WO2006095549A1

WO2006095549A1 - Polymer actuator

Info

Publication number: WO2006095549A1
Application number: PCT/JP2006/302749
Authority: WO
Inventors: Pu Qian; Teruaki Komiya
Original assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2005-03-04
Filing date: 2006-02-16
Publication date: 2006-09-14
Also published as: JP2006246659A

Abstract

Disclosed is a polymer actuator characterized by comprising a first conductor (1a) containing a conductive polymer and a dopant, a second conductor (1b), an ion supplying body (2) arranged in contact with the first and second conductors (1a, 1b), a circuit (4) for applying a voltage to the first and second conductors (1a, 1b), and a circuit (5) for causing a short-circuit between the first and second conductors (1a, 1b).

Description

Specification

Polymer actuator

Technical field

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a polymer actuator having excellent energy efficiency and a driving method thereof.

Background art

[0002] Polymer actuators using a conductive polymer gel, a conductive polymer film, and the like have attracted attention in recent years because they can be made small and light. An example of the conductive polymer film actuator includes a conductive polymer film and a metal electrode provided on the surface thereof. The metal electrode is formed on the surface of the conductive polymer film by methods such as chemical plating, electric plating, vacuum deposition, sputtering, coating, pressure bonding, and welding. When a composite composed of a conductive polymer film and a metal electrode is made water-containing and a potential difference is applied between the electrodes, the conductive polymer film is bent or deformed, and this can be used as a driving force.

[0003] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2004-197069 (Patent Document 1) is an actuator including an operating part, a counter electrode and an electrolyte, and the operating part has a conductive polymer force produced by a predetermined electrolytic polymerization method. Things are listed. When this actuator is energized, the working part expands and contracts by electrochemical oxidation and reduction. However, an actuator having a platinum plate as a counter electrode as described in the embodiment generates hydrogen when energized, which is dangerous and cannot be accommodated in a sealed container. is there.

[0004] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2004-350495 (Patent Document 2) describes an actuator comprising a pair of conductive polymer layers facing each other. When a voltage is applied between the two conductive polymer layers, one expands and the other contracts, so that this actuator bends. This actuator does not have a platinum electrode as a counter electrode, so there is no possibility of generating hydrogen when energized. However, it requires a large applied voltage to drive the actuator. In other words, there is a problem that this actuator does not show good energy efficiency.

[0005] Patent Document 1: JP 2004-197069 A Patent Document 2: JP 2004-350495 A

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a polymer actuator exhibiting excellent energy efficiency and a driving method thereof.

Means for solving the problem

As a result of diligent research in view of the above object, the inventors of the present invention, after driving the polymer actuator in one direction by energization, before energizing in the reverse direction and driving in the reverse direction, The inventors have found that the energy efficiency of the polymer actuator can be improved by short-circuiting the current between them, and have arrived at the present invention.

That is, the polymer actuator of the present invention includes a first conductor containing a conductive polymer and a dopant, a second conductor, and an ion in contact with the first and second conductors. And a circuit for applying a voltage to the first and second conductors, and a circuit for short-circuiting the current between the first and second conductors.

[0009] The second conductor is more preferably composed of a conductive polymer and a dopant, which are preferably composed of a compound having oxidation-reduction ability.

[0010] The first conductor or the conductive polymer contained in the first and second conductors is selected from the group consisting of polypyrrole, polythiophene, polyarine, polyacetylene, and derivatives thereof. At least one kind is preferable. Preferably, the ion supplier is a solution, sol, gel or a combination thereof.

[0011] The conductor may be in the form of a film, or may be a green compact having a conductive powder power containing a conductive polymer and a dopant. Further, (a) a solid or gel ion supplier may be sandwiched between the first conductor and the second conductor, and (b) a fluid ion supplier such as a solution or a sol. In addition, both conductors may be immersed.

[0012] The first conductor and the second conductor may be accommodated in one cell, or may be accommodated in separate cells. When housed in separate cells, an ion supplier is placed in each cell and both ion suppliers are electrically connected.

[0013] The polymer actuator driving method of the present invention includes a circuit for applying the voltage. After applying a voltage so that one of the first and second conductors is a positive electrode and the other is a negative electrode, and before applying a voltage in the reverse direction to the first and second conductors, It is characterized in that the current is short-circuited between both conductors by a short-circuiting circuit.

