JPH09312984A - Functional polymer element and method for manufacturing it - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a functional polymer element which shows a mechanical function by applying a voltage thereto and is easy to make it fine. SOLUTION: A functional polymer element 1 is formed by spirally winding a metal wire 5 onto the circumference of a wire 2 formed by covering a flexible core wire 3 with a conductive polymer layer 4. By forming an electric field at the part corresponding to the metal wire 5, ions are exchanged between the part of the conductive polymer layer 4 corresponding to the metal wire 5 and electrolyte 6 neighboring the part. The change of the volume of the conductive polymer layer 4 caused by the ion exchange causes the element 1 to change its state into either a straight line state or a a state of being deformed in coil-like form.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a functional polymer element which exhibits a mechanical function by giving and receiving ions by applying a voltage and a method for producing the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been a solenoid or the like as a functional element that exerts a mechanical function by applying a voltage.

[0003]

However, it has been extremely difficult to achieve high-density mounting of the solenoid and the like due to its miniaturization. The present invention is intended to provide a functional polymer element that exerts a mechanical function by applying a voltage, and can be easily miniaturized, and also to provide a manufacturing method thereof. is there.

[0004]

The functional polymer element of the present invention comprises a flexible polymer core wire coated with a conductive polymer layer, and a metal film selectively deposited around the wire material. By forming an electric field in the corresponding portion of the metal film, the portion of the conductive polymer layer corresponding to the metal film exchanges ions with the electrolyte layer adjacent thereto to change the volume, and the volume change The functional polymer element is characterized in that its shape is changed, and since this functional polymer element changes its shape by exchanging ions by applying a voltage, its miniaturization is easy.

Further, according to the method for producing a functional polymer element of the present invention, a voltage is applied between the core wire and a cylindrical electrode surrounding the core wire while passing the core wire having conductivity into a monomer solution of the conductive polymer. By applying a conductive polymer is deposited on the surface of the core wire by electrolytic polymerization to obtain a wire rod in which the core wire is coated with a conductive polymer layer, and a metal film is selectively deposited around the wire rod. According to this manufacturing method, the functional polymer element can be obtained smoothly and efficiently.

[0006]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION In the functional polymer element of the present invention, for example, if the metal film is a metal wire wound around the wire in a spiral state and the initial shape of the element is linear, Forming an electric field in one direction in the corresponding portion of the metal wire causes the form to change into a coil shape, and forming an electric field in the opposite direction returns to the initial form. It can be used as an actuator or the like.

Further, in the functional polymer element of the present invention, the electrolyte layer may be an electrolytic solution in which an electrolytic substance is dissolved. In that case, a voltage is applied between the core wire of the wire and the metal film. Between the conductive polymer layer and the electrolytic solution by applying a voltage between the metal film and a counter electrode facing the metal film via the electrolytic solution. It is possible to give and receive the ions of.

Further, when the metal film is a metal wire wound in a spiral state, the electrolyte layer may be an electrolyte film made of an electrolytic substance, and the peripheral surface of the conductive polymer layer of the wire or the metal. By coating the peripheral surface of the wire with the electrolyte membrane, by applying a voltage between the core wire and the metal wire, the transfer of ions between the conductive polymer layer and the electrolyte membrane. Since it can be performed, it can be operated in space.

[0009]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a functional polymer element which expands and contracts by applying a voltage will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 4 show a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is a side view of a part of a functional polymer element, and FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. . The functional polymer element 1 includes a flexible core wire 3
A metal wire 5 is spirally wound around a wire rod 2 covered with a conductive polymer layer 4 over substantially the entire length thereof. The core wire 3 of the wire rod 2 is made of a conductive material such as a tungsten wire. It consists of an extra fine wire.

The volume of the conductive polymer layer 4 is changed by the transfer of ions, and the conductive polymer layer 4 is formed by doping PPy (polypyrrole) with DBS (dodecylbenzenesulphanate). It is made of conductive polymer.

