Vibratory actuator and method for manufacturing the same

A method for manufacturing a vibratory actuator, wherein the vibratory actuator includes:

• a vibration member including an elastic member and an electro-mechanical energy transducer fixed to the elastic member, wherein the elastic member has protrusions formed on the elastic member,
• a contact member in contact with the elastic member and configured to be moved in a direction relative to the vibration member by a vibration that is generated in the vibration member by a voltage applied to the electro-mechanical energy transducer, and
• a pressure member configured to pressurize the vibration member and the contact member,
• wherein each of the protrusions has a first contact surface in contact with the contact member, and
• wherein the contact member has a second contact surface made of metal sintered material and in contact with the vibration member, the method comprising:
• providing a driven member configured to be driven when the contact member is moved relative to the vibration member;
• and
• driving the driven member while increasing an external load applied to the driven member so that a ratio of a maximum amount of depression on the second contact surface in a direction of pressurization by the pressure member to a width of the first contact surface in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the contact member relative to the vibration member and the direction of pressurization by the pressure member is 0.05% or less.