Dielectric elastomer converter and dielectric elastomer drive device

Abstract

Dielectric elastomer converter (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5) with a dielectric elastomer functional element (1) having a dielectric elastomer layer (2) and a pair of electrode layers (3, 4) between which the dielectric elastomer layer (2) is arranged, and furthermore with a support body (5) which supports the dielectric elastomer functional element (1), wherein each of the electrode layers (3, 4) has one or more application sections (31, 41), the dielectric elastomer functional element (1) has one or more functional sections (11) on which the application sections (31, 41) of the electrode layers (3, 4) overlap, characterized by the fact that: - the support body (5) is designed as at least one plate element in a radial direction (r) transverse to an axial direction (z) of the dielectric elastomer layer (2) and is arranged within the dielectric elastomer converter (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5) between its two axial ends; and - the functional section (11) is spaced away from the support body (5) in the radial direction (r) and in the axial direction (z).

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present invention relates to a dielectric elastomer transducer and a dielectric elastomer drive device. State of the art

[0002] A drive device having a dielectric elastomer transducer by using a dielectric elastomer has advantages such as being lightweight and having excellent reactivity compared to an electric motor, etc. Fig. 24 and Fig. 25 illustrate a conventional dielectric elastomer transducer and a conventional dielectric elastomer drive device (Japanese Patent Application Publication No. JP 2012-65427 A). Fig. 24 and Fig. The dielectric elastomer drive device shown in Figure 25 comprises a dielectric elastomer transducer 90 and a power source unit 95. The dielectric elastomer transducer 90 includes a dielectric elastomer layer 91, a pair of electrode layers 92, 93, and a tensile force maintaining body 94. The dielectric elastomer layer is made of a prescribed resin material. The electrode layers 92, 93 are each formed on a corresponding surface of the dielectric elastomer layer 91. As shown in Fig. 24, a material web of sufficient size is wound so that the dielectric elastomer layer 91 and the electrode layers 92, 93 have a multi-layer cylindrical shape. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 25, in the dielectric elastomer transducer 90, the dielectric elastomer layer 91 and the electrode layers 92, 93 are wound around the tensile force maintaining body 94. The tensile force maintaining body 94 maintains a tensile force that causes the dielectric elastomer layer 91 to expand in an axial direction. When a voltage is applied from the power source unit 95 to the electrode layers 92, 93, a Coulomb force causes the electrode layers 92, 93 to attract each other. With the attractive force, the thickness of the dielectric elastomer layer 91 is reduced and the size in the axial direction is increased. The dielectric elastomer transducer 90 thus expands in the axial direction. In a dielectric elastomer drive device X, it is possible to expand or contract the dielectric elastomer transducer 90 by controlling the application of a voltage from the power source unit 95.

[0003] The configuration in which the dielectric elastomer layer 91 and the electrode layers 92, 93 have a multi-layer cylindrical shape is intended to increase the driving force of the dielectric elastomer transducer 90. However, such a configuration raises the following concerns.

[0004] In the dielectric elastomer transducer 90, the dielectric elastomer layer 91 and the electrode layers 92, 93 are wrapped around the tensile force maintaining body 94. Deformation in which an axial center portion is narrowed occurs in the dielectric elastomer layer 91, in which the tensile force for expanding the dielectric elastomer layer 91 in the axial direction is maintained by the tensile force maintaining body 94, even in a case where the dielectric elastomer layer 91 and the electrode layers 92, 93 are not bonded to the tensile force maintaining body 94. The electrode layers 92, 93 are pressed against the tensile force maintaining body 94, or the electrode layers 92, 93 are in close contact with each other.If a voltage application control from the power source unit 95 causes the dielectric elastomer transducer 90 to expand or contract in such a state, a situation may arise in which the electrode layers 92, 93 are subjected to undue friction, and the electrode layers 92, 93 may be damaged. A portion of the dielectric elastomer transducer 90 attached to the tensile force maintaining body 94 does not contribute to the expansion even when a voltage is applied.

[0005] US 2004 / 0 217 671 A1 discloses rolled electroactive polymer devices, their use in a variety of applications, and methods for their manufacture. The rolled electroactive polymer device comprises a rolled electroactive polymer and at least two electrodes to enable mechanical-to-electrical energy conversion. The polymer is typically biased, for example, by means of a spring, to enhance mechanical-to-electrical energy conversion.

[0006] JP 4 695 226 B1 discloses an electric-field-responsive polymer for an actuator. The electric-field-responsive polymer consists of an elastomer film sandwiched between two flexible electrodes, which expands upon application of a voltage. The electrodes contain carbon nanotubes as conductive fillers. A reinforcing film is provided at least near the end portion of the elastomer film between the elastomer film and the electrode, and is thicker than the end portion of the elastomer film near the end portion. Summary of the inventionProblem to be solved by the invention

[0007] The invention has been developed in view of the above-mentioned problem, and it is an object to provide a dielectric elastomer transducer and a dielectric elastomer driving device capable of obtaining a sufficient amount of expansion while avoiding damage to the electrode layer. Means of solving the problem

[0008] The technical problem is solved by a dielectric elastomer transducer according to claim 1 and by an associated dielectric elastomer driving device according to claim 12 directed thereto. A dielectric elastomer transducer provided by a first aspect of the invention comprises a dielectric elastomer functional element having a dielectric elastomer layer and a pair of electrode layers between which the dielectric elastomer layer is arranged, and further comprises a support body supporting the dielectric elastomer functional element, wherein each of the electrode layers has one or more application portions, the dielectric elastomer functional element has one or more functional portions on which the application portions of the electrode layers overlap, and the functional portion is spaced from the support body.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the dielectric elastomer functional element has one or more electrodeless portions in which the electrode layer is not provided, and the electrodeless portion is fixed to the support body.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the dielectric elastomer functional element has a tubular shape in which at least the functional portion is a single film without overlap.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the dielectric elastomer functional element has a plurality of functional sections spaced apart from one another in the axial direction.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the application section is divided into a plurality of sections in the circumferential direction.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the electrode layer has a coupling portion that couples the application portions to each other, and the coupling portion is not fixed to the support body.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the coupling portion of one of the electrode layers does not overlap with the other electrode layer.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the support body is formed from a plurality of plate elements which have a circular shape when viewed in the axial direction and are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the axial direction.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a wiring connected to the application section is further included.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a tensile force maintaining body is further included, which causes the dielectric elastomer functional element to expand.

