CN103688318B - For producing the automatic manufacturing technique of deformable polymer device and film - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclose a kind of for producing the technique for the patterning deformable polymer film used in deformable polymer device.This technique includes: be positioned between deformable film and technology and pattern assembly in intermediate layer；And on described deformable film, print at least one electrode by deposition ink, to form at least one electrode described on the first surface of described deformable film, wherein said intermediate layer allows to discharge described deformable film from technology and pattern assembly after typography.The film produced by present invention process can find use in electroactive polymer device.

Description

For producing the automatic manufacturing technique of deformable polymer device and film

Related application

This application claims following application rights and interests under 35 USC § 119 (e): the title that on April 21st, 2011 submits to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/477,675 for " AUTOMATED EPAM MANUFACTURING PROCESSES "；2011 The U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/477,709 of entitled " LINER-LESS PRINTING " that April 21 submitted to；2011 5 The U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/482,751 of entitled " LINER-LESS PRINTING II " that the moon 5 was submitted to；2011 3 The U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/ of entitled " FIBRILLATED STRUCTURE FOR ELECTRODE " that the moon 1 was submitted to 477,832；Entitled " the MODIFIED SOFT TOOLING AND EFFECT OF that on October 13rd, 2011 submits to TROUGHS IN PRINT THICKNESS " U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/546,683；Submit to on October 21st, 2011 Entitled " USE CONTINUOUS WEB FRAME BELT FOR ROLL-TO-ROLL CARTRIDGE PRINTING/ PROCESS " U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/549,799, the full content of each of these applications by quote and also Enter.

Technical field

Present invention relates in general to manufacture, and more particularly relate to produce electroactive polymer membrane and the height of device Capacity manufacturing process.

Background technology

The various devices used now depend on a type or electric energy is turned by another type of actuator Change mechanical energy into.On the contrary, many power generation applications operate by mechanical action is converted into electric energy.It is used to this side Formula harvest machinery energy, the device of same type can be referred to as electromotor.Similarly, when using this structure to incite somebody to action for measurement purposes When physical stimulation (such as vibration or pressure) is converted into the signal of telecommunication, this structure can be characterized as being sensor.But, term " changes Energy device " can be used to generically refer to any one in device.

Multiple design considers to promote (also referred to as " electroactive for making the senior dielectric elastomer material of transducer Polymer ") selection and use.These considerations include the conversion/consumption of potential field power, power density, power, size, weight, one-tenth Basis, response time, dutycycle, demand for services, environmental effect etc..Thus, in numerous applications, electroactive polymer technology is The electromagnetic device supply ideal substitute of piezoelectricity marmem and such as motor and solenoid etc.

Electroactive polymer transducers includes two electrodes having deformability characteristics and being separated by thin elastomeric dielectric material. When voltage difference is applied in electrode, the electrode of opposite charges attracts one another, thus compresses the polymer dielectric layer between them. Along with electrode is pulled to be close together, dielectric polymer film becomes thinner (z-component contraction), because it is in plane side Upwards expand (along X-axis and Y-axis), i.e. in the displacement of film is plane.Electroactive polymer membrane can be configured to Produce mobile on the direction that membrane structure is orthogonal (along Z axis), i.e. the displacement of film is out-of-plane.United States Patent (USP) No. 7,567, 681 disclose and provide the electroactive polymer membrane of this plane outer displacement to construct, and also referred to as areal deformation or thickness mode is inclined Turn.

The material of electroactive polymer membrane and physical attribute can be varied and controlled to customize the change that transducer is experienced Shape.More specifically, relative between such as relative resilient, polymeric film and electrode material between polymeric film and electrode material The physical patterns of thickness and/or polymeric film and/or the variable thickness of electrode material, polymeric film and/or electrode material (is used for The active and inactive region that localizes is provided), as the overall and tension force that is placed on electroactive polymer membrane or prestrain and The factor of the voltage being applied in film or the amount of electric capacity sensed on film etc can be controlled and change to be in customization film Feature during active patterns.

There are many application that the advantage provided by this electroactive polymer membrane is provided, be whether used alone this film Or in electroactive polymer actuator, use it.One of many application include being used as to activate by electroactive polymer transducers Device is to produce sense of touch feedback (information being conveyed to user by the power being applied in user's body) in user interface means.Deposit In user interface means known to many, it typically uses sense of touch to feed back in response to by Client-initiated power.Can use tactile Feel that the example of the user interface means fed back includes keyboard, keypad, game console, remotely control, touch screen, computer Mus Mark, trace ball, stylus rod, stick etc..Surface of user interface can include that user is about from the feedback of device or information And any surface handled, utilize and/or observe.The example of such interface surface includes but not limited to button (such as, keyboard On button), cribbage-board or button, display screen etc..

The sense of touch feedback provided by the interface device of these types have user directly (such as via the touch to screen), Indirectly or otherwise sense (such as (such as via such as vibrating effect when mobile phone vibrates in handbag or bag) Via producing the action moved of pressure disturbance sensed by user) the form of physical sensation, such as vibration, arteries and veins Punching, elastic force etc..Such as smart phone, personal media player, portable computing device, portable game system, electronics are read The sharp increase of the consumer electronics's medium device reading device etc. can produce fraction client and will benefit from or expect electronic medium device The situation of the haptic effect improved in part.But, increasing the haptic capabilities in each model of electronic medium device may be because of device The cost of the increase of part or the profile of increase and unreasonable.Additionally, the client of some electronic medium device is it may be desirable to change temporarily Enter the electronic medium device haptic capabilities for some activity.

To electroactive polymer material in consumer electronics's medium device and other commercializations many and consumer's application Use highlight the needs improving volume of production while keeping the concordance of film and accuracy.

Summary of the invention

Can with these the electroactive polymer devices that be used together of design include but not limited to plane, barrier film, thickness mode, Any kind of described in spool and passive coupling device (mixing) and commonly assigned patent described herein and application Electroactive polymer device.

In some deform, electroactive polymer actuator includes at least one electroactive polymer box, and wherein this electricity is lived Property polymer case includes electroactive polymer membrane, and this electroactive polymer membrane includes dielectric elastomer layer, wherein this dielectric elastomeric A part for body layer is between the first electrode and the second electrode, and wherein the lap of electrode limits the work including active part Property region, puts on triggering signal electrode thereon and makes active region move to produce haptic effect.

Electroactive polymer actuator can include multiple discrete electric living polymer box being coupled, wherein this electricity Electroactive polymer actuator includes the active part increased, and it includes each active region of each electroactive polymer box.

As indicated above, however it remains obtained by batch production or relatively low capacity manufacturing process in holding A large amount of needs producing this electroactive polymer device while Performance Characteristics.

The technique that the disclosure includes making for the high power capacity of deformable polymer membrane module.In one deforms, this work Skill includes the film pushing away elastomeric material before the aliment of elastomeric material is continuous, makes described film mechanical strain to produce holding alternatively With the aliment continuous print the first prestrain film section (section) of elastomeric material, support this film section so that this first film Section include supported portion divide and non-supported portion divide, deposition ink divide with the non-supported portion at this first film section first Produce at least the first electrode on side, and deposition ink is not with being propped up at this first film section relative with described first electrode Produce at least the second electrode on the second side that support part is divided, and form at least one comparative electrode to complete electroactive polymer membrane At least the first section, and collect electroactive polymer membrane the first section.

Alternatively, this technique can also include making this film mechanical strain keep and this film continuous print second prestrain to produce Film section, supports described second prestrain film section so that this second prestrain film section includes that supported portion is divided and do not propped up Support part is divided, and the first side that deposition ink divides with the non-supported portion at this second prestrain film section produces at least the first electricity Pole, prints at least on the second side that the non-supported portion of this second prestrain film section relative with described first electrode is divided Two electrodes, with formed at least one comparative electrode to thus complete at least the second section of electroactive polymer membrane, and collect Second section of electroactive polymer membrane.

In some deformation of present invention process, this film district can be supported by the rigidity increasing a part for film section Section.

This technique can also include that stacking or lamination at least the first and second sections are to produce multilayer film.

Manufacturing process of the present invention some deformation in, can stacking or laminating technology step before or period by structure Or the layer of jointing material puts on electroactive polymer membrane.

Technique described herein can include by launching to carry out the supply from elastomeric material by the supply spool of elastomeric material The film of elastomeric material is pushed away before thing.Can be with constant rate of speed or the most before push away this film, wherein each section of this film is one Stop at each in series of processes station reaching the given time of staying.

In some deformation of manufacturing process, support the first prestrain film section and include that supporting layer puts on first in advance should Become film section and/or UV or heat treatment are put on the first prestrain film section.

As a part for manufacturing process of the present invention, band or the other materials being applied in edge can be utilized alternatively Reinforce this film, to prevent tear or tear from propagating.Described band or the material that applied can so that this film can stretch this The mode of kind is stretchable or is patterned.

Prestrain puts on this film to be included on the corresponding near and far edge of this film and use the first and second bandings Component of thing, wherein each top surface including clamping this film and the basal surface in this first and second ribbons component, and And wherein this ribbon component includes the material with the Young's modulus bigger than the Young's modulus of this film.Alternatively, this banding Component of thing can include the ribbon component of perforation, and wherein uses perforation spool to make this film mechanical strain.

A kind of method producing perforated strip is by polymeric film lamination or to be cast on release liner, this release liner There is the essence that be parallel to reel (web) direction similar with the perforation line at the edge along pin type feeding (pin-fed) printing paper Thin perforation line.During transducer fabrication process of the present invention, the center of release liner can be with not distinguished by support of this film From and by along perforation line tear and separate with the band of the release liner at the edge along this film.The residue bar of release liner Band is used as perforated strip and can have the overpunch limiting hole, and described hole is to be come by the pin on perforation spool or sprocket wheel Punch out.Alternatively, as a part for transducer fabrication process, can punch, hole or cut this some holes.

The strain of this film can be bi-directionally or uni-directionally, in advance should producing isotropism prestrain film section or anisotropy Become film section.

The use of frock described herein (tooling) and technique also allows for using silk-screen printing technique, wherein works as ink When being applied in prestrain film, before leaning on technology and pattern assembly, push away the first prestrain film section.

In some deforms, present invention process can include the use of " soft frock ".Such as, typography can also include It is positioned at removable lining between the first prestrain film section and technology and pattern assembly to help in advance should from technology and pattern assembly release first Become film section.Alternatively or in conjunction, typography can include engineering surface and/or comply with (compliant) Layer is positioned between the first prestrain film section and technology and pattern assembly to help to discharge the first prestrain film section from technology and pattern assembly. In another deforms, this technique can include being positioned at deformable layer between the first prestrain film section and technology and pattern assembly, its In this deformable layer allow in the case of not using the lining adhering to the first prestrain film section, discharge this first prestrain Film section.This deformable layer can include froth bed.

Soft frock allows the pressure changing on the same surface of this film.Such as, can also include can for technique described herein Deformation layer, this deformable layer includes at least one chamber on the surface of this deformable layer so that lean on the first prestrain film section Apply this deformable layer and allow the second pressure of the first pressure at this chamber and this surface, to allow the ink degree of depth of change It is printed on the first prestrain film section.

Manufacturing process of the present invention can also include that at least framework and/or output bars put on electroactive polymer membrane One section is to assemble electroactive polymer actuator device.Alternatively, the work of the first section of electroactive polymer membrane is collected Skill includes the spool being wound around multiple electroactive polymer membrane to form electroactive polymer membrane.

Another deformation of technique described below includes producing electroactive for use in electroactive polymer device Polymeric film.In one deforms, this technique includes that the section prestrain making elastica, to produce prestrain elastica, supports and is somebody's turn to do Prestrain elastica；Intermediate layer is positioned between prestrain elastica and technology and pattern assembly, and will at least by deposition ink One electrode is screen printed onto in prestrain elastica to form electrode on the first surface of prestrain elastica, wherein said Intermediate layer allows to discharge second surface from technology and pattern assembly after silk-screen printing technique.

This intermediate layer can include removable lining.Alternatively or in conjunction, this intermediate layer can include quantity sheet Face and/or compliant layer, wherein said engineering surface includes from by parchment paper, screen cloth (screen mesh), net grain surface, do not glue The surface selected in the group that surface and polymer flake are constituted.

In another deforms, this intermediate layer includes deformable layer.Such as, this deformable layer can include ethylene-vinyl acetate Ester foamed materials.This deformable layer can include similar soft material (such as silicones and polyurethane gel) or have and be suitable to this The foam of the surface release property of film.The use of deformable layer also allows for the multiple chambeies in this deformable layer.This chamber allows at silk Changing the district of pressure during wire mark brush, this technique also includes that ink is deposited on the first of prestrain elastica by the rank with change On surface.

The present invention disclosed herein another deformation include by the technique comprised the following steps prepare for electricity live Property polymer device in use electroactive polymer membrane: make the section prestrain of elastica, use this elastica and technique work On the surface of the section that at least one electrode is screen printed onto elastica by the deformable layer between dress, wherein this deformable layer bag Include the one or more chambeies allowing to change pressure during deposition ink, in order to be deposited on by the ink section with varying depth In this elastica；And one or more frameworks, output bars or bending section are adhered to film surface.

In addition to silk screen printing, such as flexographic printing, bat printing (pad printing), intaglio printing (gravure Printing), other typographies of ink jet printing and aerosol injection printing etc may certify that it is in this manufacturing process Useful.

After the details of the present invention read as described more fully below, these and other features of the present invention, mesh And advantage will become will be apparent to persons skilled in the art.Additionally, the deformation bag of technique described herein and device Including may be in the combination of the embodiment in the scope of the present disclosure or the combination of the aspect of embodiment, even if those combinations are not shown Illustrate likes or discuss.

