Patent Publication Number: US-2011063970-A1

Title: Moving apparatus and information recording/reproducing apparatus

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a drive apparatus using an ultrasonic motor, which drives an optical pickup and another driven object in an extending direction of a guide shaft, and an information recording/reproducing apparatus. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     As this type of drive apparatus, generally, there is known a drive apparatus using an electromagnetic motor. However, due to the rotation output of the electromagnetic motor, when the driven object is driven along the guide shaft, it is necessary to provide an engagement gear mechanism in order to change the output of the electromagnetic motor from the rotational direction to the extending direction of the guide shaft. The gear mechanism, however, causes a noise from the engagement part at the time of the drive. 
     Thus, a drive apparatus using an ultrasonic motor is suggested in patent documents 1 to 5 in order to output a driving force in the extending direction of the guide shaft from the beginning. 
     However, for example, the following problems could occur in the technologies disclosed in the patent documents 1 to 5 described above. 
     In the patent documents 1 to 4, the ultrasonic motor has a substrate-fixed structure in which it is fixed not to a displaced object but to the substrate side provided with the guide shaft, so a relative positional relation changes between the displaced object and the ultrasonic motor. Thus, as the displaced object gets away from the ultrasonic motor, the deflection of the guide shaft increases, and it changes a pressing pressure (i.e. driving force) by the ultrasonic motor. Hence, there is a possibility that the stable drive cannot be maintained. 
     In contrast, in the patent document 1, the ultrasonic motor has a displaced-object-fixed structure in which it is fixed to the displaced object, so the relative positional relation does not change between the displaced object (which is, in this case, an optical pickup 5) and the ultrasonic motor. According to FIG. 3 in the patent document 5, however, there is provided only one ultrasonic motor (refer to a reference numeral LM), so that the driving force is hardly ensured. In particular, as the ultrasonic motor directly outputs the driving force to only one of two guide shafts (refer to reference numerals 1), the other is dragged. This can cause a loss of the driving force. Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid Open No. Hei 9-35433 Patent document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid Open No. Hei 9-91891 Patent document 3: Japanese Patent Application Laid Open No. 2002-367299 Patent document 4: Japanese Patent Application Laid Open No. 2002-367300 Patent document 5: Japanese Utility Model Application Laid Open No. Hei 2-060963 
     DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION 
     Subject to be Solved by the Invention 
     In view of the aforementioned problems, it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide, for example, a drive apparatus which reduces a noise and which can maintain stable drive with a sufficient driving force when driving a driven object, and an information recording/reproducing apparatus. 
     Means for Solving the Subject 
     The above object of the present invention can be achieved by a drive apparatus for driving a driven object in a predetermined direction, the drive apparatus provided with: a plurality of guiding devices which are fixed to a substrate and each of which extends in the predetermined direction; a plurality of outputting devices each of which outputs a driving force in a direction along the extending direction of the guiding devices from an output end to at least one of the plurality of guiding devices and which are translated with the driven object by being connected to the driven object; and a controlling device for controlling each of the outputting devices such that the outputting devices outputs the driving force in desired timing. 
     According to the drive apparatus of the present invention, the following operation makes it possible to preferably drive the driven object in the predetermined direction. 
     Each of the plurality of guiding devices is fixed to the substrate on its both ends, on its one end, or in another portion, extends in the predetermined direction, and supports the displacement or slide of the driven object. The “predetermined direction” is a direction determined in advance as a direction in which it is desired to drive the driven object, or a direction which can be changed, as occasion demands, in operation. Moreover, the “predetermined direction” includes not only a linear direction but also a curved direction. 
     Each of the plurality of outputting devices outputs the driving force in the direction along the extending direction of the guiding devices, from an of output end to at least one of the plurality of guiding devices. The “outputting device” is, for example, an ultrasonic motor for outputting the driving force in the following principle. The ultrasonic motor is, for example, a motor for applying a high-frequency alternating current voltage in an ultrasonic range to a piezoelectric element and for outputting elliptic motion obtained by synthesizing longitudinal resonance motion and lateral resonance motion, which are caused by the resonance of the frequency, from the output end as the driving force. Incidentally, the “outputting device” is not limited to the device that operates in this principle as long as it can output the driving force in the direction along the extending direction of the guiding devices. Moreover, the outputting device is translated with the driven object by being connected to the driven object inside or outside thereof. In other words, the outputting device adopts a displaced-object-fixed structure, so that the outputting device is translated with the driven object while the driven object is driven. This does not change a relative positional relation between the displacement object and the outputting device, which makes it possible to prevent the deflection of the guiding device, thereby maintaining stable drive. Incidentally, the driven object and the outputting device are connected, for example, by a spiral, a spring, an adhesive, a weld, or the like. 
     The controlling device is provided, for example, with an arithmetic apparatus and a memory apparatus, and it controls each of the plurality of outputting devices such that the plurality of outputting devices output the driving force in the desired timing, by transmitting a drive control signal indicating the strength (or ON/OFF) of the driving force and its output timing to each outputting device. This makes it possible to control each outputting device individually. 
     As described above, according to the drive apparatus of the present invention, it can maintain the stable drive while reducing a noise when the driven object is driven. In particular, as the plurality of outputting devices are provided, it is possible to ensure the sufficient driving force. Moreover, each outputting device is appropriately placed and individually controlled, so that it is possible to avoid a loss of the driving force as much as possible. 
