Device for manufacturing dielectric elastomers

Abstract

The present invention relates to the technical field of mechanical manufacturing, and provides a device for manufacturing a dielectric elastomer, which includes a manufacturing platform, a film forming device, an electrode printing device, and a transfer device. The transfer device includes a bracket, a first transfer mechanism, a second transfer mechanism, and a third transfer mechanism. The second transfer mechanism moves in the horizontal X direction through the first transfer mechanism. The electrode printing device is installed on the second transfer mechanism and moves in the vertical Z direction through the second transfer mechanism. And the bracket or the film forming device moves in the horizontal Y direction through the third transfer mechanism. The film forming device forms an elastic film structure on its surface; the electrode printing device prints electrode patterns on the film structure, and then, according to the actual number of film layers of the dielectric elastomer, repeats the above two steps. For the device for manufacturing a dielectric elastomer of the present application, the entire manufacturing process is simple and the structure is also simpler.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of mechanical manufacturing, and in particular provides a device for manufacturing dielectric elastomers. Background Art

[0002] A dielectric elastomer is an elastomeric material with a high dielectric constant, which can change its shape or volume under an external electrical stimulus; and when the external electrical stimulus is withdrawn, it returns to its original shape or volume, thereby generating stress and strain and converting electrical energy into mechanical energy.

[0003] A dielectric elastomer is a new type of electro-induced intelligent material, which has a high electromechanical conversion efficiency, and has the advantages of light weight, low price, flexible movement, easy forming, and not easy to fatigue and damage.

[0004] Currently, the overall structure of the device for manufacturing dielectric elastomers is complex, and the manufacturing precision requirements are high, resulting in a high cost of the finished dielectric elastomers. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a device for manufacturing dielectric elastomers, aiming to solve the problem of the complex structure of the existing device.

[0006] To achieve the above object, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is:

[0007] A device for manufacturing dielectric elastomers provided in the present application includes a manufacturing platform, a film-forming device for film formation, an electrode printing device for printing electrode patterns on the film, and a transfer device provided on the manufacturing platform. The transfer device includes a bracket, a first transfer mechanism provided on the bracket, a second transfer mechanism provided on the first transfer mechanism, and a third transfer mechanism provided on the manufacturing platform. The second transfer mechanism moves in the horizontal X direction through the first transfer mechanism. The electrode printing device is installed on the second transfer mechanism and moves in the vertical Z direction through the second transfer mechanism. And the bracket or the film-forming device moves in the horizontal Y direction through the third transfer mechanism.

[0008] Advantages of the present invention: The device for manufacturing a dielectric elastomer provided by the present invention operates as follows: First, a film-forming device forms an elastic film structure on its surface; second, an electrode printing device prints an electrode pattern on the film structure, and then, according to the actual number of film layers of the dielectric elastomer, the above two steps are repeated. According to the area of the film structure that needs to be printed and the area that the electrode printing device can print at one time, the transfer device adjusts the printing position of the electrode printing device on the film structure. Specifically, the first transfer mechanism and the third transfer mechanism drive the electrode printing device to move in the X direction and the Y direction in the plane where the film structure is located, so as to satisfy the printing action that can fully cover the area of the film structure. At the same time, the second transfer mechanism drives the electrode printing device to move in the Z direction, that is, the printing action on the film structure is completed. The device for manufacturing a dielectric elastomer of the present application has a simple manufacturing process and a simpler structure.

[0009] In one embodiment, the film-forming device includes a curing part and a smoothing part slidably connected to the curing part.

[0010] In one embodiment, a guiding structure is provided on the curing part, and the smoothing part moves along the horizontal X direction or the horizontal Y direction through the guiding structure.

[0011] In one embodiment, the guiding structure is a guiding groove opened on the curing part, and the smoothing part is slidably connected to the guiding groove.

[0012] In one embodiment, the electrode printing device includes a printing head provided on the second transfer mechanism and an ink cartridge assembly provided on one side where the film-forming device moves.

[0013] In one embodiment, the ink cartridge assembly includes an ink cartridge main body, a cover body covering the ink cartridge main body, and a driving mechanism for driving the cover body to separate from or cover the ink cartridge main body.

[0014] In one embodiment, the driving mechanism is a cylinder, and the movable part of the cylinder is connected to the cover body.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first transfer mechanism includes a first fixing plate installed on the bracket and a first lead screw assembly provided on the first fixing plate, and the second transfer mechanism is connected to the nut part of the first lead screw assembly and slides on the first fixing plate.