The invention's effect

[0014] The polymer actuator of the present invention has a short circuit for discharging a conductor stored by driving. The process of applying a reverse voltage to a charged conductor by short-circuiting the current in advance using a short circuit when driving the polymer actuator in one direction and then driving in the opposite direction. Can be avoided. Therefore, the high molecular weight actuator of the present invention exhibits good energy efficiency. In addition, the polymer activator preferably has an electrode made of a conductive polymer or dopant or a compound having a redox ability as a counter electrode. Therefore, like a polymer actuator having a metal electrode, hydrogen and oxygen are generated on the counter electrode during driving, and a part of electric energy is consumed as chemical energy, resulting in a decrease in energy efficiency. In addition, since no gas is generated, there is no danger and it can be stored in a sealed container.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an example of a polymer actuator of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the displacement of the polymer actuator. (A) shows a state in which the first conductive film is energized so as to become a positive electrode, and (b) shows a discharge with the short circuit closed. Indicates state

(C) shows a state in which the first conductive film is energized so as to be a negative electrode.

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view showing another example of the polymer actuator of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a graph showing a change in current with respect to a change in applied voltage, and a flow diagram showing the displacement of the polymer actuator.

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view showing still another example of the polymer actuator of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view showing still another example of the polymer actuator of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a graph showing a change in current with respect to a change in applied voltage, and a flow diagram showing the displacement of the polymer activator.

FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view showing still another example of the polymer actuator of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view showing still another example of the polymer actuator of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view showing still another example of the polymer actuator of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view showing still another example of the polymer actuator of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view showing still another example of the polymer actuator of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view showing still another example of the polymer actuator of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the displacement of the polymer actuator. (A) shows a state in which the first conductive film is energized so as to become a positive electrode, and (b) shows a discharge with the short circuit closed. (C) shows a state in which the first conductive film is energized so as to be a negative electrode.

FIG. 15 is a graph showing a current value and a displacement amount with respect to an applied voltage in the polymer actuator of Example 1.

FIG. 16 is a graph showing a current value and a displacement amount with respect to an applied voltage in the polymer actuator of Example 2.

FIG. 17 is a graph showing a current value and a displacement amount with respect to an applied voltage in the polymer actuator of Comparative Example 1.

FIG. 18 is a graph showing the current value and the displacement with respect to the applied voltage in the polymer actuator of Comparative Example 2.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0016] FIG. 1 shows an example of a polymer actuator of the present invention. The polymer activator shown in FIG. 1 has an ion supply sandwiched between the first and second conductive films la and lb arranged in the longitudinal direction in the cell 3 and the conductive films la and lb. It has a body 2, a circuit 4 connected to the conductive films la and lb, and a short circuit 5 provided in the middle of the circuit 4.

[0017] Both ends of the circuit 4 are connected to fixed ends of the first and second conductive films la and lb, respectively. Drive members 6a and 6b are attached to the movable end sides of the conductive films la and lb, respectively. The drive members 6a and 6b pass through the openings 31 and 31 of the cell 3, and are movably supported by bearings provided in the openings 31 and 31. When the conductive films la and 1b are expanded and contracted by energization, the driving members 6a and 6b are also driven. Therefore, one end of the drive members 6a and 6b can be used as the drive portion.

[0018] The first and second conductive films la and lb expand when oxidized, and contract when reduced. How to expand and contract the conductive membrane la, lb depends on the type of conductive polymer and ion supply 2 It may change. In other words, depending on the type of conductive polymer contained in the conductive films la and lb and the type of electrolyte in the ion supplier 2, the conductive films la and lb expand when reduced, and contract when oxidized. In some cases.

[0019] The thickness of the conductive films la and lb is preferably about 0.1 μm to 1 mm. If it is less than 0.1 μm, the driving force of the polymer actuator is too small. Films over lmm take a very long time to make and are difficult to form uniformly. The conductive film la, lb contains a conductive polymer and a dopant. The conductive polymer preferably has a conjugated structure. Specifically, the polypyrrole is more preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of polypyrrole, polythiophene, polyarine, polyacetylene, and derivatives thereof.

