Integral preload mechanism for piezoelectric actuator

摘要

A piezoelectric actuator that may include a monolithic frame having an integral bias band that provides a resilient restoring force between a first contact surface and a second contact surface of the actuator that may be used to rotate an adjustment shaft. In some cases, a preload mechanism may also be included with the frame. Such piezoelectric actuators may be used for adjustable optical mounting devices such as optical mounting devices.

主权项

1. A piezoelectric actuator, comprising:
A. an actuator frame, comprising:
(i) a monolithic configuration with all elements of the actuator frame being formed from a single piece of continuous uninterrupted material,(ii) a first support element including a first contact surface,(iii) a second support element including a second contact surface, the second contact surface being disposed in a spaced and substantially opposed relation relative to the first contact surface,(iv) a bias band which is disposed between the first support element and the second support element and which is configured to provide a resilient restoring force that resists perpendicular displacement of the first contact surface away from the second contact surface, and(v) a piezoelectric element cavity disposed between a first mount surface of the actuator frame and a second mount surface of the actuator frame; and B. a piezoelectric element which is disposed within the piezoelectric element cavity, which has a first end secured to the first mount surface, which has a second end secured to the second mount surface, which is configured to expand and contract in response to an electrical driver signal transmitted to the piezoelectric element and which is configured such that an expansion or contraction of the piezoelectric element results in respective substantially parallel reciprocating displacement between the first contact surface and the second contact surface.