抄録
We propose an inchworm-type microactuator which uses levitation caused by vertical vibration. The vertical vibration is generated by a piezoelectric actuator. The inchworm usually consists of thrust elements and clamp elements. The proposed inchworm-type microactuator however does not use any clamp elements. Three levitation elements are connected with two thrust elements which are stacked-type piezoelectric actuators. The levigation element consists of a mass, a piezoelectric actuator and a plate. The vertical vibration of the piezoelectric actuator lifts the levitation elements, and eliminates the friction. By controlling the phase of the horizontal and vertical piezoelectric actuators, the inchworm moves in the linear directions. The levitation height and the position of the inchworm are measured, and some experimental results show the feasibility of the proposed inchworm. The mechanism described in this paper is effective in a precise positioning system in a cleanroom.
