Abstract: A pump body is provided including at least one inlet valve, at least one outlet valve, a substantially rigid top portion, a substantially rigid bottom portion, and collapsible side portions. The pump body also includes a base on or in the bottom portion and defining a rotational axis extending from the bottom portion. The pump body further includes a rotor shaft disposed along the rotational axis within the enclosure, a first end of the rotor shaft mechanically and rotatably coupled to the base, and a second end of the rotor shaft providing a cam surface for engaging the top portion and operable to cause motion of the top portion response to rotation of the rotor shaft. The pump body also includes at least one piezoelectric actuator engaging a surface of the rotor shaft, the piezoelectric actuator configured to cause the rotation of the rotor shaft.

Abstract: A piezoelectric motor (100) includes a stator (2) having a stator shaft (9). The motor also includes an annular piezoelement (4) having upper and lower surfaces and inner and outer rims retained on the stator. The motor further includes an annular wave shell (6) on an outer rim of the piezoelement and a rotor coupled to the stator shaft, where the rotor has a rotor inner circumferential surface (20). The motor additionally includes elastic pushers (8), each having an end coupled to the wave shell and another end extending to and contacting the rotor inner circumferential surface. In the motor, a radius of the outer rim is at least twice the radius of the inner rim and an annular width of the piezoelement is at least twice its thickness.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ultrasound linear piezoelectric motor comprising an ultrasound oscillator (1) embodied in the form of a piezoelectric plate (4) or a cylinder shell part (3), acoustic oscillation generators (5) and a friction element (6) which frictionally interacts with a driven element (8) and is disposed in a holder. The inventive holder is embodied in the form of an elastic clamp (13) which embraces a driven element, is fixed to the ultrasound oscillator and made of a sound-conducting material.

Abstract: A vibration actuator comprising: an electromechanical conversion element excited by a driving signal; an elastic body to which the conversion element is jointed and on a driving face of which vibration waves are generated by the excitation; and a relative moving element pressure-contacted with the driving face of the elastic body, and which is driven by the vibration waves, and wherein: a joining face of the conversion element which is joined to the elastic body has an electrode portion, and a joining strength improving portion which improves the joining strength between the elastic body and the conversion element; and the electrode portion is formed on at least one of two edge portions of the joining face, through the edge portions, an imaginary straight line pass, the line pass the improving portion and is orthogonal to a relative moving direction of the elastic body and the moving element.

Abstract: A linear drive ultrasonic motor includes at least an ultrasonic vibrator having a piezoelectric element, a driven member which is driven by a frictional force between the driven member and the ultrasonic vibrator, a pressing member which presses the ultrasonic vibrator such that a frictional force is generated between the ultrasonic vibrator and the driven member, a case member which accommodates the ultrasonic vibrator, the pressing member, and the driven member, and a coupling member which is coupled with the driven member at an interior of the case member. The case member includes an opening portion for allowing a part of the coupling member to pass through.

Abstract: A ultrasonic motor includes a piezoelectric device, and friction contact members moves a driven body by a elliptical vibration. And the ultrasonic motor includes a holder member which is disposed corresponding to a node of a longitudinal vibration or in the vicinity thereof on the face of the piezoelectric device and a node of a flexural vibration or in the vicinity thereof, the holder member having an engagement convex portion and being provided with a pair of sliding contact projection portions, a position limiting member which has accommodation holes each constituted of a sliding contact concave portion for accommodating the sliding contact projection portion such that it makes a sliding contact therewith freely and an engagement concave portion for accommodating the engagement convex portion, and a pressure member which presses the holder member so as to bring the friction contact members into pressure contact with the driven body.

Abstract: A linear drive ultrasonic motor includes at least an ultrasonic vibrator having a piezoelectric element, a driven member which is driven by a frictional force between the ultrasonic vibrator and the driven member, a pressing member which presses the ultrasonic vibrator such that a frictional force is generated between the ultrasonic vibrator and the driven member, a rolling member having a spherical shape, which makes a contact with the driven member, and a base member which movably supports the driven member via the rolling member. The rolling member makes a contact with the base member at a first contact point, and makes a contact with the driven member at two second contact points. Lengths of two straight lines which connect the first contact point and the two second contact points are substantially same.

