Method for producing magnetorheological fluid devices

Abstract

Provided is a method for producing a magnetorheological fluid device that can reduce the variation (error) in the ratio (magnetic particle content) of magnetic particles in the magnetorheological fluid filled in the magnetorheological fluid device. 【Solution means】The method for producing a magnetorheological fluid device is a method for producing a magnetorheological fluid device configured such that a force corresponding to the strength of a magnetic field applied to the magnetorheological fluid is transmitted between members with the magnetorheological fluid interposed between the members. The method includes a filling step of supplying and filling a predetermined amount of the magnetorheological fluid from a container 20 containing the magnetorheological fluid to the magnetorheological fluid device 12; a measuring step of measuring the weight of the predetermined amount of the magnetorheological fluid filled in the magnetorheological fluid device 12; a calculating step of calculating the specific gravity of the magnetorheological fluid filled in the magnetorheological fluid device 12 from the measurement result of the weight and the predetermined amount; and a selecting step of selecting the magnetorheological fluid device 12 in which the specific gravity calculated in the calculating step is within a predetermined error range with respect to a specified value.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for producing a magnetorheological fluid device in which a magnetorheological fluid is interposed between members and a force corresponding to the strength of a magnetic field applied to the magnetorheological fluid is transmitted between the members. [Background technology]

[0002] A magnetorheological fluid (hereinafter also referred to as "MRF") is a functional fluid that changes its viscosity depending on the strength of the applied magnetic field. A magnetorheological fluid device (hereinafter also referred to as "MRF device") using this MRF makes it possible to realize various operations and controls that are difficult to achieve with devices that do not use MRF. An example of an MRF device is the one disclosed in Patent Document 1.

[0003] MRF is a fluid in which magnetic particles such as iron are dispersed in a dispersion medium such as oil, and even when a magnetic field of the same strength is applied, the greater the proportion of magnetic particles contained in the MRF, the higher the viscosity will be, and the smaller the proportion of magnetic particles contained in the MRF, the lower the viscosity will be. Therefore, in order to make an MRF device perform as designed, it is important to adjust the proportion of magnetic particles in the MRF used in the MRF device (hereinafter also referred to as the "magnetic particle content") to a specified value.

[0004] Generally, when a user of an MRF device obtains an MRF, he or she purchases a fixed amount of MRF (e.g., 300 ml, 500 ml, 1000 ml, etc.) in a container. If the MRF device is small and only a small amount of MRF (e.g., a few ml or less) is used in the MRF device, the MRF can be efficiently filled into the MRF device by using a dispenser. When using the dispenser, the obtained MRF is transferred from the container to the syringe of the dispenser and used. Then, by pressurizing the inside of the syringe using the function of the dispenser, a fixed amount of MRF is discharged from the outlet at the bottom of the syringe and filled into the MRF device. Dispensers that can be used in this way are disclosed in Patent Documents 2 to 4, etc. In addition, a container may also be used as the syringe of the dispenser. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-152401 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-126227 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-80464 [Patent Document 4] JP 2014-104453 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In an MRF device configured to have an MRF between components and transmit a force between the components according to the strength of the magnetic field applied to the MRF, the force transmitted between the components is dependent on the viscosity of the MRF, so if there is variation (error) in the state of the MRF filled into the MRF device (the proportion of magnetic particles contained in the MRF, the particle size distribution of the magnetic particles contained in the MRF), the force transmitted between the components of the MRF device will also vary. In order for an MRF device to perform as designed, it is necessary to make the state of the MRF filled into each MRF device uniform.

[0007] The ratio of magnetic particles in the MRF has the greatest effect on the force transmitted between the components of the MRF device. Due to the nature of the MRF, the magnetic particles contained in the MRF do not mix completely with the dispersion medium. Furthermore, the magnetic particles contained in the MRF have a particle size distribution. Therefore, within the container, the dispersion state of the magnetic particles may differ depending on the location due to aggregation or sedimentation of the magnetic particles.

[0008] When the MRF device is small and the amount of MRF used is extremely small (for example, a few ml or less), a portion of the MRF contained in a syringe (container) is filled into the MRF device by a dispenser. However, if the dispersion state of the magnetic particles in the syringe is different, there is a risk that the magnetic particle content in the MRF filled into the MRF device will change significantly from the magnetic particle content in the MRF originally contained in the syringe.

[0009] Thus, in the case of a small MRF device that requires only a very small amount of MRF to be used, even if the magnetic particle content in the MRF in the syringe matches the specified value recommended by the manufacturer of the small MRF device, the magnetic particle content in the MRF actually filled in the small MRF device may differ significantly from the above-mentioned specified value, and there is a risk of variation in the proportion of magnetic particles contained in the MRF filled in the MRF device (magnetic particle content), which will prevent the MRF device from performing its intended function.

