JP2007106945A - Light-driving type actuator and method for producing the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a light-driving type actuator which exhibits high light responsibility, can be formed in complicated structures, is flexible and lightweight, and can silently be driven, and to provide a method for producing the same. <P>SOLUTION: This light-driving type actuator comprises a polymer layer 12 which contains light-responsible groups causing the change of the structure by light stimulation and is deformed in response to the structural change of the light-responsible groups, and an elastomer 13 which is adhered to the polymer layer 12 and is deformed together with the polymer layer 12. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an optically driven actuator driven by light and a method for manufacturing the same.

  Various actuators have been developed in the mechatronics field, and polymer actuators in particular have attracted a great deal of attention because of their flexibility, light weight, and silence during driving. Among them, the optically driven actuator driven by light is capable of supplying energy in a non-contact manner, does not require wiring for driving, and can avoid noise generated from electrical wiring. Applications to micromachines and robots used in the medical / nursing care field and aerospace field are expected.

As a polymer material driven by light, research on a photoresponsive gel has been actively conducted. For example, photodeformation by a polyacrylamide gel containing a leuco body of triphenylmethane that is photoionized (see Non-Patent Document 1), or a bending action by irradiating the polyacrylamide gel with CO ₂ infrared laser light (Non-Patent Document 2). Reference) is realized. In the former example, an ion dissociation reaction due to light occurs, and as a result, the osmotic pressure in the gel increases and swells. In the latter example, the penetration is based on the volume change of the gel due to heat generated by infrared laser light irradiation. This is due to pressure changes. Furthermore, in addition to polyacrylamide gel, a polyimide gel containing an azobenzene group as a photoresponsive group in its main chain is also known (see Patent Document 1). However, such a light-responsive gel has a problem that a solvent is indispensable and cannot be used in a dry environment because the driving principle is based on the uptake and discharge of solvent molecules such as water based on changes in osmotic pressure.

  As light-driven actuators that can be used in a dry environment, polyethyl acrylate crosslinked with azobenzene, polyimide having an azobenzene group, and the like have been known for a long time. However, these deformation amounts are extremely small, and it has been considered that large deformation cannot be expected (Non-patent Document 3). Liquid crystal elastomer has been reported. For example, it has been reported that a liquid crystal elastomer obtained by crosslinking a polymer having an azobenzene group as a photoresponsive group in a side chain in a liquid crystal alignment state exhibits a stretching behavior when irradiated with ultraviolet light (see Non-Patent Document 4). Further, it is known that a polydomain liquid crystal elastomer obtained by crosslinking a polymerizable liquid crystal composition composed of an azobenzene derivative with light or heat can bend in a free direction by irradiation with polarized light of ultraviolet light (see Non-Patent Document 5). Further, among liquid crystal elastomers, an elastomer that is driven by light in a swollen state in an organic solvent is also known (see Non-Patent Document 6 and Patent Document 2).

  However, the technique disclosed in Non-Patent Document 4 has a problem in that the response speed to light is very slow. Further, in the technique disclosed in Non-Patent Document 5, the responsiveness decreases with the film thickness, the function is limited to the function of only the thin film, and the operating temperature is limited only by driving in the liquid crystal temperature range. Had a problem in that. The techniques disclosed in Non-Patent Document 6 and Patent Document 2 have a problem that a solvent is indispensable and cannot be used in a dry environment, like the gel described above.

Therefore, in these liquid crystal elastomers, it is difficult to form a complicated structure required as an actuator, in terms of performance, and problems remain in terms of manufacturing suitability.
Macromolecules, Vol. 19, p. 2476 (1986) J. et al. Chem. Phys. 102, 551 (1995) "Development and application of shape memory polymer", Chapter 5, p. 67 (published by CMC Co., Ltd., 1989, Tokyo) Phys. Rev. Lett. Journal, Vol. 87, 015501 (2001) Nature Magazine, Vol. 425, 145 (2003) Adv. Mater. Journal, Volume 15, 201 (2003) JP-A-2005-23151 JP 2002-256031 A

  In view of the above circumstances, the present invention is a flexible, lightweight, and silently driven optically driven actuator capable of forming a complex structure, and a method for manufacturing the same. The purpose is to provide.