Abstract: A piezoelectric motor has a stator module (1), comprising two pairs of piezoelectric actuators (1a, 1b) and (2a, 2b) inside this stator module. The stator module is fixed by a central fixing point (A). The piezoelectric actuators (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b) are connected to the stator module via flexible or biasing elements (3), such as for instance hinges, for instance elastic hinges. The stator module (1) comprises a tuning mechanism (4), comprising at least one mass (4a, 4b) and at least one flexible or biasing element (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d), for instance leaf springs. The stator module (1) is contacted to a driven part (6), for instance a slider, at the contact point (A). The piezoelectric motor is designed such that contact point (B) is able to produce a closed trajectory, thereby inducing a relative motion of the driven part (6). The contact point (B) is moved by applying an electric field to actuators (1a and 1b) and/or by applying an electric field to actuators (2a and 2b).

Abstract: A miniature piezoelectric motor is described whereby in one embodiment teethed protrusions emanating inward from an annular-shaped stator engage with a rotor as the stator deforms in response to stresses applied to the stator by PZT pads attached thereto. The PZT pads are driven by voltage waveforms according to either a standing or traveling wave method and each deformation of the stator applies a tangential force to the rotor via a plurality of teethed protrusions, thereby moving the rotor a small amount. Flat PZT pads attached to flat facets on conductive surfaces of the stator are utilized in order to increase manufacturability and reduce cost. Configuration of the facets tunes the resonant frequency of the stator ensuring that the motor operates in the ultrasonic range, and also tunes the voltage level of drive signal required. Placement of PZT elements on the inner circumferential surface further optimizes overall motor size.

Abstract: A driving apparatus (100) is provided with: a base portion (110); a stage portion (130) on which a driven object (12) is mounted and which can be displaced; an elastic portion (120) which connects the base portion and the stage portion and which has elasticity to displace the stage portion in one direction; a first applying device (141, 142, 143, 22) for applying an excitation force for displacing the stage portion such that the stage portion is resonated in the one direction (Y axis) at a resonance frequency determined by the stage portion and the elastic portion; and a second applying device (161, 162, 22) for applying a driving force for displacing, in a stepwise manner or in a continuous manner, the stage portion or the driven object mounted on the stage in other direction (X axis).

Abstract: A driving apparatus (100q) is provided with: a first base portion (110-1); a first stage portion (130-1); a first elastic portion (120-1) which has elasticity to displace the first stage portion in one direction (Y axis); a second stage portion (130-2) which is disposed on the first stage portion and on which a driven object (12) is mounted; a second elastic portion (120-2) which has elasticity to displace the second stage in other direction (X axis); a first applying device (151-1, 152-1, 22) for applying an excitation force for displacing the first stage portion such that the first stage portion is resonated in the one direction at a resonance frequency determined by the first stage portion and the first elastic portion; and a second applying device (151-2, 152-2, 22) for applying a driving force for displacing, in a stepwise manner or in a continuous manner, the second stage portion in the other direction.

Abstract: A driving apparatus (100t) is provided with: a stage portion (130) which can be displaced; two first elastic portions (120-1) which have elasticity to displace the stage portion in one direction and which are arranged along the one direction; two driving source portions (180) each of which comprises: a first applying device (181) for applying an excitation force for displacing the stage portion such that the stage portion is resonated in the one direction at a resonance frequency determined by the stage portion and the first elastic portion; and a second applying device (182) for applying a driving force for displacing the stage portion in other direction, the two driving source portions being arranged along the one direction; two second elastic portions (120-2) which have elasticity to displace the stage portion in the one direction and which are arranged along the one direction; a third elastic portion (120-3) which has elasticity to displace the stage portion in the other direction; and a base portion (110

Abstract: A piezoelectric linear motor for providing enhanced displacement using a dome-shaped piezoelectric ceramic is provided. The piezoelectric linear motor includes a dome-shaped piezoelectric ceramic (100) processed such that different electrodes are formed on opposite surfaces of the piezoelectric ceramic. A vibration shaft (200) is fixed to a first surface of the piezoelectric ceramic so that the vibration shaft moves in conjunction with displacement of the piezoelectric ceramic. A movable element (300) is linearly driven through friction with the vibration shaft while coming into contact with the vibration shaft. The movable element moves in a movement direction of the vibration shaft if the inertial force of the movable element is less than the frictional force between the movable element and the vibration shaft when the vibration shaft moves. According to the present invention, the piezoelectric ceramic is formed in a dome shape, so that movement displacement is enhanced.