[0010] In order to manage the state of the MRF to be filled into the MRF device, it is important to manage the magnetic particle content in the MRF. Therefore, when filling the MRF device with the MRF, simply measuring and managing the volume or weight of the MRF is insufficient to accurately manage the state of the MRF.

[0011] The present invention has been devised in consideration of the above-mentioned situation, and aims to provide a method for producing a magnetorheological fluid device that can reduce the variation (error) in the proportion of magnetic particles (magnetic particle content) in the magnetorheological fluid filled in the magnetorheological fluid device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] A method for producing a magnetorheological fluid device according to a first aspect of the present invention is a method for producing a magnetorheological fluid device in which a magnetorheological fluid is interposed between components and a force corresponding to the strength of a magnetic field applied to the magnetorheological fluid is transmitted between the components, and is characterized in that it includes a filling step of supplying a predetermined amount of the magnetorheological fluid from a container containing the magnetorheological fluid to the magnetorheological fluid device to fill it, a measuring step of measuring the weight of the predetermined amount of the magnetorheological fluid filled in the magnetorheological fluid device, a calculation step of calculating the specific gravity of the magnetorheological fluid filled in the magnetorheological fluid device from the weight measurement result and the predetermined amount, and a selection step of selecting the magnetorheological fluid device in which the specific gravity calculated in the calculation step is within a predetermined error range with respect to a specified value.

[0013] A second aspect of the present invention relates to a method for producing a magnetorheological fluid device, which is configured to interpose a magnetorheological fluid between components and transmit a force between the components according to the strength of a magnetic field applied to the magnetorheological fluid, and is characterized in that it includes a filling step of supplying a predetermined amount of the magnetorheological fluid from a container containing the magnetorheological fluid to the magnetorheological fluid device to fill it, a measuring step of measuring the weight of the predetermined amount of the magnetorheological fluid filled in the magnetorheological fluid device, and a selection step of selecting the magnetorheological fluid device such that the weight measured in the measuring step is within a predetermined error range with respect to a specified weight value calculated in advance from a specified value of the specific gravity of the magnetorheological fluid and the specified amount.

[0014] In addition, a production method for a magnetorheological fluid device according to a third aspect of the present invention is a production method for a magnetorheological fluid device in which a magnetorheological fluid is interposed between components and a force corresponding to the strength of a magnetic field applied to the magnetorheological fluid is transmitted between the components, and is characterized in that it includes a filling step of supplying a predetermined weight of the magnetorheological fluid from a container containing the magnetorheological fluid to the magnetorheological fluid device to fill it, a measurement step of measuring the volume of the predetermined weight of the magnetorheological fluid filled in the magnetorheological fluid device, a calculation step of calculating the specific gravity of the magnetorheological fluid filled in the magnetorheological fluid device from the volume measurement result and the predetermined weight, and a selection step of selecting the magnetorheological fluid device in which the specific gravity calculated in the calculation step is within a predetermined error range with respect to a specified value.

[0015] Furthermore, a fourth aspect of the present invention relates to a method for producing a magnetorheological fluid device, which is configured to interpose a magnetorheological fluid between components and transmit a force between the components according to the strength of a magnetic field applied to the magnetorheological fluid, and is characterized in that it includes a filling step of supplying a predetermined weight of the magnetorheological fluid from a container containing the magnetorheological fluid to the magnetorheological fluid device to fill it, a measuring step of measuring the volume of the predetermined weight of the magnetorheological fluid filled in the magnetorheological fluid device, and a selection step of selecting the magnetorheological fluid device such that the volume measured in the measuring step is within a predetermined error range with respect to a specified value of the volume calculated in advance from a specified value of the specific gravity of the magnetorheological fluid and the specified weight.

[0016] According to the above-mentioned method for producing a magnetorheological fluid device, the specific gravity of the magnetorheological fluid filled in the magnetorheological fluid device is measured and managed so that it is within a specified error range from a specified value, making it possible to provide a high-quality magnetorheological fluid device that can perform as designed.

[0017] A method for producing a magnetorheological fluid device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is a method for producing a magnetorheological fluid device according to any of the first to fourth aspects, which includes a supplying step of supplying an amount of the magnetorheological fluid from another container to the container after or while stirring the magnetorheological fluid in the other container before the filling step, in an amount sufficient to fill a plurality of the magnetorheological fluid devices.