     In one aspect of the drive apparatus of the present invention, the plurality of outputting deices output the driving force to two of the plurality of guiding devices which make a pair. 
     According to this aspect, the driving force is outputted to two of the plurality of guiding devices which make a pair. Thus, it is possible to maintain the stable drive in comparison with a case where the driving force is outputted to only one guiding device. 
     In the aforementioned one aspect, the drive apparatus may be further provided with a biasing device for biasing the plurality of outputting deices toward side surfaces of the two guiding devices which make a pair, and a direction in which the plurality of outputting deices are biased toward the side surface of one of the two guiding devices which make a pair may be opposite to a direction in which the plurality of outputting deices are biased toward the side surface of the other guiding device. 
     According to this aspect, the biasing device applies a force to the plurality of outputting devices toward the side surfaces of the two guiding devices which make a pair. This allows the driving force to be transmitted steadily even if a contact area between the side surface of the guiding device and the output end of the outputting device is extremely small. In particular, the direction in which the outputting deices are biased toward the side surface of the one guiding device is opposite to the direction in which the outputting deices are biased toward the side surface of the other guiding device. Thus, the driven object and the plurality of outputting devices are translated with it propped between the two guiding devices which make a pair. This makes it possible to output a proper balance of the driving force to the two guiding devices which make a pair. Incidentally, the biasing device may be a mechanism (manual/FB control) capable of releasing the bias if necessary, as occasion demands). Incidentally, there may be a plurality of pairs made by the “two guiding devices”, which indicates, in effect, that the pair may be made by three or more guiding devices. 
     Alternatively, in the aforementioned one aspect, each of the two guiding devices which make a pair may be a guide shaft in which a plane is formed in the extending direction of the guiding devices in at least one portion of the side surface. 
     According to this aspect, the plurality of outputting devices connected to the driven object are caught between the planes formed on the two guiding devices which make a pair, from the both sides. Then, if the output end of each outputting device is planar and is in plane contact with each of the planes, then, it is possible to maintain the parallel, good contact state. Moreover, if each output end is spherical and is in point contact with each of the planes, then, a shift of rotation can be prevented. Incidentally, the guide shaft may be, for example, a polygonal column such as a triangular prism and a quadrangular prism, or a column with a D cut surface. The “plane” described herein includes not only a plane in a strict sense but also a curved surface with a small curvature and a slightly uneven surface in a broad sense, as long as the driving force can be transmitted from the output end of the outputting device. 
     Alternatively, in the aforementioned one aspect, each of the two guiding devices which make a pair may be a side wall of the substrate having two planes which are parallel to each other and which are formed in a direction along the predetermined direction. 
     According to this aspect, the side wall in one portion of the substrate is used instead of the guide shaft, so that the guide shaft and its fixing member are not necessary. Then, it is possible to reduce the number of parts and simplify the structure. 
     In another aspect of the drive apparatus of the present invention, the controlling device controls each of the plurality of outputting devices such that the plurality of outputting devices output the driving force all together. 
     According to this aspect, as the plurality of outputting devices output the driving force all together, the overall driving force improves. 
     In another aspect of the drive apparatus of the present invention, the controlling device controls each of the plurality of outputting devices such that the plurality of outputting devices output the driving force alternately. 
     According to this aspect, as the plurality of outputting devices output the driving force alternately, it is possible to maintain the stable drive in comparison with the case where the driving force is outputted to only one guiding device. 
     In the aspect in which the plurality of outputting devices output the driving force alternately as described above, the drive apparatus may be further provided with a biasing device for biasing the plurality of outputting deices toward at least one of the plurality of guiding devices, and the controlling device may also control the biasing device not to bias an outputting device that does not the driving force when the plurality of outputting devices output the driving force alternately. 
     According to this aspect, while the driving force is not outputted, the bias is released. Thus, it is possible to avoid the output end of the outputting device being worn away unnecessarily. 
     In another aspect of the drive apparatus of the present invention, the plurality of outputting devices are arranged side by side in the direction along the extending direction of the guiding devices. 
     According to this aspect, it is possible to limit or control the thickness of the drive apparatus in a direction crossing the extending direction of the guiding devices. 
     In another aspect of the drive apparatus of the present invention, the plurality of outputting devices are arranged in piles in a direction crossing the extending direction of the guiding devices. 
     According to this aspect, it is possible to increase the driving force per unit length in the direction along the extending direction of the guiding devices. Moreover, it is possible to reduce an area occupied by the outputting devices, viewed from the above of the direction crossing the extending direction of the guiding devices. 
     The above object of the present invention can be also achieved by an information recording/reproducing apparatus, wherein the outputting devices are ultrasonic motors, the driven object is a pickup apparatus, and the drive apparatus is used as a feed mechanism of the pickup apparatus. 
     According to this aspect, it is possible to reduce a noise and maintain the stable drive when the pickup apparatus is driven upon information recording or reproduction by the information recording/reproducing apparatus. Incidentally, the information recording/reproducing apparatus is, for example, an apparatus which can realize at least one of a function of recording information onto a recording medium and a function of reproducing the information recorded on the recording medium. The pickup apparatus is an apparatus provided with a laser light source for performing the information recording or reproduction on the recording medium such as a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD, or a BD (Blu-ray Disc); and a light receiving part. Incidentally, the recording medium is not limited to a disc-shaped medium; its aspect is not particularly considered as long as there is a need to drive the pickup apparatus in the predetermined direction. Incidentally, even the information recording/reproducing apparatus of the present invention can correspond to the various aspects of the drive apparatus of the present invention described above. 
