Displacement magnifying mechanism, polishing device, actuator, dispenser, and air valve

Abstract

The present invention provides a displacement amplifying mechanism capable of controlling a drive system in a simple manner, and also provides a polishing device, an actuator, an electronic component processing device, a dispenser, and an air valve. A displacement amplifying mechanism comprising: a base portion that serves as a base; a piezoelectric element that extends in a first lengthwise direction, and has one end portion thereof linked to an attachment surface of the base portion; a support member that extends in a second lengthwise direction intersecting the first lengthwise direction, and has one end portion thereof attached to the attachment surface alongside the piezoelectric element; an actuating portion that is connected to the respective other end portions of the piezoelectric element and the support member, and as a result of expansion and contraction of the piezoelectric element, is displaced in a displacement direction different from both the first lengthwise direction and the second lengthwise direction; and a compression member that is linked to both the base portion and the actuating portion, and compresses the piezoelectric element in the first lengthwise direction.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] [Related Applications] This application claims priority to PCT International Application No. PCT / JP2020 / 000358, filed on January 8, 2020, entitled "Displacement Magnification Mechanism, Actuator, Polishing Apparatus, Electronic Component Processing Apparatus, Dispenser, and Air Valve," the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The present invention relates to a displacement magnifying mechanism, an actuator, a polishing apparatus, an electronic component processing apparatus, a dispenser, and an air valve. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, piezoelectric elements have been used as elements that generate a required displacement with a relatively low voltage. Piezoelectric elements have a structure in which a material with piezoelectric effect and thin electrodes are alternately stacked, and have the function of converting force into voltage or converting voltage into force.

[0003] Piezoelectric elements can be delicately expanded or contracted by controlling the voltage applied to them, and are therefore used in a variety of fields, such as the ink ejection mechanisms of inkjet printers and the control mechanisms of actuators.

[0004] A piezoelectric element expands and contracts when a voltage is applied. However, since the displacement generated is small, a displacement magnifying mechanism is used to magnify the displacement of the expanding and contracting piezoelectric element and apply it to an object.

[0005] Patent Document 1 discloses a displacement magnifying mechanism that can effectively magnify and output the amount of displacement by displacing two piezoelectric elements. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2019 / 009035 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, because conventional displacement magnifying mechanisms use two piezoelectric elements, it is necessary to control the drive of each piezoelectric element, which poses the problem that it is difficult to control the drive system to obtain the desired displacement.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENTS Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a displacement magnifying mechanism, a polishing apparatus, an actuator, an electronic component processing apparatus, a dispenser, and an air valve, the drive system of which can be easily controlled. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The displacement amplification mechanism of the present invention comprises a base serving as a foundation, a piezoelectric element having one end connected to a mounting surface of the base and extending in a first longitudinal direction, a support member having one end attached to the mounting surface alongside the piezoelectric element and extending in a second longitudinal direction intersecting the first longitudinal direction, an acting portion connected to the other ends of the piezoelectric element and the support member and displaced in a displacement direction which is a direction different from each of the first longitudinal direction and the second longitudinal direction as the piezoelectric element expands and contracts, and a compression member connected to each of the base and the acting portion and compressing the piezoelectric element in the first longitudinal direction.

[0010] Furthermore, the rigidity of the piezoelectric element in the first longitudinal direction may be equal to or less than the rigidity of the support member in the second longitudinal direction.

[0011] The piezoelectric element may further include a connecting member that connects one end of the piezoelectric element to the base, the connecting member being made of a material having a higher thermal expansion coefficient than the support member.

[0012] Additionally, the connecting member may be formed integrally with the base.

[0013] The piezoelectric element may further include a connecting member that connects the other end of the piezoelectric element to the action portion, the connecting member being made of a material having a higher thermal expansion coefficient than the support member.

[0014] Also, the connecting member may be formed integrally with the action portion.

[0015] The rigidity of the support member in the displacement direction may be equal to or less than the rigidity of the piezoelectric element in the displacement direction.

[0016] Furthermore, in a cross section of the support member seen from the second longitudinal direction, the second moment of area about a central axis that is perpendicular to the displacement direction and passes through the center of the displacement direction of the support member may differ depending on the position in the second longitudinal direction.

[0017] Furthermore, at least one of an end portion in the first longitudinal direction of the piezoelectric element and an end portion in the second longitudinal direction of the support member may be provided with a hinge member that promotes deformation of the piezoelectric element and the support member in the displacement direction.

[0018] A hinge member that promotes deformation in the displacement direction of the piezoelectric element and the support member may be provided on at least one of the other end in the first longitudinal direction of the piezoelectric element and the other end in the second longitudinal direction of the support member.

[0019] Also, two compression members may be provided, and disposed at positions sandwiching the piezoelectric element and the support member.

[0020] In addition, the compression member may extend in a third longitudinal direction intersecting each of the first longitudinal direction and the second longitudinal direction when viewed in a plane including the first longitudinal direction and the second longitudinal direction, and the compression member may be formed with an expansion / contraction portion that is expandable and contractible in the third longitudinal direction.

[0021] At least one of the compression members may extend in a first longitudinal direction, and the compression member extending in the first longitudinal direction may be formed with an expandable portion that is expandable and contractable in the first longitudinal direction.

[0022] The polishing apparatus of the present invention further comprises a base portion serving as a foundation, a piezoelectric element having one end connected to a mounting surface of the base and extending in a first longitudinal direction, a support member having one end attached to the mounting surface alongside the piezoelectric element and extending in a second longitudinal direction intersecting the first longitudinal direction, an acting portion connected to the other ends of the piezoelectric element and the support member and displaced in a displacement direction which is a direction different from each of the first longitudinal direction and the second longitudinal direction as the piezoelectric element expands and contracts, compression members connected to the base and the acting portion and compress the piezoelectric element in the first longitudinal direction, and a polishing portion provided on the acting portion on the side opposite to the side to which the piezoelectric element and the support member are attached.

[0023] Moreover, the actuator of the present invention comprises a base serving as a foundation, a piezoelectric element having one end connected to a mounting surface of the base and extending in a first longitudinal direction, a support member having one end attached to the mounting surface alongside the piezoelectric element and extending in a second longitudinal direction intersecting the first longitudinal direction, an acting portion connected to the other ends of the piezoelectric element and the support member and displaced in a displacement direction which is a direction different from each of the first longitudinal direction and the second longitudinal direction as the piezoelectric element expands and contracts, a compression member connected to each of the base and the acting portion and compressing the piezoelectric element in the first longitudinal direction, and a drive portion which supplies a voltage or current to the piezoelectric element and the support member to drive the piezoelectric element to expand and contract.