Further, the metal wire 5 is made of gold or the like which is a conductive metal which is electrochemically inactive and which is rich in flexibility.
In this embodiment, the metal wire 5 is wound around the wire 2 so as to be twisted together.

FIG. 3 shows a method of manufacturing the above-mentioned functional polymer element 1. In the functional polymer element 1, the conductive core wire 3 is used as a monomer solution 4a of a conductive polymer in a liquid tank 10. By applying a voltage (DC voltage) V between the core wire 3 and the cylindrical electrode 13 surrounding the core wire 3 while passing through the inside, a conductive polymer is deposited on the surface of the core wire 3 by electrolytic polymerization. Then, the wire 2 in which the core wire 3 is covered with the conductive polymer layer 4 is obtained, and the metal wire 5 is twisted around the wire 2 and wound in a spiral state.

The core wire inlet 11 and the wire rod outlet 12 of the liquid tank 10 are structured to seal the periphery of the core wire 3 and the wire rod 2 in a liquid-tight state, respectively.
Is a wire 2 having a conductive polymer deposited on its surface,
It is drawn into the liquid tank 10 by being driven by a feed roller 14 arranged on the outlet side of the liquid tank 10.

The cylindrical electrode 13 is positioned so that the core wire 3 passes along the central axis of the cylindrical electrode 13 and the monomer solution 4a.
A conductive polymer layer 4 disposed inside the core wire 3
Is uniformly deposited over the entire circumference of the core wire 3 and the core wire 3
It grows evenly as it moves inside.

Further, in the manufacturing method of this embodiment, the metal wire 5 is twisted while the wire material 2 led out from the wire material outlet 12 of the liquid tank 10 is fed as it is. Therefore, according to this manufacturing method, A series of steps from deposition of the conductive polymer on the surface of the core wire 3 by electrolytic polymerization to winding of the metal wire 5 around the wire 2 can be performed. The functional polymer element 1 manufactured in this way is completed by cutting it into a predetermined length according to its application.

In the manufacturing method of this embodiment, the functional polymer element 1 is manufactured by the series of steps as described above, but the conductive polymer is deposited on the surface of the core wire 3 to form the wire rod 2.
It is also possible to carry out the step of obtaining and the winding of the metal wire 5 around the wire 2 in separate steps.

That is, in the above manufacturing method, a voltage is applied between the core wire 3 and the cylindrical electrode 13 surrounding the core wire 3 while passing the core wire 3 having conductivity into the monomer solution 4a of the conductive polymer. A wire rod 2 in which a conductive polymer is deposited on the surface of the core wire 3 by electrolytic polymerization to cover the core wire 3 with a conductive polymer layer 4, and a metal wire 5 is wound around the wire wire 2 in a spiral state. According to this manufacturing method, the functional polymer element 1 can be smoothly and efficiently obtained.

In the functional polymer element 1, by forming an electric field in a portion corresponding to the metal wire 5 spirally wound around the wire 2, the metal of the conductive polymer layer 4 of the wire 2 is formed. The portion corresponding to the line 5 functions to change the volume by exchanging ions with the electrolyte layer adjacent thereto and change the volume, and the shape of the entire element is changed by the volume change. Is linear, the shape changes to a coil by forming an electric field in one direction in the corresponding portion of the metal wire 5, and returns to the initial shape by forming an electric field in the opposite direction.

As the electrolyte layer, for example, an electrolytic solution in which an electrolytic substance is dissolved may be used. In that case, the functional polymer element 1 is immersed in the electrolytic solution to form the core wire 3 of the wire 2 and the metal wire. 5 or by applying a voltage between the metal wire 5 and a counter electrode facing the metal wire 5 via an electrolytic solution, the conductive polymer layer 4 and the electrolytic polymer layer 4 are electrolyzed. Ions may be exchanged with the liquid.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a state in which the functional polymer element 1 is made to function by applying a voltage between the core wire 3 of the wire rod 2 and the metal wire 5 in the electrolytic solution 6. , The applied voltage (DC voltage or pulse voltage) is
It is supplied from the control unit 7.

