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Motor producing continual motion

Subclass of:

310 - Electrical generator or motor structure

310300000 - NON-DYNAMOELECTRIC

310311000 - Piezoelectric elements and devices

310321000 - Combined with resonant structure

310323010 - Direct mechanical coupling

Patent class list (only not empty are listed)

Deeper subclasses:

Class / Patent application numberDescriptionNumber of patent applications / Date published
310323160 Eliptical motion at fixed point (i.e., walking) or Ratchet and Pawl motor 90
310323030 Traveling wave motor 28
310323120 Langevin or pencil type motor 3
20150326147ELASTIC BODY FOR ACTUATOR, AND PIEZOELECTRIC ACTUATOR - An elastic member 11-12-2015
20090140607Driving apparatus - A driving apparatus includes a piezoelectric element which expands and contracts when a voltage is applied thereto, a driving shaft fixed to one end of the piezoelectric element in an expanding-and-contracting direction, a friction part frictionally engaged with the driving shaft, a lens holder moved along a direction of an optical axis of a lens, and a direction-changing unit which reciprocates the lens holder in the front-rear direction along the optical axis. The direction-changing unit includes a translation cam mechanism including a moving member and a moved member, and converts a linear movement along the expanding-and-contracting direction into a linear movement along the direction of the optical axis.06-04-2009
20110234049ULTRASONIC MOTOR - In an ultrasonic motor, an elliptical vibration is generated by combining a longitudinal primary resonance vibration resulting from an expansion and a contraction of the vibrator in a direction of the central axis and a torsional secondary resonance vibration or a torsional tertiary resonance vibration resulting from twisting of a rotation axis, and the dimension ratio of the rectangle of the vibrator is chosen such that a resonance frequency of the longitudinal primary resonance vibration, resulting from the expansion and the contraction of the vibrator in the direction of the central axis and a resonance frequency of the torsional secondary resonance vibration or the torsional tertiary resonance vibration resulting from twisting of the rotation axis match. The vibrator includes a torsional piezoelectric body that generates a thickness shear vibration, and that is arranged at an anti-node position of the torsional secondary resonance vibration or the torsional tertiary resonance vibration.09-29-2011
Entries
DocumentTitleDate
20080211348Linear Ultrasound Motor - The invention relates to an ultrasound linear piezoelectric motor comprising an ultrasound oscillator (09-04-2008
20080211349Stage Mechanism, Electron Microscope Having the Stage Mechanism and Method of Controlling Positioning of Stage Mechanism - An electron microscope stage mechanism capable of performing high-accuracy positioning while limiting vibration and drift. An ultrasonic motor is used in a stage drive mechanism, and a fixing mechanism capable of increasing stop stiffness is combined integrally with the motor. That is, a structure in which a piezoelectric actuator of the fixing mechanism is mounted in a pre-load mechanism together with the ultrasonic motor is used. When the stage is fixed by the fixing mechanism after acceleration, deceleration and positioning of the stage performed by the drive mechanism, the piezoelectric actuators positioned on opposite sides of the stage are extended to press the stage.09-04-2008
20080238253ONE-WAY ROTATIONAL TRANSFER MECHANISM, AND ULTRASONIC ROTARY DRIVE DEVICE INCORPORATING ONE-WAY ROTATIONAL TRANSFER MECHANISM - A one-way rotational transfer mechanism includes a rotary input member; a holding member including an axially orthogonal surface to the axis; a hollow-cylindrical rotary output shaft positioned coaxially around the rotary input member to be rotatable relative to the rotary input member, and including a cylindrical inner peripheral surface; a circumferential guide groove formed on the rotary input member; and a torque transfer ball installed between the axially orthogonal surface, the cylindrical inner peripheral surface and the circumferential guide groove, to roll on and be held between the axially orthogonal surface and the circumferential guide groove. The circumferential guide groove is shaped to make the torque transfer ball revolve around the rotary input member in a same direction as the rotary input member while trailing therebehind and to make the torque transfer ball press against the cylindrical inner peripheral surface when the rotary input member rotates.10-02-2008
20080297000Driving device capable of improving a shock and vibration resistance thereof - 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.12-04-2008
20080315721Driving device - There is provided a driving device 12-25-2008
20090009032Linear Ultrasound Motor - The invention relates to a linear ultrasound piezoelectric motor comprising a mobile element that is in frictional contact with a plate-like rectangular resonance plate, wherein the frictional surface is embodied by means of at least one of the longitudinal narrow sides of the resonance plate, and electrodes for producing acoustic vibrations which are arranged on the longitudinal wide sides of the resonance plate. According to the invention, the generator for producing acoustic vibrations is asymmetrically arranged in relation to a plane which symmetrically cross-cuts the resonance plate, and comprises two opposing electrodes generating a stationary asymmetrical space wave when excited.01-08-2009
20090009033Nanomanipulator Used for Analyzing or Machining Objects - The invention relates to a nanomanipulator that is used for analyzing or machining objects. Said nanomanipulator is equipped with several moving elements which can be adjusted to perform movements and support the object that is to be moved or an object holder in order to move at least one object relative to an analyzing position or machining position. Each of said moving elements is provided with one support area for the object that is to be moved or the object holder. The moving elements support at least one load-bearing plane in an axial direction of the nanomanipulator. The inventive nanomanipulator is characterized by moving elements comprising shearing piezo elements so as to move the load-bearing plane.01-08-2009
20090021113ACTUATOR - A cylindrical piezoelectric element is arranged to share an axis with a cylindrical vibrator having different diameters at central and end portions to fix the vibrator forming a gap at the central portion. Vibration voltages are applied across first electrodes on the piezoelectric element and the vibrator, namely, a second electrode, to vibrate the vibrator and bring a wave front of a traveling wave into contact with a tubular member, i.e., a supporting member fitted to the vibrator. Friction at a contact portion of the vibrator moves a mover including the vibrator and the piezoelectric element in an axial direction of the tubular member. By amplifying the vibration amplitude using the vibrator provided separately from the piezoelectric element, a small actuator capable of performing high-speed driving is realized.01-22-2009
20090039734PIEZOELECTRIC MOTOR AND CAMERA DEVICE - A piezoelectric motor includes: a driven member having a substantially spherical shape; a base; a support member provided on the base; a gimbal frame that is provided on a periphery of the driven member; a first bearing that couples the gimbal frame to the support member to be rotatable around a first rotation axis; a second bearing that couples the driven member to the gimbal frame to be rotatable around a second rotation axis that is orthogonal to the first rotation axis; a plurality of piezoelectric elements, each of which has one end fixed onto the base and the other end disposed to be in contact with an actuation portion that abuts the driven member; and an elastic portion that is formed on the gimbal frame, the elastic portion being displaceable in a direction orthogonal to the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis.02-12-2009
20090039735ELECTRO-MECHANICAL ENERGY CONVERTER AND VIBRATION WAVE DRIVING - At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to an electro-mechanical energy converter and a vibration wave driving apparatus that can facilitate miniaturization, high power, low cost and low voltage drive, by using a polygonal piezoelectric element with a plurality of electrode films divided by a boundary of electrode film on the polygonal piezoelectric element.02-12-2009
20090051248LONGITUDINALLY DRIVEN SLOTTED CYLINDER TRANSDUCER - 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.02-26-2009
20090072664DRIVING APPARATUS - A driving apparatus comprises: an electromechanical conversion element that expands or contracts along an expanding and contracting direction; a driving member attached to one end of the electromechanical conversion element in the expanding and contracting direction; a driven body frictionally engaged with the driving member; and a printed circuit board that transmits an electrical signal for driving the electromechanical conversion element, wherein the electromechanical conversion element is mounted on a surface of the printed circuit board such that the expanding and contracting direction becomes substantially parallel to the surface of the printed circuit board, and the electromechanical conversion element is electrically connected to the printed circuit board.03-19-2009
