Drive device, photographic device and electronic device

Abstract

The present invention provides a driving device that can simply and accurately move a mover relative to a stator in the x-axis direction, y-axis direction, and rotate about the z-axis. The driving device includes a stator, a mover, and four extensible shape memory alloy support bodies. The mover can rotate circumferentially about a first axis extending in a certain direction relative to the stator, and can also move in the direction of a second axis and a third axis that are perpendicular to and intersect each other and perpendicular to the first axis. The four support bodies extend from one end to the other end, the one end is fixed to the stator, the other end is fixed to the mover, the direction from the one end to the other end of the four support bodies is a direction intersecting with the radial direction centered on the first axis, and the components in the circumferential direction of the center are in the same rotation direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a driving device. The driving device is used in electronic devices such as a photographic device and a smartphone that can incorporate the photographic device, and drives a mover that moves relative to a stator fixed in position, etc.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a driving device that drives a mover that moves relative to a stator fixed in position in a photographic device. The driving device includes a stator, a mover, and four extensible shape memory alloy (SMA)-made support bodies. The mover can rotate circumferentially about a z-axis extending in a certain direction relative to the stator, and can also move in an x-axis direction and a y-axis direction that extend perpendicular to and intersect each other perpendicularly with respect to the z-axis. The four support bodies extend from one end to the other end, one end is fixed to the stator side, and the other end is fixed to the mover side. The direction of each of the four support bodies from one end to the other end is opposite to that of the support body adjacent to it circumferentially about the z-axis.

[0003] By causing the support bodies opposite to each other about the z-axis to contract or extend with the same contraction amount or the same elongation amount, the mover is moved relative to the stator in the x-axis direction or the y-axis direction. In each of the two groups of support bodies opposite to each other about the z-axis, one group of support bodies is caused to contract and the other group of support bodies is caused to extend. By controlling the contraction amount and the elongation amount, the mover is rotated about the z-axis relative to the stator.

[0004]

Prior Art Documents

[0005]

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0007]

Technical Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] In a conventional driving device, when the mover is rotated about the z-axis relative to the stator, the contraction amount and the elongation amount are different when causing one to contract and the other to extend in each of the two groups of support bodies opposite to each other about the z-axis, so that the rotation center does not move. Therefore, it is necessary to accurately control the contraction amount and the elongation amount.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned old problems and provide a driving device that can simply and accurately move the mover relative to the stator in the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction and rotate it about the z-axis.

[0010]

Technical Solution

[0011] One form of the present invention is a driving device, including a stator, a mover, and four retractable shape memory alloy support bodies; the mover can rotate circumferentially around a first axis extending in a certain direction relative to the stator, and can also move in the direction of a second axis and a third axis that are perpendicular to and intersect each other perpendicularly with respect to the first axis; the four support bodies extend from one end to the other end, the one end is fixed to the stator, the other end is fixed to the mover, the direction from the one end to the other end of the four support bodies is a direction intersecting the radial direction centered on the first axis, and the circumferential component at the center is in the same rotation direction.

[0012] Another form of the present invention is a photographic device including the driving device.

[0013] Another form of the present invention is an electronic device including the driving device.

[0014]

Beneficial Effects

[0015] According to the present invention, there are a stator, a mover, and four SMA support bodies. One end of each of the four support bodies is fixed to the stator, and the other end is fixed to the mover. The direction from the one end to the other end of the four support bodies is a direction intersecting the radial direction centered on a first circumference extending in a certain direction, and it is a direction where the circumferential components are all in the same direction. Therefore, the mover can be simply and accurately moved relative to the stator in the x-axis direction, y-axis direction, and rotated around the z-axis.

Description of the Drawings

[0016] Figure 1A It is a plan view showing the first embodiment of the driving device involved in the present invention; Figure 1B 、 Figure 1C respectively show an example of the state where the mover moves in the direction of the second axis (x-axis) from the Figure 1A state.

[0017] Figure 2A 、 Figure 2B respectively show an example of the state where the mover moves in the direction of the third axis (y-axis) from the Figure 1A state.

[0018] Figure 3A 、 Figure 3B respectively show an example of the state where the mover rotates around the first axis (z-axis) from the Figure 1A state.

[0019] Figure 4A A plan view showing a second embodiment of the drive device involved in the present invention;

[0020] Figure 4B Showing Figure 4A An example of a state where the mover moves in the direction of the second axis (x-axis) in a certain state;

[0021] Figure 4C Showing Figure 4A An example of a state where the mover rotates clockwise about the first axis (z-axis) in a certain state.

[0022] Figure 5A A plan view showing a third embodiment of the drive device involved in the present invention;

[0023] Figure 5B Showing Figure 5A An example of a state where the mover moves in the direction of the second axis (x-axis) in a certain state;

[0024] Figure 5C Showing Figure 5A An example of a state where the mover rotates clockwise about the first axis (z-axis) in a certain state.

