In everyday life, quite a few 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.
A simple example: in a car service, they told you that you need to replace the clutch actuator. This term in the automotive field has its own interpretations, which differ from the interpretation of other areas of technology. In this article, the definition of “actuator”, its variations in the field relating to automobiles, as well as features and applicability, will be sequentially analyzed.
Definition of a concept
So 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 trigger that transfers force from the controller to the controlled object. The impact itself can be varied: from linear to rotating. Moreover, depending on how the effort is applied, a variety of devices is determined.
In automotive specifics, the actuator can be represented by a central locking drive. The force from the control loop is here transferred to linear displacement by means of a worm gear. But the simplest automobile actuator is a mechanical jack. Here the man is the control unit. And the actuator transfers the rotational effect 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" hides many already known devices. If you do not take into account the jack, then you can start with a central lock - a linear device. Also among the famous ones is 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 gearboxes.
If we take the field of construction electromechanics, the most common will be the drive for opening and closing gates and gates. It is called the door actuator. 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 among the population, are also driven by actuators. This is necessary when there are several provisions for receiving information. In order not to install multiple antennas, they cost one. Her actuator turns to the required 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. So, the actuator is used only for the second type of turbine. 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 unwind the impeller, which gradually increases the pressure. At a given point in time, the actuator opens the valve. Then it removes exhaust gases to the exhaust manifold of the car, which immediately reduces the permissible pressure. If this is not done, the whole system can simply be disabled.
The turbine actuator operates on the principle of a pump. It converts pressure to linear stem movement. Next to it there is a spring and a diaphragm in a metal case, to which an adjustment hose is attached. If the actuator fails, it must be replaced and set up.
Subtleties of tuning the turbine actuator
Why is actuator setup necessary? The fact is that the native device is initially configured for a specific turbine at the factory. In case of replacement, you need to configure a new actuator. Adjustment is also required in the event of a turbine malfunction. There are several ways to configure:
- Change the stiffness of the spring.
- Loosening or tightening the actuator itself by thread.
- Install a special computer-controlled controller.
The easiest option is to loosen the mount. This business is regulated by turns of thread. The more loosening occurs, the softer and faster the valve will open. If the actuator, on the contrary, is tightened, its inclusion will be tough. It will open longer.
In the case of adjusting the device by the stiffness of the spring, in the actuator, the spring simply changes to the stiffness that is suitable for the particular case. The complexity here is only in the selection itself, but the replacement of labor is not. Installing a 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 displacement. 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 the central locking system of a car. Most often it is a plastic housing with a retractable stem. Power and control comes through wires or connectors. There are options for both 12V and 24V, depending on the application in a car or truck.
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 effect. The transmitted force can also be multidirectional. That is, with respect to the shaft of the electric motor, the movement of the rod is possible both perpendicularly and in parallel.
Depending on the purpose, the linear actuator can be manufactured for harsh climatic and aggressive conditions. That is, if desired, it works at low temperatures, and with protection from aggressive environments. Due to the simplicity of execution, linear drives practically do not require maintenance and repair.
Linear actuators: do it yourself
We will not consider the reasons for the desire to make a linear actuator with our own hands. 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 operations may be as follows:
- A threaded rod is attached to the axis of the electric motor.
- A nut is put on it with a rod fixed to it. When the engine rotates, the nut moves along the stud. The stock moves with it.
- The thread pitch is selected. Due to this, you can adjust the speed of the rod.
Even easier to get a linear drive, if you get a gear rack. The speed of transmission of force will be the fastest. But there is one minus. So, the transmission force, on the contrary, will remain at the lowest rate. Maximum energy is transmitted by M20 studs and a larger diameter. Here is our homemade linear actuator and ready. According to this principle, door locks work in most cars.
Clutch actuator
Clutch actuator - what is this thing? Why is it needed? In simple terms, this is an actuator for engaging and disengaging a clutch. Also here should include 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 notorious. Toyota Corolla, which has a robot box, did not immediately get a good job. Damage began when the car did not even drive 60,000 km.
The problem was solved not only by finalizing the actuator, but also by changing the software of the control unit. After all, it depends on the computer 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. The branded Toyota actuator, with a functioning engine ECU, makes life much easier.
As for the gear shift actuators, they work as follows. The rod of the device acts on a specific synchronizer at a given time upon command from the host computer. Physically, the actuator is very similar to a conventional clutch cylinder.
Features of gearbox actuators
How to determine if something is wrong with the actuator in an automatic gearbox of a car? This will be clear jerky at the time of switching. You need 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 clutch parts later.
To select the details of a robotic box, a Vin of the car is required. This is especially important if you have a Japanese actuator (Corolla still treats the details for its robot boxes with trepidation). When replacing parts of such units, it is best to contact only specialists of a good level. In dealerships for the sale and maintenance of cars there are 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, you should pay attention to the original parts or recommended by the manufacturer. But that's not all. If you have a Toyota Corolla, the device must be searched for the same. The Kia Sorento turbo actuator will be the Kia brand. And this applies to all other brands. Savings in such details are fraught with further investment in repairs, but more expensive spare parts.
As for linear actuators, there is so much choice that it makes no sense to recommend any particular manufacturer. The main thing that 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 in a big way, is not always better. By the way, the average cost of the device varies around 2-3 thousand rubles. You can find a very cheap actuator for 500 rubles, or you can buy an expensive one, which costs 10 thousand rubles.
Use of actuators
Actuators got the greatest distribution in the field of automobiles and arrangement of objects of both industrial and residential areas. In transport, the use of devices begins with simple drives for closing doors and luggage racks (we 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 exactly the executive parts.
In everyday life, the work of actuators is most easily seen on automatic doors and shutters. To receive satellite broadcasts, it is also more convenient to use a controllable device and one dish than several at a time.
Conclusion
So, above it was described in detail what the actuator is: what is it, we understood. In addition, definitions of the concept and scope of devices of various types were analyzed. Particular attention was paid to automotive moments. As it turned out, actuators are quite widespread. They quietly help both in everyday life and in industry. Convenient, structured products are widely used in conjunction with control systems.