20090096323Method and Device for Moving an Element to Be Driven Using an Actuating Element Formed by Etching in a Semiconductor Material - The invention concerns an element to be driven, a driving element designed to be urged into engagement with the element to be driven and an actuating element adapted to move the driving element so that it drives the element to be driven in step-by-step displacement, the driving element and the actuating element being formed by etching in a semiconductor material wafer. The invention is characterized in that it comprises elastic prestressing means for maintaining the driving element in contact with the element to be driven.04-16-2009
20090121586Apparatus for transforming inverse piezoelectric effect into rotary motion and method of manufacturing aforementioned apparatus - An electric motor operating on the principle of conversion of inverse piezoelectric oscillations into continuous rotation. The motor has a stator having a flange that on a bearing rotatingly supports a shaft with a cup-shaped stator attached to the shaft. The flange also supports a ring-shaped piezoelectric element, the outer surface of which is embraced with an elastic band having radial outward blades. The blades abut the inner surface of the rotor and are inclined at an angle that in the point of contact between the tips of the blades and the rotor provides development of a force component in the direction of the rotation of the rotor. The ring-shaped piezoelectric element is fitted onto a collet that compensates for contractions and expansions of the piezoelectric element under the inverse piezoelectric effect.05-14-2009
20090189486INERTIAL DRIVE ACTUATOR - An inertial drive actuator includes a fixed member, a vibration substrate which is disposed on the fixed member, a displacement generating unit which causes a reciprocating movement of the vibration substrate with respect to the fixed member, a moving body which is disposed on the vibration substrate, and which is made of a magnetic body which moves with respect to the vibration substrate due to inertia with respect to the reciprocating movement of the vibration substrate, a coil which is provided on the moving body, and a driving unit which applies a voltage for causing a reciprocating movement of the moving body, and which controls a frictional force generated between the vibration substrate and the moving body by making an electromagnetic force act by applying an electric current to the coil.07-30-2009
20090212660ULTRASONIC MOTOR AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING ULTRASONIC MOTOR - [Purpose] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic motor having a stator which includes a piezoelectric element for moving a rotor in a prescribed direction by applying a predetermined ultrasonic voltage thereto, and the rotor which is fixed to the stator by a frictional force, and a method for manufacturing an ultrasonic motor, and it has for its purpose to attain decrease of dust appearance by enhancement of a wear resistance, a different hardness, or the like in such a way that a contact part of at least either of a stator and a rotor which constitute the ultrasonic motor is irradiated with ions.08-27-2009
20090212661PIEZOELECTRIC GENERATOR OF MECHANICAL VIBRATIONS, AND PIEZOELECTRIC MOTORS BASED ON THE GENERATOR - 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.08-27-2009
20090243434SHOCK RECOGNITION SYSTEM IN A DOORLOCK - 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.10-01-2009
20090267454LINEAR DRIVE ULTRASONIC MOTOR - 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.10-29-2009
20090278421ULTRASONIC MOTOR - 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.11-12-2009
20090302710INERTIAL DRIVE ACTUATOR - 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. A regulating member which regulates the movement of the mobile object is provided to at least one of the fixed member and the vibration substrate such that the mobile object moves in a direction of displacement of the vibration substrate or in a direction other than the direction of displacement.12-10-2009
20090302711INERTIAL DRIVE ACTUATOR - 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 respect to a displacement of the vibration substrate, and a friction controlling mechanism which changes a frictional force between the mobile object and the vibration substrate.12-10-2009
20090309457PIEZO DRIVE SYSTEM - 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.12-17-2009
20100026140Solid-state actuator drive apparatus - 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.02-04-2010
20100038995FINE POSITIONING SYSTEM USING AN INERTIAL MOTOR BASED ON A MECHANICAL AMPLIFIER - 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.02-18-2010
20100045140Piezoelectric ultrasonic motor - 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.02-25-2010
20100060105METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PRECISELY RESISTING AND MOVING HIGH LOAD - 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.03-11-2010
20100066205DRIVE UNIT - 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.03-18-2010
20100072857Ultrasonic Linear Motor - The invention relates to an ultrasonic linear motor (03-25-2010
20100084944VIBRATION ACTUATOR - A vibrator (04-08-2010
20100084945CONTROLLABLE COUPLING FORCE - 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.04-08-2010
20100096947PIEZOELECTRIC CERAMIC, VIBRATOR AND ULTRASONIC MOTOR - Provided is a piezoelectric ceramic 04-22-2010
20100102674PIEZOELECTRIC LINEAR MOTOR OFFERING ENHANCED DISPLACEMENT - 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 (04-29-2010
20100102675DRIVING APPARATUS - A driving apparatus (04-29-2010
20100102676DRIVING APPARATUS - A driving apparatus (04-29-2010
20100109476DRIVER - A driving apparatus (05-06-2010
20100127598MINIATURE PIEZOELECTRIC MOTORS FOR ULTRA HIGH-PRECISION STEPPING - 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.05-27-2010
20100133955LINEAR DRIVE ULTRASONIC MOTOR - 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.06-03-2010
20100148629GUIDED ELECTROMECHANICAL MOTOR - An electromechanical actuator arrangement (06-17-2010
20100148630PIEZOELECTRIC MOTOR WITH HIGH TORQUE - A piezoelectric motor (06-17-2010
20100156239PIEZOELECTRIC QUASI-RESONANCE LINEAR MOTORS BASED ON ACOUSTIC STANDING WAVES WITH COMBINED RESONATOR - A piezoelectric device includes a piezoresonator body (06-24-2010
20100164326Motor device, apparatus and driving method for rotor - A motor device includes a rotor, a transmission member wound around at least a portion of an outer periphery of the rotor, a moving part connected to the transmission member to move the transmission member, and a control unit which makes the moving part perform the driving operation of moving the transmission member by a predetermined distance in a state where a torque transmission state is brought between the rotor and the transmission member, and the returning operation of returning the transmission member to a predetermined position in a state where the torque transmission state is released.07-01-2010
20100171391ULTRASONIC MOTOR - An ultrasonic motor is provided having a first oscillating member and a second oscillating member. The first oscillating member vibrates with a given wavelength. The second oscillating member is separately provided to the first oscillating member, and vibrates with the given wavelength. An annulus is formed by the first oscillating member and the second oscillating member. Part of the first oscillating member overlaps with part of the second oscillating member in a radial direction of the annulus for one quarter of the given wavelength in a circumferential direction of the annulus.07-08-2010
20100187950ULTRASONIC MOTOR DRIVE APPARATUS - An ultrasonic motor drive apparatus comprises a piezoelectric element 07-29-2010
20100201224STICK-SLIP PIEZOELECTRIC MOTOR - A piezoelectric motor including a rotor, a stator including a piezoelectric material having axial polarization, the stator including at least three pairs of electrodes spaced from one another on a top end face thereof and a common electrode on a base end face thereof, and slabs affixed to the stator at spacings between the electrodes, wherein the rotor is pressed towards the slabs by a pre-load force, wherein when a positive charge is applied to a first of the electrodes and a negative charge is applied to a second of the electrodes and an electric common port is applied to the common electrode, D08-12-2010
20100201225VIBRATION ACTUATOR DRIVING DEVICE, LENS BARREL, CAMERA, METHOD OF MANUFACTURING ELECTROMECHANICAL CONVERSION ELEMENT, METHOD OF MANUFACTURING VIBRATION ACTUATOR, AND METHOD OF DRIVING VIBRATION ACTUATOR - A vibration actuator driving device includes a plurality of wiring sections and a supply controller. The plurality of wiring sections are disposed correspondingly to a plurality of electrically independent electrodes of an electromechanical conversion element. The wiring sections input driving signals to drive the electromechanical conversion element. The supply controller is capable of independently supplying a driving signal for each respective wiring section.08-12-2010
20100225203DRIVING DEVICE - A driving device 09-09-2010
20100237743ULTRASONIC ACTUATOR - An ultrasonic actuator may be provided in which generation of a stress is prevented in the connection face of the piezoelectric element between the electrodes and the conductive members. The ultrasonic actuator includes a piezoelectric element (P09-23-2010