In the optically driven actuator of the present invention that achieves the above object,
A polymer layer that includes a photoresponsive group that causes a structural change by light stimulation, and that is deformed in accordance with the structural change of the photoresponsive group;
An elastomer that is deformed together with the polymer layer when the polymer layer is attached is provided.

  Since the polymer layer containing the photoresponsive group is formed on the surface of the elastomer, the light absorption efficiency by the photoresponsive group is increased. As a result, the photoresponsive group can cause a structural change efficiently.

  In addition, since the optically driven actuator is made of a polymer, it can be driven silently.

  Here, it is preferable that the polymer layer is attached to both sides of the elastomer.

  The polymer layer containing the photoresponsive group is attached to both sides of the elastomer, so that it absorbs light compared to the case where the polymer layer containing the photoresponsive group is attached to one side of the elastomer. As the area increases, the optically driven actuator can be driven at higher speed. Furthermore, it becomes possible to provide complicated driving by irradiating ultraviolet light from both sides.

  The photoresponsive group is preferably an azobenzene group.

  The azobenzene group usually exists as a thermodynamically stable trans isomer, but is a photoresponsive group that undergoes photoisomerization that becomes a cis isomer by ultraviolet light and a trans isomer by heat or visible light. Therefore, by using an azobenzene group, it is easy to reversibly cause a photoisomerization reaction, and high photoresponsiveness can be obtained.

  The elastomer is preferably an elastomer selected from natural rubber, acrylic elastomer, and silicon elastomer.

  By adopting the above-described elastomer, a light-driven actuator capable of forming a flexible and lightweight complex structure can be obtained.

In the light-driven manufacturing method of the present invention that achieves the above object,
It is characterized by comprising a step of applying a polymer having a photoresponsive group causing a structural change by light stimulation to the surface of an elastomer.

  A light-driven actuator can be easily manufactured by applying a polymer having a photoresponsive group on the surface of an elastomer.

In the light-driven manufacturing method of the present invention that achieves the above object,
Applying a polymerizable molecule having a photoresponsive group causing a structural change by light stimulation to the surface of the elastomer;
And a step of polymerizing the polymerizable molecule.

  By applying a method of polymerizing a polymerizable molecule having a photoresponsive group on the surface of an elastomer and polymerizing the polymerizable molecule, for example, a light-driven actuator can be easily manufactured using photopolymerization. .

In the method of manufacturing an optically driven actuator of the present invention that achieves the above object,
A step of forming a polymer layer by applying a polymer having a photoresponsive group that causes a structural change by light stimulation on a support;
And a step of transferring the polymer layer to the surface of the elastomer.

  By transferring a polymer layer formed by applying a polymer having a photoresponsive group to the elastomer, for example, an adhesive layer can be provided between the polymer layer and the elastomer. As a result, the performance of the optically driven actuator is improved.

In the method of manufacturing an optically driven actuator of the present invention that achieves the above object,
Applying a polymerizable molecule having a photoresponsive group that causes a structural change by light stimulation on a support;
Polymerizing the polymerizable molecules to form a polymer layer;
And a step of transferring the polymer layer to the surface of the elastomer.

  By transferring the polymer layer created by polymerizing polymerizable molecules to the elastomer, for example, it becomes possible to provide an adhesive layer between the polymer layer and the elastomer, and between the polymer layer and the elastomer. Increased adhesion improves the performance of the optically driven actuator.

  According to the present invention, there are provided a light-driven actuator that exhibits high light responsiveness, can form a complicated structure, is flexible, lightweight, and can be driven silently, and a method for manufacturing the same. be able to.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below.

