Patent ID: 6327120
Filing Date: 2001-12-04
Classification: G11B,H01L

Abstract:
An actuator using at least one piezoelectric element, comprising:a shear-type piezoelectric element, said shear-type piezoelectric element defining a fixed end on one side thereof and a free end on an opposite side thereof;two electrodes arranged in juxtaposition to each other within a single plane at said fixed end of said shear-type piezoelectric element;an opposed electrode arranged on said free end of said shear-type piezoelectric element, whereby said opposed electrode is in opposed relationship to said two electrodes;wherein said opposed electrode is displaced in accordance with the direction of polarization of said shear-type piezoelectric element by supplying power between said two electrodes by applying a first voltage to one said two electrodes and a second voltage to the other of said two electrodes, where there is a voltage differential between said first voltage and said second voltage; andfurther wherein said shear-type piezoelectric element is polarized in a direction that is substantially parallel to said single plane within which said two electrodes are juxtaposed.