     These operation and other advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the embodiments explained below. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       [ FIG. 1 ]  FIG. 1  are (a) a top view, (b) a cross sectional view in a straight line LM, and (c) its enlarged cross sectional view, partially showing an information recording/reproducing apparatus  1  which uses a drive apparatus in a first embodiment of the present invention as a feed mechanism of a pickup apparatus. 
       [ FIG. 2 ]  FIG. 2  are top views showing configuration examples of an ultrasonic motor  22  in the first embodiment (a: in a case where a biasing switch  214  is off, and b: in a case where the biasing switch  214  is on). 
       [ FIG. 3 ]  FIG. 3  are top views showing that the ultrasonic motor  22  in the first embodiment drives a pickup apparatus base  14  (a: in a case where a biasing switch  214  is off, and b: in a case where the biasing switch  214  is on). 
       [ FIG. 4 ]  FIG. 4  are (a) a top view, (b) a cross sectional view in a straight line LM, and (c) its enlarged cross sectional view, partially showing the information recording/reproducing apparatus  1  which uses a drive apparatus in a modified example of the first embodiment as the feed mechanism of the pickup apparatus. 
       [ FIG. 5 ]  FIG. 5  are (a) a top view, (b) a cross sectional view in a straight line LM, and (c) its enlarged cross sectional view, partially showing the information recording/reproducing apparatus  1  which uses a drive apparatus in a second embodiment of the present invention as the feed mechanism of the pickup apparatus. 
       [ FIG. 6 ]  FIG. 6  are time charts indicating a drive control signal with respect to the ultrasonic motors  21  and  22  in the second embodiment (a: where only one is driven, b where they are alternately driven, c: where both are driven). 
       [ FIG. 7 ]  FIG. 7  are (a) a top view, (b) a cross sectional view in a straight line LM, and (c) its enlarged cross sectional view, partially showing the information recording/reproducing apparatus  1  which uses a drive apparatus in a third embodiment of the present invention as the feed mechanism of the pickup apparatus. 
       [ FIG. 8 ]  FIG. 8  are (a) a top view, (b) a cross sectional view in a straight line LM, and (c) its enlarged cross sectional view, partially showing the information recording/reproducing apparatus  1  which uses a drive apparatus in a first modified example of the third embodiment as the feed mechanism of the pickup apparatus. 
       [ FIG. 9 ]  FIG. 9  are (a) a top view, (b) a cross sectional view in a straight line LM, and (c) its enlarged cross sectional view, partially showing the information recording/reproducing apparatus  1  which uses a drive apparatus in a second modified example of the third embodiment as the feed mechanism of the pickup apparatus. 
       [ FIG. 10 ]  FIG. 10  are (a) a top view, (b) an enlarged cross sectional view in the vicinity of a guide shaft  18  in a straight line LM, and (c) an enlarged cross sectional view in the vicinity of the guide shaft  18  in a straight line JK, partially showing the information recording/reproducing apparatus  1  which uses a drive apparatus in a fourth embodiment of the present invention as the feed mechanism of the pickup apparatus. 
       [ FIG. 11 ]  FIG. 11  are (a) an enlarged perspective view seen from the upper right and (b) an enlarged perspective view seen from the upper left, partially showing the guide shaft  18 , wires  101 ,  102  and  114  in the fourth embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE CODES 
     
         
           1  information recording/reproducing apparatus 
           14  pickup apparatus base 
           11  substrate 
           17 ,  18  guide shaft 
           117 ,  118  side wall 
           182  plane 
           21 ,  22  ultrasonic motor 
           20  output end 
           48  fixing part 
           213  spring-loaded support 
           100  microprocessor 
       
    
     BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 
     Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the invention will be explained in order in each embodiment with reference to the drawings. 
     First Embodiment 
       FIG. 1  are (a) a top view, (b) a cross sectional view in a straight line LM, and (c) its enlarged cross sectional view, partially showing an information recording/reproducing apparatus  1  which uses a drive apparatus in a first embodiment of the present invention as a feed mechanism of a pickup apparatus. Incidentally, the constituents in the other portion of the information recording/reproducing apparatus  1  may be the same as the known constituents, and its detailed structure diagram is omitted, as occasion demands. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1(   a ) and  FIG. 1(   b ), the information recording/reproducing apparatus  1  is an apparatus for recording and reproducing information with respect to a recording medium  200 . 
     A substrate  11  of the information recording/reproducing apparatus  1  is provided with a hub  16 . The hub  16  cramps the recording medium  200  at the center and rotates it at a predetermined linear velocity in response to the torque of a spindle motor (not illustrated). 
     In the substrate  11 , an opening  13  is formed. The opening  13  is shaped to drive a pickup apparatus base  14  in the radial direction of the recording medium  20  from the outer circumferential end to the vicinity of the central part of the recording medium  200 . 
