Piezoelectric/electrostrictive device

[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/964,221, filed Oct. 13, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,933,658, which in turn is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/281,373, filed Oct. 25, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,817,072, which in turn is a division of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/676,209, filed Sep. 29, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,534,899, which claims the benefit under 35 USC §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/204,702, filed May 16, 2000, and is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/524,042, filed Mar. 13, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,498,419, the entireties of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a piezoelectric/electrostrictive device which is provided with a movable section to be operated on the basis of a displacement action of a piezoelectric/electrostrictive element, or a piezoelectric/electrostrictive device which is capable of detecting displacement of a movable section by the aid of a piezoelectric/electrostrictive element, and a method for producing the same. In particular, the present invention relates to a piezoelectric/electrostrictive device which is excellent in strength, shock resistance, and moisture resistance and which makes it possible to efficiently operate a movable section to a great extent, and a method for producing the same.

[0003] Recently, a displacement element, which makes it possible to adjust the optical path length and the position in an order of submicron, is required, for example, in the fields of optics, magnetic recording, and precision machining. Development is advanced for the displacement element based on the use of the displacement brought about by the inverse piezoelectric effect or the electrostrictive effect caused when a voltage is applied to a piezoelectric/electrostrictive material (for example, a ferroelectric material).

[0004] As shown in FIG. 53, for example, those hitherto disclosed as such a displacement element include a piezoelectric actuator comprising a fixation section 404, a movable section 406, and a beam section 408 for supporting them which are formed in an integrated manner with a hole 402 provided through a plate-shaped member 400 composed of a piezoelectric/electrostrictive material and with an electrode layer 410 provided on the beam section 408 (see, for example, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 10-136665).

[0005] The piezoelectric actuator is operated such that when a voltage is applied to the electrode layer 410, the beam section 408 makes expansion and contraction in a direction along a line obtained by connecting the fixation section 404 and the movable section 406 in accordance with the inverse piezoelectric effect or the electrostrictive effect. Therefore, the movable section 406 can perform circular arc-shaped displacement or rotational displacement in the plane of the plate-shaped member 400.

[0006] On the other hand, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 63-64640 discloses a technique in relation to an actuator based on the use of a bimorph. In this technique, electrodes for the bimorph are provided in a divided manner. The actuator is driven in accordance with the selection of the divided electrodes, and thus the highly accurate positioning is performed at a high speed. This document (especially in FIG. 4) discloses a structure in which, for example, two bimorphs are used in an opposed manner.

[0007] However, the piezoelectric actuator described above involves such a problem that the amount of operation of the movable section 406 is small, because the displacement in the direction of expansion and contraction of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive material (i.e., in the in-plane direction of the plate-shaped member 400) is transmitted to the movable section 406 as it is.

[0008] All of the parts of the piezoelectric actuator are made of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive material which is a fragile material having a relatively heavy weight. Therefore, the following problems arise. That is, the mechanical strength is low, and the piezoelectric actuator is inferior in handling performance, shock resistance, and moisture resistance. Further, the piezoelectric actuator itself is heavy, and its operation tends to be affected by harmful vibrations (for example, residual vibration and noise vibration during high speed operation).

[0009] In order to solve the problems described above, it has been suggested that the hole 402 is filled with a filler material having flexibility. However, it is clear that the amount of displacement, which is brought about by the inverse piezoelectric effect or the electrostrictive effect, is decreased even when the filler material is merely used.

[0010] The present invention has been made taking the foregoing problems into consideration, an object of which is to provide a piezoelectric/electrostrictive device and a method for producing the same which make it possible to obtain a displacement element that is scarcely affected by harmful vibration and capable of high speed response with high mechanical strength while being excellent in handling performance, shock resistance, and moisture resistance, making it possible to realize a long service life of a device, and improve the handling performance of the device and the attachment performance for parts to be attached to the movable section or the fixation performance of the device, so that the movable section may be greatly displaced at a relatively low voltage, and it is possible to achieve a high speed of the displacement action of the device, especially of the movable section (realization of a high resonance frequency), as well as a sensor element which makes it possible to accurately detect vibration of the movable section.

[0011] According to the present invention, there is provided a piezoelectric/electrostrictive device comprising a pair of mutually opposing thin plate sections made of metal and a fixation section secured to the thin plate sections by the aid of an adhesive; a movable section provided at forward end portions of the pair of thin plate sections; and one or more piezoelectric/electrostrictive elements arranged on at least one thin plate section of the pair of thin plate sections; wherein any one of the movable section and the fixation section has mutually opposing end surfaces; and a distance between the end surfaces is not less than a length of the movable section.

[0012] The device is excellent in strength and toughness, and the device is capable of responding to any quick displacement action, because the thin plate section is made of metal. That is, according to the present invention, it is possible to sufficiently respond to any variation of the environment of the use and any severe state of the use. The device is excellent in shock resistance. It is possible to realize a long service life of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device, and it is possible to improve the handling performance of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device. Further, the thin plate section can be greatly displaced at a relatively low voltage, and it is possible to achieve the realization of a high speed of the displacement action of the thin plate section (realize a high resonance frequency), because the thin plate section has high rigidity, and the actuator film has a thick film thickness and high rigidity.

[0013] It is also preferable that the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element has a film-shaped configuration, and it is secured to the thin plate section by the aid of an adhesive. It is also preferable that the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element is constructed to have a piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer and a pair of electrodes formed on the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer. In this arrangement, the vibration, which is caused by the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element, can be efficiently transmitted via the thin plate section to the movable section or the fixation section. It is possible to improve the response performance.

[0014] Especially, it is preferable that the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element is constructed in a stacked form comprising a plurality of units each including the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer and the pair of electrodes. When the arrangement as described above is adopted, the following feature is achieved. That is, the generated force of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element is increased, and thus it is possible to obtain large displacement. Further, it is possible to obtain a high resonance frequency owing to the increase in rigidity of the device itself, making it easy to achieve the high speed of the displacement action.

[0015] Those usable for the adhesive include organic resin, glass, brazing material, and solder.

[0016] Any one of the movable section and the fixation section may be provided with a cutoff section; and a part of the cutoff section constitutes the mutually opposing end surfaces. In this arrangement, a gap may be formed between the mutually opposing end surfaces. It is also preferable that a member which is the same as a constitutive member of any one of the movable section and the fixation section, or a plurality of members which are different therefrom are interposed between the mutually opposing end surfaces, the same member or the different members including, for example, glass, cement, and organic resin, preferably organic resin such as those based on epoxy, acrylic, polyimide, phenol, silicone, terpene, xylene, styrene, melamine, methacrylic, and rubber, or mixture or copolymer thereof. Especially, in view of, for example, the joining performance, the handling performance, and the hardness, it is preferable to allow organic resin or the like based on epoxy, acrylic, and methacrylic to intervene. In order to further enhance the hardness, it is also preferable to mix a filler such as an inorganic material.

[0017] Especially, it is possible to effectively realize a light weight of the movable section or the fixation section by forming the gap between the mutually opposing end surfaces, allowing the member lighter than the constitutive member of the movable section or the fixation section to intervene between the mutually opposing end surfaces, or joining the end surfaces with small one of the members described above. Accordingly, it is possible to increase the resonance frequency without decreasing the amount of displacement of the movable section or the fixation section.

[0018] When the gap is formed between the mutually opposing end surfaces, a part of the movable section or the fixation section including one end surface and another part of the movable section or the fixation section including the other end surface are more flexible, resulting in strong resistance to the deformation. Therefore, it is possible to obtain excellent handling performance of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device.

[0019] Further, the distance between the end surfaces is not less than the length of the movable section. Therefore, when another part is attached to the movable section, it is easy to suppress the influence of the dimensional accuracy, even when the dimensional accuracy of the end surface or the part is low. Thus, it is possible to improve the attachment performance for the part. It is now assumed that the part is secured, for example, with an adhesive or the like. The part can be held by being interposed between the end surfaces and being attached on both sides. Thus, it is possible to reliably secure the part.

[0020] When the part is held by being interposed on both sides, the height of the part and the height of the movable section are not simply added. Accordingly, it is possible to maintain the height of the whole including the part to be low. Further, the length of the movable section can be made smaller than the distance on the side of the end surface. Therefore, the physical property of an adhesive or the like for sticking or bonding the part effectively makes the action. Thus, it is possible to increase the displacement.

[0021] On the other hand, when the fixation section has the mutually opposing end surfaces, it is possible to strongly fix the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device according to this invention to a predetermined fixation portion. Thus, it is possible to improve the reliability.

[0022] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to realize a light weight of the device, especially a light weight of the movable section or the fixation section.

[0023] In the production of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device, for example, when the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element is secured to the thin plate section made of metal by the aid of the adhesive, especially at the solidification stage of the adhesive, the internal residual stress is generated at a portion to be formed into the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element and/or the thin plate section.

[0024] If the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device is manufactured and used starting from this state, the movable section does not exhibit the desired displacement in some cases, even when a predetermined electric field is applied to the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer for constructing the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element, because of the following reason. That is, the material characteristic of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer and the displacement action of the movable section are inhibited by the internal residual stress generated in the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element and/or the thin plate section.

[0025] In the present invention, the mutually opposing end surfaces are provided on any one of the movable section and the fixation section. Therefore, the distance between the end surfaces is, for example, shortened by the internal residual stress generated in the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element and/or the thin plate section. That is, the internal residual stress, which has been generated in the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element and/or the thin plate section, is released by the movement of the end surfaces.

[0026] Further, in the present invention, the distance between the end surfaces is made to be wide. Therefore, even when the distance between the end surfaces is narrowed due to the internal residual stress, it is possible to give a margin sufficient to attach another part between the end surfaces.

[0027] As described above, in the present invention, the displacement action of the movable section is not inhibited by the internal residual stress. It is possible to obtain the displacement action of the movable section as approximately designed and expected. Additionally, the release of the internal residual stress also makes it possible to improve the mechanical strength of the device.

[0028] When a hole is formed by both inner walls of the pair of thin plate sections, an inner wall of the movable section, inner walls of the plurality of members, and an inner wall of the fixation section, it is also preferable that the hole is filled with a gel material. In this arrangement, although the displacement action of the movable section is usually restricted due to the presence of the filler material, the invention described above intends to reduce the weight as a result of the formation of the end surfaces on the movable section or the fixation section, and increase the displacement amount of the movable section. Therefore, the restriction of the displacement action of the movable section by the filler material is counteracted, and it is possible to realize the effect owing to the presence of the filler material, i.e., the realization of the high resonance frequency and the ensuring of the rigidity.

[0029] In the present invention, when the plurality of members as described above are allowed to intervene between the end surfaces, at least one member of the plurality of members may be organic resin.

[0030] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for producing a piezoelectric/electrostrictive device comprising a pair of mutually opposing thin plate sections made of metal and a fixation section secured to the thin plate sections by the aid of an adhesive; a movable section provided at forward end portions of the pair of thin plate sections; and one or more piezoelectric/electrostrictive elements arranged on at least one thin plate section of the pair of thin plate sections; the method comprising a first step of manufacturing a second substrate by securing, to a first substrate, metal plates to be formed into the thin plate sections thereafter; and a second step of forming the movable section or the fixation section having mutually opposing end surfaces wherein a distance between the end surfaces is not less than a length of the movable section, by means of at least one time of cutoff treatment for the second substrate.

[0031] Accordingly, there is provided the movable section or the fixation section which has the mutually opposing end surfaces. Therefore, the internal residual stress, which has been generated in the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element and/or the thin plate section during the production, is released, for example, by shortening the distance between the end surfaces. As a result, the displacement action of the movable section is not inhibited by the internal residual stress. Especially, the device is excellent in strength and toughness, and it can respond to any quick displacement action, because the metal is used for the thin plate section.

[0032] The provision of the movable section or the fixation section having the mutually opposing end surfaces realizes the light weight of the movable section or the fixation section. Therefore, the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device, which makes it possible to increase the resonance frequency, can be efficiently produced with ease without decreasing the amount of displacement of the movable section. Thus, it is possible to realize the mass production of the high performance piezoelectric/electrostrictive device.

[0033] Further, the movable section or the fixation section is bent more flexibly, and it is strongly resistant to deformation. Therefore, the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device is excellent in handling performance. Owing to the presence of the mutually opposing end surfaces and the wide distance between the end surfaces, when another part is attached to the movable section, it is easy to suppress the influence of the dimensional accuracy, even when the dimensional accuracy of the end surface or the part is low. Thus, it is possible to improve the attachment performance for the part. When a part is interposed and bonded, it is possible to improve the displacement.

[0034] The production method described above may further comprise a step of securing the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element to an outer surface of the metal plate to be formed into the thin plate section thereafter, by the aid of an adhesive. Accordingly, in the production of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device, especially when the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element is secured to the thin plate section made of metal by the aid of the adhesive, especially at the solidification stage of the adhesive, the internal residual stress, which is generated in the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element and/or the thin plate section, can be effectively released. Therefore, when the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device is produced, it is possible to realize the light weight of the device, especially the light weight of the movable section or the fixation section, and improve the handling performance of the device, the attachment performance for parts to be attached to the movable section, and the fixation performance of the device. Thus, it is possible to allow the movable section to make large displacement.

