JPH11230023A - Liquid crystal-system power generator - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To generate the directly output and doubled linear/rotational output by widening the field of application of a liquid crystal-system power generator. SOLUTION: A liquid crystal-system power generator is provided with a cylindrical cell 1 in which a liquid crystals is filed and an electrode 2 is formed on a part of the inner surface, a conductive shaft 3 as an electrode penetrating the center of the cell, a means 5 for superposing the shaft 3, a voltage applying means 4 for applying voltage between a cell electrode and a conductive shaft electrode and generating convex vortexes S along the longitudinal direction of the conductive shaft, and a means for switching the polarity of the voltage applying means 4. The output can be doubled by providing a plurality of cells in line across a spacer. A plurality of cylindrical cells are arranged into a ring shape, an annular conductive shaft is provided through it, and therefore, the rotational motion can be taken out.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a liquid crystal power generator using convection vortices generated when an electric field is applied to a liquid crystal sealed between cell electrodes as an energy source. The power generator of the present invention is suitable as a micro power generator for a micro machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Heretofore, well-known electromagnetic motors and ultrasonic motors have been put into practical use as rotary system driving sources.
These generate rotary power using an electromagnet and a dielectric vibrator.

Recently, in the fields of machining, medical treatment, precision measurement, electronic devices, optical devices, and the like, ultra-small mechanisms called micromachines have been required, and conventional drive sources can handle such micromachines. Is becoming the limit. That is, in a conventional drive source, miniaturization itself is the limit, and it is necessary to solve a power transmission control problem with respect to inertia, a lubrication problem, and the like.

As a micro power generation device for a micro machine which meets such a demand, the present applicant has previously disclosed a power source using a convection vortex generated when an electric field is applied to a dielectric liquid, typically a liquid crystal. The generator has been successfully developed (Patent No. 2617413). This device comprises a sealed cell filled with a dielectric liquid between parallel electrodes formed on opposing parallel side surfaces, and a rotor arranged at the center of the vortex in a region where convection occurs when voltage is applied between the electrodes. And means for extracting the rotational energy of the rotor and voltage applying means for applying a voltage between the parallel electrodes.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the principle of the above-described power generation device using liquid crystal as a dielectric liquid. A pair of facing parallel (+) electrodes 2 and (-) electrodes 3 are arranged in a cell 1 filled with liquid crystal L whose four sides are sealed by glass such as Pyrex glass. An electric field is applied between these electrodes by a power supply 4. When an electric field is applied between the (+) electrode 2 and the (-) electrode 3 in such a state, the (-) charged liquid crystal particles move to the (+) pole and lose their charge, and then move one after another. The liquid crystal particles charged in (−) are pushed to generate a pair of convection vortices as indicated by arrows around the electrode ends. By disposing the rotor at the center of the convection vortex, the rotor shaft rotates in the direction of rotation of the convection vortex, and the convection energy can be taken out as power.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a specific example of a power generator in which a rotor is arranged at the center of a convection vortex. A pair of rotors 5 are respectively arranged in a pair of convection vortex generation regions in the cell 1. The rotor has, for example, an output shaft 6 and is supported by appropriate means on the upper and lower surfaces of the cell. The cell can be made, for example, as having the following dimensions: distance d between electrodes: about 1 mm, convection width a: less than about 1 mm, cell long side l: about 20 mm, cell height h: about 3
0 mm.

[0007] This microminiature power generation device is effective as a drive source for the purpose of micromachining small optical elements and semiconductor wafers. By controlling the magnitude of the applied voltage, the generated torque can be easily adjusted. Since torque transmission to the rotor is achieved by friction between the liquid crystal and the rotor, it has the function of a slip clutch in principle, eliminating the problem of inertia without providing a special clutch unlike conventional devices. An excellent function of eliminating the problem of lubrication due to the lubrication ability of the liquid crystal itself can be eliminated.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the apparatus, the rotational speed to increase the applied voltage increases may vary depending on the type of the liquid crystal, S _m C ^* phase smectic liquid crystal (Japan Energy Corporation trade name MICO806, density : 0.9 g / cm
³ , maximum 60 rpm using viscosity: 0.5 Pa · S)
And a torque of 15 × 10 ⁻⁵ N · mm.
Nematic liquid crystal (ZLI-4446 manufactured by Merck,
(Density: 0.9 g / cm ³ , viscosity: 0.05 Pa · S) and a maximum rotation speed of 100 rpm and 2.5 × 10 ^−5.
A torque of N · mm was realized.

