JP2008228368A - Optical drive actuator and power transmission system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an optical drive actuator that can convert optical energy into mechanical energy directly and is capable of moving like a looper. <P>SOLUTION: This optical drive actuator 1c has a bridged liquid crystal high-polymer molded product containing photochromic molecules which can be isomerized reversibly by irradiating first active light 13 and second active light 14. In this case, the actuator is made to move like a looper by reversing the direction of bending motion of the bridged liquid crystal high-polymer molded product by the irradiation of the first and second active light. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an optically driven actuator and a power transmission system including the optically driven actuator.

  In recent years, applied technologies related to optical functional materials have been energetically studied, and remarkable progress has been made in a wide range of fields. Regarding an actuator that is a drive source for causing mechanical motion, an optical functional material capable of converting light energy into kinetic energy has been proposed (Patent Documents 1 to 3). By adopting the optical drive type, wiring for energy transmission is not required, and remote operation from a distance and further integration of elements can be expected.

  FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a conventional optically driven actuator (Patent Document 1). The optically driven actuator 100 includes a movable film 103, a polydiacetylene film 102, which is a light-induced phase transition material, a substrate 104, and an orifice 105, as shown in FIG. The left and right ends of the movable film 103 in the figure are fixed to the substrate 104, and the polydiacetylene film 102 is fixed to the center surface which is a non-fixed region. A technique is disclosed in which the flow rate of the fluid passing through the orifice 105 can be controlled by irradiating the light-driven actuator 100 with two types of actinic rays and reversibly moving the central portion of the movable film 103 in the figure. Yes. The specific amount of movement of the movable film 103 by the actinic ray (the amount of displacement of the vertical movement in the figure) is not clear because it is not described in the document, but it is caused by the vertical movement of the movable film 103 with both ends fixed. Considering that the flow rate of the fluid is controlled by opening and closing the orifice 105, the amount of displacement is considered to be very small.

  In a thermoplastic resin composition using a novel azobenzene compound or a spiropyran compound as a light-driven actuator according to another prior art, about 0.02 to 0.08% by light irradiation under a constant load (5 mN). An example in which the optical deformation of the film can be performed reversibly has been reported (Patent Document 2).

  The group of the present inventors has recently been able to bend and maintain a crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body by irradiation with a first actinic ray in a molded body composed of a crosslinked liquid crystal polymer incorporating a photochromic molecule, It was reported that a crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body can be restored to its original form by irradiation with actinic rays (Patent Document 3). According to this crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded product, a flat film can be bent so as to be folded in two. Such a large mechanical work was successfully extracted in a material that had both a liquid crystal structure that had both orientation and fluidity and a cross-linking structure that easily propagated orientation changes, and was reversible in response to light irradiation. This is due to the introduction of isomerized photochromic molecules.

In addition, as another type of the worm-type actuator described in the means for solving the invention described later, a polymer film provided with a mechanism for moving in one direction at a pair of ends is immersed in a solution so that electric energy is obtained. It has been reported that it can be realized by assigning (Non-patent Document 1). Patent Document 4 will be described later.
JP 2001-232600 (paragraph numbers 0013 to 0015, FIGS. 1 to 4) JP 2006-282990 A (paragraph numbers 0070 to 0099) JP-A-2005-255805 (paragraph numbers 0007, 0025) JP 2002-256031 A (paragraph numbers 0028 to 0031) Nature, January 16, 1992, 355, pp. 242-244

In developing applications for optically driven actuators, it is important to increase the variation of motion modes to meet various needs in addition to the motion mode of optical bending-restoration response.
In addition, when actually mounting an optically driven actuator on a micromachine or the like, it is extremely important to increase variations in form so that it can flexibly meet various needs.

The present invention has been made in view of the above background, and a first object of the present invention is to provide an optically driven actuator that performs another motion by expanding the motion mode of the optical bending-restoration response, and the same. It is providing the power transmission system provided with.
A second object is to provide an optically driven actuator capable of enhancing variations in form and a power transmission system including the same.

  The light-driven actuator according to the first aspect of the present invention is a light comprising a crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body containing a photochromic molecule that can be reversibly isomerized by irradiation with a first actinic ray and a second actinic ray. It is a drive-type actuator, which is irradiated with a first actinic ray and a second actinic ray to reverse the bending motion direction of the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body and moves like a worm. Here, “invert the direction of bending motion” means that the motion in the direction in which the principal surface of the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body is folded and the motion in a direction to return to the plane are sequentially switched. In addition, in this specification, “like a beetle insect” means an object that moves in a predetermined direction while reversing the bending motion direction. Here, “move in a predetermined direction” is not limited to a straight line, but includes a line that moves while moving along a curve or the like.

  In the light-driven actuator according to the first aspect of the present invention, a mesogen is obtained by isomerizing a photochromic molecule in a material having both a liquid crystal structure having both orientation and fluidity and a cross-linking structure that easily propagates orientation change. Can be propagated to the polymer skeleton with high efficiency. As a result, the bending movement direction of the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body can be reversed and moved like a worm.

  The light-driven actuator according to the second aspect of the present invention is a sheet comprising a crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body containing a first actinic ray and a photochromic molecule that can be reversibly isomerized by irradiation with the second actinic ray. A cross-linked liquid crystal polymer molded body obtained by polymerizing or cross-linking the mesogen site by controlling the orientation of the mesogen site, and laminating the flexible liquid crystal polymer molded body on a flexible support, The shape of the main surface before irradiation with the first active light beam and the second active light beam is adjusted. Here, “sheet-like” means that the main part has a plate-like structure. The thickness is not limited to that defined as a sheet. In addition to a planar shape, a curved surface shape, a folded shape, and the like are included. In addition, the “main surface shape” referred to here refers to the shape of the main surface of the movable part that is movable by actinic ray irradiation.

  In the light-driven actuator of the second aspect according to the present invention, the cross-linked liquid crystal polymer molded body and the support are appropriately selected from the materials for the cross-linked liquid crystal polymer molded body and the support, and the orientation of the liquid crystal. By doing so, it is possible to increase variations in the shape of the main surface before light irradiation (hereinafter also referred to as “initial form”). Since it is necessary for the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body to perform polymerization or crosslinking reaction while controlling the orientation, it is not always easy to increase the variation of the initial form. By laminating the cross-linked liquid crystal polymer molded body on the support, variations in the initial form can be enhanced by utilizing the difference in tension and thermal expansion coefficient between the two. In addition, as a result of extensive studies by the present inventors, it was found that by changing the orientation of the mesogen of the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer (for example, homeotropic alignment, homogeneous alignment, etc.) I found that I could change the form. A support having a desired curvature and a structure having a crease, etc. can be prepared in advance using vapor deposition technology, molding processing technology such as polymer, micro modeling technology, etc., and a cross-linked liquid crystal polymer molding can be laminated thereon. . Furthermore, in general, the support is easier to integrally form and join the engaging portion and the fitting portion with other members than the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body. There are many choices for the material of the support compared to the cross-linked liquid crystal polymer molded body, so it is possible to select the material according to the needs. By increasing the variation of the initial form of the light-driven actuator, it is possible to increase not only the light irradiation but also the dynamic movement when inducing the light motion and the variation of the form after the light irradiation.

  The light-driven actuator according to the third aspect of the present invention is a light comprising a crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body containing a photochromic molecule that can be reversibly isomerized by irradiation with a first actinic ray and a second actinic ray. A drive type actuator, wherein the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body is fixed on a flexible support, and the first active light beam and the second active light beam are irradiated to the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body. Depending on the conditions, it expands and contracts like a spring.

  The light-driven actuator according to the third aspect of the present invention employs a structure in which the cross-linked liquid crystal polymer molded body is fixed on a flexible support, and therefore has a configuration capable of a telescopic motion mode. Can be provided easily. In addition, by using a crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded product that can propagate the mesogenic orientation change accompanying photochromic molecule isomerization to the polymer skeleton with high efficiency, it can be used as a spring that expands and contracts according to the biasing force. An optically driven actuator that expands and contracts according to irradiation conditions can be provided. It is also possible to generate large outputs and strokes in both the extension direction and the contraction direction.

  A light-driven actuator according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is a light comprising a crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body containing a photochromic molecule that can be reversibly isomerized by irradiation with a first actinic ray and a second actinic ray. A drive type actuator, wherein the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body is fixed on a flexible support, and the first active light beam and the second active light beam are irradiated to the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body. It bends freely according to the conditions.

  The light-driven actuator according to the fourth aspect of the present invention employs a structure in which the cross-linked liquid crystal polymer molded body is fixed on a flexible support. And the form which can adjust the balance of the bending force by light irradiation can be provided easily. The present invention also provides a light-driven actuator that can be flexibly deformed by using a crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body that can propagate the orientation change of the mesogen accompanying the isomerization of the photochromic molecule to the polymer skeleton with high efficiency. be able to.

  A power transmission system according to the present invention includes the first or second light-driven actuator and a light source that irradiates the light-driven actuator with the first and second actinic rays.

