Patent ID: 6434932
Filing Date: 2002-08-20
Classification: F03G,G05B

Abstract:
A control mechanism comprising:a shape memory alloy which memorizes a predetermined dimension thereof; a biasing device for exerting a biasing force on the shape memory alloy and for changing dimension of the shape memory alloy, wherein the shape memory alloy and the biasing device constitute an actuator for moving a driven member which is driven by the actuator, and wherein the driven member is controlled to move in a first direction in which the shape memory alloy returns to the predetermined dimension and in a second direction in which the biasing means changes the dimension of the shape memory alloy, so as to control a position of the driven member, by the actuator; an operation means for performing an operation repeatedly on a basis of information upon a target position and an actual position of the driven member, and for calculating a voltage to be supplied to the shape memory alloy; and a voltage supplier having a limiting circuit for supplying the voltage, calculated by the operation means, to the shape memory alloy, only when the driven member is moved in the first direction, on a basis of a result of the operation performed by the operation means.