Abstract: Provided is a piezoelectric ceramic 1 containing a compound represented by the following general formula (1), as a main component and at least one element selected from Mn, Fe and Cu in an amount of 0.04 to 0.6% by mass based on the main component, and a vibrator 10 having the piezoelectric ceramic 1 and electrodes 2, 3. CaxBa1-xTiO3??(1) where, x satisfies 0.05?x?0.20.

Abstract: An ultrasonic motor is provided with an ultrasonic transducer having a piezoelectric element, a holding member fixed to the ultrasonic transducer and holding the ultrasonic transducer, a pressing member pressing the holding member, and a member to be driven which is driven by frictional force between the member to be driven and the ultrasonic transducer. The pressing member has a hole portion and the holding member has a protruding portion engaged with the hole portion in a direction of pressing conducted by the pressing member. The hole portion and the protruding portion abut on each other so that the pressing member presses the member to be driven via the holding member and the ultrasonic transducer, thereby driving the member.

Abstract: A vibrator (3) is sandwiched between a base block (1) and a stator (2), and a substantially lower half of a substantially spherical rotor (6) is received in a recess (5) of the stator (2). A support member (7) is placed on an upper portion of the stator (2). A preload portion (10) is supported at an end of an angle portion (9) of the support member (7). A spherical member (11) rotatable about multiple axes of the preload portion (10) abuts against a top portion of the rotor (6) to apply a preload to the rotor (6). Driving the vibrator (3) rotates the rotor (6), whereby an output shaft (12) is moved between the preload portion (10) and an annular portion (8) of the support member (7) as a movable range.

Abstract: Apparatus for coupling a piezoelectric motor to a moveable body, the motor having a coupling surface for coupling to the moveable body, the apparatus comprising: at least one elastic element that provides at least a portion of a coupling force for pressing the coupling surface of the piezoelectric motor to the moveable body; and at least one shape memory component that is controllable to change shape and/or phase; wherein the at least a portion of the coupling force provided by an elastic element of the at least one elastic element changes responsive to changes in shape and/or phase of the at least one memory component.

Abstract: There are provided a tactile stimulation device that is suitable for portable apparatuses by meeting all requirements such as miniaturization, low power consumption, low noises, prompt response time and sufficient physical force, and an apparatus using the same. The tactile stimulation device may be useful to provide a sufficient level of physical stimuli by arranging a plurality of linear ultrasonic actuators to move linearly in a vertical direction to any of skin contact surfaces and stimulating the skin in a vertical direction under the control of the linear movement of the linear ultrasonic actuators.

Abstract: In a friction drive actuator 1 according to the invention, a rotor 2 and a stator 4 are held in contact at a plurality of positions by a plurality of vibrators 3, and at least one of the vibrators 3 vibrates to rotate the rotor 2 relative to the stator 4. Accordingly, the rotor 2 is supported without using a bearing and, hence, the rotor 2 can be more easily elastically deformed as compared with the case where the rotor 2 and the stator 4 are held in contact over the entire circumference. Therefore, a frictional force between the stator 4 and the rotor can be stabilized.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ultrasonic linear motor (1) comprising a plate-type ultrasonic oscillator (2) with two planar parallel main faces, two end faces and two lateral faces and a displaceable element (9) that engages with at least one guide rail (10) and has two friction parts, said element interacting with the ultrasonic oscillator to cause friction via the lateral faces of the friction parts. The lateral faces of the ultrasonic oscillator are planar and are inclined at the same angle in relation to a longitudinal plane of symmetry, in such a way that the intersection lines between the planes of the lateral faces and the longitudinal plane of symmetry run parallel to the main faces of the ultrasonic oscillator. The friction parts of the displaceable element are interconnected by springs.

Abstract: A drive unit includes a vibration actuator for controlling the piezoelectric element. A control section controls the vibration actuator switchably between a normal operation mode in which the piezoelectric element vibrates at a predetermined frequency to let the vibration actuator output a driving force, and a heating mode in which the piezoelectric element vibrates in a direction perpendicular to a direction of the driving force at a frequency different from the frequency in the normal operation mode to heat the piezoelectric element.