[0025] Figure 6A and Figure 6B respectively show a plan view of an example of a fourth embodiment of the drive device involved in the present invention.

[0026] Figure 7A and Figure 7B respectively show plan views of other examples of a fourth embodiment of the drive device involved in the present invention.

[0027]

Reference Signs

[0028] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G Drive device

[0029] 2 Stator

[0030] 21 First stator

[0031] 22 Second stator

[0032] 3 Mover

[0033] 31 First mover

[0034] 32 Second mover

[0035] 4 Support

[0036] 4a One end

[0037] 4b The other end

[0038] 41 First support

[0039] 42 Second support

[0040] 43 Third support

[0041] 44 Fourth support

[0042] 5 Support

[0043] 5a One end

[0044] 5b The other end

[0045] 55 Fifth support

[0046] 56 Sixth support

[0047] 57 Seventh support

[0048] 58 Eighth support

[0049] 8 z-axis

[0050] 9 x-axis

[0051] 10 y-axis

Detailed implementation manners

[0052] An example of an implementation form of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0053] The drive device 1 of the implementation form of the present invention includes a stator 2, a mover 3, and four telescopic support bodies 4 made of shape memory alloy (hereinafter referred to as SMA for short). The support bodies 4 are all in the shape of straight steel wires, with one end 4a extending towards the other end 4b. This one end 4a is fixed to the stator 2, and the other end 4b is fixed to the mover 3. The support body 4 has the property of elongating and contracting in the axial direction of the steel wire shape with the temperature change caused by the applied current. In such drive devices 1, the mover 3 can rotate circumferentially around the first axis extending in a certain direction relative to the stator 2, and can also move in the direction of the second axis and the direction of the third axis that are respectively perpendicular to and perpendicular to each other with respect to the first axis.

[0054] The stator 2 in the following implementation form is a component fixed in position in electronic devices such as photographic devices and smartphones. Specifically, it is a component of a lens drive device that is fixed in a photographic device and an electronic device to move a lens body along the optical axis direction for focusing.

[0055] The mover 3 is a component configured to be movable relative to the stator 2 in a photographic device, an electronic device, etc. Specifically, it is an image sensor that receives light passing through the lens body in the above-mentioned photographic device and electronic device, and a component that supports the image sensor.

[0056] Below, with reference to the drawings, the above-mentioned first axis, second axis, and third axis will be respectively labeled as the z-axis 8, x-axis 9, and y-axis 10 for explanation. In addition, the positions where one end 4a of the retractable SMA support 4 is fixed relative to the stator 2 and the position where the other end 4b of the support 4 is fixed relative to the mover 3 are marked on the drawings to illustrate the embodiments of the present invention. Thus, the positions where one end 4a and the other end 4b of the support 4 are fixed to the stator 2 and the mover 3 can be illustrated. Therefore, in the following embodiments, the shapes and structures of the stator 2 and the mover 3 are merely illustrative examples. In the embodiments of the present invention, the stator 2 and the mover 3 can adopt various shapes and structures.

[0057] 1. First Embodiment

[0058] Here, with the help of Figure 1A The configuration of the drive device 1A of the first embodiment will be described in detail. The drive device 1A includes a stator 2, a mover 3, and four supports 4, namely the first support 41, the second support 42, the third support 43, and the fourth support 44. Below in this specification, the first support 41, the second support 42, the third support 43, and the fourth support 44 may be collectively referred to as the support 4.

[0059] The support 4 disposed to the right of the x-axis 9 and extending in the y-axis 10 direction is the first support 41. The supports disposed in the first, second, and third positions in the circumferential direction around the z-axis 8 from the first support 41 in the counterclockwise direction are the second support 42, the third support 43, and the fourth support 44 respectively.

[0060] The first support 41 has one end 41a in the fourth quadrant and the other end 41b in the first quadrant, and extends from one end 41a to the other end 41b in the first direction 11, and the first direction 11 is along the y-axis 10 direction. The first support 41 is fixed to a specified position of the stator 2 at one end 41a and fixed to a specified position of the mover 3 at the other end 41b. Below in this specification, one end 41a, 42a, 43a, 44a may be collectively referred to as one end 4a. Similarly, the other end 41b, 42b, 43b, 44b may be collectively referred to as the other end 4b in this specification.

[0061] The second support 42 has one end 42a in the first quadrant and the other end 42b in the second quadrant, and extends from the one end 42a to the other end 42b in the second direction 12, and the second direction 12 is along the direction of the x-axis 9. The second support 42 is fixed to a specified position of the stator 2 at the one end 42a and fixed to a specified position of the rotor 3 at the other end 42b.