[0018] A method for producing a magnetorheological fluid device according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is a method for producing a magnetorheological fluid device according to any of the first to fourth aspects, wherein in the filling step, after or while stirring the magnetorheological fluid in a container, the magnetorheological fluid is supplied and filled into the magnetorheological fluid device from the container. Effect of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the variation (error) in the ratio of magnetic particles (magnetic particle content) in the magnetorheological fluid filled in a magnetorheological fluid device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a magnetorheological fluid filling device, a container, etc. for an MRF device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a magnetorheological fluid filling apparatus, a container, etc. for an MRF device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] First Embodiment A method for producing a magnetorheological fluid device according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The method for producing a magnetorheological fluid device described in this embodiment and other embodiments is a method for steps subsequent to the step of filling the device with magnetorheological fluid, among many steps carried out to produce a magnetorheological fluid device.

[0022] First, an explanation will be given of the MRF filling apparatus 1 used when carrying out the manufacturing method of the magnetorheological fluid device. As shown in Fig. 1, the MRF filling apparatus 1 is composed of an MRF supplying device 2, a weight measuring device 3, etc.

[0023] The MRF supply device 2 is composed of a storage container 5, an agitator 6, a supply pipe 7, a container 20, a piston 21, a switching valve 22, a nozzle 23, a flow detector 8, a control device 10, and the like.

[0024] The storage container 5 contains the MRF 13 to be filled into the MRF device 12. The MRF device 12 is configured such that the MRF is interposed between members, and a force corresponding to the strength of the magnetic field applied to the MRF is transmitted between the members.

[0025] The stirring device 6 is a device that stirs the MRF 13 in the storage container 5, and is mainly composed of a stirring blade 14, a shaft 15, a motor 16, etc. The stirring blade 14 is rotatably disposed in the storage container 5, and is rotated by the motor 16 via the shaft 15. In this embodiment, the drive of the motor 16 is controlled by the control device 10.

[0026] The base end of the supply pipe 7 communicates with the bottom of the storage container 5 , and the MRF 13 in the storage container 5 is supplied to the container 20 through the supply pipe 7 .

[0027] The container 20 has a cylindrical shape with a bottom. The container 20 can accommodate an amount of MRF 13A that can be supplied to a plurality of MRF devices 12.

[0028] The piston 21 is slidably fitted in the container 20. The piston 21 is moved up and down by an actuator 24. When the actuator 24 moves the piston 21 upward relative to the container 20, the MRF 13 is supplied from the storage container 5 into the container 20.

[0029] The switching valve 22 is disposed between the supply pipe 7 and the container 20 and between the container 20 and the nozzle 23. In this embodiment, a three-position switching valve is used as the switching valve 22. When the valve position of the switching valve 22 is in the first valve position, the supply pipe 7 and the container 20 are communicated with each other, and the flow path connecting the container 20 and the nozzle 23 is closed. When the valve position of the switching valve 22 is in the second valve position, the container 20 and the nozzle 23 are communicated with each other, and the flow path connecting the supply pipe 7 and the container 20 is closed. When the valve position of the switching valve 22 is in the third valve position, the flow path connecting the container 20 and the nozzle 23 is closed, and the flow path connecting the supply pipe 7 and the container 20 is closed. The switching valve 22 is not particularly limited, and may be configured to switch the flow path of a three-way cock or the like. The switching valve 22 is controlled to switch the valve position by a switching valve actuator (not shown) driven based on a command from the control device 10.

[0030] Nozzle 23 supplies MRF 13A in container 20 to MRF device 12 to fill it.

[0031] The flow rate detector 8 is provided to detect the flow rate of the MRF supplied from the nozzle 23 to the MRF device 12. The flow rate detector 8 detects the amount (volume) of the MRF supplied from the container 20 to the MRF device 12. In this embodiment, the flow rate detector 8 transmits information on the flow rate of the MRF that has passed through the nozzle 23 to the control device 10.

[0032] The control device 10 performs valve position switching control of the switching valve 22, drive control of the actuator 24, drive control of the motor 16, etc. based on various input information.

[0033] The weight measuring device 3 measures the weight of the MRF filled in the MRF device 12. In this embodiment, the weight measuring device 3 measures the weight obtained by subtracting a predetermined weight from the weight of the MRF device 12 filled with the MRF as the weight of the MRF filled in the MRF device 12. Here, the predetermined weight is the weight of the MRF device 12 in a state where the MRF is not filled, and is registered in advance in the weight measuring device 3. The weight measured individually by the weight measuring device 3 before filling the MRF with the MRF may be set as the predetermined weight. By measuring the predetermined weight individually, it is possible to suppress the influence of the variation in the weight of the MRF device 12 before filling the MRF on the measurement result of the weight of the MRF. The weight measurement result is displayed on the display unit 3a of the weight measuring device 3, and information on the weight measurement result is transmitted to the control device 10.

