Polymer actuator

Abstract

Provided is a polymer actuator wherein an active member layer composed of a conductive polymer is used as a first electrode layer (1), a second electrode layer (2) facing the first electrode layer is further provided, an electrolyte is disposed between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer, and driving is performed by applying a voltage between the both electrode layers. The electrolyte is composed of a first electrolyte layer (3) having a sliding function, and a second electrolyte layer (4) having an insulation maintaining function.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to a polymer actuator made of polymer that operates by electrical signals and can be used for artificial muscles, micromachines, and the like. Background technique [0002] Actuators made of polymers (polymers) are characterized by light weight, flexibility, and no operating sound, and are expected to be used as devices for artificial muscles or operating mechanisms for micro devices. Among them, devices based on electrochemical stretching that use conductive polymers such as polypyrrole and polyaniline as driving materials may generate more energy than muscle in living organisms, and proposed polymers that can perform practical device operations. actuator device. In addition, a device using a conductive polymer material dispersed with a carbon-based material, for example, a conductive polymer material dispersed with carbon nanotubes, as a driving material is also expected to be an actuator with a large generating force. ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0021] It should be noted that, as in Patent Document 1 Figure 8 As described in B, two layers of electrolyte layers 4a, 4b are disclosed, but both layers of electrolyte layers 4a, 4b are soft materials, and such materials themselves are difficult to prevent the contact between the active member layer and the second electrode layer.

[0022] In addition, in the prior art of Patent Document 3, when a large force is applied to the membrane from the vertical direction, or when the membrane is bent, the actuator membrane moves in the electrolytic solution to actuate the membrane. Partial contact between the device film and the counter electrode, the insulation between them may be damaged

[0023] On the other hand, in the conventional technology of Patent Document 2, when a large force is applied to the conductive film from the vertical direction, or when the conductive film is bent, the conductive film may enter the conductive film. In the case of a lubricating electrolyte layer arranged between the conductive film and the electrolyte plate, in this case, the lubricating function due to the presence of the lubricating electrolyte layer is impaired and the friction between the conductive film and the electrolyte plate becomes large , the problem that the conductive film is difficult to move smoothly

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