Patent ID: 6707233
Filing Date: 2004-03-16
Classification: H02N

Abstract:
An ultrasonic motor, comprising:a stator having an annular piezoelectric element, wherein the piezoelectric is polarized into a plurality of segments along the circumference; a rotor arranged to face the stator, wherein the piezoelectric element vibrates the stator such that the rotor is rotated, and wherein the piezoelectric element has a first surface facing the stator and a second surface opposite from the first surface; an electrode plate fixed to the second surface of the piezoelectric element; and a flexible plate fixed to the electrode plate, wherein the flexible plate includes: a flexible substrate; a conductor arranged on part of the flexible substrate to be electrically connected to the electrode plate; and a reinforcement arranged on the flexible substrate at a position that is off the conductor, wherein the conductor suppresses vibration generated at a portion of the piezoelectric element that corresponds to the conductor, and wherein the reinforcement suppresses vibration generated at a portion of the piezoelectric element that is off the conductor, thereby stabilizing vibration of the piezoelectric element in the circumferential direction.