[0034] The materials of the storage vessel 5, the supply pipe 7, the vessel 20, the piston 21, the stirring blade 14, the shaft 15, etc. are desirably non-magnetic so as not to affect the magnetic particles in the MRF.

[0035] Next, the steps of the manufacturing method of the magnetorheological fluid device will be described.

[0036] First, in the "MRF preparation process", magnetic particles and a dispersion medium are mixed in a preparation container (not shown), and an MRF is prepared so that the magnetic particle content is a predetermined specified value while measuring the specific gravity (volume and weight). It is assumed that the particle size distribution of the magnetic particles contained in the prepared MRF is the same each time. After turning on the power to the control device 10, the prepared MRF is transferred to the storage container 5. Note that the control device 10 controls the valve position of the switching valve 22 to the third valve position in the initial state when the power is turned on.

[0037] Next, in the “supply step”, the MRF 13 is stirred in the storage container 5 for a predetermined time, and then, preferably while continuing to stir the MRF 13, the MRF 13 in the storage container 5 is supplied to the container 20. At this time, the amount of MRF 13 supplied to the container 20 can be an amount that can fill multiple MRF devices 12.

[0038] In this embodiment, when a user performs a predetermined operation (e.g., pressing a start button) on the operation unit of the control device 10, the motor 16 of the agitator 6 rotates, and the MRF 13 in the storage container 5 is agitated by the agitator blades 14 rotating together with the motor 16, and the magnetic particles are dispersed in the storage container 5. Then, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of agitation, the control device 10 switches the valve position of the switching valve 22 from the third valve position to the first valve position, thereby bringing the supply pipe 7A and the container 20 into communication with each other. Next, the control device 10 drives the actuator 24 to raise the piston 21, thereby supplying the MRF from the storage container 5 to the container 20 through the supply pipe 7.

[0039] Thereafter, when piston 21 rises to a predetermined position and a predetermined amount of MRF is supplied to container 20, controller 10 stops actuator 24 from raising piston 21, and further switches switching valve 22 from the first valve position to the third valve position to close the flow path connecting supply pipe 7 and container 20. As a result, the supply of MRF from storage container 5 to container 20 stops.

[0040] Next, in the "filling step", the MRF 13A in the container 20 is supplied to the MRF device 12 by a predetermined specified amount.

[0041] In this embodiment, when a user performs a predetermined operation on an operation unit of the control device 10, the control device 10 switches the valve position of the switching valve 22 from the third valve position to the second valve position to bring the nozzle 23 and the container 20 into communication with each other. Furthermore, the control device 10 drives the actuator 24 to lower the piston 21 and supply the MRF 13A in the container 20 to the MRF device 12. At this time, instead of continuously supplying the MRF 13A to the MRF device 12 until the amount of MRF reaches a specified value (specified amount), the MRF 13A may be supplied to the MRF device 12 in multiple batches.

[0042] Thereafter, when the flow rate detector 8 detects that the amount of MRF supplied to the MRF device 12 has reached a specified value (specified amount), the control device 10 stops the descent of the piston 21 by the actuator 24. Furthermore, the control device 10 switches the valve position of the switching valve 22 from the second valve position to the third valve position to close the flow path connecting the nozzle 23 and the container 20. As a result, the supply of MRF 13A from the container 20 to the MRF device 12 stops. When filling a plurality of MRF devices 12 with MRF 13A continuously, the control device 10 may control only the descent and stop of the piston 21 by the actuator 24 with the switching valve 22 kept in the second valve position without switching the valve position of the switching valve 22. Note that in this embodiment, the amount of MRF 13A supplied from the nozzle 23 to the MRF device 12 is extremely small (for example, a few ml or less).

[0043] Next, in a "weight measurement process", the weight of the specified amount of MRF supplied to the MRF device 12 is measured by the weight measuring instrument 3. In this embodiment, the measured weight is displayed on the display unit 3a of the weight measuring instrument 3, and measurement result information is transmitted to the control device 10.

[0044] Next, in a "calculation step", the specific gravity of the MRF is calculated from the measurement result of the weight of the MRF filled in the MRF device 12 and a specified amount of MRF filled in the MRF device 12. In this embodiment, the control device 10 calculates the specific gravity of the MRF filled in the MRF device 12 from the measurement result of the weight of the MRF filled in the MRF device 12 and a specified value previously set and stored in the control device 10, and the specific gravity is displayed on a display unit (not shown) provided in the control device 10. The specified amount of MRF filled in the MRF device 12 may be the amount (volume) of MRF actually supplied from the container 20 to the MRF device 12, measured by the flow detector 8.