  According to the present invention, there is an excellent effect that it is possible to provide an optically driven actuator that performs another motion by expanding the motion mode of the optical bending-restoring response, and a power transmission system including the same. Moreover, it has the outstanding effect that the optical drive type actuator which can raise the variation of a form, and a power transmission system provided with the same can be provided.

  Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described. It goes without saying that other embodiments may also belong to the category of the present invention as long as they meet the spirit of the present invention.

[Embodiment 1]
The light-driven actuator according to Embodiment 1 is a light-driven actuator provided with a crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body containing a photochromic molecule that can be reversibly isomerized by irradiation with a first actinic ray and a second actinic ray. In addition, the cross-linked liquid crystal polymer molded body obtained by polymerizing or cross-linking by controlling the orientation of mesogen sites is laminated on a flexible support, whereby the first active light beam and the second active light beam The shape of the main surface before irradiation of the active light is adjusted. Examples of the optimal form of the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body include films and sheets.

  FIG. 1A is a schematic perspective view illustrating an example of a light-driven actuator before light irradiation according to the first embodiment. The light-driven actuator 1 includes a crosslinked liquid crystal polymer film 2 as a crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body 2 and a support film 3 as a flexible support. The support film 3 has an arched shape having a pair of end portions as contact portions on the mounting surface 4 serving as a mounting portion, and a cross-linked liquid crystal is formed in a central region that is a curved portion of the main surface of the support film 3. A polymer film 2 is laminated. When the first active light beam and the second active light beam are appropriately applied to the light-driven actuator 1, a bending motion of the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body is induced, and the support film 3 is also deformed in conjunction with this. This deformation of the support film 3 is induced not only in the laminated region 3a of the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer film but also in the non-laminated region 3b.

  FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line Ib-Ib in FIG. As shown in the figure, the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer film 2 is laminated on the support film 3 with an adhesive layer 5 interposed therebetween. A protective layer 6 is laminated on the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer film 2. Each component will be described below.

  The cross-linked liquid crystal polymer according to the first embodiment may be either a main chain polymer liquid crystal or a side chain polymer liquid crystal, but a domain region that is an orientable region of a mesogen that is a hard core part directly involved in the alignment of the liquid crystal. And the polymer skeleton must form a three-dimensional network structure. As a result, the oriented mesogen is gently restrained in the polymer matrix, and the movement of the polymer skeleton is strongly correlated with the orientation of the mesogen. The cross-linked structure is more preferably a structure in which orientational order is maintained over a long distance.

  The crosslinked liquid crystal polymer can be obtained by a copolymer obtained from a monofunctional polymerizable monomer and a crosslinked polymerizable monomer copolymerized therewith. As a method for obtaining a copolymer, a known method can be used, but a method in which a mixture containing a monofunctional polymerizable monomer and a crosslinkable monomer is copolymerized under a condition in which the mesogen is oriented is used. Is convenient and advantageous. As a specific example, by using a reaction vessel having an orientation surface formed on the inner surface, a monomer mixture is photopolymerized or thermally polymerized using an in-situ polymerization method or the like. The method of making it copolymerize is mentioned. According to this method, the copolymer molecules are generated in a state of being oriented in a specific direction by the action of the oriented surface. Examples of the orientation treatment include a method of forming a polyimide layer on the inner surface of the reaction vessel and rubbing the polyimide layer in a specific direction, and a method of applying an electric field / magnetic field. Examples of the orientation of the mesogen include homogeneous, twisted, homeotropic, hybrid, bend or spray orientation. As another method of copolymerization, there can be mentioned a method in which a linear or weakly cross-linked liquid crystal polymer is prepared and a cross-linking reaction is performed while orienting mesogens by stress.

  The polymerization ratio between the monofunctional polymerizable monomer and the crosslinkable monomer is determined in consideration of the desired domain size and crosslink density. The domain size is preferably larger than 0.5 μm. When the domain size is small, the polymer skeleton has a structure similar to the relationship between chromophores and polymer segments in non-liquid crystal films, and the orientation of mesogens changes in each domain, giving the entire film even if the polymer skeleton is deformed. This is because the influence is reduced. In such a case, the change in orientation does not lead to a mechanical response, and the movement of the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molding is less likely to be induced. The crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded product is not limited to those composed of the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer itself, and appropriately contains additives and the like as long as the properties of the intended crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded product are not impaired. May be.

  Examples of the polymerizable group include a (meth) acryloyloxy group, a (meth) acrylamide group, a vinyloxy group, a vinyl group, and an epoxy group. Acrylamide groups are preferred. As the crosslinkable monomer, a bifunctional monomer or a polyfunctional monomer represented by a trifunctional monomer or the like can be used. Known polymerization initiators can be used.

  As a method for obtaining a cross-linked liquid crystal polymer molded body, a method in which a polymerization reaction is performed using a reaction vessel that also serves as a mold using a casting polymerization method, and the resulting copolymer is simultaneously molded is used. Is preferred. According to such a casting polymerization method, it is very easy to apply the above-described preferred alignment treatment method.

  The introduction site of the photochromic molecule may be either the polymer main chain or the polymer side chain, but is more preferably introduced into the mesogen site. This is because by introducing it into the mesogen site, the molecular structure change accompanying the isomerization of the photochromic molecule can be effectively converted into the orientation change of the mesogen in the domain region. By adopting a cross-linked structure, it is possible to propagate the mesogenic orientation change to the polymer skeleton with high efficiency and induce an anisotropic and mechanical response of the cross-linked liquid crystal polymer molded body.

The photochromic molecule is not particularly limited, and known ones can be used. Examples include azobenzene and stilbene structures that undergo trans-cis isomerization, spiropyran and diaryl structures that can undergo ring-opening and ring-closing photoisomerization, and the like. Among them, azobenzene represented by the following formula (1) is particularly preferable because the wavelength of the first actinic ray is different from the wavelength of the second actinic ray and the intermolecular distance changes greatly upon isomerization. be able to.
Although azobenzene depends on a substituent bonded to the azobenzene skeleton, the first actinic ray is about 300 to 400 nm (hereinafter simply referred to as “ultraviolet light”), and the second actinic ray is about 500 to 650 nm. (Hereinafter simply referred to as “visible light”). As shown in the above formula (1), when azobenzene is irradiated with ultraviolet light, it is isomerized from a rod-shaped trans form to a bent cis form. When this isomerized cis form is irradiated with visible light, it returns to the original trans form.

  When azobenzene is introduced into the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer, azobenzene works as an orientation control component. The trans form of azobenzene stabilizes the liquid crystal phase or itself functions as a mesogen. On the other hand, a cis body with a bent structure destabilizes the liquid crystal phase. Therefore, the phase transition can be induced by inducing isomerization from the trans isomer to the cis isomer even under isothermal conditions.

  Factors that propagate the mesogenic orientation change due to photochromic molecule isomerization to the polymer backbone with high efficiency include cross-linking structure, type of photochromic molecule, introduction rate of photochromic molecule, liquid crystal type, irradiation condition, etc. be able to. The type of liquid crystal is not particularly limited. From the viewpoint of propagating the mesogenic orientation change to the polymer skeleton with high efficiency, it is preferable to use a mesogen having high orientation ability and packing property. Examples of such a liquid crystal include a smectic liquid crystal and a ferroelectric liquid crystal.

  The support is selected so that the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body can be fixed to the main surface and can be moved integrally with the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body. Since a flexible support is used, the non-laminated region where the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body is not laminated can also be deformed in conjunction with the shape change of the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body. Of course, the entire support need not be movable together with the cross-linked liquid crystal polymer molded body, and a part of the non-laminated region of the cross-linked liquid crystal polymer molded body may be a non-movable part. Only the laminated region may be used as the movable portion. Further, a part of the laminated region of the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body may be a non-movable part.

  In the example of FIG. 1, the example in which the cross-linked liquid crystal polymer molded body is laminated on the central region of one main surface of the support has been described. Instead, the cross-linked liquid crystal polymer molded body is laminated on the entire main surface. May be. A cross-linked liquid crystal polymer molded body can be laminated on any part or the entire surface of both main surfaces of the support. It is also possible to arrange a plurality of types of crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded products into which photochromic molecules whose shapes change at different wavelengths are introduced, in different regions or in the same region. A plurality of motion modes can be provided by laminating a plurality of crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded bodies or the like into which photochromic molecules having different wavelengths of actinic rays are introduced on a support.

  The support can be configured to include an engagement portion, a fitting portion, or the like for engaging or fitting with another member in a part of the support. Instead of a structure (see FIG. 1 (a)) in which the end of the support is brought into contact with the mounting surface to stand on its own, it is fixed to a wheel or the like, or fixed to a mounting unit, a housing, a substrate, or the like. May be. As the mounting portion, a rail or the like that engages with the wheel may be employed instead of the mounting surface.