  First, an example of the configuration of the optically driven actuator of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an optically driven actuator according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the light-driven actuator 1 has a configuration in which a polymer layer 12 including a photoresponsive group that causes a structural change by light stimulation is attached to the upper surface of an elastomer 11. In this light-driven actuator 1, the photoresponsive group causes a structural change by light stimulation, and the polymer layer 12 and the elastomer 11 are both deformed in accordance with the structural change of the photoresponsive group. Here, azobenzene was used for the photoresponsive group, and natural rubber was used for the elastomer. The photoresponsive group and the elastomer will be described in detail later.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an optically driven actuator according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  The light-driven actuator 2 according to the second embodiment has a configuration in which polymer layers 21 and 22 including a photoresponsive group that causes a structural change by light stimulation are disposed with an elastomer 23 interposed therebetween.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an optically driven actuator that is a third embodiment of the present invention.

  The light-driven actuator 2 according to the third embodiment is configured such that a polymer layer 32 including a photoresponsive group that causes a structural change by light stimulation covers an elastomer 31.

  From these embodiments, the polymer layer containing the photoresponsive group may be disposed only on the upper surface of the elastomer as shown in FIG. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 2, it may be arrange | positioned at both surfaces, and also may cover the elastomer as shown in FIG.

  In addition, a layer such as an alignment layer for controlling the alignment of the polymer layer and an adhesive layer for improving the interlayer adhesion between the elastomer and the polymer layer are provided between the elastomer and the polymer layer as necessary. May be.

  The elastomer used in the present invention includes natural rubber, unvulcanized rubber, vulcanized rubber, chloroprene, silicone, urethane, polyamide, polyester, polyacryl, polyolefin, halogenated polyolefin, polystyrene, fluorine. Elastomers such as chlorosulfonated polyethylene and ethylene / propylene copolymer are preferred. Of these, natural rubber, polyacrylic elastomer, and silicone elastomer are particularly preferable.

  In addition, in order to impart heat resistance, inorganic compounds such as boron, phosphorus, silica and barium, metals such as aluminum, stainless steel, alumina, silica and zirconium, organics such as ceramic, melamine and organic halogen A high heat resistant compound may be mixed with the elastomer. Furthermore, various additives such as heat stabilizers, anti-aging agents, antioxidants, light stabilizers, plasticizers, softeners, flame retardants, pigments, foaming agents, foaming aids and the like are added as necessary. May be used.

  The polymer layer containing a photoresponsive group is formed of a polymer having a photoresponsive group in the main chain, side chain, and / or cross-linked chain. As the polymer, polyacrylic polymer, polyamide-based, polyester-based, polyolefin-based polymer, and silicon-based polymer are preferable, and polyacrylic-based polymer, polyester-based polymer, and silicon-based polymer are particularly preferable.

  The photoresponsive group is, for example, a group that causes at least one of a photoisomerization reaction, a photodimerization reaction, and a photolysis reaction by light irradiation. The photoresponsive group is particularly preferably a group that undergoes a photoisomerization reaction upon irradiation with light from the viewpoint of reversibility. Specifically, examples of such a photoresponsive group include an azobenzene group, a hydrazono-β-ketoester group, a stilbene group, and a spiropyran group. Among them, a photoisomerization group containing a double bond structure consisting of C = C or N = N is preferred, and an azobenzene group containing a double bond structure consisting of N = N can be mentioned as a particularly preferred example.

  Specific examples include polymers containing photoresponsive groups of general formula (1) to general formula (9). However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these.

  The polymer layer containing a photoresponsive group can also be formed by applying a polymerizable molecule having a photoresponsive group on the elastomer surface and polymerizing the polymerizable molecule. Specific examples of the polymerizable molecule having a photoresponsive group include polymerizable molecules from Compound 1 to Compound 6. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these.

  The photoresponsive group may or may not be oriented in the polymer layer, and which one is selected depends on the usage form of the actuator. For example, when a material that selectively bends or stretches only in one direction is required, it is preferable that the photoresponsive groups are uniaxially arranged in the polymer layer. In addition, when a material that can be bent or stretched in a free direction is required, it is preferable that the photoresponsive group is not oriented in the polymer layer.

  When an alignment layer is disposed between the elastomer and the polymer layer, for example, a well-known alignment film generally used in the liquid crystal field can be adopted as the alignment layer. As specific examples, an alignment film such as polyimide or polyvinyl alcohol subjected to rubbing alignment treatment, an azobenzene derivative, cinnamic acid derivative, or coumarin derivative subjected to photo-alignment treatment can be employed.