20100244627DRIVE UNIT - A drive unit which generates less heat may be provided. The drive unit includes a piezoelectric element (P09-30-2010
20100277039DRIVING DEVICE - A driving device capable of multidimensional positioning by the single device has a shaft-like driving member 11-04-2010
20100289382ULTRASONIC LINEAR MOTOR - An ultrasonic linear motor includes a substrate; a vibrator disposed on the substrate having an oblique or curved face at two sides thereof; and a slider having clamping portions at two sides thereof for correspondingly contacting with the two side faces of the vibrator and the substrate surfaces, wherein the vibrator is for generating a driving force to the slider while connecting with a power supply, such that the clamping portions of the slider slides with respect to the two side surfaces of the vibrator and with respect to the substrate surface, thereby generating a linear translation. The present invention adopts a simple structure having few elements that enables easy manufacturing and integration with other elements, thus reducing manufacturing cost.11-18-2010
20100295418ELECTROMECHANICAL MOTOR, ESPECIALLY A PIEZOELECTRIC MICROSTEPPER DRIVE - A motor which includes two drive elements, especially piezoelectric bending actuators, having effective directions that are perpendicular to each other. These actuators act upon a drive ring to thereby rotate a shaft. Two tension-compression bars, which are parallel to an effective direction, are connected to the drive ring, have respective joints at their ends and are connected to the ends of a diagonal bar, relative to which the ring can be displaced in the other effective direction. The diagonal bar itself can be displaced relative to fixing elements to an effective direction via a diagonal suspension. The drive, having actuators that are non-radially hinged to the ring.11-25-2010
20100301704VIBRATORY ACTUATOR - A supporting structure for an actuator body, which can prevent reduction of vibration of an actuator body and maintain a contact state of a driver element with an abutment body in a stable manner even when the driver element receives reactive force from the abutment body is realized.12-02-2010
20100314970MULTI-ELEMENT, STICK-SLIP PIEZO MOTOR - A stick-slip piezo motor. A piezo housing holds at least two piezo elements. The piezo elements are both rigidly connected to the piezo housing. At the end of each of the piezo elements is a piezo friction element. Each of the piezo friction elements is in friction contact with a moving friction element. While oscillating between a stick phase and a slip phase, both of the friction elements operate in conjunction to move the moving friction element in a desired travel direction. The piezo elements oscillate out of phase such that when one of the oscillating piezo elements is operating in the slip phase and moving in a direction opposite to the desired travel direction, the other oscillation piezo element is operating in the stick phase and is moving in the travel direction in order to counteract and overcome unwanted dragging of the moving piezo element. In one preferred embodiment, the travel direction is a linear. In another preferred embodiment the travel direction is rotational. In another preferred embodiment, more than two piezo elements are utilized to operation in conjunction to move the moving friction element in a desired travel direction.12-16-2010
20100320869MULTI-DEGREE-OF MICRO-ACTUATOR - The present invention provides a multi-dimensional micro-actuator comprising a stator having a plurality of symmetrically arranged electrode piezoelectric plates, a rotator disposed near the stator, and a plurality of contacting elements. Each of the symmetrically arranged electrode piezoelectric plates comprises a piezoelectric plate, a first electrode, and a second electrode. The first and second electrodes are symmetrically arranged on a first surface of the piezoelectric plate. A second surface of the piezoelectric plate is coupled to the ground. The contacting elements are disposed on the electrode piezoelectric plates for rotation of the rotator.12-23-2010
20100327696ULTRASONIC MOTOR AND MANUFACTURING METHOD OF THE SAME - An ultrasonic motor and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The ultrasonic motor includes an active layered section including a piezoelectric material; an inactive section disposed below the active layered section, which has a contact portion profile as a lowest layer; a first lower layer positioned one layer below an uppermost layer of the active layered section; a second lower layer formed with separated electrodes in an upper surface thereof and positioned two layers below the uppermost layer; and a repeated structure in the active layered section having a same structure as a combination structure comprising the first lower layer and the second lower layer, the repeated structure being downwardly layered from the combination structure.12-30-2010
20110006639PIEZOELECTRIC MATERIAL/ELECTROSTRICTIVE MATERIAL, PIEZOELECTRIC/ELECTROSTRICTIVE CERAMICS COMPOSITION, PIEZOELECTRIC ELEMENT/ELECTROSTRICTIVE ELEMENT, AND PIEZOELECTRIC MOTOR - There is provided a piezoelectric element/electrostrictive element having little decease of Qm even in a high electric field in the case of a piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric body/electrostrictive body is characterized in that the rate of Qm in an electric field of 10 V/mm is 30% or more with respect to Qm in an electric field of 1 V/mm.01-13-2011
20110018392ULTRASONIC LINEAR DRIVE UNIT COMPRISING A HOLLOW CYLINDRICAL OSCILLATOR - The invention relates to an ultrasonic linear drive unit comprising a driving element as an ultrasonic oscillator with two generators for ultrasonic vibrations and a driven element that forms a frictional contact with the driving element, and an electrical excitation source for the driving element. According to the invention, the ultrasonic oscillator is designed as a hollow thin-walled piezoelectric cylinder, the height H of which is identical to or smaller than the mean diameter D thereof. The generators for ultrasonic vibrations are symmetrically disposed on both sides relative to the sectional plane S that extends through the center of the height of the ultrasonic oscillator, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L thereof. The cylinder surface of the driving element is in contact with the driven element, and the electrical excitation source is connected to the ultrasonic linear drive unit in such a way that the drive unit excites only the first or the second generator for ultrasonic vibrations.01-27-2011
20110018393VIBRATORY DRIVING DEVICE - A vibratory driving device (01-27-2011
20110018394VIBRATORY ACTUATOR - An ultrasonic actuator includes an actuator body; and driver elements for outputting drive force, which are provided to the actuator body. The ultrasonic actuator further includes a holder which is provided to the actuator body, and which protrudes outwardly beyond principal surfaces in a direction crossing the principal surfaces of the actuator body; two supports for supporting the holder; contact rubber blocks limiting displacement of the actuator body by contacting the principal surfaces of the actuator body. The actuator body is biased toward a movable body side. A long hole extending in a biasing direction of the actuator body and into which the holder is fitted is formed in the support. At least two contact rubber blocks contact the principal surfaces of the actuator body at different positions in a longitudinal direction of the actuator body.01-27-2011
20110025167Ultrasonic Motor - An ultrasonic motor includes a stator and a rotor. In the stator, an n number of piezoelectric elements (wherein n is a natural number) are affixed to one surface of a vibrating member, whose outer circumferential edge is circular or polygonal, along a direction in which the outer circumferential edge extends. Each of the piezoelectric elements has a size corresponding to λ02-03-2011
20110031847LINEAR DRIVE ULTRASONIC MOTOR - There is provided a linear drive ultrasonic motor which is capable of achieving a stable thrust, and which has fewer restrictions regarding a relationship with an external apparatus.02-10-2011
20110037347LINEAR DRIVE ULTRASONIC MOTOR - There is provided a linear drive ultrasonic motor of a small size in which, it is possible to achieve a stable thrust, and in which, there are fewer constraints regarding a connection with an external apparatus.02-17-2011
20110037348LINEAR DRIVE ULTRASONIC MOTOR - There is provided a linear drive ultrasonic motor of which, a size can be made small, and in which, it is possible to guide assuredly while reducing a transfer resistance and a frictional resistance of a driven member.02-17-2011
20110050038PIEZOELECTRIC ROTARY MOTOR WITH HIGH ROTATION SPEED AND BI-DIRECTIONAL OPERATION - Piezoelectric motor that provides high speed and bi-directional operation. A first rotor is disposed about a first shaft, and a second rotor separate from the first rotor is disposed about the first shaft and a second shaft. Each of the rotors and shafts are centered on a common axis. An annular shaped first piezoelement is centered on the axis and fixed to the housing. First and second annular piezoelements are disposed within the first rotor, configured to motivate rotation of the second shaft in a first rotation direction when stimulated with a first exciter voltage. The third and fourth piezoelement are disposed within the second rotor, configured to motivate rotation of the second shaft in a second direction (opposed from the first direction) when stimulated with an exciter voltage.03-03-2011