In the above-mentioned liquid crystal microminiature power generation device, the rotor shaft placed at the center of the convection vortex rotates in the direction of rotation, and the convection energy is taken out as rotational power. On the other hand, instead of rotational output,
If linear reciprocating (direct motion) output can be obtained, its usefulness as a micromachine will also expand. It is also desired to generate a large amount of linear motion / torque. Needless to say, the higher the amount of generated linear motion / torque, the greater the value as a power generating device because of its very small size. An object of the present invention is to broaden the field of application of the above-mentioned liquid crystal micro power generator, and to provide a liquid crystal micro power generator capable of generating a linear motion output and a doubled linear / rotary output. is there.

[0010]

In the above liquid crystal micro power generator, the rotor shaft is arranged at the center of the vortex of convection generated around the parallel electrode end, and the rotor shaft is rotated in the vortex rotation direction. Was something. The inventor has
Instead of such a parallel electrode, in a cylindrical cell in which liquid crystal is sealed and the electrode is formed on a part of the inner surface, a conductive shaft passing through the center is used as an electrode, and between the inner electrode of the cell and the conductive shaft electrode. By applying an electric field, a convection vortex along the longitudinal direction of the conductive shaft can be generated, and the conductive shaft can be moved directly by switching the electrodes appropriately.

Thus, the present invention provides a cylindrical cell in which liquid crystal is sealed and an electrode is formed on a part of the inner surface, a conductive shaft as an electrode penetrating the center of the cell, and means for supporting the shaft. A voltage applying means for applying a voltage between the cell electrode and the conductive shaft electrode to generate a convection vortex along the longitudinal direction of the conductive shaft, and a means for switching the polarity of the voltage applying means. And a liquid crystal power generation device characterized in that:

The output can be doubled by providing the above-mentioned cells in series with a plurality of spacers interposed therebetween. In this respect, the present invention also relates to a plurality of cylindrical cells, which are provided in series with a spacer interposed therebetween, enclose liquid crystal and form electrodes on a part of the inner surface, and the center of the plurality of cells and the entire spacer. Penetrating, a conductive shaft as an electrode, means for supporting the shaft, and applying a voltage between the cell electrode and the conductive shaft electrode of each of the plurality of cells, so that the conductive shaft is A voltage applying means for generating a convection vortex along the longitudinal direction of the liquid crystal device, and means for switching the polarity of the voltage applying means.

By arranging the plurality of cylindrical cells described above in a ring shape and providing an annular conductive shaft therethrough, it is possible to extract rotational movement. In this regard, the present invention also provides a liquid crystal encapsulation and an electrode formed on a portion of the inner surface and a plurality of cylindrical cells formed in an arc shape in a ring to form a circle as a whole. An array of cell arrays, an annular conductive shaft as an electrode provided through the cell array, and means for extracting rotational energy of the conductive shaft connected to an exposed portion of the conductive shaft. Voltage applying means for applying a voltage between each cell electrode of the plurality of cells and a conductive shaft electrode to generate a convection vortex along a circumferential direction of the conductive shaft in each cell; Means for switching the polarity of the application means.

[0014]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION A liquid crystal power generator according to the present invention comprises:
As shown in FIG. 1, in a cylindrical cell 1 in which a liquid crystal L is sealed, an electrode 2 is formed on a part of the inner surface, and a conductive shaft 3 penetrating the center thereof is used as an electrode. A convection vortex S is generated along the longitudinal direction of the conductive shaft by applying an electric field between the electrodes and the power source 4. In the drawing, the liquid crystal particles charged to (−) by the conductive shaft electrode are the inner electrode (+) of the cell.
After moving to the pole and the charge disappears, it is pushed by the (-) charged liquid crystal particles which move one after another, and the convection vortex along the longitudinal direction of the conductive shaft centered there at the electrode end. S occurs. The convection vortex S is generated continuously and at a constant speed along the inner peripheral surface of the cell. Therefore, the conductive shaft moves linearly in the longitudinal direction due to the frictional force between the liquid crystal and the conductive shaft. The conductive shaft 3 moves in the opposite direction by appropriately switching the electrodes using a known means for switching the polarity of the voltage applying means. The conductive shaft can be smoothly linearly moved by means for sealing and supporting the shaft such as a seal ring 5 attached to the upper and lower openings of the cell 1 (the lower supporting means is not shown). It is supported by The cell is appropriately held or fixedly installed. The cell can be made, for example, as having the following dimensions: distance between electrodes: about 1 mm, convection vortex diameter: less than about 1 mm, cell diameter: about 20 mm, cell height: about 30 mm. A mounting tool 6 is attached to the tip of the conductive shaft, and processing tools, sensors, and the like for machining, medical care, precision measurement, electronic devices, and optical devices are mounted thereon.