[0035] The piezoelectric/electrostrictive element may be previously secured to the outer surface of the metal plate, before the metal plate to be formed into the thin plate section thereafter is secured to the first substrate.

[0036] When the first substrate is composed of a ceramic laminate, the method may further comprise a ceramic laminate-manufacturing step of laminating and sintering one or more ceramic green sheets each having at least a window to manufacture a ceramic laminate; and a hybrid laminate-manufacturing step of securing, to the ceramic laminate, the metal plate to be formed into the thin plate section thereafter by the aid of the adhesive to manufacture a hybrid laminate.

[0037] In this process, it is also preferable that in the ceramic laminate-manufacturing step, a plurality of ceramic green sheets, which have windows for forming the movable section or the fixation section having at least the mutually opposing end surfaces, are sintered to manufacture the ceramic laminate.

[0038] When the first substrate is composed of metal, the method may further comprise a step of laminating one or more metal sheets each having at least a window to manufacture the first substrate, or the first substrate may be composed of a bulk metal member.

[0039] The method may further comprise a step of allowing a plurality of members different from a constitutive member of the movable section or the fixation section to intervene between the mutually opposing end surfaces. In this case, organic resin may be used as at least one member of the plurality of members.

[0040] It is possible to use, as the adhesive, an adhesive composed of organic resin, or an adhesive composed of glass, brazing material, or solder.

[0041] Therefore, the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device and the method for producing the same according to the present invention can make the use of the active device including, for example, various transducers, various actuators, frequency region functional parts (filters), transformers, vibrators, resonators, oscillators, and discriminators for the communication and the power generation, as well as the sensor element for various sensors including, for example, ultrasonic sensors, acceleration sensors, angular velocity sensors, shock sensors, and mass sensors. Especially, the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device and the method for producing the same according to the present invention can be preferably utilized for various actuators to be used for the mechanism for adjusting the displacement and the positioning and for adjusting the angle for various precision parts such as those of optical instruments and precision mechanical equipments.

[0042] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown by way of illustrative example.

[0101] Explanation will be made below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 52 for illustrative embodiments of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device and the production method for the same according to the present invention.

[0102] It is noted that the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device resides in a concept which includes the element for mutually converting the electric energy and the mechanical energy by the aid of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element. Therefore, the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device is most preferably used as the active element such as various actuators and vibrators, especially as the displacement element based on the use of the displacement brought about by the inverse piezoelectric effect or the electrostrictive effect. Additionally, the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device is also preferably used as the passive element such as acceleration sensor elements and shock sensor elements.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 1, the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10A according to the first embodiment has a substrate 14 which has a lengthy rectangular parallelepiped-shaped configuration as a whole and which has a hole 12 provided at an approximately central portion in the major axis direction thereof.

[0104] The substrate 14 comprises a pair of mutually opposing thin plate sections 16a, 16b, a movable section 20, and a fixation section 22 for supporting the pair of thin plate sections 16a, 16b and the movable section 20. Piezoelectric/electrostrictive elements 24a, 24b are formed at respective parts of at least the thin plate sections 16a, 16b respectively.

[0105] The substrate 14 may be constructed by using ceramics or metal for the entire substrate 14. Alternatively, the substrate 14 may have a hybrid structure obtained by combining those produced with ceramic and metal materials. Further, those adoptable for constructing the substrate 14 include, for example, a structure in which respective parts are bonded to one another with an adhesive such as organic resin and glass, and a metal integrated structure which is integrated into one unit, for example, by means of brazing, soldering, eutectic bonding, or welding.

[0106] In the first embodiment, the substrate 14 has a hybrid structure in which the pair of thin plate sections 16a, 16b are made of metal, and the other parts, i.e., the movable section 20 and the fixation section 22 are made of ceramics. Specifically, the thin plate sections 16a, 16b made of metal are secured by an adhesive 200 to respective side surfaces of the movable section 20 and the fixation section 22 made of ceramics. It is a matter of course that all of the thin plate sections 16a, 16b, the movable section 20, and the fixation section 22 may be made of metal.

[0107] The piezoelectric/electrostrictive elements 24a, 24b are prepared as separate members as described later on, and the prepared piezoelectric/electrostrictive elements 24a, 24b are affixed to the substrate 14 with an adhesive such as organic resin or glass or by means of brazing, soldering, or eutectic bonding. Alternatively, the piezoelectric/electrostrictive elements 24a, 24b are directly formed on the substrate 14 by using the film formation method not by using the adhesive method described above. In the first embodiment, the piezoelectric/electrostrictive elements 24a, 24b are secured onto the thin plate sections 16a, 16b by the aid of an adhesive 202 respectively.

[0108] The piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10A includes the hole 12 having, for example, a rectangular configuration which is formed by both inner walls of the pair of thin plate sections 16a, 16b, an inner wall 20a of the movable section 20, and an inner wall 22a of the fixation section 22. The piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10A is constructed such that the movable section 20 is displaced in accordance with the driving of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element or elements 24a and/or 24b, or the displacement of the movable section 20 is detected by the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element or elements 24a and/or 24b.

[0109] Each of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive elements 24a, 24b comprises a piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer 26, and a pair of electrodes 28, 30 formed on both sides of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer 26. One electrode 28 of the pair of electrodes 28, 30 is formed at least on each of the pair of thin plate sections 16a, 16b.

[0110] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, respective forward end surfaces of the pair of electrodes 28, 30 and the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer 26 for constructing the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24a, 24b are substantially aligned. A substantial driving portion 18 of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24a, 24b (portion at which the pair of electrodes 28, 30 are overlapped with each other with the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer 26 interposed therebetween) is continuously formed over a range from a part of the outer surface of the fixation section 22 to a part of the outer surface of the thin plate section 16a, 16b. Especially, in this embodiment, the respective forward end surfaces of the pair of electrodes 28, 30 are located at the positions slightly deviated toward rearward ends from the inner wall 20a of the movable section 20. Of course, the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24a, 24b may be formed such that the substantial driving portion 18 is located over a range from a part of the movable section 20 to a part of the thin plate section 16a, 16b.

[0111] As shown in FIG. 1, the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10A according to the first embodiment described above includes mutually opposing end surfaces 36a, 36b which are formed in the movable section 20. Each of the end surfaces 36a, 36b is a surface substantially parallel to the side surface of the movable section 20, i.e., the surface for forming the element. The respective end surfaces 36a, 36b are separated from each other from the upper surface of the movable section 20 to the hole 12. In this arrangement, as shown in FIG. 12, for example, it is preferable that the distances Da, Db, which range from the central axis n of the movable section 20 to the respective end surfaces 36a, 36b, are substantially equal to one another.

[0112] As shown in FIG. 1, for example, a gap (air) 38 may be allowed to intervene between the end surfaces 36a, 36b. Alternatively, as in a piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10Ag according to a seventh modified embodiment shown in FIG. 9 or as shown in FIG. 12, a member different from the constitutive member of the movable section 20, for example, a member 40 composed of, for example, resin or the like may be allowed to intervene between the end surfaces 36a, 36b.

[0113] In the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10A according to the first embodiment, the voltage is applied to the pair of electrodes 28, 30 via terminals (pads) 32, 34 of the respective electrodes 28, 30 formed on the both side surfaces (element formation surfaces) of the fixation section 22 respectively. The respective terminals 32, 34 are positioned as follows. That is, the terminal 32 corresponding to the first electrode 28 is formed at the position deviated toward the rearward end of the fixation section 22. The terminal 34 corresponding to the second electrode 30 disposed on the side of the external space is formed at the position deviated toward the inner wall 22a of the fixation section 22.

[0114] In this embodiment, the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10A can be individually fixed by utilizing the surfaces respectively different from the surfaces on which the terminals 32, 34 are arranged. As a result, it is possible to obtain the high reliability for both of the fixation of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10A and the electric connection between the circuit and the terminals 32, 34. In this arrangement, the electric connection between the terminals 32, 34 and the circuit is made, for example, by means of the flexible printed circuit (also referred to as FPC), the flexible flat cable (also referred to as FFC), and the wire bonding.

[0115] Structures other than the structure shown in FIG. 1 are available to construct the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24a, 24b. That is, as in a piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10Aa according to a first modified embodiment shown in FIG. 2, it is also preferable that the respective forward ends of the pair of electrodes 28, 30 for constructing the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24a, 24b are aligned, and only the forward end of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer 26 is allowed to protrude toward the movable section 20. Alternatively, as in a piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10Ab according to a second modified embodiment shown in FIG. 3, it is also preferable that the respective forward ends of the first electrode 28 and the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer 26 are aligned, and only the forward end of the second electrode 30 is disposed at a position deviated toward the fixation section 22. The piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10Ab shown in FIG. 3 is illustrative of the case in which mutually opposing end surfaces 36a, 36b are provided in the fixation section 22 in place of the movable section 20.

[0116] Alternatively, as in a piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10Ac according to a third modified embodiment shown in FIG. 4, it is also preferable that the respective forward ends of the first electrode 28 and the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer 26 are allowed to extend up to the side surface of the movable section 20, and the forward end of the second electrode 30 is located at an approximately central portion in the length direction (Z axis direction) of the thin plate section 16a, 16b.

[0117] In the embodiments described above, the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24a, 24b is constructed by the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer 26 having the one-layered structure and the pair of electrodes 28, 30. Alternatively, it is also preferable that the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24a, 24b is constructed in a stacked form composed of a plurality of units each comprising the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer 26 and the pair of electrodes 28, 30.

[0118] For example, as in a piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10Ad according to a fourth modified embodiment shown in FIG. 5, each of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer 26 and the pair of electrodes 28, 30 resides in a multilayered structure. The first electrodes 28 and the second electrodes 30 are alternately stacked with each other to provide the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24a, 24b which has a multiple stage structure at a portion (substantial driving portion 18) at which the first electrodes 28 and the second electrodes 30 are overlapped with each other with the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer 26 interposed therebetween. FIG. 5 is illustrative of the following case. That is, the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer 26 has the three-layered structure. The first electrodes 28 are formed in a separate manner respectively on the lower surface of the first layer (side surface of the thin plate section 16a, 16b) and on the upper surface of the second layer. The second electrodes 30 are formed in a separate manner respectively on the upper surface of the first layer and on the upper surface of the third layer. Further, terminals 32a, 32b are provided on respective ends of the first electrodes 28 respectively, and terminals 34a, 34b are provided on respective ends of the second electrodes 30 respectively.

[0119] As in a piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10Ae according to a fifth modified embodiment shown in FIG. 6, each of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer 26 and the pair of electrodes 28, 30 resides in a multilayered structure. The first electrode 28 and the second electrode 30 are alternately stacked with each other so that a substantially comb-shaped configuration is obtained in cross section to provide the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24a, 24b which has a multiple stage structure at a portion (substantial driving portion 18) at which the first electrode 28 and the second electrode 30 are overlapped with each other with the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer 26 interposed therebetween. FIG. 6 is illustrative of the following case. That is, the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer 26 has the three-layered structure. The first electrode 28 is formed in a comb-shaped configuration to be located on the lower surface of the first layer (side surface of the thin plate section 16a, 16b) and on the upper surface of the second layer. The second electrode 30 is formed in a comb-shaped configuration to be located on the upper surface of the first layer and on the upper surface of the third layer. In the case of this structure, each of the first electrode 28 and the second electrode 30 is continuous and common. Accordingly, it is possible to decrease the number of terminals 32, 34 as compared with the structure shown in FIG. 5. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the increase in size which would be otherwise involved in the multilayered structure of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24a, 24b.

[0120] Another example of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10Ae according to the fifth modified embodiment is shown in FIG. 7. In this case, it is also preferable to form the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24a, 24b so that the forward end thereof stays on the thin plate section 16a, 16b. FIG. 7 is illustrative of the case in which the forward end of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24a, 24b is located at a substantially central portion in the length direction of the thin plate section. This arrangement is advantageous in that the movable section 20 can be displaced to a great extent.

[0121] Alternatively, as in a piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10Af according to a sixth modified embodiment shown in FIG. 8, it is also preferable that two piezoelectric/electrostrictive elements 24a1, 24b1 having the multiple stage structure are formed to extend over the fixation section 22 and the thin plate section 16a, 16b respectively, and another two piezoelectric/electrostrictive elements 24a2, 24b2 having the multiple stage structure are formed to extend over the movable section 20 and the thin plate section 16a, 16b respectively. In this arrangement, the movable section 20 can be displaced extremely greatly owing to the effect that the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24a, 24b has the multiple stage structure and the effect that the number of points of action to displace the movable section 20 is increased. Further, the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10Af is excellent in high speed response performance, which is preferred.