The control unit 7 controls the polarity and voltage value of the voltage applied to the core wire 3 and the metal wire 5, and when an electric field in one direction is formed between the core wire 3 and the metal wire 5. , An amount of ions corresponding to the strength of the acting electric field is moved from the electric field acting portion (the portion corresponding to the metal wire 5) of the conductive polymer layer 4 covering the core wire 3 to the electrolytic solution 6, and the ion is emitted. The volume of the conductive polymer layer 4 changes.

When an electric field in the opposite direction is formed between the core wire 3 and the metal wire 5, the electrolytic solution 6 is doped into the electric field acting portion of the conductive polymer layer 4 with an amount of ions according to the strength of the acting electric field. As a result, the volume of the conductive polymer layer 4 changes contrary to that at the time of ion emission.

The amount of change in volume of the conductive polymer layer 4 at the time of ion emission and at the time of doping corresponds to the strength of the action electric field, that is, the amount of ion emission and the amount of doping from the conductive polymer layer 4.

In the functional polymer element 1, the metal wire 5 is spirally wound around the wire 2 in which the core wire 3 is covered with the conductive polymer layer 4, and the conductive polymer layer 4 is used. Since the volume change due to the exchange of ions occurs along the metal wire 5, when an electric field in one direction is formed in the portion corresponding to the metal wire 5, the wire 2 is coiled due to the volume change of the conductive polymer layer 4. When the element 1 is deformed into a coil shape by being twisted to form an electric field in the opposite direction, the volume of the conductive polymer layer 4 is restored to the original state, and the wire 2 extends linearly. Returns to its initial linear state.

FIG. 4 shows an initial form of the functional polymer element 1 and a state in which the functional polymer element 1 is deformed into a coil shape. One end of the functional polymer element 1 is restrained and the metal wire 5 is held.
When an electric field in one direction is formed in the portion corresponding to, the element 1 changes from the initial linear state shown in (a) to a coil shape as shown in (b) and its length becomes shorter, and When an electric field is formed, it returns to the initial state of (a) which is linearly extended.

As described above, the functional polymer element 1 has
A metal wire 5 is spirally wound around a wire 2 in which a flexible core wire 3 is covered with a conductive polymer layer 4, and an electric field is formed in a portion corresponding to the metal wire 5. The portion of the conductive polymer layer 4 corresponding to the metal wire 5 exchanges ions with the electrolyte solution 6 adjacent thereto to change the volume, and the shape changes due to the change in volume. Since the functional polymer element 1 changes its shape by exchanging ions by applying a voltage, its miniaturization is easy.

The functional polymer element 1 changes its form into a coil by forming an electric field in one direction at the corresponding portion of the metal wire 5, and forms an electric field in the opposite direction by forming an electric field in the opposite direction. Since it extends linearly, which is the initial form, it can be used as a telescopic actuator that expands and contracts by applying a voltage.

FIG. 5 shows an example in which the above-mentioned functional polymer element 1 is used in a telescopic actuator. This telescopic actuator has an electrolytic solution 6 inside a sealed cylindrical container 20 made of an insulating material. And fill the inside of this cylindrical container 20 with
The functional polymer element 1 is arranged such that one end thereof penetrates and is fixed to one end surface of the tubular container 20, and the other end surface of the tubular container 20 is provided at the other end of the functional polymer element 1. Connect the base end of rod 21 that is slidably inserted into
A control unit 7 for applying a DC voltage or a pulse voltage between the core wire 3 and the metal wire 5 is connected to the end portion of the functional polymer element 1 protruding outside the cylindrical container 20. ing.