[0024] Furthermore, the actuator of the present invention may be used to drive an actuator used to process electronic components in an electronic component device that processes chip-like electronic components.

[0025] Furthermore, the actuator of the present invention may be such that the electronic component processing device is a measuring device for measuring characteristics of the electronic component, and the actuator is a measuring probe that is brought into contact with the electronic component to measure the characteristics.

[0026] Furthermore, the actuator of the present invention may be such that the electronic component processing device is a measuring device for measuring the characteristics of the electronic component, the actuator is a suction nozzle for suctioning the electronic component, and the electronic component suctioned by the suction nozzle is brought into contact with a measurement probe for measuring the characteristics.

[0027] In addition, the actuator of the present invention may be an insertion device that inserts electronic components into a carrier tape when the electronic component processing device is taping the electronic components, the actuator being a suction nozzle for suctioning the electronic components, and the electronic components adsorbed by the suction nozzle being inserted into the tape.

[0028] The dispenser of the present invention also includes a liquid discharge member into which liquid is introduced and which discharges the introduced liquid, a valve which discharges and blocks the liquid from the liquid discharge member, and the aforementioned actuator which drives the valve.

[0029] In addition, the air valve of the present invention comprises a valve body having an air pressure chamber into which compressed air is introduced and an air exhaust port leading from the air pressure chamber to the outside, a valve body that operates to close and open the air exhaust port inside the air pressure chamber, and the aforementioned actuator that is provided in the air pressure chamber and drives the valve body. Effect of the Invention

[0030] In the displacement magnification mechanism according to the present invention, a piezoelectric element and a support member are attached to a base, and an action part is attached to these. Therefore, by displacing the piezoelectric element in the first longitudinal direction, the action part can be displaced in the displacement direction. As a result, by configuring the displacement magnification mechanism using only one piezoelectric element, it is possible to control the drive system more easily than when two piezoelectric elements are used.

[0031] In addition, since the displacement magnifying mechanism includes a compression member, a preload in the compression direction can be applied to the piezoelectric element, which is susceptible to damage from a load in the tensile direction, making it difficult for the load in the tensile direction to be applied to the piezoelectric element. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an example of a front view of a displacement magnifying mechanism according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example of a displacement magnifying mechanism. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an example of a front view of a compression member in the displacement magnifying mechanism. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an example of a front view of the displacement magnifying mechanism in a state where the compression member is not attached. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5A is an example of a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 4, and FIG. 5B is an example of a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an example of a front view of a displacement magnifying mechanism according to a first modified example. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an example of a perspective view of a displacement magnifying mechanism according to a first modified example. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an example of a front view of a compression member according to a first modified example. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an example of a side view of the displacement magnifying mechanism according to the first modified example in a state in which a compression member is not attached. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an example of a front view of a displacement magnifying mechanism according to the second modified example. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an example of a front view of a compression member according to the second modified example. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an example of a front view showing an example of an actuator using a displacement magnifying mechanism. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a front view showing an example in which the actuator of FIG. 12 is used to drive a measurement probe, which is an actuator used in processing electronic components. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which the electrical characteristics of an electronic component are being measured by a measurement probe. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a front view showing another example in which the actuator of FIG. 12 is used to drive a suction nozzle, which is an actuator used in processing electronic components. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a measuring device for measuring electronic components using an actuator equipped with a suction nozzle. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of an insertion device that uses an actuator equipped with a suction nozzle to insert electronic components into a carrier tape. [Figure 18]FIG. 18 is an example of a cross-sectional view illustrating an air valve according to one embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is an example of a front view of a polishing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is an example of a partial cross-sectional front view of a dispenser according to one embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is an example of a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the liquid discharge member of the dispenser in FIG. 20 is blocked. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is an example of a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the liquid discharge member of the dispenser of FIG. 20 is open. [Diagram 23] FIG. 23 is an example of a front view showing another modified example of the displacement magnifying mechanism. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a front view and a perspective view showing another modified example of the displacement magnifying mechanism. [Diagram 25] FIG. 25 shows an example of six-sided views and a perspective view illustrating another modified example of the displacement magnifying mechanism. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 shows an example of six-sided views and a perspective view illustrating another modified example of the displacement magnifying mechanism. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a front view showing a modified example of the displacement magnifying mechanism in which the connecting member 50 is not provided. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] (Displacement magnification mechanism 1) First, a displacement magnifying mechanism 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view of a displacement magnifying mechanism 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the displacement magnifying mechanism 1 is a mechanism that utilizes a piezoelectric element 20 to magnify the displacement of the piezoelectric element 20, which expands and contracts in response to an applied voltage, and to apply the magnified displacement to an object. The displacement magnifying mechanism 1 includes a base portion 10, a piezoelectric element 20, a support member 30, an action portion 40, a connecting member 50, and a compression member 60.

[0034] The base 10 is a part that serves as the base of the displacement magnification mechanism 1. For example, when the displacement magnification mechanism 1 is employed in various devices described below, the base 10 is attached to the device. A pair of mounting parts 11 for mounting the piezoelectric element 20 and the support member 30 are formed side by side on the base part 10. The base part 10 may have any shape or be made of any material as long as it is provided with the mounting parts 11 and can be installed in various devices in which the displacement magnifying mechanism 1 is provided. Specifically, the base 10 may be rectangular, as shown in Fig. 1. The base 10 may be made of a material such as a metal having a certain degree of rigidity, such as stainless steel.

[0035] The piezoelectric element 20 has one end connected to a mounting surface of the base 10. The piezoelectric element 20 is formed in an elongated shape extending in a first longitudinal direction D1. The mounting surface of the base 10 is formed in the mounting portion 11. The piezoelectric element 20 is a member that expands and contracts in response to an applied voltage. As shown in Fig. 1, the piezoelectric element 20 is connected to a mounting portion 11 on one side via a connecting member 50 described later. The piezoelectric element 20 can be formed, for example, in a rectangular shape as shown in Fig. 1. The main material constituting the piezoelectric element 20 can be a piezoelectric body that is a substance having a piezoelectric effect, such as PZT (lead zirconate titanate).

[0036] The piezoelectric element 20 may have a layered structure in which thin electrodes and thin piezoelectric bodies are alternately stacked. By using such a layered structure, it is possible to realize a large displacement even with a low voltage. In this example, the piezoelectric element 20 is formed in a rectangular shape, but is not limited to a rectangular shape, and may have any shape as long as it can efficiently cause a displacement in the operating portion 40 by the piezoelectric effect.

[0037] The support member 30 has one end attached to the attachment surface alongside the piezoelectric element 20. The support member 30 is formed in an elongated shape extending in a second longitudinal direction D2 intersecting the first longitudinal direction D1 in a plan view.

[0038] The rigidity of the piezoelectric element 20 in the first longitudinal direction D1 is equal to or lower than the rigidity of the support member 30 in the second longitudinal direction D2. In other words, when the support member 30 is pulled in the second longitudinal direction D2 and the piezoelectric element 20 is pulled in the first longitudinal direction D1, the support member 30 is less likely to deform or the amount of deformation is the same.

[0039] When the piezoelectric element 20 expands and contracts, the support member 30 also deforms accordingly. Then, the tip of the action portion 40 is displaced in the displacement direction D4. At this time, the piezoelectric element 20 and the support member 30 also deform along the displacement direction D4. The rigidity of the support member 30 in the displacement direction D4 is equal to or less than the rigidity of the piezoelectric element 20 in the displacement direction D4. In addition, in a cross section of the support member 30 seen from the second longitudinal direction D2, the second moment of area about a central axis M that is perpendicular to the displacement direction D4 and passes through the center of the support member 30 in the displacement direction D4 varies depending on the position in the second longitudinal direction D2. This point will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0040] 5(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 4, and FIG. 5(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. 4 and 5, the cross-sectional shape of the support member 30 differs depending on the position in the second longitudinal direction D2. When comparing the second moment of area about the central axis M in each cross-sectional shape, the cross-sectional shape shown in Fig. 5(a) has a larger second moment of area than the cross-sectional shape shown in Fig. 5(b).

[0041] 5(b), the second moment of area about the central axis M is reduced by locally cutting out the lightening portion 30A, which reduces the second moment of area. Thus, the support member 30 can have a higher degree of freedom in terms of the cross-sectional shape than the piezoelectric element 20.

[0042] 1, the action part 40 is connected to the other end of each of the piezoelectric element 20 and the support member 30. As the piezoelectric element 20 expands and contracts, the action part 40 displaces in a displacement direction D4 that is different from each of the first longitudinal direction D1 and the second longitudinal direction D2. At this time, when the piezoelectric element 20 expands and contracts, the support member 30 also deforms accordingly. Then, the tip of the action part 40 displaces in the displacement direction D4.

[0043] The connecting member 50 connects one end of the piezoelectric element 20 to the attachment portion 11 of the base portion 10. The connecting member 50 is made of a material having a higher thermal expansion coefficient than the supporting member 30. The connecting member 50 may be formed integrally with the mounting portion 11 of the base portion 10 . It is not necessary to provide the connecting member 50. In this case, one end of the piezoelectric element 20 is directly connected to the attachment portion 11.

[0044] Moreover, the connecting member 50 may be disposed at the other end of the piezoelectric element 20 instead of at one end of the piezoelectric element 20. That is, the connecting member 50 may connect the other end of the piezoelectric element 20 and the action portion 40. In this case, the connecting member 50 may be formed integrally with the action portion 40.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 1, the compression member 60 is connected to each of the base portion 10 and the action portion 40, and compresses the piezoelectric element 20 in a first longitudinal direction D1. 2, there are provided two compression members 60. The two compression members 60 are disposed at positions sandwiching the piezoelectric element 20 and the support member 30 therebetween.

[0046] 3, the compression member 60 extends in a third longitudinal direction D3 intersecting with the first longitudinal direction D1 and the second longitudinal direction D2 in a plan view. The compression member 60 is formed with an expandable portion 61 that is expandable in the third longitudinal direction D3.

[0047] 3, the stretchable portion 61 extends in the third longitudinal direction D3 in a plan view and is formed in a bellows shape that is repeatedly curved. In the illustrated example, the stretchable portion 61 is curved at three points in the third longitudinal direction, but the shape is not limited to this example and can be changed as desired. The stretchable portion 61 is formed in the middle portion of the compression member 60 in the third longitudinal direction D3. At both ends of the compression member 60 in the third longitudinal direction D3, fixing portions 62 having a large width dimension, which is the dimension in the direction perpendicular to the third longitudinal direction D3, are formed.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 4, a fixing slit 70 is formed in each of the action part 40 and the base part 10. The compression member 60 is attached to this fixing slit 70 as shown in Fig. 1. At this time, the compression member 60 is pulled and attached in a slightly stretched state. This will be described in detail below.

[0049] The dimension L1 in the third longitudinal direction D3 between the two fixing portions 62 shown in Figure 3 is shorter than the dimension L2 in the third longitudinal direction D3 between the fixing slits 70 formed in the action portion 40 and the base portion 10, respectively, shown in Figure 4. For this reason, when the compression member 60 is attached to the action part 40 and the fixing slit 70 of the base part 10, the compression member 60 is pulled in the third longitudinal direction D3 and attached in a slightly stretched elastically deformed state. As a result, after the compression member 60 is attached to the fixing slit 70, it is restored in deformation in the third longitudinal direction D3, so that a compressive force from the compression member 60 can be applied to the action part 40 and the base part 10.

[0050] (First Modification of Displacement Magnification Mechanism 1) Next, the displacement magnification mechanism 2 according to the first modified example will be described with reference to Fig. 6 to Fig. 7. Fig. 6 is a front view of the displacement magnification mechanism 2 according to the first modified example, Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the displacement magnification mechanism 2 according to the first modified example, Fig. 8 is a front view of a compression member 60B in the displacement magnification mechanism 2 according to the first modified example, and Fig. 9 is a side view of the displacement magnification mechanism 2 according to the first modified example before the compression member 60B is attached.

[0051] In the displacement magnification mechanism 2 according to the first modification, the position at which the compression members 60B are attached is different from that of the displacement magnification mechanism according to the first embodiment. That is, one of the two compression members 60B extends in a first longitudinal direction D1 along the piezoelectric element 20, and the other extends in a second longitudinal direction D2 along the support member 30. The compression member 60B extending in the first longitudinal direction D1 is formed with an expansion / contraction section 61B that is expandable and contractible in the first longitudinal direction D1.

[0052] At both ends in the first longitudinal direction D1 of the compression member 60B, fixed portions 62B having a large width dimension, which is the dimension in the direction perpendicular to the first longitudinal direction D1, are formed. The dimension L3 in the third longitudinal direction D3 between the two fixing portions 62B shown in Figure 8 is shorter than the dimension L4 in the third longitudinal direction D3 between the fixing slits 70 formed in the action portion 40 and the base portion 10, respectively, shown in Figure 9.

[0053] Therefore, when the compression member 60B is attached to the action portion 40 and the fixing slit 70 of the base portion 10, the compression member 60B is pulled in the first longitudinal direction D1 and attached in a slightly stretched and elastically deformed state. As a result, after the compression member 60B is attached to the fixing slit 70, it undergoes restoration deformation in the third longitudinal direction D3, so that a compressive force from the compression member 60B can be applied to the piezoelectric element 20 via the action portion 40 and the base portion 10.