[0122] Alternatively, as in a piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10Ag according to a seventh modified embodiment shown in FIG. 9, it is also preferable that the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer 26 has the two-layered structure to provide the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24a, 24b having the multiple stage structure which is formed such that the first electrode 28 is formed to have a comb-shaped configuration to be located on the lower surface of the first layer (side surface of the thin plate section 16a, 16b) and on the upper surface of the second layer, and the second electrode 30 is located on the upper surface of the first layer. In this embodiment, the space between the end surfaces 36a, 36b of the movable section 20 is filled with a member which is different from the movable section 20.

[0123] The multiple stage structure of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24a, 24b as described above increases the force generated by the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24a, 24b, and thus it is possible to obtain the large displacement. Further, the rigidity of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10A itself is increased, and thus it is possible to realize the high resonance frequency. It is possible to achieve the high speed displacement action with ease.

[0124] When the number of stages is increased, it is possible to increase the driving force. However, the electric power consumption is also increased in accordance therewith. Therefore, when the device is practically produced and used, for example, it is preferable that the number of stages is appropriately determined depending on the way of use and the state of use. In the case of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10A according to the first embodiment, even when the driving force is increased by providing the multiple stage structure of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24a, 24b, the width of the thin plate section 16a, 16b (distance in the Y axis direction) is basically unchanged. Therefore, the device is extremely preferred to make application, for example, to the actuator for the purpose of the ringing control and the positioning of the magnetic head for the hard disk to be used in an extremely narrow gap. Further, when the device is used as a sensor (for example, an acceleration sensor), the device provides the following advantage, because the electrostatic capacity is increased, and the generated electric charge is increased, owing to the multiple stage structure. That is, the level of the electric signal generated by the sensor is increased, and it is easy to perform the processing in a signal processing circuit to be connected to the subsequent stage of the sensor.

[0125] The piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24a, 24b described above is illustrative of the case of the so-called sandwich structure in which the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer 26 is interposed between the pair of electrodes 28, 30. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 10, a pair of comb-shaped electrodes 28, 30 may be formed on the first principal surface of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer 26 formed on at least the side surface of the thin plate section 16a, 16b. Further alternatively, as shown in FIG. 11, a pair of comb-shaped electrodes 28, 30 are formed and embedded in the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer 26 formed on at least the side surface of the thin plate section 16a, 16b.

[0126] The structure shown in FIG. 10 is advantageous in that it is possible to suppress the electric power consumption to be low. The structure shown in FIG. 11 makes it possible to effectively utilize the inverse piezoelectric effect in the direction of the electric field having large generated force and strain, which is advantageous to cause the large displacement.

[0127] Specifically, the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24a, 24b shown in FIG. 10 comprises the pair of electrodes 28, 30 having the comb-shaped structure formed on the first principal surface of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer 26. In this structure, the first electrode 28 and the second electrode 30 are mutually opposed to one another in an alternate manner with a gap 29 having a constant width interposed therebetween. FIG. 10 is illustrative of the case in which the pair of electrodes 28, 30 are formed on the first principal surface of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer 26. Alternatively, the pair of electrodes 28, 30 may be formed between the thin plate section 16a, 16b and the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer 26. Further alternatively, the pair of comb-shaped electrodes 28, 30 may be formed on the first principal surface of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer 26 and between the thin plate section 16a, 16b and the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer 26 respectively.

[0128] On the other hand, in the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24a, 24b shown in FIG. 11, the pair of electrodes 28, 30 having the comb-shaped structure are formed so that they are embedded in the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer 26. In this structure, the first electrode 28 and the second electrode 30 are mutually opposed to one another in an alternate manner with a gap 29 having a constant width interposed therebetween.

[0129] The piezoelectric/electrostrictive elements 24a, 24b as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 can be preferably used for the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10A according to the first embodiment as well. When the pair of comb-shaped electrodes 28, 30 are used as in the piezoelectric/electrostrictive elements 24a, 24b shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the displacement of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24a, 24b can be increased by decreasing the pitch D of the comb teeth of the respective electrodes 28, 30.

[0130] The operation of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10A according to the first embodiment will now be explained. At first, for example, when the two piezoelectric/electrostrictive elements 24a, 24b are in the natural state, namely when both of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive elements 24a, 24b do not make the displacement action, then the major axis m of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10A (major axis of the fixation section) is substantially coincident with the central axis n of the movable section 20 as shown in FIG. 12.

[0131] Starting from this state, for example, a sine wave Wa, which has a predetermined bias electric potential Vb, is applied to the pair of electrodes 28, 30 of the first piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24a as shown in a waveform figure shown in FIG. 13A, while a sine wave Wb, which has a phase different from that of the sine wave Wa by about 180°, is applied to the pair of electrodes 28, 30 of the second piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24b as shown in FIG. 13B.

[0132] The piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer 26 of the first piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24a makes the contraction displacement in the direction of the first principal surface at a stage at which, for example, a voltage having a maximum value is applied to the pair of electrodes 28, 30 of the first piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24a. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 14, for example, the stress is generated for the first thin plate section 16a to bend the thin plate section 16a, for example, in the rightward direction as shown by the arrow A. Therefore, the first thin plate section 16a is bent in the rightward direction. At this time, a state is given, in which no voltage is applied to the pair of electrodes 28, 30 of the second piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24b. Therefore, the second thin plate section 16b follows the bending of the first thin plate section 16a, and it is bent in the rightward direction. As a result, the movable section 20 is displaced, for example, in the rightward direction with respect to the major axis m of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10A. The displacement amount is changed depending on the maximum value of the voltage applied to each of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive elements 24a, 24b. For example, the larger the maximum value is, the larger the displacement amount is.

[0133] Especially, when a material having high coercive electric field is applied as the constitutive material for the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer 26, it is also preferable that the bias electric potential is adjusted so that the level of the minimum value is a slightly negative level as depicted by waveforms indicated by two-dot chain lines in FIGS. 13A and 13B. In this case, for example, the stress, which is in the same direction as the bending direction of the first thin plate section 16a, is generated in the second thin plate section 16b by driving the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element (for example, the second piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24b) to which the negative level is applied. Accordingly, it is possible to further increase the displacement amount of the movable section 20. In other words, when the waveforms indicated by the dashed lines in FIGS. 13A and 13B are used, the device is allowed to have such a function that the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24b or 24a, to which the negative level is applied, supports the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24a or 24b which principally makes the displacement action.

[0134] In the case of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10Af shown in FIG. 8, the voltage (see the sine waveform Wa) shown in FIG. 13A is applied, for example, to the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24a1 and the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24b2 which are arranged on the diagonal line, and the voltage (see the sine waveform Wb) shown in FIG. 13B is applied to the other piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24a2 and the other piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24b1.

[0135] As described above, in the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10A according to the first embodiment, the minute displacement of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24a, 24b is amplified into the large displacement action by utilizing the bending of the thin plate section 16a, 16b, and it is transmitted to the movable section 20. Accordingly, it is possible to greatly displace the movable section 20 with respect to the major axis m of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10A.

[0136] Especially, in the first embodiment, the movable section 20 is provided with the mutually opposing end surfaces 36a, 36b. In this arrangement, the gap 38 is provided between the mutually opposing end surfaces 36a, 36b, or the member 40, which is lighter than the constitutive member of the movable section 20, is allowed to intervene between the mutually opposing end surfaces 36a, 36b. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively realize the light weight of the movable section 20. Thus, it is possible to increase the resonance frequency without decreasing the displacement amount of the movable section 20.

[0137] The frequency herein indicates the frequency of the voltage waveform obtained when the movable section 20 is displaced rightwardly and leftwardly by alternately switching the voltage applied to the pair of electrodes 28, 30. The resonance frequency indicates the frequency at which the displacement amplitude of the movable section 20 is maximum when the predetermined sine wave voltage is applied.

[0138] In the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10A according to the first embodiment, the hybrid structure is provided, in which the pair of thin plate sections 16a, 16b are made of metal, and the other components, i.e., the movable section 20 and the fixation section 22 are made of ceramics. It is unnecessary that all of the parts are formed with the piezoelectric/electrostrictive material which is a fragile material having a relatively heavy weight. Therefore, the device has the following advantages. That is, the device has the high mechanical strength, and it is excellent in handling performance, shock resistance, and moisture resistance. Further, the operation of the device is scarcely affected by harmful vibration (for example, noise vibration and residual vibration during high speed operation).

[0139] Further, in this embodiment, when the gap 38 is formed between the mutually opposing end surfaces 36a, 36b, the part 20A of the movable section 20 including the first end surface 36a and the other part 20B of the movable section 20 including the second end surface 36b are easily bent, resulting in strong resistance to the deformation. Accordingly, the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10A is excellent in handling performance.

[0140] The surface area of the movable section 20 or the fixation section 22 is increased owing to the presence of the mutually opposing end surfaces 36a, 36b. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, when the movable section 20 has the mutually opposing end surfaces 36a, 36b, the attachment area can be increased when another part is attached to the movable section 20. Thus, it is possible to improve the attachment performance for the part. It is now assumed that the part is secured, for example, with an adhesive or the like. In this case, the adhesive is fully distributed to the end surfaces 36a, 36b as well as to the first principal surface (attachment surface for the part) of the movable section 20. Therefore, it is possible to dissolve, for example, shortage of application of the adhesive. Thus, it is possible to reliably secure the part.

[0141] As an example of such an arrangement, FIG. 15 is illustrative of a case in which another piezoelectric/electrostrictive device according to the embodiment of the present invention (second piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10A2) is secured to the movable section 20 of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device according to the embodiment of the present invention (first piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10A1).

[0142] The first piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10A1 has its fixation section 22 which is secured to the surface of a base plate 122 by the aid of an adhesive 120. The fixation section 22 of the second piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10A2 is secured to the movable section 20 of the first piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10A1 by the aid of an adhesive 124. That is, in this arrangement, the two piezoelectric/electrostrictive devices 10A1, 10A2 are arranged in series. A member 126 having a light weight, which is different from the movable section 20, is allowed to intervene between the mutually opposing end surfaces 36a, 36b of the movable section 20 of the second piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10A2.

[0143] In this case, the adhesive 124 for securing the second piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10A2 is fully distributed up to the space between the end surfaces 36a, 36b of the movable section 20 of the first piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10A1. Accordingly, the second piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10A2 is tightly secured to the first piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10A1. When the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10A2 is bonded as described above, the light weight member (adhesive 124 in this case), which is different from the movable section 20, is allowed to intervene between the end surfaces 36a, 36b simultaneously with the adhesion. Therefore, this arrangement is advantageous in that the production step can be simplified.

[0144] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, when the fixation section 22 has the mutually opposing end surfaces 36a, 36b, it is possible to tightly fix the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10Ab according to the second modified embodiment to a predetermined fixation portion, in addition to the effect obtained when the movable section 20 has the mutually opposing end surfaces 36a, 36b as described above. Thus, it is possible to improve the reliability.

[0145] In the first embodiment, the portion (substantial driving portion 18), at which the pair of electrodes 28, 30 are overlapped with each other with the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer 26 interposed therebetween, is continuously formed over the range from the part of the fixation section 22 to the part of the thin plate section 16a, 16b. If the substantial driving portion 18 is formed to further extend over a part of the movable section 20, then it is feared that the displacement action of the movable section 20 is restricted by the substantial driving portion 18, and it is impossible to obtain the large displacement. However, in this embodiment, the substantial driving portion 18 is formed such that it does not range over the movable section 20. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the inconvenience of the restriction of the displacement action of the movable section 20, and it is possible to increase the displacement amount of the movable section 20.

[0146] On the other hand, when the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24a, 24b is formed on the part of the movable section 20, it is preferable that the substantial driving portion 18 is located over the range from the part of the movable section 20 to the part of the thin plate section 16a, 16b, because of the following reason. That is, if the substantial driving portion 18 is formed to extend up to a part of the fixation section 22, the displacement action of the movable section 20 is restricted as described above.

[0147] Next, explanation will be made for preferred illustrative constructions of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10A according to the first embodiment.

[0148] At first, in order to ensure the displacement action of the movable section 20, it is preferable that the distance g, by which the substantial driving portion 18 of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24a, 24b is overlapped with the fixation section 22 or the movable section 20, is not less than ½ of the thickness d of the thin plate section 16a, 16b.

[0149] The device is constructed such that the ratio a/b between the distance (distance in the X axis direction) a between the inner walls of the thin plate sections 16a, 16b and the width (distance in the Y axis direction) b of the thin plate section 16a, 16b is 0.5 to 20. The ratio a/b is preferably 1 to 15 and more preferably 1 to 10. The prescribed value of the ratio a/b is prescribed on the basis of the discovery that the displacement amount of the movable section 20 is increased to make it possible to dominantly obtain the displacement in the X-Z plane.