20110057542ULTRASONIC MOTOR MECHANISM - An ultrasonic motor mechanism includes an ultrasonic vibrator that includes a piezoelectric element; a driven member that is driven relative to the ultrasonic vibrator because of a frictional force generated between the ultrasonic vibrator and the driven member; a coupling member that is coupled to the driven member; a first urging member that urges the ultrasonic vibrator with the driven member; a base member that movably supports the driven member; and a spherical rolling member that movably supports the driven member with respect to the base member. By interposing a second urging member between the driven member and the coupling member, the driven member is urged in a longitudinal direction. The driven member and the coupling member are coupled to each other by causing the driven member to abut the coupling member.03-10-2011
20110057543VIBRATORY ACTUATOR - An ultrasonic actuator includes an actuator body configured by alternately stacking piezoelectric layers, and a positive and a negative electrode layers. The positive electrode layer includes a first through a fourth positive split electrodes and a positive diagonal-connection electrode connecting together the first and the third positive split electrodes. The second and the fourth positive split electrodes are connected together outside the positive electrode layer. The negative electrode layer includes a first through a fourth negative split electrodes and a negative diagonal-connection electrode connecting together the first and the third negative split electrodes. The second and the fourth negative split electrodes are connected together outside the negative electrode layer.03-10-2011
20110101825PIEZOELECTRIC MOTOR - Disclosed herein is a piezoelectric motor. The piezoelectric motor includes a piezoelectric vibrating body, a dummy piezoelectric sheet layer and a contact member. The piezoelectric vibrating body is configured such that piezoelectric sheets on which electrode patterns are printed are stacked on one on another. The dummy piezoelectric sheet layer is provided on the piezoelectric vibrating body. The contact member is provided on the outer surface of the dummy piezoelectric sheet layer. The contact member transmits vibrations generated from the piezoelectric vibrating body to the outside. Therefore, the piezoelectric motor can minimize a problem in which vibration characteristics vary attributable to contact between a contact member and an electrode pattern of a piezoelectric vibrating body.05-05-2011
20110101826LINEAR DRIVING DEVICE - In a linear driving device 05-05-2011
20110109197DRIVE DEVICE - A drive device includes a stator; a rotatably provided drive member; a piezoelectric element, which is nipped between the stator and the drive member in a tangential line direction of a rotation locus circle of the drive member, and expands and contracts in the tangential line direction at an expansion speed at the time of the expansion and a contraction speed at the time of the contraction, respectively, the expansion speed and the contraction speed different from each other; and a rotor provided concentrically with the drive member to touch the drive member with a pressure.05-12-2011
20110115336DRIVING APPARATUS, AND MANUFACTURING METHOD OF THE SAME - A driving apparatus comprises: an electromechanical conversion element that expands and contracts in an extending direction of a given fiducial line; a driving shaft mounted on one end of the electromechanical conversion element in the extending direction; a driven member frictionally engaged with the driving shaft; a holder that supports the electromechanical conversion element and comprises a bearing portion for the driving shaft; and an inclination adjusting mechanism, disposed in the bearing portion, that adjusts inclination of the driving shaft with respect to the fiducial line.05-19-2011
20110148253PIEZOELECTRIC ACTUATOR FOR USE IN MICRO ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS - A piezoelectric actuator including a piezoelectric element and an elongate transducer mounted on the piezoelectric element. The transducer is formed from an elongate cylindrical member, and at least one helical slot is provided around the outer surface of the cylindrical member to enable coupling of resonance modes of the transducer when actuated by the piezoelectric element.06-23-2011
20110156534STATOR AND PIEZO ULTRASONIC MOTOR INCLUDING THE SAME - A stator and a piezo ultrasonic motor including the same. The piezo ultrasonic motor includes a stator including an elastic body having a flat portion at its outer surface and a central hole penetrating the center of the stator with a predetermined size, and a piezoelectric body including a first internal piezoelectric body and a second internal piezoelectric body integrally disposed parallel to each other in a longitudinal direction of the flat portion and providing an external force deforming the elastic body when an AC voltage is applied, a rotor inserted in the central hole and including a contact frictionally contacting an inner surface of the central hole, an elastic part providing an elastic force maintaining close attachment of the contact to the stator. Accordingly, the manufacturing cost decreases by reducing the number of elements and simplifying a structure, and a stable driving characteristic can be achieved.06-30-2011
20110156535Stator and piezo ultrasonic motor including the same - A stator and a piezo ultrasonic motor including the same. The piezo ultrasonic motor includes a stator including an elastic body having a flat portion at its outer surface and a central hole penetrating the center of the stator with a predetermined size, and a piezoelectric body including a first internal piezoelectric body and a second internal piezoelectric body integrally disposed parallel to each other in a longitudinal direction of the flat portion and providing an external force deforming the elastic body when an AC voltage is applied, a rotor inserted in the central hole and including a contact frictionally contacting an inner surface of the central hole, an elastic part providing an elastic force maintaining close attachment of the contact to the stator. Accordingly, the manufacturing cost decreases by reducing the number of elements and simplifying a structure, and a stable driving characteristic can be achieved.06-30-2011
20110156536VIBRATORY ACTUATOR - In an ultrasonic actuator, piezoelectric layers and internal electrode layers are stacked. External electrodes are formed on a principal surface exposed to an outside of the outermost piezoelectric layer. Side electrodes connected to the internal electrode layers and the external electrodes are formed on side surfaces of a body including the piezoelectric layers and the internal electrode layers. A first divided electrode and a first external electrode are connected together by a plurality of side electrodes. A second divided electrode and a second external electrode are connected together by a plurality of side electrodes. A minus electrode layer and a third external electrode are connected together by a plurality of side electrodes.06-30-2011
20110163632DRIVING APPARATUS - A driving apparatus is capable of efficiently transmitting a reciprocating displacement of an electromechanical transducer element to a movement member and of effectively utilizing a vacant space. The driving apparatus includes an electromechanical transducer element having first and second end faces opposed to each other in a direction of expansion and contraction thereof, a vibration friction portion attached to the second end face of the electromechanical transducer element, and a movement member friction-bonded to the vibration friction portion. The movement member is movable along the direction of expansion and contraction of the electromechanical transducer element. The driving apparatus includes a vibration transmission member arranged between the second end face of the electromechanical transducer element and an end face of the vibration friction portion. A central axis of the electromechanical transducer element and a central axis of the vibration friction portion are not on the same line.07-07-2011
20110169376Piezoelectric Actuator - An SIDM device 07-14-2011
20110175489ULTRASONIC ACTUATOR - The invention relates to an ultrasonic actuator, preferably for use in an ultrasonic motor, in the form of a piezoelectric plate with a length L, height H and thickness t, wherein the piezoelectric plate has a lateral plane of symmetry Sq, a longitudinal plane of symmetry Sl and at least two main surfaces, and the piezoelectric plate comprises at least two generators symmetrically disposed with respect to plane of symmetry Sq for generating ultrasonic standing waves. According to the invention, the piezoelectric plate has a shape that includes at least eight lateral surfaces, wherein at least two of the lateral surfaces are working surfaces for contacting of elements to be driven, and at least two of the lateral surfaces are holding surfaces for holding the piezoelectric plate, and the remaining lateral surfaces are free surfaces, wherein at least four free surfaces are arranged at an identical angle α with respect to the longitudinal plane of symmetry Sl and/or at an identical angle φ with respect to the lateral plane of symmetry Sq.07-21-2011