[0062] The third support 43 has one end 43a in the second quadrant and the other end 43b in the third quadrant, and extends from the one end 43a to the other end 43b in the third direction 13, and the third direction 13 is along the direction of the y-axis 10. The third support 43 is fixed to a specified position of the stator 2 at the one end 43a and fixed to a specified position of the rotor 3 at the other end 43b.

[0063] The fourth support 44 has one end 44a in the third quadrant and the other end 44b in the fourth quadrant, and extends from the one end 44a to the other end 44b in the fourth direction 14, and the fourth direction 14 is along the direction of the x-axis 9. The fourth support 44 is fixed to a specified position of the stator 2 at the one end 44a and fixed to a specified position of the rotor 3 at the other end 44b.

[0064] It is preferable that all the one ends 4a are set at the same position in the direction of the z-axis 8. It is preferable that all the other ends 4b are set at the same position in the direction of the z-axis 8. In the present embodiment, all of the one end 41a and the other end 41b, the one end 42a and the other end 42b, the one end 43a and the other end 43b, and the one end 44a and the other end 44b are located on the plane formed by the x-axis 9 and the y-axis 10, that is, at the position where z = 0. In addition, regarding the one end 4a and the other end 4b, as shown in the present embodiment, it is preferable that they are both set at the same position in the direction of the z-axis 8, but they may also be set at different positions.

[0065] As described above Figures 1A to 1C shown, the first direction 11, the second direction 12, the third direction 13, and the fourth direction 14 are directions intersecting the radial direction centered on the z-axis 8, and the components in the circumferential direction of the center are in the same rotational direction. As in the Figures 1A to 1C shown embodiment, the components of the first direction 11, the second direction 12, the third direction 13, and the fourth direction 14 in the circumferential direction centered on the z-axis 8 are all in the counterclockwise rotational direction. In the present embodiment, the direction intersecting the radial direction centered on the z-axis 8 is the direction perpendicular to the radial direction.

[0066] If the first direction 11, the second direction 12, the third direction 13, and the fourth direction 14 are directions intersecting the radial direction centered on the z-axis 8, and the components in the circumferential direction of the center are in the same rotational direction, then the positions where the one ends 4a of the four supports 4 are fixed to the stator 2 can be appropriately set. In addition, the positions where the other ends 4b are fixed to the rotor 3 can also be appropriately set.Figure 1A In the illustrated embodiment, the positions of one ends 4a fixed to the stator 2 are equally spaced positions in the circumferential direction of a circle centered on the z-axis 8. Further, the positions of the other ends 4b fixed to the rotor 3 are equally spaced positions in the circumferential direction of a circle centered on the z-axis 8.

[0067] Next, with reference to Figures 1A to 3B , an example of the operation of the drive device 1A of this embodiment will be described. When describing the operation of the drive device 1A, the position of the drive device 1A shown in Figure 1A is used as the reference position.

[0068] (Movement of the rotor in the x-axis direction)

[0069] To move the rotor 3 in the positive x-axis 9 direction, control the amount of elongation and contraction of the second support 42 and the fourth support 44 that face each other across the z-axis 8 and extend in the x-axis 9 direction. In other words, contract the second support 42 by a specified amount and extend the fourth support 44 by the same amount as the contraction amount of the second support 42. Further, as needed, finely adjust the amount of elongation and contraction of the first support 41 and the third support 43 that face each other across the z-axis 8 and extend in the y-axis 10 direction. As a result, as shown in Figure 1B , the rotor 3 moves from the reference position in the positive x-axis 9 direction.

[0070] Similarly, to move the rotor 3 in the negative x-axis 9 direction, extend the second support 42 by a specified amount and contract the fourth support 44 by the same amount as the elongation amount of the second support 42. Further, as needed, finely adjust the amount of elongation and contraction of the first support 41 and the third support 43. As a result, as shown in Figure 1C , the rotor 3 moves from the reference position in the negative x-axis 9 direction.

[0071] (Movement of the rotor in the y-axis direction)

[0072] To move the rotor 3 in the positive y-axis 10 direction, control the amount of elongation and contraction of the first support 41 and the third support 43 that face each other across the z-axis 8 and extend in the y-axis 10 direction. In other words, extend the first support 41 by a specified amount and contract the third support 43 by the same amount as the elongation amount of the first support 41. Further, as needed, finely adjust the amount of elongation and contraction of the second support 42 and the fourth support 44 that face each other across the z-axis 8 and extend in the x-axis 9 direction. As a result, as shown in Figure 2A , the rotor 3 moves from the reference position in the positive y-axis 10 direction.

[0073] Similarly, to move the mover 3 in the negative direction of the y-axis 10, the first support 41 is contracted by a specified amount, and the third support 43 is extended by the same amount as the contraction amount of the first support 41. In addition, the extension and contraction amounts of the second support 42 and the fourth support 44 are finely adjusted as needed. Thus, as Figure 2B shown, the mover 3 moves from the reference position in the negative direction of the y-axis 10.