Accompanying drawing explanation

It is best understood by the present invention from detailed description below when reading in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.In order to promote to understand, (can During row) use identical reference to specify like public for accompanying drawing.Herein below is included in attached In figure:

Figure 1A and Figure 1B illustrates the top of before applying voltage and afterwards transducer according to an embodiment of the invention Portion's perspective view；

Fig. 2 A illustrative exemplary electroactive polymer box；

Fig. 2 B diagram electroactive polymer actuator, inertial mass and the exploded view of actuator housings；

Fig. 3 A diagram for being prepared as the schematic volume to volume technique of electroactive polymer membrane by elastica；

Fig. 3 B diagram is combined to create two spools of the electroactive polymer membrane of electroactive polymer device；

Fig. 4 A to 4D diagram uses stiff ribbon shape component of thing to help to control the example of the expectation strain in elastica；

Fig. 5 A is shown in a deformation of typography useful when manufacturing electroactive polymer actuator；

Fig. 5 B diagram eliminates a deformation of the printing configuration of the demand to the lining similar with the lining shown in Fig. 5 A；

Fig. 5 C demonstration film in the case of not using any layer as shown in Figure 5A and 5B directly contacts the work of froth bed Another deformation that assembling is put；

Fig. 6 illustrates the etching froth bed allowing to deposit the ink rank of change in identical typography；

Fig. 7 A describes the square pattern micro structure of the electroactive polymer membrane being screen printed；

The electrically active films that Fig. 7 B is shown through flexographic printing and prints have fibril micro structure；

Fig. 8 illustrates the continuous drum frame of use to keep the present invention process of prestrain silicone resin film；

Fig. 9 demonstration is sequentially directed at several printing stations on reel；And

Figure 10 illustrates the layout producing line of process according to the invention.

It is contemplated that the present invention from the deformation shown in figure deforms.

Detailed description of the invention

Such as United States Patent (USP) No. 7,394,282,7,378,783,7,368,862,7,362,032,7,320,457, 7,259,503、7,233,097、7,224,106、7,211,937、7,199,501、7,166,953、7,064,472、7,062, 055、7,052,594、7,049,732、7,034,432、6,940,221、6,911,764、6,891,317、6,882,086、6, 876,135、6,812,624、6,809,462、6,806,621、6,781,284、6,768,246、6,707,236、6,664, 718、6,628,040、6,586,859、6,583,533、6,545,384、6,543,110、6,376,971、6,343,129、7, 952,261、 7,911,761、7,492,076、7,761,981、7,521,847、7,608,989、7,626,319、7,915, 789,7,750,532,7,436,099,7,199,501,7,521,840,7,595,580 and 7,567,681 and United States Patent (USP) The open No. 2009/0154053,2008/0116764,2007/0230222,2007/0200457,2010/0109486 of application With 2011/128239 and PCT Publication No. WO2010/054014 describe showing of electroactive polymer device and application thereof Example, above-mentioned every full content is incorporated herein by.

The invention provides a kind of poly-for producing the patterning deformable for using in deformable polymer device The technique of compound film, this technique be included between deformable film and technology and pattern assembly location intermediate layer and by deposition ink near Lack an electrode print on this deformable film to form this at least one electrode on the first surface of this deformable film, wherein This intermediate layer allows to discharge this deformable film from technology and pattern assembly after typography.

The most useful film includes but not limited to those films being made up of polymer, all silicon trees in this way of this polymer Fat, polyurethane, acrylate, hydrocarbon rubbers, olefin copolymer, polyvinylidene fluoride copolymers thing, fluorubber styrol copolymer with And adhesive elastomer.

Schematically illustrate employing electroactive polymer membrane it should be noted that discussed here or have this electroactive poly- The exemplary configuration of the device of the transducer of compound film.Many deformation are in the scope of the present disclosure, such as in the deformation of device, Electroactive polymer transducers may be implemented as moving mass block to produce inertial haptic sensation.Alternatively, when electroactive When polymer transducers is coupled to assembly described herein, it can produce mobile in electronic medium device.Utilize public here The electroactive transducer of the technique manufacture opened can be used as actuator, electromotor or sensor in other application many, described Other application include but not limited to that fluid handling system, motor control, adaptive optics, vibration control system and energy are received Obtain system.

In any application, electroactive polymer transducers the displacement produced can be in complete plane (it is felt Survey as transverse shifting) or can be out-of-plane (it is sensed to be vertical displacement).Alternatively, electroactive polymer transducing Equipment material can be segmented to provide the section of independently addressable/movement, in order to provides shell or the position, angle of electronic medium device Move or the combination of other kinds of displacement.Furthermore, it is possible to user interface means described here merges any number of electricity Living polymer transducer or film (as disclosed in the application and patents listed here).

Electroactive polymer transducers may be configured to be displaced to applied voltage, this facilitates anti-with target sense of touch The programming of the control system that feedback device is used together.For a variety of reasons, for such application, electroactive polymer transducing Device is preferable.Such as, because they lighter weight and few parts, electroactive polymer transducers has been supplied the lowest Profile, and thus for making to be used to say that preferably in sensation/sense of touch feedback application.

Figure 1A and 1B diagram electroactive polymer membrane or the example of barrier film 10 structure.Thin elastomeric dielectric film or layer 12 are sandwiched in Comply with or between stretchable battery lead plate or layer 14 and 16, be consequently formed capacitive structure or film.The length " l " of dielectric layer and width The length and width of " w " and composite construction is more much bigger than its thickness " t ".Preferably, the thickness that dielectric layer is had is from about In the range of 10 μm to about 100 μm, wherein the gross thickness of structure is in the range of about 15 μm to about 10cm.Additionally, it is desirable to Select elastic modelling quantity, thickness and/or the geometry of electrode 14,16, lead to so that they contribute to the additional hardness of actuator The often less than hardness of dielectric layer 12, described dielectric layer 12 has relatively low elastic modelling quantity and (is i.e. less than about 100MPa and more excellent Selection of land is less than about 10MPa) it is likely that thicker than each in electrode.Be suitable to comply with capacitive structure with these be used together Electrode be can stand greater than about 1% cyclic strain and those electrodes of not breaking down because of mechanical fatigue.

As see in Figure 1B, when a voltage is applied across the electrodes, the charges of different polarity in two electrodes 14,16 are each other Attract, and these electrostatic attractions force compresses dielectric film 12(is along Z axis).So that this dielectric film 12 with electric field change and Deflection.Owing to electrode 14,16 is complied with, therefore they change shape with dielectric layer 12.In the context of the present invention, " partially Turn " refer to a part for dielectric film 12 any displacement, expand, shrink, reverse, linear or areal strain or any other change Shape.According to the framework (such as framework) (being referred to as " transducer ") using capacitive structure 10 wherein, it is possible to use this deflection Produce mechanical power.Disclosed in the references being identified above and describe various different transducer framework.

In the case of applying voltage, transducer membrane 10 continues deflection, until mechanical force balances drives the quiet of this deflection Till electric power.This mechanical force includes the elastic restoring force of dielectric layer 12, the compliance of electrode 14,16 or stretching and changes by being coupled to Any external drag that the device of energy device 10 and/or load provide.Transducer 10 is due to the voltage that applied and the deflection obtained Might also depend on the dielectric constant of such as elastomeric material and other factors multiple of its size and hardness etc.Remove voltage Difference and the electric charge sensed cause reverse effect.