  When an adhesive layer is disposed between the elastomer and the polymer layer, a known adhesive can be used for the adhesive layer. Specific examples include rubber-based, acrylic-based, silicon-based, and vinyl ether-based pressure-sensitive adhesives. The pressure-sensitive adhesive is preferably a synthetic polymer from the viewpoint of imparting pressure-sensitive adhesive properties according to the purpose, and particularly preferably has a chemical or mechanical property close to the elastomer used.

  Next, the manufacturing method of the optically driven actuator of the present invention will be described in detail.

  First, an embodiment of the first manufacturing method among the manufacturing methods of the optically driven actuator of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of the first manufacturing method.

  In step S100, a coating liquid containing a polymer having a photoresponsive group that causes a structural change by light stimulation is first prepared, and the polymer having a photoresponsive group is applied to the elastomer surface and then dried. Through the step S100, an optically driven actuator to which one embodiment of the first manufacturing method is applied is manufactured.

  Here, the elastomer and the polymer having a photoresponsive group are as described above.

  As the solvent for the coating solution, a known solvent capable of dissolving or dispersing the polymer can be used.

  Specific examples of the solvent include halogen solvents such as chloroform and dichloromethane, ketone solvents such as methyl ethyl ketone and cyclohexanone, amide solvents such as dimethylformamide and dimethylacetamide, and chloroform, methyl ethyl ketone, cyclohexanone and dimethylacetamide are preferable, Particularly preferred are chloroform, methyl ethyl ketone, and dimethylacetamide. Moreover, you may use combining these solvents.

  The optimum amount of the solvent to be added is determined within the range of maintaining the coatability, but the polymer concentration is preferably in the range of 1 to 75% in the coating solvent, and in the range of 5 to 50%. Is particularly preferred.

  As the coating method, known methods such as curtain coating method, extrusion coating method, roll coating method, spin coating method, dip coating method, bar coating method, spray coating method, slide coating method, and printing coating method are used. be able to.

  The application may be performed while stretching or compressing the elastomer, if necessary. In the present invention, the term “coating” includes a method in which a frame is prepared on the surface of the elastomer with a Teflon (registered trademark) tape and a coating solution is poured into the frame, and a method in which the coating solution is impregnated with an elastomer.

  A known drying method can be used for drying. Specific examples include room temperature drying, warm drying, air drying, and vacuum drying, and these may be combined. Further, the coated product may be dried while stretching or compressing the coated product.

  With the above, an optically driven actuator can be manufactured by applying one embodiment of the first manufacturing method of the optically driven actuator manufacturing method of the present invention.

  Next, an embodiment of the second manufacturing method among the manufacturing methods of the optically driven actuator of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of the second manufacturing method.

  In step S200, a coating solution of a polymerizable molecule having a photoresponsive group is prepared, and the coating solution is applied to the elastomer surface.

  Subsequently, in step S202, the polymerizable molecule is polymerized to form a polymer layer containing a photoresponsive group on the surface of the elastomer.

  By executing the steps shown in FIG. 5, an optically driven actuator to which one embodiment of the second manufacturing method is applied is manufactured.

  Here, the elastomer and the polymerizable molecule having a photoresponsive group are as described above.

  As the solvent of the coating solution, a known solvent that can dissolve or disperse a polymerizable molecule having a photoresponsive group can be used.

  Specific examples of the solvent include halogen solvents such as chloroform and dichloromethane, ketone solvents such as methyl ethyl ketone and cyclohexanone, amide solvents such as dimethylformamide and dimethylacetamide, and aromatic solvents such as pyridine, toluene and phenol. , Chloroform, methyl ethyl ketone, cyclohexanone and dimethylacetamide are preferred, and chloroform, methyl ethyl ketone, dimethylacetamide, pyridine and phenol are particularly preferred. Moreover, you may use combining these solvents.

  If necessary, additives such as a polymerization initiator, a polymerization inhibitor, a photosensitizer, a crosslinking agent, and a coating aid may be added to the coating solution. Regarding the polymerization initiator, a known polymerization initiator can be appropriately selected according to the polymerizable molecule having a photoresponsive group to be used and the polymerization method. Specifically, an azo polymerization initiator, a cationic photopolymerization initiator, a radical photopolymerization initiator, or the like can be employed. Among them, as the azo polymerization initiator, V-601 (manufactured by Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.), V-40 (manufactured by Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.), V-30 (manufactured by Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) ), V-65 (manufactured by Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.), V-59 (manufactured by Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.), and the cationic photopolymerization initiator, WPI-113 (manufactured by Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd.) As the radical photopolymerization initiator, Irgacure 784 (manufactured by Ciba Specialty Chemicals Co., Ltd.), Irgacure 819 (manufactured by Ciba Specialty Chemicals Co., Ltd.) and the like can be mentioned as particularly preferred examples. As the polymerization inhibitor, for example, a known hydroquinone polymerization inhibitor can be used. As a photosensitizer, it is used in order to use together with a photoinitiator, and it can select suitably according to the photoinitiator to be used and the wavelength of the light to be used. Specific examples include diethylthioxanthone and isopropylthioxanthone used together with Irgacure 907 (manufactured by Ciba Specialty Chemicals). The crosslinking agent is used for fixing the structure of the crosslinked film. Specifically, it is a compound having a plurality of polymerizable groups, and can be appropriately selected according to the polymerizable molecule to be used. Specific examples of the acrylate include trimethylolpropane triacrylate and dipentaerythritol hexaacrylate. With respect to the coating aid, for example, a known surfactant or high viscosity agent can be used to improve coating properties.

  The optimum amount of the solvent added is determined within a range that does not impair the applicability, but the polymer concentration is preferably in the range of 1 to 75% in the coating solvent, and in the range of 5 to 50%. It is particularly preferred.

  The application and drying methods are the same as described above.

  For the polymerization reaction, various known polymerization methods using heat or electromagnetic waves can be employed, but radical polymerization using an azo polymerization initiator or a photopolymerization initiator is particularly preferred.

  In the case of photopolymerization using ultraviolet light, a known light source can be used without limitation, but a light source suitable for the photopolymerization initiator used is preferable. The wavelength of the light source is 220 nm to 740 nm, although it depends on the type of photoresponsive group used and the photopolymerization initiator used. When an azobenzene group is employed as the photoresponsive group, specifically, a light source with a long wave longer than 450 nm is preferable, and specifically, a light source with a long wave longer than 500 nm is preferable. Among these, a wavelength of 520 nm to 600 nm is preferably used. The form, shape, thickness, and the like of the crosslinked body are not particularly limited, and can be various forms, shapes, and thicknesses depending on the portion of the optical element having the crosslinked body.

  The polymerization reaction is preferably performed in a nitrogen atmosphere.

  With the above, an optically driven actuator can be manufactured by applying one embodiment of the second manufacturing method of the optically driven actuator manufacturing method of the present invention.

  Next, an embodiment of a third manufacturing method among the methods for manufacturing the optically driven actuator of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of the third manufacturing method.

  In step S300, a polymer having a photoresponsive group that causes a structural change by light stimulation is applied on the support, and a polymer layer is formed in step S302.

  Subsequently, in step S304, the polymer layer is transferred to the elastomer surface.

  Also by executing the steps shown in FIG. 6, an optically driven actuator to which one embodiment of the third manufacturing method is applied is manufactured.

  In one embodiment of the third production method, compared with the above two production methods, a polymer having a photoresponsive group is coated on a support using a support instead of an elastomer, and the production method is high. Create a molecular film. The obtained polymer film is peeled off and transferred to the surface of the elastomer to produce a light-driven actuator. At this time, it is preferable that the elastomer surface has an adhesive layer.

  With the above, an optically driven actuator can be manufactured by applying one embodiment of the third manufacturing method of the optically driven actuator manufacturing method of the present invention.

  Next, an embodiment of the fourth manufacturing method among the manufacturing methods of the optically driven actuator of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an embodiment of the fourth manufacturing method.

