Reflector drive device

Abstract

A miniaturized reflector driving device capable of changing the orientation of a reflector over a wide range. It comprises: a reflector holding member capable of holding a reflector; a first driving unit for oscillating the reflector holding member about a first axis; a first oscillation guiding member for guiding the oscillation of the reflector holding member; and a first limiting member for limiting the oscillation range of the reflector holding member. The first oscillation guiding member has a first side guiding member on one side sandwiching a first plane perpendicular to the first axis and a second side guiding member on the other side. One of the first and second side guiding members has a first guiding portion with an arc shape having a first radius centered on the first axis and a second guiding portion with an arc shape having a second radius smaller than the first radius centered on the first axis; the other has a third guiding portion with an arc shape centered on the first axis. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the reflective surface of the reflector, the first and third guiding portions are parallel to each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a reflector driving device, and more particularly to a reflector driving device for oscillating a reflector used in a camera module of an electronic device. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, camera modules with autofocus and optical image stabilization have become common in portable electronic devices such as smartphones. With the development of camera module functionality, in addition to lenses and imaging components, some camera modules also include optical reflectors that reflect light. In camera modules with optical reflectors, changing the orientation of the reflector alters the light path passing through it, thereby enabling specific functions such as changing the framing.

[0003] In conventional camera modules, a reflector drive mechanism and a guide mechanism are included to change the orientation of the optical reflector. The guide mechanism can be implemented, for example, using a sliding rail or a ball bearing rail. However, when a large-scale change in the reflector's orientation is desired, the size of the guide mechanism needs to be increased accordingly, which leads to an overall increase in the size of the camera module and is not conducive to the miniaturization of the reflector drive device and the camera module itself. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above problems, the present invention provides a miniaturized reflector driving device capable of changing the orientation of the reflector over a wide range.

[0005] The reflector driving device of the present invention comprises: a reflector holding member capable of holding a reflector that reflects light; a first driving unit for oscillating the reflector holding member about a first axis; a first oscillation guiding member for guiding the oscillation of the reflector holding member; and a first limiting member for limiting the oscillation range of the reflector holding member about the first axis. The first oscillation guiding member has a first side guiding member on one side sandwiching a first plane and a second side guiding member on the other side. The first plane is a plane containing the optical axis of incident light incident on the reflector and the optical axis of reflected light after reflection by the reflector, and is perpendicular to the first axis. One of the first side guiding member and the second side guiding member has a first guiding portion with an arc shape having a first radius centered on the first axis, and a second guiding portion with an arc shape having a second radius smaller than the first radius centered on the first axis. The other of the first side guiding member and the second side guiding member has a third guiding portion with an arc shape having a third radius centered on the first axis. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the reflecting surface of the reflector, the first guiding portion, the second guiding portion, and the third guiding portion are parallel to each other.

[0006] In the reflector driving device, the length of the second guide portion is longer than that of the first guide portion.

[0007] In the reflector driving device, the first guide portion, the second guide portion, and the third guide portion each have a groove-shaped lower ball track provided in the reflector holding member and a groove-shaped upper ball track provided in the first limiting member. A ball is accommodated between the lower ball track and the upper ball track. When multiple balls are accommodated between a pair of lower ball tracks and upper ball tracks, at least one of the lower ball track and the upper ball track has a track interruption portion for dividing the movable range of each ball.

[0008] In the reflector driving device, the reflector holding member is provided with a first protrusion that contacts the first driving part. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the reflective surface of the reflector, the portion of the first protrusion that contacts the first driving part is surrounded by the largest triangle formed by three of the plurality of balls.

[0009] In the reflector driving device, the reflector driving device further includes: a swinging member connected to the reflector holding member in such a way that the reflector holding member can swing about the first axis; a fixed side member connected to the swinging member in such a way that the swinging member can swing about the second axis, the second axis having an axial direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the first axis; and a second driving unit that causes the swinging member to swing about the second axis, wherein when the swinging member swings about the second axis, the swinging member and the reflector holding member swing together about the second axis.

[0010] In the reflector driving device, the second axis is parallel to the optical axis of the incident light or the reflected light, the first axis is located outside the device shape of the reflector driving device, and the second axis passes through the interior of the device.

[0011] In the reflector driving device, the reflector driving device further includes a second swing guide member that guides the swinging member to swing around the second axis. The second swing guide member has a third side guide member on one side that clamps the second plane and a fourth side guide member on the other side. The second plane is perpendicular to the second axis and passes through the center of the swinging member. One of the third side guide member and the fourth side guide member has a fourth guide portion with an arc shape having a fourth radius centered on the second axis and a fifth guide portion with an arc shape having a fifth radius centered on the second axis. The other of the third side guide member and the fourth side guide member has a sixth guide portion with an arc shape having a sixth radius centered on the second axis. The fixed side member has a second limiting member that limits the swinging range of the swinging member around the second axis.

[0012] In the reflector driving device, the fourth guide portion, the fifth guide portion, and the sixth guide portion each have a groove-shaped lower ball track provided on the swing member and a groove-shaped upper ball track provided on the fixed side member. Balls are housed between the lower ball track and the upper ball track. When multiple balls are housed between a pair of lower ball tracks and upper ball tracks, at least one of the lower ball track and the upper ball track has a track interruption portion for dividing the movable range of each ball.

[0013] In the reflector driving device, the swing member is provided with a second protrusion that contacts the second driving part. When viewed along a direction perpendicular to the axis of the first shaft and perpendicular to the axis of the second shaft, the portion of the second protrusion that contacts the second driving part is surrounded by a triangle formed by a ball housed in the fourth guide part, a ball housed in the fifth guide part, and a ball housed in the sixth guide part.

[0014] In the reflector driving device, the cross-section of each of the upper ball bearing tracks is V-shaped, the cross-section of each of the lower ball bearing tracks is V-shaped or concave, and the cross-section of the lower ball bearing track used for positioning among the plurality of lower ball bearing tracks is V-shaped.

[0015] In the reflector driving device, the first driving unit and the second driving unit are composed of a piezoelectric driving unit containing a piezoelectric element or an electromagnetic driving unit containing a magnet and a coil.

[0016] Invention Effects

[0017] According to the above-mentioned reflector driving device, by setting one of the first side guide member and the second side guide member as two guide parts with different radii of curvature, the two guide parts can share a certain space in a certain direction of the reflector driving device, thereby both changing the orientation of the reflector over a wide range and effectively suppressing the size of the guide member in a certain direction. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the overall structure of a camera module including a reflector.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the reflector driving device according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view showing the reflector driving device of the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the state in which the reflector holding component holds the reflector.

[0022] Figure 5A This diagram shows the initial position of the reflector holding component before it wobbles about the first axis. Figure 5B This diagram shows the position (first swing position) of the reflector holding component after it has swung counterclockwise by a predetermined angle around the first axis in the figure. Figure 5C This diagram shows the position (second swing position) of the reflector holding component, which has swung around the first axis in a clockwise direction as shown in the diagram by a specified angle.

[0023] Figure 6A This diagram shows the initial position of the oscillating component before it oscillates around the second axis. Figure 6B This diagram shows the position (third swing position) of the oscillating component after swinging a specified angle counterclockwise around the second axis in the diagram. Figure 6C This diagram shows the position (fourth swing position) of the swinging component as it swings around the second axis in a clockwise direction according to a specified angle.

