Patent ID: 6479922
Filing Date: 2002-11-12
Classification: H02N

Abstract:
A piezoelectric motor comprising:a stator; a rotor having a rotor inner circumferential surface; a piezoelectric element retained on said stator; power supply means in communication with said piezoelectric element to operably effect longitudinal resilient mechanical oscillations in said element; a plurality of pusher members each having (a) at least one first portion defining a pusher abutting surface abutting said rotor inner surface, (b) at least one second portion defining a piezoelectric element engaging surface distal of said pusher abutting surface, and (c) a third portion defining a retained surface; retainer means in abutment with said pusher member retained surface to releasably retain said pusher member in abutment with said piezoelectric element and said rotor inner surface and wherein said longitudinal resilient mechanical oscillations effect coplanar movement of said pusher member; and said first portion is so shaped and inclined as to operably effect circumferential movement of said circumferential surface when said pusher member conducts longitudinal resilient mechanical movements induced by said piezoelectric effect element to effect rotary movement of said rotor inner circumferential surface relative to said piezoelectric element, characterized in that said retainer means comprising (a) a ring member having a diameter and a circumferential inner surface having at least one portion engageable with a said support surface of said third portion of said pusher member to retain said pusher member in suitable engagement with said piezoelectric element and said rotor circumferential surface, and (b) ring diameter adjusting means connectable to said ring to enable said ring diameter to be changed.