Title of Invention

PIEZOELECTRIC MOTOR AND METHOD FOR ACTUATING SAME

Abstract The piezoelectric motor (6) comprises a stator (1) and a runner (4) which form a gap (7) as well as comprising a piezoelectric transducer (3) which is connected to the stator (1) or the runner (4) and which with the stator (1) or the runner (4) forms a resonator (1,3;4,3), wherein the resonator (1,3; 4,3) may be excited in a main oscillation direction (H), characterised in that the stator (1) comprises an engagement surface (la) facing the runner (4), or the runner (4) an engagement surface which faces the stator (1), and that the stator (1) or the runner (4) comprises an elastic advance element (5) which bridges the gap (7) between the stator (1) and the runner (4) in a manner such that the advance element (5) at least temporarily lies on the engagement surface (la). The advance element (5) comprises a first part-section (5c) as well as a second part-section (5d), wherein the part-sections (5c, 5d) have a different resonant frequency.
Full Text PIEZOELECTRIC MOTOR AMD METHOD FOR ACTUATING SAME
The invention relates to a piezoelectric motor according to the preamble of claim 1. The
invention relates further to a method for driving a piezoelectric motor according to the preamble
of claim 20.
A piezoelectric motor is known from the document EP 1 098 429 A2 which comprises at
least two piezoelectric longitudinal actuators which are displaced by 90 degrees to one another
and which act on a shaft via an annularly designed coupling element and by way of this set the
shaft into rotation. For activating the individual longitudinal actuators, one requires sinusoidal
voltage signals which need to have a constant phase relation of 90 degrees.
This piezoelectric motor has the disadvantages that several oscillation bodies are present
which are to be matched to one another, that only small torques may be produced, that a large
wear occurs between the coupling element and the shaft, and that the piezoelectric motor is
relatively expensive.
It is the object of the present invention to provide a more advantageous piezoelectric
motor. This object is achieved with a piezoelectric motor having the features of claim 1. The
dependent claims 2 to 19 concern further advantageous formations. The object is achieved
further with a method for driving a piezoelectric motor having the features of claim 20. The
dependent claim 21 concerns a further advantageous formation of the method.
The object in particular is achieved by a piezoelectric motor comprising a stator and a
runner which form a gap, wherein the stator or the runner is connected to a piezoelectric
transducer which together with the stator or runner forms a resonator, wherein the resonator may
be excited in a main oscillation direction, and wherein the stator comprises an engagement
surface facing the runner or the runner an engagement surface facing the stator, and the stator or
the runner comprises an elastic (flexible) advance element which runs at an angle to the main
oscillation direction and which bridges the gap between the stator and the runner in a manner
such that the advance element at least temporarily lies on the engagement surface. The resonator
sets the advance element into an oscillating micro-movement so that the advance element
periodically exerts an advance force onto the engagement surface, and the runner experiences an
advance movement with respect to the stator, so that the runner is moved.
In a particularly advantageous formation, the piezoelectric motor is designed as a rotation
motor, with a circular runner designed as a rotor, and a circular annular stator enclosing the rotor.
The stator is equipped with one or two piezoelectric, annular transducers which together with the
stator form a resonator. This resonator has a main oscillation direction running radially to the
centre of rotation of the rotor, so that the resonator executes a micro-movement running in the
radial direction. The advance element is connected to the stator or the rotor, is preferably
designed running in an essentially straight line, and runs preferably at an angle larger than 0
degrees with respect to the main oscillation movement, in particular at an angle between 20 and
60 degrees. In one advantageous design a plurality to multitude of advance elements are arranged
mutually uniformly distanced in the circumferential direction of the stator or of the rotor,
wherein all advance elements lie on the same engagement surface. There results a piezoelectric
motor which rotates clockwise or anticlockwise depending on the alignment of the advance
element.
In a further advantageous design the advance element is not designed running in a
straight line, but comprises a first part-section as well as a second part-section which meet at a
sharp bend location. The first as well as the second part-section have a different resonant
frequency (natural frequency) which has the result that the piezoelectric rotation motor executes
a clockwise rotation or anticlockwise rotation depending on the frequency of the resonator. The
two part-sections may oscillate freely on operation of the motor. The first part-section at the
same time oscillates with respect to the stator or rotor connected to it, the second part-section
oscillates with respect to the first part-section and acts on the engagement surface.
In a further, advantageous design the piezoelectric motor according to the invention is
designed as a linear motor, wherein the stator extends in the linear direction, and the runner is
movably mounted in this direction.
The piezoelectric motor according to the invention has the following advantages:
that it may be designed to rotate anticlockwise, clockwise or in both directions,
that the maximum torque and the speed may be set via the engagement angle of the
advance element with respect to the engagement surface,
