Patent ID: 6806661
Filing Date: 2004-10-19
Classification: H02N

Abstract:
A method of driving an electrostatic actuator mechanism including a first stator having an electrode group including at least three electrodes successively arranged in a predetermined direction, voltage being applied to the electrodes in different order respectively, a second stator arranged to face the first stator and having an electrode extending in the predetermined direction, and a movable member arranged between the first stator and the second stator and having a first electrode section facing the electrode group and a second electrode section facing the electrode extending in the predetermined direction the method comprising:applying voltage to at least one of the electrodes forming the electrode group, the potential of at least one of the electrodes forming the electrode group being rendered higher than the potential of the first electrode section; applying voltage to the electrode extending in the predetermined direction, the potential of the electrode extending in the predetermined direction being rendered higher than that of the second electrode section; applying voltage by switching the electrode of the electrode group such that the potential of the switched electrode is rendered higher than the potential of first electrode section; applying voltage such that the potential of the electrode extending in the predetermined direction is rendered higher than the potential of the second electrode section; and repeating the voltage application defined above.