  As a material for the support, for example, a general-purpose polymer such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, an elastomer, or a known material such as silicon rubber, metal thin film, paper, or the like can be used. From the viewpoint of moving integrally with the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body, it is preferable to use a highly elastic body such as an elastomer or a polymer molded body having sufficient flexibility at the operating temperature. By using a polymer molded body having a glass transition temperature equal to or lower than the operating temperature, a polymer having excellent flexibility can be obtained. Examples of such a polymer material include polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutadiene, polyvinylidene chloride, polytetrafluoroethylene, and polyvinylidene fluoride. Of course, the glass transition temperature of the polymer molded product may be made to be lower than the working temperature by adding a plasticizer. Here, the “operating temperature” refers to the temperature at which the optically driven actuator is actually driven. When the polymer material has a melting point (Tm), it is preferable to use the polymer material in a range where the use temperature does not exceed the melting point from the viewpoint of stably using the optically driven actuator. By using the polymer molded body, integral molding, joining, and the like of the engaging portion and the fitting portion described above are facilitated.

  The thickness of the movable part of the support is determined according to the degree of flexibility of the material used, strength, use application, desired form, and the like. The thickness is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, about 5 μm to 100 μm. The support may be composed of a single material or a plurality of materials.

  A method for laminating and fixing the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body on the support is not particularly limited, and a known method can be used. When laminating, it is important that the support and the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded article are sufficiently adhered. This is to prevent peeling or cracks from occurring when optically driven. A known method can be used as the bonding method. For example, a method of laminating with a cross-linked liquid crystal polymer molded body using a support having an adhesive function, and bonding using various coating methods such as bar coater coating between the support and the cross-linked liquid crystal polymer molded body. Examples thereof include a method of providing a layer (see FIG. 1B), a method of bonding a support and a crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body with a double-sided tape, and the like. When an intermediate layer such as an adhesive layer or a double-sided tape is provided, it is preferable to select a layer having excellent flexibility from the viewpoint of moving integrally with the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body. The thickness of the adhesive layer can be set to, for example, 0.5 μm to 20 μm, but is not limited to this. A protective layer (see FIG. 1B) may be laminated on the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body, if necessary. Thereby, a crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded product can be protected from mechanical stimulation or the like. The protective layer is not particularly limited as long as the protective layer is a material that can move integrally with the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body and that does not prevent the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body from being driven by actinic rays. Needless to say, the optically driven actuator according to the present embodiment may include elements other than the element members described above.

  The shape (initial form) of the main surface of the light-driven actuator before light irradiation can be adjusted by appropriately selecting the material of the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body and the support and the orientation of the liquid crystal. By laminating the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body on the support, variations in the initial form can be enhanced by utilizing the difference in tension and thermal expansion coefficient between the two. If necessary, heat or pressure can be applied after the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body is laminated on the support. As a result of extensive investigations by the present inventors, even in the same material combination, by changing the orientation of the mesogen of the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer (for example, homeotropic alignment, homogeneous alignment, etc.), I found out that it can change a lot. A support having a desired curvature, folding structure, or the like can be prepared in advance using a deposition technique, a molding technique such as a polymer, a micro modeling technique, and the like, and a crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded article can be laminated thereon. Furthermore, in general, the support is easier to integrally form and join the engaging part and the fitting part with other members than the cross-linked liquid crystal polymer molded article. Easy to provide drive actuator.

  Next, a method for driving the optically driven actuator according to the first embodiment will be described. The light-driven actuator according to the first embodiment includes a photochromic molecule formed on a crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body into which a photochromic molecule that can be reversibly isomerized by irradiation with a first actinic ray and a second actinic ray is introduced. Irradiation with the actinic ray so as to cause isomerization induces a bending motion by inducing a shape change of the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body. Here, the term “bending motion” includes any one that deforms a sheet-like movable part in a folding direction, one that deforms in a direction to return to a flat state, or one that deforms an already folded state to another angle. Shall be.

  When the light-driven actuator is irradiated with the first actinic ray, isomerization of the photochromic molecule is induced and bending motion is induced. Next, when the irradiation light source is switched to the second actinic ray, a bending motion of a mode different from the bending motion is induced with the isomerization of the photochromic molecule.

  In order to continuously perform the bending motion, isomerization of photochromic molecules is continuously induced. In order to continuously induce isomerization of the photochromic molecule, both the first actinic ray and the second actinic ray may be irradiated simultaneously or sequentially. If the isomerization occurs continuously, the light irradiation may be intermittent. Note that “continuous” as used herein does not mean that a specific photochromic molecule is continuously isomerized, but isomerization of any photochromic molecule in the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body occurs. It means a state.

  The irradiation positions of the first actinic ray and the second actinic ray on the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body may be the same or different. However, when the positions are different, the positions are such that the isomerization of the photochromic molecule can be induced by the irradiation of the first actinic ray and the second actinic ray. This is because it is necessary to induce isomerization by irradiation of each light beam and to propagate the orientation change of the mesogen to the polymer skeleton. It is convenient that at least a part of the irradiation region of the second actinic ray is included in the portion isomerized by the irradiation of the first actinic ray.

In addition to the orientation of the liquid crystal described above, the deformation amount (bending angle) of the sheet-like portion can be appropriately changed according to the irradiation position of the actinic ray, the irradiation light intensity, and the irradiation time. The irradiation light intensity is selected so as to be optimal according to the type of the introduced photochromic molecule, the introduction rate of the photochromic molecule, the thickness of the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded product, the desired bending behavior, and the like, but usually 1 to 1000 mJ. / Cm ² or so. Either non-polarized light or polarized light may be used depending on the desired movement behavior or photochromic molecule. As the irradiation light source, various known light sources such as a high-pressure mercury lamp and a laser beam can be used.

  It is preferable that the irradiation site of the first actinic ray and the second actinic ray with respect to the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body has a glass transition temperature or higher. This is because the micro-Brownian motion, which affects the motion of the polymer main chain, is activated at high temperatures, while it is frozen below the glass transition temperature. Note that when the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body is irradiated with light, a part of the polymer can be converted into thermal energy, but some of the irradiation region is locally at or above the glass transition temperature due to this heat. However, when the melting point (Tm) is present in the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded product, it is used in a range where the temperature of the irradiated part is lower than the melting point.

  Next, the mechanism by which the optically driven actuator according to the first embodiment moves will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following, a film composed of a crosslinked liquid crystal polymer in which azobenzene is introduced into a side chain polymer mesogen will be described as an example. In addition, the size and shape of each part in the drawing are for convenience of explanation, and the ratio, shape, etc. of each part are different from actual ones.

  FIG. 2A is an explanatory view schematically showing a change in the shape of the isomerization of the azobenzene molecule shown in the above formula (1). In the figure, reference numeral 10 schematically shows the shape of a rod-shaped transformer body, and reference numeral 20 schematically shows the shape of a bent cis body. As shown in the figure, when the azobenzene molecule is irradiated with ultraviolet light as the first active light, it is isomerized from the rod-shaped trans body 10 to the bent cis body 20 and irradiated with visible light as the second active light. Return to the transformer body 10. That is, the rod-like transformer body 10 and the bent cis body 20 can be reversibly changed by light.

  FIG. 2B is a partially enlarged explanatory view schematically showing a state before and after ultraviolet irradiation of a crosslinked liquid crystal polymer film (hereinafter also simply referred to as “film”) 30 in which azobenzene is introduced into a mesogen site. In the figure, reference numeral 31 denotes a polymer main chain, reference numeral 11 denotes a trans-type azobenzene side chain in which azobenzene is a trans isomer, reference numeral 12 denotes a non-azobenzene side chain in which azobenzene does not contain azobenzene, and reference numeral 21 denotes a cis-benzene cis isomer. The cis-type azobenzene side chain is shown. When the trans-type azobenzene side chain 11 is irradiated with ultraviolet light, the structure changes to a cis-type azobenzene side chain 21 in which the azobenzene portion is bent, and thereby the orientation change of the non-azobenzene side chain 12 is also induced. Then, this change propagates to the polymer skeleton and the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer film 30 contracts.

  By the way, the azobenzene molecule has a high molar extinction coefficient at a wavelength (near 360 nm) that induces isomerization from the trans form to the cis form. For this reason, when the azobenzene concentration in the film increases, the light that induces isomerization cannot be transmitted through the film 30, and the azobenzene molecules present on the irradiated surface side are selectively photoisomerized. As a result, anisotropy occurs in the shrinkage rate in the thickness direction of the film 30.

  FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged explanatory view schematically showing how anisotropy occurs in the shrinkage rate of the film 30 with respect to the thickness direction of the film. When the film 30 (see FIG. 3A) is irradiated with ultraviolet light, the structure changes from a trans isomer to a cis isomer in the irradiation region, thereby inducing a change in domain orientation. And as shown in FIG.3 (b), the anisotropy of a contraction rate generate | occur | produces in the thickness direction. As a result, the film 30 exhibits a mechanical response as shown in FIG. When visible light 8 is irradiated to this, the structure changes from a cis isomer to a trans isomer in the irradiated region, and a new orientation change of the domain is induced to generate a new anisotropy of the shrinkage rate.

  The thickness of the optically driven actuator is not particularly limited, but it needs to be a thickness that can induce deformation, and is appropriately selected depending on the properties of the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer used and the support. It is not always necessary to induce the anisotropy of the shrinkage rate in the thickness direction, and it may be configured to move by inducing anisotropic deformation of the shrinkage rate in the plane direction.

