Patent ID: 7788921

Claim:
A shape memory alloy actuator that transmits a change in the shape of a shape memory alloy caused by a change in the temperature to a moving body to change the position of the moving body, comprising: a fixed member to which one end of the shape memory alloy is fixed; a moving body pushing member to which the other end of the shape memory alloy is mechanically linked; a first bias member that exerts an external force on the moving body pushing member in a direction opposite to a direction of change in the shape of the shape memory alloy caused by heating; a second bias member that exerts an external force on the moving body in a direction same as the direction of change in the shape of the shape memory alloy caused by heating; a first stopper that restricts movement of the moving body to a predetermined position with respect to a direction of movement of the moving body caused upon heating the shape memory alloy; and a second stopper that restricts movement of the moving body to a predetermined position with respect to a direction of movement of the moving body caused upon cooling the shape memory alloy, wherein the moving body is disposed in such a way as to be capable of being in contact with the moving body pushing member, and the moving body and the moving body pushing member are separated apart when the moving body is in a state in which it is restrained at the position of the first stopper after movement of the moving body pushing member and the moving body caused by a change in the shape of the shape memory alloy by heating.