[0054] (Second modified example of displacement magnifying mechanism 1) Next, a displacement magnification mechanism 3 according to a second modified example will be described with reference to Fig. 10 and Fig. 11. Fig. 10 is a front view of the displacement magnification mechanism 3 according to the second modified example, and Fig. 11 is a front view of a compression member 60 in the displacement magnification mechanism 3 according to the second modified example.

[0055] In the displacement magnification mechanism 3 according to the second modification, the shape of the compression member 60 is different from that of the displacement magnification mechanism according to the first embodiment. That is, the compression member 60 of the displacement magnification mechanism 3 according to this modification does not have the expandable portion 61, and extends straight in the third longitudinal direction D3 as a whole. The dimension L5 in the third longitudinal direction D3 between the two fixing portions 62 shown in Figure 11 is shorter than the dimension L2 in the third longitudinal direction D3 between the fixing slits 70 formed in the action portion 40 and the base portion 10, respectively, shown in Figure 10.

[0056] For this reason, when the compression member 60 is attached to the action part 40 and the fixing slit 70 of the base part 10, the compression member 60 is pulled in the first longitudinal direction D1 and attached in a slightly stretched elastically deformed state. As a result, after the compression member 60 is attached to the fixing slit 70, it is restored in deformation in the third longitudinal direction D3, so that a compressive force from the compression member 60 can be applied to the action part 40 and the base part 10.

[0057] In addition, as another modified example, a hinge member that promotes deformation of the piezoelectric element 20 and the support member 30 in the displacement direction D4 may be provided at at least one of one end of the piezoelectric element 20 in the first longitudinal direction D1 and one end of the support member 30 in the second longitudinal direction D2. Such a hinge member may be provided at least one of the other end of the piezoelectric element 20 in the first longitudinal direction D1 and the other end of the support member 30 in the second longitudinal direction D2.

[0058] FIG. 23 is a front view showing another modified example of the displacement magnifying mechanism. In the displacement magnification mechanism 2, it is required to convert the expansion and contraction deformation energy of the PZT into energy in the displacement direction D4 of the acting part 40 with as little waste as possible. However, in order to convert the expansion and contraction deformation of the PZT into the displacement direction D4 (vertical movement) of the acting part 40, it is essential that the PZT and the supporting member 30 deform in such a way that they bend up and down. Energy is required to cause bending deformation, but much of the energy required for this bending deformation is wasted. By creating a thin section (hinge section 35) in the center of support member 30, the energy required for bending deformation can be reduced, and the vertical kinetic energy of the action section can be increased accordingly, making bending deformation easier to occur.

[0059] On the other hand, if the width of the hinge portion 35 is too narrow, the rigidity of the support member 30 decreases, and the force generated by the vertical movement of the action portion 40 decreases. Accordingly, the vertical kinetic energy of the action portion 40 that can be extracted as output also decreases. Therefore, there is an appropriate range for the hinge width and length. As an example, it is desirable that the width of the hinge portion 35 is about 30% or less of the thickness of the support member 30, and the length is about 5% or more of the length of the support member 30. With this configuration, the amplitude of the vertical movement of the action portion 40 is improved by about 10% or more, and the vertical kinetic energy of the action portion 40 that can be extracted is improved by about 5% or more, compared to a configuration without the hinge portion 35. FIG. 24 shows a front view and a perspective view of another modified example of the displacement magnifying mechanism. By bringing the hinge portion 35 closer to the action portion 40 and by adding a mounting screw to the hinge portion 35, the resonant frequency of the actuator can be increased, and compared to FIG. 23, the resonant frequency can be increased by 10% or more. FIG. 25 is a six-view diagram and a perspective view showing another modified example of the displacement magnifying mechanism. In the configuration of FIG. 25, the support member 30 is molded integrally with the base 10, and the thickness t is set to, for example, 1.6 mm, which is thinner than the base 10 of FIG. 24, to provide a more compact displacement magnifying mechanism 2. By molding the support member 30 integrally with the base 10, not only can the number of parts be reduced by adopting a press or other construction method, but there is also the advantage that the production cost can be reduced. Furthermore, since it is molded integrally, the fastening rigidity between the support member 30 and the base 10 is the strength of the material itself. This allows the generated force of the piezoelectric element 20 to be transmitted more effectively to the action portion 40, which has the advantage of increasing the resonant frequency and increasing the kinetic energy that can be extracted from the action portion 40. FIG. 26 shows six views and a perspective view of another modified example of the displacement magnifying mechanism. 26, by reducing the number of parts, the number of fastening points between members can be minimized and the rigidity of the structure can be increased. As a result, the force that can be generated from the action portion 40 can be maximized.

[0060] As described above, in the displacement magnification mechanisms 1 to 3 according to the present embodiment, the piezoelectric element 20 and the support member 30 are attached to the base 10, and the action part 40 is attached to these. Therefore, by displacing the piezoelectric element 20 in the first longitudinal direction D1, the action part 40 can be displaced in the displacement direction D4. As a result, by configuring the displacement magnification mechanisms 1 to 3 using only one piezoelectric element 20, the drive system can be controlled more easily than when two piezoelectric elements 20 are used.

[0061] Furthermore, since the displacement magnifying mechanisms 1 to 3 include the compression member 60, a preload in the compression direction can be applied to the piezoelectric element 20. This makes it possible to prevent a load in the tensile direction from being applied to the piezoelectric element 20, which is easily damaged by a load in the tensile direction.

[0062] In addition, since the rigidity of the piezoelectric element 20 in the first longitudinal direction D1 is equal to or less than the rigidity of the support member 30 in the second longitudinal direction D2, it is possible to prevent the energy loss caused by the deformation of the support member 30 when the piezoelectric element 20 expands and contracts in the first longitudinal direction D1. This makes it possible to improve the energy efficiency of the displacement magnifying mechanisms 1 to 3.

[0063] In addition, a connecting member 50 is provided that connects one end of the piezoelectric element 20 to the base 10, and the connecting member 50 is made of a material with a higher thermal expansion coefficient than the support member 30. Therefore, even if the support member 30 undergoes a larger thermal expansion than the piezoelectric element 20, the connecting member 50 undergoes a larger thermal expansion than the support member 30, so that it is possible to prevent a large difference between the total amount of thermal expansion of the piezoelectric element 20 and the connecting member 50 located on one side of the structure connecting the base 10 and the operating portion 40 and the amount of thermal expansion of the support member 30 located on the other side. This makes it possible to prevent the initial position of the operating portion 40 in the displacement direction D4 from changing significantly due to the influence of heat. Furthermore, when the connecting member 50 is formed integrally with the base portion 10, the number of parts can be reduced. Fig. 27 is a front view showing a modified example of the displacement magnifying mechanism that does not include a connecting member 50. In the configuration of Fig. 27, the action part 40 and the base part 10 are connected by the piezoelectric element 20 without including a connecting member 50, so that the number of parts can be reduced and the production cost can be reduced.