[0045] Next, in a "selection process", "MRF devices" whose specific gravity calculated in the "calculation process" falls within a predetermined error range from a specified value are selected as those that have passed the quality standard. The selected "MRF devices" are shipped as products. On the other hand, for "MRF devices" whose specific gravity calculated in the "calculation process" falls outside the predetermined error range from a specified value, the filled MRF is once removed, and the MRF is filled into the MRF device 12 again using the MRF filling apparatus 1.

[0046] According to the above-described method for producing a magnetorheological fluid device, the specific gravity of the MRF filled in the MRF device 12 is measured and controlled so that it falls within a predetermined error range from a specified value. Since the error in the specific gravity of the solvent contained in the MRF is usually small, the specific gravity of the MRF (density of the MRF is calculated by multiplying the density of water (1.0 g / cm 3 ) is large, the ratio of magnetic particles contained in the MRF is high, and if the specific gravity of the MRF is low, the ratio of magnetic particles contained in the MRF is low. Therefore, if the specific gravity of the MRF filled in the MRF device 12 is measured and managed so that it is within a predetermined error range from the specified value, the variation in the force transmitted between the members of the MRF device can be reduced, and the MRF device 12 is more likely to perform as designed. Note that the particle size distribution of the magnetic particles contained in the MRF filled in the MRF device 12 can also affect the magnitude of the force transmitted between the members of the MRF device, but since it is relatively easy to make the particle size distribution of the magnetic particles contained in the MRF constant when producing the MRF, this embodiment assumes that the particle size distribution of the magnetic particles contained in the MRF will be the same every time.

[0047] Furthermore, according to the above-described method for producing a magnetorheological fluid device, rework is reduced and manufacturing costs can be reduced compared to detecting errors (deviations from the reference values ​​of the forces transmitted between components of the MRF device) during finished product inspection of the MRF device 12.

[0048] <Second embodiment> In the first embodiment, the MRF 13 is supplied from the storage container 5 to the MRF device 12 via the container 20 to fill the MRF device 12, but as shown in Fig. 2, the MRF 13 may be supplied directly from the storage container 5 to the MRF device 12. In this case, the storage container 5 can be read as a container in the claims.

[0049] A method for producing a magnetorheological fluid device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Fig. 2. First, an MRF filling apparatus 1A and other components used when carrying out the method for producing a magnetorheological fluid device will be described. The MRF filling apparatus 1A is composed of an MRF supplying apparatus 2A, a weight measuring device 3, and other components. In the following description, when the functions of the components constituting each section are similar to those of the MRF filling apparatus 1 described in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment will be used and description thereof will be omitted even if the shape, etc., is slightly different.

[0050] The supply device 2A of the MRF of this embodiment is composed of a storage container (container) 5, an agitator 6, a supply pipe 7A, a flow detector 8A, a valve 9, a control device 10A, and the like.

[0051] The supply pipe 7A has a base end communicating with the bottom of the storage container 5, and supplies the MRF 13 in the storage container 5 to the MRF device 12 to fill it.

[0052] The flow rate detector 8A is provided to detect the flow rate of the MRF flowing through the supply pipe 7A. The flow rate detector 8A detects the amount (volume) of the MRF supplied from the storage container 5 to the MRF device 12. In this embodiment, the flow rate detector 8A transmits information on the flow rate of the MRF passing through the supply pipe 7A to the control device 10A.

[0053] The valve 9 is provided at a predetermined position (at the tip in this embodiment) of the supply pipe 7A, and opens and closes the flow path of the supply pipe 7A. In this embodiment, a solenoid valve or the like is used for the valve 9, and the opening and closing of the valve 9 is controlled by the control device 10A.

[0054] The control device 10A performs control of opening and closing the valve 9, drive control of the motor 16, etc. based on various input information.

[0055] The materials of the storage container 5, the supply pipe 7A, the stirring blade 14, the shaft 15, etc. are desirably non-magnetic so as not to affect the magnetic particles in the MRF.

[0056] Next, the steps of the manufacturing method of the magnetorheological fluid device will be described.

[0057] First, a storage container 5 containing an MRF having a specific gravity of a predetermined value is prepared by the "MRF preparation process." The particle size distribution of the MRF 13 in the storage container 5 is assumed to be constant.

[0058] Next, in the "filling step", the MRF 13 is stirred in the storage container 5 for a predetermined time, and then, preferably while continuing to stir the MRF 13, a predetermined specified amount of the MRF 13 in the storage container 5 is supplied to the MRF device 12.