[0074] (Rotation of the mover about the z-axis)

[0075] To rotate the mover 3 clockwise about the z-axis 8, the first support 41, the second support 42, the third support 43, and the fourth support 44 are contracted by the same amount. Thus, as Figure 3A shown, the mover 3 rotates clockwise about the z-axis 8 from the reference position. By contracting all the supports 4 only by the same amount, the rotation can be easily and accurately controlled.

[0076] To rotate the mover 3 counterclockwise about the z-axis 8, the first support 41, the second support 42, the third support 43, and the fourth support 44 are extended by the same amount. Thus, as Figure 3B shown, the mover 3 rotates counterclockwise about the z-axis 8 from the reference position. By extending all the supports 4 only by the same amount, the rotation can be easily and accurately controlled.

[0077] Thus, in the present first embodiment, the direction extending from one end 4a to the other end 4b of the four supports 4 intersects the radial direction centered on the z-axis 8, and the component in the circumferential direction around the center is in the same rotation direction. Further, in the present embodiment, the direction intersecting the radial direction centered on the z-axis 8 is the direction intersecting perpendicularly to the radial direction. In the above configuration, in the two sets of supports 4 that are opposed across the z-axis 8, one support 4 in one set is extended by a predetermined amount, and the other support 4 is contracted by the same amount. The extension and contraction amounts of the supports 4 in the other set are finely adjusted as needed. Thus, the mover 3 can be moved in at least one of the direction of the x-axis 9 and the direction of the y-axis 10. In addition, in the above configuration, all the supports 4 are extended or contracted by the same amount, whereby the mover 3 can be rotated about the z-axis 8. Therefore, the mover 3 can be simply and accurately moved relative to the stator 2 in the direction of the x-axis 9, the direction of the y-axis 10, and rotated about the z-axis 8.

[0078] 2. Second Embodiment

[0079] Figures 4A to 4CIn the drive device 1B of the illustrated second embodiment, the first direction 11, the second direction 12, the third direction 13, and the fourth direction 14 are directions intersecting the radial direction centered on the z-axis 8, and the components in the circumferential direction of this center are in the same rotation direction. In this embodiment, the direction intersecting the radial direction centered on the z-axis 8 is the direction from the outside to the inside in the radial direction centered on the z-axis 8. Since the other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

[0080] Taking Figure 4A the position of the illustrated drive device 1B as the reference position, an example of the operation of the drive device 1B of this second embodiment will be described.

[0081] To move the mover 3 in the positive direction of the x-axis 9, similar to the first embodiment, control the elongation and contraction amounts of the second support 42 and the fourth support 44 that are opposite to each other with the z-axis 8 interposed therebetween and extend in the direction of the x-axis 9. In other words, contract the second support 42 by a specified amount and extend the fourth support 44 by the same amount as the contraction amount of the second support 42. In addition, fine-tune the elongation and contraction amounts of the first support 41 and the third support 43 that are opposite to each other with the z-axis 8 interposed therebetween and extend in the direction of the y-axis 10 as needed. Thus, as Figure 4B shown, the mover 3 moves from the reference position in the positive direction of the x-axis 9.

[0082] In addition, to rotate the mover 3 clockwise about the z-axis 8, contract the first support 41, the second support 42, the third support 43, and the fourth support 44 by the same amount. Thus, as Figure 4C shown, the mover 3 rotates clockwise about the z-axis 8 from the reference position.

[0083] To move the mover 3 in the negative direction of the x-axis 9, the positive direction of the y-axis 10, and the negative direction of the y-axis 10, control is performed as in the first embodiment. In addition, when rotating the mover 3 counterclockwise about the z-axis 8, control is also performed as in the first embodiment.

[0084] Thus, the drive device 1B of the second embodiment has the same configuration as the drive device 1A of the first embodiment, except that the direction intersecting the radial direction centered on the z-axis 8 is the direction from the outside to the inside in the radial direction. Therefore, by the same control, the mover 3 can be moved in at least one of the direction of the x-axis 9 or the direction of the y-axis 10. In addition, the mover 3 can be rotated about the z-axis 8. Therefore, the mover 3 can be simply and accurately moved relative to the stator 2 in the direction of the x-axis 9, the direction of the y-axis 10, and rotated about the z-axis 8.

[0085] In addition, in this second embodiment, when moving in the direction of the x-axis 9 or the y-axis 10, the moving range is preferably set such that the adjustable support 4 changes from a non-parallel state with respect to the y-axis 10 or the x-axis 9 to a parallel state at most. Thus, when the mover 3 moves in one direction, the length of the adjustable support 4 only increases monotonically, so the control is simpler.

[0086] For example, Figure 4B When the illustrated mover 3 moves from the state of moving in the positive direction of the x-axis 9 to the negative direction of the x-axis 9, only the fine adjustment of extending the first support 41 and contracting the third support 43 is required, so the control is simpler.

