Abstract: A stacked piezoelectric element comprising that can suppress periodic damping on miniaturization of a vibration wave motor and improve its performance. A stacked piezoelectric element comprises piezoelectric layers and electrode layers alternately stacked to have a shape of a cylinder. The electrode layers are divided into a plurality of electrode layer regions along a circumferential surface of the shape of a cylinder.

Abstract: A mechanism for mechanically coupling a driving source and a driven member. The mechanism includes a first member coupled to the driving source and a second member coupled to the driven member. A resilient member exerts a force to bring the first and second members into pressure contact at a contact surface. A vibration is excited in the contact surface of the first member to produce a levitation force, based on an ultrasonic levitation, acting upon the second member. Frictional force between the first member and the second member is changed depending on the levitation force, thereby changing power transmitted between the first member and the second member.

Abstract: A vibration type driving apparatus, which is capable of increase of output torque and rotational speed without increasing the size of a vibration body, is described. The apparatus comprises a vibration body which generates vibration by supplying a driving signal to an electro-mechanical energy converting element and a contact body which contacts this vibration body and is moved by vibration received from the vibration body. The vibration body comprises a base portion having the electro-mechanical energy converting element and a plurality of vibration amplification portions for amplifying vibration generated at this base portion. Neighboring vibration amplification portions of the plurality of vibration amplification portions are connected at a position different from a connecting position of each vibration amplification portion with the base portion.

Abstract: A mechanism for mechanically coupling a driving source and a driven member. The mechanism includes a first member coupled to the driving source and a second member coupled to the driven member. A resilient member exerts a force to bring the first and second members into pressure contact at a contact surface. A vibration is excited in the contact surface of the first member to produce a levitation force, based on an ultrasonic levitation, acting upon the second member. Frictional force between the first member and the second member is changed depending on the levitation force, thereby changing power transmitted between the first member and the second member.

Abstract: A vibration type driving apparatus which is capable of increase of output torque and rotational speed without increasing the size of a vibration body, is described. The apparatus comprises a vibration body which generates vibration by supplying a driving signal to an electro-mechanical energy converting element and a contact body which contacts this vibration body and is driven by vibration received from the vibration body. The vibration body comprises a base portion having the electro-mechanical energy converting element and a plurality of vibration amplification portions for amplifying vibration generated at this base portion. The plurality of vibration amplification portions are connected between neighboring vibration amplification portions in the driving direction of the contact body.