[0059] In this embodiment, when a user performs a predetermined operation (e.g., pressing a start button) on an operation unit of the control device 10A, the motor 16 of the agitator 6 rotates, and the MRF 13 in the storage container 5 is agitated by the agitator blades 14 rotating together with the motor 16, and the magnetic particles are dispersed in the storage container 5. Then, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of agitation, the control device 10A opens the valve 9 to supply and fill the MRF 13 from the storage container 5 through the supply pipe 7A to the MRF device 12. At this time, the MRF 13 may be supplied to the MRF device 12 in multiple batches rather than being continuously supplied to the MRF device 12 until the amount of MRF reaches a specified value (specified amount).

[0060] Thereafter, when the flow detector 8A detects that the amount of MRF supplied to the MRF device 12 has reached a specified value (specified amount), the control device 10A closes the valve 9 to stop the supply of MRF 13 from the storage container 5 to the MRF device 12. At this time, the rotation of the motor 16 also stops. Note that the supply of MRF 13 from the storage container 5 to the MRF device 12 can be achieved by, for example, the action of the weight of the MRF 13 or by pressurizing the inside of the storage container 5.

[0061] Next, in a "weight measurement process", the weight of the specified amount of MRF supplied to the MRF device 12 is measured by the weight measuring instrument 3. In this embodiment, the measured weight is displayed on the display unit 3a of the weight measuring instrument 3, and the measurement result information is transmitted to the control device 10A.

[0062] Next, in a "calculation step", the specific gravity of the MRF is calculated from the measurement result of the weight of the MRF filled in the MRF device 12 and the specified amount of MRF filled in the MRF device 12. In this embodiment, the control device 10A calculates the specific gravity of the MRF filled in the MRF device 12 from the measurement result of the weight of the MRF filled in the MRF device 12 and a specified value previously set and stored in the control device 10A, and the specific gravity is displayed on a display unit (not shown) provided in the control device 10A. As the specified amount of MRF filled in the MRF device 12, the amount (volume) of MRF actually supplied from the storage container 5 to the MRF device 12 measured by the flow detector 8A may be used.

[0063] Next, in a "selection process", "MRF devices" whose specific gravity calculated in the "calculation process" falls within a predetermined error range from a specified value are selected as those that have passed the quality standard. The selected "MRF devices" are shipped as products. On the other hand, for "MRF devices" whose specific gravity calculated in the "calculation process" falls outside the predetermined error range from a specified value, the filled MRF is once removed, and the MRF is filled into the MRF device 12 again using the MRF filling apparatus 1.

[0064] According to the above-described method for producing a magnetorheological fluid device, the specific gravity of the MRF filled in the MRF device 12 is measured and managed so as to be within a prescribed error range from a specified value, so that the same effects as those of the first embodiment are achieved.

[0065] <Third embodiment> In the embodiment described above, in the "calculation step", the specific gravity of the MRF is calculated based on the weight of the MRF filled in the MRF device 12 measured in the "weight measurement step". Then, in the "selection step", an "MRF device" in which the specific gravity of the MRF filled in the MRF device 12 falls within a predetermined error range from a specified value is selected as one that meets the quality standard. However, it is also possible to select an "MRF device" that meets the quality standard in the "selection step" without calculating the specific gravity of the MRF filled in the MRF device 12 in the "calculation step".

[0066] For example, a specified value for the weight of MRF to be filled into MRF device 12 is calculated in advance based on a specified value for the specific gravity of MRF to be filled into MRF device 12 and a specified amount (volume) of MRF to be filled into MRF device 12. Then, in the "selection process", an "MRF device" where the weight of MRF filled into MRF device 12 measured in the "weight measurement process" is within a specified error range with respect to the previously calculated specified value for the weight of MRF is selected as one that passes the quality standard.

[0067] In this way, by calculating in advance the specified value for the weight of MRF to be loaded into the MRF device 12, it is possible to omit the need to perform the "calculation step" each time the MRF is loaded into the MRF device 12.

[0068] <Fourth embodiment> In the above-described embodiment, the "supply step", "filling step", "calculation step", etc. are automatically performed by the control device 10, 10A, etc., but these steps can also be performed manually by an operator. For example, in the "supply step", the MRF 13 in the storage container 5 can be manually stirred using a stirring tool without using the stirring device 6, and in the "filling step", the valve 9 can be manually opened and closed. In addition, for example, in the "calculation step", the specific gravity can be calculated manually by an operator.

[0069] <Fifth embodiment> In the first embodiment, a piston 21 is used as a configuration for supplying MRF from the storage container 5 to the container 20 and supplying MRF from the container 20 to the MRF device 12 to fill it, but this is not limited to the piston 21 and air pressure, etc. may also be used.

[0070] Sixth Embodiment In the first embodiment, the MRF 13 is stirred in the storage container 5 using the stirring device 6, but it is also possible to stir the MRF 13A in the container 20 using a stirring device as well.