20110175490PIEZOELECTRIC ACTUATOR - A piezoelectric actuator has a piezoelectric element and a frictional portion. The piezoelectric element simultaneously generates first and second vibration modes in response to a voltage applied thereto. The frictional portion is arranged on an outer surface of the piezoelectric element and adapted to come into contact with a body to be driven and cause a frictional force therewith. The frictional portion has a glass-containing portion containing a glass material and being aimed such as to project from the outer surface of the piezoelectric element. Without restricting the size of the piezoelectric element, the piezoelectric actuator inhibits its driving state from fluctuating.07-21-2011
20110193450ULTRASONIC MOTOR MECHANISM - A linear drive ultrasonic motor includes at least an ultrasonic vibrator having a piezoelectric element, a driven member which is driven relatively by a frictional force between the ultrasonic vibrator and the driven member, a plurality of coupling members which are coupled with the driven member, a frame body which is coupled with the coupling member, a bias applying member which applies a bias to the driven member by the ultrasonic vibrator, a base member which movably supports the driven member, and a rolling member having a spherical shape which movably supports the driven member with respect to the base member. The plurality of coupling members include a positioning portion which determines a position of the respective frame body, and which have a shape which enables to fix by a point contact, sandwiching the frame body.08-11-2011
20110210646PIEZOELECTRIC MOTOR - A piezoelectric motor includes a piezoelectric element; a stator comprising a first surface and a second surface, wherein the piezoelectric element is disposed on the first surface and a plurality of projections are formed on the second surface; a rotor comprising an operating portion that contacts the plurality of projections and that rotates via waves of the stator generated by the piezoelectric element, wherein a part of each of the plurality of projections that contacts the operating portion comprises a curved contact portion.09-01-2011
20110210647Electric universal drive - In a universal drive with a rotatable or linearly movable drive member and piezo actuators supported on a carrier for acting on a leg supported on the drive member and moving the leg in a high-frequency stepping sequence in a drive direction, wherein the carriers are jointly supported on a stator by a pretension member which biases them elastically toward the drive member via an elbow lever mechanism including a first elbow lever and at least a second elbow lever which are both connected to an actuator by a coupling member and this arrangement is such that, with the first elbow lever stretched, the second elbow lever is kinked and vice versa.09-01-2011
20110227453VIBRATION WAVE DRIVING APPARATUS AND METHOD OF MAKING VIBRATING BODY THEREOF - An apparatus includes a vibrator, the vibrator including a vibrating body on which a protrusion having a spring characteristic is formed and an electromechanical energy conversion element, wherein the vibrator performs an elliptical motion so as to drive an object that is in contact with the protrusion, and wherein the protrusion is integrally formed with the vibrating body from one member in a partial area of the vibrating body with respect to a longitudinal direction and a width direction via a plurality of slits or cutouts.09-22-2011
20110241483PIEZOELECTRIC COMPOSITION, PIEZOELECTRIC CERAMIC, TRANSDUCER, AND ULTRASONIC MOTOR - A piezoelectric composition includes a compound represented by a general expression Bi10-06-2011
20110241484Motor device, method of manufacturing motor device, and robot device - A motor device comprises a transmission substrate formed with a transmission portion that is wound around at least part of the outer periphery of a rotator; and a driving substrate that has a driving portion which moves the transmission portion by a certain distance in a state in which a rotational force is transmitted between the rotator and the transmission portion returns the transmission portion to a predetermined position in a state in which the rotation force transmission state is released, and is connected to the transmission substrate so that the driving force due to the driving portion acts on the transmission portion.10-06-2011
20110241485Motor device, method of manufacturing motor device, and robot device - A motor device includes a base portion; a transmission portion that is formed with the base portion as one member and is wound around at least a part of an outer periphery of a rotator; and a driving portion which is supported by the base portion, moves the transmission portion by a certain distance in a state in which a rotational force is transmitted between the rotator and the transmission portion, and returns the transmission portion to a predetermined position in a state in which the rotation force transmission state is released.10-06-2011
20110241486Ultrasonic motor and electronic apparatus which mounts the motor thereon - An ultrasonic motor which exhibits stable performances by suppressing irregularities of magnitudes of two standing waves excited by a piezoelectric element is provided. The ultrasonic motor is provided with a piezoelectric element which includes: a plurality of divided electrodes which are mounted on one surface and are equidistantly arranged in the circumferential direction; an inner peripheral electrode which is arranged on an inner peripheral side of the divided electrodes; an outer peripheral electrode which is arranged on an outer peripheral side of the divided electrodes; a plurality of inner peripheral short-circuiting electrodes which are mounted on every other divided electrode out of the divided electrodes and on the inner peripheral electrode so as to make every other divided electrode short-circuited with the inner peripheral electrode in the radial direction of the piezoelectric element; a plurality of outer peripheral short-circuiting electrodes which are mounted on the divided electrodes which are not short-circuited with the inner peripheral electrodes out of the divided electrodes and on the outer peripheral electrode so as to make the divided electrodes which are not short-circuited with the inner peripheral electrode short-circuited with the outer peripheral electrode in the radial direction of the piezoelectric element.10-06-2011
20110241487DRIVE UNIT - A drive unit includes: a shaft; a movable body supported by the shaft so as to be displaceable along the shaft; a vibratory actuator configured to drive the movable body; and a support body configured to support the vibrator actuator. The vibratory actuator includes an actuator main body that contacts the movable body and is configured to vibrate to output a driving force to the movable body, an opposing member that contacts the movable body and is positioned so as to face the actuator main body with the movable body interposed therebetween, and a coupling member that is configured to couple the actuator main body with the opposing member and to bias the actuator main body and the opposing member so as to sandwich the movable body therebetween with the movable body kept displaceable along the shaft. The support body supports the vibratory actuator so that the vibratory actuator is displaceable along a biasing direction of the coupling member.10-06-2011
20110254407ULTRASONIC ACTUATOR - An ultrasonic actuator may be provided in which generation of a stress is prevented in the connection face of the piezoelectric element between the electrodes and the conductive members. The ultrasonic actuator includes a piezoelectric element (P10-20-2011
20110260580Electromechanical Motor, especially a piezoelectric Microstepper Drive - A microstepper motor which comprises two electromechanical drive elements, especially piezoelectric bending actuators, having effective directions that are perpendicular to each other. These actuators act upon a drive ring to thereby rotate a shaft. The actuators are non-radially hinged to the drive ring via a torsion-proof, nested frame-type complex structure (drive module) including an interior drive ring, a frame and a U-shaped outer frame. The drive according to the invention is compact and, the drive module being is configured as a single injection-molded structure.10-27-2011
20110266920ELECTROMECHANICAL MOTOR, ESPECIALLY A PIEZOELECTRIC MICROSTEPPER DRIVE - A motor which includes two drive elements, especially piezoelectric bending actuators, having effective directions that are perpendicular to each other. These actuators act upon a drive ring to thereby rotate a shaft. Diagonally opposite securing elements are provided on the drive ring and are used to flexibly suspend the drive ring via respective articulated corner elements on respective fixing elements that are diagonally opposite the respective securing elements. The drive according to the invention is compact, having actuators that are non-radially hinged to the drive ring.11-03-2011
20110266921ULTRASONIC ACTUATOR - An ultrasonic actuator may be provided in which generation of a stress is prevented in the connection face of the piezoelectric element between the electrodes and the conductive members. The ultrasonic actuator includes a piezoelectric element (P11-03-2011