[0016] In one embodiment, the second transfer mechanism includes a second fixing plate installed on the first transfer mechanism and a telescopic cylinder provided on the second fixing plate, and the printing head is provided at the movable end of the telescopic cylinder.

[0017] In one embodiment, the third transfer mechanism includes a second screw rod assembly installed on the manufacturing platform and a third fixing plate installed on the nut portion of the second screw rod assembly, and the bracket or the film forming device is placed on the third fixing plate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the following-described drawings are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative efforts.

[0019] Figure 1 Structural schematic diagram of the device for manufacturing dielectric elastomers provided by the embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 Structural schematic diagram of the film forming device of the device for manufacturing dielectric elastomers provided by the embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 Another structural schematic diagram of the device for manufacturing dielectric elastomers provided by the embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 4 Yet another structural schematic diagram of the device for manufacturing dielectric elastomers provided by the embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Among them, the reference numerals in the drawings are as follows:

[0024] 10. Manufacturing platform; 20. Film forming device; 30. Electrode printing device; 40. Transfer device; 41. Bracket; 42. First transfer mechanism; 43. Second transfer mechanism; 44. Third transfer mechanism; 21. Curing part; 22. Smoothing part; 21a. Guide structure; 31. Print head; 32. Ink cartridge assembly; 321. Ink cartridge main body; 322. Cover body; 323. Driving mechanism; 421. First fixing plate; 422. First screw rod assembly; 431. Second fixing plate; 432. Telescopic cylinder; 441. Second screw rod assembly; 442. Third fixing plate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0025] The following will describe in detail the embodiments of the present invention. The examples of the embodiments are shown in the drawings, where the same or similar reference numerals represent the same or similar elements or elements with the same or similar functions from beginning to end. The embodiments described below by referring to the drawings are exemplary and are intended to explain the present invention, but should not be construed as a limitation to the present invention.

[0026] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. It is only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation to the present invention.

[0027] In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, the features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features. In the description of the present invention, "a plurality of" means two or more unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0028] In the present invention, unless otherwise clearly defined and limited, the terms "mounted", "connected", "connected to", "fixed", etc. should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it may be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or integrated; it may be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it may be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it may be the communication inside two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0029] Please refer to Figures 1 to 4 , the device for manufacturing a dielectric elastomer of the present application includes a manufacturing platform 10, a film-forming device 20, an electrode printing device 30, and a transfer device 40.

[0030] The manufacturing platform 10 provides a supporting function for the above-mentioned devices. For example, the manufacturing platform 10 may be an immovable workbench surface, or a movable platform capable of being transferred and moved, etc.

[0031] The film-forming device 20 is used to prepare a film structure to prepare for the subsequent printing process. Here, the film-forming device 20 usually has a film-making platform, that is, a film structure is formed on the film-making platform. Of course, the film-forming device 20 may also be commercially available. Here, it is only necessary to limit that the film-forming device 20 has a film-making platform.

[0032] The electrode printing device 30 is a device for printing electrode patterns on the film structure, that is, an electrode layer is formed on the film structure through a printing process.

[0033] The transfer device 40 is used to carry the electrode printing device 30, and can transfer the electrode printing device 30 to perform printing operations on the membrane structure. For example, when the area of the membrane structure is large and multiple printing operations are required on the membrane structure, the position of the electrode printing device 30 relative to the membrane structure needs to be adjusted.

[0034] Specifically, the transfer device 40 includes a support 41, a first transfer mechanism 42, a second transfer mechanism 43, and a third transfer mechanism 44. The support 41 plays a role of fixing and supporting. The first transfer mechanism 42 is arranged on the support 41, the second transfer mechanism 43 is arranged on the first transfer mechanism 42, and the third transfer mechanism 44 is arranged on the manufacturing platform 10. The second transfer mechanism 43 moves in the horizontal X direction through the first transfer mechanism. The electrode printing device 30 is installed on the second transfer mechanism 43 and moves in the vertical Z direction through the second transfer mechanism 43. Moreover, the support 41 or the film forming device 20 moves in the horizontal Y direction through the third transfer mechanism 44.

[0035] Schematically, in order to ensure the movement accuracy of the electrode printing device 30, the first transfer mechanism 42, the second transfer mechanism 43, and the third transfer mechanism 44 can be similar screw mechanisms that can telescopically move, or gear-rack mechanisms. In this way, the printing requirements of the electrode printing device 30 on the membrane structure are met.

[0036] Schematically, or, the first transfer mechanism 42, the second transfer mechanism 43, and the third transfer mechanism 44 can also be similar cylinder mechanisms that can telescopically move. Similarly, the printing requirements of the electrode printing device 30 on the membrane structure can be met.