In some cases, electrode 14 and 16 can cover the dielectric film 12 finite part relative to this film gross area.This The electrical breakdown can being finished to prevent around dielectric edge or the deflection realizing customization in its some part.Can make Obtain active region (it is a part for dielectric material, has the electrostatic force of the deflection that be enough to realize this part) dielectric material outward Serve as the outside elastic force on this active region during deflecting.More specifically, the material outside active region can be shunk by it Expand resist or strengthen active region deflection.

Dielectric film 12 can be by prestrain.This prestrain improves the conversion between electric energy and mechanical energy, i.e. this prestrain Dielectric film 12 is allowed to deflect more and that offer is bigger mechanical power.The prestrain of film can be described as prestrain later direction On size relative to the change of the size in the direction before prestrain.Prestrain can include dielectric film elastic deformation and can With such as by with this film of tension force stretching and when being stretched one or more in built-in edge and formed.Can be at this film Boundary or the part only for this film apply prestrain, and can be by using rigid frame or by making this film A part of hardening implement prestrain.

Many referenced patent disclosed herein and publication described more fully the transducer architecture of Figure 1A and 1B And other similar details complying with structure and its structure.

Fig. 2 A illustrates the exemplary electrical living polymerization being placed between rigid frame 8 by electroactive polymer transducers film 26 Thing box 12, wherein this electroactive polymer membrane 26 is exposed in the opening of this framework 8.The part that is exposed of film 26 includes being in Two work of the thin elastic electrode 32 on the either side of box 12 are right, and wherein electrode 32 clamps be exposed part or the bag of film 26 Enclose the part that is exposed of film 26.This electroactive polymer membrane 26 can have any number of configuration.But, an example In, electroactive polymer membrane 26 includes (such as by acrylate, silicones, urethane, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), hydrocarbon rubbers, fluorine rubber Glue, copolymer elastomer etc. are made) thin layer of elastomeric dielectric polymer.Electricity when the opposite charges crossing over each work pair Pole 32(i.e., cross over film 26 either side on paired electrode) apply voltage difference time, opposite electrode attracts one another, and thus compresses it Dielectric polymer layer 26 between.Region between opposite electrode is counted as active region.Along with electrode is pulled more to lean on The most together, dielectric polymer 26 becomes thinner (i.e. z-component contraction), because it expands (i.e. X-axis and Y in the in-plane direction Axle component expands) (for axle reference, see Figure 1B).Additionally, in the electrode package deformation containing conductive particle, be distributed in each electricity The same sex electric charge extremely gone up may make the conductive particle being embedded in this electrode repel each other, thus to elastic electrode and dielectric film Expansion contributes.In replaceable deformation, electrode does not comprise conductive particle (such as reticulate pattern sputtering metal membrane).So that be situated between Electric layer 26 deflects with the change of electric field.Because electrode material is also compliance, electrode layer changes shape with dielectric layer 26 Shape.As illustrated herein above, deflection refer to a part for dielectric layer 26 any displacement, expand, shrink, reverse, Linear or areal strain or any other deformation.This deflection can be used to produce mechanical power.It is shown that dielectric layer 16 One or more machinery output bars 34 can also be included.This 34 can optionally provide for inertial mass (such as following institute State) or for the direct-coupled attachment point with the substrate in electronic medium device.

When making transducer, elastica 26 can be stretched and is generally maintained in prestrain situation by rigid frame 8. In these deformation using quadrilateral frame, this film can be biaxially stretched.It has been observed that prestrain improves polymeric layer The dielectric strength of 26, is achieved in using and improving the conversion between electric energy and mechanical energy of higher electric field, i.e. prestrain allows Film deflection is more and provides bigger mechanical power.Preferably, make the after-applied electrode material of polymeric layer prestrain, but permissible It is previously applied electrode material.Two electrodes provided on the same side of layer 26 are (referred herein as with lateral electrode pair, i.e. dielectric Electrode on layer 26 top side and the electrode on dielectric layer 26 bottom side) can be electrically isolated from one.Phase on the opposite side of polymeric layer Electrode is formed two set of working electrode pair, i.e. formed a job by the electrode that electroactive polymer membrane 26 is spaced apart Electrode pair, and the electrode surrounding adjacent exposure electroactive polymer membrane 26 forms another working electrode pair.Each same lateral electrode To having identical polar, and the polarity of the electrode of each working electrode pair is opposite each other.Each electrode have for electricity The electrical connection of potential source and the electrical contact portion that configures.

In this deformation, electrode 32 is connected to voltage source via curved connector 30, and this curved connector 30 has and can connect Receive the lead-in wire 22,24 of the opposite pole of this voltage source.This box 12 also includes conductive through hole 18,20.This conductive through hole 18,20 is permissible There is provided the device of electrode 8 with respective lead 22 or 24 electric coupling for the polarity according to electrode.

Box 12 shown in Fig. 2 A shows a kind of 3 actuators configuration.But, device described herein and technique do not limit In any particular configuration, unless specifically claimed.Preferably, the number of bar 34 depends on the desired work for intended application Property region.The total amount (such as, the total amount in the region between electrode) of active region can attempt the quality of movement according to actuator Block and desired travel frequency and change.In one example, the size by firstly evaluating object to be moved determines The selection of the number of bar, and it is then determined that the quality of this object.Then right by configuring moving this with expected frequency range The design of elephant obtains actuator design.Clearly, any number of actuator design is in the scope of the present disclosure.

Then can form the electroactive of use in technique described here and device in a multitude of different ways to gather Compound actuator.For example, it is possible to there is multiple layer by three boxes that are stacked by multiple boxes 12, make or make multiple box have Multiple layers form electroactive polymer.Manufacture and produce consider to support to be stacked by single box to be formed electroactive Polymer actuator.In doing so, can be by through hole 18,20 be electrically coupled together the electric connection maintained between each box Property, so that adjacent box is coupled to same voltage source or power supply.

Box 12 shown in Fig. 2 A includes the three pairs of electrodes 32 separated by single dielectric layer 26.In one deforms, such as figure Shown in 2B, two or more boxes 12 are stacked to form the active actuators 14 being coupled to inertial mass 50. Alternatively, active actuators 14 can be directly coupled to electronic medium device by interim lamina affixa or framework.As following As being discussed, can active actuators 14 be placed in chamber 52 when expectation, this allows the movement of actuator.Container (pocket) 52 can be formed directly in the shell of sense of touch frame.Alternatively, this container 52 can be formed on and be positioned at device In independent frame 56 in part shell.If this container 52 is formed in independent frame 56, then can be based on the needs of actuator 14 Select the material properties of this independent frame 56.Such as, if the main body of sense of touch casing assembly is flexible, then this independent frame 56 can Be made into rigidity with provide to active actuators and/or the protection of mass 50.In any case, device described herein Deformation with technique includes the following size in chamber 52: it has the gap that be enough to allow actuator 14 and/or mass 50 to move, But have sufficiently close together so that chamber 52 barrier (such as sense of touch shell or individually frame 56) is used as to prevent active actuators 14 mistake The tolerance of the restriction of degree movement.Such feature prevents the active region over-travel of actuator 14, and over-travel may contracting Life-span of short actuator or otherwise damage actuator.

And disclosed commonly assigned patents and patent applications can find electroactive herein by being incorporated by The additional example of polymeric film.Volume to volume manufacture is the expectation mode quoted and produce high power capacity electroactive polymer device.It is right to roll up Roll to make and include: provide undressed stock's membrane material with scroll form, this material is processed into materials in storage and launches spool And the electroactive polymer device finally split when packaging technology finishes.Can also have volume to thin slice technique, its In make film to push away before section in Step-and-repeat mode.Produce line and be organized as a series for the treatment of stations, and film section is along reel one by one Stand and push away before ground.

When attempting with these films of high-volume production, the final configuration of electroactive polymer membrane presents challenge.Such as, exist Preferably by the degree of material prestrain to specific control very well before assembling.In deformable substrate, maintain consistent reel Speed and tension force and registrate multiple printing or patterning step is particularly difficult.Additionally, elastomeric material leads to during manufacturing process The most easily damaged, and the Performance And Reliability of the possible film that limit of this damage.

In order to solve these misgivings and limit, solve discussed above for producing the novel artistic of electroactive polymer device Problem.In one deforms, this technique includes making stock membrane material 300(typically, silicones) (that is, anti-from release liner The only lining of the material that film is adhered together) separate.But, stock's membrane material 300 can include for making electroactive polymerization Any material of sundries part, such as disclosed in the list of references being incorporated herein by.Volume to volume technique can include Spool, it is processed into and experiences various manufacturing process along with it and discharge stock's membrane material 300.Such as, such process is permissible Including TEFLON coating or prevent other release (or not gluing) coatings that film and spool adhere to.Spool can also be coated with centre Layer, such as engineering surface, removable lining, compliant layer or deformable layer.The example of engineering surface include but not limited to parchment paper, Net grain surface, screen cloth, non-adhering surfaces and polymer flake.The example of deformable layer includes but not limited to foam and soft net materials, Those materials being such as made up of ethylene vinyl acetate, silicones and polyurethane.In replaceable deformation, this technique can be wrapped Include and utilize the feeding directly from the extruding or other manufacturing process directly producing membrane material 96 to substitute stock's membrane material 300 Spool.

Along with membrane material 96 launches from stock's spool 300,302 release liner separated by the layer of membrane material 96 can be wound around again In 330.As here noted, membrane material 96 can be by prestrain.In shown deformation, use such as with friction speed The spool 302 advanced is along machine direction (being parallel to the direction of the traveling of material 96) stretched film material 96.Then, separation is used Mechanism 304 stretches this material 96 in transverse direction.Deformation includes expanded material 96 in machine direction and horizontal direction simultaneously (that is, biaxial stretcher).Desired stretching will depend upon which expected performance and the application of electroactive polymer device.Such as, may be used Material is stretched 30% in any one in machine direction and horizontal direction or both.

In some cases, it may be desirable that the supporting layer to film 96 is provided after the stretch.If it were to be so, it is permissible Laminate layers 308 is added film 96 to provide the additional support being used for the process to film.As discussed below, lamination 308 are also used for reducing the incidence rate of fracture in film 96 and damaged area being limited to the non-critical section of film 96.This laminate layers 308 sometimes referred to as " break-resistance (rip-stop) " layer or film.This break-resistance laminate layers can also include allow film 96 enter one Any number of opening that step processes.Although not shown, but any number of otch can be included in break-resistance layer 308 In, as long as the ability that offer supports does not loses and film 96 does not bend during processing.Break-resistance layer 308 can include Any number of polymeric material, including polyethylene terephthalate, polyester and Merlon.Break-resistance layer 308 is permissible There is surface process to optimize its mutual with film 96.Enough supporting and tear resistance to provide, break-resistance layer 308 should have There is the excellent surface to film 96 to stop or engage.Correspondingly, it is possible to use break-resistance layer 308 is laminated by adhesive layer, coating or band To film 96.Preferably, break-resistance layer 308 can include allowing access into the process further of film 96 in electroactive polymer device Opening.These openings can be produced by any traditional handicraft (such as punching press, cut, etching etc.).Although having anti-broken Split the laminated film 96 of 308 to be carried out by manufacturing process as shown in fig. 3.But the replaceable deformation of technique is permissible Film 96 it is wound around again after being included in the lamination utilizing break-resistance layer 308.

Printing layer can be used as the replacement to lamination break-resistance layer.Printing material can be can be applied in film and than Any material that more tough and tensile and more anti tear the place of film solidifies or is dried.The example of suitable material includes but not limited to poly-ammonia Ester, silicones, acrylate and epoxy system.

It follows that fed the film 96 with break-resistance 308 by one or more electrode print assemblies 310.Electrode prints Brush assemblies 310 can also connect alternatively for the electrode print busbar on film 96 both sides.Any number of web feed printing work Skill (includes flexographic printing, intaglio printing (also referred to as rotogravure printing or rotary printing), silk screen printing, rotary screen Printing, ink jet printing, aerosol injection printing etc.) electrode necessary to electroactive polymer device can be produced.Can be with pin To the skew caused by the opening in break-resistance layer, to adjust typography, (such as, printing spool may make axle sleeve raise, should Axle sleeve is aligned the time and is not laminated part be printed on film 96).Additionally, the registration of film 96 roll position is probably and guarantees electricity In pole is printed on the opening of break-resistance lamination and necessary on the reel of film 96.Can be by printing or similar application Conventional any such registration application is in technique disclosed herein.

Fig. 3 A also illustrates the printing carried out on two surfaces of film 96.As indicated above, at film 96 Electrode is needed to place on every side.In the replaceable deformation of this technique, can print on the single side of film 96, so After, this film 96 is wound around and is utilized the printing carried out on the opposite sides to be reprocessed in subsequent technique again.Alternatively, single The film of side printing can be stacked or be laminated, and the most single electrode can be used to provide two adjacent membranes in multiple-level stack Service.Under any circumstance, registration is probably and guarantees electrode print on the opposite side of membrane material and the different sections of film On be within manufacturing tolerance necessary.

Once electrode is placed on film 96, it is possible to utilize the insertion between each layer of film 96 or stratum disjunctum 314 This film 96 is wound around again.Alternatively, film 96 can continue additional treatments to assemble electroactive gathering as described here Compound framework and supporting construction.

Fig. 3 B illustrates, in the technique producing double-layer electric living polymer device, printing elastica 96 material is entered one The example that step processes.It is shown that the two of print film 96 sources can be fed 316 or be wound around and engage to be formed double again The electroactive polymer membrane 96 of layer.According to desired application, can engage or be laminated this film alternatively.It follows that can be double On the both sides of layer electroactive polymer membrane 96, one or more box frameworks 318 added or be joined to film 96.Except putting of framework Outside putting, it is also possible to by each electrode, one or more output bars or spider 320 are positioned at double-layer electric living polymer On the opposite side of film 96.The structural detail of such as bending section etc can also be placed on film.Overprinting station can be used In printing for framework, bending section and the binding agent of output bars or structural material.Finally, can live from the electricity that reel has removed Property polymer device (such as cross cutting, punching, cut etc.).Clearly, the deformation of technique can be included in appointing of technique Remove material after what in stage, therefore, it can in batch processing rather than in transfer tape assemble system, complete this device.This Outward, the deformation of technique includes being wound around the electroactive polymer device completed again removing for follow-up.

In replaceable deformation, the technique for making electroactive polymer device can include elastomeric polymer UV, Heat or surface process.Lead it has been found by the inventor that this film is carried out UV process before by electrode deposition on film The improvement stroke performance of the actuator caused.While not wishing to be bound in any particular theory, but the invention of the present invention People believes, UV exposure, silicones, polyurethane, acrylate, hydrocarbon rubbers, olefin copolymer, polyvinylidene fluoride copolymers thing, fluorine Rubber, styrol copolymer and adhesive elastomer may change the uniformity that the surface energy of film deposits with modified electrode.Additionally, The present inventor speculates, UV solidification may change bulk modulus or other attributes of elastomer, so that it better conforms to, and And UV process can revise in a manufacturing process heat load during crosslinking polymeric film in remaining function group.

No matter actual mechanism how, it has been found by the inventor that UV solidification is the stroke for improving actuator Effective process of performance.In one example, compared with non-UV curing elastomer, UV solidification makes the impulse response of actuator improve 20% and characterize actuator with more low resonant frequency.The parameter of UV solidification is by the expectation according to final electroactive polymer device Application and many factors and change.In one example, it was found that 6.5-7.0 J/cm²UV solidification be to improve the rushing of actuator The optimum point that the UV of Cheng Xingneng processes.UV solidification (before depositing electrode) another unexpected advantage be: UV solidification and Queuing time between electrode print is not sensible factor.In the research carried out by the present inventor, queuing time can To last up to 25 days.This result of study may potentially allow for carrying out immediately UV solidification during or after making film prestrain. In some cases, operations described below can be possible: processes elastomer during film manufactures, so that being made into from elastica Time keep these advantages to when processing as described herein this film.

By volume to volume manufacture, one of problem being used for elastica (such as silicones) is: relatively thin (such as 23 μ of film in trial M), there is low-down modulus simultaneously.In the case of not applying prestrain, responsive membrane can not keep smooth, but simultaneously, film May easily tear or rupture.Meeting high actuator performance additionally, be manufactured in order to ensure device, film is in printing and lamination phase Between need high level apply strain.In the case of framework does not keeps and maintains prestrain, the electrode figure being printed on film Case has registration and the possible poor relatively high likelihood of deformation of printed patterns.If film deforms during printing operation, then may be used So that this film is inoperative for the use in electroactive polymer actuator.

In order to solve this problem, the deformation of manufacturing process of the present invention includes single shaft prestrain is put on electroactive polymer Film.Experiment has shown that under certain conditions, and uniaxial strain can match with the stroke performance of rule twin shaft prestrain film.

Identical with the twin shaft prestrain after stretching, single shaft prestrain value can be limited by the index of thickness.Such as, single Axial strain (on thickness direction, 67% strains with on XY direction 0%) can have similar with biaxial strain (in both direction 30%) Film thickness scope.Longer output bars direction is parallel with single shaft prestrain direction.

In order to realize single shaft prestrain in volume to volume system, it is possible to use perforated strip as shown in Figure 4A and 4B 360 two edges keeping elastica 96 on reel (longitudinally) direction.Can be by stretching this film in a lateral direction Apply uniaxial strain, and on reel direction, there is zero prestrain or low prestrain.The output bars of electroactive polymer box is permissible It is designed to vertical with reel direction.One deformation of this technique uses while being included in the degree of controlled strain and direction and wears Hole (or sprocket wheel or pin type feed) spool keeps ribbon and film (seeing Fig. 4 C and 4D).

Can be accurately controlled the horizontal and vertical position of ribbon 360 by perforation spool, therefore, local train will It is consistent and stable.This allows multiple printings as described herein and curing schedule.By two long edges of elastica 96 On two ribbons 360 between distance limit principal strain.

Ribbon 360 can be constructed by than the material of elastica much harder.Such as, ribbon 360 can include poly-right PET, it has the Young's modulus between 2800-3100MPa, and tensile strength is 55-75MPa.Compare it Under, silicones (common materials of elastica) has the Young's modulus of 1-5MPa, and tensile strength is 5-8MPa.Correspondingly, poly- Ethylene glycol terephthalate be about 1000 times of silicone resin film hard.

When applying tension force by spool 362, major part power will be applied to that polyethylene terephthalate banding Thing 360 rather than film 96.For example, it is assumed that there is the prolongation of 5% on reel, then 400 in 401 parts of power are applied to gather On ethylene glycol terephthalate ribbon, and 1 part is applied on silicone resin film (assume polyethylene terephthalate Ester is 50 μ m-thick and 25mm width；And silicone resin film is 25 μ m-thick and 500mm width).This avoids and directly uses on silicone resin film Tension force spool is to control the needs of the strain of film.If employing tension force spool, then be applied in silicone resin film tension force appoint The big change what little change will cause film to extend, this will be difficult to control to.

If ribbon is made up of Stretch material or is segmented (such as utilizing perforation line), then can utilize perforated tape Shape thing completes biaxial stretch-formed, and therefore, when stretching along reel direction, the section of ribbon can separate, and remains along simultaneously The edge of reel engages with perforation spool or guide chain.

Fig. 5 A is shown in a deformation of typography useful when manufacturing electroactive polymer transducers.This technique is being changed The Large Copacity manufacture of device can be able to be particularly useful.Fig. 5 A is shown in the silk manufacturing electroactive polymer actuator for Large Copacity The configuration used in net typography.In this deformation, the lining 342 at the back side being attached to elastica 96 is utilized to be kept by this film In framework 340.This lining 342 helps to discharge film 96 from aluminum vacuum frock 344 after silk-screen printing technique.This lining 342 It is additionally operable to make film 96 stable, which improves the control of dimensional tolerance to print film 96.Although lining 342 is effective, but While reducing the handling capacity of manufacturing process, the use of lining increase may process time, the time of setting and cost.Additionally, Increase owing to applying and remove lining processes the probability that may increase the damage to film to electroactive polymer membrane.This Outward, if if lining is not easy release or air or other granules become to be trapped between film and lining, then lining may Film is made to damage.

Fig. 5 B diagram eliminates a deformation of the printing configuration of the demand to the lining similar with the lining shown in Fig. 5 A. In this deformation, electroactive polymer membrane 96 remains fixed to framework.This setting also includes that substrate is (such as by aluminum or similar material Constitute), this substrate has the vacuum openings 346 for retaining film 96.In Fig. 5 B, the deformation of diagram includes engineering top surface 348 (such as parchment paper, screen cloth, polymer flake, net grain surface, non-adhering surfaces or similar material).This engineering surface 348 should have Have enough stable (tack) attributes so that its keep tolerance, provide from silk screen have difference release and typography it Rear release elastica 96.This printing configuration can also include complying with intermediate layer 350, its for printing produce relatively soft, firmly and Surface smoothly.Compliant layer 350 can include the highest joint adhesive, rubber or other similar materials.It is shown that Printer's assembling is put and can be included evacuated pores 346, to help be held in place by by film 96 during printing and be easy to Release (via the termination of vacuum power).

