Patent ID: 6188161
Filing Date: 2001-02-13
Classification: B82Y,H02N

Abstract:
A driving apparatus comprising:an electromechanical transducer which extends and contracts in a predetermined direction, said transducer having first and second ends which are spaced apart from each other along said predetermined direction;a first member connected to said first end of said transducer;a driving member connected to the second end of said transducer, said driving member being movable only along said predetermined direction;a second member; andan elastic deforming mechanism frictionally connecting said driving member with said second member, whereby expansion and contraction of said transducer achieves relative movement between said first member and said second member along said predetermined direction;wherein said elastic deforming mechanism is constructed such that its elastic deformation stress vector is perpendicular to said predetermined directions andwherein said elastic deforming mechanism is adapted to maintain continuous frictional connection with said second member during said relative movement.