[0071] Seventh embodiment In the above-described embodiment, the amount (volume) of MRF supplied from the container 20 or the storage container 5 to the MRF device 12 is directly detected by the flow detector 8, 8A, but it is also possible to indirectly detect it using other means instead of the flow detector 8, 8A. For example, it is also possible to fill a specified amount of MRF into the MRF device 12 by detecting the liquid level of the MRF supplied to the MRF device 12 with a photoelectric sensor and monitoring the liquid level. In addition, it is also possible to fill a specified amount of MRF into the MRF device 12 by controlling the actuator 24 with the control device 10, 10A to lower the piston 21 a specified distance and stop it.

[0072] Eighth embodiment In the above-described embodiment, the amount (volume) of MRF supplied from the container 20 or the storage container 5 to the MRF device 12 is detected by the flow detector 8, 8A. However, instead of this, it is also possible to use a configuration in which a fixed amount of MRF is supplied to the MRF device 12 each time without measuring the amount (volume) of MRF using the flow detector 8, 8A, etc.

[0073] <Ninth embodiment> In the embodiment described above, the weight of the MRF filled in the MRF device 12 is measured by measuring the MRF device 12 after it has been filled with the MRF using the weight measuring device 3. However, instead of this, it is also possible to measure the container 20 or storage container 5 before and after filling the MRF device 12 with the MRF, and measure the weight of the MRF filled in the MRF device 12 based on the amount of weight loss of the MRF in the container 20 or storage container 5.

[0074] Tenth embodiment In the embodiment described above, a specified amount of MRF is supplied from the container 20 or the storage container 5 to the MRF device 12, the weight of the MRF supplied to the MRF device 12 is measured, and the specific gravity of the MRF filled in the MRF device 12 is calculated from the weight measurement result and the specified amount. However, instead of this, a specified weight of MRF may be supplied from the container 20 or the storage container 5 to the MRF device 12 as a "filling step", the volume of the specified weight of MRF supplied to the MRF device 12 is measured by the flow detector 8, 8A, etc. as a "volume measurement step", and the specific gravity of the MRF filled in the MRF device 12 is calculated from the volume measurement result and the specified weight as a "calculation step". Thereafter, as a "selection step", an "MRF device" whose specific gravity calculated in the "calculation step" falls within a specified error range with respect to the specified value is selected as one that has passed the quality standard.

[0075] In order to supply a specified weight of MRF from the container 20 or the storage container 5 to the MRF device 12, the supply is continued until the weight measuring device 3 detects that the weight of the MRF filled in the MRF device 12 has reached the specified weight, or until the weight measuring device detects that the amount of weight reduction on the side of the container 20 or the storage container 5 that supplies the MRF has reached the specified weight. Also, it is possible to use a configuration in which a fixed amount of MRF is supplied to the MRF device 12 each time without measuring the weight of the filled MRF using the weight measuring device 3 or the like.

[0076] As a method of measuring the volume of the specified weight of MRF supplied from the container 20 or the storage container 5 to the MRF device 12 by the flow rate detectors 8, 8A, etc., it is possible to measure based on the reduction amount of the volume from the images of the MRF in the container 20 or the storage container 5 before and after supplying the MRF.

[0077] <The 11th Embodiment> In the 10th embodiment, in the "calculation step", the specific gravity of the MRF is calculated based on the volume of the MRF filled in the MRF device 12 measured in the "volume measurement step". And in the "selection step", the "MRF device" in which the specific gravity of the MRF filled in the MRF device 12 is within a predetermined error range with respect to the specified value is selected as a product that has passed the quality standard. However, it is also possible to select the "MRF device" that has passed the quality standard in the "selection step" without calculating the specific gravity of the MRF filled in the MRF device 12 in the "calculation step".

[0078] For example, in advance, based on the specified value of the specific gravity of the MRF filled in the MRF device 12 and the specified weight of the MRF filled in the MRF device 12, the specified value of the volume of the MRF filled in the MRF device 12 is calculated. And in the "selection step", the "MRF device" in which the volume of the MRF filled in the MRF device 12 measured in the "volume measurement step" is within a predetermined error range with respect to the previously calculated specified value of the volume of the MRF is selected as a product that has passed the quality standard.

[0079] In this way, by calculating in advance the specified value of the volume of the MRF filled in the MRF device 12, it is possible to omit the "calculation step" from being performed each time the MRF device 12 is filled with the MRF.