[0018] A dielectric elastomer drive device provided by a second aspect of the invention is characterized by: the dielectric elastomer transducer provided by the first aspect of the invention; and a power source unit for applying a voltage to the dielectric elastomer transducer. Effects of the invention

[0019] With the invention, it is possible to avoid damage to an electrode layer while maintaining a sufficient amount of expansion.

[0020] Further features and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings. Brief description of the drawings Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a dielectric elastomer transducer and a dielectric elastomer drive device according to a first embodiment of the invention. Fig. 2 is a plan view of the dielectric elastomer transducer and the dielectric elastomer driving device according to the first embodiment of the invention. Fig. 3 is a sectional view along the line III-III in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is an enlarged sectional view of a main part showing a Fig. 3 represents the part designated IV. Fig. 5 is an enlarged sectional view of a main part taken along the line VV in Fig. 3. Fig. 6 is a plan view of the development of a dielectric elastomer layer and an electrode layer of the dielectric elastomer transducer according to the first embodiment of the invention. Fig. 7 is a plan view of the development of the dielectric elastomer layer and the electrode layer of the dielectric elastomer transducer according to the first embodiment of the invention. Fig. 8 is a plan view of the development of the dielectric elastomer layer and the electrode layer of the dielectric elastomer transducer according to the first embodiment of the invention. Fig. 9 is a plan view showing the development of a dielectric elastomer layer and an electrode layer of the dielectric elastomer transducer according to a modification of the first embodiment of the invention. Fig. 10 is a plan view of the development of the dielectric elastomer layer and the electrode layer of the dielectric elastomer transducer according to the modification of the first embodiment of the invention. Fig. 11 is a sectional view of a dielectric elastomer transducer and the dielectric elastomer driving device of another modification according to the first embodiment of the invention. Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a dielectric elastomer transducer and a dielectric elastomer drive device according to a second embodiment of the invention. Fig. 13 is a plan view of the development of a dielectric elastomer layer and an electrode layer of the dielectric elastomer transducer according to the second embodiment of the invention. Fig. 14 is a plan view of the development of the dielectric elastomer layer and the electrode layer of the dielectric elastomer transducer according to the second embodiment of the invention. Fig. 15 is a plan view showing the development of a dielectric elastomer layer and an electrode layer of the dielectric elastomer transducer according to a modification of the second embodiment of the invention. Fig. 16 is a plan view of the development of the dielectric elastomer layer and the electrode layer of the dielectric elastomer transducer according to the modification of the second embodiment of the invention. Fig. 17 is a sectional view of a dielectric elastomer transducer and a dielectric elastomer drive device according to a third embodiment of the invention. Fig. 18 is a plan view of the development of a dielectric elastomer layer and an electrode layer of the dielectric elastomer transducer according to the third embodiment of the invention. Fig. 19 is a plan view of the development of the dielectric elastomer layer and the electrode layer of the dielectric elastomer transducer according to the third embodiment of the invention. Fig. 20 is a perspective view of a dielectric elastomer transducer according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. Fig. 21 is a perspective view of a dielectric elastomer transducer according to a fifth embodiment of the invention. Fig. 22 is a configuration diagram of an example of a dielectric elastomer power generating device according to the invention. Fig. 23 is a configuration diagram of an example of a dielectric elastomer sensor device according to the invention. Fig. 24 is a perspective view of a dielectric elastomer layer and an electrode layer used in an example of a conventional dielectric elastomer transducer. Fig. 25 is a sectional view of an example of a conventional dielectric elastomer transducer and a conventional dielectric elastomer drive device. Modes for carrying out the invention

[0021] The preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0022] The Fig. 1 to 8 illustrate a dielectric elastomer transducer and a dielectric elastomer drive device of a first embodiment of the invention. A dielectric elastomer drive device B1 of the embodiment includes a dielectric elastomer transducer A1 and a power source unit 7.

[0023] The dielectric elastomer drive device B1 is, for example, a device that outputs a driving force by driving the dielectric elastomer transducer A1 based on a voltage applied by the power source unit 7. The application of the elastomer drive device B1 is not particularly limited, and as a typical example, the application may be a robot arm or an artificial hand, etc.

[0024] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the dielectric elastomer transducer A1 and the dielectric elastomer drive device B1. Fig. 2 is a plan view of the dielectric elastomer transducer A1 and the dielectric elastomer drive device B1. Fig. 3 is a sectional view along the line III-III in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is an enlarged sectional view of a main part showing a Fig. 3 represents the part designated IV. Fig. 5 is an enlarged sectional view of a main part taken along the line VV in Fig. 3. Fig. 6 to 8 are plan views of the development of a dielectric elastomer layer and an electrode layer of the dielectric elastomer transducer.

[0025] The dielectric elastomer transducer A1 comprises a dielectric elastomer functional element 1, a plurality of support bodies 5, and a tensile force maintaining body 6. The dielectric elastomer functional element 1 comprises a dielectric elastomer layer 2 and a pair of electrode layers 3, 4. The dielectric elastomer functional element 1 can perform an actuation of a so-called artificial muscle.

[0026] Considering that the dielectric elastomer functional element 1 is used, for example, as an artificial muscle, the dielectric elastomer layer 2 must be elastically deformable and have high insulation strength. The material of the dielectric elastomer layer 2 is not specifically limited, but may be a silicone elastomer or an acrylic elastomer as preferred examples.

[0027] The dielectric elastomer layer 2 is arranged between the electrode layers 3, 4. A voltage is applied from the power source unit 7 to the electrode layers 3, 4. The electrode layers 3, 4 are formed of a material that has conductivity and is elastically deformable in accordance with the elastic deformation of the dielectric elastomer layer 2. An example of such a material is a material in which a filler that imparts conductivity is mixed into an elastically deformable main material. A preferable example of the filler described above is a carbon nanotube. In the embodiment, the electrode layer 3 is provided on an outer surface of the cylindrical dielectric elastomer layer 2, and the electrode layer 4 is provided on an inner surface of the dielectric elastomer layer 2.