[0037] The device for manufacturing a dielectric elastomer provided by the present invention works as follows: First, the film forming device 20 forms an elastic membrane structure on its surface; second, the electrode printing device 30 prints electrode patterns on the membrane structure, and then, according to the actual number of membrane layers of the dielectric elastomer, the above two steps are repeated. According to the area that needs to be printed on the membrane structure and the area that the electrode printing device 30 can print at one time, the transfer device 40 adjusts the printing position of the electrode printing device 30 on the membrane structure. Specifically, the first transfer mechanism 42 and the third transfer mechanism 44 drive the electrode printing device 30 to move in the X direction and the Y direction in the plane where the membrane structure is located, so as to meet the requirement of being able to comprehensively cover the area of the membrane structure for printing operations. At the same time, the second transfer mechanism 43 drives the electrode printing device 30 to move in the Z direction, that is, the printing operation on the membrane structure is completed. The device for manufacturing a dielectric elastomer in this application has a simple manufacturing process and a simpler structure.

[0038] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2, in one embodiment, the film forming device 20 includes a curing part 21 and a smoothing part 22 slidably connected to the curing part 21. It can be understood that the curing part 21 is the part that provides the formation of the film structure, that is, the film structure is finally formed on the curing part 21. The curing part 21 is a structural member having a structure for the film structure to be in a flat state, that is, the curing part 21 has a film forming plane. At the same time, the curing part 21 also has a heating function for accelerating the speed of film structure formation. The smoothing part 22 is used to lay or smooth the film liquid or film structure on the curing part 21, that is, to gradually thin the film structure.

[0039] Exemplarily, as shown in the figure, the curing part 21 is a film forming platform with a heating function, and the smoothing part 22 has a U-shaped structure. Specifically, the smoothing part 22 includes a smoothing rod abutted against the film forming end face of the film forming platform and sliding rods connected to opposite ends of the smoothing rod. The reciprocating movement of the smoothing rod on the film forming platform is realized by the relative sliding of the sliding rods with respect to the film forming platform to achieve the purpose of smoothing the film liquid.

[0040] Of course, the curing part 21 and the smoothing part 22 can also be other structural shapes as long as they can satisfy relative sliding. For example, the smoothing part 22 is a pressing head that moves up and down relative to the curing part 21 in the vertical direction, and the smoothing of the film structure is achieved by the extrusion between the smoothing part 22 and the curing part 21.

[0041] Please refer to Figure 2 , in one embodiment, a guiding structure 21a is provided on the curing part 21, and the smoothing part 22 moves along the horizontal X direction or the horizontal Y direction through the guiding structure 21a. It can be understood that the guiding structure 21a can be a guiding groove or a guide rail, etc.; specifically, the smoothing part 22 includes a smoothing rod abutted against the film forming end face of the film forming platform and sliding rods connected to opposite ends of the smoothing rod. The two sliding rods are limited by the guiding structure 21a, so as to limit the movement of the smoothing rod on the curing part 21 to smooth the film liquid. At the same time, according to the limiting direction of the guiding structure 21a, the smoothing rod is limited to move relative to the curing part 21 along the horizontal X direction or the horizontal Y direction. For example, if the guiding direction of the guiding structure 21a is the same as the horizontal Y direction, then the smoothing part 22 smooths the film liquid on the curing part 21 along the horizontal Y direction under the guiding action of the guiding structure 21a.

[0042] Specifically, as Figure 2 shown, the guiding structure 21a is a guiding groove opened on the curing part 21, and the smoothing part 22 is slidably connected to the guiding groove. It can be understood that the guiding groove can be opened on the peripheral side of the curing part 21, and the smoothing part 22 is provided with a convex part or a roller structure adapted to the guiding groove, that is, the convex part or the roller structure can slide in the guiding groove.

[0043] Please refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 3 and Figure 4, in one embodiment, the electrode printing device 30 includes a printing head 31 disposed on the second transfer mechanism 43 and an ink cartridge assembly 32 disposed on one side where the film forming device 20 moves. It can be understood that, in order to perform the printing operation on the film structure, the printing head 31 needs to move above the curing unit 21 and perform the printing operation. That is, the printing head 31 on the second transfer mechanism 43 is driven by the first transfer mechanism 42 to move along the horizontal X direction within the plane where the film structure on the curing unit 21 is located. Similarly, driven by the third transfer mechanism 44, it moves along the horizontal Y direction within the plane where the film structure on the curing unit 21 is located. The second transfer mechanism 43 drives the printing head 31 to move perpendicular to the plane where the film structure is located. And during the downward pressing or upward lifting process, the electrode printing requirements for different regions of the film structure are completed. The function of the ink cartridge assembly 32 is to hold the electrode ink for the printing head 31 to dip. That is, the printing head 31 can dip once at the ink cartridge assembly 32 and then perform one or more printing operations on the film structure. Here, the printing head 31 also completes the ink taking action within the ink cartridge assembly 32 under the drive of the first transfer mechanism 42, the second transfer mechanism 43, and the third transfer mechanism 44.