[0080] <Twelfth embodiment> In the above-described embodiments, the MRF 13 in the storage container 5 may be evacuated as a pre-processing step of the "supplying step" or the "filling step". In addition, the MRF 13 in the storage container 5 may be heated to a predetermined temperature as a pre-processing step of the "supplying step" or the "filling step". By evacuating the MRF 13 or heating the MRF 13, the air contained in the MRF 13 is removed, and the specific gravity of the MRF can be measured more accurately. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 1,1A MRF filling equipment 2,2A supply device 3 Weight measuring device 5 Storage containers (other containers) 6 Mixing device 7,7A supply pipe 8,8A Flow Detector 9 Valve 10,10A Control Device 12 MRF Device (Magnetorheological Fluid Device) 13, 13A MRF (Magnetorheological Fluid) 14 Mixing blade 20 containers 21 Piston 22 Switching valve 23 Nozzle 24 Actuator

Claims

1. A method for producing a magnetorheological fluid device, comprising: interposing a magnetorheological fluid between members; and transmitting a force between the members in accordance with a strength of a magnetic field applied to the magnetorheological fluid, the method comprising the steps of: a filling step of supplying a predetermined amount of the magnetorheological fluid from a container containing the magnetorheological fluid to the magnetorheological fluid device to fill the magnetorheological fluid; a measuring step of measuring a weight of the predetermined amount of the magnetorheological fluid filled in the magnetorheological fluid device; a calculation step of calculating a specific gravity of the magnetorheological fluid filled in the magnetorheological fluid device from the weight measurement result and the predetermined amount; a selection step of selecting the magnetorheological fluid device in which the specific gravity calculated in the calculation step falls within a predetermined error range with respect to a specified value; 13. A method of producing a magnetorheological fluid device comprising:

2. A method for producing a magnetorheological fluid device, comprising: interposing a magnetorheological fluid between members; and transmitting a force between the members in accordance with a strength of a magnetic field applied to the magnetorheological fluid, the method comprising the steps of: a filling step of supplying a predetermined amount of the magnetorheological fluid from a container containing the magnetorheological fluid to the magnetorheological fluid device to fill the magnetorheological fluid; a measuring step of measuring a weight of the predetermined amount of the magnetorheological fluid filled in the magnetorheological fluid device; a selection step of selecting the magnetorheological fluid device, the weight of which measured in the measurement step is within a predetermined error range with respect to a prescribed weight value calculated in advance from a prescribed value of the specific gravity of the magnetorheological fluid and the predetermined amount; 13. A method of producing a magnetorheological fluid device comprising:

3. A method for producing a magnetorheological fluid device, comprising: interposing a magnetorheological fluid between members; and transmitting a force between the members in accordance with a strength of a magnetic field applied to the magnetorheological fluid, the method comprising the steps of: a filling step of supplying a predetermined weight of the magnetorheological fluid from a container containing the magnetorheological fluid to the magnetorheological fluid device to fill the magnetorheological fluid; a measuring step of measuring the volume of the predetermined weight of the magnetorheological fluid filled in the magnetorheological fluid device; a calculation step of calculating a specific gravity of the magnetorheological fluid filled in the magnetorheological fluid device from the volume measurement result and the predetermined weight; a selection step of selecting the magnetorheological fluid device in which the specific gravity calculated in the calculation step falls within a predetermined error range with respect to a specified value; 13. A method of producing a magnetorheological fluid device comprising:

4. A method for producing a magnetorheological fluid device, comprising: interposing a magnetorheological fluid between members; and transmitting a force between the members in accordance with a strength of a magnetic field applied to the magnetorheological fluid, the method comprising the steps of: a filling step of supplying a predetermined weight of the magnetorheological fluid from a container containing the magnetorheological fluid to the magnetorheological fluid device to fill the magnetorheological fluid; a measuring step of measuring the volume of the predetermined weight of the magnetorheological fluid filled in the magnetorheological fluid device; a selection step of selecting the magnetorheological fluid device, the volume of which measured in the measurement step is within a predetermined error range with respect to a predetermined volume value calculated in advance from a predetermined value of the specific gravity of the magnetorheological fluid and the predetermined weight; 13. A method of producing a magnetorheological fluid device comprising:

5. A method for producing a magnetorheological fluid device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising the steps of: a supply step of supplying the magnetorheological fluid from the other container to the container in an amount sufficient to fill a plurality of the magnetorheological fluid devices, after or while stirring the magnetorheological fluid in the other container before the filling step; 13. A method for producing a magnetorheological fluid device comprising:

6. A method for producing a magnetorheological fluid device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising the steps of: In the filling step, the magnetorheological fluid is supplied from the container to the magnetorheological fluid device and filled therein after or while stirring the magnetorheological fluid in the container.

13. A method for producing a magnetorheological fluid device comprising:

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