[0024] Figure 7 It is an exploded 3D view of the swinging component.

[0025] Figure 8A This is a 3D view of the first drive unit. Figure 8B This is a 3D view of the first drive unit and the middle support after assembly.

[0026] Figure 9A This is a 3D view of the base plate. Figure 9B This is a perspective view of the second drive unit being assembled on the base plate.

[0027] Figure 10AThis is a side view showing the first and second piezoelectric elements. Figure 10B This is a diagram of the first and second piezoelectric elements as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the reflecting surface of the reflector.

[0028] Figure 11 This is a three-dimensional view of the reflector holding component from another direction.

[0029] Figure 12 This is a top view showing the reflector drive device.

[0030] Figure 13 It is along Figure 12 A sectional view along line A1-A2.

[0031] Figure 14 It is along Figure 13 A partial sectional view of lines B1-B2 in the diagram.

[0032] Figure 15 This is a three-dimensional view of the support structure from another direction.

[0033] Figure 16 It is along Figure 13 A sectional view along line C1-C2.

[0034] Figure 17A This is the left view of the reflector holding component. Figure 17B This is the right view of the reflector holding component.

[0035] Figure 18 This is a diagram of the reflector holding component (initial position) as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the reflector's reflecting surface.

[0036] Figure 19A This is a three-dimensional view of the upper support structure as seen from a slightly lower angle. Figure 19B This is a bottom view of the upper support.

[0037] Figure 20A It is along Figure 12 A sectional view of line D1-D2 in the middle. Figure 20B yes Figure 20A Enlarged view of the area near the second guide section. Figure 20C yes Figure 20A Enlarged view of the area near the fourth lower ball bearing track.

[0038] Figure 21A This is a diagram of the reflector holding component (first swing position) as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the reflector's reflective surface. Figure 21B This is a diagram of the reflector holding component (second swing position) viewed from a direction perpendicular to the reflector's reflective surface.

[0039] Figure 22 It is along Figure 12A sectional view along lines E1-E2.

[0040] Figure 23A This is a rear view of the upper support of the swing component. Figure 23B This is the front view of the upper support of the swing component.

[0041] Figure 24 This is a top view of the upper support of the swing component 32.

[0042] Figure 25A This is a three-dimensional view of the upper shell as seen from a slightly lower angle. Figure 25B This is a bottom view of the upper shell.

[0043] Figure 26A It is along Figure 12 The sectional view along line F1-F2 in the middle. Figure 26B yes Figure 26A Enlarged view of the area near the fifth guide section. Figure 26C yes Figure 26A An enlarged view of the area near the sixth guide section.

[0044] Figure 27A This is a top-down view of the swinging component (third swing position). Figure 27B This is a top-down view of the swinging component (fourth swing position).

[0045] Figure 28A It is along Figure 12 A sectional view of line G1-G2 in the middle. Figure 28B It is along Figure 12 A sectional view of the H1-H2 line in the diagram.

[0046] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0047] Camera module 1, reflector 2, reflective surface 2a, reflector driving device 3, reflector holding component 31, holding surface 31a, first protrusion 31b, swing component 32, upper bracket 321, middle bracket 322, second protrusion 322a, lower bracket 323, first leaf spring 324, bending portion 324a, recess 324b, fixed side component 33, upper housing 331, lower housing 332, base plate 333, second leaf spring 334, bending portion 334a, recess 334b, first driving part 34, first piezoelectric element 341, first flexible printed circuit board 342, first contact portion 343, second driving part 35, second piezoelectric element 351, second flexible printed circuit board 352, second contact portion 353, first swing guide portion Component 36, first side guide component 36a, second side guide component 36b, first guide portion 361, first lower ball track 361a, first upper ball track 361b, ball 361c, second guide portion 362, second lower ball track 362a, second upper ball track 362b, ball 362c1, ball 362c2, third guide portion 363, third lower ball track 363a, third upper ball track 363b, ball 363c, first limiting component 37, first limiting wall 371, second limiting wall 372, first end wall 373, second end wall 374 74, Second swing guide member 38, Third side guide member 38a, Fourth side guide member 38b, Fourth guide part 381, Fourth lower ball track 381a, Fourth upper ball track 381b, Ball 381c, Fifth guide part 382, ​​Fifth lower ball track 382a, Fifth upper ball track 382b, Ball 382c, Sixth guide part 383, Sixth lower ball track 383a, Sixth upper ball track 383b, Ball 383c1, Ball 383c2, Second limiting member 39, Third limiting wall 391, Fourth limiting wall 392, Fifth limiting member 393, etc. Wall 393, sixth limiting wall 394, end wall 395 of the fourth lower ball track, end wall 396 of the fifth lower ball track, one side end wall 397 of the sixth lower ball track, the other side end wall 398 of the sixth lower ball track, seventh limiting wall 399, eighth limiting wall 400, first restricted wall 401, second restricted wall 402, lens module 4, image sensor module 5, incident light L1, reflected light L2, first axis AR1, second axis AR2, first radius R1, second radius R2, third radius R3, fourth radius R4, fifth radius R5, sixth radius R6. Detailed Implementation

[0048] In the following description, a spatial coordinate system is defined for ease of explanation. The Z1 direction side is referred to as "upper side" or "above," the Z2 direction side as "lower side" or "below," the X1 direction side as "right side" or "right," the X2 direction side as "left side" or "left," the Y1 direction side as "rear side" or "rear," and the Y2 direction side as "front side" or "front." Furthermore, the view of the XZ plane from the Y2 direction side is called the main view, the view of the XY plane from the Z1 direction side is called the top view, the view of the YZ plane from the X1 direction side is called the right view, and the view of the YZ plane from the X2 direction side is called the left view. Note that the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," and "rear" do not represent the actual relationship between the reflector drive device 100 in its operational state.

[0049] (First Implementation)

[0050] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the overall structure of camera module 1.

[0051] like Figure 1 As shown, camera module 1 includes a reflector 2, a reflector driving device 3, a lens module 4, and an image sensor module 5. The reflector 2 can change the direction of the light path, reflecting the incident light L1 towards the lens module 4. The reflector driving device 3 can hold the reflector 2 and change its orientation. The lens module 4 consists of multiple lenses (not shown). The reflected light L2, after being reflected by the reflector 2, passes through the lens module 4 and reaches the image sensor module 5. The image sensor module 5 converts the received light signal into an electrical signal for generating an image.

[0052] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the reflector driving device 3 according to the first embodiment. Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of the reflector driving device 3 according to the first embodiment.

[0053] like Figure 3 As shown, the reflector driving device 3 includes a reflector holding component 31, a swinging component 32, a fixed side component 33, a first driving part 34, and a second driving part 35.

[0054] Figure 2 and Figure 3 The reflector holding component 31 in the middle can hold the reflector 2 that reflects light. Figure 4 The image shows the reflector holding member 31 holding the reflector 2. The reflector 2 is fixed to the holding surface 31a of the reflector holding member 31 by, for example, adhesive bonding (see reference). Figure 3On the reflector, the reflector holding member 31 can thus perform the swinging motion described later together with the reflector 2. Furthermore, the reflective surface 2a of the reflector 2 and the holding surface 31a of the reflector holding member 31 (see reference 2) are aligned. Figure 3 They are parallel to each other.