[0028] Assume that the dielectric elastomer functional element 1 does not receive any external force and is not restrained. In such a case, when no voltage is applied from the power source unit 7, the dielectric elastomer functional element 1 is in a natural length state in which there is no voluntary expansion or contraction. In a case where an external force is applied, elastic deformation of the dielectric elastomer layer 2 is permitted. When a voltage is applied from the power source unit 7, a positive charge and a negative charge are accumulated in the electrode layers 3, 4 with the dielectric elastomer layer 2 sandwiched therebetween. With the Coulomb force of the charges, the electrode layers 3, 4 are attracted to each other, and the dielectric elastomer layer 2 is compressed in a thickness direction.In accordance with the compression in the thickness direction, the size of the dielectric elastomer layer 2 expands in the thickness direction. In this way, the dielectric elastomer functional element 1 can behave in such a way that the size of the dielectric elastomer functional element 1 expands in the thickness direction when a voltage is applied. The dielectric elastomer functional element of the invention is not limited to a configuration in which the size of the dielectric elastomer functional element expands in the thickness direction when a voltage is applied. A configuration in which the size of the dielectric elastomer functional element decreases in the thickness direction when a voltage is applied can be adopted.

[0029] The Fig. 6 to 8 illustrate the state of the dielectric elastomer layer 2 and the electrode layers 3, 4 before the dielectric elastomer transducer A1 is formed. Fig. 6 to 8 are positions corresponding to positions P1, P2, P3, P4, which are specific positions in a circumferential direction θ shown in Fig. 1 are indicated by long dashed, short dashed lines.

[0030] Fig. 6 is a plan view of a surface that is an outer surface of the dielectric elastomer layer 2 in the dielectric elastomer transducer A1. As shown in Fig. 6, the electrode layer 3 of the embodiment includes a plurality of application portions 31, a plurality of coupling portions 32, and a connection portion 33.

[0031] The application portions 31 are portions that sandwich the dielectric elastomer layer 2 with the corresponding portions of the electrode layer 4 in the dielectric elastomer functional element 1, and are the portions to which a voltage is applied. The shape of the application portions 31 is not particularly limited. In the illustrated example, the application portions 31 have an elongated rectangular shape elongated in the circumferential direction θ. The application portions 31 are arranged at intervals in the axial direction z. The number of application portions 31 is not particularly limited. In the illustrated example, a case where there are three application portions 31 is shown. The number of application portions 31 may be two or may be equal to or greater than four.

[0032] The coupling section 32 couples the adjacent application sections 31 in the axial direction z to each other and conductively connects the adjacent application sections 31. In the illustrated example, six coupling sections 32 are provided. Among the six coupling sections 32, the positions of the coupling sections 32 are aligned in three directions in the axial direction z. The coupling sections 32 are positioned at position P2 and position P4.

[0033] The connecting portion 33 is a portion extending upward in the axial direction z from the application portion 31 positioned on an upper side in the axial direction z. As shown in Fig. 3, the connecting portion 33 is a portion to which a wiring 71 configuring a voltage application circuit from the power source unit 7 is connected.

[0034] Fig. Fig. 7 is a plan view of a surface that is an inner surface of the dielectric elastomer layer 2 in the dielectric elastomer transducer A1. As shown in Fig. 7, the electrode layer 4 of the embodiment includes a plurality of application portions 41, a plurality of coupling portions 42, and a connection portion 43.

[0035] The application portions 41 are portions that sandwich the dielectric elastomer layer 2 with the application portions 31 of the electrode layer 3 in the dielectric elastomer functional element 1, and are the portions to which a voltage is applied. The shape of the application portions 41 is not particularly limited. In the illustrated example, the application portions 41 have an elongated rectangular shape elongated in the circumferential direction θ. The application portions 41 are arranged at intervals in the axial direction z. The number of application portions 41 is not particularly limited. In the illustrated example, a case where there are three application portions 41 is shown. The number of application portions 41 may be two or may be equal to or greater than four.

[0036] The coupling section 42 couples the adjacent application sections 41 in the axial direction z to each other and conductively connects the adjacent application sections 41. In the illustrated example, four coupling sections 42 are provided. Among the four coupling sections 42, the positions of the coupling sections 42 are aligned in two parts in the axial direction z. The coupling sections 42 are positioned at position P1 and position P3 and have different positions in the circumferential direction θ from the coupling sections 32 of the electrode layer 3.

[0037] The connecting portion 43 is a portion extending downward in the axial direction z from the application portion 41 positioned on a lower side in the axial direction z. The position of the connecting portion 43 is on the opposite side in the axial direction z to that of the connecting portion 33 of the electrode layer 3. As shown in Fig. 3, the connecting portion 43 is a portion to which a wiring 72 configuring the voltage application circuit from the power source unit 7 is connected.

[0038] Fig. 8 denotes a part of the electrode layer 4 by a shadow line that overlaps with the dielectric elastomer layer 2 and the electrode layer 3. As in Fig. 8, the dielectric elastomer functional element 1 is configured from a plurality of functional sections 11 and a plurality of electrodeless sections 12.

[0039] Each functional section 11 is composed of the application section 31 of the electrode layer 3, the application section 41 of the electrode layer 4, and a section of the dielectric elastomer layer 2 disposed between the application section 31 and the application section 41. That is, the section of the dielectric elastomer layer 2 that configures the functional section 11 is a section that deforms significantly when a voltage is applied to the application section 31 and the application section 41. In the illustrated example, three functional sections 11 aligned in the axial direction z are provided.

[0040] The electrodeless sections 12 are configured from sections of the dielectric elastomer layer 2 on which neither the electrode layer 3 nor the electrode layer 4 are formed. The electrodeless sections 12 are positioned between the functional sections 11, which are adjacent to each other in the axial direction z. In the illustrated example, eight electrodeless sections 12 are provided.

[0041] The support bodies 5 serve to maintain the dielectric elastomer functional element 1 in a tubular shape. In the exemplary embodiment, the support bodies 5 are configured to maintain the dielectric elastomer functional element 1 in a cylindrical shape, are plate members having a circular shape when viewed in the axial direction z, and each having an outer peripheral surface 51. The number of support bodies 5 is not specifically limited. In the exemplary embodiment, four support bodies 5 are provided, corresponding to the three functional portions 11 arranged in the axial direction z. The configuration of the support bodies 5 is not specifically limited and only needs to be a configuration that supports the dielectric elastomer functional element 1 in a desired state. The support bodies 5 may have an elliptical shape or a polygonal shape, etc.In such cases, the dielectric elastomer functional element 1 has an elliptical tubular shape or a polygonal tubular shape. In addition to the plate shape, the dielectric elastomer functional element 1 may have a frame-like shape or a skeleton structure.

