A clip for securing a sleeve to the body of a piezoelectric actuator in an actuator assembly, the clip taking the form of a band comprising first and second axially spaced ring-like members joined by a plurality of inwardly facing substantially arch shaped sections, the arch shaped sections defining the minimum inner diameter of the band, whereby axial displacement of the ring-like members way from one another causes flexing of the arch shaped sections to increase the minimum inner diameter of the band while axial displacement of the ring-like members towards one another causes flexing of the arch shaped sections to reduce the minimum inner diameter of the band thereby, when in use, to increase a clamping force applied to the sleeve.
1. A clip for securing a sleeve to the body of a piezoelectric actuator in an actuator assembly, the clip taking the form of a band comprising first and second axially spaced contiguous ring-like members joined by a plurality of inwardly facing substantially arch shaped sections, the arch shaped sections defining the minimum inner diameter of the band, whereby axial displacement of the ring-like members away from one another causes flexing of the arch shaped sections to increase the minimum inner diameter of the band while axial displacement of the ring-like members towards one another causes flexing of the arch shaped sections to reduce the minimum inner diameter of the band thereby, when in use, to increase a clamping force applied to the sleeve;
wherein each of the ring-like members is provided with engagement means for engagement with a tool to permit displacement of the ring-like members away from each other.
2. A clip as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the band is circular.
3. A clip as claimed in claim 2 , wherein the arch shaped sections are evenly circumferentially spaced between the ring-like members.
4. A clip as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the ring-like members and the arch shaped sections are integrally formed from a single material, the arch shaped sections being defined by cut-out regions, apertures or slots extending between the ring-like members and between adjacent arch shaped sections.
5. A clip as claimed in claim 1 made from a resilient material.
6. A clip as claimed in claim 5 made from spring steel.
7. A clip as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the engagement means comprise radially extending projections for engagement by corresponding projections provided on a suitable tool in the manner of a bayonet fastening.
8. A clip as claimed in claim 7 , wherein the radially extending projections extend inwardly from the inner surface of each ring-like member.
9. A clip for securing a sleeve to the body of a piezoelectric actuator in an actuator assembly, the clip taking the form of a band comprising first and second axially spaced ring-like members joined by a plurality of inwardly facing substantially arch shaped sections, each of the ring-like members being provided with engagement means for engagement with a tool to permit displacement of the ring-like members away from each other, the arch shaped sections defining the minimum inner diameter of the band, whereby axial displacement of the ring-like members away from one another causes flexing of the arch shaped sections to increase the minimum inner diameter of the band while axial displacement of the ring-like members towards one another causes flexing of the arch shaped sections to reduce the minimum inner diameter of the band thereby, when in use, to increase a clamping force applied to the sleeve.
10. A clip as claimed in claim 9 , wherein the engagement means comprise radially extending projections for engagement by corresponding projections provided on a suitable tool in the manner of a bayonet fastening.
11. A clip as claimed in claim 10 , wherein the radially extending projections extend inwardly from the inner surface of each ring-like member.