     The pickup apparatus base  14  is a base to be equipped with a pickup apparatus (not illustrated). The pickup apparatus is connected to a microprocessor  100  via a wire  114 . In response to a control signal from the microprocessor  100 , the pickup apparatus irradiates the recording medium  200  with an information writing or information reading laser beam, and at the same time, the pickup apparatus allows the incidence and detection of reflected light from the recording medium  200 , thereby performing information recording and reproduction. The pickup apparatus base  14  has a dent in a circular arc shape fitting the outer shape of the hub  16  so that it can get close to the hub  16 . On the side thereof, the pickup apparatus base  14  is provided with bearings  141 ,  142 , and  143  in which a through-bore or a U-shaped groove is formed in accordance with the thickness of the guide shafts  17  and  18 . The number of the bearings are preferably three or more from the viewpoint of the balance of the pickup apparatus base  14 . 
     The guide shafts  17  and  18  make a pair, extend in a direction along the radial direction of the recording medium  200  in the opening  13 , and are disposed to be substantially parallel to each other. The guide shaft  17  is, for example, a cylinder and its both ends are fixed to the substrate  11  by fixing parts  47 . The guide shaft  18  is, for example, a column with a D cut surface as detailed later and its both ends are fixed to the substrate  11  by fixing parts  48 . 
     Ultrasonic motors  21  and  22  are fixed to the pickup apparatus base  14  by a plate-like connection part  15  such that an output end  20  of each ultrasonic motor is in contact with the guide shaft  18 . The ultrasonic motor  21  is connected to the microprocessor  100  via a wire  101 , and the ultrasonic motor  22  is connected to the microprocessor  100  via a wire  102 . The ultrasonic motors  21  and  22  operate in response to a drive control signal from the microprocessor  100 . In operation, the ultrasonic motor  21  outputs a driving force in a direction A or a direction B along the extending direction of the guide shaft  18 , to the guide shaft  18 . 
     The microprocessor  100  is provided with an arithmetic device and a memory device and transmits information to be recorded to the recording medium  200 , or reproduces the read information. Moreover, in the recording or reproduction, the microprocessor  100  operates both or one of the ultrasonic motors  21  and  22  such that the pickup apparatus is at a desired position with respect to the recording medium  200 . 
     As detailed above, according to  FIG. 1(   a ) and  FIG. 1(   b ), the ultrasonic motors  21  and  22  are fixed via the connection part  15  to the pickup apparatus base  14  which is a drive target, and thus, the ultrasonic motors  21  and  22  are translated with the pickup apparatus base  14 . Then, there is no change in relative positional relation between the pickup apparatus base  14  and the ultrasonic motor  21  or  22 . This makes it possible to prevent the deflection of the guide shaft  18 , thereby maintaining more stable drive. At this time, in particular, the plurality of ultrasonic motors  21  and  22  are provided, and thus a sufficient driving force can be ensured. Moreover, each of the ultrasonic motors  21  and  22  is appropriately disposed and is individually controlled by the microprocessor  100 , so that it is possible to avoid a loss of the driving force as much as possible. 
     Moreover, as shown in  FIG. 1(   c ), the guide shaft  18  is, for example, a column with a D cut surface as detailed later. In other words, the guide shaft  18  has a shape based on a cylinder, and in one portion of the side surface, a plane  182  is formed along the extending direction of the guide shaft  18 . A curved surface  181  is the remaining side surface. The ultrasonic motor  22  outputs the driving force in the direction A or the direction B, from the output end  20  to a plane  218  of the guide shaft  18 . At this time, in particular, the plane  182  of the side surface of the guide shaft  18  and the output end  20  of the ultrasonic motor  22  are in point contact, so that there is no need to adjust them to be parallel to each other. 
     Next, with reference to  FIG. 2 , a detailed explanation will be given on a transmission aspect of the driving force, depending on ON/OFF of a biasing switch (or force-applying switch)  214 .  FIG. 2  are top views showing configuration examples of the ultrasonic motor  22  in the first embodiment. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2(   a ) and  FIG. 2(   b ), in a case  281  of the ultrasonic motor  22 , two plate-like piezoelectric ceramics  291  (piezoelectric element) having short sides  283  and  285  and long sides  287  and  289  are piled and accommodated. In the case  281 , an opening  293  is provided on the side of one short side  283  of the plate-like ceramics  291 , and the output end  20  which is in contact with the plane  182  of the guide shaft  18  (e.g. a ceramic spacer) is fixed on the short side  283  in the opening  293 . 
     On one surface of the piezoelectric ceramics  291 , rectangular electrodes  297 ,  299 ,  201 , and  203  are plated, and on the rear surface, an electrode covering a substantially entire surface is plated. The electrodes  297  and  203  at diagonal positions are connected by a lead wire  205 , and the electrodes  299  and  201  at diagonal positions are connected by a lead wire  207 . 
     Between one long side  289  of the piezoelectric ceramics  291  and the case  281 , for example, there are disposed spring-loaded supports  209  made of cylindrical silicon rubber, and they press the other long side  287  of the piezoelectric ceramics  291  against the case  281 . The case  281  against which the long side  287  is pressed makes fixed supports  211 . The spring-loaded supports  209 , the fixed supports  211 , and the piezoelectric ceramics  291  can be slid. 