[0020] The dopant contained in the conductive films la and lb may be p-type or n-type. The dopant is not particularly limited, and a general dopant can be used. p-type dopants include CI, Br, I, I

2 2 2

Neurogens such as Cl, IC1, IBr and IF, Noreis acid such as PF, PF, BF, AsF and SbF, sulfuric acid,

3 3 5 6 4 5 5

Acids, perchloric acid, organic acids (such as P-toluenesulfonic acid), iron trichloride, titanium tetrachloride, iron sulfate, iron nitrate, iron perchlorate, iron phosphate, iron sulfonate, iron bromide, Examples include transition metal salts such as iron hydroxide, copper nitrate, copper sulfate, and copper chloride. Examples of the n-type dopant include alkali metals such as Li, Na, K, Rb, and Cs, alkaline earth metals such as Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, and Ba, Sc, Ag, Eu, and Yb.

[0021] The film-like conductive polymer can be produced by electrolytic polymerization. A conductive polymer film containing a dopant can be formed on the electrode by immersing the plate-like electrode in an electrolytic solution containing a monomer and a conductive polymer and applying a voltage. The method of electropolymerization is not particularly limited, and may be any of a constant potential method, a constant current method, and an electric sweep method. The electrode used for electrolytic polymerization is not particularly limited, and may be a general one such as a Pt electrode, a Ti electrode, or a Ni electrode.

The ion supply body 2 includes an electrolyte plate 21 and a lubricating electrolyte layer 22. Lubricating electrolyte layers 22 and 22 are provided on both surfaces of the electrolyte plate 21, and the conductive membranes la and lb are in contact with the lubricating electrolyte layers 22 and 22. Since the conductive films la and lb are provided on the electrolyte plate 21 via the lubricating electrolyte layer 22, the conductive films la and lb can be applied to the electrolyte plate 21 without causing large friction. Can be stretched along.

[0023] The thickness of the electrolyte plate 21 is preferably 0.1 μm to 100 mm. If it exceeds 100 mm, the resistance is too large and the voltage to be applied to the conductive films la and lb is too large. If it is less than 0.1 / zm, the current is easily short-circuited. The lubricating electrolyte layer 22 only needs to be provided to such an extent that the friction generated during driving is not excessive. Specifically, the thickness is preferably 10 nm to l μm.

Examples of the electrolyte contained in the electrolyte plate 21 and the lubricating electrolyte layer 22 include sodium chloride, NaPF, sodium p-toluenesulfonate, and sodium perchlorate. Electrolytes

6

The plate 21 and the lubricating electrolyte layer 22 may contain a conductive polymer or a non-conductive polymer. Examples of preferred polymers include polyethylene glycol and polyacrylic acid.

[0025] The electrolyte plate 21 is solid or gel, and the lubricating electrolyte layer 22 is gel, sol, or a combination thereof. Examples of preferred gel electrolytes include polyacrylamide, polyethylene glycol, and agar in which a salt such as sulfonate is dispersed.

The circuit 4 has first and second switches 4a and 4b provided in parallel. The first switch 4 a connects the positive electrode of the external electrode 7 and the circuit 4, and the second switch 4 b connects the negative electrode and the circuit 4. Which of the first and second conductive films la and lb is used as the positive electrode can be appropriately set by the switches 4a and 4b.

[0027] The short circuit 5 is provided in parallel with the first and second switches 4a, 4b. When the switch 50 of the short circuit 5 is closed with the switches 4a and 4b opened, the first conductive film la and the second conductive film lb are electrically connected directly.

FIG. 2 (a) shows a polymer actuator in which the external electrode 7 is connected to the circuit 4. The thin arrows in the figure represent the current flow. As shown in FIG. 2 (a), when the first switch 4a is connected to the first conductive film la side and the second switch 4b is connected to the second conductive film lb side, the first switch 4a is connected to the first conductive film la side. The conductive film la is oxidized and takes in the ion supplier 2 and expands. On the other hand, the second conductive membrane lb is reduced and contracts by releasing the ion supplier 2. The driving member 6a moves to the right side in the figure by the extension of the first conductive film la, and the driving member 6b moves to the left side in the figure by contraction of the second conductive film lb. During this time, electric charges are stored in the conductive films la and lb. It becomes the state of the battery (secondary battery).