[0150] On the other hand, it is desirable that the ratio e/a between the length (distance in the Z axis direction) e of the thin plate section 16a, 16b and the distance a between the inner walls of the thin plate sections 16a, 16b is preferably 0.5 to 10 and more preferably 0.5 to 5.

[0151] Further, it is preferable that the hole 12 is filled with a gel material, for example, silicone gel. Usually, the displacement action of the movable section 20 is restricted by the presence of such a filler material. However, in the first embodiment, it is intended to realize the light weight brought about by the formation of the end surfaces 36a, 36b on the movable section 20 and increase the displacement amount of the movable section 20. Therefore, the restriction of the displacement action of the movable section 20 due to the filler material is counteracted. Accordingly, it is possible to realize the effect owing to the presence of the filler material, namely the realization of the high resonance frequency and the maintenance of the rigidity.

[0152] It is preferable that the length (distance in the Z axis direction) f of the movable section 20 is short, because of the following reason. That is, it is possible to realize the light weight and increase the resonance frequency by shortening the length. However, in order to ensure the rigidity of the movable section 20 in the X axis direction and obtain its reliable displacement, it is desirable that the radio f/d with respect to the thickness d of the thin plate section 16a, 16b is not less than 2, and preferably not less than 5.

[0153] The actual size of each component is determined considering, for example, the joining area for attaching the part to the movable section 20, the joining area for attaching the fixation section 22 to another member, the joining area for attaching the electrode terminal or the like, and the strength, the durability, the necessary displacement amount, the resonance frequency, and the driving voltage of the entire piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10A.

[0154] Specifically, for example, the distance a between the inner walls of the thin plate sections 16a, 16b is preferably 100 μm to 2000 μn and more preferably 200 μm to 1600 μm. The width b of the thin plate section 16a, 16b is preferably 50 μm to 2000 μm and more preferably 100 μm to 500 μm. The thickness d of the thin plate section 16a, 16b is preferably 2 μm to 100 μm and more preferably 10 μm to 80 μm, while it satisfies b>d in relation to the width b of the thin plate section 16a, 16b, in order to make it possible to effectively suppress the flapping displacement which is the displacement component in the Y axis direction.

[0155] The length e of the thin plate section 16a, 16b is preferably 200 μm to 3000 μm and more preferably 300 μm to 2000 μm. The length f of the movable section 20 is preferably 50 μm to 2000 μm and more preferably 100 μm to 1000 μm.

[0156] The arrangement as described above exhibits such an extremely excellent effect that the displacement in the Y axis direction does not exceed 10% with respect to the displacement in the X axis direction, while the device can be driven at a low voltage by appropriately making adjustment within the range of the size ratio and the actual size, and it is possible to suppress the displacement component in the Y axis direction to be not more than 5%. In other words, the movable section 20 is displaced in one axis direction, i.e., substantially in the X axis direction. Further, the high speed response is excellent, and it is possible to obtain the large displacement at a relatively low voltage.

[0157] In the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10A, the shape of the device is unlike a conventional device, i.e., not the plate-shaped configuration where thickness is small in the direction perpendicular to the displacement direction. Each of the movable section 20 and the fixation section 22 has the approximately rectangular parallelepiped-shaped configuration. The pair of thin plate sections 16a, 16b are provided so that the side surface of the movable section 20 is continuous to the side surface of the fixation section 22. Therefore, it is possible to selectively increase the rigidity of piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10A in the Y axis direction.

[0158] That is, in the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10A, it is possible to selectively generate only the operation of the movable section 20 in the plane (XZ plane). It is possible to suppress the operation of the movable section 20 in the YZ plane (operation in the so-called flapping direction).

[0159] Next, explanation will be made for the respective constitutive components of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10A according to the first embodiment.

[0160] As described above, the movable section 20 is the portion which is operated on the basis of the driving amount of the thin plate section 16a, 16b, and a variety of members are attached thereto depending on the purpose of use of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10A. For example, when the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10A is used as a displacement element, a shield plate for an optical shutter or the like is attached thereto. Especially, when the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10A is used for the mechanism for positioning a magnetic head of a hard disk drive or for suppressing the ringing, a member required to be positioned is attached thereto, including, for example, the magnetic head, a slider provided with the magnetic head, and a suspension provided with the slider.

[0161] As described above, the fixation section 22 is the portion for supporting the thin plate sections 16a, 16b and the movable section 20. For example, in the case of the utilization to position the magnetic head of the hard disk drive, the entire piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10A is fixed by supporting and fixing the fixation section 22, for example, to a carriage arm attached to VCM (voice coil motor) or a fixation plate or a suspension attached to the carriage arm. As shown in FIG. 1, the terminals 32, 34 for driving the piezoelectric/electrostrictive elements 24a, 24b and other members are arranged on the fixation section 22 in some cases.

[0162] The material for constructing the movable section 20 and the fixation section 22 is not specifically limited provided that it has rigidity. However, it is possible to preferably use ceramics to which the ceramic green sheet-laminating method is applicable as described later on. Specifically, the material includes, for example, materials containing a major component of zirconia represented by fully stabilized zirconia and partially stabilized zirconia, alumina, magnesia, silicon nitride, aluminum nitride, and titanium oxide, as well as materials containing a major component of a mixture of them. However, in view of the high mechanical strength and the high toughness, it is preferable to use a material containing a major component of zirconia, especially fully stabilized zirconia and a material containing a major component of partially stabilized zirconia. The metal material is not limited provided that it has rigidity. However, the metal material includes, for example, stainless steel, nickel, brass, cupronickel, and bronze.

[0163] Those which are fully stabilized or partially stabilized as follows are preferably used as fully stabilized zirconia or partially stabilized zirconia as described above. That is, the compound to be used for fully stabilizing or partially stabilizing zirconia includes yttrium oxide, ytterbium oxide, cerium oxide, calcium oxide, and magnesium oxide. When at least one compound of them is added and contained, zirconia is partially or fully stabilized. However, as for the stabilization, the objective zirconia can be stabilized not only by adding one type of the compound but also by adding a combination of the compounds.

[0164] The amount of addition of each of the compounds is desirably as follows. That is, yttrium oxide or ytterbium oxide is added by 1 to 30 mole %, preferably 1.5 to 10 mole %. Cerium oxide is added by 6 to 50 mole %, preferably 8 to 20 mole %. Calcium oxide or magnesium oxide is added by 5 to 40 mole %, preferably 5 to 20 mole %. Especially, it is preferable to use yttrium oxide as a stabilizer. In this case, yttrium oxide is desirably added by 1.5 to 10 mole %, more preferably 2 to 4 mole %. For example, alumina, silica, or transition metal oxide may be added as an additive of sintering aid or the like in a range of 0.05 to 20% by weight. However, when the sintering integration based on the film formation method is adopted as a technique for forming the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24a, 24b, it is also preferable to add, for example, alumina, magnesia, and transition metal oxide as an additive.

[0165] In order to obtain the mechanical strength and the stable crystal phase, it is desirable that the average crystal grain size of zirconia is 0.05 to 3 μm, preferably 0.05 to 1 μm. As described above, ceramics can be used for the thin plate section 16a, 16b in the same manner as in the movable section 20 and the fixation section 22. Preferably, it is advantageous to construct the thin plate sections 16a, 16b with a substantially identical material in view of the reliability of the joined portion and the strength of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10A in order to reduce any complicated procedure of the production.

[0166] As described above, the thin plate section 16a, 16b is the portion which is driven in accordance with the displacement of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24a, 24b. The thin plate section 16a, 16b is the thin plate-shaped member having flexibility, and it functions to amplify the expansion and contracting displacement of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24a, 24b arranged on the surface as the bending displacement and transmit the displacement to the movable section 20. Therefore, it is enough that the shape or the material of the thin plate section 16a, 16b provides the flexibility with the mechanical strength of such a degree that it is not broken by the bending displacement. It is possible to make appropriate selection considering the response performance and the operability of the movable section 20.

[0167] It is preferable that the thickness d of the thin plate section 16a, 16b is preferably about 2 μm to 100 μm. It is preferable that the combined thickness of the thin plate section 16a, 16b and the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24a, 24b is 7 μm to 500 μm. It is preferable that the thickness of the electrode 28, 30 is 0.1 to 50 μm, and the thickness of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer 26 is 3 to 300 μm. The width b of the thin plate section 16a, 16b is preferably 50 μm to 2000 μm.

[0168] On the other hand, as for the shape and the material for the thin plate section 16a, 16b, it is enough to use those having the flexibility and having the mechanical strength of such a degree that no breakage occurs due to the bending displacement. Metal is preferably used. In this case, as described above, it is preferable to use a metal material which has the flexibility and which is capable of the bending displacement. Specifically, it is preferable to use a metal material which has a Young's modulus of not less than 100 GPa.

[0169] Preferably, it is desirable that the thin plate section 16a, 16b is made of an iron-based material such as various spring steel materials, marageing stainless steel materials, and stainless steel materials including, for example, austenite-based stainless steel materials such as SUS301, SUS304, AISI653, and SUH660, ferrite-based stainless steel materials such as SUS430 and SUS434, maltensite-based stainless steel materials such as SUS410 and SUS630, and semiaustenite-based stainless steel materials such as SUS631 and AISI632. Alternatively, it is desirable that the thin plate section 16a, 16b is made of a non-ferrous material such as superelastic titanium alloy represented by titanium-nickel alloy, brass, cupronickel, aluminum, tungsten, molybdenum, beryllium copper, phosphor bronze, nickel, nickel-iron alloy, and titanium.

[0170] When ceramics is used for the thin plate section 16a, 16b in the same manner as the movable section 20a, 20b and the fixation section 22, it is preferable to use zirconia. Especially, a material containing a major component of fully stabilized zirconia and a material containing a major component of partially stabilized zirconia are used most preferably, because of the large mechanical strength even in the case of the thin wall thickness, the high toughness, and the small reactivity with the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer 26 and the electrode material.

[0171] The piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24a, 24b has at least the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer 26 and the pair of electrodes 28, 30 for applying the electric field to the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer 26. It is possible to use, for example, piezoelectric/electrostrictive elements of the unimorph type and the bimorph type. However, those of the unimorph type combined with the thin plate section 16a, 16b are suitable for the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10A as described above, because they are excellent in stability of the generated displacement amount and they are advantageous to realize the light weight.

[0172] For example, as shown in FIG. 1, it is possible to preferably use, for example, the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element comprising the first electrode 28, the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer 26, and the second electrode 30 which are stacked in the layered configuration. Additionally, it is also preferable to provide the multiple stage structure as shown in FIGS. 5 to 9. In this arrangement, the positional discrepancy of the film (electrode film) for constructing the electrode 28, 30, i.e., for example, the positional discrepancy of the electrode 28 in the in-plane direction on the perpendicular projection plane disposed as every other layer is not more than 50 μm. This facts also holds for the electrode 30.

[0173] As shown in FIG. 1, the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24a, 24b is preferably formed on the outer surface side of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10A in view of the fact that the thin plate sections 16a, 16b can be driven to a greater extent. However, the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24a, 24b may be formed on the inner surface side of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10A, i.e., on the inner wall surface of the hole 12 depending on, for example, the form of use. Alternatively, the piezoelectric/electrostrictive elements 24a, 24b may be formed both on the outer surface side and on the inner surface side of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10A.

[0174] Piezoelectric ceramics is preferably used for the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer 26. However, it is also possible to use electrostrictive ceramics, ferroelectric ceramics, or anti-ferroelectric ceramics. However, when the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10A is used, for example, to position the magnetic head of the hard disk drive, it is important to provide the linearity concerning the displacement amount of the movable section 20 and the driving voltage or the output voltage. Therefore, it is preferable to use a material having small strain hysteresis. It is preferable to use a material having a coercive electric field of not more than 10 kV/mm.

[0175] Specified materials include ceramics containing, for example, lead zirconate, lead titanate, lead magnesium niobate, lead nickel niobate, lead zinc niobate, lead manganese niobate, lead antimony stannate, lead manganese tungstate, lead cobalt niobate, barium titanate, sodium bismuth titanate, potassium sodium niobate, and strontium bismuth tantalate singly or in mixture.

[0176] Especially, a material containing a major component of lead zirconate, lead titanate, and lead magnesium niobate, or a material containing a major component of sodium bismuth titanate is preferably used, in order to obtain the product having a stable composition with a high electromechanical coupling factor and a piezoelectric constant and with small reactivity with the thin plate sections 16a, 16b (ceramics) when the thin plate section 16a, 16b is made of ceramics, and the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer 26 is sintered in an integrated manner.

[0177] It is also preferable to use ceramics obtained by adding, to the material described above, for example, oxides of lanthanum, calcium, strontium, molybdenum, tungsten, barium, niobium, zinc, nickel, manganese, cerium, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, antimony, iron, yttrium, tantalum, lithium, bismuth, and stannum, or compounds each containing at least one component to be finally formed into oxide, singly or in mixture.

