Patent ID: 6051912
Filing Date: 2000-04-18
Classification: H02N

Abstract:
A vibration actuator, comprising:an elastic member connected to an electro-mechanical converting element to convert electrical energy into mechanical displacement, thereby generating vibration in said elastic member;a plurality of electrodes disposed on the electro-mechanical converting element such that the electro-mechanical converting element is supplied with the electrical energy through said electrodes;a plurality of connecting sections respectively disposed on said plurality of electrodes to receive generated electrical energy outside of the vibration actuator;a driving force output member disposed on said elastic member to transfer a driving force to a relative moving member; andan electrical energy supply member connected to one of said connecting sections to thereby supply the generated electrical energy from outside of the vibration actuator to the electro-mechanical converting element,wherein respective locations of said connecting sections are approximately at respective nodes of vibration on said elastic member, anda low conductivity portion having a lower thermal energy conductive rate than said one connecting section is formed in an adjacent position to said one connecting section, and said one low conductivity portion includes an opening defined with respect to a portion of one of said electrodes.