Wire clamp with piezoelectric actuator and method and apparatus for applying a preload force to the piezoelectric actuator

1. A wire clamp, comprising: a clamp body;

a pair of arms coupled to the clamp body; and

a piezoelectric actuator having a longitudinal axis extending between a first end and a second end, the actuator being coupled to the pair of arms at the first end and to the clamp body at the second end;

wherein the second end of the actuator is coupled to the clamp body by a preload mechanism for applying a preload force along the longitudinal axis, and

wherein the preload mechanism comprises at least one wedge having an inclined surface which is slidable over a mating inclined surface.

2. A wire clamp according to claim 1 , wherein the inclined surface has an angle of inclination which is less than a critical angle required for self-locking.

3. A wire clamp according to claim 1 , wherein the mating inclined surface is a mating inclined surface of another wedge.

4. A wire clamp according to claim 3 , wherein the other wedge is removable from the clamp body.

5. A wire clamp according to claim 1 , wherein the preload mechanism is disposed in a gap between the second end of the actuator and the clamp body.

6. A wire clamp according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one wedge is slidably insertable into a gap between the mating inclined surface and the piezoelectric actuator, or a gap between the clamp body and the mating inclined surface, to apply the preload force.

7. A wire clamp according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one wedge comprises at least one lug which is engageable to withdraw the at least one wedge from the wire clamp.