A new temperature-sensing actuator to operate at a fixed temperature has been developed.
The device utilizes the magnetic transition at Curie temperature of ferrite. When the temperature of the ferrite is lower than the Curie point, the main magnetic flux from a permanent magnet passes through the ferrite. When the temperature comes up to the Curie point, the main flux passes through air gaps and a moving iron piece because of higher magnetic resistance of the ferrite. Thus the magnetic flux passage is switched to either of the two closed circuits in accordance with temperature.
This device does not contain open air circuits in its main flux passage so that the magnetic disturbance is little even if ferromagnetic material exists close to the device.
The actuating force upon the moving piece is magnetic so that the device needs no electric source nor wiring.
In general, it is necessary to calculate permiance coefficients in order to design permanent magnet circuits because of nonlinearity of demagnetizing characteristic of the magnet.
A rare-earth Co magnet which has linear demagnetizing characteristic is used to simplify the design formulas and at the same time to minimize the size of the device.
The actuating force of a test device weighing about 25g was about 7N, and responce time was about 80∼4s for 1∼30°C over or under the set temperature.
The device is expected to have high stability and reproducibility because of the stability of Curie temperature and seems to be useful as a wiring-free simple temperaturecontroller for energy-saving especially at extensive outdoor plants or at the place where explosive gas exists.
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