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2 (b), when the switches 4a and 4b are opened and the switch 50 of the short circuit 5 is closed, the charge accumulated in the second conductive film lb passes through the short circuit 5 and passes through the second circuit 5b. Flows into one conductive film la. By short-circuiting the current in this way, both the conductive films la and lb are electrically neutralized. By neutralization, the first conductive film la contracts, the second conductive film lb expands, and the conductive films la and lb almost return to their original length.

[0030] After the conductive films la and lb are neutralized by a short circuit of current, the external electrode 7 is energized in the opposite direction. As shown in FIG. 2 (c), when the second switch 4b is connected to the first conductive film la side and the first switch 4a is connected to the second conductive film lb side, the first conductive film The conductive film la contracts and the second conductive film lb expands. Of course, the drive members 6a and 6b also move as the conductive films la and lb expand and contract.

[0031] When both electrodes are made of a conductive film as in the polymer actuator shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the reaction that occurs at both electrodes during conduction is a redox reaction of the conductive polymer. Therefore, since hydrogen, oxygen, etc. are not generated, the applied electric energy is not consumed as chemical energy, and it shows good energy efficiency.

FIG. 3 shows another example of the polymer actuator of the present invention. The polymer activator shown in FIG. 3 is substantially the same as the example shown in FIG. 1 except that the first and second conductive membranes la and lb are immersed in the fluid ion supplier 20, so that the difference is the same. Only described below.

The first and second conductive films la and lb are provided in parallel with the longitudinal direction of the cell 3.

The conductive films la and lb are preferably a composite comprising a conductive polymer, a dopant, and elastic force. Since the composite including the polymer and the elastic body exhibits a large mechanical strength, the driving force can be easily transmitted to the driving members 6a and 6b when the conductive films la and lb are extended. Examples of the elastic body include film-like and net-like rubber and panel. For example, a composite of an elastic body and a conductive polymer can be produced by attaching a conductive film to rubber.

[0034] The ion supplier 20 needs to have a fluidity that does not excessively hinder the expansion and contraction of the conductive membranes la and lb. The fluid ion supplier 20 is preferably a solution, sol, gel, solution-nor mixture, sol-gel mixture, or solution-sol mixture. If the ion supplier 20 is a sol or gel or a mixture thereof, there is no risk of liquid leakage. Is preferable. The solvent and Z or dispersion medium contained in the ion supplier 20 are preferably water, a polar organic solvent, or an ionic liquid. When the solvent and Z or the dispersion medium are water, a polar organic solvent, or an ionic liquid, the ion supplier 20 exhibits high conductivity. When the solvent is water, the concentration of the aqueous electrolyte solution is preferably about 0.01 to 5 mol / L.

FIG. 4 schematically shows the current with respect to the applied voltage and the expansion and contraction of the conductive films la and lb in the polymer actuator shown in FIG. A reference electrode R is immersed in the ion supplier 20. As the reference electrode R, a general one such as a silver Z salt-silver electrode can be used. Voltmeter A and ammeter V are connected to measure the voltage and current applied by external electrode 7. When the conductive film la, lb is not energized (Section I), the voltage value indicates a natural potential. The lengths of the conductive films la and lb are natural lengths.

When the switches 4 a and 4 b (not shown) are inserted so that the first conductive film la becomes the positive electrode and the second conductive film lb becomes the negative electrode, the circuit 4 and the conductive film la, A current flows through the lb to the ion supplier 20 (section 11). Immediately after energization, the current value shows a large value, but decreases immediately. It can be considered that this is because charges accumulated in the first conductive film la and the charge amount reached saturation.

[0037] When the switches 4a and 4b are opened and the short circuit 5 is closed while being stored in the conductive films la and lb, the electric charge stored in the conductive films la and lb flows through the short circuit 5 ( (Section 111). Due to the short circuit of the current, the conductive films la and lb become electrically neutral, and the ion source 20 is absorbed or released and returns to its original length.