  In step S400, a polymerizable molecule having a photoresponsive group that causes a structural change by light stimulation is applied on a support. In step S402, a polymer molecule is polymerized to form a polymer layer. Subsequently, in step S404, the polymer layer is transferred to the elastomer surface.

  By executing the steps shown in FIG. 7, an optically driven actuator to which one embodiment of the fourth manufacturing method is applied is manufactured.

  Here, in one embodiment of the fourth manufacturing method, a support is used instead of the elastomer, as in the one embodiment of the third manufacturing method.

Next, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the following examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.
"Example 1"
An azobenzene group-containing polymer P-1 (100 mg) having the following structure and having the following structure (10) was dissolved in chloroform (50 μL) to prepare a coating solution. Next, care latex gloves S (manufactured by AS ONE) were washed and cut to create a natural rubber film. The coating solution was filtered with a microfilter (DISMIC-13 PIFE 0.45M: manufactured by ADVANTEC), applied to the surface of the natural rubber film by spin coating (1000 rpm, 20 seconds), and dried at room temperature for 1 hour. The obtained coating film was stretched 3 times to produce a light-driven actuator having a bent form. The obtained actuator was irradiated with ultraviolet light emitted from an ultraviolet irradiator (EXECURE 3000, manufactured by HOYA CANDEO OPTRONICS) at an intensity of 100 mW / cm ² (365 nm) at room temperature.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the results in Example 1.

  FIG. 8A shows a state before ultraviolet irradiation. As indicated by an arrow A, one end of a light-driven actuator 4 having a bent shape is attached to an end portion 5 a on the upper surface of the mounting table 5.

FIG. 8B shows a state after the light-driven actuator 4 having a bent form is irradiated with ultraviolet rays. As shown by the arrow B, the bent form of the light-driven actuator 4 changed to a horizontal form after irradiation for 5 seconds. From the results of Example 1, it was confirmed that the light-driven actuator 4 was driven by light.
"Example 2"
The coating solution prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 was poured into a 1 cm × 2 cm rectangular frame made of Teflon (registered trademark) tape having a thickness of 180 μm on a natural rubber film prepared in the same manner as in Example 1. . Next, after evaporating the solvent at room temperature for about 12 hours, the film was stretched 3 times to produce a light-driven actuator having a bent form.

The obtained light-driven actuator was irradiated with ultraviolet light emitted from an ultraviolet irradiator (EXECURE 3000, manufactured by HOYA CANDEO OPTRONICS) at an intensity of 100 mW / cm ² (365 nm) at room temperature. It was confirmed that the bent form changed to a horizontal form and was driven by light.
"Example 3"
A coating solution having the following composition was prepared, filtered with a microfilter (DISMIC-13 PIFE 0.45M: manufactured by ADV ANTEC), and applied to a silicon film (manufactured by AS ONE) having a thickness of 0.1 μm by spin coating. did. Next, ultraviolet light emitted from an ultraviolet irradiator (EXECURE 3000, manufactured by HOYA CANDEO OPTRONICS) at 70 ° C. in a nitrogen atmosphere is irradiated at an intensity of 50 mW / cm ² (560 nm) through an O-54 cut filter (manufactured by HOYA). Thus, a crosslinked film was prepared.

  The cross-linked film obtained by converting ultraviolet light emitted from an ultraviolet irradiator (EXECURE 3000, manufactured by HOYA CANDEO OPTRONICS) into linearly polarized light through a polarizing plate was irradiated, and the light driving behavior was confirmed.

Example 4
The coating solution prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 was poured into a 1 cm × 2 cm rectangular frame made of 180 μm-thick Teflon (registered trademark) tape on Nitoflon film (manufactured by AS ONE), and about The solvent was evaporated for 12 hours to prepare a polymer film.
Next, in the sample in which the azobenzene group-containing polymer P-1 having the general formula (10) prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 was applied to the natural rubber film surface, the surface on which the azobenzene group-containing polymer P-1 was applied 7tack (manufactured by Kuramoto Sangyo Co., Ltd. No. 6034) on the back side, followed by transferring the above-mentioned polymer film created on the nitroflon film, stretching the coated film obtained twice, An optical actuator was created in which polymer layers were attached to both sides of the elastomer.

