A reciprocating linear actuator capable of reciprocatingly driving a plurality of movable elements (2 and 2) by a single stator (1). The movable elements (2 and 2) are connected to each other through a connection body (3) having a spring characteristic to be capable of displacement in the reciprocating direction of the movable element. The connection body (3) has such a shape that can be drawn with a single stroke on a two dimensional plane, and at least both ends thereof are connected to the movable elements (2 and 2), respectively. Since the connection body (3) is made of a flat spring, it requires less space for installation as compared to a connection body formed of a coiled spring. Further, since the entire connection body has an effective spring characteristic, a relatively smaller size is required for the connection body to provide a required spring characteristic. The less installation space for the connection body (3) is advantageous to a reduction in size of the linear actuator.
A reciprocatory dry shaver has a shaving head carrying an outer cutter, and an inner cutter. An actuator is mounted in the shaving head for driving the inner cutter. The actuator includes an oscillator which carries a joint for driving connection to the inner cutter. Resilient coupling links are provided to support the oscillator to the shaving head in order to allow the oscillator to reciprocate relative to the shaving head. The resilient coupling link has its upper end coupled to the oscillator and has its lower end which is farther away from the inner cutter than the oscillator and is anchored to the shaving head. Thus, the oscillator is supported as being floated or lifted with respect to the shaving head, thereby being allowed to travel along a path which is somewhat arcuate in coincidence with the arc of the outer cutter.
