Rotative motor using plural arrays of piezoelectric elements

Abstract

A rotative motor includes a member mounted to rotate freely. A plurality of piezoelectric bimorph elements are radially secured at one end to a support in a two-staged shape comprising upper and lower arrays of the elements. A plurality of elastic members connect the free end of each one of the upper elements with the free end of a different one of the lower elements. Each pair of inter-connected elements is excited from a source of alternating current so that the free ends of the respective elements vibrate ninety degrees out of phase. The central point of each elastic member connected between the free ends of the one upper and one lower elements is in frictional contact with the rotatable member. The central point of each elastic member exhibits a closed loop path, imparting a rotary motion to the rotatable member.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.