[0055] The swing member 32 can be connected to the reflector holding member 31. When the swing member 32 and the reflector holding member 31 are connected (assembled together), the reflector holding member 31 is spatially disposed inside the swing member 32, and the reflector holding member 31 can swing (rotate) about the first axis AR1, but the swing member 32 cannot swing (rotate) about the first axis AR1.

[0056] Below, through Figures 5A-5C To illustrate the situation where the reflector holding component 31 swings around the first axis AR1. Figure 5A This diagram shows the initial position of the reflector holding component 31 before it swings about the first axis AR1. Figure 5B This diagram shows the position (first swing position) of the reflector holding component 31 after it has swung counterclockwise by a predetermined angle around the first axis AR1 in the direction shown in the figure. Figure 5C This diagram shows the position (second swing position) of the reflector holding member 31, which has swung around the first axis AR1 at a predetermined angle in a clockwise direction as shown in the figure. Figures 5A-5C For ease of observation, the reflector holding component 31 and other components besides the reflector 2 are omitted. As an example, the first swing position can be the position where the reflector holding component 31 swings 0 to 11.5 degrees counterclockwise around the first axis AR1 in the direction shown in the figure, and the second swing position can be the position where the reflector holding component 31 swings 0 to 11.5 degrees clockwise around the first axis AR1 in the direction shown in the figure.

[0057] Figures 5A-5C The first axis AR1, represented by the dashed circle, is an axis extending along the X1-X2 direction. The first axis AR1 is in the plane containing the optical axis of the incident light L1 (which is the incident reflector 2) and the optical axis of the reflected light L2 (which is the reflected light L2 after being reflected by the reflector 2). Figures 5A-5C The YZ plane is orthogonal to the plane.

[0058] Furthermore, the first axis AR1 is located outside the outer shape of the reflector drive device 3. That is, the axis center of the first axis AR1 is located above the upper surface of the upper housing 331 (see reference). Figure 13 ), and is spaced a certain distance from the upper surface of the swinging component 32.

[0059] Return to Figure 3The fixed-side component 33 is composed of an upper housing 331, a lower housing 332, and a base plate 333. The upper housing 331 and lower housing 332 are made of synthetic resin, while the base plate 333 is made of metal. When the swinging component 32 is disposed inside the fixed-side component 33 (see reference...), Figure 2 The swing member 32 is able to swing relative to the fixed side member 33. More specifically, the fixed side member 33 is connected to (assembled together with) the swing member 32, and the swing member 32 is able to swing about the second axis AR2.

[0060] Below, through Figures 6A-6C To illustrate the swinging of the swinging component 32 around the second axis AR2. Figure 6A This diagram shows the initial position of the swing component 32 before it swings about the second axis AR2. Figure 6B This diagram shows the position (third swing position) of the swinging component 32 after swinging a predetermined angle around the second axis AR2 in a counterclockwise direction as shown in the figure. Figure 6C This diagram shows the position (fourth swing position) where the swinging component 32 has swung around the second axis AR2 in a clockwise direction as shown in the diagram. As an example, the third swing position could be the position where the reflector holding component 31 has swung around the second axis AR2 in a counterclockwise direction as shown in the diagram from 0 to 27 degrees, and the fourth swing position could be the position where the reflector holding component 31 has swung around the second axis AR2 in a clockwise direction as shown in the diagram from 0 to 27 degrees.

[0061] Furthermore, when the swinging component 32 swings around the second axis AR2, the reflector holding component 31 and the reflector 2, which are assembled with the swinging component 32, also swing around the second axis AR2. In other words, when the swinging component 32 is in the third swinging position or the fourth swinging position, the reflector holding component 31 and the reflector 2 can be in their original state ( Figures 6A-6C (The state in the middle), can also be in the first swing position or the second swing position.

[0062] Figures 6A-6C The second axis AR2, represented by a solid circle, is an axis extending along the Y1-Y2 direction and has an axial direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the first axis AR1. In this embodiment, the second axis AR2 is parallel to the optical axis of the reflected light L2 in FIG5.

[0063] Furthermore, the second axis AR2 passes through the interior of the reflector drive device 3. For example... Figures 6A-6C As shown, the second axis AR2 passes through the swing component 32 and the reflector holding component 31 at approximately the center of the XZ plane.

[0064] In this invention, since the first axis AR1 extends along the X1-X2 direction and is located outside the device shape of the reflector driving device 3, and the second axis AR2 extends along the Y1-Y2 direction and passes through the inside of the device of the reflector driving device 3, the internal space of the reflector driving device 3 is used efficiently. A larger swing angle is achieved while ensuring the miniaturization of the device. This allows for a wide range of adjustment of the incident angle of the incident light L1, thereby expanding the field of view of the camera module 1.

[0065] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of the swinging component 32. (See attached image.) Figure 7 As shown, the swing component 32 is composed of an upper support 321, a middle support 322, and a lower support 323. The upper support 321, the middle support 322, and the lower support 323 are engaged together and can swing around the second axis AR2 as a whole.

[0066] Regarding the first drive unit 34 Figure 3 The diagram shows the state in which the first drive unit 34 is disposed on the swing member 32. The first drive unit 34 is a mechanism that causes the reflector holding member 31 to swing about the first axis AR1. Furthermore, Figure 8A This is a 3D view of the first drive unit 34. Figure 8B This is a perspective view of the first drive unit 34 and the middle support 322 after assembly.

[0067] like Figure 8A As shown, the first driving unit 34 is composed of a first piezoelectric driving unit, which includes a first piezoelectric element 341 extending along the axial direction of the first axis AR1 and a first flexible printed circuit board (FPC) 342 electrically connected to the first piezoelectric element 341. One end of the first flexible printed circuit board 342 is electrically connected to the back side of the first piezoelectric element 341 (i.e., the side facing away from the reflector 2), and the other end is fixed to the base plate 333. The first piezoelectric element 341 is composed of multilayer piezoelectric ceramics.

[0068] In addition, the first drive unit 34 also has a first metal contact portion 343 for contacting the reflector holding member 31, the first contact portion 343 being located on the surface of the first piezoelectric element 341 (i.e. the surface facing the reflector 2).

[0069] like Figure 7 and Figure 8B As shown, the middle support 322 is a component made of synthetic resin, and a first leaf spring 324 made of metal is provided on the middle support 322. Figure 7 As shown, the first leaf spring 324 has two bent portions 324a that bend toward the first piezoelectric element 341 into an L-shape, and each of the two bent portions 324a has a recess 324b for arranging the first piezoelectric element.

[0070] When the first piezoelectric element 341 is energized, it swings in a circular motion along its central portion in the longitudinal direction. During the swinging motion, the central portion and both ends of the first piezoelectric element 341 swing with large amplitude, while the transition portion between the central portion and both ends vibrates with small amplitude.

[0071] More specifically, during the swinging motion, the first piezoelectric element 341 is located in the length direction ( Figure 8A The trajectory of any point at the center of the first piezoelectric element 341 in the X1-X2 direction (in the longitudinal direction) within a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (YZ plane) is approximately circular. Similarly, the trajectory of any point at either end of the first piezoelectric element 341 in the longitudinal direction within a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (YZ plane) is also approximately circular. Furthermore, at any given moment, the swing direction of the central portion is opposite to the swing direction of the two ends. For example, when the central portion of the first piezoelectric element 341 is located close to the reflector holding member 31, the two ends of the first piezoelectric element 341 are located away from the reflector holding member 31.

[0072] Furthermore, the trajectory of any point on the transition portion of the first piezoelectric element 341 along its length in a plane orthogonal to the length direction (XZ plane) is either a point or a circle with a very small radius. This transition portion includes the position of minimum sway amplitude of the first piezoelectric element 341 along its length and the vicinity of that position.

[0073] In the above case, the two recesses 324b of the first leaf spring 324 support the first piezoelectric element 341 at the position of minimum swing amplitude in the length direction of the first piezoelectric element 341 or near the position of minimum swing amplitude.

[0074] Regarding the second drive unit Figure 3 The diagram also shows the state in which the second drive unit 35 is disposed in the lower housing 332. The second drive unit 35 is a mechanism that causes the swing member 32 to swing about the second axis AR12. Figure 9A This is a 3D view of the base plate section 333. Figure 9B This is a perspective view of the second drive unit 35 being assembled on the base plate 333.

[0075] like Figure 9B As shown, the second drive unit 35 is composed of a second piezoelectric drive unit, which includes a second piezoelectric element 351 extending along the axial direction (Y1-Y2 direction) of the second axis AR2 and a second flexible printed circuit board 352 electrically connected to the second piezoelectric element 351. One end of the second flexible printed circuit board 352 is electrically connected to the lower surface (i.e., the surface on the Z2 side) of the second piezoelectric element 351, and the other end is fixed to the base plate 333. The second piezoelectric element 351 is composed of multilayer piezoelectric ceramic.

[0076] In addition, the second drive unit 35 also has a metal second contact portion 353 for contacting the swing member 32, which is located on the surface of the second piezoelectric element 351 (i.e. the surface facing the reflector 2).

[0077] like Figure 9A and Figure 9B As shown, a second metal leaf spring 334 is also fixed to the base plate 333. Figure 9A As shown, the second leaf spring 334 has two bent portions 334a that bend toward the second piezoelectric element 351 into an L-shape, and each of the two bent portions 334a has a recess 334b ​​for arranging the first piezoelectric element.

[0078] When the second piezoelectric element 351 is energized, it swings in a circular motion along its central portion in the length direction (Y1-Y2 direction). During the swinging motion, the central portion and both ends of the second piezoelectric element 351 swing with large amplitude, while the transition portion between the central portion and both ends vibrates less.

[0079] More specifically, during the swinging motion, the trajectory of any point at the center of the second piezoelectric element 351 along its length in a plane orthogonal to the length direction (XZ plane) is approximately circular, and the trajectory of any point at either end of the second piezoelectric element 351 along its length in the same plane (XZ plane) is also approximately circular. Furthermore, at any given moment, the swing direction of the central portion is opposite to that of the two ends. For example, when the central portion of the second piezoelectric element 351 is located close to the swing member 32, the two ends of the second piezoelectric element 351 are located away from the swing member 32.

[0080] Furthermore, the trajectory of any point on the transition section of the second piezoelectric element 351 along its length in a plane orthogonal to the length direction (XZ plane) is either a point or a circle with a very small radius. This transition section includes the position of minimum sway amplitude of the second piezoelectric element 351 along its length and the vicinity of that position.

[0081] In the above case, the two recesses 334b ​​of the second leaf spring 334 support the second piezoelectric element 351 at or near the position of the minimum swing amplitude in the length direction of the second piezoelectric element 351.

[0082] In this invention, the first leaf spring 324 supports the first piezoelectric element 341 at or near the position where the swing amplitude is smallest in the length direction of the first piezoelectric element 341, and the second leaf spring 334 supports the second piezoelectric element 351 at or near the position where the swing amplitude is smallest in the length direction of the second piezoelectric element 351. This ensures that the swing motion of the piezoelectric element itself is not hindered, and the stability of the support for the piezoelectric element is guaranteed.

[0083] The following reference Figure 10A and Figure 10B The positional relationship between the first piezoelectric element 341 and the second piezoelectric element 351 is explained. Figure 10A This is a side view showing the first piezoelectric element 341 and the second piezoelectric element 351. Figure 10B This is a diagram of the first piezoelectric element 341 and the second piezoelectric element 351 as viewed from direction H1, perpendicular to the reflecting surface 2a of the reflector 2. For ease of explanation, Figure 10A and Figure 10B Only the first piezoelectric element 341, the first contact portion 343, the second piezoelectric element 351, and the second contact portion 353 are shown.

[0084] like Figure 10A As shown, the first piezoelectric element 341 is located above the second piezoelectric element 351, and there is a certain distance between them. The thickness direction of the first piezoelectric element 341 is parallel to the reflective surface 2a of the reflector 2 (see reference). Figure 4 The vertical direction H1 is approximately the same as the Z1 direction, tilted at a certain angle towards the side where the reflector 2 is located. The thickness direction of the second piezoelectric element 351 is the same as the Z1 direction. Figure 10B As shown, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the reflecting surface 2a of the reflector 2, the first piezoelectric element 341 and the second piezoelectric element 351 are arranged in a cross configuration.

[0085] also, Figure 3 The image shows a perspective view of the reflector holding member 31 from one direction. Figure 11 A perspective view of the reflector holding member 31 from another direction is shown. Figure 12 This is a top view showing the reflector drive device 3. Figure 13 It is along Figure 12 A sectional view along line A1-A2. Figure 14 It is along Figure 13 A partial sectional view of lines B1-B2 in the diagram.

[0086] like Figure 11 As shown, a first protrusion 31b that contacts the first driving part 34 is provided on the surface of the reflector holding member 31 opposite to the first piezoelectric element 341. Figure 8BThe first leaf spring 324 supports the first piezoelectric element 341 and causes the first piezoelectric element 341 to exert force toward the first protrusion 31b.

[0087] The first protrusion 31b is a generally elongated metal strip, the length of which is generally parallel to the side 31a1 of the holding surface 31a and intersects the extending direction (X1-X2 direction) of the first piezoelectric element 341. Furthermore, the surface of the portion of the first protrusion 31b that contacts the first driving part 34 is formed as an arcuate surface protruding toward the first driving part 34.

[0088] More specifically, in both the cross-section and longitudinal section of the first protrusion 31b, the portion that contacts the first driving part 34 is arc-shaped. Figure 13 The figure shows the state after the first protrusion 31b is cut off along a longitudinal section parallel to the YZ plane. As shown in the figure, the longitudinal section of the part of the first protrusion 31b that contacts the first drive part 34 is an arc 31b1 with the first axis AR1 as the center. Figure 14 The image shows the state after the first protrusion 31b is cut off along a cross section orthogonal to the length direction of the first protrusion 31b. The cross section of the part of the first protrusion 31b that contacts the first drive part 34 is an arc 31b2 that is approximately semi-circular, and the apex of the arc 31b2 contacts the first drive part 34.

[0089] When the first piezoelectric element 341 is oscillating periodically under a voltage, the first contact portion 343 of the first drive portion 34 oscillates and periodically contacts the first protrusion 31b, thereby driving the first drive portion 34 to move the reflector holding member 31 along the length of the first protrusion 31b. More precisely, the first drive portion 34 drives the first protrusion 31b to oscillate the reflector holding member 31 about the first axis AR1 along the arc 31b1 of the longitudinal section of the first protrusion 31b.

[0090] also, Figure 7 The image shows a perspective view of the central support 322 from one direction. Figure 15 The image shows a perspective view of the central support 322 from another direction. Figure 16 It is along Figure 13 A sectional view along line C1-C2.

[0091] like Figure 15 As shown, the middle support 322 has a second protrusion 322a on the side opposite to the second piezoelectric element 351, which contacts the second drive portion 35. Furthermore, as... Figure 9B As shown, the second leaf spring 334 supports the second piezoelectric element 351 and causes the second piezoelectric element 351 to exert force on the second protrusion 322a side.

[0092] The second protrusion 322a is a generally elongated metal strip, and its length direction (X1-X2 direction) intersects the extension direction (Y1-Y2 direction) of the second piezoelectric element 351. Furthermore, the surface of the portion of the second protrusion 322a that contacts the second drive portion 35 is formed as an arcuate surface protruding toward the second drive portion 35.

[0093] More specifically, in both the cross-section and longitudinal section of the second protrusion 322a, the portion that contacts the second drive portion 35 is arc-shaped. Figure 16 The image shows the state after the second protrusion 322a has been cut off along a longitudinal section parallel to the XZ plane, as shown below. Figure 16 As shown, the longitudinal section of the portion where the second protrusion 322a contacts the second drive unit 35 is an arc 322a1 centered on the second axis AR2. Furthermore, Figure 13 The image shows the state after the second protrusion 322a is cut off by a cross section (a cross section parallel to the YZ plane) orthogonal to the length direction of the second protrusion 322a. The cross section of the part of the second protrusion 322a that contacts the second drive part 35 is arc-shaped 322a2, and the apex of the arc-shaped 322a2 contacts the second drive part 35.

[0094] When the second piezoelectric element 351 is periodically oscillating due to the application of voltage, the second contact portion 353 of the second drive portion 35 periodically contacts the second protrusion 322a while oscillating, thereby driving the second protrusion 322a to move the oscillating member 32 along the length direction of the second protrusion 322a. More precisely, the second drive portion 35 drives the second protrusion 322a to oscillate the oscillating member 32 about the second axis AR2 along the arc 322a1 of the longitudinal section of the second protrusion 322a.

[0095] By using the first piezoelectric element 341 and the second piezoelectric element 351 to make the reflector holding member 31 swing around the first axis AR1 and the second axis AR2, the operating speed of the reflector 2 is increased. Moreover, by cross-arranging the first piezoelectric element 341 and the second piezoelectric element 351, the installation space of the first drive unit 34 and the second drive unit 35 can be reduced, thereby increasing the operating speed of the reflector 2 while miniaturizing the reflector driving device 3.

[0096] Furthermore, since the first contact portion 343 and the first protrusion 31b, as well as the second contact portion 353 and the second protrusion 322a, are metal-to-metal contact structures, driving force can be reliably transmitted and wear can be suppressed.

[0097] In this invention, the middle support 322 is disposed between the first piezoelectric element 341 and the second piezoelectric element 351. While supporting the first piezoelectric element 341 extending along the X1-X2 direction, it can also contact the second piezoelectric element 351 extending along the Y1-Y2 direction. This allows for efficient use of the internal space of the reflector drive device 3 to achieve dual-axis drive, which is beneficial for the miniaturization of the device.

[0098] In addition to the reflector holding member 31, swing member 32, fixed side member 33, first drive unit 34, and second drive unit 35 described above, the reflector driving device 3 also includes a first swing guide member 36 that guides the swing of the reflector holding member 31 about the first axis AR1, a first limiting member 37 that limits the rotation angle of the first swing guide member 36, a second swing guide member 38 that guides the swing of the swing member 32 about the second axis AR2, and a second limiting member 39 that limits the rotation angle of the second swing guide member 38.

[0099] The detailed configuration of the first swing guide component 36 will be described below.

[0100] The first swing guide component 36 is clamped along Figure 12 One side of the first plane of line A1-A2 in the middle ( Figure 12 The left side of the middle) has a first side guide member 36a and on the other side ( Figure 12 The right side of the middle section has a second side guide component 36b. Figure 12 The dashed boxes in the diagram indicate the approximate positions of the first side guide member 36a and the second side guide member 36b. Furthermore, along... Figure 12 The first plane of line A1-A2 is a plane that includes the optical axis of the incident light from the reflector 2 and the optical axis of the reflected light after being reflected by the reflector 2, and is perpendicular to the first axis AR1.

[0101] The first side guide member 36a and the second side guide member 36b of the first swing guide member 36 are respectively composed of a guide portion provided on the side of the reflector holding member 31 and a guide portion provided on the side of the upper bracket 321. Figure 17A This is a left view of the reflector holding component 31. Figure 17B This is a right view of the reflector holding component 31. Figure 18 This is a diagram of the reflector holding member 31 as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the reflecting surface 2a of the reflector 2. Figure 19A This is a three-dimensional view of the upper support 321 as seen from a slightly lower angle. Figure 19B This is a bottom view of the upper support 321.

[0102] like Figure 17A , Figure 18 , Figure 19A , Figure 19BAs shown, the first side guide member 36a is composed of two guide sections: a first guide section 361 and a second guide section 362. The length of the second guide section 362 is longer than that of the first guide section 361. The first guide section 361 includes a groove-shaped first lower ball bearing track 361a provided in the reflector holding member 31, a groove-shaped first upper ball bearing track 361b provided in the upper bracket 321, and a ball bearing 361c housed between the pair of first lower ball bearing tracks 361a and first upper ball bearing tracks 361b. The second guide section 362 includes a groove-shaped second lower ball bearing track 362a provided in the reflector holding member 31, a groove-shaped second upper ball bearing track 362b provided in the upper bracket 321, and two balls bearings 362c1 and 362c2 housed between the pair of second lower ball bearing tracks 362a and second upper ball bearing tracks 362b.

[0103] When two balls 362c1 and 362c2 are housed between the paired second lower ball track 362a and second upper ball track 362b, such as Figure 19A , Figure 19B As shown, a track interruption portion 362d is formed on the second upper ball track 362b to divide the movable range of each ball. This allows the balls 362c1 and 362c2 to be evenly distributed in the track and prevents the balls 362c1 and 362c2 from colliding on the same track.

[0104] like Figure 17B , Figure 18 , Figure 19A , Figure 19B As shown, the second side guide member 36b is composed of a third guide portion 363. The third guide portion 363 includes a groove-shaped third lower ball bearing track 363a provided in the reflector holding member 31, a groove-shaped third upper ball bearing track 363b provided in the upper bracket 321, and a ball bearing 363c housed between the pair of third lower ball bearing tracks 363a and third upper ball bearing tracks 363b.

[0105] Furthermore, although a fourth lower ball track 364a is provided near the third lower ball track 363a and a fourth upper ball track 364b is provided near the third upper ball track 363b, no balls are provided between these pairs of tracks, so they do not function as guides in this embodiment.

[0106] Moreover, such as Figure 17A As shown, in the side view, the first guide portion 361 is an arc with a first radius R1 centered on the first axis AR1, and the second guide portion 362 is an arc with a second radius R2 smaller than the first radius R1 centered on the first axis AR1. Figure 17BAs shown, the third guide portion 363 is an arc with a third radius R3 centered on the first axis AR1. In this embodiment, the first radius R1 is equal to the third radius R3, but the third radius R3 can also be set to a value different from the first radius R1.