that the engagement surface is relatively large so that the advance element acting on the
engagement surface has only a low wear as a result of this,
that the advance element acts on the engagement surface without a hammering
movement, which has the result of a low wear,
that only a single resonator is required for operation, which in contrast to the known use
of several resonators considerably simplifies the tuning of the mechanical resonance
circuit,
that the construction is very simple,
that the manufacturing costs are relatively low,
that it is very small and quiet, furthermore may be operated largely without any slip and
has a fine resolution with respect to the rotation angle,
that the shaft may be driven without any bending moment,
that it may be operated at a low rotational speed, has a high torque and thus may be
operated without transmission gears,
that it has a short run-up time and stop time in the range of milliseconds,
that it has a low constructional volume,
that it emits almost no electromagnetic scatter field,
and that it has a high efficiency.
Several embodiment examples of the device according to the invention are hereinafter
described in detail by way of the following figures. There are shown in:
Figure 1a a lateral view of a radially oscillating stator as well as its contracted state;
Figure lb a lateral view of a radially oscillating stator as well as its expanded state;
Figure 1c a section through the stator along the section line A-A;
Figure 2a a lateral view of a further radially oscillating stator as well as its expanded
state;
Figure 2b a lateral view of a further radially oscillating stator as well as its
contracted state;
Figure 2c a section through the stator along the section line B-B;
Figure 3a a lateral view of a rotor running in the anticlockwise direction;
Figure 3b a schematic lateral view of a rotor running in the anticlockwise direction;
Figure 4 a lateral view of a rotor running in the clockwise direction;
Figure 5a a lateral view of a rotor running in the anticlockwise direction, which is
capable of running in both rotation directions,
Figure 5b a lateral view of a rotor running in the clockwise direction, which is
capable of running in both rotational directions,
Figure 5c a schematic view of the rotor with the advance element;
Figure 5d a detailed view of a further advance element;
Figure 6 a lateral view of a rotor which is capable of running in both rotation
directions;
Figure 7 the frequency behaviour of the stator and its resonance curve;
Figure 8 the first and second resonance curve of the stator;
Figure 9a a lateral view of a piezoelectric motor designed as an inner runner,
without any mounting;
Figure 9b a section through the motor represented in Figure 9a, along the section
line C-C;
Figure 10a a lateral view of a further piezoelectric motor designed as an inner runner,
with a mounting;
Figure 10b a section through the motor represented in Figure 10a, along the section
line D-D;
Figure 11a a lateral view of a further piezoelectric motor designed as an inner runner,
without any mounting;
Figure 11b a section through the motor represented in Figure 11a, along the section
line E-E;
Figure 12a a lateral view of a piezoelectric motor designed as an outer runner,
without a mounting;
Figure 12b a section through the motor represented in Figure 12a, along the section
line F-F;
Figure 13a a lateral view of a piezoelectric motor designed as an outer runner, with a
mounting;
Figure 13b a section through the motor represented in Figure 13a, along the section
line G-G;
Figure 14a a lateral view of a piezoelectric motor designed as an inner runner, with a
hollow runner;
Figure 14b a section through the motor represented in Figure 14a along the section
line H-H;
Figure 15a a lateral view of a linear motor for the anticlockwise and clockwise
running;
Figure 15b a section through the linear motor represented in Figure 15a along the
section line I-I;
Figures 16a, 16b, 16c a somewhat modified embodiment form of the motor;
Figure 17a a lateral view of a further linear motor for anticlockwise and clockwise
running; and
Figures 17a, 17b, 17c in each case, various variants of a linear motor with a lateral view
according to Figure 17a, as a section along the section line J-J.
If hereinafter one speaks of a stator and runner or rotor, then these terms may be
exchanged with one another, since the stationary part of the motor indicated as the stator may
also be the runner or the rotating part of the motor if the part indicated as the runner or rotor is
arranged in a stationary manner.
Figures la and lb show a resonator 1,3 consisting of a circular annular stator of metal or
ceramics as well as of two annular piezoelectric transducers 3 a, 3b which are arranged on the
stator 1 on both sides and are firmly connected to this. The resonator 1,3 is designed in an axially
symmetrical manner with respect to the centre 4a and in the excited condition has a main
oscillation direction H or micro-movement running in the radial direction with respect to the
centre 4a. At the same time the resonator 1,3 is designed in a manner such that this in its entirety
contracts, as this is indicted in Figure la by the outline shown dashed, or that this in its entirety
expands, as this is indicated in Figure lb by the outline shown dashed.
Figure lc shows a section through the resonator 1,3 along the section line A-A.
Figure 2a and Figure 2b show a further resonator 1,3 which in contrast to the
embodiment shown in the Figures la, lb may be excited in a main oscillation direction H
running radially with respect to the centre 4a, in a manner such that the annulus width of the
resonator 1,3 increases as this is indicated in Figure 2a by the outline shown dashed, or that the
annulus width of the resonator 1,3 is reduced as this is indicated in Figure 2b by the outline
shown dashed.
Figure 2c shows a section through the resonator 1,3 along the section line B-B.
Figure 3a shows a detail of a piezoelectric motor 6 which comprises a resonator 1,3 as
this is disclosed in the Figures la, lb, 2a, and 2b. The resonator 1,3 comprises an inwardly
directed engagement surface la. The resonator 1,3 may be excited in the main oscillation
direction H so that the engagement surface la oscillates in this direction. The engagement
surface lb represented dashed shows the position of the engagement surface 1a at the point in
time of the maximum contraction of the resonator 1,3. A circular rotor 4 with a rotation centre 4a
is arranged within the stator 1 whilst forming a gap 7. An elastic advance element 5 is arranged
on the surface of the rotor at an angle a to the main oscillation direction H. In an initial position
the engagement surface has the position indicated at la, and the advance element 5 the position
indicated at 5a. The advance element 5 bends during the movement of the engagement surface la
to the position indicated at lb and moves into the thrust position indicated at 5b. Since the
friction force between the engagement surface la and the advance element 5 is sufficiently large,
the advance element 5 remains supported on the same position of the engagement surface la, lb
during the contraction of the engagement surface from the position 1a to the position 1b which is
why the advance element 5 effects a force on the rotor 4 directed to the left so that the rotor 4
undergoes an anticlockwise rotation in the direction D. With the forward swing movement of the
engagement surface from the position lb to the position 1a the resonator 1,3 undergoes a high
acceleration. The friction force of the advance element 5 on the engagement surface la, lb is
very small on account of this so that during the forward swing movement no or only a small
force acting in the rotation direction D is exerted on the rotor 4 so that this undergoes essentially
no movement. By way of the subsequent contraction of the resonator 1,3, the rotor 4 is however
rotated again in the direction D via the advance element 5. As long as the resonator 1,3 oscillates
in the main oscillation direction, the rotor 4 thus executes an anticlockwise rotation in the
direction D. The rotor 4 no longer executes a rotational direction as soon as the resonator 1,3
comes to rest. The piezoelectric motor 6 may thus be started and stopped again in an infinite
manner.
Figure 3b in detail once again shows the manner of functioning of the piezoelectric motor
6 represented in Figure 3a. The resonator 1,3 with the engagement surface 1a is contracted in the
radial direction about the distance Ars so that the engagement surface assumes the position
indicated at lb. At the same time the advance element is moved from the initial position 5a into
the thrust position 5b, and the tip 5f of the advance element 5 is displaced in the rotational
direction by the amount ?UR so that the tip 5f lying on the rotor 4 rotates the rotor 4 by this
amount.
Figure 4 shows a modified embodiment of the piezoelectric motor 6 shown in Figure 3a
in which the advance element 5, in comparison to the embodiment according to Figure 3a, is
arranged running in the opposite direction with respect to the main oscillation direction H. This
has the result that the rotor 4 undergoes a rotation in the direction D during the oscillation of the
resonator 1,3 and thus executes a clockwise rotation. With the exception of the arrangement of
the advance element 5, the piezoelectric motors 6 represented in Figure 3a and Figure 4 are
designed identically.
Figures 5a and 5b show a piezoelectric motor 6 which in contrast to the embodiment
represented in Figure 4 comprises an advance element running with a sharp bend. The advance
element 5 comprises a first part-section 5c connected to the rotor 4, as well as a part-section 5d
which connects thereto and which runs in the opposite direction with respect to the main
oscillation direction H.
Figure 5c in a schematic and detailed manner shows the advance element 5 represented in
the Figures 5a and 5b.
Figure 5d shows an embodiment of an advance element 5 running with a sharp bend with
a first part-section 5c, a narrowing location 5e which runs into the second part-section 5d, and
with a tip 5f in which the second part-section 5d ends. The advance element 5 is rigidly
connected to the runner or rotor 4. The narrowing location 5e is not absolutely necessary, it may
be arranged in an arbitrary manner in order to influence the characteristic oscillation of the part-
sections.
The advance element 5 running with a sharp bend has a technical particularity which
hereinafter will be described in more detail. The first part-section 5c has a first natural resonant
frequency fl. The second part-section 5d has a second natural resonant frequency f2. The two
part-sections 5c, 5d are designed and are mutually mechanically coupled, in a manner such that
the two natural resonant frequencies fl, f2 have different values. The entire advance element 5 is
excited into oscillation via the resonator 1,3, and with this oscillates at a frequency f.
Figure 6 shows an embodiment example of a rotor 4 on whose surface a plurality of
sharply bent advance elements 5 are arranged in distanced manner. In a preferred design, the
piezoelectric motor 6 represented in the Figures 5a, 5b comprises the rotor 4 shown in Figure 6.
Figure 7 shows the oscillation amplitude of the advance element 5 as a function of the
exciting frequency f. The advance element 5 here for example has a resonator frequency in the
range of 100 kHz.
Figure 8 shows the oscillation amplitude of the resonator 1,3 as a function of the exciting
frequency f, as this was used for the piezoelectric motor 6 shown in the Figures 5a and 5b. The
resonator 1,3 has a natural frequency with the frequencies 100 kHz and 300 kHz by way of
example.
A comparison of Figures 7 and 8 shows that the piezoelectric motor 6 represented in the
Figures 5a and 5b is designed in a manner such that the resonator 1,3 as well as the advance
element 5 have a resonance in the region of 100 kHz. The subsequently described technical
effect is of particular interest. The advance element 5 is designed in a manner such that below the
resonant frequency of 100 kHz, as shown for example at 90 kHz, essentially the first part-section
5c has a resonance behaviour with a correspondingly high amplitude. This resonance behaviour
is shown in Figure 5b in that the first part-section 5c is deflected relatively heavily, whereas the
second part-section 5d which is excited outside its resonant frequency only undergoes a slight
deflection or shape change. This has the consequence that the rotor 4 is rotated in the anti-
clockwise direction in the rotational direction D.
The advance element 5 is furthermore designed such that above the resonant frequency of
100 kHz, for example at 110 kHz as shown, essentially the second part-section 5c has a
resonance behaviour with a correspondingly high amplitude. This resonance behaviour is shown
in Figure 5a in which the second part-section 5d is deflected relatively heavily whereas the first
part-section 5c which is excited outside its resonance frequency only undergoes a small
deflection or shape change. This has the result that the rotor 4 is rotated clockwise in the rotation
direction D. Thus the piezoelectric motor 6 represented in the Figures 5a and 5b, as shown in
Figure 7, rotates anti-clockwise or clockwise depending on the excitation frequency. This design
of the piezoelectric motor according to the invention thus has the advantage that it may be driven
in both rotational directions, that the rotational direction may be selected and that the rotational
direction for example may also be constantly changed during operation.
Figure 9a shows a lateral view of a piezoelectric motor 6 designed as an inner runner,
with a resonator 1,3, a stator with fastening means 1c, with an annular piezoelectric transducer
3a, 3b with electrical supply leads 8, as well as a rotor with a multitude of advance elements 5
arranged distanced from one another in the circumferential direction, which may be rotated about
the rotation centre 4a.
Figure 9b shows a section through Figure 9a along the section line C-C, from which the
resonator 1,3 with the stator 1 and the piezoelectric transducer 3a, 3b as well as the rotor 4 with
the advance element 5 and a shaft 4b arranged in the centre may be seen.
Figure 10a shows a lateral view of a further piezoelectric motor 6 whose shaft 4b in
contrast to the embodiment shown in Figure 9a is mounted in a bearing 9.
Figure 10b shows a section through Figure 10a along the section line D-D, from which
the resonator 1,3 with the stator 1 and the piezoelectric transducer 3a, 3b as well as the rotor with
the advance element 5 and a shaft 4b arranged in the centre may be seen, which is mounted in the
bearing 9.
Figure 11a shows a lateral view of a further piezoelectric motor whose resonator 1,3 in
contrast to the embodiment shown in Figure 9a comprises two stators 1 and a piezoelectric
transducer 3 arranged there between.
Figure 11b shows a section through Figure 11a along the section line E-E, from which
the resonator 1,3 with the two stators 1 and the piezoelectric transducer 3 arranged therebetween
as well as the rotor 4 with the advance element 5 and a shaft 4b arranged in the centre may be
seen.
Figure 12a shows a lateral view of a piezoelectric motor 6 designed as an outer runner,
with a resonator 1,3, a stator 1 which is firmly anchored via the fastening element 1c, two disk-
like piezoelectric transducers 3a, 3b with electrical supply leads 8, as well as a rotor 4 with a
multitude of advance elements 5 arranged distanced in the circumferential direction, said rotor
being designed as a hollow runner and being rotatable about the rotation centre 4a. The advance
elements 5 are arranged projecting inwards and lie on the circular outer surface of the resonator
1,3.
Figure 12b shows a section through Figure 12a along the section line F-F, from which the
resonatorl,3 with the stator 1, piezoelectric transducers 3a, 3b and the fastening element lc with
electrical conduits 8 may be seen. The rotor 4 with the advance elements 5 is designed as an
outer runner and lies on the outer surface of the resonator 1,3.
Figure 13a shows a lateral view of a further piezoelectric motor 6 designed as an outer
runner. In contrast to the embodiment represented in the Figures 12a and 12b, the stator 1 with
the piezoelectric transducers 3a, 3b as well as the rotor 4 are mounted in a common bearing 9
with a shaft 4b.
Figure 13b shows a section through Figure 13a along the section line G-G, from which
the resonator 1,3 fastened on the bearing 9, with the stator 1 and piezoelectric transducers 3a, 3b
as well as the rotor 4 with advance elements, which is mounted on the shaft 4b are visible. The
shaft 4b is rigidly connected to the bearing 9.
Figure 14a shows a lateral view of a further piezoelectric motor 6 whose rotor 4, in
contrast to the embodiment shown in Figure 9a, is designed as a hollow runner 4.
Figure 14b shows a section through the motor shown in Figure 14a along the section line
H-H, from which the resonator 1,3 as well as the rotor 4 designed as a hollow runner may be
seen.
Figure 15a schematically show the principle of how one may design the piezoelectric
motor 6 according to the invention as a linear motor. The electrical connections for exciting the
piezoelectric element, or with sandwich designs the piezoelectric elements, are not shown.
Figure 15b in a schematic representation shows a section through the linear motor
according to 15a along the section line I-I. The runner 4 is designed in a rectangular and plate-