Fig. 5 C demonstration is for the another deformation of the frock configuration of the silk screen printing of film 96.In this deformation, film 96 does not makes (all with directly contacting deformable layer in the case of any kind of layer (the such as engineering surface described in Fig. 5 A with 5B or lining) Such as foam sheet 352).This deformable layer provides soft frock effect and can include such as ethylvinylacetate foam etc Material.In one example, this deformable layer includes having 2mm thickness and the ethylene of 75+/-5 Shore (Shore) 00 hardness Vinylacetate film.Other soft materials, such as silicones and polyurethane can also be used.This deformable layer can have reticulate pattern or Treated surface is to help its release property from film.Deforming about other, froth bed 352 includes multiple vacuum hole, and it helps Film 96 is fixed to foam and discharges this film when vacuum power terminates.There are some open celled foams (open-celled foam) In the case of, it may not be necessary to vacuum hole.

Soft frock the most described helps the pattern of manufacturing process to provide attendant advantages by allowing to be formed. Such as, as shown in Figure 6, froth bed can be etched relevant with the design of the part being printed in elastica or feature to produce Pattern 356.Diagram shown in Fig. 6 is relevant with the pattern 356 that help produces busbar on electroactive polymer device.When During modified frock 354 contact membranes (not shown in Fig. 6), the compression of soft frock allows the degree of depth based on pattern 356 and/or big Little differentiated pressure area.Such as, in shown modified soft frock 354, comprise the district of pattern 356 by generation ratio even The district of the pressure that continuous district 358 is lower.Correspondingly, during silk screen printing, the residue that lower pressure region will produce with print electrode Part compares bigger print thickness.Compared with needs order print steps, perform the printing of multiple thickness in one step Ability has the potentiality improving handling capacity.

In addition to improving efficiency, the ability in the region producing variable thickness also obtains the device performance improved.Such as, exist In one example, the busbar utilizing modified soft frock printing thicker is obtained by the remittance that the soft frock of unmodified produces The busbar resistivity of 1/4th of the resistivity of stream bar.In general, based on initial print pressure, frock hardness and ink Viscosity calculates the degree of depth of pattern.In one example, given 1.7mm ethylvinylacetate foam, then for electrode ink, The scope of the degree of depth of pattern is between 150-200 μm.

Any one frock previously discussed configuration can include strengthening maintenance, the suitability or improving the additional of performance alternatively Material.The example of such material includes but not limited to coating, binding agent, releasing agent etc..The configuration of these frocks can also quilt For printing ink in addition to conductive electrode ink, and it is printed onto in deformable substrate rather than for electroactive polymer transducing On those substrates of device.

In another embodiment of the invention, it is provided that a kind of demonstration extra steady in electrical sheet resistance under big Cyclic Strain There is fibril (netted) micro structure qualitatively.Electroactive polymer structure include dielectric polymer film and two comply with electrode.When When crossing over electrode applying voltage, film shrinks on area and expands.Flexographic printing rather than silk screen printing, can produce such as Fibril (or netted) micro structure is had shown in Fig. 7 B.Identical dielectric polymer film and carbon ink is used in both technique, In conjunction with table 1 by the square pattern micro structure (shown in Fig. 7 A) made by silk screen printing and this net produced by flexographic printing Shape micro structure compares and shows the conforming of electrical sheet resistance and significantly improve.

Table 1

Typography	Initial reading	Lining is removed	10 100% XY strains are handled
				Silk screen printing	550	1700	4500
Flexographic printing	65	64	70

The most flexible plate is: break-resistance/electrode/busbar/binding agent/pressure sensitive adhesive.In order to build this The robust structure of sample, the electrical conductivity of electrode should be kept unanimously under cyclic strain.About silk screen printing, electrical sheet resistance is permissible Change to 125k from 25k；In the case of producing flexographic plate instrument, concordance can be controlled well.

Alternatively, it is possible to by controlling ink surface tension, producing the suitably machinery pretension of dielectric film or utilize certain The network structure that a little other typographies (such as ink-jet/aerosol injection/barrier/slit/line coating) are formed like.Spool On pattern be also the design factor of the probability with the unit pattern of different angles or line (curve) pattern.Control there is fibril The density of dimension structure can allow to be had the additional coatings of the relatively low conductivity ink as electrode or not to have this additional painting In the case of Ceng, one conductive material is used for CHARGE DISTRIBUTION.

By some typography or according to control material surface tension moistening/dry pattern, the present invention can be built Have fibril micro structure for use as electrode or bus line.Complicated mask or template can not be this net-like pattern institute of generation Required.

What Fig. 8-10 was shown with accompanying tensile silicon resin molding has the reel curved frames of opening precut pattern, loading Substrate is to print multiple layers and the present inventive concept of last lamination.Can load continuously with stepping repetitive mode or before push away lining The end.As shown in Figure 8, drum frame 82 reel move period in shape keep prestrain silicone resin film 86 and indeformable. Drum frame 82 is similar to rigidity aluminium chassis, but drum frame continues have flexibility in z-direction, and therefore, it can be rolled up Axle 88 drives.There are two groups of drum frame 81,82 in the top 81 and bottom 82 of silicone resin film 86.Surface can be used to open Silicone resin film is clipped between drum frame 81,82 by power, drag, magnetic force (permanent or electric drive) or mechanical interlock.Volume Cylinder framework keeper material can include the metal forming of the rubber-coated as composite, it is allowed to the flexibility in Z-direction such as volume Axle moves like that and allows the rigidity on X-Y direction to keep this film.Rubber or coating surface can be designed at complete layer Discharge from silicone resin film after pressure, so that can easily remove silicon tree after Device singulation before starting another circulation The fragment of adipose membrane.

As shown in Figure 9, several printing stations 92,94 can be sequentially directed on reel 90；Laminated module 196 is volume Final step on cylinder.By the opening window of precut in drum frame, exist for ink is deposited on silicone resin film Printing station 92.Print direction can be vertical with reel moving direction to save space, and therefore, line may be shorter.(one or Multiple) there may be solidification or dry station (not shown) between printing station.For the time-consuming or length of shortening web path, Before film moves to follow-up printing station, can only make ink setting or partly cured printing ink rather than be fully cured ink.

After binding agent printing 94, there is the laminating station 196 also can being arranged in vertical direction.Rotation can be used Cross cutting station (not shown) makes the pattern of ccf layer on spool.Precut framework pattern can have on one or both sides Pressure sensitive adhesive, therefore, it gets out lamination.

As follows for the Exemplary Process Flow of the laminating technology of four layers of electroactive polymer transducers:

1. precut ccf layer is transferred to laminating station, as framework top layer；

2. the layer 4 on drum frame keeper with binding agent is transferred to laminating station, applies pressure/heat amount and move Except drum frame keeper；

3. utilize layer 3,2,1 sequentially to repeat step 2；

4. precut framework bottom is pressed onto stacking layer by layer.