Although the cell is shown in FIG. 1 as having a circular cross section, it is not limited to this, and a cell having a polygonal cross section can be used. Together,
Here, it is called cylindrical. The distance between the poles is 0.1 mm or more and 10
mm or less. The size of the convection vortex generation region can be changed according to the size. The cell peripheral surface is preferably made of glass such as Pyrex glass, but other materials may be used. When a glass cell is used, a transparent electrode such as ITO is used as the electrode, but any of a metal electrode, a thin film electrode, and a bulk electrode can be used. ITO on the substrate
It is preferable that other thin-film electrodes formed by sputtering or other methods are used facing each other. The electrode is formed on at least a part of the inner peripheral surface of the cell length or at least a part of the inner peripheral surface.

The surface of the conductive shaft may have a smooth surface because the frictional force of the liquid crystal convection is strong. However, in order to more efficiently take out the output, it is preferable to adopt a structure such as surface roughening or a lateral groove type. As the conductive shaft material, any conductive material such as light metal can be used.
It is preferable to use a non-conductive material such as ceramic or plastic coated with a conductive material such as metal or ITO.

As described above, the micro power generating device of the present invention is effective as a driving source for the purpose of fine processing of small optical elements, semiconductor wafers and the like. The generated output can be easily adjusted by controlling the magnitude of the applied voltage. Since power transmission to the conductive shaft is achieved by friction between the liquid crystal and the conductive shaft, it has the function of a slip clutch in principle. Problems can be eliminated. The problem of lubrication due to the lubrication capability of the liquid crystal itself is also solved.

FIG. 2 shows an apparatus for doubling the output by providing a plurality of the above-mentioned liquid crystal power generators in series with a spacer interposed therebetween. In FIG. 2, three cells 1 in which liquid crystal is sealed and electrodes are formed on a part of the inner surface are arranged in series with a spacer 7 interposed therebetween. A conductive shaft 2 as an electrode passes through the center of these cells and the entire spacer. Voltage applying means 4 is connected to apply a voltage between each cell electrode of the plurality of cells and the conductive shaft electrode to generate a convection vortex along the longitudinal direction of the conductive shaft in each cell. According to the same principle as in FIG. 1, in each cell, convection vortices S are generated continuously and at a constant speed along the inner peripheral surface of the cell. In each cell, the conductive shaft linearly moves in the longitudinal direction due to the frictional force between the liquid crystal and the conductive shaft, doubling its linear output as a whole. The conductive shaft 3 moves in the opposite direction by appropriately switching the electrodes using a known means for switching the polarity of the voltage applying means.

FIG. 3 is intended to extract rotational motion by arranging a plurality of cylindrical cells described above in a ring shape and providing an annular conductive shaft therethrough. The same liquid crystal as described above is sealed and electrodes are formed on a part of the inner surface, and in this case, a plurality of cylindrical cells 1 formed in an arc shape are formed in a ring shape so as to form one circle as a whole. Are provided.
An annular conductive shaft 3 as an electrode is mounted through the cell array. A support arm 8 is radially connected to the exposed portion of the conductive shaft, and a means for extracting rotational energy of the conductive shaft such as a connection shaft 9 is provided at an inner end thereof. Although illustration is omitted, as in FIGS. 1 and 2, a voltage is applied between each cell electrode of the plurality of cells and the conductive shaft electrode, and convection along the peripheral direction of the conductive shaft is performed in each cell. A voltage applying means for generating eddies and means for switching the polarity of the voltage applying means are provided. The cell is appropriately held or fixedly installed. Each cell moves the conductive shaft in the circumferential direction by the frictional force between the liquid crystal and the conductive shaft, and doubles the circumferential output as a whole. By appropriately switching the electrodes using a known means for switching the polarity of the voltage applying means,
The conductive shaft 3 rotates in the opposite direction.

When a certain kind of organic compound crystal is heated, the liquid crystal melts at a certain temperature to become a cloudy viscous liquid, and the cloudy liquid is optically anisotropic and optically isotropic. It is usually called liquid crystal to distinguish it from liquid. As the liquid crystal used in the present invention, all liquid crystals which flow when a voltage is applied and generate a convection phenomenon are intended. Liquid crystals can be basically classified as follows, although there are some differences in opinion: (A) lyotropic (lyotropic) liquid crystal (B) thermotropic liquid crystal (B-1) nematic liquid crystal (cholesteric) LCD) (B-2) smectic liquid crystal (eg: S _m A phase, S _m C
Phase, S _m C ^* phase) (B-3) discotic liquid

A lyotropic liquid crystal generally refers to a liquid crystal that becomes a liquid crystal by interaction with a solvent, and forms a molecular aggregate such as various micelle structures (spherical, columnar, tubular) and lamellar structures. Lyotropic liquid crystals are prepared by adding an amphiphilic compound having both a hydrophilic group and a hydrophobic group, such as various soaps, surfactants, lipids, hydrated oxides of certain metals, and block copolymers, to water or other water. It is produced by mixing with a solvent in an appropriate ratio.