[0178] For example, when lanthanum and/or strontium is contained in the major components of lead zirconate, lead titanate, and lead magnesium niobate, an advantage is obtained in some cases, for example, in such a way that the coercive electric field and the piezoelectric characteristic can be adjusted.

[0179] It is desirable to avoid the addition of a material such as silica which tends to form glass, because of the following reason. That is, the material such as silica tends to react with the piezoelectric/electrostrictive material during the heat treatment for the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer. As a result, the composition is varied, and the piezoelectric characteristic is deteriorated.

[0180] On the other hand, it is preferable that the pair of electrodes 28, 30 of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24a, 24b are made of metal which is solid at room temperature and which is excellent in conductivity. For example, it is possible to use metal simple substance or alloy of, for example, aluminum, titanium, chromium, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, niobium, molybdenum, ruthenium, palladium, rhodium, silver, stannum, tantalum, tungsten, iridium, platinum, gold, and lead. It is also preferable to use a cermet material obtained by dispersing, in the metal described above, ceramics of the same material as that of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer 26 or the material different from that of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer 26.

[0181] The material for the electrodes 28, 30 of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24a, 24b is selected and determined depending on the method for forming the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer 26. For example, when the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer 26 is formed by sintering on the first electrode 28 after the first electrode 28 is formed on the thin plate section 16a, 16b, it is necessary for the first electrode 28 to use high melting point metal such as platinum, palladium, platinum-palladium alloy, and silver-palladium alloy which does not change at the sintering temperature for the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer 26. However, the electrode formation can be performed at a low temperature for the second electrode 30 which is formed on the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer 26 when it is located at the outermost layer after forming the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer 26. Therefore, it is possible for the second electrode 30 to use low melting point metal such as aluminum, gold, and silver.

[0182] When the stacked type piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24 is stuck to the thin plate section 16a, 16b by the aid of the adhesive 202, it is preferable that the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer 26 and the electrodes 28, 30 (electrode films) are stacked and integrated into one unit in a multilayered configuration, and then they are collectively sintered. In this case, high melting point metal such as platinum, palladium, and alloy thereof is used for the electrodes 28, 30. It is preferable that the electrode 28, 30 is made of cermet as a mixture of the high melting point metal and the piezoelectric/electrostrictive material or another ceramic.

[0183] The thickness of the electrode 28, 30 also serves as a factor to considerably decrease the displacement of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24a, 24b. Therefore, it is preferable, especially for the electrode formed after the sintering of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer 26, to use organic metal paste capable of obtaining a dense and thinner film after sintering, for example, a material such as gold resinate paste, platinum resinate paste, and silver resinate paste.

[0184] Next, explanation will be made with reference to FIGS. 16A to 23 for several methods for producing the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10A according to the first embodiment.

[0185] In the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10A according to the first embodiment, the thin plate section 16a, 16b is made of metal, and the constitutive material for each of the movable section 20 and the fixation section 22 is ceramics. Therefore, it is preferable that the constitutive elements of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10A concerning the fixation section 22 and the movable section 20, except for the thin plate sections 16a, 16b and the piezoelectric/electrostrictive elements 24a, 24b, are produced by using the ceramic green sheet-laminating method. On the other hand, it is preferable that the piezoelectric/electrostrictive elements 24a, 24b as well as the respective terminals 32, 34 are produced by using the film formation method, for example, for the thin film and the thick film.

[0186] The thin plate sections 16a, 16b are preferably secured to the side surfaces of the movable section 20 and the fixation section 22 by the aid of the adhesive 200. The piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24a, 24b is preferably secured onto the thin plate section 16a, 16b by the aid of the adhesive 202.

[0187] According to the ceramic green sheet-laminating method in which the movable section 20 and the fixation section 22 of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10A can be formed in an integrated manner, the time-dependent change of state scarcely occurs at the joined portions of the respective members. Therefore, this method provides the high reliability of the joined portion, and it is advantageous to ensure the rigidity.

[0188] In the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10A according to the first embodiment, the boundary portion between the thin plate section 16a, 16b and the fixation section 22 and the boundary portion between the thin plate section 16a, 16b and the movable section 20 function as supporting points for expressing the displacement. Therefore, the reliability of each of the boundary portions is an important point which dominates the characteristic of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10A.

[0189] The production methods described below are excellent in productivity and formability. Therefore, it is possible to obtain the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device having a predetermined shape within a short period of time with good reproducibility.

[0190] A first production method for the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10A according to the first embodiment will be specifically explained below. The following definitions are now made. The laminate, which is obtained by laminating the ceramic green sheets, is defined to be the ceramic green laminate 158 (see, for example, FIG. 16B). The integrated matter, which is obtained by sintering the ceramic green laminate 158 into one unit, is defined to be the ceramic laminate 160 (see, for example, FIG. 17A). The stuck or glued matter comprising the ceramic laminate 160 and the metal plate is defined to be the hybrid laminate 162 (see FIG. 18). The integrated matter comprising the movable section 20, the thin plate sections 16a, 16b, and the fixation section 22, which is obtained by cutting off unnecessary portions from the hybrid laminate 162, is defined to be the substrate 14D (see FIG. 19).

[0191] In the first production method, the hybrid laminate 162 is finally cut into chip units to produce a large number of piezoelectric/electrostrictive devices 10A. However, in order to simplify the explanation, description will be made principally for the case in which one individual of piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10A is produced.

[0192] At first, for example, a binder, a solvent, a dispersing agent, and a plasticizer are added and mixed with a ceramic powder such as zirconia to prepare a slurry. The slurry is subjected to a degassing treatment, and then a ceramic green sheet having a predetermined thickness is prepared in accordance with, for example, the reverse roll coater method or the doctor blade method.

[0193] Subsequently, the ceramic green sheet is processed into those having various shapes as shown in FIG. 16A in accordance with, for example, the punching out based on the use of the mold or the laser machining to prepare a plurality of ceramic green sheets for forming the substrate. Specifically, a plurality (for example, four) of ceramic green sheets 50A to 50D each of which is formed with a window 54 for forming at least the hole 12 thereafter, and a ceramic green sheet 102 which is continuously formed with a window 54 for forming the hole 12 thereafter and a window 100 for forming the movable section 20 having the mutually opposing end surfaces 36a, 36b are prepared.

[0194] After that, as shown in FIG. 16B, the ceramic green sheets 50A to 50D, 102 are laminated and secured under pressure to form a ceramic green laminate 158. The lamination is performed while the ceramic green sheet 102 is positioned at the center. After that, the ceramic green laminate 158 is sintered to obtain a ceramic laminate 160 as shown in FIG. 17A. At this stage, the ceramic laminate 160 is formed such that the hole 130 is formed by the windows 54, 100.

[0195] Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 17B, the piezoelectric/electrostrictive elements 24a, 24b, which are constructed as separate members, are respectively bonded with an epoxy adhesive 202 to the surfaces of metal plates 152A, 152B to serve as the thin plate sections.

[0196] Subsequently, the metal plates 152A, 152B are bonded to the ceramic laminate 160 with an epoxy adhesive 200 so that the ceramic laminate 160 is interposed between the metal plates 152A, 152B and the hole 130 is closed thereby to provide a hybrid laminate 162 (see FIG. 18).

[0197] Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 18, the hybrid laminate 162, which is formed with the piezoelectric/electrostrictive elements 24a, 24b, is cut along cutting lines C1, C2, C5 to thereby cut off side portions and forward end portions of the hybrid laminate 162. As a result of the cutoff, as shown in FIG. 19, the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10A according to the first embodiment is obtained, in which the piezoelectric/electrostrictive elements 24a, 24b are formed on the thin plate sections constituted by the metal plates, of the substrate 14D, and the movable section 20 having the mutually opposing end surfaces 36a, 36b is formed.

[0198] On the other hand, in the second production method, at first, as shown in FIG. 20A, a plurality (for example, four) of ceramic green sheets 50A to 50D each of which is formed with a window 54 for forming at least the hole 12 thereafter, and a ceramic green sheet 102 which is continuously formed with a window 54 for forming the hole 12 thereafter and a window 100 for forming the movable section 20 having the mutually opposing end surfaces 36a, 36b are prepared.

[0199] After that, as shown in FIG. 20B, the ceramic green sheets 50A to 50D, 102 are laminated and secured under pressure to form a ceramic green laminate 158. After that, the ceramic green laminate 158 is sintered to obtain a ceramic laminate 160 as shown in FIG. 21A. At this stage, the ceramic laminate 160 is formed such that the hole 130 is formed by the windows 54, 100.

[0200] Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 21B, the metal plates 152A, 152B are bonded to the ceramic laminate 160 with the epoxy adhesive 200 so that the ceramic laminate 160 is interposed between the metal plates 152A, 152B and the hole 130 is closed thereby to provide a hybrid laminate 162. In this procedure, when the piezoelectric/electrostrictive elements 24a, 24b are affixed to the surfaces of the bonded metal plates 152A, 152B, the hole 130 is optionally filled with a filler material 164 as shown in FIG. 21A so that a sufficient bonding pressure may be applied.

[0201] It is necessary to finally remove the filler material 164. Therefore, it is preferable to use a hard material which is easily dissolved in a solvent or the like. The material includes, for example, organic resin and wax. It is also possible to adopt a material obtained by mixing ceramic powder as a filler with organic resin such as acrylic.

[0202] Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 21B, the piezoelectric/electrostrictive elements 24a, 24b, which are constructed as separate members, are bonded with the epoxy adhesive 202 to the surfaces of the metal plates 152A, 152B of the hybrid laminate 162. The separate members of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive elements 24a, 24b can be formed, for example, in accordance with the ceramic green sheet-laminating method or the multilayer printing method.

[0203] Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 22, the hybrid laminate 162, which is formed with the piezoelectric/electrostrictive elements 24a, 24b, is cut along cutting lines C1, C2, C5 to thereby cut off side portions and forward end portions of the hybrid laminate 162. As a result of the cutoff, as shown in FIG. 23, the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10A according to the first embodiment is obtained, in which the piezoelectric/electrostrictive elements 24a, 24b are formed on the thin plate sections constituted by the metal plates, of the substrate 14D, and the movable section 20 having the mutually opposing end surfaces 36a, 36b is formed.

[0204] When all of the substrate section is made of metal, for example, the portions corresponding to the ceramic laminate 160 shown in FIG. 17A are formed by means of molding. Further, bulk-shaped members may be formed in accordance with the method of grinding machining, wire electric discharge machining, mold stamping or punching out, or chemical etching, or metal materials having thin plate-shaped configurations may be laminated to form the substrate section in accordance with the cladding method.

[0205] Next, a piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10B according to the second embodiment will be explained with reference to FIGS. 24 to 52.

[0206] As shown in FIG. 24, the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10B according to the second embodiment comprises a pair of mutually opposing thin plate sections 16a, 16b, and a fixation section 22 for supporting the thin plate sections 16a, 16b. A stacked type piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24 is arranged on one thin plate section 16a of the pair of thin plate sections 16a, 16b. In FIGS. 24 and 25, the stacked type piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24 is illustrated in a simplified manner, because its structure is complicated. Details are shown in magnified views of FIGS. 26 to 29.

[0207] The fixation section 22 is secured, for example, by the aid of an adhesive 200 between the respective rearward ends of the pair of thin plate sections 16a, 16b. The respective forward ends of the pair of thin plate sections 16a, 16b are open ends.

[0208] As shown in FIG. 25, for example, the movable section 20 or various parts and members are secured, for example, by the aid of the adhesive 200 between the respective forward ends of the pair of thin plate sections 16a, 16b. The example shown in FIG. 25 is illustrative of the case in which the movable section 20, which is constructed by the same member as that of the fixation section 22, is secured by the aid of the adhesive 200 between the respective forward ends of the pair of thin plate sections 16a, 16b.

[0209] Each of the pair of thin plate sections 16a, 16b is made of metal. The fixation section 22 and the movable section 20 are made of ceramics or metal. Especially, in the examples shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the thickness of the first thin plate section 16a on which the stacked type piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24 is formed, of the pair of thin plate sections 16a, 16b is larger than the thickness of the second thin plate section 16b.

[0210] The stacked type piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24 is affixed to the thin plate section 16a by the aid of an adhesive 202 such as organic resin, glass, brazing, soldering, and eutectic bonding. That is, the stacked type piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24 is secured by the adhesive 202 to the thin plate section 16a made of metal to thereby construct an actuator section 204 which is the driving source of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10B.

[0211] In the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10B, the forward end (portion to which the movable section 20 is attached) of the thin plate section 16a (16a and 16b in the example shown in FIG. 25) is displaced in accordance with the driving of the actuator section 204. Alternatively, the displacement of the forward end of the thin plate section 16a is electrically detected by the aid of the actuator section 204 (transducer section in the case of the use as a sensor). In this case, the device is utilized as a sensor.

