Patent ID: 7380843
Filing Date: 2008-06-03
Classification: E05B,H01H,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A lock device comprising: a controlled element which is displaceable with respect to a stationary structure between an operating and a non-operating position, the controlled element being displaceable in a first direction; actuating means, which can be actuated to displace the controlled element from the operating position to the non-operating position, the actuating means comprising a flexible shape memory element that can take an extended and a shortened configuration, the shape memory element having a first end and a second end anchored with respect to the stationary structure; constraint means for determining the arrangement of an intermediate portion of the shape memory element, within which portion the shape memory element is associated to the controlled element both in the operating position and the non-operating position thereof; and means for heating up the shape memory element, so as to cause passage thereof from the extended configuration to the shortened configuration and thus displace the controlled element from the operating position to the non-operating position; wherein the constraint means are in such relative positions that said intermediate portion of the shape memory element takes a substantially V-shaped form at least when the controlled element is in the operating position thereof, the constraint means comprising at least two points between which the intermediate portion extends, such that, during passage of the shape memory element from the extended configuration to the shortened configuration, the intermediate portion tends to take a rectilinear form, wherein one of said two points belongs to a movable transmission element that makes a shift with respect to the stationary structure in said first direction, during passage of the shape memory element from the extended configuration to the shortened configuration; and wherein a second portion of the shape memory element extends between said transmission element and said first end such that, during passage from the extended configuration to the shortened configuration, the shape memory element generates a traction on said transmission element to cause the shift thereof in said first direction, wherein the constraint means comprise a further movable transmission element, that makes a shift with respect to the stationary structure in said first direction, during passage of the shape memory element from the extended configuration to the shortened con-figuration; wherein the other one of said two points belongs to said further movable transmission element; and wherein the shape memory element has a third portion, extending between said further transmission element and said second end, such that, during passage from the extended con-figuration to the shortened configuration, the shape memory element also generates a traction on said further transmission element causing the shift thereof in said first direction, and wherein the lock device further comprises a connection element for mechanically connecting said transmission elements to the controlled element, the connection element being plate-shaped.