[0064] Furthermore, even when the connecting member 50 is provided at a position that connects the other end of the piezoelectric element 20 to the operating portion 40, as described above, it is possible to prevent a large difference from occurring between the amount of thermal expansion on the piezoelectric element 20 side and the amount of thermal expansion on the support member 30 side.

[0065] Furthermore, since the rigidity of the support member 30 in the displacement direction D4 is less than or equal to the rigidity of the piezoelectric element 20 in the displacement direction D4, when the acting portion 40 displaces in the displacement direction D4 as the piezoelectric element 20 expands and contracts, it is possible to prevent the support member 30 from restricting the displacement of the acting portion 40 in the displacement direction D4.

[0066] Furthermore, in a cross section of the support member 30 seen from the second longitudinal direction D2, the second moment of area about the central axis M that is perpendicular to the displacement direction D4 and passes through the center of the displacement direction D4 of the support member 30 varies depending on the position in the second longitudinal direction D2. That is, unlike the piezoelectric element 20 formed by, for example, a laminated structure, the shape of the support member 30 can be designed with a certain degree of freedom. This makes it easy to provide the support member 30 with a portion that is easily locally deformed, and the displacement characteristics of the entire displacement magnification mechanisms 1 to 3 can be adjusted by the shape of the support member 30.

[0067] In addition, when a hinge member that promotes deformation of the piezoelectric element 20 and the support member 30 in the displacement direction D4 is provided at each of one end of the piezoelectric element 20 in the first longitudinal direction D1 and one end of the support member 30 in the second longitudinal direction D2, the hinge member can make it easier to deform the piezoelectric element 20 and the support member 30 in the displacement direction D4.

[0068] The same effects as those described above can be achieved even when the hinge members are provided at the other end of the piezoelectric element 20 in the first longitudinal direction D1 and at the other end of the support member 30 in the second longitudinal direction D2.

[0069] In addition, two compression members 60 are provided and positioned to sandwich the piezoelectric element 20 and the support member 30, so that a compressive force can be applied uniformly to the piezoelectric element 20 and the support member 30, compared to a configuration in which a single compression member 60 compresses the piezoelectric element 20 and the support member 30.

[0070] Furthermore, in the case where the compression member 60 is formed with the expandable and contractible portion 61, it becomes possible to easily expand the compression member 60 in the third longitudinal direction D3 when attaching the compression member 60 to the base portion 10 and the action portion 40. This ensures ease of assembly of the compression member 60.

[0071] (Actuator) Next, an example in which the displacement magnifying mechanism 1 of the present invention is used as an actuator will be described. 12 is a front view showing an example of an actuator 1000 using the displacement magnifying mechanism 2 according to the first modified example. The actuator 1000 is a controlled machine that is driven by an electric command and performs a predetermined motion. The actuator 1000 includes a displacement magnifying mechanism 2 and a driving section 80. The driving section 80 supplies a voltage or current to the piezoelectric element 20 and the support member 30 to drive the piezoelectric element 20 to expand and contract.

[0072] (An example of using an actuator to drive an actuator used to process electronic parts) Fig. 13 is a front view showing an example in which the actuator of Fig. 12 is used to drive an actuator used for processing electronic components. A measurement probe 1101, which is an actuator as an object, is attached to the tip of the action part 40 of the actuator 1000. The actuator is used to contact, for example, a chip-shaped electronic component to evaluate the characteristics of the electronic component.

[0073] The driving unit 80 supplies a voltage or current to the piezoelectric element 20 so that the piezoelectric element 20 is displaced by a predetermined amount. This allows the enlarged displacement to be transmitted to the measurement probe 1101, displacing the measurement probe 1101 in the displacement direction D4. The driving unit 80 also stops supplying the voltage or current to the piezoelectric element 20. This allows the measurement probe 1101 to return to its original position.

[0074] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a state in which the electrical characteristics of an electronic component are being measured by a measurement probe 1101. 14, a turntable 1090 of a measuring device used together with a measuring probe 1101 is rotatably provided and has a plurality of storage grooves 1091 for storing electronic components 1080 along the circumferential direction. While rotating the turntable 1090, the measuring probe 1101 as an actuator is repeatedly displaced (moved up and down) at high speed by a driving unit 80, thereby sequentially measuring electrical characteristics, etc. of the electronic components 1080 stored in the plurality of storage grooves 1091.

[0075] That is, when the turntable 1090 is rotated and the electronic component 1080 stored in the storage groove 1091 reaches the measurement position directly above the measurement probe 1101, the measurement probe 1101 is displaced upward. As a result, the tip of the measurement probe 1101 is brought into contact with the electrode 1081 provided on the underside of the electronic component 1080, the electrical characteristics of the electronic component 1080 are measured, and after the measurement, the measurement probe 1101 is displaced downward and retracted. Then, when the next electronic component 1080 reaches the measurement position, the same operation is performed again, and these operations are repeated at high speed.

[0076] In this way, by using the actuator 1000 for measuring electronic components, the measurement probe, which is the actuator, can be driven at high speed with a practical stroke. In addition, damage caused by tension on the piezoelectric element 20 and the effects of thermal expansion and creep can be reduced. Although an example in which the measurement probe 1101 of the measuring device is used as the action element has been described above, the action element is not limited to the measurement probe.

[0077] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a state in which the actuator 1000 having a suction nozzle 1102 attached as an operating element is used in an electronic component processing device, and shows a case in which the operating element to be driven is the suction nozzle that sucks an electronic component. The structure shown in FIG. 15 is the same as the structure shown in FIG. 13, except that the action element attached to the action portion 40 of the actuator 1000 is replaced with a suction nozzle 1102.

[0078] The suction nozzle 1102 is attached to the action part 40 so as to extend in the vertical direction. The suction nozzle 1102 is connected to a suction mechanism (not shown). Then, the electronic component is sucked by a suction mechanism such as a vacuum pump provided in the suction mechanism, whereby the electronic component is sucked by a suction port 1104 at the lower end of the suction nozzle 1102.

[0079] The actuator 1000 can be used in a measuring device for measuring electronic components. An example of the measuring device is shown in Fig. 16. This measuring device has the actuator 1000 (see Fig. 15), a suction nozzle 1102, a suction mechanism, a turntable 1110, a base 1120, and a measuring jig 1130.