[0212] As shown in FIG. 26, for example, the stacked type piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24 is constructed as follows. That is, each of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer 26 and the pair of electrodes 28, 30 has the multilayered structure, and the first electrodes 28 and the second electrodes 30 are alternately stacked respectively to give the multiple stage structure at the portion at which the first electrodes 28 and the second electrodes 30 are overlapped with each other with the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer 26 intervening therebetween.

[0213] In FIG. 26, each of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer 26 and the pair of electrodes 28, 30 has the multilayered structure. The first electrode 28 and the second electrode 30 are alternately stacked with each other to give the substantially comb-shaped configuration. The multiple stage structure is formed at the portion at which the first electrode 28 and the second electrode 30 are overlapped with each other with the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer 26 interposed therebetween.

[0214] Specifically, the stacked type piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24 has the approximately rectangular parallelepiped-shaped configuration, comprising a plurality of piezoelectric/electrostrictive layers 26 and a plurality of electrode films 28, 30. The electrode films 28, 30, which contact with the upper and lower surfaces of each of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layers 26, are alternately led to opposite end surfaces 208, 209 respectively. End surface electrodes 28c, 30c, which electrically connect the respective electrode films 28, 30 alternately led to the opposite end surfaces 208, 209, are electrically connected to terminals 28b, 30b which are formed on the surface of the outermost layer of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer 26 and which are arranged while being separated from each other by a predetermined distance Dk.

[0215] It is preferable that the predetermined distance Dk between the terminals 28b, 30b is not less than 20 μm. Further, the material of the electrode films 28, 30 to make contact with the upper and lower surfaces of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer may be different from the material of the end surface electrodes 28c, 30c. Further, at least one of the terminals (terminal 28b in the example shown in FIG. 26) and the end surface electrode 28c corresponding to the terminal 28b may be electrically connected with a thin film electrode film (outer surface electrode) 28d which is thinner than the terminal 28b and the end surface electrode 28c.

[0216] The surface electrode film 28d, the end surface electrodes 28c, 30c, and the terminals 28b, 30b, which are formed after sintering the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer 26, may be thin, and they may have low heat resistance, as compared with the electrode layers 28, 30 which are formed before sintering the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer 26 or which are sintered simultaneously.

[0217] FIG. 26 is illustrative of the following case. That is, the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer 26 has the five-layered structure. The first electrodes 28 are formed in the comb-shaped configuration so that they are disposed on the upper surface of the first layer, the upper surface of the third layer, and the upper surface of the fifth layer. The second electrodes 30 are formed in the comb-shaped configuration so that they are disposed on the upper surface of the second layer and the upper surface of the fourth layer.

[0218] FIG. 28 is illustrative of the following case. That is, the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer 26 has the five-layered structure as well. The first electrodes 28 are formed in the comb-shaped configuration so that they are disposed on the upper surface of the first layer, the upper surface of the third layer, and the upper surface of the fifth layer. The second electrodes 30 are formed in the comb-shaped configuration so that they are disposed on the lower surface of the first layer, the upper surface of the second layer, and the upper surface of the fourth layer.

[0219] In the case of the structures described above, it is possible to suppress the increase in number of terminals by connecting the mutual first electrodes 28 and the mutual second electrodes 30 with each other to be common. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the increase in size, which would be otherwise caused when the stacked type piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24 is used.

[0220] As described above, the driving force of the actuator section 204 is increased by using the stacked type piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24, and thus it is possible to obtain the large displacement. Further, it is possible to realize the high resonance frequency by increasing the rigidity of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10B itself. Thus, it is easy to achieve the high speed of the displacement action.

[0221] When the number of stages is increased, it is possible to increase the driving force of the actuator section 204. However, the electric power consumption is also increased in accordance therewith. Therefore, when the present invention is carried out, for example, the number of stages may be appropriately determined depending on the way of use and the state of use. In the case of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10B according to the second embodiment, the width of the thin plate section 16a, 16b (distance in the Y axis direction) is basically unchanged, even when the driving force of the actuator section 204 is increased, owing to the use of the stacked type piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24. Therefore, the device is extremely preferred to make application, for example, to the actuator for the purpose of the ringing control and the positioning of the magnetic head for the hard disk to be used in an extremely narrow gap.

[0222] The stacked type piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24 is preferably formed at the following position with respect to the thin plate section 16a. That is, the forward end 208 of the multilayered member for constructing the stacked type piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24 is disposed at the position not including at least the fixation section 22 as viewed in plan view (position included in the hole formed between the movable section 20 and the fixation section 22 in the example shown in FIG. 25). The rearward end 209 of the multilayered member for constructing the stacked type piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24 is disposed at the position including at least the fixation section 22 as viewed in plan view. The end 28b of the electrode 28 is formed at the position including at least the fixation section 22 as viewed in plan view, and the end 30a of the electrode 30 is formed at the position not including the fixation section 22 as viewed in plan view (position included in the hole formed between the movable section 20 and the fixation section 22 as well in the example shown in FIG. 25).

[0223] The voltage is applied to the pair of electrodes 28, 30 via ends (hereinafter referred to as “terminals 28b, 30b”) of the respective electrodes 28, 30 formed on the fifth layer of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer 30. The respective terminals 28b, 30b are formed to be separated from each other in such a degree that they can be electrically insulated from each other.

[0224] The spacing distance Dk between the terminals 28a, 30b is preferably not less than 20 μm, and it is preferably not less than 50 μm when the thickness of the terminal 28b, 30b is 1 μm to 30 μm. The terminals 28b, 30b may be made of the same material as that of the internal electrodes 28, 30, or they may be made of a material different therefrom. For example, the same material may be used when the terminals 28b, 30b are co-fired with the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer 26. The different materials may be used when the sintering is performed separately.

[0225] It is preferable for the end surface electrodes 28c, 30c that the internal electrodes 28, 30 and the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer 26 are sintered, and then their end surfaces are subjected to, for example, grinding and polishing to effect the electric connection between the internal electrodes and the end surface electrodes. The material of the end surface electrodes 28c, 30c may be the same as, or different from that of the internal electrodes 28, 30. For example, it is preferable that platinum paste is utilized for the internal electrodes 28, 30, gold resinate is utilized for the outer surface electrode 28d, and gold paste is utilized for the end surface electrodes 28c, 30c and the terminals 28b, 30b. However, it is also possible to adopt approximately the same construction as that of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device according to the first embodiment described above.

[0226] In this arrangement, the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10B can be independently fixed by utilizing the surface other than the surface on which the terminals 28b, 30b are arranged. As a result, it is possible to obtain high reliability for both of the fixation of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10B and the electric connection between the circuit and the terminals 28b, 30b. In this arrangement, the electric connection between the terminals 28b, 30b and the circuit is made, for example, by means of the flexible printed circuit, the flexible flat cable, and the wire bonding.

[0227] As described above, in the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10B according to the second embodiment, the actuator section 204 is constructed by securing the stacked type piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24 onto the thin plate section 16a made of metal by the aid of the adhesive 202. Therefore, it is possible to greatly displace the thin plate section 16a (and 16b) even when the a real size of the stacked type piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24 is not widened as viewed in plan view. Further, the thin plate section 16a (and 16b) is made of metal. Therefore, the device is excellent in strength and toughness, and it is possible to respond to the quick displacement action as well.

[0228] In other words, in the second embodiment, it is possible to sufficiently respond to the variation of environment of use and the severe state of use. The device is excellent in shock resistance. It is possible to realize the long service life of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10B, and it is possible to improve the handling performance of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10B. Further, the thin plate section can be greatly displaced at a relatively low voltage. The rigidity of the thin plate section 16a (and 16b) is high, the film thickness of the actuator section 204 is thick, and the rigidity of the actuator section 204 is high. Accordingly, it is possible to achieve the realization of the high speed (realization of the high resonance frequency) of the displacement action of the thin plate section 16a (and 16b).

[0229] Usually, in order to drive, at a high speed, the actuator section 204 constructed by combining the thin plate section 16a and the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24 which makes strain deformation, it is necessary to increase the rigidity of the actuator section 204. In order to obtain large displacement, it is necessary to decrease the rigidity of the actuator section 204.

[0230] However, in the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10B according to the second embodiment, the thin plate sections 16a, 16b, which constitute the actuator section 204, are opposed to one another to provide the pair of thin plate sections 16a, 16b. The fixation section 22 is secured by the adhesive 200 between the respective rearward ends of the pair of thin plate sections 16a, 16b to construct the multiple stage structure of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24. The position of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24, the material and the size of the constitutive members are appropriately selected to construct the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10B. Therefore, it is possible to effect the both of the contradicting characteristics as described above. When the object, which has substantially the same degree of size as that of the fixation section 22, intervenes between the open ends of the pair of thin plate sections 16a, 16b, the minimum resonance frequency of the structure is not less than 20 kHz. Further, the relative displacement amount concerning the object and the fixation section 22 can be not less than 0.5 μm at a substantial applied voltage of 30 V at a frequency which is not more than ¼ of the resonance frequency.

[0231] As a result, it is possible to greatly displace the pair of thin plate sections 16a, 16b. Further, it is possible to achieve the realization of the high speed (realization of the high resonance frequency) of the displacement action of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10B, especially of the pair of thin plate sections 16a, 16b.

[0232] In the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10B according to the second embodiment, the minute displacement of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24 is amplified into the large displacement action by utilizing the bending of the thin plate sections 16a, 16b, and it is transmitted to the movable section 20. Therefore, the movable section 20 can be greatly displaced with respect to the major axis m (see FIG. 14) of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10B.

[0233] In the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10B according to the second embodiment, it is unnecessary that all of the parts are formed with the piezoelectric/electrostrictive material which is a fragile material having a relatively heavy weight. Therefore, the device has the following advantages. That is, the device has the high mechanical strength, and it is excellent in handling performance, shock resistance, and moisture resistance. Further, the operation of the device is scarcely affected by harmful vibration (for example, noise vibration and residual vibration during high speed operation).

[0234] Further, as shown in FIG. 24, the forward ends of the pair of thin plate sections 16a, 16b are the open ends. Accordingly, when various members or parts are attached to the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10B, it is possible to utilize the forward ends of the pair of thin plate sections 16a, 16b. The member or the part can be attached in such a way that the member or the part is interposed by the forward ends. In this case, it is possible to provide a large attachment area for the member or the part, and it is possible to improve the attachment performance for the part. Further, the member or the part to be attached is consequently included in the pair of thin plate sections 16a, 16b. Therefore, it is possible to decrease the size of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device in the Y direction after attaching the member or the part. Thus, the device is advantageous to realize the compact size.

[0235] Of course, as shown in FIG. 25, when the movable section 20 is secured between the respective forward ends of the pair of thin plate sections 16a, 16b, then various members or parts are secured, for example, by the aid of an adhesive to the first principal surface of the movable section 20.

[0236] In the second embodiment, the forward end 208 of the multilayered member for constructing the stacked type piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24 is disposed at the position not including at least the fixation section 22 as viewed in plan view. The rearward end of the multilayered member is disposed at the position including at least the fixation section 22 as viewed in plan view. The end 28a of the electrode 28 is disposed at the position including at least the fixation section 22 as viewed in plan view. The end 30a of the electrode 30 is disposed at the position not including the fixation section 22 as viewed in plan view.

[0237] For example, if the respective ends of the pair of electrodes 28, 30 are formed at the position included in the movable section 20, then it is feared that the displacement action of the pair of thin plate sections 16a, 16b is restricted by the stacked type piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24, and it is impossible to obtain the large displacement. However, in the second embodiment, the foregoing positional relationship is adopted. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the inconvenience of the restriction of the displacement action of the movable section 20, and it is possible to increase the displacement amount of the pair of thin plate sections 16a, 16b.

[0238] Next, explanation will be made for preferred illustrative constructions of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10B according to the second embodiment. The preferred illustrative constructions are approximately the same as those of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device according to the first embodiment described above. Therefore, explanation will be made for only the preferred illustrative constructions inherent in the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10B according to the second embodiment.

[0239] At first, in the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10B according to the second embodiment, the shape of the device 10B is not the plate-shaped configuration unlike the conventional one. When the movable section 20 is provided, the movable section 20 and the fixation section 22 form the rectangular parallelepiped-shaped configuration. The pair of thin plate sections 16a, 16b are provided so that the side surfaces of the movable section 20 and the fixation section 22 are continuous to give the rectangular annular configuration. Therefore, it is possible to selectively enhance the rigidity of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10B in the Y axis direction.

[0240] That is, in the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10B, it is possible to selectively generate only the action of the movable section 20 in the plane (in the XZ plane). It is possible to suppress the action of the pair of thin plate sections in the YZ plane (action in the so-called flapping direction).

[0241] It is desirable that the thin plate sections 16a, 16b are made of metal. The fixation section 22 and the movable section 20 may be made of materials of different types, but they are more preferably made of metal. For example, organic resin, brazing material, or solder may be used to bond the thin plate sections 16a, 16b to the fixation section 22 and bond the thin plate sections 16a, 16b to the movable section 20. However, it is more preferable to form an integrated structure formed by diffusion joining or welding between metal materials. It is more desirable to use metal subjected to the cold rolling process, because of the high strength owing to the presence of a great degree of dislocation.

[0242] In the second embodiment, the stacked type piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24 is formed on only one thin plate section 16a. Therefore, the device can be produced inexpensively as compared with a device (modified embodiment) in which the stacked type piezoelectric/electrostrictive elements 24a, 24b are formed on the pair of thin plate sections 16a, 16b respectively as shown in FIG. 30. Further, in the second embodiment, when the observation is made in a state in which the movable section 20 is secured, then the thin plate section 16a having the large thickness, on which the stacked type piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24 is formed, is directly displaced, and the thin plate section 16b having the thin thickness, on which the stacked type piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24 is not formed, is displaced in cooperation therewith. Accordingly, it is possible to cause the displacement to a greater extent.

[0243] The formation of the stacked type piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24 on the thin plate section 16a can be realized by bonding the stacked type piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24 to the thin plate section 16a, for example, with organic resin, brazing material, or solder. When the element is bonded at a low temperature, it is desirable to use organic resin. When the element is allowed to be bonded at a high temperature, it is preferable to use, for example, brazing material, solder, and glass. However, the coefficient of thermal expansion generally differs among the thin plate section 16a, the stacked type piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24, and the adhesive 202. Therefore, it is desirable that the bonding temperature is low in order not to generate any stress in the stacked type piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24 due to the difference in coefficient of thermal expansion. In the case of organic resin, the bonding can be generally effected at a temperature of not more than 180° C. Therefore, organic resin is preferably adopted. More preferably, it is desirable to use a room temperature setting adhesive. When the fixation of the thin plate section 16a, 16b and the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24 is performed simultaneously with, or after the fixation of the fixation section 22, the movable section 20, and the thin plate section 16a, 16b, if the fixation section 22 or the movable section 20 has the open type structure, then it is possible to effectively reduce the strain which would be otherwise caused between the different types of materials.

[0244] In order not to exert any thermal stress on the stacked type piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24, it is preferable that the stacked type piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24 is bonded to the thin plate section 16a with organic resin, and the fixation is performed in separate steps for the thin plate sections 16a, 16b, the fixation section 22, and the movable section 20.

[0245] As shown in FIG. 31, when the part of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24 is located at the fixation section 22, it is preferable that (1−Lb/La) is not less than 0.4, and more preferably 0.5 to 0.8 provided that La represents a shortest distance concerning the pair of thin plate sections 16a, 16b between a boundary portion with respect to the movable section 20 and a boundary portion with respect to the fixation section 22, and Lb represents a shortest distance of distances from the boundary portion between the thin plate section 16a and the movable section 20 to any one of the ends 28a, 30a of the pair of electrodes 28, 30 of the stacked type piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24. If (1−Lb/La) is not more than 0.4, it is impossible to make large displacement. When (1−Lb/La) is 0.5 to 0.8, it is easy to successfully achieve both the displacement and the resonance frequency. However, in this case, it is more appropriate to use a structure in which the stacked type piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24 is formed on only one thin plate section 16a. This fact also holds when the part of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24 is located at the movable section 20.

[0246] It is preferable that the total thickness of the stacked type piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24 is not less than 40 μm. If the total thickness is less than 40 μm, it is difficult to bond the stacked type piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24 to the thin plate section 16a. It is desirable that the total thickness is not more than 180 μm. If the total thickness exceeds 180 μm, it is difficult to realize a compact size of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10B.

[0247] As for the portion of the stacked type piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24 to make contact with the thin plate section 16a, when the metal such as brazing material and solder layer is used as the adhesive 202, it is preferable that the electrode film exists at the lowermost layer in view of the wettability as shown in FIGS. 28 and 29. FIGS. 28 and 29 show the state in which the electrode film for constructing the second electrode 30 is arranged.

[0248] When the stacked type piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24 as shown in FIG. 26 and FIG. 28 is bonded to the thin plate section 16a by the aid of the metal layer such as the brazing material and the solder layer, it is preferable to chamfer the angular portion at which at least one electrode 28 exists, of the lower surface of the stacked type piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24 as shown in FIG. 27 and FIG. 29, because of the following reason. That is, it is intended to prevent the pair of electrodes 28, 30 from formation of short circuit which would be otherwise formed via the metal layer and the thin plate section 16a. FIG. 27 is illustrative of a case in which two angular portions, at which the pair of electrodes 28, 30 exist, are chamfered. FIG. 29 is illustrative of a case in which an angular portion, at which the first electrode 28 exists, is chamfered.

[0249] Those preferably used as the adhesive 202 for bonding the stacked type piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24 to the thin plate section 16a and the adhesive 200 for bonding the thin plate sections 16a, 16b, for example, to the fixation section 22 include two-part type reactive adhesives such as those based on epoxy and isocyanate, instantaneous adhesives such as those based on cyanoacrylate, and hot melt adhesives such as those based on ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer. Especially, it is preferable to use those having Shore D hardness of not less than 80 as the adhesive 202 for bonding the stacked type piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24 to the thin plate section 16a.

[0250] It is desirable that an organic adhesive containing a filler such as metal and ceramics is used as the adhesive 202 for bonding the thin plate section 16a, 16b and the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24 (24a, 24b). In this case, it is desirable that the thickness of the adhesive 202 is not more than 100 μm, because of the following reason. That is, when the filler is contained, then the substantial thickness of the resin component is decreased, and it is possible to maintain a high hardness of the adhesive.

[0251] It is also preferable to use inorganic adhesives as the adhesive 200, 202, other than the organic adhesives described above. The inorganic adhesive includes, for example, glass, cement, solder, and brazing material.

[0252] On the other hand, as for the shape and the material quality for the thin plate sections 16a, 16b, it is enough to have the flexibility, with the mechanical strength of such a degree that no breakage is caused due to bending deformation. Metal is preferably adopted. In this case, as described above, it is preferable to use a metal material which has the flexibility and which is capable of the bending displacement. Specifically, it is preferable to use a metal material which has a Young's modulus of not less than 100 GPa.

[0253] Preferably, it is desirable that the thin plate section 16a, 16b is made of an iron-based material such as various spring steel materials, marageing stainless steel materials, and stainless steel materials including, for example, austenite-based stainless steel materials such as SUS301, SUS304, AISI653, and SUH660, ferrite-based stainless steel materials such as SUS430 and SUS434, maltensite-based stainless steel materials such as SUS410 and SUS630, and semiaustenite-based stainless steel materials such as SUS631 and AISI632. Alternatively, it is desirable that the thin plate section 16a, 16b is made of a non-ferrous material such as superelastic titanium alloy represented by titanium-nickel alloy, brass, cupronickel, aluminum, tungsten, molybdenum, beryllium copper, phosphor bronze, nickel, nickel-iron alloy, and titanium.

[0254] Next, explanation will be made with reference to FIGS. 32 to 40 for several production methods for manufacturing the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10B according to the second embodiment.

[0255] In the third production method, as shown in FIG. 32, a rectangular hole 252 having a size of width: 1 mm×length: 8 mm is firstly bored through a central portion of a stainless steel plate 250 having a size of width: 1.6 mm×length: 10 mm×thickness: 0.9 mm to manufacture a substrate 258 having a rectangular annular structure with support sections 254, 256 arranged on both sides of the hole 252 respectively.

[0256] After that, as shown in FIG. 33, a first stainless steel thin plate 260 having a size of width: 1.6 mm×length: 10 mm×thickness: 0.05 and a second stainless steel thin plate 262 having a size of width: 1.6 mm×length: 10 mm×thickness: 0.02 (see FIG. 35) are prepared.

[0257] After that, as shown in FIG. 33, the adhesive 202 (for example, an adhesive made of epoxy resin) is formed by the screen printing on a portion of the upper surface of the first stainless steel thin plate 260 on which the stacked type piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24 is formed. After that, as shown in FIG. 34, the stacked type piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24 is bonded to the first stainless steel thin plate 260 by the aid of the adhesive 202.

[0258] After that, as shown in FIG. 35, the adhesive 200 (for example, an adhesive made of epoxy resin) is formed by the screen printing on the respective support sections 254, 256 of the substrate 258.

[0259] After that, the first stainless steel thin plate 260, on which the stacked type piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24 has been already formed, is bonded to the first surface of each of the support sections 254, 256 by the aid of the adhesive 200. The second stainless steel thin plate 262 is bonded to the second surface of each of the support sections 254, 256 by the aid of the adhesive 200. Further, the pressure is applied to the first and second stainless steel thin plates 260, 262 in a direction to interpose the substrate 258 to manufacture a master device block 270 shown in FIG. 36. The applied pressure is 0.1 to 10 kgf/cm².

[0260] After that, as shown in FIG. 36, the master device block 270 is cut into portions along cutting lines 272 to divide the block into the individual piezoelectric/electrostrictive devices 10B as shown in FIG. 25. The cutting process was performed by using a wire saw having a wire diameter of 0.1 mm and a spacing distance of 0.2 mm. When the wire saw is used, it is possible to prescribe substantially the same size for the width of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24, the width of the thin plate section 16a, and the width of the adhesives 200, 202, although these components are made of different materials respectively.

[0261] Next, in the fourth production method, as shown in FIG. 37, a rectangular hole 252 having a size of width: 1 mm×length: 8 mm is bored through a central portion of a stainless steel plate 250 having a size of width: 1.6 mm×length: 10 mm×thickness: 0.9 mm to manufacture a substrate 258 having a rectangular annular structure with support sections 254, 256 arranged on both sides of the hole 252 respectively. The substrate is 1 mm long.

[0262] After that, the adhesive 200 (for example, an adhesive made of epoxy resin) is formed by the screen printing on the respective support sections 254, 256 of the substrate 258.

[0263] After that, as shown in FIG. 38, a first stainless steel thin plate 260 having a size of width: 1.6 mm×length: 10 mm×thickness: 0.05 is bonded to the first surface of each of the support sections 254, 256 by the aid of the adhesive 200. A second stainless steel thin plate 262 having a size of width: 1.6 mm×length: 10 mm×thickness: 0.02 is bonded to the second surface of each of the support sections 254, 256 by the aid of the adhesive 200. Further, the pressure is applied to the first and second stainless steel thin plates 260, 262 in a direction to interpose the substrate 258. The applied pressure is 0.1 to 10 kgf/cm².

[0264] After that, the adhesive 202 (for example, an adhesive made of epoxy resin) is formed by the screen printing on a portion of the upper surface of the first stainless steel thin plate 260 on which the stacked type piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24 is formed.

[0265] After that, as shown in FIG. 40, the stacked type piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24 is bonded to the first stainless steel thin plate 260 by the aid of the adhesive 202 to manufacture a master device block 270.

[0266] After that, as shown in FIG. 36, the master device block 270 is cut into portions along cutting lines 272 to divide the block into the individual piezoelectric/electrostrictive devices 10B as shown in FIG. 25.

[0267] A part (for example, the fixation section 22) of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10B produced in accordance with the third and fourth production methods was fixed. A bias voltage of 15 V and a sine wave voltage of ±15 V were applied between the pair of electrodes 28, 30 of the stacked type piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24 to measure the displacement of the movable section 20. As a result, the displacement was ±1.2 μm. The frequency was swept with a sine wave voltage of ±0.5 V to measure the minimum resonance frequency to exhibit the maximum displacement. As a result, the minimum resonance frequency was 50 kHz.

[0268] In the third and fourth production methods described above, the substrate 258 is constructed to have the rectangular annular structure having the support section 254 to be formed into the movable section 20 thereafter and the support section 256 to be formed into the fixation section 22 thereafter. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 41, a rectangular annular structure is also available, in which a hole 252 is widened to have a frame-shaped section 254a for supporting first and second stainless steel thin plates 260, 262 (section for substantially defining the thickness of a portion to allow at least the movable section 20 to intervene thereafter) and a support section 256 to be formed into the fixation section 22 thereafter.

[0269] In this case, the substrate 258 is secured by the aid of the adhesive 200 so that the substrate 258 is interposed between the first and second stainless steel thin plates 260, 262 to manufacture a master device block 270 similar to one shown in FIG. 36, followed by being cut along cutting lines 272 as shown in FIG. 36. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 44, for example, it is possible to produce a piezoelectric/electrostrictive device in which the movable section 20 does not exist between the forward ends of the thin plate sections 16a, 16b.

[0270] Alternatively, another production method is available, for example, as shown in FIG. 44. The adhesive 200 and the fixation section 22 are arranged between the rearward ends of the respective thin plate sections 16a, 16b respectively. The adhesive 200, the movable section 20, and a pressurizing spacer 310 are arranged between the forward ends of the respective thin plate sections 16a, 16b respectively as shown by two-dot chain lines. After that, for example, the pressure is applied from both sides of the respective thin plate sections 16a, 16b. Accordingly, the fixation section 22 is secured between the rearward ends of the respective thin plate sections 16a, 16b by the aid of the adhesive 200. The movable section 20 is secured to the forward ends of the respective thin plate sections 16a, 16b respectively by the aid of the adhesive 200. In this arrangement, the pressurizing spacer 310 is not secured to the movable section 20 by an adhesive or the like. Therefore, the pressurizing spacer 310 can be removed with ease after the cutting along cutting lines. In order to adjust the thickness (distance between the fixation section 22 and each of the thin plate sections 16a, 16b) between the fixation section 22 and each of the thin plate sections 16a, 16b, a second fixation section (not shown), which has approximately the same thickness as that of the movable section 20, may be fixed on both sides thereof between the fixation section 22 and each of the thin plate sections 16a, 16b by the aid of the adhesive 200.

[0271] Next, explanation will be made with reference to FIGS. 42 to 46 for a fifth production method which is different from the third and fourth production methods described above.

[0272] The fifth production method is also applicable to a case in which support sections 254, 256 are bonded to a first stainless steel thin plate 260 and a second stainless steel thin plate 262 to manufacture a master device block 270 in the same manner as in the third and fourth production methods described above, followed by being divided into individual piezoelectric/electrostrictive devices. The fifth production method is also applicable to a case in which the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device 10B is produced such that a unit, which is formed in a separate manner to give each actuator section 204 comprising the stacked type piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24a, 24b formed on the thin plate section 16a, 16b, is secured to the fixation section 22 which is prepared in a separate manner as well.

[0273] In the following description, the support section 256 to be formed into the fixation section 22 thereafter and the fixation section 22 are conveniently referred to as “fixation section 22”, and the first and second stainless steel thin plates 260, 262 to be formed into the thin plate sections 16a, 16b thereafter and the thin plate sections 16a, 16b are conveniently referred to as “thin plate sections 16a, 16b”.

[0274] As shown in FIG. 42, when the thin plate sections 16a, 16b are bonded by the aid of the adhesive 200 to the fixation section 22, if the adhesive having fluidity is used, then it is preferable to provide bumps 280am, 280bm for the respective thin plate sections 16a, 16b in order to define the places for forming the adhesive 200. Of course, when the adhesive having high viscosity is used, it is unnecessary to provide such a bump. In this example, assuming that the adhesive having fluidity is used when an unillustrated object is bonded between the open ends of the respective thin plate sections 16a, 16b, bumps 280an, 280bn are also provided on the mutually opposing surfaces of the open ends of the respective thin plate sections 16a, 16b. The bumps 280am, 280an, 280bm, 280bn may be also formed by stacking plate-shaped members.

[0275] FIG. 43 is illustrative of a case in which the adhesive having high viscosity is used as the adhesive 200 for bonding the fixation section 22 and the respective thin plate sections 16a, 16b, wherein the bump 280am, 280bm as described above is not provided at portions to which the fixation section 22 is bonded.

[0276] FIG. 44 is illustrative of a case in which the adhesive having high viscosity is commonly used as the adhesive 200 for bonding the fixation section 22 and the respective thin plate sections 16a, 16b, depicting a structure in which the bump 280am, 280bm as described above is not provided. In this example, assuming that the adhesive having high viscosity is used when an unillustrated object is bonded between the open ends of the respective thin plate sections 16a, 16b, the bump 280an, 280bn is not provided on the mutually opposing surfaces of the open ends of the respective thin plate sections 16a, 16b as well.

[0277] FIG. 45 is illustrative of a case in which the adhesive having high fluidity is commonly used as the adhesive 200 for bonding the fixation section 22 and the respective thin plate sections 16a, 16b, especially depicting an example which is provided with projections 282am, 282bm for comparting regions for forming the adhesive 200 on the respective thin plate sections 16a, 16b. In this example, assuming that the adhesive having fluidity is used when an unillustrated object is bonded between the open ends of the respective thin plate sections 16a, 16b, projections 282an, 282bn are also provided on the mutually opposing surfaces of the open ends of the respective thin plate sections 16a, 16b.

[0278] As shown in FIG. 46 concerning the example shown in FIG. 42, it is also preferable that the size of the fixation section 22, especially the areal size of the surface of each of the thin plate sections 16a, 16b opposed to the bump 280 is made to be larger than the areal size of the bump 280am, 280bm. Accordingly, for example, the substantial driving portion (portion between the bumps 280am and 280an and portion between the bumps 280bm and 280bn) of the thin plate sections 160a, 160b can be defined by the bump 280am, 280bm. As shown in FIG. 42, when the areal size of the surface of each of the thin plate sections 16a, 16b opposed to the bump 280am, 280bm concerning the fixation section 22 is made to be substantially the same as the areal size of the bump 280am, 280bm, it is feared that the dispersion in size concerning the fixation section 22 and the bump 280am, 280bm affects the length of the substantial driving portion. FIG. 46 is illustrative of the case in which the size of the fixation section 22 is increased toward the open ends of the thin plate sections 16a, 16b. Alternatively, the size of the fixation section 22 may be increased in a direction opposite to the direction described above.

[0279] In FIGS. 42 to 46, the bumps 280am, 280bm, 280an, 280bn or the projections 282am, 282bm, 282an, 282bn are integrated with the thin plate sections. However, these components may be provided by laminating appropriately processed plates by the aid of an adhesive, in the same manner as in FIG. 19 or FIG. 23. In the case of the provision by means of the integration, the bumps 280am, 280bm, 280an, 280bn or the projections 282am, 282bm, 282an, 282bn can be integrally provided simultaneously with the formation of the thin plate sections 16a, 16b by thinning the plate-shaped member, for example, by means of etching or cutting.

[0280] The embodiment described above is illustrative of the case in which the adhesive 200, 202 is formed by means of the screen printing. Alternatively, it is possible to use, for example, dipping, dispenser, and transfer.

[0281] Next, explanation will be made with reference to FIGS. 47 to 52 for various illustrative constructions concerning the adhesive 202 which intervenes between the thin plate section 16a and the stacked type piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24 and the adhesive 200 which intervenes between the respective thin plate sections 16a, 16b and the fixation section 22.

[0282] At first, in the first technique shown in FIG. 47, a large number of holes 290 are provided through the thin plate section 16a. The stacked type piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24 is bonded to a portion at which the holes 290 are provided, by the aid of the adhesive 202. In this arrangement, the adhesive 202 enters the inside of the holes 290. Therefore, the adhesion area is substantially increased, and it is possible to use a thin thickness of the adhesive 202. It is preferable that the thickness of the adhesive 202 is not more than 5% of the total thickness of the stacked type piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24 and not less than a thickness of such a degree that the thermal stress due to the difference in coefficient of thermal expansion between the thin plate section 16a and the adhesive 202 can be absorbed.

[0283] It is preferable that the diameter of the hole 290 is 5 μm to 100 μm. The arrangement pattern may be either a matrix form or a zigzag arrangement. Of course, a plurality of holes 290 may be arranged in one array. It is preferable that the arrangement pitch of the holes 290 is 10 μm to 200 μm. Alternatively, recesses (bores) may be used in place of the holes 290. In this arrangement, it is preferable that the diameter of the bore is 5 μm to 100 μm. The arrangement pattern may be either a matrix form or a zigzag arrangement. It is preferable that the arrangement pitch of the bores is 10 μm to 200 μm. Especially, in the case of the recess (bore), for example, it is also preferable to use a rectangular configuration as viewed in plan view with its opening area which is slightly smaller than the projection area of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24 onto the thin plate section 16a. Those adoptable as the technique for forming the holes 290 or the bores in the thin plate section 16a include, for example, etching, laser machining, stamping or punching out, drill machining, electric discharge machining, and ultrasonic machining.

[0284] In the second technique shown in FIG. 48, the surface 292 of a portion of the thin plate section 16a, on which the stacked type piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24 is formed, is roughened by means of the blast treatment, the etching treatment, or the plating treatment. In this arrangement, the lower surface 294 of the stacked type piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24 is also roughened. Accordingly, the adhesion area is substantially increased. Therefore, it is possible to use a thin thickness of the adhesive 202.

[0285] FIG. 48 is illustrative of the case in which the surface of the thin plate section 16a and the lower surface of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24 (surface opposed to the thin plate section 16a) are roughened. However, it is enough that the surface having the small adhesion force with respect to the adhesive 202 is roughened. A sufficient effect is obtained, for example, even when only the surface of the thin plate section 16a is roughened. The surface roughness is preferably Ra=0.1 μm to 5 μm, and more preferably 0.3 μm to 2 μm, for example, as estimated by the center line average roughness.

[0286] In the third technique shown in FIG. 49, a curvature 296 is provided for the stick-out shape of the adhesive 200, especially for the stick-out shape of the adhesive 200 toward the inner wall 22a of the fixation section 22. In this arrangement, it is preferable that the radius of curvature is not less than 0.05 mm so that the stick-out shape is linear, or the stick-out shape includes a linear portion. The formation of the curvature 296 for the stick-out portion of the adhesive 200 can be realized, for example, by inserting a cylindrical core member into the space formed by the thin plate sections 16a, 16b and the inner wall 22a of the fixation section 22, before curing the adhesive 200. Practically, the control is made based on the use of the application amount and the physical property of the adhesive 200 so that the stick-out shape is at least not convex.

[0287] Accordingly, the inner wall 22a of the fixation section 22 and the inner walls of the respective thin plate sections 16a, 16b are also used as the adhesion surfaces. Therefore, the adhesion area is increased, and it is possible to increase the adhesion strength. Further, it is possible to effectively disperse the concentration of the stress on the joined portions (angular portions) between the inner wall 22a of the fixation section 22 and the inner walls of the respective thin plate sections 16a, 16b.

[0288] In the fourth technique shown in FIG. 50, angular portions of the inner wall 22a of the fixation section 22 are chamfered respectively to form tapered surfaces 298. The stick-out amount of the adhesive 200 can be stabilized by appropriately adjusting the radius of curvature and the angle of the chamfering. It is possible to suppress the local dispersion of the adhesion strength, and it is possible to improve the yield.

[0289] The following method is preferably used to chamfer the angular portion. That is, for example, the cutting and the polishing are performed beforehand for the portions to be formed into the angular portions of the support section 256 to form the tapered surfaces 298 before the assembling. Of course, the chamfering may be performed after the assembling. In this case, for example, the laser machining, the ultrasonic machining, or the sandblast is preferably adopted.

[0290] The fifth technique shown in FIG. 51 relates to the punching out process which is usually performed, for example, when the thin plate sections 16a, 16b are manufactured. In this case, burrs 300 are formed. The formed burrs 300 may be removed before the assembling. However, they may be allowed to remain as they are. In this case, it is preferable that the directions of the formed burrs 300 are regulated, for example, in consideration of the handling and the adhesion directions of the respective members as well as the easiness of control of the amount of the adhesive. The example shown in FIG. 51 is illustrative of a state in which the burrs 300 of the thin plate sections 16a, 16b are directed outwardly.

[0291] In the sixth technique shown in FIG. 52, as described above, the thickness of the portion to be formed into the first thin plate section 16a thereafter is made to be larger than the thickness of the portion to be formed into the second thin plate section 16b thereafter. In the case of the use as the actuator section 204, the stacked type piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24 is preferably formed on the first thin plate section 16a. In the case of the use as the sensor, the stacked type piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24 is preferably formed on the first thin plate section 16a as well.

[0292] Other techniques are also available. For example, when the stacked type piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24 is bonded to the thin plate section 16a, 16b by the aid of the adhesive 202, for example, it is also preferable that a ZrO₂ layer is allowed to intervene as an underlying layer for the lower surface of the stacked type piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24.

[0293] When the stainless steel thin plates 260, 262 (see; for example, FIG. 33) are used as the thin plate sections 16a, 16b, it is preferable that the longitudinal direction of the thin plate sections 16a, 16b is approximately coincident with the direction of the cold rolling applied to the stainless steel thin plates 260, 262.

[0294] It is preferable that the piezoelectric/electrostrictive layer 26 for constructing the stacked type piezoelectric/electrostrictive element 24 is stacked in about three layers to ten layers.

[0295] The piezoelectric/electrostrictive devices 10A, 10B described above can be utilized as the active device including, for example, various transducers, various actuators, frequency region functional parts (filters), transformers, vibrators, resonators, oscillators, and discriminators for the communication and the power generation, as well as the sensor element for various sensors including, for example, ultrasonic sensors, acceleration sensors, angular velocity sensors, shock sensors, and mass sensors. Especially, the piezoelectric/electrostrictive devices 10A, 10B described above can be preferably utilized for various actuators to be used for the mechanism for adjusting the displacement and the positioning and for adjusting the angle for various precision parts such as those of optical instruments and precision mechanical equipments.

[0296] It is a matter of course that the piezoelectric/electrostrictive device and the method for producing the same according to this invention are not limited to the embodiments described above, which may be embodied in other various forms without deviating from the gist or essential characteristics of this invention.