Piezo actuator and piezo actuator array

A piezo actuator comprising:

• a piezo bending transducer comprising a carrier layer which is at least partially covered on one or two sides with one or more piezo lamellas, the piezo bending transducer further comprising a movable end;
• a housing;
• a reference stop connected to the housing for determining a reference position for an actuating movement;
• a first bearing region which comprises regions of the piezo actuator and the housing and which allows for twists of the piezo bending transducer;
• a second bearing region with a surface on the side of the bending transducer and a surface on the side of the housing, and an intermediate layer between the surface on the side of the bending transducer and the surface on the side of the housing, wherein the intermediate layer connects the surface on the side of the bending transducer and the surface on the side of the housing, wherein the intermediate layer has a liquefaction temperature at which it liquefies;
• and
• a pressure element for generating a bias torque on the piezo bending transducer near the first bearing region against the reference stop;
• wherein the piezo actuator is operable between an operating mode and an alignment mode:
• wherein when the piezo bending transducer carries out actuating movements in the operating mode, the temperature of the intermediate layer is below the liquefaction temperature and the intermediate layer is sufficiently firm to transfer the bearing forces in the second bearing region,
• wherein, in the alignment mode, the piezo bending transducer is aligned with the reference stop and the temperature of the intermediate layer is above the liquefaction temperature due to a supply of heat;
• and
• wherein the supply of heat is provided by one of an external heat source and an integrated heating element in thermal contact with the second bearing region.