[0107] like Figure 18 As shown, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the reflecting surface 2a of the reflector 2, the first guide portion 361, the second guide portion 362, and the third guide portion 363 are parallel to each other and are located at different positions in the X1-X2 direction.

[0108] By setting the first guide portion 361 and the second guide portion 362 as two guide portions with different radii of curvature, such as Figure 17A , Figure 17B As shown, the first guide part 361 and the second guide part 362 can share a certain space in the Z1-Z2 direction of the reflector driving device 3. Compared with the case where the guide parts at both ends are continuously arranged with the same radius of curvature, the orientation of the reflector 2 can be changed over a wide range, and the size of the guide part in the Z1-Z2 direction can be effectively suppressed.

[0109] Furthermore, by setting the length of the first guide portion 361, which has a relatively large radius of curvature, to be less than the length of the second guide portion 362, which has a relatively small radius of curvature, it is beneficial to achieve overall miniaturization of the first guide portion 361 and the second guide portion 362 when guiding the same swing angle.

[0110] Figure 20A It is along Figure 12 A sectional view of line D1-D2 in the middle. Figure 20B yes Figure 20A An enlarged view of the area near the second guide section 362. Figure 20C yes Figure 20A Enlarged view of the area near the fourth lower ball bearing track 364a.

[0111] like Figure 20B and Figure 20CAs shown, the cross-sections of the second upper ball bearing track 362b and the fourth upper ball bearing track 364b are V-shaped, the cross-section of the second lower ball bearing track 362a is V-shaped, and the cross-section of the fourth lower ball bearing track 364a is a U-shaped shape with a flat bottom. Furthermore, although not shown in a magnified view, the cross-sections of the first upper ball bearing track 361b and the third upper ball bearing track 363b are V-shaped, and the cross-sections of the first lower ball bearing track 361a and the third lower ball bearing track 363a are U-shaped shapes with a flat bottom. In other words, the second lower ball bearing track 362a, among the plurality of lower ball bearing tracks, is the track used to position the swing trajectory of the reflector holding member 31 around the first axis AR1, and therefore its cross-section is set to a V-shape. Because two balls 362c1 and 362c2 are provided in the second guide 362 used for positioning, the straightness of the swing trajectory in the XY plane or the XZ plane (two points determine a straight line) can be guaranteed, preventing the reflector holding member 31 from moving in the axial direction of the first axis AR1 while swinging around the first axis AR1.

[0112] also, Figure 18 The image also shows, in dashed lines, the first protrusion 31b located on the back side of the reflector holding member 31 and the first contact portion 343 of the first drive portion 34. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the reflecting surface 2a of the reflector 2, the portion of the first protrusion 31b that contacts the first contact portion 343 (in... Figure 18 The small circle (represented by a dashed line) is surrounded by the largest triangle formed by three of the multiple balls. That is, Figure 18 The center of the portion where the first protrusion 31b overlaps with the first contact portion 343 is located inside a triangle with the balls 361c, 362c2, and 363c as vertices.

[0113] Figure 18 The image shows the reflector holding member 31 in its initial position. Figure 21A The image shows the reflector holding member 31 in the first swing position. Figure 21B The state of the reflector holding member 31 in the second swing position is shown.

[0114] exist Figure 21A When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the reflecting surface 2a of the reflector 2, the portion of the first protrusion 31b that contacts the first contact portion 343 (in...) Figure 21A The small circle (represented by a dashed line) is surrounded by the largest triangle formed by three of the multiple balls. That is, Figure 21A The center of the portion where the first protrusion 31b overlaps with the first contact portion 343 is located inside a triangle with the balls 361c, 362c2, and 363c as vertices.

[0115] exist Figure 21B When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the reflecting surface 2a of the reflector 2, the portion of the first protrusion 31b that contacts the first contact portion 343 (in...) Figure 21B The small circle (represented by a dashed line) is surrounded by the largest triangle formed by three of the multiple balls. That is, Figure 21B The center of the portion where the first protrusion 31b overlaps with the first contact portion 343 is located inside a triangle with the balls 361c, 362c2, and 363c as vertices.

[0116] Since the portion of the first protrusion 31b that contacts the first contact portion 343 is always surrounded by a triangle formed by the three balls contained in the first swing guide member 36, the first swing guide member 36 can guide the reflector holding member 31 to swing around the first axis AR1 in a well-balanced load.

[0117] Conversely, if the portion of the first protrusion 31b that contacts the first contact portion 343 is located outside the triangle, the driving force applied by the first driving portion 34 to the reflector holding member 31 via the first protrusion 31b may become a force that causes the reflector holding member 31 to rotate around one side of the triangle, resulting in a poor sense of balance of the reflector holding member 31, and may even cause a deviation in the reflection angle.

[0118] In addition, such as Figure 19A , Figure 22 As shown, the first limiting component 37 includes a first limiting wall 371 and a second limiting wall 372 disposed on the upper support 321. Figure 22 It is along Figure 12 A sectional view along line E1-E2. (See example.) Figure 22 As shown, when the reflector holding member 31 is in its initial position, the first limiting wall 371 and the second limiting wall 372 are respectively disposed on both sides of the second upper ball track 362b in the Y1-Y2 direction, and are separated from the two end walls (first end wall 373 and second end wall 374) of the second lower ball track 362a in the Y1-Y2 direction by a certain distance. Specifically, the first limiting wall 371 and the first end wall 373 are located on the side closer to the Y1 direction, and the second limiting wall 372 and the second end wall 374 are located on the side closer to the Y2 direction.

[0119] When the reflector holding member 31 swings around the first axis AR1 to the first swing position, the first limiting wall 371 contacts the first end wall 373 of the second lower ball track 362a, thereby limiting the reflector holding member 31 from continuing to swing around the first axis AR1 toward the Y1 side. On the other hand, when the reflector holding member 31 swings around the first axis AR1 to the second swing position, the second limiting wall 372 contacts the second end wall 374 of the second lower ball track 362a, thereby limiting the reflector holding member 31 from continuing to swing around the first axis AR1 toward the Y2 side.

[0120] The detailed configuration of the second swing guide component 38 will now be described.

[0121] The second swing guide member 38 is located on one side of a second plane that is perpendicular to the second axis AR2 and passes through the center of the swing member 32. Figure 12 The upper side of the middle) has a third side guide member 38a and on the other side ( Figure 12 The lower side of the middle section has a fourth side guide member 38b. Figure 12 The dashed boxes in the figure indicate the approximate positions of the third-side guide component 38a and the fourth-side guide component 38b.

[0122] The third-side guide member 38a and the fourth-side guide member 38b of the second swing guide member 38 are respectively composed of a guide portion provided on the swing member 32 side and a guide portion provided on the upper housing 331 side. Figure 23A This is a rear view of the upper support 321 of the swing component 32. Figure 23B This is a front view of the upper support 321 of the swing component 32. Figure 24 This is a top view of the upper support 321 of the swing component 32. Figure 25A This is a perspective view of the upper shell 331 as seen from a slightly lower angle. Figure 25B This is a bottom view of the upper casing 331.