[0087] 3. Third Embodiment

[0088] Figures 5A to 5C In the illustrated drive device 1C of the third embodiment, the first direction 11, the second direction 12, the third direction 13, and the fourth direction 14 are directions intersecting with the radial direction centered on the z-axis 8, and the components in the circumferential direction of the center are in the same rotation direction. The direction intersecting with the radial direction centered on the z-axis 8 is the direction from the inner side to the outer side in the radial direction centered on the z-axis 8. Since the other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

[0089] Taking Figure 5A the position of the illustrated drive device 1C as the reference position, an example of the operation of the drive device 1C of this third embodiment will be described.

[0090] To move the mover 3 in the positive direction of the x-axis 9, similar to the first embodiment, control the extension and contraction amounts of the second support 42 and the fourth support 44 that are opposite to each other along the x-axis 9 direction with the z-axis 8 in between. In other words, contract the second support 42 by a specified amount and extend the fourth support 44 by the same amount as the contraction amount of the second support 42. In addition, as needed, finely adjust the extension and contraction amounts of the first support 41 and the third support 43 that are opposite to each other along the y-axis 10 direction with the z-axis 8 in between. Thus, as Figure 5B shown, the mover 3 moves from the reference position in the positive direction of the x-axis 9.

[0091] In addition, to rotate the mover 3 clockwise about the z-axis 8, contract the first support 41, the second support 42, the third support 43, and the fourth support 44 by the same amount. Thus, as Figure 5C shown, the mover 3 rotates clockwise about the z-axis 8 from the reference position.

[0092] To move the mover 3 in the negative direction of the x-axis 9, the positive direction, and the negative direction of the y-axis 10, the control is the same as in the first embodiment. In addition, when the mover 3 rotates counterclockwise about the z-axis 8, the control is also the same as in the first embodiment.

[0093] Thus, the drive device 1C of the third embodiment has the same configuration as the drive device 1A of the first embodiment, except that the direction intersecting the radial direction centered on the z-axis 8 is the direction from the inside toward the outside in the radial direction. Therefore, by the same control, the mover 3 can be moved in at least one of the directions of the x-axis 9 or the y-axis 10. In addition, the mover 3 can be rotated about the z-axis 8. Therefore, the mover 3 can be simply and accurately moved relative to the stator 2 in the direction of the x-axis 9 and the y-axis 10, and rotated about the z-axis 8.

[0094] In addition, in this third embodiment, similar to the second embodiment, when moving in the direction of the x-axis 9 or the y-axis 10, the moving range is preferably set such that the support that can be finely adjusted changes from a state non-parallel to the y-axis 10 or the x-axis 9 to a parallel state at most. Thus, when the mover 3 is moved in one direction, the length of the support that can be finely adjusted only increases monotonically, so the control is simpler.

[0095] 4. Fourth Embodiment

[0096] Next, the drive devices 1D, 1E, 1F, and 1G, which are the fourth embodiments of the composite drive device 1, will be described.

[0097] Figures 6A to 6B The illustrated drive device 1D includes a first stator 21 and a second stator 22 as the stator 2, a mover 3, and four first support bodies 4 and four second support bodies 5. The first support body 41, the second support body 42, the third support body 43, and the fourth support body 44 as the first support bodies 4 are respectively disposed between the mover 3 and the first stator 21. Each support body 4 extends from one end 4a to the other end 4b. One end 4a is fixed to the first stator 21, and the other end 4b is fixed to the mover 3. The direction in which the first support body 4 extends from one end 4a to the other end 4b is the direction intersecting the radial direction centered on the z-axis 8 as the first axis, and the component in the circumferential direction of the center is in the same rotation direction.

[0098] In addition, a fifth support 55, a sixth support 56, a seventh support 57, and an eighth support 58, which are the other support bodies 5, are respectively disposed between the first stator 21 and the second stator 22. Hereinafter in this specification, the fifth support 55, the sixth support 56, the seventh support 57, and the eighth support 58 may be collectively referred to as the support body 5. Each support body 5 extends from one end 5a to the other end 5b, with one end 5a fixed to the second stator 22 and the other end 5b fixed to the first stator 21. The direction in which one end 5a of the other support body 5 extends to the other end 5b is a direction intersecting the radial direction centered on the z-axis 8, and for each pair of support bodies 5 adjacent in the circumferential direction around this center, the components in the circumferential direction around this center are in opposite rotational directions. For example, in the Figures 6A to 6B illustrated embodiment, the rotational directions of the components of the adjacent fifth support 55 and sixth support 56 in the circumferential direction centered on the z-axis 8 are the clockwise direction and the counterclockwise direction, respectively.