The obtained actuator was irradiated with ultraviolet light emitted from an ultraviolet irradiator (EXECULE 3000, manufactured by HOYA CANDEO OPTRONICS), and its light driving behavior was confirmed.
"Example 5"
A natural rubber film prepared in the same manner as in Example 1 was immersed in a coating solution prepared in the same manner as in Example 1, and then taken out and dried while being stretched 3 times to prepare an optical actuator.

  The obtained actuator was irradiated with ultraviolet light emitted from an ultraviolet irradiator (EXECULE 3000, manufactured by HOYA CANDEO OPTRONICS), and its light driving behavior was confirmed.

  As described above, according to the present invention, a light-driven actuator that exhibits high light responsiveness, can be formed into a complicated structure, is flexible, lightweight, and can be driven silently, and A manufacturing method thereof can be provided. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the optical actuator can be manufactured by a method having manufacturing aptitude such that a polymer layer serving as a photoresponsive portion is disposed on the surface of the elastomer by coating or transfer, so that it is compared with the conventional method. Thus, the production load can be greatly reduced. Moreover, since the usage-amount of the high molecular layer which has an expensive photoresponsive group can be reduced, cost reduction is attained.

  The light-driven actuator according to the present invention includes, for example, active forceps, endoscopes, artificial muscles, drug delivery systems, bio-elements, bio-elements, aerospace robots, artificial mimics in the medical / nursing field. It can be applied to a driving unit such as a satellite. Furthermore, in general equipment, it can be used for a drive unit of a digital camera, a mobile phone, a micropump, a tactile display, a non-contact inspection equipment, and the like.

It is a schematic diagram of the optically driven actuator which is the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram of the optically driven actuator which is the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows sectional drawing of the optically driven actuator which is the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows one Embodiment of this 1st manufacturing method. It is a flowchart which shows one Embodiment of this 2nd manufacturing method. It is a flowchart which shows one Embodiment of this 3rd manufacturing method. It is a flowchart which shows one Embodiment of this 4th manufacturing method. It is a figure which shows the result in Example 1. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1, 2, 3, 4 Light-driven actuator 5 Mounting table 5a Ends on the top surface of the mounting table 11, 23, 31 Elastomer 12, 21, 22, 32 Polymer layer

Claims (8)

In an optically driven actuator driven by light,
A polymer layer containing a photoresponsive group that causes a structural change by light stimulation, and deforms in response to the structural change of the photoresponsive group;
An optically driven actuator comprising an elastomer that deforms together with the polymer layer when the polymer layer is attached.   The light-driven actuator according to claim 1, wherein the polymer layer is attached to both surfaces of the elastomer.   The light-driven actuator according to claim 1, wherein the photoresponsive group is an azobenzene group.   2. The optically driven actuator according to claim 1, wherein the elastomer is an elastomer selected from natural rubber, acrylic elastomer, and silicon elastomer. In the manufacturing method of the optically driven actuator driven by light,
A method for producing a light-driven actuator, comprising a step of applying a polymer having a photoresponsive group that causes a structural change by light stimulation to an elastomer surface. In the manufacturing method of the optically driven actuator driven by light,
Applying a polymerizable molecule having a photoresponsive group causing a structural change by light stimulation to the surface of the elastomer;
And a step of polymerizing the polymerizable molecule. A method for producing a light-driven actuator. In the manufacturing method of the optically driven actuator driven by light,
A step of forming a polymer layer by applying a polymer having a photoresponsive group that causes a structural change by light stimulation on a support;
And a step of transferring the polymer layer to the surface of the elastomer. In the manufacturing method of the optically driven actuator driven by light,
Applying a polymerizable molecule having a photoresponsive group that causes a structural change by light stimulation on a support;
Polymerizing the polymerizable molecules to form a polymer layer;
And a step of transferring the polymer layer to the surface of the elastomer.

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