[0042] As in Fig. 3, the two support bodies 5, which are positioned at the upper end and at the lower end in the axial direction z, do not have large through-holes. The two support bodies 5 arranged on an inner side in the axial direction z have through-holes 52. The through-holes 52 extend through the support bodies 5 in the axial direction z and are positioned in the center of the support bodies 5 as viewed in the axial direction z. The support bodies 5 may have recessed portions 53. In the illustrated example, two recessed portions 53 are formed at position P1 and position P3. The recessed portions 53 are recessed radially inward from the outer peripheral surfaces 51.

[0043] The tensile force maintaining body 6 maintains a tensile force that causes the dielectric elastomer functional element 1 to expand in the axial direction z. The detailed configuration of the tensile force maintaining body 6 is not particularly limited. In the exemplary embodiment, the tensile force maintaining body 6 is configured from a spring. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the ends of the tensile force maintaining body 6 are attached to the two support bodies 5, which are positioned at the upper end and the lower end in the axial direction z. The tensile force maintaining body 6 is inserted into the through holes 52 of the two support bodies 5, which are positioned on an inner side in the axial direction z.

[0044] In the embodiment, the dielectric elastomer functional element 1 is connected to the four support bodies 5 to maintain the dielectric elastomer functional element 1 in a cylindrical shape. Fig. The dielectric elastomer functional element 1 shown in Figures 6 to 8 is wound around the support bodies 5 to form a cylindrical shape. In the exemplary embodiment, the dielectric elastomer functional element 1 has a single film cylindrical shape without overlap. In particular, the dielectric elastomer functional element 1 is configured such that at least the functional portion 11 is a single film without overlap. That is, the configuration may be such that when the Fig. 6 to 8 is wound around the support bodies 5, the sections of the dielectric elastomer functional element 1 slightly overlap in the circumferential direction θ with the exception of the functional section 11.

[0045] The dielectric elastomer functional element 1 is connected to the outer peripheral surfaces 51 of the four support bodies 5. In particular, as shown in Fig. 5, an inner surface of the electrodeless portion 12 of the dielectric elastomer functional element 1 is connected to the outer peripheral surface 51 of the support body 5 by connecting elements 29. As shown in Fig. 4, a part of the dielectric elastomer layer 2, on which the electrode layer 3 is provided on the outer surface and the electrode layer 4 is not provided on the inner surface, is connected to the outer peripheral surface 51 of the support body 5 with the connecting element 29. On the other hand, as shown in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the application sections 41, which configure the functional sections 11, are spaced apart from the support bodies 5 in the axial direction z. The application sections 41 (functional sections 11) are thus not connected to the support bodies 5 and are spaced apart from the support bodies 5 in the axial direction z.

[0046] The coupling sections 42 of the electrode layer 4 are not connected to the support bodies 5. In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, a recessed portion 53 is formed on each support body 5 at the position P1 and the position P3 where the coupling portion 42 is provided. The positions of the coupling portion 42 and the recessed portion 53 coincide in the circumferential direction θ, so that the coupling portion 42 is significantly spaced from the support body 5. The configuration is not limited to the configuration in which the recessed portion 53 is provided so that the coupling portion 42 is spaced from the support body 5. A support body 5 not provided with the recessed portion 53 may be used. Even in such a case, it is preferable that the electrodeless portion 12 is connected to the connecting member 29 at the outer peripheral surface 51, and the coupling portion 42 is not connected to the outer peripheral surface 51 of the support body 5.

[0047] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the tensile force maintaining body 6 is provided within the dielectric elastomer functional element 1, which has a cylindrical shape. The dielectric elastomer functional element 1 and the tensile force maintaining body 6 are not in contact and are spaced apart from each other in the radial direction r. In the illustrated state, no voltage is applied from the power source unit 7. Fig. 3, the tensile force maintaining body 6 is compressed with respect to the natural length in the axial direction z, and an elastic force for expanding in the axial direction z and returning to the natural length is exerted by the tensile force maintaining body 6. The elastic force of the tensile force maintaining body 6 is applied in the axial direction z to both ends of the dielectric elastomer functional element 1 by means of the two support bodies 5. In this way, the tensile force of expansion in the axial direction z is maintained in the dielectric elastomer functional element 1. With the maintenance of the tensile force, the dielectric elastomer functional element 1 is expanded in the axial direction z and has a slightly narrowed shape between the support bodies 5 adjacent to each other in the axial direction z.In the illustrated example, a diameter of the support body 5 corresponds to or is smaller than a distance between the support bodies 5 adjacent to each other in the axial direction z. The dielectric elastomer functional element 1, which is positioned between the adjacent support bodies 5, thus has a cylindrical shape with a relatively short axis. The constriction of the above-described dielectric elastomer functional element 1 is significantly smaller than a constriction in a case where the dielectric elastomer functional element 1 is set to have a cylindrical shape with only the two support bodies 5 at the upper end and at the lower end in the axial direction z, and an equivalent tensile force is maintained.

[0048] The functions of the dielectric elastomer transducer A1 and the dielectric elastomer drive device B1 will now be described.

[0049] In the embodiment, each electrodeless section 12 is fixed to the support body 5 and each functional section 11 is spaced from the support body 5, as in Fig. 3. The functional portion 11 is a portion that expands and contracts in accordance with the application of voltage from the power source unit 7. When the functional portion 11 is connected to the support body 5, the expansion and contraction of the functional portion 11 is unduly restricted by the support body 5. Sufficient expansion and contraction is thus hindered. When the application portion 41 is connected to the support body 5, excessive stress is generated in the application portion 41, and the application portion 41 may be damaged. Since the functional portion 11 is spaced apart from the support body 5 in the embodiment, there is no possibility that expansion and contraction of the functional portion 11 will be hindered, and sufficient expansion and contraction can be expected.Both the application section 31 and the application section 41, which configure the functional section 11, are not connected to the support body 5. In this way, it is possible to prevent the generation of excessive stress in the application section 31 and the application section 41. It is also possible to prevent damage to the application section 31 and the application section 41. With the dielectric elastomer transducer A1 and the dielectric elastomer drive device B1, it is thus possible to prevent damage to the electrode layers 3, 4 and obtain a sufficient amount of expansion.