  As described above, the trans form of azobenzene stabilizes the liquid crystal phase or itself functions as a mesogen. On the other hand, the cis form of azobenzene destabilizes the liquid crystal phase due to the bent structure. Therefore, when azobenzene is used, a phase transition from the liquid crystal phase to the isotropic phase can be induced isothermally by irradiation with ultraviolet light. For this reason, it is possible to change the orientation change of the domain drastically, propagate the change of orientation to the polymer skeleton with high efficiency, and easily induce an anisotropic and mechanical response of the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body. Of course, it is only necessary to induce an anisotropic and mechanical response of the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body, and it goes without saying that an isothermal phase transition from the liquid crystal phase to the isotropic phase is not essential. In photochromic molecules that can be isomerized by heat, heat can be used instead of actinic rays. In the case of azobenzene, isomerization of the trans isomer from the cis isomer may be induced by heat instead of visible light (second active light in the above example).

  According to the light-driven actuator according to the first embodiment, by appropriately selecting the cross-linked liquid crystal polymer molded body, the material of the support, and the orientation of the liquid crystal, the main surface of the cross-linked liquid crystal polymer molded body before light irradiation is selected. Variations in shape (initial form) can be enhanced. There are many choices for the material of the support compared to the cross-linked liquid crystal polymer molded body, so it is possible to select the material according to the needs and increase the degree of design freedom. By increasing the variation of the initial form of the light-driven actuator, it is possible to increase not only the light irradiation but also the dynamic movement when inducing the light motion and the variation of the form after the light irradiation. Further, the mechanical strength and durability can be improved by fixing the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body on the support. In addition, since the photomotion region can be expanded to a non-laminated region where the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body is not formed, cost reduction can be realized. Since the optically driven actuator according to the first embodiment has an extremely simple structure, it can achieve a reduction in size and weight. In addition, a large mechanical work can be taken out by adopting a crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body having both a liquid crystal structure and a crosslinked structure.

  In addition, by selecting the type and initial form of the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body and the support, a complicated movement can be realized simply by irradiating light in a state where conditions such as temperature and pressure are kept constant. It also has the advantage that it can be used repeatedly. Therefore, it can be applied as a movable part of a micromachine (for example, a joint part of a robot), a medical device such as a microcatheter, or the like. Even when the optically driven actuator is mounted inside the apparatus, it is not necessary to provide a light source inside the apparatus if the casing or the like is made of a material that can transmit actinic rays. For this reason, the device can be reduced in size and weight.

[Embodiment 2]
An example of an optically driven actuator that can expand and contract like a spring will be described. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining an example of the optically driven actuator according to the second embodiment. In the following description, the same element members as those in the above embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted as appropriate. Further, description of the same points as in the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate, and different points will be described in detail.

  The light-driven actuator 1a according to the second embodiment has the same basic configuration as the light-driven actuator 1 described in FIG. 1 except for the following points. That is, the light-driven actuator 1a according to the second embodiment has the light according to the example of FIG. 1 in the shape of the support film 3, the number of the laminated liquid crystal polymer films 2, and the structure of the end of the support film 3. This is different from the drive type actuator 1. More specifically, the support film 3 has a plurality of curved portions such as corrugations, and the first end portion 41 is fixed to the top plate 43 of the housing and is suspended in the vertical direction. A valve body 44 is attached to the second end portion 42 facing the first end portion 41. The cross-linked liquid crystal polymer film 2 is laminated on each crest of the curved portion of the support.

  The optically driven actuator 1a according to the second embodiment can be manufactured as follows, for example. First, an adhesive layer is laminated on one main surface of a flexible support film, and then a crosslinked liquid crystal polymer film is laminated at a desired interval. Thereafter, the adhesive layer is similarly laminated on the other main surface, and the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer film is laminated in a substantially central region of the non-laminated region of the previous crosslinked liquid crystal polymer film. And the waveform support body film 3 as shown in FIG. 4 is obtained by thermocompression bonding. Thereafter, the first end portion 41 is fixed to the top plate 43, and the valve element 44 is attached to the second end portion 42, whereby the optically driven actuator 1a can be obtained. By laminating the cross-linked liquid crystal polymer film 2 on the front and back main surfaces of the flexible support film 3 at a predetermined interval, a wave-shaped optically driven actuator can be easily manufactured.

  When the light-driven actuator 1a according to the second embodiment is irradiated with the first actinic ray, the bending portion extends. Next, when the cross-linked liquid crystal polymer film 2 is irradiated with the second actinic ray, it shrinks to return to its original state. Like a spring that expands and contracts according to the urging force, a stretching motion can be induced according to the irradiation of the first and second actinic rays. What is necessary is just to set light irradiation conditions according to the grade of the expansion | extension and shrinkage to make desired. The light irradiation may be applied to a plurality of crosslinked liquid crystal polymer films at once or to a specific crosslinked liquid crystal polymer. By this expansion and contraction movement, the valve body 44 can be moved up and down in the drawing, and the orifice 46 penetrating the substrate 45 below the valve body 44 can be opened and closed reversibly. For example, it can be used in a microchemical analysis system such as a microreactor that controls the flow rate of a fluid.

  According to the light-driven actuator according to the second embodiment, a light-driven actuator that can be expanded and contracted by irradiating actinic rays can be obtained. Since the structure in which the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body is fixed on a flexible support is adopted, a curved shape as shown in FIG. 4 can be easily manufactured. In addition, since the orientation change of the mesogen accompanying the isomerization of the photochromic molecule can be propagated to the polymer skeleton with high efficiency, it is possible to generate a large output and stroke in both the extension direction and the contraction direction. In addition, although the example which attached the valve body 44 to the 2nd end part 42 was demonstrated, it may replace with this and a needle | hook, a sensor, etc. may be attached. It can also be applied to a retractable probe device or the like.

[Embodiment 3]
An example of a light-driven actuator that can be flexibly deformed will be described. FIG. 5A shows a schematic front view of the optically driven actuator 1b according to the third embodiment, and FIG. 5B shows a side view thereof. In addition, the size and position of each member in the figure are for convenience of explanation, and the ratio, shape, etc. of each part are different from actual ones.
In the light-driven actuator 1b according to the third embodiment, a plurality of crosslinked liquid crystal polymer films 2 are laminated on an arm-shaped support film 3. The laminated position of the cross-linked liquid crystal polymer film 2 is a joint corresponding portion of the arm. Specifically, cross-linked liquid crystal polymer films 2b ₁ , 2b ₂ , 2b ₃ are laminated on the elbow part, wrist part, and finger part, respectively.

When a first actinic ray is irradiated to the cross-linked liquid crystal polymer film 2b ₁ laminated on the arm-shaped elbow of the light-driven actuator 1b from the left side of the light-driven actuator 1b obtained in the figure, the relevant part is exposed to light irradiation conditions. In response to the light irradiation direction (left direction in the figure). The deformed state can stably maintain its shape while the structure of the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body is not subjected to a force that causes further structural change. Further, when the first actinic ray is irradiated to the wrist-shaped wrist portion and the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer films 2b ₂ and 2b ₃ laminated on the finger portion by the same method, for example, as shown in FIG. , These points can be curved.

  By controlling the irradiation condition of the first actinic ray, it can be deformed into a desired bent shape. Further, by irradiating the second actinic ray, the bending motion direction can be reversed or the original state before the light irradiation can be restored. By adopting a light source system that individually irradiates each cross-linked liquid crystal polymer film 2, complicated movement can be realized. For example, a so-called robot arm operation is also possible in which an object is grasped by the palm of the light-driven actuator 1b, moved to a desired position and released. A structure in which a hook or the like is attached to the tip of the arm may be used instead of a structure in which an object is held by the palm.

  As a result of extensive studies by the present inventors, it has been found that the light-driven actuator can be flexibly deformed by adjusting the balance between the gravity due to its own weight and the bending force due to light irradiation. By making the bending force by light irradiation larger than the gravity of the light-driven actuator itself, it is possible to change the bent shape to a shape close to flat by light irradiation and to continue bending in the opposite direction. The balance adjustment between the gravity of the light-driven actuator due to its own weight and the magnitude of the bending force is facilitated by using a support.

  Although an example in which the support film 3 is bent in the major axis direction has been described, the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer film can also be fixed so as to be bent in the width direction or in the oblique direction. It is also possible to induce a twisting motion by bending in an oblique direction. Further, a crosslinked liquid crystal polymer film may be fixed to the same region on both sides of the support film, and light irradiation may be performed from a desired direction. In addition, it is needless to say that the actinic rays and the bending movement directions of the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body in the example of FIG. 5 are examples, and are not limited to this example. In addition, when the desired bent shape can be achieved by either the first actinic ray or the second actinic ray, reversible isomerization by irradiation with both actinic rays is not essential. This desired bent shape can be stably maintained as long as the structure of the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body is not subjected to a force that causes a further structural change.