[0080] The turntable 1110 is provided to be rotatable, and has a plurality of storage grooves 1111 arranged along the circumferential direction for storing the electronic components 1080. The storage grooves 1111 are provided so as to penetrate the turntable 1110. The electronic component 1080 is stored in the storage groove 1111 so that the electrodes 1081 face downward. The base 1120 rotatably supports the turntable 1110, and its surface serves as a transport surface for the electronic component 1080. A through hole 1121 is formed in the base 1120, a suction nozzle 1102 is provided above the through hole 1121 as an actuator, and a measuring tool 1130 is provided below the through hole 1121. The measuring tool 1130 is attached to a stand 1140, and a measuring terminal 1131 is provided on the upper surface of the measuring tool 1130 at a position corresponding to the electrode 1081 of the electronic component 1080.

[0081] Then, while rotating the turntable 1110, a predetermined voltage or current is supplied to the piezoelectric element 20, and the suction nozzle 100 acting as an actuator is repeatedly displaced (moved up and down) at high speed via the action portion 40, thereby sequentially suctioning the electronic components 1080 stored in the multiple storage grooves 1111 and measuring their electrical characteristics, etc.

[0082] That is, the turntable 1110 is rotated, and the electronic component 1080 stored in the storage groove 1111 is transported along the transport surface of the base 1120, and when it reaches a position corresponding to the through hole 1121, the electronic component 1080 is adsorbed by the suction nozzle 1102. In this state, suction nozzle 1102 is then displaced downward to bring electrodes 1081 of electronic component 1080 into contact with measurement terminals 1131 of measurement jig 1130, and the electrical characteristics of electronic component 1080 are measured.

[0083] After the measurement, the suction nozzle 1102 is displaced upward to return the electronic component 1080 that has been sucked by the suction nozzle 1102 to the transport surface, and the suction is released. Then, when the next electronic component 1080 reaches a position corresponding to the through hole 1121, the same operation is performed again, and these operations are repeated at high speed.

[0084] At this time, since the acting element is simply changed from the measurement probe 1101 to the suction nozzle 1102, the same effect as when the measurement probe 1101 is used can be obtained. Moreover, the actuator 1000 equipped with the suction nozzle 1102 can also be used in an insertion device that inserts electronic components into a carrier tape. An example of the insertion device is shown in Fig. 17. This insertion device has the actuator 1000 (see Fig. 15), the suction nozzle 1102, a suction mechanism, a turntable 1150, a base 1160, and a magnet 1180.

[0085] 17, the turntable 1150 is provided to be rotatable, and has a plurality of storage grooves 1151 arranged along the circumferential direction for storing the electronic components 1080. The storage grooves 1151 are provided so as to penetrate the turntable 1150. The base 1160 rotatably supports the turntable 1150, and its surface serves as a transfer surface for the electronic component 1080.

[0086] A carrier tape 1170 is movably disposed below the base 1160. A plurality of cavities 1171 for accommodating electronic components 1080 are provided at equal intervals in the carrier tape 1170. A through hole 1161 is formed in the base 1160 , a suction nozzle 1102 is provided above the through hole 1161 as an actuator, and a magnet 1180 is provided below the carrier tape 1170 at a position corresponding to the through hole 1161 .

[0087] Then, while rotating the turntable 1150 and moving the carrier tape 1170, a voltage or current is supplied to the piezoelectric element 20, causing the suction nozzle 1102 acting as an actuator to be displaced (moved up and down) repeatedly at high speed. As a result, electronic components 1080 stored in a plurality of storage grooves 1151 are sequentially inserted into cavities 1171 of carrier tape 1170. That is, turntable 1150 is rotated.

[0088] Then, the electronic component 1080 stored in the storage groove 1151 is transported along the transport surface of the base 1160, and when it reaches a position corresponding to the through hole 1161, the electronic component 1080 is adsorbed by the suction nozzle 1102 and the cavity 1171 is positioned at the position corresponding to the through hole 1161.

[0089] In this state, suction nozzle 1102 is then displaced downward, suction by suction nozzle 1102 is released, and electronic component 1080 is inserted into cavity 1171. After insertion, suction nozzle 1102 is displaced upward and returned to the position in FIG. Then, when the next electronic component 1080 reaches a position corresponding to through hole 1161, the same operation is performed again, and these operations are repeated at high speed. Note that magnet 1180 is for applying an electromagnetic attractive force to electronic component 1080 in cavity 1171 to stabilize the position of electronic component 1080. As described above, when the suction nozzle 1102 is used in the insertion device, the same effects as when the measurement probe 1101 is used can be obtained.

[0090] (Air valve) Next, an air valve using the actuator of the above embodiment will be described. Fig. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing an air valve according to one embodiment. An air valve is a machine that arbitrarily seals and exhausts gas supplied inside. As shown in FIG. 18, the air valve 3000 has a housing 3102 which defines an air pressure chamber 3101 into which pressurized air is introduced and in which an air exhaust port 3103 is formed leading from the air pressure chamber 3101 to the outside, a valve body 3200 which operates to close and open the air exhaust port 3103, and an actuator 3300 which drives the valve body 3200. The actuator 3300 has a configuration in which the displacement magnifying mechanism 1 according to the first embodiment is equipped with a drive unit 80.

[0091] An air supply port 3104 is formed in a housing 3102 that defines an air pressure chamber 3101, and compressed air is introduced from an air pressure supply source (not shown) through the air supply port 3104. The air supply port 3104 and the base 10 of the displacement magnification mechanism 1 are disposed on different planes. An air exhaust port 3103 is provided at one location in the wall of the housing 3102 so that gas can escape from the air pressure chamber 3101 to the outside of the air valve 3000 . The valve body 3200 can be formed, for example, from a rubber sheet.

[0092] 18, air supply port 3104 is provided at a position corresponding to piezoelectric element 20, that is, at a position where air supplied from air supply port 3104 is likely to hit. This is expected to have the effect of cooling piezoelectric element 20 by the flow of air supplied from air supply port 3104. Furthermore, when air supply port 3104 is arranged in a straight line with air exhaust port 3103, the pressure loss from air supply port 3104 to air exhaust port 3103 can be minimized.

[0093] The housing 3102 and the lid (not shown) may be made of die-cast aluminum or a resin material such as PPS. The lid has the same shape as the housing 3102 in a plan view, and is joined to the housing 3102 to seal the inside of the housing 3102. In the case of aluminum die-casting, the housing 3102 and the lid (not shown) can be joined airtightly by screws with an appropriate sealing material in between. In the case of resin material, ultrasonic welding or laser welding can be applied.

[0094] In the air valve 3000 configured in this manner, the driving section 80 of the actuator 3300 supplies a voltage or current to the piezoelectric element 20, causing the piezoelectric element 20 to expand or contract and output an expanded displacement from the action section 40. This causes the valve body 3200 to be displaced in the displacement direction D4, and a gap is formed between the valve body 3200 and the air discharge port 3103. This causes the compressed air supplied from the air supply port 3104 to pass through the spaces on both sides of the actuator 3300 and to be ejected from the air discharge port 3103 through the formed gap.

[0095] In addition, when no voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element 20, the air exhaust port 3103 may be blocked by the valve body 3200, and a contraction displacement may be generated in the piezoelectric element 20, causing the valve body 3200 to move away from the air exhaust port 3103, opening the air exhaust port 3103 and allowing compressed air to be ejected from the air exhaust port 3103, resulting in a normally closed state.

[0096] In addition, the air exhaust port 3103 may be in an open state when no voltage is applied, and when voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element 20, causing it to expand and displace, the valve body 3200 may be displaced and the air exhaust port 3103 may be normally open, blocking it. In this way, an elongation displacement is generated in the piezoelectric element 20, and air leakage or the like can be prevented.

[0097] (polishing equipment) Next, a description will be given of a polishing apparatus using the displacement magnifying mechanism 1 according to the first embodiment. The polishing apparatus is an apparatus that automatically polishes an object to be polished. 19 is a front view showing an example of the configuration of a polishing apparatus 900 using the displacement magnifying mechanism 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The polishing apparatus 900 includes the displacement magnifying mechanism 1 and a polishing part 800 provided on the surface of the action part 40 opposite to the surface in contact with the piezoelectric element 20.

[0098] The polishing device 900 is attached to the action part 40 of the displacement magnification mechanism 1, and the polishing part 800 as a polishing tool is in contact with the workpiece 901 to be polished with its tip abutted against the workpiece 901, or with free abrasive grains 902 interposed therebetween. The polishing method exemplified here has free abrasive grains 902 mixed in a liquid at the polishing position, and the polishing part 800 slides over the surface of the workpiece 901 to be polished by expanding and contracting the piezoelectric element 20, thereby polishing the workpiece 901. However, a polishing method in which diamond abrasive grains or the like are fixed directly to the polishing part 800 and polished can also be considered.

[0099] Even if the polishing apparatus 900 is configured such that the workpiece 901 is attached to the action part 40 and the polishing part 800 is fixed, the relative movement between the polishing part 800 and the workpiece 901 remains unchanged, so similar polishing can be performed.

[0100] By configuring the polishing apparatus 900 in this manner, it is possible to provide a polishing apparatus 900 that can efficiently eliminate the tensile force applied to the piezoelectric element 20 and efficiently prevent damage to the piezoelectric element 20 or peeling of the connection points due to the tensile force being applied thereto.

[0101] (Dispenser) Next, a dispenser using the actuator of the above embodiment will be described. The dispenser is a device that automatically switches between filling and discharging liquid. Fig. 20 is a partially sectional front view showing a dispenser according to one embodiment, and Fig. 21 is a sectional view showing a state in which the liquid discharge member of the dispenser in Fig. 20 is closed. Fig. 22 is a sectional view showing a state in which the liquid discharge member of the dispenser in Fig. 20 is opened.

[0102] 20, the dispenser 2000 has a liquid discharge member 2100 into which liquid is introduced and which discharges the introduced liquid, a valve 2200 which discharges and blocks the liquid from the liquid discharge member 2100, and an actuator 2300 which drives the valve 2200. The actuator 2300 has a configuration in which the displacement magnifying mechanism 2 according to the first modified example is provided with a drive unit 80.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 21, the liquid ejection member 2100 has a main body 2101, a liquid chamber 2102 through which a valve 2200 formed in the main body 2101 is inserted, a liquid introduction portion 2103 that introduces liquid into the liquid chamber 2102, a liquid ejection port 2104 that communicates with the bottom of the liquid chamber 2102, and a valve seat 2105 that is provided at the bottom of the liquid chamber 2102 and on which the tip of the valve 2200 sits.

[0104] Valve 2200 is rod-shaped with a spherical tip, extends vertically, and liquid chamber 2102 is cylindrical in shape corresponding to the shape of valve 2200. Normally, as shown in Fig. 21, the tip of valve 2200 is seated on valve seat 2105, and liquid ejection port 2104 is blocked. In this state, no liquid is ejected.

[0105] The valve 2200 is adapted to be driven to move up and down in a displacement direction D4 by an actuator 2300. By driving the actuator 2300 to raise the valve 2200 from the state in Fig. 21, the liquid ejection port 2104 is opened as shown in Fig. 22, and liquid is ejected from the liquid ejection port 2104.

[0106] The actuator 2300 has a similar structure to the actuator 1000 of FIG. A valve 2200 is attached to the action portion 40. The action portion 40 is made of a high-tensile aluminum material in order to reduce weight, and may be processed so that the central portion becomes a thin-walled portion 501 as shown in the figure.

[0107] Then, by applying a voltage to the piezoelectric element 20 by the driving unit 80 to expand it, the action unit 40 is driven upward, and the valve 2200 can be raised accordingly. Moreover, by releasing the application of the voltage to the piezoelectric element 20, the valve 2200 can be lowered. Moreover, the valve 2200 can be moved up and down by generating a contraction displacement in the piezoelectric element 20.

[0108] The base 10 of the actuator 2300 is supported by a base 2400. The base 2400 also supports the liquid ejection member 2100. In addition, when no voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element 20, as shown in FIG. 21, the liquid outlet 2104 is blocked by the valve 2200, and by causing the piezoelectric element 20 to expand and displace, as shown in FIG. 22, the valve 2200 may rise to open the liquid outlet 2104, causing liquid to be ejected from the liquid outlet 2104, resulting in a normally closed state. In addition, when no voltage is applied, the valve 2200 opens the liquid outlet 2104, and when a voltage is applied to cause the piezoelectric element 20 to contract, the valve 2200 may be normally open, so that the liquid outlet 2104 is closed.

[0109] (Other applications) Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the above embodiment should be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The above embodiment may be omitted, substituted, or modified in various forms without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.

[0110] For example, a plurality of displacement magnification mechanisms 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be arranged in series or in parallel for combined use. In this case, it is also possible to connect a plurality of displacement magnification mechanisms 1 in series, that is, to connect the base portion 10 of one displacement magnification mechanism 1 to the action portion 40 of another displacement magnification mechanism 1, thereby making it possible to increase the displacement. This type of use is particularly effective in locations with severe space constraints. Also, variations in the connection method are possible, such as connecting two displacement magnification mechanisms 1 at a connection angle of 90°.