This expansion-contraction actuator is driven by expansion and contraction by applying a voltage between the core wire 3 and the metal wire 5 of the functional polymer element 1, and between the core wire 3 and the metal wire 5. In the initial state in which no voltage is applied to the functional polymer element 1, the functional polymer element 1 extends linearly as shown in FIG. 5 (a), and therefore the rod 21 is in a state of protruding long from the cylindrical container 20. There is the core wire 3 and the metal wire 5
When a voltage in one direction is applied between and, the functional polymer element 1 is deformed into a coil shape as shown in FIG. 5 (b) and its length is shortened, and the rod 21 moves toward the cylindrical container 20 side. Be drawn into. When a voltage in the opposite direction is applied between the core wire 3 and the metal wire 5 to change the direction of the electric field, the functional polymer element 1 expands to the initial state shown in FIG. Two
1 projects long from the cylindrical container 20.

That is, this telescopic actuator is
Although its appearance is similar to a fluid pressure cylinder, it is not fluid pressure but moves the rod 21 forward and backward by the change of the form of the functional polymer element 1. This telescopic actuator has a very simple structure. Moreover, since it can be expanded and contracted by applying a voltage, its control is easy.

Moreover, in this expandable actuator, the functional polymer element 1 changes its form by exchanging ions by applying a voltage, and the functional polymer element 1 has a conventional voltage. Since it is easier to miniaturize compared to a solenoid that is an element that functions by applying
It is possible to reduce the size of the actuator drastically.

The expandable actuator is to drive by applying a voltage between the core wire 3 and the metal wire 5 of the functional polymer element 1.
Can also exchange ions between the conductive polymer layer 4 and the electrolytic solution by applying a voltage between the metal wire 5 and a counter electrode facing the metal wire 5 via the electrolytic solution. Since it can be made to function by performing the above, the stretchable actuator using the functional polymer element 1 may have the following configuration.

FIG. 6 shows another example of a telescopic actuator using the above-mentioned functional polymer element 1. In the telescopic actuator, both ends of a cylindrical body 23 made of metal are made of insulating material. The cylindrical container 22 closed by 24 is used, and the metal wire 5 of the functional polymer element 1 is attached to the end of the functional polymer element 1 protruding outside the cylindrical container 22 and the cylindrical container 22. Control unit 7 for applying a DC voltage or a pulse voltage between the cylindrical container 22 and the cylindrical body 23.
Are connected.

This telescopic actuator is the same as the telescopic actuator shown in FIG. 5 except for the configuration of the cylindrical container 22 and the connecting structure of the control unit 7, and therefore, redundant description will be repeated. Are denoted by the same reference numerals and omitted.

This telescopic actuator utilizes the tubular body 23 of the tubular container 22 as a counter electrode facing the metal wire 5 of the functional polymer element 1 with the electrolytic solution 6 interposed therebetween. Metal wire 5 of element 1 and tubular body 2 of tubular container 22
3 is driven to expand and contract by applying a voltage between them, and in the initial state in which a voltage is not applied between them, the functional polymer element 1 is as shown in FIG. Although the rod 21 is linearly extended, and therefore the rod 21 is long protruding from the cylindrical container 20, when a voltage in one direction is applied between the metal wire 5 and the peripheral surface of the cylindrical container 20, The functional polymer element 1 is deformed into a coil shape as shown in FIG. 6B, its length is shortened, and the rod 21 is drawn into the tubular container 20 side. When a voltage in the opposite direction is applied between the metal wire 5 and the peripheral surface of the cylindrical container 20, the functional polymer element 1 extends to the initial state shown in FIG. Project from the cylindrical container 20.

That is, this telescopic actuator is also
The functional polymer element 1 changes its shape by exchanging ions by applying a voltage, and the functional polymer element 1 is a conventional element that functions by applying a voltage, such as a solenoid. Since it is easier to miniaturize the actuator, it is possible to significantly reduce the size of the actuator.

Further, the functional polymer element 1 of the above embodiment
In the above, the metal wire 5 is wound so as to be twisted around the wire rod 2, but the wire rod 2 and the metal wire 5 may not be twisted together.