  According to the optically driven actuator according to the third embodiment, the support can also be moved in conjunction with it, so that it can be moved large and smoothly as a whole. By adopting a structure in which the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body is fixed on the support, the mechanical strength can be increased. In addition, since it is an extremely simple method of selecting and fixing a crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body that performs a desired movement at a desired location, a complicated movement and a reduction in size and weight can be realized at the same time. Since it can be deformed flexibly, it can be expected to be applied to micromachines, medical catheters, work lifts, etc. that perform complex movements.

[Embodiment 4]
An example of a light-driven actuator that performs a worm-like movement will be described. The light-driven actuator according to the fourth embodiment moves like a worm by reversing the bending motion direction.

  FIG. 6A is a schematic perspective view showing an example of an optically driven actuator 1c according to the fourth embodiment. As in FIG. 1, the optically driven actuator 1 c has an arch shape in which a pair of end portions are in contact with the mounting surface 4. The molecular film 2 is laminated. However, the shape of the pair of contact portions is different. The first contact portion 7 on the left side in the figure has a flat shape, and the second contact portion 8 on the right side in the drawing has a substantially chevron-shaped top.

  FIG. 6B is a schematic perspective view for explaining a shape change when the first actinic ray 13 is irradiated to the light-driven actuator 1c (see FIG. 6A) before the light irradiation. When the first actinic ray is irradiated, the cross-linked liquid crystal polymer film 2 is stretched and the support film 3 is also stretched in conjunction with this. The flat first contact portion 7 is in contact with the position of the first contact portion initial line 52 of the mounting surface 4 before the first active light beam 13 is irradiated. , The contact position moves to the first contact part movement line 53. On the other hand, the second contact portion 8 having the substantially mountain-shaped top portion as the contact portion is located on the second contact portion initial line 51 before and after the irradiation with the first actinic ray 13. In other words, only the first abutting portion 7 moves forward by the extension movement caused by the irradiation of the first actinic ray 13. This is considered to be due to the fact that the pressure on the mounting surface 4 is higher in the second contact portion 8 than in the flat first contact portion 7 and the mobility of both contact portions is different. ing.

  FIG. 6C is a schematic perspective view for explaining the shape change when the second actinic ray 14 is irradiated to the extended optically driven actuator 1c (see FIG. 6B). By irradiation with the second actinic ray, the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer film 2 is bent, and the support film 3 is also bent in conjunction with this. The flat first contact portion 7 does not change its contact position even after the second actinic ray irradiation. That is, it remains stationary on the first contact part moving line 53. On the other hand, the second abutting portion 8 having a substantially chevron-shaped top as an abutting portion abuts on the second abutting portion moving line 54 from the second abutting portion initial line 51 by irradiation with the second actinic ray 14. The position moves. That is, the second contact portion 8 side moves forward by the bending motion by the second actinic ray irradiation. This is considered to be due to the fact that the second abutting portion 8 has a larger force for kicking the placement surface than the first abutting portion 7 and the mobility of both abutting portions is different. .

  By moving the first actinic ray and the second actinic ray alternately to reverse the direction of bending motion, it is possible to move the scale. That is, while reversing the bending motion direction, the first abutting portion can be moved forward while functioning as if it were a front wheel and the second abutting portion as a rear wheel.

  In the fourth embodiment, the example in which the flat shape is used as the first contact portion and the top portion of the substantially chevron shape is used as the second contact portion is not limited to this. What is necessary is just to design the pressure with respect to a mounting part small compared with that of a 2nd contact part. By configuring in this way, it is possible to obtain a scale insect type actuator in which the first contact portion is the front portion in the moving direction and the second contact portion is the rear portion in the moving direction. By making the shape of the first contact part and the second contact part asymmetrical, it is possible to obtain a light-driven actuator that moves like a scale insect with a very simple configuration. From the viewpoint of smooth movement, it is preferable that the angle formed between the first contact portion 7 and the second contact portion and the placement portion is an acute angle.

  Although an example in which the first contact portion 7 or the second contact portion 8 is a stationary point according to the bending motion direction of the optically driven actuator has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and the bending motion direction extends. It is sufficient that there is a mobility difference between the first abutting portion 7 and the second abutting portion 8 when moving in the direction in which the first abutting portion 7 moves or in the direction in which the amount of bending increases. Although the example which provided two edge parts as a contact part was demonstrated, you may provide a contact part in places other than an edge part. An optically driven actuator having two arched shapes can also be used. As an example of a substantially chevron shape, an example in which the apex is a triangle is given, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it also includes a chevron shape having a flat portion at the top.

  Moreover, although the example which irradiates the 1st actinic ray and the 2nd actinic ray alternately was described, it is not limited to this, One side is always set to ON and the other actinic ray is switched on and off. May be. Further, the example in which the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body is laminated on the support has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body and the support are connected via a gap holding member such as a spacer. It may be arranged so as to face each other.

  Although the example which provided the 1st contact part 7 and the 2nd contact part 8 in the support body film 3 was described in the said FIG. 6, it is not limited to this, You may provide in another element member. . For example, a wheel may be fixed to the end portion of the support, and the outer ring portion of the wheel may be used as the contact portion. It is preferable to use a support from the viewpoints of increasing mechanical strength, increasing the degree of freedom in design, reducing costs, and ensuring self-sustainability. May be. Also, instead of a flexible support, a structure in which a plurality of rod-shaped columns are provided in the width direction to reinforce mechanical strength or a cross-linked liquid crystal polymer molded body is fitted into a flexible frame. It can also be. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which provides a recessed part and a groove part in a support body, and embeds a bridge | crosslinking liquid crystal polymer molded object in the said part.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an optically driven actuator capable of converting optical energy into mechanical energy, and a power transmission system including the optically driven actuator and a light source. Since light is used as a control medium, there is an advantage that no inductive noise is generated, high-speed transmission such as multiplex transmission is possible, and non-contact connection is easy. In addition, since the structure itself is used as a drive element and light energy can be directly converted into mechanical energy with a very simple configuration, it is easy to realize a reduction in size and weight and cost of the apparatus. Furthermore, since a large motion can be induced by a slight stimulus, it can be expected to be used in a wide variety of applications, including drive devices such as plastic motors and movable parts of micromachines. Further, according to the optically driven actuator according to the present invention, no wiring for energy transmission is required, and the motion can be turned on and off simply by irradiating laser light or the like from a distance. For this reason, the power transmission system which can set the distance of a light source arbitrarily can be provided.

[Example]
EXAMPLES Next, although an Example demonstrates this invention further more concretely, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following Example. The reagents and the like described below are generally commercially available unless otherwise specified. For nuclear magnetic resonance absorption spectrum measurement ( ¹ HNMR), Lamda-300 (300 MHz) was used, and tetramethylsilane (TMS) was used as an internal standard. The liquid crystallinity of the compound is measured using a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC; Seiko I & E, SSC-5200, DSC220C), a hot stage (Mettler, FP-90, FP-82HT), and a polarizing microscope (POM; OLYMPUS, BH-2). evaluated. The differential scanning calorimeter was measured under a nitrogen atmosphere with a polymer evaluation rate of 10 ° C./min and a monomer evaluation of temperature increase and temperature decrease rate of 2 ° C./min.

The optical motion behavior was observed with a CCD camera (OMRON VC-HRM20Z). For ultraviolet light, 365-nm monochromatic light was extracted using a UV-LED light source (Keyence UV-400). The intensity of the output light was 240 mW / cm ² . For the visible light, white light from a halogen lamp light source (FLH-50, Shimadzu Rika) was used. The intensity of the output light was 120 mW / cm ^{2 at} 545 nm. Further, the irradiation distance between the measurement sample and the light source was set to about 15 to 5 mm, and the irradiation was performed almost directly above the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body. Irradiation light was non-polarized light. Unless otherwise stated, experiments were performed at room temperature.

In this example, a film-like one was used as the form of the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body. The crosslinked liquid crystal polymer is an acrylic acid ester polymer having an amino group represented by the following formula (2) and the following formula (3) in which an azobenzene structure is introduced as a photochromic molecule (hereinafter referred to as “CALP-Alk [1]”, (Abbreviated as “CALP-Alk [2]”).

CALP-Alk [1] represented by the above formula (2) is a monofunctional polymerizable monomer 9- [4- (4-nonyloxyphenylazo) phenoxy] nonanyl acrylate represented by the following formula (4). (Hereinafter abbreviated as “A9AB9”) and 4,4′-bis [9- (acryloyloxy) nonanyloxy] azobenzene (hereinafter abbreviated as “DA9AB”) represented by the following formula (5) which is a crosslinking polymerizable monomer. To obtain a liquid crystal phase.

The CALP-Alk [2] represented by the above formula (3) is a monofunctional polymerizable monomer 6- [4- (4-hexyloxyphenylazo) phenoxy] hexyl acrylate (hereinafter referred to as the following formula (6)). , “A6AB6”) and a crosslinkable monomer 4,4′-bis [6- (acryloyloxy) hexyloxy] azobenzene (hereinafter abbreviated as “DA6AB”) represented by the following formula (7): It was obtained by mixing and copolymerizing under the condition of developing a liquid crystal phase.