[0123] like Figure 23A , Figure 24 , Figure 25A , Figure 25BAs shown, the third-side guide member 38a is composed of two guide sections: a fourth guide section 381 and a fifth guide section 382. The length of the fourth guide section 381 is the same as the length of the fifth guide section 382. The fourth guide section 381 includes a groove-shaped fourth lower ball bearing track 381a provided on the upper bracket 321, a groove-shaped fourth upper ball bearing track 381b provided on the upper housing 331, and a ball bearing 381c housed between the pair of fourth lower ball bearing tracks 381a and fourth upper ball bearing tracks 381b. The fifth guide section 382 includes a groove-shaped fifth lower ball bearing track 382a provided on the upper bracket 321, a groove-shaped fifth upper ball bearing track 382b provided on the upper housing 331, and a ball bearing 382c housed between the pair of fifth lower ball bearing tracks 382a and fifth upper ball bearing tracks 382b.

[0124] like Figure 23B , Figure 24 , Figure 25A , Figure 25B As shown, the fourth side guide member 38b is composed of a sixth guide portion 383. The sixth guide portion 383 includes a groove-shaped sixth lower ball bearing track 383a provided on the upper bracket 321, a groove-shaped sixth upper ball bearing track 383b provided on the upper housing 331, and two balls 383c1 and 383c2 housed between the pair of sixth lower ball bearing tracks 383a and sixth upper ball bearing tracks 383b.

[0125] When two balls 383c1 and 383c2 are housed between the paired sixth lower ball track 383a and sixth upper ball track 383b, such as Figure 25B As shown, a track interruption 383d is formed on the sixth upper ball track 383b to divide the movable range of each ball. This allows the balls 383c1 and 383c2 to be evenly distributed in the track and prevents the balls 383c1 and 383c2 from colliding on the same track.

[0126] Moreover, such as Figure 23A As shown in the rear view, the fourth guide portion 381 is an arc with a fourth radius R4 centered on the second axis AR2, and the fifth guide portion 382 is an arc with a fifth radius R5 centered on the second axis AR2. In this embodiment, the fourth radius R4 and the fifth radius R5 are equal, but the fourth radius R4 and the fifth radius R5 can also be set to different values. For example... Figure 25B As shown, the sixth guide portion 383 is an arc with a sixth radius R6 centered on the second axis AR2. In this embodiment, the sixth radius R6 is equal to the fourth radius R4, but the sixth radius R6 can also be set to a value different from the fourth radius R4.

[0127] like Figure 24As shown, when viewed from above, the fourth guide part 381 and the fifth guide part 382 are located on the same straight line along the X1-X2 direction, and the sixth guide part 383 is parallel to the fourth guide part 381 and the fifth guide part 382.

[0128] Figure 26A It is along Figure 12 The sectional view along line F1-F2 in the middle. Figure 26B yes Figure 26A An enlarged view of the area near the fifth guide section 382 in the image. Figure 26C yes Figure 26A Enlarged view of the area near the sixth guide section 383.

[0129] like Figure 26B and Figure 26C As shown, the cross-sections of the fifth upper ball bearing track 382b and the sixth upper ball bearing track 383b are V-shaped, the cross-section of the fifth lower ball bearing track 382a is V-shaped, and the cross-section of the sixth lower ball bearing track 383a is a U-shaped shape with a flat bottom. Furthermore, although not shown in a magnified view, the cross-sections of the fourth upper ball bearing track 381b and the fourth lower ball bearing track 381a are V-shaped. In other words, the fourth lower ball bearing track 381a and the fifth lower ball bearing track 382a, among the multiple lower ball bearing tracks, are tracks used to position the swing trajectory of the swinging member 32 around the second axis AR2, and therefore their cross-sections are set to a V-shape.

[0130] also, Figure 24 The second protrusion 322a located on the rear side of the swing member 32 and the second contact portion 353 of the second drive portion 35 are also shown in dashed lines. When viewed from above, the portion of the second protrusion 322a that contacts the second contact portion 353 (in) Figure 24 The ball (represented by a solid small dot) is surrounded by a triangle formed by a ball 381c housed in the fourth guide section 381, a ball 382c housed in the fifth guide section 382, ​​and a ball (ball 383c1 or ball 383c2) housed in the sixth guide section 383. That is, Figure 24 The center of the portion where the second protrusion 322a overlaps with the second contact portion 353 is located inside a triangle with the balls 381c, 382c, and 383c1 as vertices or with the balls 381c, 382c, and 383c2 as vertices.

[0131] Figure 24 The image shows the swing component 32 in its initial position. Figure 27A This shows the state of the swing component 32 in the third swing position. Figure 27B The state of the swinging component 32 in the fourth swinging position is shown.

[0132] exist Figure 27A In the middle, when viewed from above, the portion of the second protrusion 322a that contacts the second contact portion 353 (in Figure 27A The ball (represented by a solid small dot) is surrounded by a triangle formed by a ball 381c housed in the fourth guide section 381, a ball 382c housed in the fifth guide section 382, ​​and a ball (ball 383c1 or ball 383c2) housed in the sixth guide section 383. That is, Figure 27A The center of the portion where the second protrusion 322a overlaps with the second contact portion 353 is located inside a triangle with the balls 381c, 382c, and 383c2 as vertices.

[0133] exist Figure 27B In the middle, when viewed from above, the portion of the second protrusion 322a that contacts the second contact portion 353 (in Figure 27B The ball (represented by a solid small dot) is surrounded by a triangle formed by a ball 381c housed in the fourth guide section 381, a ball 382c housed in the fifth guide section 382, ​​and a ball (ball 383c1 or ball 383c2) housed in the sixth guide section 383. That is, Figure 27B The center of the portion where the second protrusion 322a overlaps with the second contact portion 353 is located inside a triangle with the balls 381c, 382c, and 383c1 as vertices.

[0134] Since the portion of the second protrusion 322a that contacts the second contact portion 353 is always surrounded by a triangle formed by the three balls contained in the second swing guide member 38, the second swing guide member 38 can guide the swing member 32 to swing around the second axis AR2 in a well-balanced load.

[0135] Conversely, if the part of the second protrusion 322a that contacts the second contact part 353 is located outside the triangle, the driving force applied by the second driving part 35 to the swing member 32 via the second protrusion 322a may become a force that causes the swing member 32 to rotate around one side of the triangle, resulting in a poor sense of balance of the swing member 32, and may even cause a deviation in the reflection angle.

[0136] In addition, such as Figure 28A , Figure 28B As shown, the second limiting component 39 includes a third limiting wall 391, a fourth limiting wall 392, a fifth limiting wall 393, and a sixth limiting wall 394 disposed on the lower housing 332.

[0137] Figure 28A It is along Figure 12 A sectional view of lines G1-G2 in the diagram. (See attached image.) Figure 28AAs shown, when the swinging component 32 is in the initial position, the third limiting wall 391 is located below the fourth lower ball track 381a and is adjacent to the end wall 395 of the fourth lower ball track 381a. Figure 28A The fourth limiting wall 392 is located below the fifth lower ball track 382a and is separated from the end wall 396 of the fifth lower ball track 382a by a certain distance. Figure 28A The end walls of the middle and lower left sides are separated by a certain distance. Among them, the end walls 395 of the third limiting wall 391 and the fourth lower ball track 381a are located on the side closer to the X1 direction, and the end walls 396 of the fourth limiting wall 392 and the fifth lower ball track 382a are located on the side closer to the X2 direction.