Abstract: A driving mechanism comprises: (i) an actuator comprising: an electro-mechanical conversion element; and a driving member which moves according to elongation and contraction of the electro-mechanical conversion element; (ii) a driven member frictionally engaged with the driving member; and (iii) a case, wherein the actuator allows the driven member to move along the driving member, and the actuator is supported by the case laterally in elongating and contracting directions of the electro-mechanical conversion element.

Abstract: A drive unit includes a guide, a stage which is movable relative to the guide, an ultrasonic actuator for moving the movable body and a control unit for controlling the ultrasonic actuator. The ultrasonic actuator includes a driver element in contact with the stage and is fixed to the guide. A surface of the stage in contact with the driver element is an undulating surface. The control unit detects the position of the stage based on a change in contact pressure on the driver element due to the undulating surface.

Abstract: A transducer comprises a longitudinal tubular member symmetrically disposed about a central longitudinal axis, the tubular member having a slot extending from the front end of said member to the rear end of the member, the slot extending parallel to the central longitudinal axis; a stack comprising a single element or plurality of vibratory elements arranged from a first to a second end and; a mounting arrangement for mounting the said stack across the inner wall of said tubular member on a line relatively transverse to said longitudinal central axis. The mounting arrangement includes a layer of solid lubricant engaging opposite ends of the stack, enabling the stack to move in a direction of the central axis when the stack exhibits vibratory motion.

Abstract: A precise and high load resistance moving method to perform fine movement positioning of the moving body, by fixing a piezoelectric element which generates a shear deformation, to a bottom surface of a wedge-shaped moving element placed on a base, and deforming the piezoelectric element by driving the piezoelectric element with drive pulses to move the wedge-shaped moving element along a first axis in which the wedge-shaped moving element drives into or away from a moving body to move the moving body along a second axis in upward and downward direction relative to the base. Also, a precise and high load resistance moving device including a wedge-shaped moving element, a pulse source, and a moving body vertically movable in upward or downward direction relative to the base.

Abstract: A driving method is for a driving apparatus including an electro-mechanical transducer having first and second end surfaces opposite to each other in an expansion/contraction direction, a vibration friction portion mounted to the second end surface of the electro-mechanical transducer, a moving member frictionally coupled to the vibration friction portion, and a vibration transfer member disposed between the second end surface of said electro-mechanical transducer and an end surface of said vibration friction portion, whereby moving the moving member in the expansion/contraction direction of the electro-mechanical transducer. The driving method includes subjecting the electro-mechanical transducer to reciprocating displacement in a sawtooth waveform and transferring the reciprocating displacement of the electro-mechanical transducer to the vibration friction portion through the vibration transfer member, thereby linearly driving the moving member in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: An impact drive actuator comprises a vibrating base plate configured to be slightly displaced in a reciprocating manner by a vibrator in first and second directions, a first slider disposed on the vibrating base plate, a first electrode formed on the vibrating base plate, a second electrode so formed on the first slider as to face the first electrode through an insulation film, and a potential difference generator configured to generate a potential difference between the first and second electrodes to allow a first electrostatic attractive force to act between the vibrating base plate and first slider. When the vibrator reciprocates the vibrating base plate, the time needed to displace the vibrating base plate in the first direction is different from that in the second direction. The first slider is displaced relative to the vibrating base plate in the direction where the time needed for displacement is larger.

Abstract: A piezoelectric ultrasonic motor includes a piezoelectric stator including a hollow metal tube having a quadrangular cross section and four piezoelectric elements each installed in each outer face of the metal tube; a rotary shaft including a rotation bar inserted into an inner space of the metal tube, an upper rotation member provided around the rotation bar in contact with an upper surface of the piezoelectric stator, the rotation member rotating in response to the strain of the piezoelectric stator, a lower rotation member adapted to restrain the rotation of the rotation bar and contacting a lower surface of the piezoelectric stator and a power transmission member provided at one portion of the rotation bar to transmit the rotation of the rotation member to an object to be transported; and a power supply to apply a supply voltage necessary for the actuation of the piezoelectric stator.

Abstract: A driving device is provided and includes: an actuator that includes a driving shaft attached to a piezoelectric element; and a driving signal control unit. The piezoelectric element is expanded and contracted in response to a driving signal. The driving shaft is reciprocated by the expansion and contraction operation of the piezoelectric element to move a driven member that is frictionally engaged with the driving shaft. The driving signal control unit outputs to the piezoelectric element a second driving signal that increases a driving force applied to the driven member and reduces the movement speed of the driven member during a period from the start of the expansion and contraction operation of the piezoelectric element to a predetermined time, as compared to a first driving signal output when the driven member is moved after the period has elapsed.