[0038] After the switch 50 of the short circuit 5 is opened, the switches 4a and 4b are inserted so that the first conductive film la becomes the negative electrode and the second conductive film lb becomes the positive electrode. A current in the opposite direction to II flows through circuit 4 to ion supplier 2 (section IV). During this time, the first conductive film la is reduced and contracts, and the second conductive film lb is oxidized and stretched. After that, when the switches 4a and 4b are turned off and the switch 50 of the short circuit 5 is turned on, the charges accumulated in the conductive films la and lb are short-circuited, and the conductive films la and lb return to their original lengths again (section V ). In this way, before applying a reverse voltage, the stored conductive films la and lb are discharged in advance using the short circuit 5 to avoid unnecessary power consumption and make the polymer actuator more efficient. Can be driven automatically. The polymer actuator shown in FIG. 6 is the same as the example shown in FIG. 3 except that the cell-shaped conductors 100 a and 10 Ob are provided in the longitudinal direction of the cell 3. Preferred V of the panel-like conductors 100a and 100b, for example, a film having a conductive polymer film formed on a panel having shape memory alloy power. For example, in the solution containing the monomer and the dopant, the conductive conductor 100a and 100b containing the conductive polymer and the dopant can be produced by electrolytic polymerization of the monomer using a metal panel as an electrode.

FIG. 6 shows still another example of the polymer activator of the present invention. The polymer activator shown in FIG. 6 is substantially the same as the example shown in FIG. 1 except that it has a metal electrode 71 instead of the second conductive film lb, and only the differences will be described below. The metal electrode 71 is in contact with the electrolyte plate 21. When the external electrode 7 is connected to the circuit 4, a current flows between the first conductive film la and the metal electrode 71. The metal electrode 71 is not particularly limited, and a metal electrode having a general electrode material strength such as platinum, gold, silver, copper, nickel, stainless steel, and carbon can be used.

FIG. 7 schematically shows the relationship between the current with respect to the applied voltage and the expansion and contraction of the conductive film la in the polymer actuator shown in FIG. In a state where no current is supplied between the conductive film la and the metal electrode 71 (section I), the conductive film la has a natural length. When switches 4a and 4b (not shown) are inserted so that the first conductive film la is the positive electrode and the metal electrode 71 is the negative electrode, current flows through circuit 4 (section 11), and the first conductive film Sexual membrane la is oxidized and stretched. During this time, electric charges accumulate in the conductive film la. On the metal electrode 71 side, a reduction reaction occurs.

[0042] When the circuit 4 is opened and the short circuit 5 is closed while the conductive film la and the metal electrode 71 are charged, charge flows through the short circuit 5 (section 111). Due to the short circuit of the current, the conductive film la and the metal electrode 71 become electrically neutral, and the conductive film la returns to its original length. After the discharge, switch 50 of short circuit 5 is opened, and switches 4a and 4b are inserted so that the first conductive film la is the negative electrode and metal electrode 71 is the positive electrode. It flows to 4 (Section IV). During this time, the first conductive film la is reduced and contracts.

FIG. 8 shows still another example of the polymer activator of the present invention. The polymer activator shown in FIG. 8 has conductive laminates 10a and 10b including a green compact 11 made of conductive powder, and is shown in FIG. 1 except that a fluid ion supplier 20 is filled in the cell. Almost the same as the example shown Therefore, only the differences will be described below.

[0044] Each of the conductive laminates 10a and 10b has three sets of the porous spacer 13, the green compact 11, and the thin layer electrode 12 in this order from the drive end side, and further the porous spacer 13 on the fixed end side. Pager 13 is overlaid. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the force having three sets of the thin layer electrode 12 and the green compact 11 is not limited to this. Two sets of the thin layer electrode 12 and the green compact 11 may be laminated via the porous spacer 13, or four or more sets may be laminated. The thin layer electrode 12 and the green compact 11, the green compact 11 and the porous spacer 13, and the porous spacer 13 and the thin layer electrode 12 are bonded.

[0045] The green compact 11 is preferably plate-shaped and preferably has a thickness of 0.1 to 20 mm. If the thickness is less than 0.1 mm, it is not preferable because it is easy to break and difficult to handle. If the thickness exceeds 20 mm, the electrolyte etc. are absorbed and released too slowly from the ion supplier 2, and the responsiveness of the green compact 11 is too bad. The green compact 11 may have a disk shape or a square plate shape.

[0046] The green compact 11 is formed by compressing a conductive powder. For example, it can be prepared by putting conductive powder in a tablet tableting machine, then depressurizing the tableting machine, and pressurizing at 700 to 900 MPa for about 3 to 10 minutes. The conductive powder expands and contracts or contracts when energized in the flowable ion supply body 20. Therefore, when the conductive powder is compressed into a green compact, the expansion and contraction that occurs in the conductive powder is displaced by the actuator. It can be used as The electrical resistance of the conductive powder is preferably a 10- ⁴ Ω~1Μ Ω. In this specification, the electrical resistance of the conductive powder is a value measured by the 4-terminal method with an electrode spacing of 1.5 mm. If the electrical resistance exceeds 1Μ Ω, the conductivity is too small and the efficiency of the actuator is too bad. The electric resistance of less than 10- ⁴ Omega is difficult manufacturing.

[0047] The conductive powder contains a conductive polymer and a dopant. I like it! Examples of conductive polymers and dopants are the same as those of the conductive films la and lb described above. The content of the conductive polymer in the conductive powder is preferably 1 to 99.9% by mass, more preferably 30 to 70% by mass. If the conductive polymer is less than 1% by mass, the amount of electrolyte and water absorbed and released by the conductive powder is too small, and the displacement amount of the polymer actuator is too small. If it exceeds 99.9% by mass, the metal salt content is too small and the conductivity is too small. The average particle size of the conductive polymer is preferably 10 nm to lmm. If the average particle size exceeds lmm The area force S in contact with the flowable ion supplier 20 is too small, which is not preferable because the response of the high molecular weight actuator is too low. Those with an average particle size of less than 10 nm are difficult to produce and handle.

[0048] The conductive powder preferably contains at least one selected from the group consisting of metals, metal salts, and carbon in addition to the conductive polymer and the dopant. The conductive powder containing at least one selected from the group consisting of metal, metal salt, and force bon has high conductivity. As the metal, iron, copper, nickel, titanium, zinc, chromium, aluminum, cobalt, gold, platinum, silver, manganese, tungsten, palladium, ruthenium, zirconium and the like are preferable. Examples of metal salts include iron trichloride and copper chloride.

[0049] A method for producing conductive powder will be described by taking as an example the case of containing a conductive polymer, a dopant and a metal salt. The powdery conductive polymer can be efficiently synthesized by oxidative polymerization. By dropping the monomer into an aqueous solution containing the dopant and the metal salt and stirring, the monomer polymerizes while taking in the dopant and the metal salt. As a result, a conductive powder containing a dopant and a metal salt in the conductive polymer can be produced. Metal salts such as copper chloride and iron trichloride also function as an oxidation polymerization catalyst. Metal salt It is preferable to dissolve the metal salt in an aqueous solution, polar organic solution or ionic solution so that the molar ratio of Z monomer is about ιοΖΐ to ΐΖΐοο.

[0050] The thickness of the thin layer electrode 12 is preferably about 0.1 μm to 10 mm. The thin layer electrode 12 may be bonded to the green compact 11 with an adhesive, or may be formed on the green compact 11 by chemical bonding, electric bonding, vacuum deposition, or the like. Examples of the method for forming the thin layer electrode 12 on the green compact 11 include chemical plating, electric plating, vacuum deposition, sputtering, coating, pressure bonding, welding, and the like. The thin layer electrode 12 is preferably made of platinum, gold, silver, copper, nickel, stainless steel, or carbon.

[0051] The porous spacer 13 on the drive end side is attached with drive members 6a, 6b comprising movable plates 61a, 61b and drive bars 62a, 62b connected perpendicularly to the movable plates 61a, 61b. ing. The openings 31 and 31 are sealed so that the flowable ion supplier 20 does not leak from the openings 31 and 31. The ion supplier 20 needs to have fluidity that does not hinder the expansion and contraction of the green compact 11. A preferred example of the flowable ion supplier 20 is the same as the example shown in FIG. [0052] When the green compact 11 is oxidized, it absorbs the ion supply body 20 and expands. When the green compact 11 is reduced, the ion supply body 20 is released and contracts. Therefore, the green compact 11 becomes conductive by applying a voltage through the external electrode 7. The laminates 10a and 10b can be expanded and contracted to displace the drive members 6a and 6b to the left and right.

[0053] The polymer actuator shown in FIG. 9 has a pair of cells 3a and 3b. The first conductive film la is accommodated in one cell 3a, and the second conductive film lb is accommodated in the other cell 3b. Since it is almost the same as the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 except for being accommodated, only the differences will be described below.