     Between one short side  285  of the piezoelectric ceramics  291  and the case  281 , for example, a spring-loaded support  213  is disposed, and it biases the piezoelectric ceramics  291  toward the plane  182  of the guide shaft  18  via the output end  20 . The biasing switch  214  is a mechanism capable of adjusting the bias or applied force by the spring-loaded support  213  in two stages (i.e. ON/OFF) between the spring-loaded support  213  and the case  281 . The biasing switch  214  adjusts the bias or applied force by the degree of tightening a bolt, the change of presence and absence of mechanical connection, or the application of a voltage to the piezoelectric element. The surroundings of the opening  293  of the case  281  make a stopper of the piezoelectric ceramics  291  when the short side  283  is biased by the spring-loaded support  213 . 
     According to  FIG. 2(   a ), as the biasing switch  214  is OFF, the plane  182  of the side surface of the guide shaft  18  and the output end  20  of the ultrasonic motor  22  are not in contact. Hence, the output of the ultrasonic motor  22  is not transmitted to the guide shaft  18 . 
     On the other hand, according to  FIG. 2(   b ), as the biasing switch  214  is ON, the plane  182  of the side surface of the guide shaft  18  and the output end  20  of the ultrasonic motor  22  are in point contact in a contact area  218 . Hence, the output of the ultrasonic motor  22  is transmitted to the guide shaft  18 , and thus the pickup apparatus base  14  can be driven in the direction A or the direction B along the extending direction of the guide shaft  18 . 
     Incidentally, the excitation of the piezoelectric ceramics  291  is performed by an alternating-current (AC) voltage or a pulse voltage with a frequency near a resonance point (e.g. 40 KHz). The time responsiveness of the spring-loaded support  213  is set to be sufficiently slower than the resonance frequency of the piezoelectric ceramics  291 . 
     Next, with reference to  FIG. 3 , an explanation will be given on an operation principle when the ultrasonic motor  22  outputs the driving force in the direction A or the direction B along the extending direction of the guide shaft  18  from the output end  20  to the guide shaft  18 .  FIG. 3  are top views showing that the ultrasonic motor  22  in the first embodiment drives the pickup apparatus  14 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3(   a ), the operation principle for the ultrasonic motor  22  to drive the pickup apparatus base  14  in the direction A is as follows. That is, if a positive pulse is applied to the electrodes  299  and  201  and a negative pulse is applied to the electrodes  297  and  203 , then, the piezoelectric ceramics  291  deform such that the long side  287  becomes longer than the long side  289  in each oscillation or vibration, and the output end  20  makes elliptic motion. Here, as described above, the time responsiveness of the spring-loaded support  213  is sufficiently slower than the resonance frequency of the piezoelectric ceramics  291 , so that the output end  20  is biased to the plane  182  of the guide shaft  18  only in one direction of the oscillation by the spring-loaded support  213  and is separated from the plane  182  of the guide shaft  18  in the opposite direction of the oscillation. In this manner, the oscillation of the piezoelectric ceramics  291  is converted into the driving force in one direction (the direction B in case of  FIG. 3(   a )). Then, due to a friction force caused by the bias or applied force of the spring-loaded support  213 , the driving force in the direction B is outputted to the guide shaft  18  from the output end  20  of the ultrasonic motor  22 . This reaction allows the translation of the ultrasonic motor  22  and the pickup apparatus base  14  in the direction A. In other words, the ultrasonic motor  22  drives the pickup apparatus base  14  in the direction A. At this time, the ultrasonic motor  22  obtains a large driving force at low speed in comparison with an electromagnetic motor, and the driving force of the piezoelectric ceramics  291  is directly transmitted to the plane  182  of the guide shaft  18  by the friction force. Thus, a gear mechanism for converting rotation into a linear direction is not required. 
     On the other hand, as shown in  FIG. 3(   b ), the operation principle for the ultrasonic motor  22  to drive the pickup apparatus base  14  in the direction B is as follows. That is, as opposed to  FIG. 3(   a ), if a negative pulse is applied to the electrodes  299  and  201  and a positive pulse is applied to the electrodes  297  and  203 , the piezoelectric ceramics  291  deform such that the long side  287  becomes shorter than the long side  289  in each oscillation or vibration, and the output end  20  makes elliptic motion in the opposite direction in case of  FIG. 3(   a ). Then, in the same manner, the oscillation of the piezoelectric ceramics  291  is converted into the driving force in one direction (the direction A in case of  FIG. 3(   b )). Then, due to a friction force caused by the bias or applied force of the spring-loaded support  213 , the driving force in the direction A is outputted to the guide shaft  18  from the output end  20  of the ultrasonic motor  22 . This reaction allows the translation of the ultrasonic motor  22  and the pickup apparatus base  14  in the direction B. 
     As detailed above, according to  FIG. 3 , the ultrasonic motor  22  can output the driving force in the direction A or the direction B along the extending direction of the guide shaft  18  from the output end  20  to the guide shaft  18 . Incidentally, the ultrasonic motor  21  basically has the same structure as well. 
