A new friction-type piezoelectric motor utilizing mechanism of the strain wave gearing

A type of motor that utilizes multilayer piezoelectric devices for electromechanical power conversion and a mechanism for the strain wave gearing for the generation of traveling waves and motive force is proposed. The configuration, basic operation, and torque generation mechanism of the motor are described. The motor operates in variable frequency, that is in a nonresonant mode. Experimental results on the rotational speed and generated torque characteristics of the experimental motor, which is made of metals except for the piezoelectric devices, are also presented, verifying the feasibility of the motor and indicating the possibility of realizing piezoelectric motors of large torque