Abstract: A piezoelectric fan comprises a blade (110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610), a piezoelectric actuator patch (120, 220, 320, 420, 520 ,620, 811) adjacent to the blade, and a piezoelectric sensor patch (130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 812) adjacent to one of the piezoelectric actuator patch and the blade. The piezoelectric sensor patch measures a voltage proportional to a deflection of the piezoelectric actuator patch and a deflection of a tip of the blade and uses that voltage to generate an input signal to an active feedback controller (840) that in turn ensures that the oscillation amplitude of the blade satisfies certain cooling specifications.

Abstract: A linear motor system includes an element with a threaded passage, a threaded shaft, and a driving system. The threaded shaft has an axis of rotation which extends through and is at least partially engaged with at least a portion of the threaded passage. The driving system comprises at least two members operatively connected to the element. Each of the two members comprises two or more piezoelectric layers and electrodes which are coupled to opposing surfaces of each of the piezoelectric layers. The members are configured to expand and contract in a direction along the axis of rotation. The driving system is configured to subject the element to vibrations causing the threaded shaft to simultaneously rotate and translate in the direction along the axis of rotation through the element and apply an axial force in the direction along the axis of rotation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fine positioning system using an inertial motor based on a mechanical amplifier that comprises a first amplified inertial sub-assembly including a mechanical amplifier, a piezoactive member and a countermass. A second relative drive sub-assembly includes a clamp and a clamped member attached to the first amplified inertial sub-assembly. Asymmetric excitation cycles of the first inertial sub-assembly generate impact forces and movements amplified in a driving direction (z), thus resulting in sliding and adhesion successions of the clamped member in the clamp in order to generate a relative translation movements of the points A and B relative to the point D. The mechanical amplifier increases the step size and reduces the supply inrush currents. Fine and dynamic positioning of the point B relative to the point D can be achieved with augmented strokes using the amplifier.

Abstract: A solid-state actuator drive apparatus has—a shaft, —a pivot bearing for supporting the shaft, —a drive body, —at least two actuators for the excitation of the drive body and the shaft relative to each other for causing the shaft to rotate relative to the drive body, and—a base element, on which these components are attached. Either the drive body is configured such that it has a drive body opening, and the shaft at least leads into the drive body opening, —or the shaft is configured as a hollow shaft, and an element of the drive body having an annular or discoid circumference is disposed therein. The drive body is disposed stationary relative to the base element. The shaft is disposed in the pivot bearing and is adjustably disposed in the radial direction of the shaft relative to the base element by the solid-state actuators.

Abstract: A driver, including: a piezoelectric element extending and contracting upon application of an electrical voltage; a driving member having one end secured to the piezoelectric element; a frictionally coupling member, frictionally coupling the driving member; and a drive circuit, connected with a power supply to activate the piezoelectric element at a predetermined period, including: a charge switching element for connecting an electrode of the piezoelectric element with the power supply, a discharge switching element, and a protective resistor arranged in an electric path between the power supply and the piezoelectric element or between the piezoelectric element and a ground point, wherein a resistance value of the protective resistor is set larger than an ON resistance of the switching element but smaller than a value obtained by dividing one half of the drive period of the switching element by a capacitance of the piezoelectric element, in a predetermined period.

Abstract: A driving device includes an electro-mechanical transducer having first and second end portions opposite to each other in an expansion/contraction direction, a static member coupled to the first end portion of the electro-mechanical transducer, a vibration friction portion coupled to the second end portion of the electro-mechanical transducer, and a rod-shaped moving portion frictionally coupled to the vibration friction portion, whereby moving the moving portion in the expansion/contraction direction of the electro-mechanical transducer. An outer sheath is for covering the driving device. An attitude retaining arrangement retains an attitude of the driving device with respect to the outer sheath.