[0111] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a case has been described in which a piezoelectric element 20 is used as an expansion and contraction element, but there is no particular limitation as long as the element is expandable, and it is also possible to use other elements having an expansion and contraction function, such as a magnetostrictive element or a shape memory alloy. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 1 Displacement magnification mechanism 10 base 11 Mounting part 20 Piezoelectric element 30 Support member 40 Working part 50 Connecting member 70 Drive unit 800 Polishing section 900 Polishing equipment 1000 Actuators 2000 Dispenser 3000 Air Valve

Claims

1. The foundation and a piezoelectric element having one end coupled to the mounting surface of the base and extending in a first longitudinal direction; a support member having one end attached to the mounting surface alongside the piezoelectric element and extending in a second longitudinal direction intersecting the first longitudinal direction; an action portion connected to the other end of each of the piezoelectric element and the support member, and displaced in a displacement direction that is a direction different from each of the first longitudinal direction and the second longitudinal direction in response to expansion and contraction of the piezoelectric element; a compression member connected to each of the base portion and the action portion and configured to compress the piezoelectric element in the first longitudinal direction; The first longitudinal direction and the second longitudinal direction intersect on the action portion side, the compression member is not disposed within a space surrounded by the piezoelectric element, the support member, and the base; A displacement magnification mechanism characterized by:

2. 2. The displacement magnifying mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the rigidity of the piezoelectric element in the first longitudinal direction is equal to or less than the rigidity of the support member in the second longitudinal direction.

3. a connecting member that connects the one end of the piezoelectric element and the base, 3. The displacement magnifying mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the connecting member is made of a material having a higher thermal expansion coefficient than the supporting member.

4. 4. The displacement magnifying mechanism according to claim 3, wherein the connecting member is formed integrally with the base portion.

5. a connecting member that connects the other end of the piezoelectric element and the action portion, 3. The displacement magnifying mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the connecting member is made of a material having a higher thermal expansion coefficient than the supporting member.

6. 6. The displacement magnifying mechanism according to claim 5, wherein the connecting member is formed integrally with the action portion.

7. 7. The displacement magnifying mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the rigidity of the support member in the displacement direction is equal to or lower than the rigidity of the piezoelectric element in the displacement direction.

8. The displacement magnification mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that in a cross section of the support member seen from the second longitudinal direction, a second moment of area about a central axis that is perpendicular to the displacement direction and passes through a center of the displacement direction of the support member varies depending on a position in the second longitudinal direction.

9. The displacement magnification mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a hinge member is provided at at least one of an end portion of the piezoelectric element in the first longitudinal direction and an end portion of the support member in the second longitudinal direction, the hinge member promoting deformation of the piezoelectric element and the support member in the displacement direction.

10. The displacement magnification mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a hinge member is provided on at least one of the other end of the piezoelectric element in the first longitudinal direction and the other end of the support member in the second longitudinal direction, which promotes deformation of the piezoelectric element and the support member in the displacement direction.

11. 9. The displacement magnifying mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the compression members are two in number and are disposed at positions sandwiching the piezoelectric element and the support member.

12. the compression member extends in a third longitudinal direction intersecting each of the first longitudinal direction and the second longitudinal direction in a plan view including the first longitudinal direction and the second longitudinal direction, The displacement magnifying mechanism according to claim 1 , wherein the compression member is formed with an expandable portion that is expandable in the third longitudinal direction.

13. The displacement magnification mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the compression member extends in the first longitudinal direction, and an extension portion that is extendable and contractable in the first longitudinal direction is formed in the compression member extending in the first longitudinal direction.

14. 14. The displacement magnifying mechanism according to claim 1, wherein a tip of the action portion is a flat surface.

15. The foundation and a piezoelectric element having one end coupled to the mounting surface of the base and extending in a first longitudinal direction; a support member having one end attached to the mounting surface alongside the piezoelectric element and extending in a second longitudinal direction intersecting the first longitudinal direction; an action portion connected to the other end of each of the piezoelectric element and the support member, and displaced in a displacement direction that is a direction different from each of the first longitudinal direction and the second longitudinal direction in response to expansion and contraction of the piezoelectric element; a compression member connected to the base portion and the action portion, and configured to compress the piezoelectric element in the first longitudinal direction; a polishing portion provided on a surface of the action portion opposite to a surface on which the piezoelectric element and the support member are attached, The first longitudinal direction and the second longitudinal direction intersect on the action portion side, the compression member is not disposed within a space surrounded by the piezoelectric element, the support member, and the base; A polishing apparatus characterized by:

16. The foundation and a piezoelectric element having one end coupled to the mounting surface of the base and extending in a first longitudinal direction; a support member having one end attached to the mounting surface alongside the piezoelectric element and extending in a second longitudinal direction intersecting the first longitudinal direction; an action portion connected to the other end of each of the piezoelectric element and the support member, and displaced in a displacement direction that is a direction different from each of the first longitudinal direction and the second longitudinal direction in response to expansion and contraction of the piezoelectric element; a compression member connected to the base portion and the action portion, and configured to compress the piezoelectric element in the first longitudinal direction; a drive unit that supplies a voltage or a current to the piezoelectric element and the support member to drive the piezoelectric element to expand and contract, The first longitudinal direction and the second longitudinal direction intersect on the action portion side, the compression member is not disposed within a space surrounded by the piezoelectric element, the support member, and the base; An actuator comprising:

17. The actuator according to claim 16, which drives an actuator used in processing electronic components in an electronic component processing device.

18. 17. The actuator according to claim 16, in a measuring device for measuring characteristics of an electronic component, the actuator driving a measuring probe that comes into contact with the electronic component to measure the characteristics.

19. 17. The actuator according to claim 16, in a measuring device for measuring characteristics of an electronic component, wherein a suction nozzle for suctioning the electronic component is driven to bring the electronic component suctioned by the suction nozzle into contact with a measurement probe for measuring the characteristics.

20. 17. The actuator according to claim 16, in an insertion device that inserts electronic components into a carrier tape, the actuator inserting an electronic component sucked by a suction nozzle for sucking the electronic component into the tape.

21. a liquid discharge member into which liquid is introduced and which discharges the introduced liquid; a valve for discharging and blocking liquid from the liquid discharge member; An actuator according to claim 16 for actuating the valve; A dispenser comprising:

22. a valve body having an air pressure chamber into which compressed air is introduced and an air exhaust port leading from the air pressure chamber to the outside; a valve body operable within the air pressure chamber to close and open the air exhaust port; The actuator according to claim 16, which is provided in the air pressure chamber and drives the valve body; An air valve equipped with

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