<Synthesis of crosslinkable monomer>
4-Nitrophenol 3.5 g (25 mmol), potassium carbonate 3.5 mg (25 mmol), 9-bromononanol 7.0 g (30 mmol) were dispersed in DMF 5 ml, and the suspension was heated to reflux at 130 ° C. for 3 hours. . After confirming the completion of the reaction by TLC, 50 ml of ethyl acetate and 30 ml of water were added to the solution, and then the organic layer was washed with dilute hydrochloric acid and distilled water, and the solution was distilled off under reduced pressure and dried. The dried solid was dissolved in 50 ml of THF and stirred under ice cooling. To this was added 1.5 g of 5% Pd—C, and 2.0 g (50 mmol) of sodium borohydride was added in three portions, followed by stirring at room temperature for 2 hours. Thereafter, 100 ml of 1N hydrochloric acid was added dropwise to the solution with stirring under ice cooling. Solid potassium carbonate was added until pH 10 and the solution was filtered under reduced pressure. The reaction product was extracted from the precipitate and the solution with ethyl acetate, the solution was distilled off under reduced pressure and dried to obtain 4.0 g (16 mmol) of 4- (9-hydroxynonanyloxy) aniline as a reddish brown solid.

  To a 500 ml eggplant flask, 4.0 g (16 mmol) of 4- (9-hydroxynonanyloxy) aniline and 100 ml of 1N hydrochloric acid were added and stirred under ice cooling. 30 ml of an aqueous solution in which 1.2 g (17 mmol) of sodium nitrite was dissolved was slowly added dropwise thereto. Next, while maintaining this aqueous solution at 0 ° C., an aqueous solution in which 2.0 g (50 mmol) of sodium hydroxide and 1.6 g (17 mmol) of phenol were dissolved in 50 ml of water was dropped, and further, powdered potassium carbonate was adjusted to a pH of about 9. And stirred for 4 hours under ice-cooling. Thereafter, 1N hydrochloric acid was added to adjust the pH to 4, followed by filtration under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in ethyl acetate with heating, washed with water, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, and the desiccant was filtered. Further, ethyl acetate was distilled off under reduced pressure. The residue was recrystallized with a mixed solvent (ethyl acetate: hexane = 1: 1) to obtain 3.6 g (10 mmol) of 4-hydroxy-4 ′-(9-hydroxynonanyloxy) azobenzene as a brown solid.

  3.6 g (10 mmol) of 4-hydroxy-4 ′-(9-hydroxynonanyloxy) azobenzene was dissolved in 10 ml of DMF, and 3.5 g (30 mmol) of potassium carbonate and 3.5 g (16 mmol) of 9-bromononanol were added to the solution. ) And heated to reflux at 130 ° C. for 3 hours. After confirming the completion of the reaction by TLC, 50 ml of ethyl acetate and 30 ml of water were added to the solution, the organic layer was washed with dilute hydrochloric acid and distilled water, and the solution was evaporated under reduced pressure and dried. The dried solid was recrystallized from ethyl acetate and hexane to obtain 4.6 g (9.3 mmol) of 4,4′-bis (9-hydroxynonanyloxy) azobenzene as a bright yellow solid.

The above 4,4′-bis (9-hydroxynonanyloxy) azobenzene (4.6 g, 9.3 mmol) was dissolved in 150 ml of THF, pre-dried with magnesium sulfate, and then added with 5.2 ml (37 mmol) of triethylamine. Next, a small amount of hydroquinone was added and stirred under ice cooling. 3 ml (37 mmol) of acrylic acid chloride diluted with 30 ml of THF was slowly added dropwise. The mixture was further stirred for 2 hours under ice cooling, and then stirred at room temperature for 12 hours. Thereafter, an aqueous potassium carbonate solution was added until the pH reached 10, THF was distilled off under reduced pressure, and the reaction solution was filtered under reduced pressure. The residue was dissolved in chloroform, the organic layer was washed with dilute hydrochloric acid and brine, and the solvent was evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by column chromatography (chloroform), recrystallized with a mixed solvent (ethyl acetate: methanol = 1: 1), and 4,4′-bis [9- (acryloyloxy) nonanyloxy] azobenzene (the target product). DA9AB) 1.0 g (1.6 mmol) was obtained. The yield of DA9AB and the results of ¹ HNMR measurement are shown below.
・ Yield 17%
_{^{· 1 HNMR (δ, CDCl 3}} ): 1.2-1.4 (m, 20H), 1.6 (m, 8H), 4.0 (t, 4H), 4.1 (t, 4H), 5.7 (dd, 2H), 6.0 (dd , 2H), 6.3 (dd, 2H), 6.9 (m, 4H), 7.8 (m, 4H)
About DA6AB shown to the said Formula (7), it synthesize | combined by the method of the said patent document 4. FIG.

<Synthesis of monofunctional monomer>
A9AB9 represented by the above formula (4) was synthesized in the same procedure as the above-mentioned crosslinkable monomer DA9AB, and it was confirmed by NMR measurement that the target compound was obtained. The results of ¹ HNMR measurement of A9AB9 are shown below.
・¹ HNMR
(Δ, CDCl ₃ ); 0.86 (t, 4H), 1.2-1.4 (m, 20H), 4.0 (t, 4H), 4.1 (t, 2H), 5.8 (dd, 1H), 6.1 (dd, 1H) , 6.4 (dd, 1H), 6.9 (m, 4H), 7.8 (m, 4H)
AB6AB shown in the above formula (6) was synthesized by the method described in Patent Document 4.

Table 1 shows the phase transition temperatures of the obtained A9AB9, A6AB6, DA9AB, and DA6AB.

<Production of cross-linked liquid crystal polymer film>
A thin film of polyamic acid, which is a polyimide precursor, was prepared by spin coating on a glass substrate ultrasonically cleaned in a neutral detergent and isopropyl alcohol. And the glass substrate which has a polyimide orientation film was obtained by heat-processing. Next, the polyimide surface was rubbed using a rubbing apparatus (EHCRM-50), and then the substrate was bonded through a silica spacer so that the rubbing direction was anti-parallel, to obtain a homogeneous cell. The homeotropic cell was obtained by applying a homeotropic alignment treatment to both sides of the substrate.

A crosslinked liquid crystal polymer film comprising CALP-Alk [1] of the above formula (2) was obtained as follows. That is, 20 mol% of A9AB9 (monofunctional polymerizable monomer) of the chemical formula (4) and DA9AB (crosslinked polymerizable monomer) of the chemical formula (5) were mixed at a ratio of 80 mol%, and the above chemical formula ( The sample to which 2 mol% of Irgacure 784 of 8) was added was heated to an isotropic phase temperature (97 ° C. or higher). And it enclosed with the said liquid crystal cell using the capillary phenomenon. This liquid crystal cell was cooled to 89 ° C. showing a smectic phase at 0.1 ° C./min, mesogens were uniaxially oriented, and then visible light having a wavelength of 540 nm or more and a light intensity of 3 mW / cm ² was applied for 2.5 hours. Polymerization was performed by irradiation.

A crosslinked liquid crystal polymer film comprising CALP-Alk [2] of the above formula (3) was obtained as follows. That is, 80 mol% of A6AB6 (monofunctional polymerizable monomer) of the above chemical formula (6) and 20 mol% of DA6AB (crosslinked polymerizable monomer) of the above chemical formula (7) were mixed, and the following chemical formula ( The sample to which 2 mol% of Irgacure 784 of 8) was added was heated to an isotropic phase temperature (95 ° C.). And it enclosed with the said liquid crystal cell using the capillary phenomenon. The liquid crystal cell was cooled to 88 ° C. showing a nematic phase at 0.5 ° C./min to uniaxially align the mesogen, and then irradiated with visible light having a wavelength of 545 nm or more and a light intensity of 3 mW / cm ² for 2 hours. Polymerization was performed. Thereafter, the cell was peeled to obtain a crosslinked liquid crystal polymer film. When DSC measurement was performed on CALP-Alk [1] and CALP-Alk [2], glass transition temperatures were observed around 30 ° C. for the former and around 60 ° C. for the latter.

<Preparation of light-driven actuator> A polyethylene film (unstretched film, 50 μm, manufactured by Tosero) was used as a support, and a light-driven actuator comprising a crosslinked liquid crystal polymer film and a support was prepared by the following method. First, using an automatic coating device type I (PI-1210 manufactured by Tester Sangyo) and a bar coater, a solution-like adhesive is supplied to one end of the polyethylene film main surface and spreads uniformly over the main surface of the polyethylene film. In this way, the adhesive was stretched and heated to 110 ° C. to obtain a film coated with an adhesive layer. As an adhesive, a mixture of Arrow Base SB-1200 (manufactured by Unitika, acid-modified polyethylene resin aqueous dispersion) and Adeka Bontiter HUX380 (manufactured by ADEKA, polyurethane resin aqueous dispersion) was used. Subsequently, this film and the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer film were laminated by thermocompression bonding at 110 ° C.