[0050] Since the functional sections 11 form a plurality of steps in the configuration in the axial direction z, it is possible to relatively reduce the size of each functional section 11 in the axial direction z. Thus, it is possible to reduce the amount of constriction associated with the tensile force of the dielectric elastomer functional element 1 and effectively expand and contract the dielectric elastomer transducer A1. Since the dielectric elastomer functional element 1 is a single sheet without overlap, it is possible to prevent the electrode layer 3 and the electrode layer 4 from rubbing against each other due to the overlap of the functional sections 11.

[0051] As in the Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in FIG. 5, each portion of the dielectric elastomer functional element 1 that is bonded to the outer peripheral surface 51 of the support body 5 is part of the dielectric elastomer layer 2. The electrode layer 4 is not bonded to the support body 5. Even if deformation occurs in the coupling portion 42 associated with the expansion and contraction of the dielectric elastomer transducer A1, it is possible to prevent the support body 5 from restricting the deformation. This is preferable for protecting the electrode layer 4.

[0052] As in the Fig. 6 to 8, the coupling portion 32 of the electrode layer 3 and the coupling portion 42 of the electrode layer 4 are located at positions different from each other in the circumferential direction θ. In a region where the support body 5 is present in the axial direction z, there is no structure in which both the electrode layer 3 and the electrode layer 4 sandwich the same portion of the dielectric elastomer layer 2. That is, a portion structured by only the dielectric elastomer layer 2 or a portion structured by either the electrode layer 3 or the electrode layer 4 is not significantly deformed even when a voltage is applied by the power source unit 7. Thus, a situation in which the part of the dielectric elastomer functional element 1 connected to the support body 5 is unduly restricted from deformation can be avoided.

[0053] Since the connecting portion 33 and the connecting portion 43 are provided on opposite sides in the axial direction z, it is possible to prevent an unintentional Coulomb force from being generated between the connecting portion 33 and the connecting portion 43.

[0054] The Fig. Figures 9 to 23 illustrate modifications and further embodiments of the invention. In the figures, elements that are the same or similar to those in the previously described embodiment are provided with the same reference numerals as in the previously described embodiment.

[0055] In the Fig. 9 and Fig. Figure 10 shows the dielectric elastomer functional element 1 of a modification of the dielectric elastomer transducer A1. In this modification, the connecting portion 33 of the electrode layer 3 and the connecting portion 43 of the electrode layer 4 are provided on the same side in the axial direction z.

[0056] In the modification, a plurality of connecting portions 33 are provided which are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction θ, as shown in Fig. 9. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 10, a plurality of connecting portions 43 are provided, spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction θ. The connecting portions 33 are provided at positions P2 and P4, and the connecting portions 43 are provided at positions P1 and P3. That is, the connecting portions 33 and the connecting portions 43 are provided at positions in the circumferential direction θ that are different from each other.

[0057] Even in such a modification, it is possible to avoid damage to the electrode layers 3, 4 and to obtain a sufficient amount of expansion.

[0058] Fig. 11 shows another modification of the dielectric elastomer transducer A1 and the dielectric elastomer drive device B1. In the embodiment, a plurality of wirings 73 and a plurality of metal films 75 are provided in the dielectric elastomer transducer A1. The metal films 75 are made of metal such as copper and are bonded to the support bodies 5. Specifically, the metal films 75 have a belt shape in which the radial direction r is a longitudinal direction and the circumferential direction θ is a width direction. The metal films 75 are bonded to the three support bodies 5 positioned lower in the axial direction z among the four support bodies 5. The metal films 75 are provided along axially upper sides and axially lower sides and the outer peripheral surfaces 51 of the support bodies 5.The wirings 73 are connected to the metal films 75 provided on the adjacent support bodies 5 and configured to conductively connect the adjacent metal films 75 with low resistance. Portions of the metal films 75 covering the outer peripheral surfaces 51 are conductively connected to the coupling portions 42 of the electrode layer 4.

[0059] Even with such a modification, it is possible to avoid damage to the electrode layers 3, 4 and to obtain a sufficient amount of expansion. The conductive paths are formed by the wirings 73 and the metal films 75. Thus, in the application portions 41, the conductive paths passing through the wirings 73 and the metal films 75 are formed in addition to the conductive paths passing through the adjacent application portions 41. The conductive paths passing through the wirings 73 and the metal films 75 can be set to have a lower resistance than the conductive paths passing through the application portions 41. Thus, it is possible to expand and contract the entire dielectric elastomer functional element 1 more effectively.The supply of electric charge to the dielectric elastomer functional element 1 and the removal of electric charge from the dielectric elastomer functional element 1 can also be completed in a shorter time. Thus, it is possible to increase the operating speed of the dielectric elastomer converter A1. Besides the configuration of the modification, a conduction path to the dielectric elastomer functional element 1 may be formed through the tensile force maintaining body 6 instead of the wirings 73. For example, it is possible to configure the above-described conduction path by forming at least one surface of the tensile force maintaining body 6 with a conductor and by bringing the tensile force maintaining body 6 into contact with the metal films 75.

[0060] The configuration of the modification, which is in the Fig. 9 to 11 can also be applied to the following embodiments.

[0061] The Fig. 12 to 14 illustrate a dielectric elastomer transducer of a second embodiment of the invention. In the dielectric elastomer transducer A2 of the embodiment, the electrode layer 3 has six application sections 31. The application sections 31 are arranged in two parts, while each of the two application sections 31 is spaced from the other application section 31 in the circumferential direction θ. The application sections 31 adjacent to each other in the axial direction z are coupled by the coupling section 32. As shown in Fig. 14, the electrode layer 4 has six application portions 41. The application portions 41 are arranged in two parts, while each of the two application portions 41 is spaced from the other application portion 41 in the circumferential direction θ. The application portions 41 adjacent to each other in the axial direction z are coupled by the coupling portion 42. With the above configuration of the electrode layer 3 and the electrode layer 4, the dielectric elastomer functional element 1 has six functional portions 11. The functional portions 11 are arranged in two parts, while each of the two functional portions 11 is spaced from the other functional portion 11 in the circumferential direction θ. The functional portions 11 are arranged in three parts, in which the groups of three are separated in the circumferential direction θ, with the position P2 and the position P4 arranged therebetween.Similar to the previously described embodiment, the electrodeless section 12 is provided between the functional sections 11, which are adjacent to each other in the axial direction z.