20110273058ROTARY TYPE VIBRATION WAVE DRIVING APPARATUS - A rotary type vibration wave driving apparatus which is capable of reducing local wear of a contacting member and of reducing performance deterioration due to long term operation is provided. The apparatus includes a electro-mechanical energy conversion element, an vibration member fixed to the electro-mechanical energy conversion element and vibrated by a voltage being supplied to the electro-mechanical energy conversion element, and a moving member being brought into contact with the vibration member and frictionally driven by the vibration, and is configured such that the moving member includes a supporting portion extended from the main body portion of the moving member, and a contacting portion extended from the supporting portion and being brought into contact with the vibration member, and such that each of the supporting portion and the contacting portion is configured to be elastically deformable in the rotation axis direction of the moving member.11-10-2011
20110304241APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ELECTROMECHANICAL POSITIONING - Provided is a device comprising at least one tubular piezo element for the electro mechanical positioning of a slider within the piezo element. The device has least one elastic friction means for exerting a normal force on the slider, the friction means being connected to the piezo element. A method for controlling the device is also disclosed.12-15-2011
20120001519VIBRATION ACTUATOR - A vibration actuator includes a roller, a vibrating element having a contact portion that is in contact with the roller, a vibrator for vibrating the vibrating element, a pressing device for pressing the roller against the vibrating element, and a lubricator disposed close to the contact portion and in contact with the roller.01-05-2012
20120013221ULTRASONIC MOTOR UNIT - According to one embodiment, an ultrasonic motor unit includes a piezoelectric element, a holder member, a pressing member, a pressing auxiliary member, a driven member, an ultrasonic motor accommodation member, a power extraction member. The piezoelectric element has a rectangular cross-sectional shape. The holder member holds the piezoelectric element so as to cover an outer surface of a portion of the piezoelectric element. The pressing member applies a predetermined pressing force to the piezoelectric element. The pressing auxiliary member transfers a pressing force generated by the pressing member to the holder member. The driven member is in contact with one end face of the piezoelectric element. The power extraction member is coupled to the ultrasonic motor accommodation member to form a joint portion. The ultrasonic motor unit is formed by connecting a plurality of sections each formed by coupling the ultrasonic motor accommodation member to the power extraction member.01-19-2012
20120019103ULTRASONIC MOTOR - According to one embodiment, an ultrasonic motor includes a transducer, a driven member, a pressing mechanism unit. The transducer includes stacked piezoelectric sheets on which internal electrodes are formed. The internal electrodes form driving activated areas and vibration detection activated areas in the transducer. The driving activated areas are located in portions which correspond to a node of the longitudinal vibration and an anti node of twisting vibration, so as to be symmetrical about a central plane in the stacking direction and a plane which is perpendicular to the stacking direction and includes the center axis, and are polarized in the stacking direction. The vibration detection activated areas are located in portions which correspond to a node of the longitudinal vibration and an anti node of the twisting vibration and are closer to the central plane than the driving activated areas, and are polarized in the stacking direction.01-26-2012
20120025669DRIVE APPARATUS - A drive apparatus according to an embodiment includes: a movable unit configured to include a first sliding surface, and slide along the first sliding surface; a vibration generating unit configured to generate vibrations; a vibration transmitting unit configured to include a second sliding surface in contact with the first sliding surface of the movable unit, and transmit the vibrations generated by the vibration generating unit to the movable unit via the first and second sliding surfaces; a pre-pressure applying unit configured to apply pre-pressure to the movable unit via the vibration transmitting unit; and a driving force generating unit configure to generate a driving force for driving the movable unit in a predetermined direction, the driving force being greater than a friction force between the first sliding surface and the second sliding surface when the vibrations are being transmitted to the vibration transmitting unit, the driving force being smaller than the friction force when the vibrations are not being transmitted to the vibration transmitting unit.02-02-2012
20120025670PIEZO DRIVE - The invention relates to a piezo drive, in particular for use in geodesic devices, having at least one piezoelectric motor element that includes an advancing component, a running surface component, and a receptacle for the running surface component, wherein said receptacle is to be connected to a component to be driven, wherein the piezoelectric motor element has a window of operation of the motor as a frequency range of the movement of the advancing component. The running surface component and the receptacle are sized and connected to one another such that the natural resonances of the running surface component lie outside the window of operation of the motor.02-02-2012
20120104899VIBRATING ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY - A vibrating actuator assembly includes a diaphragm, at least one vibrator at the diaphragm and that vibrates when an electric signal is applied thereto, a vibration shaft having one end connected to the diaphragm, a rotor on an outer side of the vibration shaft to contact an outer surface of the vibration shaft and that moves by vibration of the vibration shaft, and an elastic presser at another end of the vibration shaft and that elastically presses the rotor toward the diaphragm.05-03-2012
20120153774VIBRATING BODY OF VIBRATORY DRIVE UNIT AND VIBRATORY DRIVE UNIT - Provided is a vibrating body for a vibratory drive unit, including: a piezoelectric element including a piezoelectric layer and an electrode layer; and a plate-shaped elastic member bonded to the piezoelectric element, wherein the vibrating body drives a body to be driven, which is in contact with the plate-shaped elastic member, by a vibration generated in the plate-shaped elastic member through an application of a drive voltage to the piezoelectric element, and the plate-shaped elastic member has a front surface and a back surface each provided with one or a plurality of the piezoelectric elements to generate at least two different vibration modes through the application of the drive voltage to the one or the plurality of the piezoelectric elements.06-21-2012
20120206013MODES OF OPERATION OF PIEZOELECTRIC MOTOR - A piezoelectric motor (08-16-2012
20120212103PROVISION OF A NORMAL FORCE TO ELECTROMECHANICAL MOTOR - An electromechanical motor assembly includes a stator, a body to be moved and a stator support. The stator has a plurality of electromechanical actuators for moving the body by repetition of steps ensuring that at least one of the electromechanical actuators is in non-sliding contact with the body at every time. The assembly further includes a force applying arrangement for supplying a normal force (N) between the stator and the stator support by at least one spring arrangement. The spring arrangement has a spring constant in the direction (Z) normal to the surface of the body that is lower than 5% of the ratio between the normal force and the average height uncertainty of the surface of the body. The force applying arrangement includes a lateral fixing plate attached between the stator and the support parallel to the main motion direction (X) and juxtaposed to the surface of the body.08-23-2012
20120217843COMPACT MICROMANIPULATOR - A compact micromanipulator system has a micromanipulator element that cause movement of a tool attached to the micromanipulator element. The micromanipulator element is attached to a support structure, which in turn is attached to a sliding base in a hinged manner to allow sliding and/or tipping of the micromanipulator element away from the normal operating position of the micromanipulator element.08-30-2012
20120228997Electromechanical Transducer and Actuator - An electromechanical transducer that includes an elongating/contracting member and a driving member. The elongating/contracting member elongates and contracts in response to application of a voltage thereto. The elongating/contracting member has a side surface that is parallel to an elongation/contraction direction. The driving member is provided on the side surface of the elongating/contracting member. The driving member is displaced with elongation and contraction of the elongating/contracting member.09-13-2012
20120267983STATOR AND ULTRASONIC MOTOR USING THE SAME - An ultrasonic motor includes a stator. The stator includes a seat and a driving unit. The driving unit includes a generally semi-elliptical driving mechanism formed integrally with the seat, and two spaced-apart piezoelectric actuators disposed between the seat and the driving mechanism. Each of the piezoelectric actuators has a first end abutting against the driving mechanism, and a second end opposite to the first end and abutting against the seat.10-25-2012
20120293043TRANSDUCER FOR ULTRASONIC MOTOR - Electrodes (11-22-2012
20130015745FRICTION-DRIVEN ACTUATORAANM Hwu; En-TeAACI TaipeiAACO TWAAGP Hwu; En-Te Taipei TWAANM Liao; Hsien-ShunAACI TaipeiAACO TWAAGP Liao; Hsien-Shun Taipei TWAANM Hwang; Ing-ShouhAACI TaipeiAACO TWAAGP Hwang; Ing-Shouh Taipei TW - An apparatus for actuating a positioning device includes a housing; a piezoelectric element connected to the housing; a driven element configured to move relative to the housing; and a flexible element connected to the piezoelectric element and configured to transfer a motion of the piezoelectric element to the driven element.01-17-2013
20130033152ULTRASONIC MOTOR AND LENS APPARATUS INCLUDING THE SAME - An ultrasonic motor includes a vibrator having a contact surface that is brought into contact with a member to be driven, and a piezoelectric element fixed thereto, the vibrator configured to drive the member to be driven by ultrasonic vibration excited by the piezoelectric element; and a pressurization unit supported by a fixing unit to apply a bias force to the vibrator so as to impress the contact surface against the member to be driven. The pressurization unit includes a pressurization member held by the fixing unit so as to move in a direction perpendicular to the contact surface while being restricted to move in a direction parallel to the contact surface; and an elastic member that applies an impressing force in the direction perpendicular to the contact surface to the vibrator via the pressurization member.02-07-2013
20130038172MOTOR APPARATUS, METHOD OF DRIVING ROTOR, AND ROBOT APPARATUS - A motor apparatus includes a rotor, a contact member wound around at least a part of a circumference of the rotor, a driving unit connected to the contact member and moves the contact member, a magnifying mechanism magnifying a degree of movement of the contact member based on a degree of drive of the driving unit and transmitting the magnified degree of movement to the contact member, and a control unit controlling the driving unit to perform a driving action of moving the contact member in a predetermined distance while setting up a torque transmission state between the rotor and the contact member, and a returning action of returning the contact member to a predetermined position while having the torque transmission state released.02-14-2013
20130127294POWER TRANSMITTING MECHANISM ASSEMBLY - A power transmitting mechanism assembly including a supporting plate; a first roller, which is rotatably attached to the supporting plate; a first plate, which contacts a first end of the first roller and is arranged to be able to rotate with respect to the supporting plate; a power generating unit, which generates power for rotating the first plate when a signal is applied; a second plate, which is arranged to contact a second end of the first roller; and a friction changing unit, which is attached to at least one of the first roller, the first plate, and the second plate and changes friction of a portion of a contacting surface between the first roller and the first plate or friction of a portion of a contacting surface between the first roller and the second plate.05-23-2013
20130147315PIEZO MOTOR - A piezo motor has a stator and a rotor as well as a drive finger which is held by the stator, drives the rotor and interacts with at least one piezo element. In order to improve the force transmission, the free end of the drive finger moves a driver jaw, which can be pressed against a ring surface of the rotor. The free end of the drive finger is held such that it can move in the longitudinal direction between two stops on the driver jaw, and the driver jaw can be pressed against the rotor, in time with the drive movement of the drive finger, by at least one piezo actuator during the drive movement of the drive finger, and can be pivoted in the drive direction and back about the rotor axis, together with the piezo actuator, corresponding to the magnitude of a deflection of the drive finger.06-13-2013
20130162103PIEZOELECTRIC ACTUATOR - A piezoelectric actuator for driving a lens unit along an optical axis is disclosed. The piezoelectric actuator includes a fixed member, a movable member movably received in the fixed member, a magnet fixed on the fixed member, a metal sheet fixed on the movable member, a piezoelectric member and a circuit board. The movable member includes a contacting portion. The metal sheet is aligned with the magnetic along a direction substantially perpendicular to the optical axis. The metal sheet is made from a material that can be attracted by the magnet and lighter than the magnet. The piezoelectric member is fixed on the fixed member and contacts on the contacting portion of the movable member for driving the movable member to move along the optical axis. The circuit board provides voltages to the piezoelectric member.06-27-2013
20130207516VIBRATING ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY AND DIGITAL IMAGE PROCESSING APPARATUS INCLUDING THE SAME - A vibrating actuator assembly including: a rotor that is rotatable; a first stator disposed at one surface of the rotor and including a first vibrating plate that is elastically deformable and a first vibrating device that is disposed at the first vibrating plate and transforms the first vibrating plate by vibrating when an electrical signal is applied; and a second stator disposed at the other surface of the rotor and comprising a second vibrating plate that is elastically deformable and a second vibrating device that is disposed at the second vibrating plate and deforms the second vibrating plate by vibrating when an electrical signal is applied, in which electrical signals having different phases are respectively applied to the first and second vibrating devices.08-15-2013
20130234560VIBRATION WAVE DRIVING APPARATUS - A vibration wave driving apparatus including: a vibrator in which a first elastic body, a second elastic body and an electrical-mechanical energy converting element provided between the first and the second elastic bodies are arranged in a direction of a rotation axis; a rotor performing a rotational motion due to the vibration excited to the first elastic body by applying a driving signal to the electrical-mechanical energy converting element; an output transmitter rotating synchronously with the rotor; and a shaft passing through the vibrator, the rotor and the output transmitter in the direction of the rotation axis, wherein the output transmitter has a fitting portion to which the shaft or a flange fixed to the shaft is fitted, and wherein a portion of the fitting portion of the output transmitter and a portion of the first elastic body are overlapped in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis.09-12-2013
20130257225VIBRATION TYPE DRIVING APPARATUS AND DRIVING CIRCUIT THEREOF - A vibration type driving apparatus includes a vibrating body in which an electrical-mechanical energy converting element is provided between a first elastic body and a second elastic body; and a moving body that comes into contact with the vibrating body and moves relative to the vibrating body. The vibrating body has a third elastic body between the first elastic body and the electrical-mechanical energy converting element. The third elastic body includes a sliding surface. The vibrating body has natural vibration modes. A resonance frequency in a mode where the non-sliding surface side of the vibrating body in the axial direction mainly vibrates with the third elastic body is adapted so as to fall out of a frequency range between a multiple number of a maximum frequency of a driving signal applied to the electrical-mechanical energy converting element, and a multiple number of a minimum frequency of the driving signal.10-03-2013
20130313945PIEZOELECTRIC ACTUATOR, MOTOR, ROBOT HAND, AND ROBOT - A motor includes a vibrating plate having a projection part to be pressed against a driven member and a piezoelectric material provided on the vibrating plate, wherein a Young's modulus E11-28-2013
20140001922ULTRASONIC MOTOR01-02-2014
20140077659PIEZOELECTRIC ACTUATING DEVICE - A piezoelectric actuating device includes a carrier, at least a piezoelectric unit, at least a linked component and a moving component. The piezoelectric unit is disposed on the carrier and includes at least a piezoelectric buzzer. The linked component is disposed corresponding to the piezoelectric unit. One end of the linked component is attached to the piezoelectric buzzer. The moving component is connected with the linked component. When the piezoelectric buzzer is actuated, it can carry the linked component to move correspondingly so as to move the moving component. The piezoelectric actuating device has the advantage of low cost and can achieve the sub-nanometer scale actuating resolution.03-20-2014