(Experimental example 1) As a light-driven actuator 1d, a crosslinked liquid crystal polymer film 2 composed of CALP-Alk [1] of 6 mm × 5 mm size and 20 μm thickness is used as a support film 3 of 16 mm × 8 mm size. What was laminated | stacked on the center part area | region of the above-mentioned method was used. The thickness of the adhesive layer was 10 μm. FIG. 7A shows a photograph of the shape of the light-driven actuator 1d according to Experimental Example 1 before light irradiation. FIG. 7B is a photograph showing the shape when the light-driven actuator 1d is irradiated with ultraviolet light as the first actinic ray for 7s. As shown in the figure, the cross-linked liquid crystal polymer film 2 and the entire support film 3 were deformed into a flat shape in conjunction with each other. When visible light as the second actinic ray was irradiated, the shape returned to the shape of FIG. It was confirmed that the above motion can be induced repeatedly by alternately irradiating ultraviolet light and visible light.

(Experimental example 2) Next, the experiment similar to the said experimental example 1 was done by changing the kind of bridge | crosslinking liquid crystal polymer molded object. That is, as the light-driven actuator 1e, a cross-linked liquid crystal polymer film 2 made of homogeneously oriented CALP-Alk [2] having a size of 5.5 mm × 4.5 mm and a thickness of 16 μm is used as a support film 3 having a size of 14 mm × 5 mm. What was laminated | stacked on the center part area | region of the above-mentioned method was used. The thickness of the adhesive layer was 4 μm. Then, an optically driven actuator was placed on a hot plate (manufactured by ASONE, Shamal hot plate) set to 60 ° C., and the optical motion behavior was examined.

  FIG. 8A shows a shape photograph of the light-driven actuator according to the second experimental example before light irradiation. FIG. 8B is a shape photograph when the light-driven actuator 1e is irradiated with ultraviolet light for 6s. As shown in the figure, the cross-linked liquid crystal polymer film 2 and the entire support film 3 were deformed into a flat shape in conjunction with each other. FIG. 8C is a shape photograph when visible light is irradiated for 16 s thereafter. As shown in the figure, it returned to its original shape before light irradiation. It was confirmed that the above motion can be induced repeatedly by alternately irradiating ultraviolet light and visible light.

(Experimental example 3) It experimented by changing the orientation of the liquid crystal of a crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molding. Except for the following points, it was the same as the experimental example 2. That is, in this experimental example 3, as the orientation of the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body, a homeotropic orientation was used instead of the homogeneous orientation. As a light-driven actuator 1f, a cross-linked liquid crystal polymer film 2 composed of CALP-Alk [2] having a homeotropic orientation of 9 mm × 5 mm and a thickness of 20 μm is provided in the central region of the support film 3 having a size of 20 mm × 6 mm. What was laminated | stacked by the above-mentioned method was used. The thickness of the adhesive layer was 4 μm.

  FIG. 9A shows a shape photograph of the light-driven actuator 1f according to Experimental Example 3 before light irradiation. FIG. 9B is a shape photograph when the light-driven actuator 1f is irradiated with ultraviolet light for 21 s. As shown in the figure, the cross-linked liquid crystal polymer film 2 and the entire support film 3 which are close to a flat and gently bent are deformed into a more bent arch shape in conjunction with each other. FIG. 9C is a shape photograph when visible light is irradiated for 150 s thereafter. As shown in the figure, it was confirmed that the original shape before light irradiation was restored. By alternately irradiating UV light and visible light, the above motion could be induced repeatedly.

(Experimental Example 4) An example of a lightworm-type light-driven actuator will be described. Except for the following points, the experiment was the same as Experimental Example 1. In other words, in the present experimental example 4, the shape of one end contacting the mounting surface of the optically driven actuator is a substantially chevron shape. The size of the support was 11 mm × 5 mm, and the size of the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer film was 6 mm × 4 mm. The irradiation program was as follows. That is, 0s-3s ultraviolet light, 3s-8s visible light, 8s-15s ultraviolet light, 15s-20s visible light, 20s-25s ultraviolet light, 25s-31s visible light, 31s-37s ultraviolet light, 37s-44s visible light, 44s-50s ultraviolet light, 50s-55s visible light, 55s-57s ultraviolet light, 57s-65s visible light were used.

  A photograph of the shape of the light-driven actuator 1g according to Experimental Example 4 before light irradiation is shown in FIG. The time described in the upper right in FIG. 10 indicates the time after the start of the irradiation experiment. When this light-driven actuator 1g was irradiated with ultraviolet light, it was deformed from a bent arch shape to a shape that was close to a gently bent flat shape. On the other hand, when visible light is irradiated, it deforms from a shape that is close to a gently bent flat shape to a bent arch shape. The photograph in FIG. 10 (b) shows the shape at the stage where 5 seconds have elapsed since the start of the irradiation experiment (the stage in which visible light is irradiated after irradiation with ultraviolet light). Similarly, FIG. 10C shows a photograph after 15 seconds, FIG. 10D after 30 seconds, FIG. 10E after 50 seconds, and FIG. 10F after 65 seconds. When the ultraviolet light was irradiated, the contact position of the second contact part 8 did not change before and after irradiation, whereas the first contact part 7 moved forward. On the other hand, when the visible light is irradiated, the contact position of the first contact portion 7 does not change before and after the irradiation, whereas the second contact portion 8 advances toward the first contact portion 7 side. By irradiating UV light and visible light alternately, it was confirmed that it moved like a beetle while reversing the direction of bending motion. The first abutting portion 7 was moved about 10 mm in 65 s with the front portion in the moving direction and the second abutting portion 8 being the rear portion in the moving direction. It was confirmed that the above motion can be induced repeatedly by alternately irradiating ultraviolet light and visible light.

(Experimental Example 5) The same experiment as in Experimental Example 4 was performed by changing the type of the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body. That is, a cross-linked liquid crystal polymer film 2 composed of CALP-Alk [2] having a homogeneous orientation of 6 mm × 7 mm and a thickness of 20 μm is used as the light-driven actuator 1h, and the central region of the support film 3 having a size of 17 mm × 7 mm. The one laminated by the method described above was used. The adhesive layer was 5 μm, and a protective layer similar to the adhesive layer was laminated 2 μm. In the same manner as in Experimental Example 2, the optical motion behavior was examined on a 60 ° C. hot plate. Other conditions were the same as in Experimental Example 1 above. The irradiation program was as follows. That is, 0-9s ultraviolet light, 9-16s visible light, 6-28s ultraviolet light, 28-37s visible light, 37-46s ultraviolet light, 46-54s visible light, 54-61s ultraviolet light, 61-70s visible light, 71-80s ultraviolet light and 80-90s visible light were used.

  A photograph of the shape of the light-driven actuator 1h according to Experimental Example 5 before light irradiation is shown in FIG. When this light-driven actuator 1h was irradiated with ultraviolet light, it was deformed from a bent arch shape to a shape that was closer to a bent shape. On the other hand, when the light-driven actuator in this state was irradiated with visible light, it deformed from a shape that was gently bent to a bent arch shape. FIG. 11 (b) is 9s after the start of irradiation, and after that, FIG. 11 (c) is after 15s, FIG. 11 (d) is after 28s, FIG. 11 (e) is after 50s, and FIG. 11 (f) is after 80s. FIG. 11 (g) shows a photograph after 90 s. By switching and irradiating ultraviolet light and visible light, it was confirmed that it moved like a beetle insect while reversing the bending motion direction. The first abutting portion 7 was moved about 17 mm in 120 s with the front portion in the moving direction and the second abutting portion 8 being the rear portion in the moving direction. By alternately irradiating UV light and visible light, the above motion could be induced repeatedly.

(Experimental example 6) The optically driven actuator which can be bent freely was examined. The experiment was performed in the same manner as in Experimental Example 1 except for the following points. That is, as the light-driven actuator 1i, the first cross-linked liquid crystal polymer film composed of homogeneously aligned CALP-Alk [1] having a length of 34 mm and a width of 4 mm on a support film 3 having a length of 5 mm × 3 mm and a thickness of 20 μm. 2i _1, and 8 mm × 3 mm, was used as the laminating composed crosslinked liquid crystal polymer film 2i ₂ from CALP-Alk homogeneously oriented in the thickness 20 [mu] m [1]. The first cross-linking the liquid crystal polymer film 2i _{1 is} the position of 13mm~18mm from one end of the support film 3 of the total length 34 mm, a second crosslinked liquid crystal polymer film 2i ₂ are the same one as the above support film 3 It fixed to the position of 23 mm-31 mm from the part. The thickness of the adhesive layer was 2 μm. The light irradiation was performed so that almost the entire surface of the cross-linked liquid crystal polymer film was irradiated from substantially the vertical direction. The irradiation program was as follows. The irradiation area is shown in parentheses. That is, 0s-4s ultraviolet light (first crosslinked liquid crystal polymer film 2i ₁ ), 4s-8s visible light (first crosslinked liquid crystal polymer film 2i ₁ ), 8s-12s ultraviolet light (second crosslinked liquid crystal high film). Molecular film 2i ₂ ), 12s-18s ultraviolet light (first crosslinked liquid crystal polymer film 2i ₁ ), 18s-25s visible light (first crosslinked liquid crystal polymer film 2i ₁ ), 25s-28s ultraviolet light (second liquid crystal polymer film 2i ₂₎ of crosslinking, and the 28s-30s visible light (second crosslinking the liquid crystal polymer film 2i _2). The method for manufacturing the optically driven actuator was the same as in Experimental Example 1.