FIG. 7 is a side view of a part of the functional polymer element showing the second embodiment of the present invention. In the functional polymer element 1, a wire material in which a core wire 3 is coated with a conductive polymer layer 4 is shown. 2, the metal wire 5 is simply wound in a spiral shape.

Further, the functional polymer element 1 of the above embodiment
Uses an electrolytic solution as an electrolyte layer adjacent to the conductive polymer layer 4, but the electrolyte layer may be an electrolyte membrane made of an electrolytic substance. In that case, the conductive polymer of the wire 2 is used. The peripheral surface of the layer 4 may be covered with an electrolyte membrane.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged sectional view of a functional polymer element showing a third embodiment of the present invention. In the functional polymer element 1, the core wire 3 is covered with a conductive polymer layer 4, and Further, on the peripheral surface of the wire 2 in which the peripheral surface of the conductive polymer layer 4 is covered with the electrolyte membrane 8 made of an electrolytic substance, the metal wire 5
It is a spiral wound.

The electrolyte membrane 8 is formed by applying a solution of an ion conductive polymer represented by polyoxyethylene or the like on the conductive polymer layer 4.

The interface between the conductive polymer layer 4 and the electrolyte membrane 8 has a composition in which the components of both membranes 4 and 8 are mixed, and the composition ratio is such that the conductive polymer layer 4 and the electrolyte membrane 8 are mixed. 8 and continuously changing.

That is, the composition ratios of the conductive polymer layer 4 and the electrolyte membrane 8 other than the interface portion are 100%, respectively, but at the interface portion, the composition ratio of the conductive polymer layer 4 approaches the electrolyte membrane 8. Electrolyte membrane 8
As the composition ratio of 1 approaches the conductive polymer layer 4, it decreases.

According to the functional polymer of this embodiment, by applying a voltage between the core wire 3 of the wire 2 and the metal wire 5, the ion between the conductive polymer layer 4 and the electrolyte membrane 8 is increased. Since it is possible to send and receive, it is possible to function in space.

Further, in this embodiment, the interface between the conductive polymer layer 4 and the electrolyte membrane 8 has a composition in which the components of both membranes 4 and 8 are mixed, and the composition ratio is continuously changed. Therefore, the ion exchange between the conductive polymer layer 4 and the electrolyte membrane 8 is made smooth, and the functional polymer element 1 is
Can function with good responsiveness to the application of voltage.

When the electrolyte layer adjacent to the conductive polymer layer 4 is an electrolyte membrane made of an electrolytic substance, the wire 2
Instead of covering the peripheral surface of the conductive polymer layer 4 with the electrolyte membrane 8, the peripheral surface of the metal wire 5 wound around the wire 2 may be covered with the electrolyte membrane.

However, the conductive polymer layer 4 and the electrolyte membrane 8
In order to smoothly perform the ion exchange between and, it is preferable to coat the peripheral surface of the conductive polymer layer 4 of the wire 2 with the electrolyte membrane 8 as in the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0048]

Industrial Applicability The functional polymer element of the present invention comprises a flexible core wire coated with a conductive polymer layer, and a metal film selectively deposited on the periphery of the wire material. By forming an electric field in the portion to be charged, the portion of the conductive polymer layer corresponding to the metal film exchanges ions with the electrolyte layer adjacent thereto to change the volume, and the shape changes due to the change in volume. Since this functional polymer element changes its shape by exchanging ions by applying a voltage, its miniaturization is easy.

In the functional polymer element of the present invention, for example, the metal film is a metal wire wound around the wire in a spiral state, and if the initial shape of the element is linear, the metal wire is By forming an electric field in one direction in the corresponding part, the form changes into a coil shape, and by forming an electric field in the opposite direction, it returns to the initial form, so as an actuator etc. that expands and contracts by applying a voltage. Can be used.

