Electrically controlled actuator comprising a plurality of blades each provided with piezo-electric ceramic material over part of its length

摘要

An electrically controlled actuator comprises a plurality of blades 10 each of which extends from a bight portion 35 to form a substantially U-shaped planar substrate 5 having opposed major surfaces. Each blade is provided with a piezo-electric ceramic material over part of its length with the ceramic material of one blade being on one major surface of the substrate and the ceramic material of the other blade being on the other major surface of the substrate. The free end of one of the blades is arranged to form a mounting 60 for the actuator. The free end of the other blade forms the activation portion 85 of the actuator. The blades may each comprise a flexing portion 10 and a rigid portion 15, the ceramic material being adhered to the flexing portion.