Driving apparatus and method of using same
US6512321B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 22, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jan 28, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 22, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03B2205/0061
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A driving apparatus includes an electromechanical conversion element that expands and contracts through the application of a drive voltage, the electromechanical conversion element includes a first end and a second end. The apparatus further includes a support member that is fixed to the first end of the electromechanical conversion element in a direction of expansion or contraction of the electromechanical conversion element; a drive member that is fixed to the second end of the electromechanical conversion element in the direction of expansion or contraction; an engaging member that engages with the drive member with a friction force; and a drive circuit that drives the electromechanical conversion element. The drive circuit generates a rectangular waveform drive voltage and applies the rectangular waveform drive voltage to the electromechanical conversion element to cause the electromechanical conversion element to expand and contract at different speeds to thereby move the support member and the engaging member relative to each other.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.