Precut ccf layer on die cut ragchine can rotated.Laminating station can have hot heating function, for respectively Binding agent in the middle of layer carries out precuring so that each new layer adheres to previous layer tightly.After lamination, can be by box The whole thin slice of stacking is sent to curing station, splits for being finally fully cured and utilize die cut ragchine.

This layer can have different electrode patterns and busbar.This can be in the case of not introducing extra print steps Complete.A kind of mode of do so e.g. makes left side electrode/bus on the left side of silk screen and makes the right electrode/total Line is on the right-hand part of layer.It is envisioned that other combinations many produce it on single continuous reel.

As shown in Figure 10, in one embodiment, the layout producing line is as follows: stretch → sandwich → (one or many) print Brush → lamination.

Reel on sandwich-type framework-film-framework moves and can move more complicated than reel as illustrated.Such as, may be used To include the device for overturning reel, therefore, it can the both sides utilizing silk screen printing or flexographic printing to carry out print film.If Apply off-contact printing (such as aerosol injection), then can print both sides to simplify spool designs simultaneously.

As for other details of the present invention, relevant with configuration in can using such as the level of various equivalent modifications Material and replacement.For as the additional move generally or in logic used, with regard to the present invention aspect based on technique it Be also suitable.Although additionally, describe the present invention (merging various feature alternatively) by reference to several examples, but this Bright it is not limited to as about like that described expected from each deformation of the present invention or instruction.Can be without departing from the present invention True spirit and scope in the case of various changes that described invention is made and equivalent can be replaced (the most here That illustrate or in order to simpler and clearer be not included).Can in their design integrated any number of shown in each portion Divide or assembly.Can be taked by the principle that assembly designs or guide these to change or other.

Additionally, it is contemplated that can independently or combine any one in feature described here or multiple elaboration and require protect Protect any optional feature of described present invention deformation.The reference of single item is included the possibility that there is multiple identical entry presented Property.More specifically, as used herein and in the following claims, singulative " ", " one ", " described " and " it is somebody's turn to do " include multiple involved object, unless be otherwise expressly recited.In other words, using of article allows retouching above State and " at least one " of theme item in following claim.Any optional element is got rid of it is further noted that can write Claim.Thus, it is intended that the elaboration making this statement be used as to combine claim element uses such as " uniquely ", " only " Etc. these removing property terms or use " negatively " antecedent basis of limiting.In the situation not using these removing property terms Under, the term in claim " includes " taking into account including of any add ons, given regardless of enumerating in claim The element of number, or adding feature will be considered to convert the character of the element illustrated in claim.In terms of other Illustrate, unless as the most clearly limiting, keeping claim effective while, all technology used herein and section Technics can be presented the widest implication being generally understood that.

Claims (21)

1. for producing the technique for the patterning deformable polymer film used in deformable polymer device, should Technique includes:

Support the first prestrain film section, so that described first prestrain film section includes that supported portion is divided and non-supported portion Point；

Intermediate layer is positioned at non-supported portion divide between technology and pattern assembly；And

Divided in non-supported portion by deposition ink and print at least one electrode, in order at the first table that non-supported portion is divided Forming at least one electrode described on face, wherein said intermediate layer allows not propped up from technology and pattern assembly release after typography Support part is divided.

Technique the most according to claim 1, wherein by from being deposited ink by selected in following every group constituted: Silk screen printing, bat printing, intaglio printing, ink jet printing, flexographic printing and aerosol injection printing.

3., according to the technique of one of claim 1 and 2, wherein said intermediate layer includes selecting from by following every group constituted At least one: engineering surface, removable lining, compliant layer and deformable layer.

Technique the most according to claim 3, wherein said engineering surface is from by the surface selected following every group constituted: Parchment paper, net grain surface, non-adhering surfaces, screen cloth and polymer flake.

Technique the most according to claim 3, wherein said deformable layer includes foamed materials.

Technique the most according to claim 3, wherein said deformable layer includes multiple chamber, and wherein said chamber allows at silk screen printing Period changes the district of pressure, and wherein this technique also includes that the rank with change is heavy on the first surface of described deformable film Long-pending ink.

7., according to the technique any one of claim 1 and 2, wherein deformable polymer film includes electroactive polymer membrane.

8., according to the technique any one of claim 1 and 2, also include:

The deformable film of elastomeric material is pushed away before the aliment of elastomeric material；

Make described deformable film mechanical strain, to produce the first prestrain film described in the aliment continuous print kept with elastomeric material Section；

Deposition ink produces at least the first electrode with on the first side of dividing in non-supported portion；

Deposition ink to produce at least the second electrode on the second side that the non-supported portion relative with described first electrode is divided, and And form at least one comparative electrode to complete at least the first section of electroactive polymer membrane；And

Collect the first section of electroactive polymer membrane.

Technique the most according to claim 8, also includes:

Make described deformable film mechanical strain, keep and described deformable film continuous print the second prestrain film section to produce；

Support described second prestrain film section, so that described second prestrain film section includes that supported portion is divided and do not propped up Support part is divided；

At least the first electrode is produced on the first side that deposition ink divides with the non-supported portion at described second prestrain film section； And

Collect the second section of electroactive polymer membrane.

Technique the most according to claim 9, also includes stacking or layer the first section and second section of electroactive polymer membrane Force together.

11. techniques according to claim 8, also include applying selection from the group being made up of output bars, framework and bending section At least one structure member.

12. techniques according to claim 8, the film of its elastomeric material includes first on the corresponding near and far edge of described film With the second ribbon component, and each of which ribbon component includes having the Young bigger than the Young's modulus of described film The material of modulus.

13. techniques according to claim 12, wherein said first and second ribbon components include perforated strip component of thing, and And its middle punch spool is used for making described film mechanical strain.

14. techniques according to claim 8, the film of its elastomeric material is in the direction selected from by following every group constituted Upper mechanical strain: direct of travel that is crosscutting with the direct of travel front pushing away film and that front push away film is parallel, in transverse direction and parallel direction Impartial or in transverse direction with the unequal combination of parallel direction.

15. techniques according to claim 8, wherein said film the most before pushes away.

16. techniques according to claim 8, the first section wherein collecting electroactive polymer membrane includes being wound around electroactive polymerization Multiple sections of thing film are to form the spool of electroactive polymer membrane.

17. techniques according to claim 16, also include: by least two roll-fed of electroactive polymer membrane to laminating station In, and at least one selected from the group being made up of framework, output bars and bending section is put on electroactive polymer membrane At least ground floor, to assemble multilamellar electroactive polymer actuator device.

18. techniques according to claim 8, wherein support described first prestrain film section and include putting on supporting layer described First prestrain film section.

19. according to the technique any one of claim 1 and 2, and wherein said prestrain film section includes that prestrain is electroactive poly- Compound, described prestrain electroactive polymer has the elastic modelling quantity less than 100MPa.

20. include following polymer according to the technique any one of claim 1 and 2, wherein said deformable polymer film, should Polymer includes adhesive elastomer.

21. include following polymer according to the technique any one of claim 1 and 2, wherein said deformable polymer film, should The group of polymer choosing freely following every composition: silicones, polyurethane, acrylate, hydrocarbon rubbers, olefin copolymer, poly-inclined two Fluoride copolymers, fluorubber and styrol copolymer.