Patent ID: 7193353
Filing Date: 2007-03-20
Classification: H02N

Abstract:
1. An operating apparatus comprising: a driven element; a stationary frame which rotatably supports the driven element about a rotation axis; a contacted element which is stationary with respect to the driven element; and a vibrating element which includes a first piezoelectric element that undergoes extension and contraction by application of an AC voltage, a reinforcing plate having a contact portion and an arm portion, and a second piezoelectric element that undergoes extension and contraction by application of an AC voltage, the first piezoelectric element, the reinforcing plate and the second piezoelectric element being laminated in this order, and the contact portion of the vibrating element abutting on the contacted element at a single abutting point; wherein the vibrating element is fixedly provided on the frame so that the extension and contraction direction of the vibrating element is substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis of the driven element, and when the vibrating element is driven, the vibrating element transmits power to the driven element via the contacted element at the single abutting point to rotate the driven element with respect to the frame.