[0044] Specifically, please refer to Figure 1 , 3 and Figure 4 , in one embodiment, the ink cartridge assembly 32 includes an ink cartridge body 321, a cover body 322, and a driving mechanism 323. It can be understood that the ink cartridge body 321 is used to hold the electrode ink. Of course, the ink cartridge body 321 has an open end for the printing head 31 to enter or exit. The cover body 322 is covered on the open end of the ink cartridge body 321 to seal the ink cartridge body 321 when not in use. The driving mechanism 323 is used to provide power to the cover body 322 to perform an opening action or a closing action relative to the ink cartridge body 321. Here, the driving form of the driving mechanism 323 is not limited as long as it can achieve the opening or closing of the cover body 322 relative to the ink cartridge body 321.

[0045] Schematically, the driving mechanism 323 is a mechanism that enables the cover body 322 to perform a flip motion relative to the ink cartridge body 321. That is, each time when opening or closing, the cover body 322 performs a flipping motion form. Here, the driving mechanism 323 includes a fixing frame, a motor, and a transmission mechanism. The motor is fixed on the fixing frame. The transmission structure can be a worm and gear mechanism. One end of the worm is connected to the output end of the motor and can rotate around the axis. The cover body 322 is fixed on the worm gear. When the worm rotates around the axis, the cover body 322 is flipped open and closed relative to the ink cartridge body 321.

[0046] Schematically, the driving mechanism 323 is a mechanism that enables the cover 322 to perform a translational motion relative to the ink cartridge body 321. That is, each time when opening or closing, the cover 322 adopts a translational motion form. Here, the driving mechanism 323 includes a fixing frame and a lead screw mechanism. The lead screw mechanism is fixed on the fixing frame, and the cover 322 is fixed on the nut of the lead screw mechanism. That is, the cover 322 moves parallel to the ink cartridge body 321 along with the nut to realize the opening and closing of the open end of the ink cartridge body 321.

[0047] Specifically, in one embodiment, the driving mechanism 323 is a cylinder, and the movable part of the cylinder is connected to the cover 322. It can be understood that the cylinder can only drive the cover 322 to perform a linear motion. Therefore, in this embodiment, the cover 322 realizes the opening and closing of the ink cartridge body 321 through a translational motion form. At the same time, the cylinder is relatively fast in starting or providing power, enabling the cover 322 to be quickly opened and closed relative to the ink cartridge body 321.

[0048] Please refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 3 and Figure 4 In one embodiment, the first transfer mechanism 42 includes a first fixing plate 421 mounted on the bracket 41 and a first lead screw assembly 422 provided on the first fixing plate 421. The second transfer mechanism 43 is connected to the nut portion of the first lead screw assembly 422 and slides on the first fixing plate 421. It can be understood that the second transfer mechanism 43 is connected to the nut structure of the first lead screw assembly 422. When the lead screw body rotates around the axis, the second transfer mechanism 43 moves translationally on the first fixing plate 421 along with the nut structure.

[0049] It should be noted that the moving direction of the nut structure of the first lead screw assembly 422 coincides with the horizontal X direction, so as to realize the movement of the second transfer mechanism in the horizontal X direction.

[0050] At the same time, in order to ensure the stability of the second transfer mechanism 43 moving in the horizontal X direction, a guide rail can be provided on the first fixing plate 421 and a slider adapted to the guide rail can be provided on the second transfer mechanism 43.

[0051] Please refer to Figure 1 、 Figure 3 and Figure 4, in one embodiment, the second transfer mechanism 43 includes a second fixed plate 431 mounted on the first transfer mechanism 42 and a telescopic cylinder 432 disposed on the second fixed plate 431. The printing head 31 is provided at the movable end of the telescopic cylinder 432. It can be understood that the telescopic cylinder 432 moves with the second fixed plate 431, and the second fixed plate 431 moves along the horizontal X direction driven by the first transfer mechanism 42. Specifically, the second fixed plate 431 is connected to the nut structure of the first lead screw assembly 422, and the second fixed plate 431 can slide relative to the first fixed plate 421. The printing head 31 is fixed at the movable end of the telescopic cylinder 432, and the telescopic direction of the telescopic cylinder 432 is towards the surface of the film structure. Generally, the printing direction of the printing head 31 is perpendicular to the plane where the film structure is located. Of course, according to other usage scenarios, the printing direction of the printing head 31 can also form an angle other than 90 degrees with the plane where the film structure is located.

