Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A piezoelectric actuator comprises a stack of piezoelectric elements formed from piezoelectric material, a plurality of positive internal electrodes interdigitated with a plurality of negative internal electrodes to define active regions of the piezoelectric material which are responsive to a voltage being applied across the internal electrodes, in use. The active regions are responsive to voltage applied across the internal electrodes, in use. The piezoelectric actuator also comprises an external positive electrode for connection to the positive internal electrodes and an external negative electrode for connection to the negative internal electrodes. The stack includes an inactive stack region that defines a resistive element in the form of a coating of resistive material applied to an outer peripheral surface and/or an inner peripheral surface of the inactive stack region, wherein the resistive element is arranged to connect between the external positive electrode and the external negative electrode to allow charge to dissipate from the stack.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim