Monolithic multilayer actuator in a housing

US6943482B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Ceramtec AG, Innovative Ceramic Engineering · DE

Inventors

• Reiner Bindig · Bindlach, DE
• Hans-Jürgen Schreiner · Lauf an der Pegnitz, DE
• Matthias Simmerl · Leupoldsgrün, DE
• Jurgen Schmieder · Achern, DE
• Thilo Steichele · Nuremberg, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 28, 2002
• Grant date: Sep 13, 2005
• Expiry date: Jun 28, 2022

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H10N30/50

Abstract

The invention relates to a monolithic multilayer actuator comprising a sintered stack of thin films, made from piezo-ceramic with inlaid metallic inner electrodes which extend from the stack on alternate sides and are electrically wired in parallel with external electrodes (3, 4) and are provided with connector wires (5). According to the invention, the actuator may be supplied with nominal voltage over a long period of time, without a change in the properties thereof, whereby the multilayer actuator (1) is sealed within a metallic or ceramic housing (8, 11, 16), the connector wires (5) are integral parts of the housing base (11) and the housing (8, 11, 16) is filled with a water-absorbing medium (14) and a water-transporting, electrically-insulating medium (15).