like manner. In each case one piezoelectric transducer 3a, 3b is arranged on the runner 4 on both
sides, wherein the runner 4 and the transducers 3a, 3b form a resonator 4,3 which has a main
oscillation direction H. The runner 4 is displaceably mounted in the stator 1 in a movement
direction running perpendicular to the main oscillation direction H, and at the top and bottom in
each case has an engagement surface la. The stator 1 comprises a multitude of advance elements
5 which are arranged projecting towards the runner 4 and are arranged distanced in the
movement direction B. The advance elements 5, as shown in detail in the Figures 5a to 5d are
designed with shape having a sharp bend and have the resonance behaviour represented in Figure
7. This has the result that the runner 4 is moved to the left or right in the linear motor 6 shown in
Figure 15a, depending on the excitation frequency of the resonator 4,3.
In the previously represented embodiment examples, the piezoelectric transducer 3 may
be arranged on the runner 4, analogously to the embodiment examples shown in the Figures 15a
and 15b.
Figure 17a schematically shows a preferred embodiment of the invention as a linear
motor 6. The runner 4 thus comprises the advance elements 5, and the stator 1 comprises at least
one piezoelectric transducer 3. The remaining features, if not stated otherwise, are designed
analogously to those of the embodiment according to Figure 15.
Figure 17b schematically shows a section through a linear motor 6 according to Figure
17a along the section line J-J. The stator 1 preferably comprises an H-shaped cross section with a
first arm pair 11, 11' and with a second arm pair 12, 12'. The first arm pair 11, 11' forms a
channel in which the runner 4 may be moved. The engagement surfaces 1a are located on the
inner side of the first arm pair 11, 11' and are distanced from a connection part 13 of the H-
profile. The second arm pair 12, 12' forms a further channel in which the at least one
piezoelectric transducer 3 is arranged. Its main oscillation direction H runs perpendicularly to the
movement direction of the runner 4 or to a main extension of the stator. If several piezoelectric
transducers are present, they are distanced from one another in this main extension direction. On
operation of the linear motor 6 the oscillations of the at least one transducer 3 are transmitted to
the second arm pair 12,12' and from this to the first arm pair 11,11' by way of a lever effect. For
this, the stator has a certain flexibility which permits an oscillation of the arm pair 11, 11', 12, 12'
with respect to the connection part 13 of the H-profile.
Figures 17c and 17 d in each case schematically show a section through the linear motor
6 with the view according to Figure 17a, but with a U-shaped cross section. One or more
transducers 3 are connected to a base part 14 of the U-profile or attached on a base part on an
inner side (Figure 17c) or outer side (Figure 17d) of this base part. The transducer or transducers
3 extend preferably in the main oscillation direction H partly or at least approximately
completely over the base part 14. The resonator 3,4 has two stable resonant frequencies. On
exciting the piezoelement 3 at a first resonant frequency, for example at 20 kHz, a bending and
an oscillation, above all of the base 14 of the U-profile together with the arm pairs 11, 11' results.
At a second resonant frequency, for example at 30 kHz, the base 14 remains relatively flat and
above all only the arm pair 11, 11' oscillates. These two resonant frequencies are matched to the
resonant frequencies of the advance elements 5 of the runner 4 and thus effect a left-running or
right-running of the runner 4. In this embodiment form as in all others, the excitation or resonant
frequencies are preferably outside the range of human audibility, preferably higher than 16 kHz
or 20 kHz.
An extension of the stator in the plane of the drawing and perpendicular to the main
oscillation direction H preferably lies in a range between 1 mm to 3 mm or 30 mm, and a width
of the runner 4, thus a distance of the engagement surfaces 1a lies preferably in a range between
1 mm to 3 mm or 20 mm. Cross sectional areas below 1 mm and extensions of several
centimetres may be realised.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, with one or both of the arm pairs 11, 11', 12,
12' in each case one of the arms has a different natural frequency than the other. For example a
first arm 11 of the first arm pair in the main oscillation direction has a thickness d1, which differs
from a thickness d2 of a second arm 11' of the first arm pair. As an alternative to this or
additionally, the first arm 11 of the first arm pair has a lever arm l1 which is different to a lever
arm l2 of the second arm 11' of the first arm pair. Amongst other things, this has the advantage
that one does not need to fulfil high demands with respect the tolerance of the dimensions of the
arms 11, 11'.
For increasing the friction value or for improving the frictional connection between the
engagement surface la and the advance element 5, the corresponding surfaces for example on
the advance element 5 may be enlarged (grinding, bending or by integrally shaped extensions).
They may have a defined surface roughness, a micro-toothing or consist of a suitable pairing of
material.
Figures 16a, 16b and 16c show a somewhat modified spatial formation of the piezomotor
according to the invention, in each case in a plan view. For an improved understanding, the rotor,
here as an outer runner, and the stator, here as a resonator, are shown individually and both
assembled.
A piezoceramic ring 3, combined with a metal plate 10 designed according to Figure 16a
is brought to oscillate by way of an alternating voltage in a manner such that a radial contraction