[0054] Electrolyte plates 21 and 21 are accommodated in the cells 3a and 3b, respectively, and the first conductive film la and the second electrode are disposed on one surface of each of the electrolyte plates 21 and 21 via the lubricating electrolyte layers 22 and 22, respectively. Each of the conductive films lb is provided. The electrolyte plates 21 and 21 are connected by a salt bridge 23. Shiohashi 2 3 is flexible and is preferred.

[0055] The polymer actuator shown in FIG. 10 is substantially the same as the example shown in FIG. 9 except that the conductive laminates 10a and 10b are accommodated in the pair of cells 3a and 3b, respectively. This will be described below. The conductive laminates 10a and 10b may be the same as the polymer activator shown in FIG. In the cells 3a and 3b, fluid ion suppliers 20 and 20 are placed, respectively. The ion suppliers 20 and 20 are connected by a salt bridge 23.

[0056] The polymer actuator shown in FIG. 11 is substantially the same as the example shown in FIG. 9 except that the cells 3a and 3b have redox electrodes 72 and 72 provided in contact with the electrolyte plates 21 and 21, respectively. Therefore, only differences will be described below. The redox electrodes 72 and 72 are provided on the surface opposite to the conductive films la and lb. The redox electrodes 72 and 72 are connected by a conductive wire 24.

[0057] The redox electrodes 72, 72 may be made of a high molecular compound as long as it is made of a material having redox ability, may have a low molecular weight organic compound force, and may have an inorganic substance force. . Examples of the polymer compound having an acid reducing ability include polyacetylene, polythiophene, polypyrrole, polyaniline, polyparaphenylene, polyphenylene sulfide, polyphenylene oxide, polyphenylene vinylene, polyacene and derivatives thereof. It is done. Examples of inorganic substances include cyano complexes of transition metal elements such as iron, nickel, cobalt, ruthenium, and gold, ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid complexes, chloro complexes, and halogens such as iodine and bromine. Examples of organic compounds include viologens, porphyrins, phthalocyanines , Quinones, and thiolate compounds.

The polymer actuator shown in FIG. 12 is an example shown in FIG. 10, except that the redox electrodes 72 and 72 are accommodated in the pair of cells 3a and 3b, respectively, and the conductive wire 24 is connected to the redox electrodes 72 and 72. Therefore, only the differences will be described below. The redox electrodes 72 and 72 are immersed in the ion supply bodies 20 and 20 placed in the cells 3a and 3b. Examples of the redox electrodes 72 and 72 are the same as the polymer actuator shown in FIG.

FIG. 13 shows still another example of the polymer actuator of the present invention. In the high molecular weight actuator shown in FIG. 13, first and second conductive films la and lb are provided in the cells 3a and 3b in the longitudinal direction, respectively, and fluid ions are supplied into the cells 3a and 3b. Since it is almost the same as the polymer actuator shown in FIG. 11 except that the body 20 is filled, only the differences will be described below.

[0060] The fixed ends of the first and second conductive films la and lb are bonded to the inner surfaces of the cells 3a and 3b. The movable plates 61a and 61b of the drive members 6a and 6b are attached to the movable end portions of the first and second conductive films la and lb. Elastic bodies 8a and 8b are stretched between the movable plates 61a and 61b and the inner walls of the cells 3a and 3b. The first and second conductive films la and lb are stretched by the elastic bodies 8a and 8b. It is in the state that was. As shown in FIG. 13, in a state where current is not applied, the movable plates 61a and 61b are stopped at a position where the elastic forces of the first and second conductive films la and lb and the elastic bodies 8a and 8b are balanced. Yes. Preferable examples of the elastic bodies 8a and 8b include a string-like, film-like or net-like rubber, a panel having a shape memory alloy force, and a panel made of a metal other than the shape memory alloy.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 14 (a), when a voltage is applied so that the first conductive film la becomes a positive electrode, the first conductive film la is oxidized and stretched. The movable plate 61a moves to the right side in the figure by the elastic force. On the other hand, the second conductive film lb is reduced and contracts against the elastic body 8b. Therefore, the movable plate 61b moves to the left side in the figure. When the switches 4a and 4b are opened and the switch 50 of the short circuit 5 is closed, the movable plates 61a and 61b return to the positions where the elastic forces of the conductive films la and lb and the elastic bodies 8a and 8b are balanced (FIG. 14 (b) ) Then, when energized in the opposite direction, as shown in FIG. 14 (c), the first conductive film la is reduced and contracts, the movable plate 61a moves to the left side, and the second conductive film lb As a result, the movable plate 61b moves to the right.

