloy member is linearly disposed, the decrease in the amount of displacement can be suppressed, so that a space efficiency can be enhanced and the downsizing of the driving device can be accomplished.

대표청구항 ▼

The invention claimed is: 1. A driving device comprising: a bendable shape memory alloy member; an urging member which applies a tension to said shape memory alloy member in a longitudinal direction thereof; and a bending member which bends said shape memory alloy member, said bending member having

The invention claimed is: 1. A driving device comprising: a bendable shape memory alloy member; an urging member which applies a tension to said shape memory alloy member in a longitudinal direction thereof; and a bending member which bends said shape memory alloy member, said bending member having a plurality of contact portions composed of convex portions formed integrally with said bending member, wherein said contact portions contact said shape memory alloy member so that a tension is applied to said shape memory alloy member in a longitudinal direction thereof. 2. The driving device according to claim 1, wherein said bending member has a cross section of substantially polygonal shape. 3. The driving device according to claim 1, wherein said bending member is rotatable. 4. The driving device according to claim 1, wherein said bending member has a protrusion that further protrudes from said contact portion, and said shape memory alloy member is further bent by said projection. 5. A driving device comprising: a bendable shape memory alloy member; an urging member which applies a tension to said shape memory alloy member in a longitudinal direction thereof; and a plurality of pin-shaped members disposed along a closed path, wherein said pin-shaped members contact said shape memory alloy member so that a tension is applied to said shape memory alloy member in a longitudinal direction thereof. 6. A driving device comprising: a bendable shape memory alloy member; an urging member which applies a tension to said shape memory alloy member in a longitudinal direction thereof; and a bending member which bends said shape memory alloy member, said bending member having a structural body and a plurality of projections formed integrally with said structural body, wherein said projections contact said shape memory alloy member so that a tension is applied to said shape memory alloy member in a longitudinal direction thereof. 7. The driving device according to claim 6, wherein said projections have a plurality of convex portions on circumferential surfaces thereof, and a plurality of convex portions contact said shape memory alloy member. 8. The driving device according to claim 6, wherein said bending member further has a protrusion that protrudes from said structural body, and said shape memory alloy member is bent by contacting said protrusion. 9. A driving device comprising: a bendable shape memory alloy member; an urging member which applies a tension to said shape memory alloy member in a longitudinal direction thereof; a bending member which bends said shape memory alloy member, said bending member having three or more contact portions contacting said shape memory alloy member; and an energizing circuit for causing a current to flow through said shape memory alloy member, wherein said contact portions contact said shape memory alloy member so that a tension is applied to said shape memory alloy member in the longitudinal direction thereof, and wherein said energizing circuit causes a current to flow through said shape memory alloy member via two contact portions, among said three or more contact portions, respectively closest to both ends of said shape memory alloy member. 10. A driving device comprising: a bendable shape memory alloy member; an urging member which applies a tension to said shape memory alloy member is a longitudinal direction thereof; a bending member which bends said shape memory alloy member, said bending member having three or more contact portions contacting said shape memory alloy member, wherein said contact portions contact said shape memory alloy member so that a tension is applied to said shape memory alloy member in the longitudinal direction thereof, and wherein said energizing circuit causes a current to flow through said shape memory alloy member via two contact portions adjacent to each other, among said three or more contact portions. 11. A driving device comprising: a bendable shape memory alloy member; an urging member which applies a tension to said shape memory alloy member in a longitudinal direction thereof; a bending member which bends said shape memory alloy member, said bending member having a plurality of contact portions contacting said shape memory alloy member; and an energizing circuit for causing a current to flow through said shape memory alloy member, wherein said contact portions contact said shape memory alloy member so that a tension is applied to said shape memory alloy member in the longitudinal direction thereof; and wherein said energizing circuit cause a current to flow through said shape memory alloy member via said contact portions so that the current flowing through said shape memory alloy member differs according to a position in a longitudinal direction of said shape memory alloy member. 12. The driving device according to claim 9, wherein said contact portions are pin-shaped members. 13. The driving device according to claim 9, wherein said contact portions are conductive portions formed on a surface of a structural body made of insulation material. 14. The driving device according to claim 10, wherein said contact portions are pin-shaped members. 15. The driving device according to claim 10, wherein said contact portions are conductive portions formed on a surface of a structural body made of insulation material. 16. The driving device according to claim 11, wherein said contact portions are pin-shaped members. 17. The driving device according to claim 11, wherein said plurality of contact portions are conductive portions formed on a surface of a structural body made of insulation material.