[0062] In the embodiment, the Fig. 3 is individually connected to each of the two connecting sections 33 of the electrode layer 3. The wiring 71 shown in Fig. The wiring 72 shown in Fig. 3 is individually connected to each of the two connecting portions 43 of the electrode layer 4. In this configuration, when a voltage is applied to the entirety of the electrode layer 3 and the electrode layer 4, the dielectric elastomer transducer A2 is deformed to expand in the axial direction z, as shown in Fig. 12. When a voltage is applied only to the connecting portions 33 and 43 positioned at the position P1, the dielectric elastomer transducer A1 is deformed to bend toward the position P3. When a voltage is applied only to the connecting portions 33 and 43 positioned at the position P3, the dielectric elastomer transducer A1 is deformed to bend toward the position P1.

[0063] Even with such an embodiment, it is possible to avoid damage to the electrode layers 3, 4 and to obtain a sufficient amount of expansion. It is also possible to cause various types of deformations, such as expansion and two types of bending, in the dielectric elastomer transducer A2 by appropriately selecting the application portion 31 and the application portion 41 (functional portion 11) to which a voltage is applied. A rod-shaped member, which is an elastic body other than a spring, can be used as the tensile force maintaining body 6. In this case, although the tensile force of the dielectric elastomer functional element 1 can be maintained, the dielectric elastomer transducer A2 is not significantly deformed even if a voltage is applied to both the two connecting portions 33 and the two connecting portions 43.When a voltage is applied to a pair of the connecting portions 33 and the connecting portions 43, the bending deformation described above occurs.

[0064] In the Fig. 15 and Fig. 16 shows the dielectric elastomer functional element 1 of a modification of the dielectric elastomer transducer A2. In the modification, the electrode layer 3 has twelve application sections 31, and the electrode layer 4 has twelve application sections 41. The application sections 31 are arranged in four parts, while each of the four application sections 31 is spaced apart from the other application sections 31 in the circumferential direction θ, and the application sections 41 are arranged in four parts, while each of the four application sections 41 is spaced apart from the other application sections 41 in the circumferential direction θ. In this way, the dielectric elastomer functional element 1 has twelve functional sections 11, and the functional sections are arranged in four parts, while each of the four functional sections 11 is spaced apart in the circumferential direction θ.There are provided four connecting portions 33 and four connecting portions 43 corresponding to the abutment portions 31 and the abutment portions 41 provided while being spaced apart in the circumferential direction θ.

[0065] Even with such a modification, it is possible to avoid damage to the electrode layers 3, 4 and obtain a sufficient amount of expansion. It is also possible to cause deformation in which the dielectric elastomer transducer A2 bends toward the opposite side of the position where the connecting portion 33 and the connecting portion 43 are present in the circumferential direction θ by applying a voltage to only one pair of the four connecting portions 33 and the four connecting portions 43. Thus, in the dielectric elastomer transducer A2 of the modification, it is possible to appropriately select and cause deformation in which the dielectric elastomer transducer A2 is bent in four directions different by 90 degrees.

[0066] The Fig. 17 to 19 show a dielectric elastomer transducer and a dielectric elastomer drive device of a third embodiment of the invention. In a dielectric elastomer transducer A3 and a dielectric elastomer drive device B3 of the embodiment, the electrode layer 3 has a rectangular shape covering almost the entire dielectric elastomer layer 2, as shown in FIGS. Fig. 17 and Fig. 18. However, the electrode layer 3 has three application sections 31, two coupling sections 32, and the connecting section 33, as indicated in the figure with auxiliary lines and symbols. The three application sections 31 are arranged in the z-direction, and the coupling sections 32 are arranged between the adjacent application sections 31. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 19, the electrode layer 4 has three application sections 41 arranged so as to be spaced apart from each other in the axial direction z. The electrode layer 4 has no section for coupling the adjacent application sections 41. The three application sections 41 are thus insulated from each other. The dielectric elastomer functional element 1 has three functional sections 11 arranged in the axial direction z so as to be spaced apart from each other in the axial direction z.

[0067] As in Fig. As shown in Fig. 17, the dielectric elastomer driving device B3 includes the wiring 71 and a plurality of wirings 72. A through-hole 54 is provided in each of the three supporting bodies 5. The wiring 71 is connected to a negative electrode of the power source unit 7 and is connected to the connecting portion 33 of the electrode layer 3. In this way, the wiring 71 is conductively connected to the application portions 31 via the connecting portion 33 and the coupling portions 32. The wirings 72 are connected to a positive electrode of the power source unit 7 and are individually connected to the three application portions 41 of the electrode layer 4. Thus, in the dielectric elastomer driving device B3, a voltage can be applied independently to each of the three functional portions 11.

[0068] Even with such an embodiment, it is possible to avoid damage to the electrode layers 3, 4 and to obtain a sufficient amount of expansion. Since a voltage can be applied individually to each of the three functional sections 11, each of the functional sections 11 can be appropriately expanded, with the functional sections 11 being set to be a configuration with a plurality of steps in the axial direction z. As shown in FIGS. Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 or in the Fig. 15 and Fig. As shown in FIG. 16, the plurality of application portions 31 are configured to be spaced apart in the circumferential direction θ, and the plurality of application portions 41 are configured to be spaced apart in the circumferential direction θ. Thus, the dielectric elastomer transducer A3 can be configured to allow bending in a plurality of stages in addition to expansion and contraction in a plurality of stages.

[0069] Fig. 20 illustrates a dielectric elastomer transducer based on a fourth embodiment of the invention. In a dielectric elastomer transducer A4 of the embodiment, the dielectric elastomer functional element 1 has only one functional portion 11. That is, the electrode layer 3 has only one application portion 31, and the electrode layer 4 has only one application portion 41. The electrode layer 3 and the electrode layer 4 may include the previously described connecting portion 33 and the connecting portion 43.

[0070] In the exemplary embodiment, the functional portion 11 is spaced apart from the support body 5 and is not attached to the support body 5. In the dielectric elastomer functional element 1, the electrodeless portion 12 is provided around the functional portion 11. At least a portion of the electrodeless part 12 is attached to the support body 5, so that the dielectric elastomer functional element 1 is supported by the support body 5 to have a tubular shape.