Abstract: The invention relates to a piezoelectric actuator, especially for an ultrasonic motor, comprising an acoustic oscillation resonator, wherein the acoustic oscillation resonator is substantially formed as a rectangular piezoelectric plate with two main surfaces, two side surfaces and two end faces and has a multilayer structure in its interior which represents a layer of excitation electrodes taking turns with the layers of the common electrodes and the layers of polarized ceramic provided therebetween, with the polarization vector extending perpendicularly with respect to the surface of the electrodes, wherein all excitation electrodes are divided into two groups not connected to each other, which are disposed symmetrically with respect to the symmetry surface of the aforementioned plate, wherein this symmetry surface extends perpendicularly with respect to the main and side surfaces of the plate, namely through the center thereof, with each group of the excitation electrodes forming together with the common e

Abstract: Disclosed is an ultrasonic motor whose output is improved by enhancing the exciting force of a vibration caused on a vibrating body having a rectangular portion. The ultrasonic motor includes the vibrating body having a piezoelectric element, and a moving body which contacts the vibrating body. The phases of two difference vibrations caused on the vibrating body are changed to make the moving direction of the moving body or the vibrating body itself variable by selecting whether to apply a drive signal to first electrodes provided at one side of the piezoelectric element or to apply a drive signal to second electrodes provided at a portion whose polarization direction differs from that of the first electrodes.

Abstract: A piezo drive system includes an elastic fixing frame, a drive element, a rod, and a rotor. A vamplate portion is formed on the outer surface of the rod. One end of the rod is secured to around the center of a face of the drive element. The rotor consists of a cylindrical portion and a disk portion, and can rotate relative to the rod. Protrusions are formed on the inside of a top surface portion of the fixing frame to push against the disk portion. Using the drive element, the rod rotates while tilting and makes a surface contact with the vamplate portion, producing friction. Consequently, the rotor is rotated.

Abstract: An inertial drive actuator includes a fixed member, a displacement generating mechanism of which, one end is adjacent to the fixed member, and a displacement is generated at the other end thereof, a driving mechanism which applies a voltage for displacing the displacement generating mechanism, a vibration substrate which is connected to the other end of the displacement generating mechanism, and which is displaceable in a direction of displacement, a mobile object which is disposed to be facing a vibration substrate electrode provided to the vibration substrate, and which moves with respect to the vibration substrate by an inertia, and a friction controlling mechanism which changes a frictional force between the mobile object and the vibration substrate.

Abstract: There is provided an inertial drive actuator in which, a small-sizing is easy, including a first displacement generating mechanism of which, one end is adjacent to a fixed member, and a first displacement is generated in the other end thereof, a second displacement generating mechanism of which, one end is adjacent to the fixed member, and which generates a second displacement in the other end thereof, a driving mechanism which applies a voltage for displacing the first displacement generating mechanism and the second displacement generating mechanism, a vibration substrate which is connected to the other end of the first displacement generating mechanism and the other end of the second displacement generating mechanism, and which is displaceable in a plane in which, there exist a direction of the first displacement and a direction of the second displacement, a mobile object which is disposed to be facing the vibration substrate, and which moves with respect to the vibration substrate by an inertia with respe

Abstract: An ultrasonic motor has a cylindrical rotor for performing a mechanical output, a plurality of ultrasonic vibrators each having two points in internal contact with the rotor, and a preload mechanism for pressing the ultrasonic vibrators from an inside toward an outside of the rotor, and the ultrasonic vibrators are provided to be rotatable relative to the preload mechanism. With this configuration, an internal contact type ultrasonic motor capable of performing efficient drive by using a plurality of ultrasonic vibrators each in contact with a cylindrical rotor at two points and allowing contact at all contact points without requiring a high machining accuracy can be provided.

Abstract: A linear drive ultrasonic motor includes at least an ultrasonic vibrator having a piezoelectric element, a driven member which is driven by a frictional force between the driven member and the ultrasonic vibrator, a pressing member which presses the ultrasonic vibrator such that a frictional force is generated between the ultrasonic vibrator and the driven member, a guiding mechanism which movably supports the driven member, and a case member which accommodates the ultrasonic vibrator, the pressing member, and the guiding means. The case member includes a first opening portion for making the driven member pass through, and a second opening portion which opens in a direction different from a direction in which the first opening portion opens and a direction of pressing by the pressing member.

Abstract: A vibration control apparatus capable of efficiently generating vibrations of different orders using the same electrodes. A plurality of electrodes polarized to have desired polarities are formed in a piezoelectric element, and are divided into a plurality of electrode groups each comprised of electrodes including two or more electrodes with different polarities. Phases and frequency of alternating voltages applied to the electrode groups are changed, thereby generating vibrations of different orders.