[0099] Such a drive device 1D controls the circumferential rotation of the mover 3 relative to the first stator 21 around the z-axis 8. This control is the same as the control for rotating the mover 3 relative to the stator 2 around the z-axis 8 described in the first to third embodiments. In addition, it controls the movement of the first stator 21 relative to the second stator 22 in the directions of the x-axis 9 as the second axis and the y-axis 10 as the third axis. This control is the same as the control for moving the mover 3 relative to the stator 2 in the directions of the x-axis 9 and the y-axis 10 described in the first to third embodiments.

[0100] Therefore, the mover 3 can rotate circumferentially around the z-axis 8 relative to the second stator 22 serving as the stator 2, and can also move in the directions of the x-axis 9 and the y-axis 10. Thus, the mover 3 can be simply and accurately moved in the directions of the x-axis 9 and the y-axis 10 and rotated around the z-axis 8 relative to the stator 2. The control for moving in the directions of the x-axis 9 and the y-axis 10 and the control for rotating around the z-axis 8 can be performed independently, so that the control can be performed more simply and accurately.

[0101] Figure 6B The illustrated drive device 1E includes a first stator 21 and a second stator 22 serving as the stator 2, a mover 3, four one support bodies 4, and four other support bodies 5. The difference between the drive device 1E and the drive device 1D is the direction in which one end 5a of the other support body 5 extends to the other end 5b. In other words, the direction in which one end 5a of the other support body 5 of the drive device 1E extends to the other end 5b is a direction intersecting the radial direction centered on the z-axis 8, and the component in the circumferential direction of the central circumference is in the same rotational direction.

[0102] In the above drive device 1E, Figure 6AThe illustrated drive device 1D is the same, and the control causes the mover 3 to rotate circumferentially about the z-axis 8 with respect to the first stator 21. This control is the same as the control for causing the mover 3 to rotate about the z-axis 8 with respect to the stator 2 described in the first to third embodiments. In addition, the control causes the first stator 21 to move in the directions of the x-axis 9 and the y-axis 10 with respect to the second stator 22. This control is the same as the control for causing the mover 3 to move in the direction of the x-axis 9 and the direction of the y-axis 10 with respect to the stator 2 described in the first to third embodiments.

[0103] Therefore, the mover 3 can rotate circumferentially about the z-axis 8 with respect to the second stator 22 as the stator 2, and can also move in the direction of the x-axis 9 and the direction of the y-axis 10. Therefore, the mover 3 can be simply and accurately moved in the direction of the x-axis 9 and the direction of the y-axis 10 and rotated about the z-axis 8 with respect to the stator 2. The control for moving in the direction of the x-axis 9 and the direction of the y-axis 10 and the control for rotating about the z-axis 8 can be performed independently, so that the control can be performed more easily and accurately.

[0104] Figure 7A The illustrated drive device 1F includes a stator 2, a first mover 31 and a second mover 32 as the mover 3, and four first support bodies 4 and four second support bodies 5. The first support body 41, the second support body 42, the third support body 43, and the fourth support body 44 as the first support bodies 4 are respectively disposed between the second mover 32 and the stator 2. Each support body 4 extends from one end 4a to the other end 4b, and one end 4a is fixed to the stator 2 and the other end 4b is fixed to the second mover 32. The direction in which the first support body 4 extends from one end 4a to the other end 4b is a direction intersecting the radial direction about the z-axis 8 as the first axis, and the circumferential component at this center is in the same rotation direction. In addition, the fifth support body 55, the sixth support body 56, the seventh support body 57, and the eighth support body 58 as the second support bodies 5 are respectively disposed between the first mover 31 and the second mover 32. Each support body 5 extends from one end 5a to the other end 5b, and one end 5a is fixed to the second mover 32 and the other end 5b is fixed to the first mover 31. The direction in which the second support body 5 extends from one end 5a to the other end 5b is a direction intersecting the radial direction about the z-axis 8, and for each circumferentially adjacent support body 5, the circumferential component at this center is in the opposite rotation direction.

[0105] In the above-described driving device 1F, control is performed to rotate the second mover 32 relative to the stator 2 in the circumferential direction centered on the z-axis 8. This control is the same as the control for rotating the mover 3 relative to the stator 2 centered on the z-axis 8 described in the first to third embodiments. Further, control is performed to move the first stator 31 relative to the second stator 32 in the directions of the x-axis 9 and the y-axis 10. This control is the same as the control for moving the mover 3 relative to the stator 2 in the direction of the x-axis 9 and the direction of the y-axis 10 described in the first to third embodiments.

[0106] Therefore, the first mover 31, which is the mover 3, can rotate relative to the stator 2 in the circumferential direction centered on the z-axis 8 and can also move in the directions of the x-axis 9 and the y-axis 10. Thus, it is possible to simply and accurately move the mover 3 relative to the stator 2 in the directions of the x-axis 9 and the y-axis 10 and rotate it centered on the z-axis 8. The control for moving in the directions of the x-axis 9 and the y-axis 10 and the control for rotating centered on the z-axis 8 can be performed independently, and thus control can be performed more easily and accurately.

[0107] Figure 7B The illustrated driving device 1G includes a stator 2, a first mover 31 and a second mover 32 that are the mover 3, and four first support bodies 4 and four second support bodies 5. The difference between the driving device 1G and the driving device 1F is the direction in which one end 5a of the second support body 5 extends toward the other end 5b. In other words, the direction in which one end 5a of the second support body 5 of the driving device 1G extends toward the other end 5b is a direction intersecting the radial direction centered on the z-axis 8, and the component in the circumferential direction around this center is in the same rotation direction.

[0108] The driving device 1E has different part names from the driving device 1G and appears to be a driving device with the same structure. However, the device that rotates centered on the z-axis 8 is different from the device that moves in the directions of the x-axis 9 and the y-axis 10. In other words, in the driving device 1G, control is performed to rotate the second mover 32 relative to the stator 2 in the circumferential direction centered on the z-axis 8. This control is the same as the control for rotating the mover 3 relative to the stator 2 centered on the z-axis 8 described in the first to third embodiments. Further, control is performed to move the first mover 31 relative to the second mover 32 in the directions of the x-axis 9 and the y-axis 10. This control is the same as the control for moving the mover 3 relative to the stator 2 in the direction of the x-axis 9 and the direction of the y-axis 10 described in the first to third embodiments.

[0109] Therefore, the first mover 31 of the mover 3 can rotate circumferentially around the z-axis 8 relative to the stator 2, and can also move in the direction of the x-axis 9 and the y-axis 10. Therefore, the mover 3 can be simply and accurately moved relative to the stator 2 in the direction of the x-axis 9, the y-axis 10, and rotated around the z-axis 8. The control of the movement in the direction of the x-axis 9 and the y-axis 10 and the control of the rotation around the z-axis 8 can be performed independently, so that the control can be performed more easily and accurately.

[0110] [Embodiment of the photographic device]

[0111] The photographic device of this embodiment is a photographic device that employs the drive device 1 of the above-described embodiment.

[0112] The stator 2 in the drive device 1 provided in the photographic device or the second stator 22 as the stator 2 is a component of a lens drive device that is fixed for focusing and moves a lens body (not shown) in the optical axis direction.

[0113] In addition, the mover 3 in the drive device 1 provided in this photographic device or the first mover 31 as the mover 3 is an image sensor (not shown) that receives light passing through the lens body and a component that supports the image sensor.

[0114] As described in the first to fourth embodiments, by the drive device 1, the mover 3 or the first mover 31 as the mover 3 can be simply and accurately moved relative to the stator 2 or the second stator 22 as the stator 2 in the direction of the x-axis 9, the y-axis 10, and rotated around the z-axis 8.

[0115] Therefore, by the photographic device of this embodiment, not only can the linear shake compensation in the directions of the x-axis 9 and the y-axis 10 be simply and accurately performed, but also the shake compensation in the rotational direction around the z-axis can be simply and accurately performed.

[0116] [Embodiment of the electronic device]

[0117] The electronic device of this embodiment is an electronic device that employs the drive device 1 of the above-described first to fourth embodiments.

[0118] When the electronic device is a device that also has a photographic function, for example, the functions described in the embodiment of the photographic device can be realized.

[0119] In addition, when the electronic device does not have a photographic function, by employing the drive device 1, the electronic device can simply and accurately move the mover 3 relative to the stator 2 in the direction of the x-axis 9, the y-axis 10, and rotate around the z-axis 8 (not related to the photographic function).

[0120] The ideal embodiments of the present invention have been described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and can be changed into many types within the technical scope grasped from the description of the scope of claims.

Claims

1. A driving device, characterized in that: include stator, mover and four retractable supports made of shape memory alloy; The mover can rotate relative to the stator in a circumferential direction around a first axis extending in a certain direction, and can also move in the direction of a second axis and a third axis extending in directions perpendicular to the first axis and perpendicular to each other; The four support bodies extend from one end to the other end respectively, the one end is fixed on the stator, and the other end is fixed on the mover. The direction from one end to the other end of the four support bodies is a direction intersecting with the radial direction centered on the first axis, and the components in the circumferential direction of the center are in the same rotation direction.

2. The driving device according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the first axis direction, positions of the one ends of the supporting bodies are all equal.

3. The driving device according to claim 1, wherein: In the first axis direction, positions of the other ends of the supporting bodies are all equal.

4. The driving device according to claim 1, wherein: In the first axis direction, positions of the one end and the other end of each of the supporting bodies are all equal.

5. The driving device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The direction intersecting the radial direction centered on the first axis is a direction from the outside toward the inside in the radial direction.

