PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a stiffness variable actuator allowing a user to lightly change the stiffness not depending on an amount of force.SOLUTION: A stiffness variable actuator includes: a first flexible member 1 to which a first electrode 3 is fixed a second flexible member 2 disposed to face the first flexible member 1, and to which a second electrode 4 is fixed an insulation member 5 insulating the electrode 3 from the electrode 4 a drive part 6 to apply a voltage to the electrodes 3, 4 and an instruction part 7 to instruct an application of a voltage, to the drive part 6. If the drive part 6 applies a voltage according to the instruction from the instruction part 7, an electrostatic attraction force is generated between the electrodes 3 and 4 to generate a frictional force between the flexible members 1 and 2. The frictional force integrates the flexible members 1 and 2 against an external bending force, which increases stiffness of the stiffness variable actuator.COPYRIGHT: (C)2015,JPO&INPIT【課題】硬度を変化させる操作を力量に依存せずに軽快に行える硬度可変アクチュエータを提供する。【解決手段】第1の電極3が固定された第1の可撓性部材1と、第1の可撓性部材1と対向するように配置され第2の電極4が固定された第2の可撓性部材2と、電極3,4を絶縁する絶縁部材5と、電極3,4に電圧を印加する駆動部6と、駆動部6に電圧を印加させる指示を行う指示部7とを備え、指示部7からの指示に応じて駆動部6が電圧を印加すると、電極3,4間に静電引力が発生して可撓性部材1,2間に摩擦力が生じ、外部からの曲げ力に対して可撓性部材1,2が一体的となり硬化する硬度可変アクチュエータ。【選択図】図1