Abstract: Drive technology is provided which makes suitable low velocity driving and smooth changing of driving velocity possible and achieves reduced power consumption. In the driving device, the drive unit is driven which engages with drive shaft which moves back and forth in tandem with extension and contraction of the piezoelectric element. In this driving device, when the output cycle for cycle Te is repeated such that the voltages applied to the piezoelectric element 11 are the maximum value (+Vp), the minimum value (?Vp), and the middle value (0V), the movement velocity of the drive unit 13 can be changed by thinning the output cycle at cycle Tf. As a result, suitable low velocity driving can be carried out and power consumption can be reduced in the drive unit.

Abstract: A lens driving mechanism for an image pickup apparatus capable of being reduced in size, and having excellent driving accuracy and tranquility is provided. The lens driving mechanism is characterized in that vibration of a piezoelectric vibration motor is used as a driving source, and the vibration is transmitted to a motor power transmission ring directly or via a gear structure, to rotationally drive a lens driving ring. In a first lens driving mechanism, the motor power transmission ring is rotated by rotating the first transmission gear by use of the vibration of the piezoelectric vibration motor. In a second lens driving mechanism, a thrust bearing is provided on a gear side for rotating the motor power transmission ring, and the gear is rotated by vertically pressing a vibrator of the piezoelectric vibration motor in an urged state against a plane of the gear.

Abstract: An electromechanical motor, comprising a stator, including a drive unit and a frame portion, the frame portion holding the drive unit. The motor includes a shuttle adapted to be moved relative to the stator in a displacement direction, the shuttle movement being controlled by the drive unit and where the drive unit comprises at least one electromechanical drive element, extending along said displacement direction, and a drive body adapted to transfer a movement of the drive element onto the shuttle. The motor includes a sensor connected to the drive element and adapted to sense an electric or magnetic signal generated by the drive element in response to mechanical stress being applied to the drive element and to output a sensor signal.

Abstract: A vibrating element manufacturing method by which adhesion is stabilized and yield is improved, a vibrating element, a vibrating actuator, a lens barrel and a camera system. A vibrating element manufacturing method is provided with a first step of arranging an elastic body on a holding member, a second step of forming an electromechanical transducing element by injection molding on the surface of the elastic body, and a third step of sintering the electromechanical transducing element by heating and bonding the elastic body with the electromechanical transducer element.

Abstract: An ultrasonic actuator includes: an actuator body (5) including an actuator body (50); a control circuit (150) for setting a driving frequency; power supply sources (191, 192) for applying a driving voltage having the driving frequency to the actuator body; and a memory (170) for storing data related to a difference between antiresonance and resonance frequencies of the actuator body (50). The control circuit (150) determines, based on a reference frequency where a current value of a current fed to the piezoelectric element (50) is local minimum and the data stored in the memory (170), a lower limit of a control range of the driving frequency so that the lower limit is equal to or higher than a frequency where the current value of the current fed to the piezoelectric element (50) is local maximum and determines the driving frequency to be a frequency in the control range.

Abstract: A piezoelectric vibrator includes: a flat plate piezoelectric element, the piezoelectric vibrator vibrating in a mixed mode of stretching vibration that generates a displacement in a first direction within a plane of the piezoelectric element and a bending vibration that generates a displacement in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; a vibrating member provided with the piezoelectric element and vibrated by applying voltage on the piezoelectric element; a support member provided on the vibrating member to support the vibrating member in a vibratable manner the support member being provided on an outer edge of the vibrating member at a position adjacent to anti-node other than free end of the bending vibration, the support member including a first support section extending in a direction approximately orthogonal to the first direction and a second support section extending in a direction approximately orthogonal to the direction in which the first support section extends; and a fixing portion

Abstract: A piezoelectric generator includes a piezoelectric ring having upper and lower plane surfaces and a first quality factor (Q-factor), a sound-wave conducting gasket acoustically coupled to the upper plane surface, a metal resonator ring positioned acoustically coupled to the conducting gasket, the metal resonator ring having a second Q-factor substantially greater than the first Q-factor, and at least one bent elastic pusher extending from a periphery of the metal resonator ring. In the generator, an external diameter of the conducting gasket is less than half of an external diameter of the metal resonator ring and the piezoelectric ring, the conducting gasket, and the metal resonator ring are concentrically aligned with respect to a rotational axis.