A photograph of the shape of the light-driven actuator 1i according to Experimental Example 6 before light irradiation is shown in FIG. The initial shape before light irradiation is an elliptical shape as a whole as shown in FIG. The first cross-linked liquid crystal polymer film 2 i ₁ has a curved portion on the right side in the figure, and the second cross-linked liquid crystal polymer film ₂ i ₂ has a curved portion on the left side in the figure. It is composed. One end of the second crosslinked liquid crystal polymer film ₂ i ₂ is in contact with and overlapped with the support film 3 fixed to the mounting surface 4. FIGS. 12 (b) to 12 (l) show shape photographs when the elliptical light-driven actuator 1i is irradiated with light by the above-described irradiation program. More specifically, FIG. 12B shows the irradiation after 2 s, FIG. 12C shows after 4 s, FIG. 12D shows after 7 s, FIG. 12E shows after 10 s, FIG. f) after 12 s, FIG. 12 (g) after 14 s, FIG. 12 (h) after 16 s, FIG. 12 (i) after 20 s, FIG. 12 (j) after 24 s, and FIG. 12 (k) after 27 s. FIG. 12 (l) shows a photograph after 30 seconds.

When the first cross-linked liquid crystal polymer film 2 i ₁ is irradiated with ultraviolet light, the first cross-linked liquid crystal polymer film 2 i ₁ bends in a direction from a curved shape to a flat shape and is fixed to the mounting surface 4. The first cross-linked liquid crystal polymer film 2 i ₁ is rotated clockwise in the figure around the vicinity of the boundary between the support film 3 and the first cross-linked liquid crystal polymer film 2 i ₁ (FIGS. 12B and 12C). )reference). At this time, the support film 3 not fixed to the mounting surface 4 and the second crosslinked liquid crystal polymer film 2i ₂ fixed to the support film 3 were similarly rotated while substantially maintaining the form before light irradiation. The angle formed between the support film 3 and the mounting surface 4 positioned in the gap between the first cross-linked liquid crystal polymer film 2 i ₁ and the second cross-linked liquid crystal polymer film ₂ i ₂ by ultraviolet light irradiation is approximately a clock 2 in the figure. When it moved to the time position, it switched to visible light irradiation. As a result, it was rotated counterclockwise in the figure (see FIG. 12D). By the visible light irradiation, the angle formed between the support film 3 positioned in the gap between the first crosslinked liquid crystal polymer film 2 i ₁ and the second crosslinked liquid crystal polymer film ₂ i ₂ and the mounting surface 4 is approximately clockwise 12. At the stage of moving to the time, the second crosslinked liquid crystal polymer film 2i ₂ was switched to irradiate with ultraviolet light. Then, the second cross-linked liquid crystal polymer film 2i ₂ was rotated clockwise in the figure, and the part became a shape close to flat (see FIG. 12 (e)). Furthermore, when the ultraviolet light was continuously irradiated, the second crosslinked liquid crystal polymer film 2i ₂ was bent to the side opposite to the bending direction before the light irradiation (see FIG. 12 (f)).

Next, when the first cross-linked liquid crystal polymer film 2 i ₁ is irradiated with ultraviolet light, the angle formed between the _first cross-linked liquid crystal polymer film 2 i ₁ and the mounting surface 4 is approximately clockwise 2 from the position at 12 o'clock. It rotated to a position between about 3:00 and 3 o'clock (see FIGS. 12 (g) and 12 (h)). When switched to visible light irradiation, it rotated counterclockwise in the figure as shown in FIGS. Next, when the second crosslinked liquid crystal polymer film 2i ₂ was irradiated with ultraviolet light and visible light, the shape changed as shown in FIGS. 12 (k) and 12 (l), respectively. By controlling the light irradiation area, light irradiation time, light intensity, etc., the entire movable area of the support film 3 could be moved smoothly and smoothly.

  An optically driven actuator according to the present invention and a power transmission system including the optically driven actuator, for example, use the optical motion characteristics described above, for example, a plastic motor, a switching element, a toy, a robot arm, a medical catheter, a micro It can be used for various applications such as chemical analysis systems and micromachines.

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the shape of the optically driven actuator according to the first embodiment. (A) is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the isomerization of an azobenzene molecule, (b) is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the structural change of a bridge | crosslinking liquid crystal polymer. The elements on larger scale for demonstrating the anisotropic deformation | transformation of a crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded object. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining an example of an optically driven actuator according to the second embodiment. (A) is a typical front view for demonstrating an example of the optical drive type actuator which concerns on this Embodiment 3, (b) and (c) are the side views. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of motion behavior of an optically driven actuator according to the fourth embodiment. (A) is a photograph of a light-driven actuator before light irradiation according to Experimental Example 1, and (b) is a photograph of a light-driven actuator after ultraviolet light irradiation. (A)-(c) is a photograph of the optically driven actuator according to Experimental Example 2. (A)-(c) is a photograph of the optically driven actuator according to Experimental Example 3. (A)-(f) is a photograph of the optically driven actuator according to Experimental Example 4. (A)-(g) is a photograph of the optically driven actuator according to Experimental Example 5. (A)-(l) is a photograph of the optically driven actuator according to Experimental Example 6. The typical perspective view of the optically driven actuator which concerns on a prior art example.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Light drive type actuator 2 Crosslinked liquid crystal polymer film 3 Support film 4 Mounting surface 5 Adhesive layer 6 Protective layer 7 First contact portion 8 Second contact portion 10 Transformer body 11 Trans-type azobenzene side chain 12 Non-azobenzene side Chain 13 Ultraviolet light 14 Visible light 20 Cis body 21 Cis-type side chain 30 Cross-linked liquid crystal polymer film 31 Polymer main chain 41 First end 42 Second end 43 Top plate 44 Valve element 45 Substrate 46 Orifice 51 Second Contact initial line 52 First contact initial line 53 Second contact moving line 54 First contact moving line

Claims (13)

A light-driven actuator comprising a crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body containing a photochromic molecule that can be reversibly isomerized by irradiation with a first actinic ray and a second actinic ray,
A light-driven actuator that moves like a worm by irradiating the first actinic ray and the second actinic ray to reverse the bending motion direction of the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body. The optically driven actuator according to claim 1,
As the contact portion with the mounting portion, a first contact portion is provided at the front portion in the movement direction that moves like the scale insect, and a second contact portion is provided at the rear portion in the movement direction,
An optically driven actuator characterized in that a pressure applied to the mounting portion of the first contact portion is smaller than that of the second contact portion. The optically driven actuator according to claim 2,
An optically driven actuator characterized in that the shapes of the first contact portion and the second contact portion are asymmetric. The light-driven actuator according to claim 2 or 3,
An optically driven actuator characterized in that the first abutting portion has a flat shape and the second abutting portion has a substantially chevron-shaped top. The optically driven actuator according to claim 1, 2, 3, or 4,
The crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body is fixed on a flexible support, and the support is bonded to the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body in response to the irradiation with the first actinic ray and the second actinic ray. An optically driven actuator characterized by being deformed in conjunction. A sheet-like light-driven actuator comprising a crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body containing a photochromic molecule that can be reversibly isomerized by irradiation with a first actinic ray and a second actinic ray,
By laminating the cross-linked liquid crystal polymer molded body obtained by polymerizing or cross-linking by controlling the orientation of mesogen sites, the first actinic ray and the second active light are laminated. A light-driven actuator that adjusts the shape of the main surface before light irradiation. The optically driven actuator according to claim 6,
A light-driven actuator obtained by polymerizing the cross-linked liquid crystal polymer molded body by polymerizing the mesogen by homogeneous, twist, homeotropic, hybrid, bend or spray alignment. The optically driven actuator according to claim 6 or 7,
The support has a non-laminated region where the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body is not laminated,
In response to irradiation with the first actinic ray and the second actinic ray, a shape change of the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body is induced, and in association with this, a shape change of at least a part of the non-laminated region in the support is performed. Light-driven actuator that induces A light-driven actuator comprising a crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body containing a photochromic molecule that can be reversibly isomerized by irradiation with a first actinic ray and a second actinic ray,
The cross-linked liquid crystal polymer molded body is fixed on a flexible support, and depending on the irradiation conditions of the first active light beam and the second active light beam to the cross-linked liquid crystal polymer molded body, Light-driven actuator that expands and contracts like this. A light-driven actuator comprising a crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body containing a photochromic molecule that can be reversibly isomerized by irradiation with a first actinic ray and a second actinic ray,
The crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body is fixed on a flexible support, and can be bent according to the irradiation conditions of the first actinic ray and the second actinic ray to the crosslinked liquid crystal polymer molded body. Light-driven actuator that transforms into The optically driven actuator according to any one of claims 5 to 10,
An optically driven actuator, wherein the support is a polymer molded body. The optically driven actuator according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
A light-driven actuator, wherein the photochromic molecule is azobenzene.   A power transmission system comprising: the optically driven actuator according to any one of claims 1 to 12; and a light source that irradiates the optically driven actuator with the first active light beam and the second active light beam.