[0052] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 , in one embodiment, the third transfer mechanism 44 includes a second lead screw assembly 441 mounted on the manufacturing platform 10 and a third fixed plate 442 mounted on the nut portion of the second lead screw assembly 441. The bracket 41 or the film forming device 20 is placed on the third fixed plate 442. It can be understood that the third fixed plate 442 moves in the horizontal Y direction driven by the second lead screw assembly 441, thereby driving the bracket 41 or the film forming device 20 to move in the horizontal Y direction.

[0053] As shown in the figure, specifically, the film forming device 20 is fixed on the third fixed plate 442, while the bracket 41 is fixed on the manufacturing platform 10 and remains stationary. That is, during the printing process, when it is necessary to move in the horizontal Y direction, the printing head 31 remains stationary, and the relative position relationship between the film forming device 20 and it is adjusted.

[0054] Of course, the bracket 41 can also be fixed on the third fixed plate 442, and the film forming device 20 is fixed on the manufacturing platform 10. In this way, during the entire manufacturing process, the film forming device 20 always remains stationary, and the relative position between the two is always adjusted by the movement of the printing head 31.

[0055] Meanwhile, in order to ensure the stability of the movement of the film forming device 20 or the bracket 41 in the horizontal Y direction, guide rails can be provided on the manufacturing platform 10 and sliders adapted to the guide rails can be provided on the third fixed plate 442.

[0056] The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An apparatus for manufacturing a dielectric elastomer, characterized in that: It includes a manufacturing platform, a film forming device for film manufacturing, an electrode printing device for printing electrode patterns on the film, and a transfer device disposed on the manufacturing platform. The transfer device includes a bracket, a first transfer mechanism disposed on the bracket, a second transfer mechanism disposed on the first transfer mechanism, and a third transfer mechanism disposed on the manufacturing platform. The second transfer mechanism moves in the horizontal X direction through the first transfer mechanism. The electrode printing device is installed on the second transfer mechanism and moves in the vertical Z direction through the second transfer mechanism. Moreover, the bracket or the film forming device moves in the horizontal Y direction through the third transfer mechanism.

2. The device for manufacturing a dielectric elastomer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The film forming device includes a curing part and a smoothing part slidably connected to the curing part.

3. The device for manufacturing a dielectric elastomer according to claim 2, characterized in that: A guiding structure is provided on the curing part, and the smoothing part moves along the horizontal X direction or the horizontal Y direction through the guiding structure.

4. The device for manufacturing a dielectric elastomer according to claim 3, characterized in that: The guiding structure is a guiding groove formed on the curing part, and the smoothing part is slidably connected to the guiding groove.

5. The device for manufacturing a dielectric elastomer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrode printing device includes a printing head disposed on the second transfer mechanism and an ink cartridge assembly disposed on one side where the film forming device moves.

6. The device for manufacturing a dielectric elastomer according to claim 5, characterized in that: The ink cartridge assembly includes an ink cartridge body, a cover body covering the ink cartridge body, and a driving mechanism for driving the cover body to separate from or cover the ink cartridge body.

7. The apparatus for manufacturing a dielectric elastomer according to claim 6, characterized in that: The driving mechanism is a cylinder, and the movable part of the cylinder is connected to the cover body.

8. The device for manufacturing a dielectric elastomer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first transfer mechanism includes a first fixing plate installed on the bracket and a first lead screw assembly disposed on the first fixing plate. The second transfer mechanism is connected to the nut part of the first lead screw assembly and slides on the first fixing plate.

9. The device for manufacturing a dielectric elastomer according to claim 5, characterized in that: The second transfer mechanism includes a second fixing plate installed on the first transfer mechanism and a telescopic cylinder disposed on the second fixing plate. The printing head is disposed at the movable end of the telescopic cylinder.

10. The device for manufacturing a dielectric elastomer according to claim 1, characterized in that: The third transfer mechanism includes a second lead screw assembly installed on the manufacturing platform and a third fixing plate installed on the nut part of the second lead screw assembly. The bracket or the film forming device is placed on the third fixing plate.

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