     Next, with reference to a modified example of the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , an additional advantage of the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  will be detailed.  FIG. 4  are (a) a top view, (b) a cross sectional view in a straight line LM, and (c) its enlarged cross sectional view, partially showing the information recording/reproducing apparatus  1  which uses a drive apparatus in the modified example of the first embodiment as the feed mechanism of the pickup apparatus. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , in the modified example of the first embodiment, the layout of the wire  101  connected to the ultrasonic motor  21  and the wire  102  connected to the ultrasonic motor  22  is different from that in the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . In other words, in  FIG. 4 , each of the wires  101  and  102  is connected to the microprocessor  100  without being via the pickup apparatus base  14 , apart from the wire  114  connected to the not-illustrated pickup apparatus. Then, the ultrasonic motors  21  and  22  are translated when the pickup apparatus base  14  is driven. Incidentally, the wires  101 ,  102 , and  114  are typically flexible wires which can expand and contract or bend. Then, there is a need not only to reserve a space in which the wire  114  can expand and contract but also to separately reserve a space in which the wires  101  and  102  can expand and contract. If a sufficient space is not reserved, then, the wires  101  and  102  are likely entangled in the guide shaft  18  or get stuck between the substrate  11  and the ultrasonic motor  22 , and a desired driving force cannot be obtained. 
     In contrast, as shown in  FIG. 1 , in the first embodiment, the wires  101  and  102  are unified with the wire  114  connected to the not-illustrated pickup apparatus, and the wires are connected to the microprocessor  100  together via the pickup apparatus base  14  from the rear thereof (i.e. the direction B side of the pickup apparatus base  14  in  FIG. 1(   a )). Then, it is possible to share the space in which the wire  114  can expand and contract and the space in which the wires  101  and  102  can expand and contract, in the rear of the pickup apparatus base  14 . 
     Incidentally, the wires  101  and  102  may be firstly fixed to the connection part  15 , and then connected to the microprocessor  100  via the connection part  15  and the pickup apparatus base  14 . Then, the possibility that the wires  101  and  102  are entangled in the wire guide shaft  18  is further reduced in comparison with a case where the wires are not fixed to the connection part  15 . 
     As detailed above, according to  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 4 , it is shown that devising the layout of the wires  101  and  102  can provide a reduced space the wires occupy, thereby increasing the degree of freedom of the layout and provide a desired driving force without the wires entangled in the guide shaft  18  or the like. 
     Second Embodiment 
       FIG. 5  are (a) a top view, (b) a cross sectional view in a straight line LM, and (c) its enlarged cross sectional view, partially showing the information recording/reproducing apparatus  1  which uses a drive apparatus in a second embodiment of the present invention as the feed mechanism of the pickup apparatus. Incidentally, the detailed explanation of the same constituents as those of the first embodiment and the constituents that can be the same as the known ones is omitted, as occasion demands. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5(   a ) to  FIG. 5(   c ), in the second embodiment, the layout of the ultrasonic motors  21  and  22  is different from the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . That is, in the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the ultrasonic motors  21  and  22  are biased only to one plane of a plane  172  of a guide shaft  17  and the plane  182  of the guide shaft  18 . 
     In contrast, in the second embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , the ultrasonic motors are biased to the both planes. Moreover, a direction in which the ultrasonic motor  21  is biased to the plane  172  of the guide shaft  17  is opposite to a direction in which the ultrasonic motor  22  is biased to the plane  182  of the guide shaft  18 . In this condition, the pickup apparatus base  14  and the ultrasonic motors  21  and  22  are translated with it propped between the two guide shafts  17  and  18  which make a pair. This makes it possible to output a proper balance of the driving force to the two guide shafts  17  and  18  which make a pair. 
     Moreover, as shown in  FIG. 5(   a ) to  FIG. 5(   c ), in the second embodiment, the ultrasonic motors  21  and  22  are located on the pickup apparatus base  14  side with respect to the guide shafts  17  and  18 , and typically, the ultrasonic motors  21  and  22  are built in the pickup apparatus base  14  or the not-illustrated pickup apparatus. Then, in comparison with the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the occupied space outside the pickup apparatus base  14  is reduced. In addition, it is advantageous in unifying the wires  101  and  102  with the wire  114  connected to the not-illustrated pickup apparatus. 
     Moreover, each of the ultrasonic motors  21  and  22  built in the pickup apparatus base  14  is caught between the plane  172  and the plane  182 . Then, as shown in  FIG. 5(   c ), if each of the output ends  20  of the ultrasonic motors  21  and  22  is planar and is in plane contact with respective one of the planes  172  and  182 , then, it is possible to maintain the parallel, good contact state. 
     Next, an explanation will be given on the control of the ultrasonic motors  21  and  22  by the microprocessor  100  in the second embodiment. 
       FIG. 6  are time charts indicating a drive control signal with respect to the ultrasonic motors  21  and  22  in the second embodiment (a: where only one is driven, b where they are alternately driven, c: where both are driven). Incidentally, the drive control signal for the ultrasonic motor  21  is shown by a dotted line, and the drive control signal for the ultrasonic motor  22  is shown by an alternate long and short dash line. 
       FIG. 6(   a ) shows each drive control signal for respective one of the ultrasonic motors in the case where only the ultrasonic motor  21  of the ultrasonic motors  21  and  22  is driven. 
       FIG. 6(   b ) shows each drive control signal for respective one of the ultrasonic motors in the case where the ultrasonic motors  21  and  22  are alternately driven. The drive in this manner allows stable drive to be maintained while power consumption is kept down to the same degree in comparison with the case of  FIG. 6(   a ). In addition, the microprocessor  100  may turn off the biasing switch  214  so as not to apply a force to (or not to bias) the ultrasonic motor that does not output the driving force from among the ultrasonic motors  21  and  22 . Then, it is possible to avoid the output end  20  being worn away unnecessarily. Incidentally, for the waveform of each drive control signal, not only a square wave shown in  FIG. 6(   b ) but also a sine wave and a ramp wave whose phase is shifted by half wavelength may be used. 