and an extension again occur. With a suitable choice of geometry the piezoceramic ring 3 and the
metal plate begin to execute a torsion oscillation to the centre + where for example a fixation is
arranged. By way of these two oscillations, the radial one of the piezo-ring and the rotative one
of the torsion, when superimposed, a point X on the outer side of the metal plate describes a
curved path to the point X' on the dashed line 10' on the periphery of the deflected metal plate
and back again. The second dashed line 3' shows the deflection of the piezoelement. By way of
this superimposed deflection, any part which contacts the outer side of the ring, for example an
outer runner with advance elements, is set into motion. The construction may be designed as a
sandwich between two piezoceramic rings or with only one piezoceramic ring as has already
been discussed several times in the previous figures.
An outer runner designed according to Figure 16b with an annularly arranged number of
advance elements 5, see also Figure 12a with a similar shape, is designed in a manner such that
the advance elements 5 do not necessarily, but here for example have an enlarged contact surface
B to the torsionally oscillating resonator (not to be confused with the advance element with
various part regions with various natural frequencies, which practically contact the part to be
driven only at the tip). With the assembly of the stator 1,3 and the outer runner 4, as shown in
Figure 16c, one recognises the principle of this drive with superimposed oscillation.
Regarding operation of the motor: The piezoelectric motor 6 according to the invention
comprises a stator 1 as well as the runner, wherein the stator 1 or the runner 4 may be
piezoelectrically excited into an oscillation with a main oscillation direction H, is preferably
operated in a manner such that the stator 1 comprises an engagement surface facing the runner 4
or the runner 4 comprises an engagement surface la facing the stator 1, that the stator 1 or the
runner 4 comprises an advance element 5 which runs transversely to the main oscillation
direction H and is directed towards the engagement surface la, and that the advance element 5
on account of the oscillation may be brought into active connection with the engagement surface
la in a manner such that the runner 4 is moved with respect to the stator 1.
In a further method for operating the motor, one proceeds in that the advance element
comprises a first part-section 5c as well as a second part-section 5d, that the first part-section 5c
runs at an angle to the main oscillation direction H, that the second part-section 5d runs at an
angle to the main oscillation direction H and opposite to the first part-section 5c, that the first and
the second part-section 5c, 5d have a different resonant frequency, and that the runner 4 is moved
in the one direction or in the direction opposite to this with respect to the stator 1, depending on
the frequency of the engaging oscillation of the runner 4.
The embodiment forms presented here may be divided roughly into two groups
according to which part is designed as a resonator. With the one group the part on which the
advance element or elements is/are arranged is formed as a resonator so that the resonator is
supported in a spring-mounted manner via the advance elements, and the advance elements act
on the other part in a driving manner via the contact locations. With the other group the part
which lies opposite the advance elements is formed as a resonator so that the movement of the
resonator acts in a driving manner via the contact locations.
The piezoelectric motor according to the invention on account of its suitable properties
may for example be used for devices concerning measurement technology, optical apparatus,
measuring instruments or tachometers etc.
PATENT CLAIMS
1. A piezoelectric motor (6) comprising a stator (1) and a runner (4) which form a gap (7),
as well as comprising a piezoelectric transducer (3) which is connected to the stator (1) or the
runner (4) and which with the stator (1) or the runner (4) forms a resonator (1,3;4,3), wherein the
resonator (1,3; 4,3) may be excited in a main oscillation direction (H), characterised in that the
stator (1) comprises an engagement surface (la) facing the runner (4), or the runner (4) an
engagement surface which faces the stator (1), and that the stator (1) or the runner (4) comprises
an elastic advance element (5) which bridges the gap (7) between the stator (1) and the runner (4)
in a manner such that the advance element (5) at least temporarily lies on the engagement surface
(1a) and said advance element (5) comprises a first part-section (5c) as well as a second part-
section (5d), wherein the part-sections (5c, 5d) have a different resonant frequency.
2. A piezoelectric motor according to claim 1, characterised in that this is designed as a
linear motor, that the resonator (1,3;4,3) has a movement direction (B) which runs
perpendicularly to the main oscillation direction (H), and that the engagement surface (la) runs
in the movement direction (B).
3. A piezoelectric motor according to claim 1, characterised in that this is designed as a
rotation motor, with a circular runner (4) formed as a rotor, wherein the main oscillation
direction (H) of the resonator (1,3; 4,3) is directed radially to the rotation centre of the runner (4),
and the engagement surface (la) runs in a circular manner.
4. A piezoelectric motor according to claim 3, characterised in that the stator (1) is designed
in an annular manner, the piezoelectric transducer (3) is rigidly connected to the stator (1), and
the main oscillation direction (H) runs radially to the centre of curvature of the stator (1).
5. A piezoelectric motor according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the
advance element (5) is designed running in a straight line.
6. A piezoelectric motor according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the
advance element (5) is part of the stator (1) or of the runner (4).
7. A piezoelectric motor according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the
advance element (5) comprises an inclination angle (a) with respect to the main oscillation
direction (H), which is between 45 degrees and more than 0 degrees.
8. A piezoelectric motor according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a
multitude of advance elements (5) are arranged successively one after another on the stator (1) or
runner (4).
9. A piezoelectric motor according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the
first part-section (5c) and the second part-section (5d) meet at a sharp-bend location, and that the
first part-section (5c) runs at an angle to the main oscillation direction (H) and that the second
part-section (5d) runs opposite to the first part-section (5c) at an angle to the main oscillation
direction (H).
10. A piezoelectric motor according to claim 9, characterised in that the first part-section (5c)
as well as the second part-section (5d) are designed in a manner such that they have a different
resonant frequency.
11. A piezoelectric motor according to of the preceding claims, characterised in that the
resonator (1,3; 4,3) is designed in a manner such that the stator (1) or runner (4) is arranged in the
middle and on each side of the same one piezoelectric transducer (3) each is arranged .
12. A piezoelectric motor according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the
resonator (1,3; 4,3) is designed in a manner such that the piezoelectric transducer (3) is arranged
in the middle and on both sides in each case a stator (1) or a runner (4) is arranged.
13. A piezoelectric motor according to one of preceding claims, characterised in that the
runner (4) is designed as an outer runner.
14. A piezoelectric motor according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the
runner is mounted at a bearing location (9).
15. A piezoelectric motor according to claim 2, characterised in that the stator (2) is designed
running in a linear manner, that the resonator (1,3;4,3) is formed plate-like, and that the resonator
(1,3;4,3) is mounted in a linearly movable manner with respect to the stator (1).
16. A piezoelectric motor according to claim 2, characterised in that the piezoelectric
transducer (3) with the stator (1) forms the resonator (1,3).
17. A piezoelectric motor according to claim 16, characterised in that the runner (4) is
mounted in a linearly movable manner with respect to the stator (1) and comprises at least one
advance element (5).
Replacement page with claims according to the International Preliminary Examination Report
(claim 21 incorporated in claim 20)
18. A piezoelectric motor according to claim 16 or 17, characterised in that the stator (1) has
an H-shaped cross .section which forms two channels, wherein the runner (4) is mounted in a
linearly movable manner in a first channel, and one or more piezoelectric transducers (3) are
arranged in a second channel.
19. A piezoelectric motor according to claim 16 or 17, characterised in that the stator (1) has
a U-shaped cross section which forms a channel, wherein the runner (4) is mounted in this
channel in a linearly movable manner, and one or more piezoelectric transducers (3) are attached
on a base part (14) of the U-profile.
20. A method for driving a piezoelectric motor (6) comprising a stator (1) as well as a runner
(4), wherein the stator (1) or the runner (4) is excited piezoelectrically into an oscillation with a
main oscillation direction (H), characterised in that the stator (1) comprises an engagement
surface (la) which faces the runner (4), or the runner (4) an engagement surface which faces the
stator (1), that the stator (1) or the runner (4) comprises an advance element (5) directed towards
the engagement surface (la), that the advance element (5) comprises a first part-section (5c) as
well as a second part-section (5d), that the first part-section (5c) runs at an angle to the main
oscillation direction (H), that the second part-section (5d) runs at an angle to the main oscillation
direction (H) and opposite to the first part-section (5c), that the first and the second part-section
(5c, 5d) have a different resonant frequency, that the advance element (5) on account of the
oscillation is brought into active connection with the engagement surface (la) in a manner such
that the runner (4) is moved with respect to the stator (1), and that the runner (4) with respect to
the stator (1) is moved in the one direction or in the direction opposite to this depending of the
frequency of the engaging oscillation.
21. The use of a piezoelectric motor according to one of the claims 1 to 19 for time-
measurement-technology devices, photographic apparatus, measurement instruments or
tachometers.
The piezoelectric motor (6) comprises a stator (1) and a runner (4) which form a gap (7)
as well as comprising a piezoelectric transducer (3) which is connected to the stator (1) or the
runner (4) and which with the stator (1) or the runner (4) forms a resonator (1,3;4,3), wherein the
resonator (1,3; 4,3) may be excited in a main oscillation direction (H), characterised in that the
stator (1) comprises an engagement surface (la) facing the runner (4), or the runner (4) an
engagement surface which faces the stator (1), and that the stator (1) or the runner (4) comprises
an elastic advance element (5) which bridges the gap (7) between the stator (1) and the runner (4)
in a manner such that the advance element (5) at least temporarily lies on the engagement surface
(la). The advance element (5) comprises a first part-section (5c) as well as a second part-section
(5d), wherein the part-sections (5c, 5d) have a different resonant frequency.