20140097723MOUNTING FLEXURE CONTACTS - A device may comprise a flexure formed of a first semiconductor material. A first trench may be formed in the flexure. The first trench may separate the first semiconductor material into a first portion and a second portion thereof. An oxide layer may be formed in the first trench. The oxide layer may extend over a top portion of the first semiconductor material. A second semiconductor material may be formed on the oxide layer. The first trench and the oxide layer may cooperate to electrically isolate the first portion and the second portion from one another.04-10-2014
20140117813INERTIAL DRIVE ACTUATOR - An inertial drive actuator includes a shift unit that generates a small shift, a vibration base plate that moves to and fro with the small shift of the shift unit, a mover having a first magnetic field generating unit, a first yoke, and a second yoke. The first yoke and an end portion of the second yoke are opposed to each other at a position outside the vibration base plate, thereby restricting movement of the mover with respect to the direction perpendicular to the driving direction. The frictional force acting between the mover and the vibration base plate is controlled by controlling a magnetic field generated by the first magnetic field generating unit to drive the mover.05-01-2014
20140203685MULTIAXIS DRIVE DEVICE AND CONTROL INSTRUMENT FITTED WITH SUCH A DEVICE - An electric motor device includes a rotor, a stator, and electrical means for driving rotation of the rotor relative to the stator, the device being characterized in that the stator includes a substantially spherical cavity receiving the rotor, which is itself substantially spherical, and in that the electrical means are arranged to drive the rotor in rotation about at least two axes. A control instrument including such a motor device.07-24-2014
20140210311Noiseless Electromechanical Motor - An electromechanical motor (07-31-2014
20140239771PIEZOELECTRIC ROTARY DRIVE FOR A SHAFT - A piezoelectric rotary drive for a shaft, is disclosed which can include a piezoelectric actuator and a coupling portion for driving the shaft as a stick-slip drive. To transmit greater contact forces between the frame and the shaft, at least one piezoelectric actuator and an adjustable and/or deformable frame with at least one coupling portion can be coupled to the shaft in a force-locked manner so as to accomplish a stick-slip drive, wherein the frame translates a piezoelectric deformation of the actuator mechanically such that the coupling portion rotates about the axis of the shaft over at least a part of the circumference of the shaft.08-28-2014
20140265729PIEZOELECTRIC MATERIAL, PIEZOELECTRIC ELEMENT, AND ELECTRONIC APPARATUS - The present invention provides a piezoelectric material which has excellent insulating and piezoelectric properties and which contains no lead and potassium and also provides a piezoelectric element and a multilayered piezoelectric element each using the above piezoelectric material. The piezoelectric material is a perovskite-type metal oxide represented by the following general formula (1).09-18-2014
20140285066LINEAR ULTRASONIC MOTOR AND OPTICAL APPARATUS INCLUDING THE SAME - A small linear ultrasonic motor includes: a vibration element generating ultrasonic vibrations by applying high frequency drive voltage; a slider against which vibration element is pressed and which is relatively moved by the ultrasonic vibrations; a vibration element supporting member retaining the vibration element and relatively moving with respect to the slider; a guide portion guiding a moving direction of the relative movement of the vibration element supporting member; and a pressurizing portion pressing the vibration element against the slider, wherein the guide portion is arranged sandwiching a position at which the vibration element is pressed against the slider, in a plane that includes the moving direction and intersects with a pressurizing direction of a pressurizing force exerted by the pressurizing portion, and at least each part of the pressurizing portion and the guide portion is disposed at a position equidistant from the plane in the pressurizing direction.09-25-2014
20140306578VIBRATION TYPE DRIVING DEVICE - A vibration type driving device includes an electro-mechanical energy conversion element; a vibrator fixed to the electro-mechanical energy conversion element and configured to be vibrated by application of voltage to the electro-mechanical energy conversion element; a first driven member and a second driven member frictionally driven by press-contact with the vibrator and configured to transmit rotational forces by frictional driving to an output shaft; and at least one pressing portion configured to bring the first driven member and the second driven member into press contact with the vibrator, wherein the pressing portion, the first driven member, the second driven member, and the vibrator are arranged to allow an air flow generated by an airflow generation unit to flow through an air-ventilation path of the pressing portion, between the first driven member and the second driven member, and an air-ventilation path of the vibrator.10-16-2014
20140312738ULTRASONIC MOTOR10-23-2014
20140333180PIEZOELECTRIC ACTUATION DEVICE - THIS invention relates to a piezoelectric actuation device and more particularly but not exclusively, to a piezoelectric actuation device with three piezoelectric actuator sets. The device includes a first clamp arrangement being displaceable between an engaged position and a disengaged position and a second clamp arrangement being displaceable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The device also includes an actuation arrangement being displaceable between a first condition and an inverse second condition; and force transmission means for transmitting a force to a load applied thereto, with the force transmission means being coupled to the actuation arrangement. The device is characterized in that the actuation arrangement displaces the force transmission means when it is displaced from the first condition to the second condition, and also displaces the same force transmission means when it is displaced from the second condition to the first condition within a single actuating cycle.11-13-2014
20150076965COMPACT VERSATILE STICK-SLIP PIEZOELECTRIC MOTOR - A motion control system that includes a base, a stage supported by the base and movable with respect to the base, and a motor coupled to the base and operable to move the stage. The motor includes a mounting base arranged to connect the motor to the base, a friction pad engageable with the stage, and a coupling portion including a first end connected to the mounting base and a second end. The friction pad is connected to the coupling portion between the first end and the second end. A piezoelectric element is disposed between the mounting base and the second end and is operable in response to an electrical signal to move the friction pad and the stage. A mounting screw is accessible from an exterior of the base and engages the coupling portion. The mounting screw is the sole attachment mechanism between the motor and the base03-19-2015
20150137663VIBRATION ACTUATOR - A vibration actuator includes a vibrator including an electromechanical transducer and an elastic body, a vibrator fixing member configured to hold the vibrator, a driven member configured to come into frictional contact with the vibrator so as to move relative to the vibrator, a pressing portion configured to press the vibrator against the driven member, a guide portion configured to guide the vibrator in a direction in which the vibrator moves, and a vibration damping member disposed between the vibrator fixing member and the movable plate. The guide portion includes a movable plate configured to move integrally with the vibrator, a rolling member configured to roll in the direction in which the vibrator moves, and a press-and-hold member configured to press the rolling member against the movable plate.05-21-2015
20150318801PIEZOELECTRIC ACTUATOR AND ROBOT - A piezoelectric actuator includes a piezoelectric element, a vibrating plate configured to vibrate according to application of a signal to the piezoelectric element, and a driven body driven by the vibration of the vibrating plate. The vibrating plate vibrates in a first mode according to a signal having a first frequency, vibrates in a second mode according to a signal having a second frequency, and vibrates in a third mode according to a signal having a third frequency. The first frequency and the second frequency are different. The first frequency and the third frequency are different.11-05-2015
20160020711MULTI-FLAP STANDING WAVE TYPE ULTRASONIC MOTOR - A multi-flap standing wave type ultrasonic motor, includes a rotor part, a stator part, a control circuit board, and a fixing attachment. The rotor part includes a flange, a rotor ring, and a shaft, the shaft and rotor ring being joined together through the flange by using a screw. The stator part includes a piezoelectric ceramics, an excitation ring, and flaps, where the piezoelectric ceramics and the excitation ring are fixed with glue, the flaps and the excitation ring are connected through welding, and form an angle with the axis, the stator part is sleeved on a support, and is connected, through an upright, a pressure plate, and a locking plate, to a substrate of the control circuit board to form a fixing attachment, and the flaps are an elastomer and a preload provider. The inner diameter of the rotor ring is less than the outer diameter of the flaps.01-21-2016

Patent applications in class Motor producing continual motion

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