Thermotropic liquid crystal refers to a liquid crystal state of a single-composition or multi-component substance exhibited by a change in temperature.
Many have a structure having a benzene ring-centered core and both terminal groups (tails) such as an alkyl chain and asymmetric carbon. The core has a benzene ring or a cyclohexane ring as a skeleton structure. The nematic liquid crystal has the lowest viscosity and the highest fluidity. Smectic liquid crystal is a greasy viscous cloudy fluid, show various characteristic optical pattern under polarized light _{microscope, S m A, S m B} ·
... many variants phases, such as S _m I have been known. Among these, _Sm A phase and S _m C
The phase, S _m C ^* phase, is known. S _m C ^* phase is S _m C
It is a mixture of liquid crystals having a chiral group in the phase.

The present invention specifically relates to liquid crystals.
Thermotropic liquid crystal, especially nematic liquid crystal and S
_m A phase, and it is preferable to use a smectic liquid crystal typified example S _m C ^* phase. In particular, it is preferable to use S _m C ^* phase smectic liquid crystal.

Tables 1 and 2 list the structural formulas and temperature characteristics of commercially available S _m C ^* phase smectic liquid crystals.

[0025]

[Table 1]

[0026]

[Table 2]

[0027]

As described above, the field of application of the prior art liquid crystal microminiature power generation device is expanded to provide a liquid crystal microminiature power generation device capable of generating a linear motion output and a doubled linear / rotary output. Successful.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a specific example of a power generation device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another specific example of the power generation device of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another specific example of the power generation device of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing the principle of a power generation device according to the prior art.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a specific example of a power generation device in which a rotor is arranged at the center of a convection vortex in the prior art.

[Explanation of symbols]

 L Liquid crystal S Convection vortex 1 Cell 2 Electrode 3 Conductive shaft (electrode) 4 Power supply 5 Ring 6 Attachment 7 Spacer 8 Support arm 9 Connecting shaft

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A cylindrical cell in which a liquid crystal is sealed and an electrode is formed on a part of an inner surface, a conductive shaft as an electrode penetrating the center of the cell, means for supporting the shaft, and the cell. A voltage applying means for applying a voltage between the electrode and the conductive shaft electrode to generate a convection vortex along the longitudinal direction of the conductive shaft; and a means for switching a polarity of the voltage applying means. Liquid crystal power generator. 2. A plurality of cylindrical cells, provided in series with a spacer interposed therebetween, enclosing a liquid crystal and forming electrodes on a part of an inner surface thereof, and electrodes passing through the center of the plurality of cells and the entire spacer. A conductive shaft, means for supporting the shaft, and applying a voltage between each cell electrode of the plurality of cells and the conductive shaft electrode, in each cell in the longitudinal direction of the conductive shaft. A liquid crystal power generation device comprising: a voltage application unit that generates convection vortices along the unit; and a unit that switches the polarity of the voltage application unit. 3. A cell array in which liquid crystal is sealed and electrodes are formed on a part of the inner surface, and a plurality of cylindrical cells formed in an arc are arranged in a ring shape so as to form one circle as a whole. A body, an annular conductive shaft as an electrode provided through the cell array, and means for extracting rotational energy of the conductive shaft connected to an exposed portion of the conductive shaft; Voltage applying means for applying a voltage between each cell electrode of the cell and the conductive shaft electrode to generate a convection vortex along the circumferential direction of the conductive shaft in each cell; and a polarity of the voltage applying means. Switching means for switching the power of the liquid crystal system. 4. The liquid crystal power generator according to claim 1, wherein the liquid crystal is a thermotropic liquid crystal. 5. The liquid crystal power generator according to claim 4, wherein the liquid crystal is a smectic liquid crystal. 6. The liquid crystal power generation device according to claim 5, wherein the liquid crystal is a smectic liquid crystal of S _m C ^* phase. 7. A liquid crystal system power generating device according to claim 5 in which the liquid crystal is characterized in that it is a smectic liquid crystal of S _m A phase. 8. The liquid crystal power generator according to claim 1, wherein the liquid crystal is a nematic liquid crystal.