[0071] Even with such an embodiment, it is possible to avoid damage to the electrode layers 3, 4 and maintain a sufficient amount of expansion. As can be seen from the embodiment, in the invention, the dielectric elastomer functional element 1 only needs to have a configuration that includes one or more functional sections 11 that are not fixed by the support body 5.

[0072] Fig. 21 illustrates a dielectric elastomer transducer based on a fifth embodiment of the invention. In a dielectric elastomer transducer A5 of the embodiment, the basic shapes of the dielectric elastomer functional element 1 and the number of the dielectric elastomer functional elements 1 are different from those of the previously described embodiments.

[0073] In the exemplary embodiment, the dielectric elastomer functional elements 1 comprise two dielectric elastomer layers 2, two electrode layers 3, and two electrode layers 4. Each dielectric elastomer layer 2 has, for example, an elongated rectangular shape. Each electrode layer 3 has two application sections 31 and the coupling section 32. The two application sections 31 are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction of the dielectric elastomer layer 2 and each have, for example, a rectangular shape. Each electrode layer 4 has two application sections 41 and the coupling section 42. The two application sections 41 are arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction of the dielectric elastomer layer 2 and each have, for example, a rectangular shape.With such a configuration, the dielectric elastomer functional element 1 has two functional sections 11 arranged side by side in the z-direction and the electrodeless section 12 positioned between the two functional sections 11.

[0074] The dielectric elastomer transducer A5 includes three support bodies 5. Each support body 5 has, for example, a rectangular plate shape with four sides along the x-direction and the y-direction as viewed in the z-direction. The three support bodies 5 are spaced apart from each other in the z-direction. One of the dielectric elastomer functional elements 1 is fixed to a portion in a front part of the three support bodies 5 in the x-direction. The other dielectric elastomer functional element 1 is fixed to a portion in a rear part of the three support bodies 5 in the x-direction. Regarding the fixing of the dielectric elastomer functional elements 1, the functional portions 11 are not fixed to the support bodies 5, and the electrodeless portions 12 are fixed to the support bodies 5.From the viewpoint of making a bending operation of the dielectric elastomer transducer A5 in the x-direction smoother, it is preferable that the support bodies 5 have a rectangular shape in which the x-direction is set as the short side direction and the y-direction is set as the long side direction as viewed in the z-direction.

[0075] Even with such an embodiment, it is possible to avoid damage to the electrode layers 3, 4 and to obtain a sufficient amount of expansion. As can be seen from the embodiment, the shape of the dielectric elastomer functional element 1 is not limited to a tubular shape and can have various shapes, such as a flat plate shape or a truncated cone shape. It is possible to drive the dielectric elastomer transducer A5 in a variety of directions by providing a plurality of dielectric elastomer functional elements 1.

[0076] Fig. 22 illustrates an example of a dielectric elastomer power generation device according to the invention. A dielectric elastomer power generation device C1 of the embodiment includes the dielectric elastomer transducer A1, a control unit 81, and an energy storage unit 82. The dielectric elastomer power generation device C1 is a device that generates energy with expansion and contraction of the dielectric elastomer functional element 1.

[0077] In the dielectric elastomer power generating device C1, the dielectric elastomer transducers of various shapes provided by the invention may be used in addition to the dielectric elastomer transducer A1.

[0078] The control unit 81 appropriately controls the application of initial voltages to the electrode layer 3 and the electrode layer 4 of the dielectric elastomer functional element 1 and the output voltages from the electrode layer 3 and the electrode layer 4. The control unit 81 performs switching control of a switch (not shown) required when the application and input are performed. The above-described control unit 81 includes, for example, a power source unit that generates an initial charge, a power conversion unit that performs a function such as converting an output voltage into a voltage suitable for use, and a CPU that controls the power source unit and the power conversion unit.

[0079] The energy storage unit 82 is an energy storage means of the dielectric elastomer power generation device C1, into which energy output from the dielectric elastomer converter A1 is input. The configuration of the energy storage unit 82 is not particularly limited and may be a configuration having an energy storage capacity capable of storing the energy generated by the dielectric elastomer converter A1. Examples of a so-called rechargeable battery that configures the energy storage unit 82 include a nickel-hydrogen battery and a lithium-ion battery. The energy storage unit 82 may include a voltage reduction circuit that reduces an input voltage to a voltage suitable for a secondary battery.

[0080] When power is generated with the dielectric elastomer power generation device C1, an initial voltage is first applied while the dielectric elastomer functional element 1 is expanded. As the dielectric elastomer functional element 1 expands and contracts due to removal or application of an external force, an electrostatic capacitance of the dielectric elastomer functional element 1 serving as a capacitor decreases. In conjunction with the decrease in electrostatic capacitance, the voltage in the dielectric elastomer functional element 1 is increased to be higher than the initial voltage. Energy corresponding to the voltage by which the increased voltage is higher than the initial voltage is a voltage obtained by power generation in the dielectric elastomer power generation device C1.

[0081] As can be seen from the embodiment, the application of the dielectric elastomer converter of the invention is not limited to the drive and can be used for power generation.

[0082] Fig. 23 illustrates an example of a dielectric elastomer sensor device according to the invention. A dielectric elastomer sensor device D1 of the embodiment includes the dielectric elastomer transducer A1, an oscillation drive unit 900, an intermediate circuit 910, and a determination circuit 920. The dielectric elastomer sensor device D1 is a device that detects an operation of a target object, etc., based on an expansion and contraction (deformation) of the dielectric elastomer functional element 1.

[0083] The dielectric elastomer converter A1 and the oscillation drive unit 900 configure an oscillation circuit and output AC electrical signals. The dielectric elastomer functional element 1 is considered and used as a variable capacitor. For example, the oscillation drive unit 900 configures, together with the dielectric elastomer functional element 1, which serves as a variable capacitor and a power source for generating AC electrical signals, a CR oscillation circuit, an LC oscillation circuit, and an oscillation circuit using a timer IC, etc., which are commonly known. The output frequencies of the AC electrical signals change in conjunction with the change in the electrostatic capacitance of the dielectric elastomer functional element 1.