Documents:

1409-kolnp-2004-abstract.pdf

1409-kolnp-2004-claims.pdf

1409-KOLNP-2004-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

1409-kolnp-2004-description (complete).pdf

1409-kolnp-2004-examination report.pdf

1409-kolnp-2004-form 1.pdf

1409-kolnp-2004-form 18.pdf

1409-kolnp-2004-form 3.pdf

1409-kolnp-2004-form 5.pdf

1409-kolnp-2004-form 6.pdf

1409-KOLNP-2004-FORM-27.pdf

1409-kolnp-2004-gpa.pdf

1409-kolnp-2004-reply to examination report.pdf

1409-kolnp-2004-specification.pdf


Patent Number 243344
Indian Patent Application Number 1409/KOLNP/2004
PG Journal Number 41/2010
Publication Date 08-Oct-2010
Grant Date 06-Oct-2010
Date of Filing 23-Sep-2004
Name of Patentee MINISWYS SA
Applicant Address RUE CENTRALE 115  CH-2503 VUEBBEM SWITZERLAND.
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 WITTEVEEN BONNY ORCHIDEEWEG 18, 5915 HP VENLO
PCT International Classification Number H01L 41/09
PCT International Application Number PCT/CH2003/00162
PCT International Filing date 2003-03-12
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 452/02 2002-03-15 Switzerland