Further, in the functional polymer element of the present invention, the electrolyte layer may be an electrolytic solution in which an electrolytic substance is dissolved. In that case, a voltage is applied between the core wire of the wire and the metal film. Between the conductive polymer layer and the electrolytic solution by applying a voltage between the metal film and a counter electrode facing the metal film via the electrolytic solution. It is possible to give and receive the ions of.

Further, when the metal film is a metal wire wound in a spiral state, the electrolyte layer may be an electrolyte film made of an electrolytic substance, and the peripheral surface of the conductive polymer layer of the wire or the metal. By coating the peripheral surface of the wire with the electrolyte membrane, by applying a voltage between the core wire and the metal wire, the transfer of ions between the conductive polymer layer and the electrolyte membrane. Since it can be performed, it can be operated in space.

Further, in the method for producing a functional polymer element of the present invention, a voltage is applied between the core wire having conductivity and a cylindrical electrode surrounding it while passing the core wire having conductivity into a monomer solution of the conductive polymer. By applying a conductive polymer is deposited on the surface of the core wire by electrolytic polymerization to obtain a wire rod in which the core wire is coated with a conductive polymer layer, and a metal film is selectively deposited around the wire rod. Therefore, the functional polymer element can be obtained smoothly and efficiently.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side view of a part of a functional polymer element showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line II-II of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a method for manufacturing the functional polymer element.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an initial form of the functional polymer element and a state of being deformed into a coil shape.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a stretchable actuator using the functional polymer element in an expanded state and a contracted state.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of another telescopic actuator using the functional polymer element in an expanded state and a contracted state.

FIG. 7 is a side view of a part of the functional polymer element showing the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged sectional view of a functional polymer element showing a third embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Functional polymer element 2 ... Wire material 3 ... Core wire 4 ... Conductive polymer layer 5 ... Metal wire 6 ... Electrolyte solution 8 ... Electrolyte membrane

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A metal film is selectively adhered to the periphery of a wire in which a flexible core wire is covered with a conductive polymer layer,
By forming an electric field in the corresponding portion of the metal film, the portion of the conductive polymer layer corresponding to the metal film exchanges ions with the electrolyte layer adjacent thereto to change the volume, and the volume change. A functional polymer element whose shape is changed by 2. The functional polymer element according to claim 1, wherein the metal film is a metal wire spirally wound around the wire. 3. The initial shape is linear, and the metal wire forms an electric field in one direction at a corresponding portion to change the shape into a coil shape, and forms an electric field in the opposite direction to form a coil. The functional polymer element according to claim 2, wherein the functional polymer element returns to an initial form. 4. The functional polymer element according to claim 1, wherein the electrolyte layer is an electrolytic solution in which an electrolytic substance is dissolved. 5. The core wire is electrically conductive, and a voltage forming an electric field for giving and receiving the ions is applied between the core wire and the metal film. The functional polymer element according to claim 1. 6. A voltage for forming an electric field for giving and receiving the ions is applied between the metal wire and a counter electrode facing the metal wire through the electrolytic solution. The functional polymer element according to claim 3. 7. The electrolyte layer is an electrolyte membrane made of an electrolytic substance, wherein the peripheral surface of the conductive polymer layer of the wire or the peripheral surface of the metal wire is covered with the electrolyte membrane, and the exchange of ions is carried out. The functional polymer element according to claim 2, wherein a voltage forming an electric field for performing the step is applied between the core wire and the metal wire. 8. The method for producing a functional polymer element according to claim 1, wherein the core wire having conductivity is passed through a monomer solution of the conductive polymer, and the core electrode surrounding the core wire. By applying a voltage between the core wire, a conductive polymer is deposited on the surface of the core wire by electrolytic polymerization to obtain a wire material in which the core wire is coated with a conductive polymer layer, and a metal film is selected around the wire material. A method for producing a functional polymer element, which is characterized in that the functional polymer element is adhered.