Example [0062] The present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the following examples, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0063] Example 1

By electropolymerization, a polypyrrole film (thickness 20 m) containing BF— as a dopant was formed.

Four

Obtained. This polypyrrole film is used as a first conductive film la and a second conductive film lb (length: 10 mm, width: 5 mm), and a 1.0 M NaPF aqueous solution is used as the ion supplier 20 as shown in FIG. High minute

6

I assembled a child actuator. At this time, the load (external load) applied to the conductive films la and lb was 5 g, respectively. As the reference electrode R, a silver electrode was used. As shown in Table 1, a voltage was applied from the external electrode 7, and the current value and voltage value of the circuit 4 and the amount of expansion and contraction of the first conductive film la were measured. The applied voltage was switched when the displacement of the first conductive film la reached the maximum. The results are shown in Table 1 and FIG. The displacement amount in FIGS. 15 to 18 indicates the displacement amount of the drive member 6a connected to the first conductive film la.

[0064] [Table 1]

Note 1: Indicates the voltage applied from external electrode 7.

Note 2: Calculated by the following formula (1), and the relative values when Comparative Example 2 is 1.00 are shown in the table. The numerator on the right side of Equation (1) represents mechanical energy, and the denominator represents electrical energy.

[Number 1] External load X fe¾…

Current X potential X application time ''

[0065] Example 2

A high molecular weight actuator is assembled in the same manner as in Example 1 except that a platinum electrode is used in place of the second conductive film lb, and a voltage is applied to apply the current and voltage values of the circuit 4 and the first conductive The amount of expansion / contraction of the sex membrane la was measured. The results are shown in Table 1 and FIG.

[0066] Comparative Example 1

Using the same polymer actuator as in Example 1, as shown in Table 1, voltage was applied so as not to go through the short-circuiting process, and the current value and voltage value of circuit 4 and the first conductive film la were expanded. Shrinkage was measured. The results are shown in Table 1 and FIG.

[0067] Comparative Example 2

Using the same polymer actuator as in Example 2, as shown in Table 1, a voltage was applied so as not to go through the short-circuit process, and the current value and voltage value of circuit 4 and the first conductive film la were expanded. Shrinkage was measured. The results are shown in Table 1 and FIG.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] A first conductor containing a conductive polymer and a dopant, a second conductor, an ion supplier in contact with the first and second conductors, and the first and second conductors A polymer actuator comprising: a circuit for applying a voltage to a conductor; and a circuit for short-circuiting a current between the first and second conductors.

[2] The polymer activator according to claim 1, wherein the second conductor also has a compound power having an oxidation-reduction ability.

[3] The polymer actuator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second conductor comprises a conductive polymer and a dopant.

[4] The polymer activator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the conductive polymer is at least one selected from the group consisting of polypyrrole, polythiophene, polyarine, polyacetylene, and derivatives thereof. A high-performance polymer actuator.

[5] The polymer activator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the ion supplier is a solution, a sol, a gel, or a combination thereof.

[6] The polymer actuator according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the first and second electric conductors are in a film form, and the gap between the first electric conductor and the second electric conductor. A polymer activator characterized in that a solid and Z- or gel-like ion donor is sandwiched between them.

[7] The polymer actuator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least one of the first and second conductors includes a conductive polymer and a dopant. A polymer activator characterized by

[8] The polymer actuator according to any one of [1] to [7], comprising a pair of cells in which the ion supplier is placed, wherein the first conductor and the second conductor are in each cell. A polymer activator, which is accommodated and electrically connected to the ion supplier placed in each cell.

[9] A method for driving the polymer actuator according to any one of claims 1 to 8, After applying a voltage so that one of the first and second conductors is a positive electrode and the other is a negative electrode by a circuit for applying the voltage, the first and second conductors are reversed. A method comprising short-circuiting a current between both conductors by the circuit to be short-circuited before applying a voltage.