6. The driving device according to claim 1, wherein: A direction intersecting a radial direction centered on the first axis is a direction from the inside toward the outside in the radial direction.

7. The driving device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A direction intersecting with a radial direction centered on the first axis is a direction intersecting perpendicularly with the radial direction.

8. The driving device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: One ends of the four supporting bodies are fixed to the stator at positions equally spaced in a circumferential direction centered on the first axis.

9. The driving device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The other ends of the four supporting bodies are fixed to the mover at positions equally spaced in a circumferential direction centered on the first axis.

10. The driving device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: One ends of the four supports are fixed to the stator at positions equally spaced in the circumferential direction around the first axis, and the other ends of the four supports are fixed to the mover at positions equally spaced in the circumferential direction around the first axis.

11. The driving device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The stator includes a first stator and a second stator; The mover can rotate relative to the first stator in a circumferential direction centered on the first axis, while the first stator can move relative to the second stator in directions of the second axis and the third axis; The retractable shape memory alloy support body further includes four support bodies in addition to the four support bodies, the four support bodies on one side are arranged between the mover and the first stator, and the four support bodies on the other side are arranged between the first stator and the second stator; The four supports on one side extend from one end to the other end respectively, the one end being fixed to the first stator, and the other end being fixed to the mover, the direction from the one end to the other end of the four supports on one side being a direction intersecting with a radial direction centered on the first axis, and the components in the circumferential direction of the center being in the same rotation direction; The four supports on the other side extend from one end to the other end respectively, the one end is fixed on the second stator, and the other end is fixed on the first stator. The direction of the one end of the four supports on the other side toward the other end is a direction intersecting with the radial direction centered on the first axis, and each circumferentially adjacent support body has a circumferential component at the center in the opposite rotation direction.

12. The driving device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The stator includes a first stator and a second stator; The mover can rotate relative to the first stator in a circumferential direction centered on the first axis, while the first stator can move relative to the second stator in directions of the second axis and the third axis; The retractable shape memory alloy support body further includes four support bodies in addition to the four support bodies, one of the four support bodies being arranged between the mover and the first stator, and the other of the four support bodies being arranged between the first stator and the second stator; The four supports on one side extend from one end to the other end respectively, the one end being fixed to the first stator, and the other end being fixed to the mover, the direction from the one end to the other end of the four supports on one side being a direction intersecting with a radial direction centered on the first axis, and the components in the circumferential direction of the center being in the same rotation direction; The four supporting bodies on the other side extend from one end to the other end respectively, the one end is fixed on the second stator, and the other end is fixed on the first stator. The direction of the one end of the four supporting bodies on the other side toward the other end is a direction intersecting with the radial direction centered on the first axis, and the components in the circumferential direction of the center are in the same rotation direction.

13. The driving device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mover includes a first mover and a second mover; The first mover can move relative to the second mover in the direction of the second axis and the third axis, while the second mover can rotate relative to the stator in a circumferential direction centered on the first axis; The retractable shape memory alloy support body further includes four support bodies in addition to the four support bodies, one of the four support bodies is arranged between the second mover and the stator, and the other of the four support bodies is arranged between the first mover and the second mover; The four supports on one side extend from one end to the other end respectively, the one end being fixed to the stator, and the other end being fixed to the second mover, the direction from the one end to the other end of the four supports on one side being a direction intersecting with a radial direction centered on the first axis, and the components in the circumferential direction of the center being in the same rotation direction; The four supporting bodies on the other side extend from one end to the other end respectively, the one end is fixed on the second mover, and the other end is fixed on the first mover. The direction of the one end of the four supporting bodies on the other side toward the other end is a direction intersecting with the radial direction centered on the first axis, and each circumferentially adjacent supporting body has a circumferential component of the center in the opposite rotation direction.

14. The driving device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mover includes a first mover and a second mover; The first mover can move relative to the second mover in the direction of the second axis and the third axis, while the second mover can rotate relative to the stator in a circumferential direction centered on the first axis; The retractable shape memory alloy support body further includes four support bodies in addition to the four support bodies, one of the four support bodies is arranged between the second mover and the stator, and the other of the four support bodies is arranged between the first mover and the second mover; The four supports on one side extend from one end to the other end respectively, the one end being fixed to the stator, and the other end being fixed to the second mover, the direction from the one end to the other end of the four supports on one side being a direction intersecting with a radial direction centered on the first axis, and the components in the circumferential direction of the center being in the same rotation direction; The four supporting bodies on the other side extend from one end to the other end respectively, the one end is fixed on the second mover, and the other end is fixed on the first mover. The direction of the four supporting bodies on the other side from one end to the other end is a direction intersecting with the radial direction centered on the first axis, and the components in the circumferential direction of the center are in the same rotation direction.

15. A photographic device comprising the driving device according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. An electronic device comprising the driving device according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

Images