       FIG. 6(   c ) shows each drive control signal for respective one of the ultrasonic motors in the case where both the ultrasonic motors  21  and  22  are driven. The drive in this manner improves the overall driving force in comparison with the cases of  FIG. 6(   a ) and  FIG. 6(   b ). 
     Third Embodiment 
       FIG. 7  are (a) a top view, (b) a cross sectional view in a straight line LM, and (c) its enlarged cross sectional view, partially showing the information recording/reproducing apparatus  1  which uses a drive apparatus in a third embodiment of the present invention as the feed mechanism of the pickup apparatus. Incidentally, the detailed explanation of the same constituents as those of the first embodiment and the constituents that can be the same as the known ones is omitted, as occasion demands. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7(   a ) to  FIG. 7(   c ), in the third embodiment, the aspect of the guiding device is different from the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  and the second embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 . That is, both the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  and the second embodiment shown in  FIG. 5  use the guide shafts  17  and  18  as the guiding device. 
     In contrast, in the third embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 , the side walls of the substrate  11  are used as the guiding device. Here, the side walls of the substrate  11  have two planes  117  and  118  which are mutually parallel and which are formed in a direction along a predetermined direction in which it is desired to drive the pickup apparatus base  14 . By this, the guide shafts  17  and  18  and their fixing parts  47  and  48  or the like are no longer required, so that the number of parts is reduced and the structure is simplified. Moreover, as shown in  FIG. 7(   c ), if the side walls of the substrate  11  are formed in a U-shape and are set to catch the pickup apparatus base  14  with the ultrasonic motors  21  and  22  built therein from the above and below, then, a shift of the position of the pickup apparatus base  14  can be also prevented. 
     Next, the arrangement of the ultrasonic motors when the number of the ultrasonic motors is increased will be examined with reference to modified examples of the third embodiment shown in  FIG. 8  and  FIG. 9 . In  FIG. 8  and  FIG. 9 , the information recording/reproducing apparatus  1  is provided with four ultrasonic motors  21 ,  22 ,  23 , and  24 . 
       FIG. 8  are (a) a top view, (b) a cross sectional view in a straight line LM, and (c) its enlarged cross sectional view, partially showing the information recording/reproducing apparatus  1  which uses a drive apparatus in a first modified example of the third embodiment as the feed mechanism of the pickup apparatus. 
     As shown in  FIG. 8(   a ), in the information recording/reproducing apparatus  1  in the first modified example of the third embodiment, the ultrasonic motors  21  and  23  are arranged side by side in a direction along the extending direction of the plane  117  (in other words, in the direction A or the direction B) such that each output end  20  is in contact with the plane  117 . On the other hand, the ultrasonic motors  22  and  24  are arranged side by side in a direction along the extending direction of the plane  118  (in other words, in the direction A or the direction B) such that each output end  20  is in contact with the plane  118 . By this, as shown in  FIG. 8(   b ) and  FIG. 8(   c ), it is possible to limit or control the thickness of the information recording/reproducing apparatus  1  in a direction crossing the direction A or the direction B. 
       FIG. 9  are (a) a top view, (b) a cross sectional view in a straight line LM, and (c) its enlarged cross sectional view, partially showing the information recording/reproducing apparatus  1  which uses a drive apparatus in a second modified example of the third embodiment as the feed mechanism of the pickup apparatus. 
     As shown in  FIG. 9(   b ) and  FIG. 9(   c ), in the information recording/reproducing apparatus  1  in the second modified example of the third embodiment, the ultrasonic motors  21  and  23  are arranged in piles in a direction crossing the extending direction of the plane  117  (in other words, in the direction A or the direction B) such that each output end  20  is in contact with the plane  117 . On the other hand, the ultrasonic motors  22  and  24  are arranged in piles in a direction crossing the extending direction of the plane  118  (in other words, in the direction A or the direction B) such that each output end  20  is in contact with the plane  118 . By this, as shown in  FIG. 9(   a ), it is possible to improve the driving force per unit length in the direction along the direction A or the direction B as well as reducing the occupied area by the four ultrasonic motors  21 ,  22 ,  23 , and  24  viewed from the upper surface. 
     Fourth Embodiment 
       FIG. 10  are (a) a top view, (b) an enlarged cross sectional view in the vicinity of a guide shaft  18  in a straight line LM, and (c) an enlarged cross sectional view in the vicinity of the guide shaft  18  in a straight line JK, partially showing the information recording/reproducing apparatus  1  which uses a drive apparatus in a fourth embodiment of the present invention as the feed mechanism of the pickup apparatus.  FIG. 11  are (a) an enlarged perspective view seen from the upper right and (b) an enlarged perspective view seen from the upper left, partially showing the guide shaft  18 , the wires  101 ,  102  and  114  in the fourth embodiment. Incidentally, the detailed explanation of the same constituents as those of the first embodiment and the constituents that can be the same as the known ones is omitted, as occasion demands. 
     As shown in  FIG. 10(   a ), in the fourth embodiment, the layout of the wires  101 ,  102 , and  114  is different from the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     That is, in the first embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the wires  101  and  102  are unified with the wire  114  behind the pickup apparatus base  14 . In this structure, all the wires  101 ,  102 , and  114  are typically flexible wires which can expand and contract or bend. Thus, every time the pickup apparatus base  14  is driven in the direction A or the direction B, the wires  101 ,  102 , and  114  expand and contract or bend behind the pickup apparatus base  14 . If so, then, there is a need to reserve an appropriate space in which the wires  101 ,  102 , and  114  can expand and contract or bend. 
     In contrast, in the fourth embodiment shown in  FIG. 10(   a ), the wires  101  and  102  and the wires  114  are unified on the guide shaft  18  disposed on the side of the pickup apparatus base  14 . In other words, in this structure, not all the wires  101 ,  102 , and  114  are flexible wires, and the guide shaft  18  functions as a so-called wiring duct rail. Then, even if the pickup apparatus base  14  is driven in the direction A or the direction B, the wires  101 ,  102 , and  114  do not expand and contract or bend behind the pickup apparatus base  14 . The detailed structure will be supplemented with reference to  FIG. 10(   b ),  FIG. 10(   c ),  FIG. 11(   a ), and  FIG. 11(   b ). 
     Firstly, as shown in  FIG. 10(   b ), on the side surface of the guide shaft  18 , there are formed not only the plane  182  but also a plane  183  along the extending direction of the guide shaft  18  on the opposite side of the plane  182 . Moreover, on the plane  182  of the guide shaft  18 , there are formed groove portions for accommodating conductor parts  801  and  802  made of an electrical conducting material, along the extending direction of the guide shaft  18 , with their positions in the direction crossing the extending direction of the guide shaft  18  distant from each other. Then, as shown in  FIG. 10(   a ) and  FIG. 11(   a ), each of the tips of the wires  101  and  102  is engaged with respective one of the conductor parts  801  and  802  slidably in the extending direction of the guide shaft  18  (i.e. the direction A or the direction B). Moreover, even on the plane  183  of the guide shaft  18 , there are formed a plurality of groove portions for accommodating conductor parts  814  made of an electrical conducting material, along the extending direction of the guide shaft  18 , with their positions in the direction crossing the extending direction of the guide shaft  18  distant from each other. Here, as shown in  FIG. 10(   c ), in the pickup apparatus base  14 , there is formed the bearing  143  in which a through-bore or a U-shaped groove is formed, wherein the bore or the groove has substantially the same shape as that of the cross section of the guide shaft  18  and is slightly larger than the cross section. The guide shaft  18  penetrates the bearing  143 , and one ends of the wires  114  with the other ends connected to the not-illustrated pickup apparatus gather on the bearing  143 . Then, as shown in  FIG. 10(   c ) and  FIG. 11(   b ), each of the tips of the wires  114  is engaged with respective one of the conductor parts  814  slidably in the extending direction of the guide shaft  18  (i.e. the direction A or the direction B). Incidentally, preferably, an area other than the groove portions of the side surface of the guide shaft  18  and an area of the bearing  143  in contact with the guide shaft  18  are coated with an insulator in order to prevent short between the conductor parts. 
     As detailed above, according to the fourth embodiment, even if the pickup apparatus base  14  is driven in the direction A or the direction B, each of the tips of the wires  101 ,  102 , and  114  is slid in the extending direction of the guide shaft  18  (i.e. the direction A or the direction B) with it engaged with respective one of the conductor parts  801 ,  802 , and  814 . Then, there is no need to expand and contract the wires  101 ,  102 , and  114 , and thus there is no need to reserve a space for it. 
     Incidentally, in the fourth embodiment, the tips of the wires  114  are engaged slidably on the guide shaft  18  side, but may be also engaged slidably on the guide shaft  17  side. This makes it possible to avoid a higher concentration of the conductor parts  801 ,  802 , and  814  on the guide shaft  18 . Moreover, if not the guide shaft  17  and  18  but the side wall of the substrate  11  is used as the guiding device, the conductor parts  801 ,  802 , and  814  may be formed on the side wall of the substrate  11 . 
     Incidentally, in each of the aforementioned embodiments, 
     the “pickup apparatus base  14 ” is one example of the “driven object” of the present invention;
 
the “substrate  11 ” is one example of the “substrate” of the present invention;
 
the “guide shafts  17  and  18 ” and the “side walls  117  and  118 ” are one example of the “plurality of guiding devices” of the present invention;
 
the “direction A” and the “direction B” are one example of the “direction along the extending direction of the guiding device” of the present invention;
 
the “plane  182 ” is one example of the “side surface of the guiding device” of the present invention and one example of the “plane” formed “in the extending direction of the guiding device”;
 
the “ultrasonic motors  21  and  22 ” is one example of the “plurality of outputting devices” of the present invention;
 
the “output end  20 ” is one example of the “output end” of the present invention;
 
the “connection part  15 ” is one example of the “connecting device” of the present invention;
 
the “spring-loaded support  213 ” is one example of the “biasing device” of the present invention; and
 
the “microprocessor  100 ” is one example of the “controlling device” of the present invention.
 
     Incidentally, the present invention is not limited to the aforementioned embodiments, but various changes may be made, if desired, without departing from the essence or spirit of the invention which can be read from the claims and the entire specification. An apparatus, which involves such changes, is also intended to be within the technical scope of the present invention. 
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
     The present invention can be used for a drive apparatus using an ultrasonic motor, which drives an optical pickup and another driven object in an extending direction of a guide shaft.