US4871937A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Vibration wave motor
Assignee: Olympus Corp
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Filing: 1988-03-15
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Granted: 1989-10-03
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Expires: 2008-03-15
Abstract
Abstract In a vibration wave motor having a vibration member and a movable member press-contacted to the vibration member so as to be rotatably driven thereby, the vibration member is supported by a plurality of elastic supporting arms and the elasticity of the supporting arms produces a frictional force between the vibration member and the movable member.
Inventors
- 👤 Sumio Kawai
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 21:42
CPC Classifications
H; H02; H02N; H02N2/00; H02N2/0005; H02N2/0075; H02N2/0085; H02N2/005; H02N2/0055; H02N2/006; H02N2/10; H02N2/16; H02N2/163
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
136 words
A vibration wave motor comprising: a ring-shaped vibration member having an elastic metal member and electrostrictive elements fixed to said elastic metal member, in which elliptic vibrations are produced on a surface of said elastic metal member when an AC voltage for driving is applied to said electrostrictive elements; and a movable member frictionally contacted to said vibration member so as to be rotatably driven by said elliptic vibrations; wherein the improvement that a supported surface of said vibration member different from its surface frictionally contacted to said movable member is supported by a plurality of elastic supporting arms, the bases of said elastic supporting arms being fixed to a stator and wherein electrically conductive rubber pieces are affixed to those surfaces of said elastic supporting arms which contact said supported surface of said vibration member.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
136 words
A vibration wave motor comprising: a ring-shaped vibration member having an elastic metal member and electrostrictive elements fixed to said elastic metal member, in which elliptic vibrations are produced on a surface of said elastic metal member when an AC voltage for driving is applied to said electrostrictive elements; and a movable member frictionally contacted to said vibration member so as to be rotatably driven by said elliptic vibrations; wherein the improvement that a supported surface of said vibration member different from its surface frictionally contacted to said movable member is supported by a plurality of elastic supporting arms, the bases of said elastic supporting arms being fixed to a stator and wherein electrically conductive rubber pieces are affixed to those surfaces of said elastic supporting arms which contact said supported surface of said vibration member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
A vibration wave motor according to claim 1 further comprising a vibration preventing member arranged between said elastic supporting arms and said supported surface of said vibration member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
A vibration wave motor according to claim 1 wherein said elastic supporting arms are in the form of arms the cross-sectional shapes of which are partially modified.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
A vibration wave motor according to claim 1 wherein said supporting arms also serve as means for producing a frictional force between said vibration member and said movable member.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1992-10-02 | 1993-04-03 | 1993-10-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-10-02 | 1997-04-03 | 1997-10-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-10-02 | 2001-04-03 | 2001-10-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |