2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42
In everyday life, quite a lot of terms remain unsolved for us. Highly specialized, they simply will not be useful to us anywhere. However, there are times when a new word must be understood without fail.
A simple example: a car service told you that the clutch actuator needs to be replaced. This term in the automotive field has its own interpretations, which differ from the interpretation of other areas of technology. This article will consistently understand the definition of "actuator", its varieties in the field of automobiles, as well as features and applicability.
Definition of concept
So, the actuator - what is it? The word itself is very consonant with another similar one - “activator”. The concept of both is almost the same. The actuator is a technical device or a trigger that transmits force from the control to the controlled object. The impact itself can be varied: from linear to rotating. At the same time, depending on how the effort is applied, a variety of devices is determined.
In automotive specificsthe actuator can be represented by a central locking drive. The force from the control circuit is transferred here to linear movement by means of a worm gear. But the simplest car actuator is a mechanical jack. Here, a person is the manager of the node. And the actuator transfers the rotational action to the vertical movement of the jack platform. This refers to the simplest mechanical device, made in the form of a trapezoid.
Variety of actuators
Under the mysterious concept of "actuator" lies a lot of already known devices. If you do not take into account the jack, then you can start with the central lock - a linear device. Also among the famous - the turbine actuator. This is a vacuum regulator that protects it from loads at high speeds. There is also a clutch actuator on robotic automatic transmissions.
If we take the field of building electromechanics, then the most common will be the drive for opening and closing wickets and gates. It's called the door opener. With the help of such a device, automatic gates of garages and gates at the entrances to the territory are set in motion.
Satellite dishes, so popular with the public, are also powered by actuators. This is necessary when there are several positions for receiving information. In order not to install several antennas, one is dispensed with. Its actuator turns to the desired angle. Consider automotive options in more detail.
Turbine actuator
It is known that there are two types of systems with a turbocharger: low and high pressure. Sohere, the actuator is used only for the second type of turbines. Otherwise, it is simply not needed. Its main function in this case is protective. The turbine actuator controls a special valve that opens or closes the path to the exhaust gases. When closed, they spin the impeller, which gradually increases the pressure. At a given time, the actuator opens the valve. It then discharges the exhaust gases into the car's exhaust manifold, which immediately lowers the allowable pressure. If this is not done, the entire system can simply be disabled.
The turbine actuator works like a pump. It converts pressure into linear movement of the stem. Next to it there is a spring and a diaphragm in a metal case to which the adjustment hose is attached. If the actuator fails, it must be replaced and adjusted.
Subtleties of tuning the turbine actuator
Why is actuator tuning necessary? The fact is that the native device is initially configured for a specific turbine at the factory. In case of replacement, a new actuator must be adjusted. Also, adjustment is required in case of malfunctions in the turbine. There are several ways to customize:
- Change the spring rate.
- Loosen or tighten the threaded actuator itself.
- Installing a dedicated computer-controlled controller.
The easiest option is to loosen the mount. This case is regulated by threads. The more loosening occurs, the softer and faster the valve will open. If the actuatoron the contrary, tighten it, its inclusion will be hard. It will open longer.
In the case of adjusting the device by the stiffness of the spring, the actuator simply changes the spring to the one suitable for the particular case in terms of stiffness. The difficulty here is only in the selection itself, and the replacement of labor is not. Installing the controller in front of the actuator is the most expensive option, but also the most promising. Indeed, in this case, it becomes possible to fine-tune and control the valve according to the conditions programmed in this controller.
Linear actuator
This concept implies a whole group of devices that convert control energy into linear movement. Most often we are talking about the transformation of electrical energy into mechanical energy. In another way, a linear actuator can be called a linear actuator. Widely used in car central locking system. Most often it is a plastic case with a retractable stem. Power and control comes through wires or connectors. Both 12V and 24V options are available depending on car or truck application.
Each linear actuator is also a gearbox. After all, the initial energy applied to the actuator is an order of magnitude higher than the output action. The transmitted force can also be multidirectional. That is, with respect to the motor shaft, the movement of the rod is possible both perpendicularly and parallel.
Depending on the purpose, the linear actuator can be manufactured for harsh climatic and aggressive conditions. That is, if desired, it works both at negative temperatures and with protection from aggressive environments. Thanks to their simple design, linear actuators require virtually no maintenance or repair.
Linear motion actuators: DIY
We will not consider the reasons for the desire to make a linear actuator with our own hands. We'll just tell you how to do it. The easiest way to get, say, a door actuator is to use an electric motor. Now they are quite popular and affordable. Their cost can range from 50 to 200 rubles, depending on the parameters.
The sequence of manufacturing work can be as follows:
- A threaded stud is attached to the motor shaft.
- A nut with a stem attached to it is put on it. When the engine rotates, the nut moves along the stud. The stem moves with it.
- The thread pitch is selected. Thanks to this, the speed of the rod movement can be adjusted.
It's even easier to get a linear drive if you get a gear rack. The rate of transfer of force in this case will be the fastest. But there is one downside. So, the transmission force, on the contrary, will remain at the lowest rate. Maximum energy is transmitted by M20 and larger diameter studs. Here is our homemade linear actuator and ready. This is how door locks work in most cars.
Clutch Actuator
Clutch actuator - what is this thing? Why is she needed? In a simple way, this is an actuator for turning on anddisengaging the clutch. Also here should be included actuators for gear shifting. Such devices are used in robotic boxes of German and Japanese foreign cars. The actuator made in the Land of the Rising Sun is especially infamous. Toyota Corolla, which has a box-robot, did not immediately get a good job. Breakdowns began when the car did not even pass 60,000 km.
The problem was solved not only by updating the actuator, but also by changing the software of the control unit. After all, it depends on the ECU at what point in time it is worth docking the box with the engine. And the actuator serves as a simple actuating element. It can be either electric, which is typical for Japanese and Korean manufacturers, or hydraulic. The latter are often used in WV and Audi boxes. A Toyota branded actuator with a working engine ECU makes life much easier.
As for the gear shift actuators, they work as follows. The rod of the device acts on a synchronizer that is specific at a given time on command from the head computer. Physically, the actuator is very similar to a conventional clutch cylinder.
Gearbox actuator features
How can I tell if there is something wrong with the actuator in a car's automatic transmission? This will be clear from the jerks at the time of switching. It is necessary to understand the problem in time by looking at the actuator. What is happening to him? If you see a serious malfunction, you may have to change other parts later.clutch.
For the selection of parts for a robotic box, the Vin of the car is required. This is especially important if you have a Japanese actuator (the Corolla is still in awe of the details for its robot boxes). When replacing parts of such units, it is best to contact only good-level specialists. Dealerships for the sale and maintenance of cars have both competent craftsmen and the necessary equipment.
Actuator manufacturers
A large number of applications directly affects the choice of manufacturer. For automotive turbine and clutch actuators, attention should be paid to original parts or those recommended by the manufacturer. But that's not all. If you have a Toyota Corolla car, you need to look for the same device. The Kia Sorento turbine actuator will be made by Kia. And this applies to all other brands. Saving in such details is fraught with further investment in repairs, but already more expensive spare parts.
When it comes to linear actuators, there is so much to choose from that it makes no sense to recommend any particular manufacturer. The main thing you should pay attention to when choosing is the positive feedback from real buyers and trusted sellers. It is worth remembering that the actuator, the price of which will differ upwards, is not always of better quality. By the way, the average cost of the device fluctuates around 2-3 thousand rubles. You can find a very cheap actuator for 500 rubles, or you can buy an expensive one that costs 10 thousand rubles.rub.
Application of actuators
Actuators are most widely used in the field of automobiles and the arrangement of objects in both industrial and residential areas. In transport, the use of devices starts from simple drives for closing doors and trunks (also do not forget about jacks), ends with complex systems of turbine units and robotic gearboxes. With all this, the actuator is a fairly reliable device due to the simplicity of manufacturing precisely the executive parts.
In everyday life, the operation of actuators is most easily seen on automatic doors and shutters. To receive satellite transmissions, it is also more convenient to use a controlled device and one dish than several at the same time.
Conclusion
So, above it was described in detail what an actuator is: we understand what it is. In addition, the definitions of the concept and scope of devices of different types were analyzed. Particular attention was paid to automotive moments. As it turned out, actuators are quite widespread. They imperceptibly help both in everyday life and in industry. Convenient, structure-friendly products are widely used in conjunction with control systems.