[0084] The determination circuit 920 determines the change in the electrostatic capacitance of the dielectric elastomer functional element 1 based on the output signals from the oscillation circuit described above. The configuration of the determination circuit 920 is not specifically limited and only needs to be a configuration in which the relationship between the output signals of the oscillation circuit and the electrostatic capacitance can be determined based on various conventionally known methods. The specific configuration of the determination circuit 920 is appropriately selected based on whether a circuit for processing the output signals from the oscillation circuit, such as the intermediate circuit 910 described below, is suitable and the configuration of such a circuit. Examples of the determination circuit 920 include a microcomputer, an A / D converter IC, a comparator, an oscilloscope, etc.In the illustrated example, the determination circuit 920 is a circuit that determines the change in the electrostatic capacitance of the dielectric elastomer functional element 1 from the frequency of the direct current electrical signal in a case where the output signals from the oscillation circuit are converted into electrical signals that are periodically varied in polarity (hereinafter referred to as direct current electrical signals). That is, when the frequency of the direct current electrical signal serving as the output signal of the oscillation circuit is changed from the frequency corresponding to an initial electrostatic capacitance of the dielectric elastomer functional element 1, it is determined that an electrostatic capacitance C of the dielectric elastomer functional element 1 is changed. A determination reference such as a threshold value can be adopted as suitable for such a determination.

[0085] The intermediate circuit 910 processes the output signal of the previously described oscillation circuit into a signal suitable for determination by the determination circuit 920. In the case of a configuration in which the determination circuit 920 can directly determine the output signal of the oscillation circuit, the intermediate circuit 910 can be omitted. However, in order to appropriately determine the relationship between the frequency of the alternating current electrical signal, which is the output signal of the oscillation circuit, and the electrostatic capacitance C, it is preferable and realistic for the intermediate circuit 910 to be provided with a filter circuit 902. In the illustrated example, the intermediate circuit 910 includes an AC amplifier circuit 901, the filter circuit 902, a wave detection circuit 903, and a DC amplifier circuit 904.The intermediate circuit 910 is configured to convert the output signal of the oscillation circuit from the AC electrical signal to the DC electrical signal.

[0086] The AC amplifier circuit 901 amplifies the AC electrical signal from the oscillation circuit to expand the dynamic range. If the signal level of the AC electrical signal from the oscillation circuit is sufficient, the AC amplifier circuit 901 can be omitted. The AC amplifier circuit 901 is not specifically limited, and examples of the AC amplifier circuit 901 include a transistor, a FET, an operational amplifier, etc.

[0087] The filter circuit 902 allows a signal of a desired frequency band contained in the alternating current electrical signal of the oscillation circuit to pass through, and attenuates or interrupts a signal of an unnecessary frequency band. The filter circuit 902 is not particularly limited, and examples of the filter circuit 902 include a high-pass filter, a low-pass filter, a band-pass filter, a band-stop filter, and so on. In the illustrated example, the case where the high-pass filter is adopted is shown. The specific configuration of the filter circuit 902 is selected based on a variation width of a DC voltage output from the wave detection circuit 903.

[0088] The wave detection circuit 903 converts the output signal of the above-described oscillation circuit, which is the alternating current electrical signal output from the filter circuit 902, into direct current. The wave detection circuit 903 is not particularly limited, and examples of the wave detection circuit 903 include a half-wave rectification circuit or a full-wave rectification circuit using a diode. It is preferable that the wave detection circuit 903 has a configuration with a satisfactory response characteristic, which is used to accelerate the determination of the electrostatic capacitance of the dielectric elastomer functional element 1.

[0089] The DC amplifier circuit 904 amplifies the DC electrical signal output from the wave detection circuit 903 to a signal level suitable for determination by the determination circuit 920. If the level of the DC electrical signal from the wave detection circuit 903 is sufficient, the DC amplifier circuit 904 can be omitted.

[0090] As can be seen from the embodiment, the application of the dielectric elastomer transducer of the invention is not limited to the drive and can be used for a sensor.

Claims

[1] Dielectric elastomer transducer (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5) comprising a dielectric elastomer functional element (1) having a dielectric elastomer layer (2) and a pair of electrode layers (3, 4) between which the dielectric elastomer layer (2) is arranged, and further comprising a support body (5) which supports the dielectric elastomer functional element (1), wherein each of the electrode layers (3, 4) has one or more application sections (31, 41), the dielectric elastomer functional element (1) has one or more functional sections (11) on which the application sections (31, 41) of the electrode layers (3, 4) overlap, characterized by , that: - the support body (5) is designed as at least one plate element in a radial direction (r) transverse to an axial direction (z) of the dielectric elastomer layer (2) and is arranged within the dielectric elastomer converter (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5) between its two axial ends; and - the functional section (11) is spaced from the support body (5) in the radial direction (r) and in the axial direction (z). [2] Dielectric elastomer transducer (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5) according to claim 1, wherein the dielectric elastomer functional element (1) has one or more electrodeless sections (12) in which the electrode layer (3, 4) is not provided on the dielectric elastomer layer (2), and the electrodeless section (12) is attached to the support body (5). [3] Dielectric elastomer transducer (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the dielectric elastomer functional element (1) has a tubular shape. [4] Dielectric elastomer transducer (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5) according to claim 3, wherein the dielectric elastomer functional element (1) has a tubular shape in which at least the functional portion (11) is a single sheet without overlap. [5] Dielectric elastomer transducer (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the dielectric elastomer functional element (1) has a plurality of functional sections (11) spaced apart from each other in the axial direction (z). [6] Dielectric elastomer transducer (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5) according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the application portion (31, 41) is divided into a plurality of portions in a circumferential direction (θ). [7] Dielectric elastomer transducer (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5) according to claim 5, wherein the electrode layer (3, 4) has a coupling section (32, 42) which couples the application sections (31, 41) to each other, and the coupling section (32, 42) is not attached to the support body (5). [8] Dielectric elastomer transducer (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5) according to claim 7, wherein the coupling portion (32, 42) of one of the electrode layers (3, 4) does not overlap with the other electrode layer (4, 3). [9] Dielectric elastomer transducer (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5) according to one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the support body (5) is formed of a plurality of the plate elements which have a circular shape when viewed in the axial direction (z) and are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the axial direction (z). [10] A dielectric elastomer transducer (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a wiring (71, 72, 73) connected to the application section (31, 41). [11] Dielectric elastomer transducer (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5) according to one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a tensile force maintaining body (6) which causes the dielectric elastomer functional element (1) to expand. [12] Dielectric elastomer drive device (B1, B3) with: the dielectric elastomer transducer (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5) according to one of claims 1 to 11; and a power source unit (7) for applying a voltage to the dielectric elastomer transducer (A1, A2, A3, A4, A5).

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