[0138] Figure 28B It is along Figure 12 A cross-sectional view along line H1-H2. (See example...) Figure 28B As shown, when the swing component 32 is in its initial position, both the fifth limiting wall 393 and the sixth limiting wall 394 are located below the sixth lower ball track 383a. The fifth limiting wall 393 is separated from one side end wall 397 of the sixth lower ball track 383a by a certain distance, and the sixth limiting wall 394 is separated from the other side end wall 398 of the sixth lower ball track 383a by a certain distance. Specifically, the fifth limiting wall 393 and one side end wall 397 of the sixth lower ball track 383a are located closer to the X2 direction, while the sixth limiting wall 394 and the other side end wall 398 of the sixth lower ball track 383a are located closer to the X1 direction.

[0139] When the swinging component 32 swings around the second axis AR2 to the third swinging position Figure 28A The fourth limiting wall 392 in the middle contacts the end wall 396 of the fifth lower ball track 382a. Figure 28B The fifth limiting wall 393 contacts one end wall 397 of the sixth lower ball track 383a, thereby limiting the swinging component 32 from moving along the second axis AR2. Figure 28A The counterclockwise direction in the middle (also Figure 28B (In the counterclockwise direction) it continues to swing. On the other hand, when the swinging component 32 swings around the second axis AR2 to the fourth swing position, Figure 28A The third limiting wall 391 in the middle contacts the end wall 395 of the fourth lower ball track 381a. Figure 28B The sixth limiting wall 394 contacts the other end wall 398 of the sixth lower ball track 383a, thereby limiting the swinging component 32 from moving along the second axis AR2. Figure 28A Clockwise direction (also) Figure 28B (In the clockwise direction) it continues to swing.

[0140] Furthermore, the second limiting member 39 may also include a seventh limiting wall 399 and an eighth limiting wall 400 disposed on the lower housing 332. For example... Figure 20A As shown, when the swing member 32 is in its initial position, the seventh limiting wall 399 and the eighth limiting wall 400 are located below the lower surface of the swing member 32 and are separated from the lower surface of the swing member 32 by a certain distance. A first limiting wall 401 and a second limiting wall 402 are respectively provided on both sides of the lower surface of the swing member 32 in the left-right direction (X1-X2 direction), wherein the first limiting wall 401 is located on the side closer to the X2 direction, and the second limiting wall 402 is located on the side closer to the X1 direction.

[0141] When the swinging component 32 swings to the third swing position around the second axis AR2, the seventh limiting wall 399 contacts the first limiting wall 401 of the swinging component 32, thereby limiting the swinging component 32 from moving along the second axis AR2. Figure 20A The swinging component 32 continues to swing counterclockwise. On the other hand, when the swinging component 32 swings to the fourth swing position around the second axis AR2, the eighth limiting wall 400 contacts the second limiting wall 402 of the swinging component 32, thereby limiting the swinging component 32 from swinging around the second axis AR2. Figure 20A It continues to swing clockwise.

[0142] (Other variations)

[0143] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. That is, those skilled in the art can make various changes, combinations, and substitutions to the constituent elements of the embodiments described above within the technical scope of this invention or its equivalents.

[0144] For example, in the above embodiment, although a fourth lower ball track 364a is provided near the third lower ball track 363a, and a fourth upper ball track 364b is provided near the third upper ball track 363b, no ball is provided between these two tracks. As a variation, a ball may be provided between the pair of fourth lower ball tracks 364a and fourth upper ball tracks 364b, so that they function as another guide.

[0145] The above embodiments have described the application of expanding the field of view of camera module 1. The reflector driving device 3 of the present invention can also be applied to other applications such as optical image stabilization (shake correction) of camera modules. When the reflector driving device 3 of the present invention is applied to the shake correction of other camera modules, the second axis AR2 becomes parallel to the optical axis of the incident light.

[0146] In this invention, a first drive unit and a second drive unit containing piezoelectric elements are used. Alternatively, depending on the purpose, an electromagnetic drive unit (voice coil motor) containing a magnet and a coil can be used to construct the first drive unit and the second drive unit.

Claims

1. A reflector driving device, comprising: A reflector holding component that holds the reflector that reflects light; A first driving unit causes the reflector holding component to swing about a first axis; A first swing guide component guides the swing of the reflector holding component; and The first limiting component restricts the range of swing of the reflector holding component about the first axis. Its features are, The first swing guide member has a first side guide member on one side that clamps the first plane and a second side guide member on the other side. The first plane is a plane that includes the optical axis of the incident light incident on the reflector and the optical axis of the reflected light after being reflected by the reflector, and is perpendicular to the first axis. One of the first side guide member and the second side guide member has a first guide portion with an arc shape having a first radius centered on the first axis, and a second guide portion with an arc shape having a second radius smaller than the first radius centered on the first axis. The other of the first and second side guide components has a third guide portion that is arc-shaped with a third radius centered on the first axis. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the reflective surface of the reflector, the first guide portion, the second guide portion, and the third guide portion are parallel to each other.

2. The reflector driving device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second guide section is longer than the first guide section.

3. The reflector driving device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first guide portion, the second guide portion, and the third guide portion each have a groove-shaped lower ball track provided in the reflector holding member and a groove-shaped upper ball track provided in the first limiting member, with a ball housed between the lower ball track and the upper ball track. When multiple balls are housed between a pair of lower ball tracks and upper ball tracks, at least one of the lower ball tracks and the upper ball tracks has a track interruption portion for dividing the movable range of each ball.

4. The reflector driving device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The reflector holding component is provided with a first protrusion that contacts the first driving part. When viewed from a direction perpendicular to the reflective surface of the reflector, the portion of the first protrusion that contacts the first drive portion is surrounded by the largest triangle formed by three of the plurality of balls.

5. The reflector driving device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reflector driving device further includes: A swinging component is connected to the reflector holding component in such a way that the reflector holding component can swing about the first axis; A fixed-side component is connected to the swinging component in such a way that the swinging component can swing about a second axis, the second axis having an axial direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the first axis; and The second drive unit causes the swinging component to swing around the second axis. When the swinging component swings about the second axis, the swinging component and the reflector holding component swing together about the second axis.

6. The reflector driving device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second axis is parallel to the optical axis of the incident light or the reflected light. The first axis is located outside the device outline of the reflector drive device, and the second axis passes through the interior of the device.

7. The reflector driving device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The reflector drive device further includes a second swing guide component that guides the swinging component to swing around the second axis. The second swing guide member has a third side guide member on one side clamping the second plane and a fourth side guide member on the other side. The second plane is perpendicular to the second axis and passes through the center of the swing member. One of the third-side guide component and the fourth-side guide component has an arc-shaped fourth guide portion with a fourth radius centered on the second axis, and an arc-shaped fifth guide portion with a fifth radius centered on the second axis. The other of the third-side guide component and the fourth-side guide component has a sixth guide portion that is arc-shaped with a sixth radius centered on the second axis. The fixed side component has a second limiting component that restricts the swing range of the swinging component about the second axis.

8. The reflector driving device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The fourth guide portion, the fifth guide portion, and the sixth guide portion each have a groove-shaped lower ball bearing track disposed on the swing component and a groove-shaped upper ball bearing track disposed on the fixed side component, with balls housed between the lower ball bearing track and the upper ball bearing track. When multiple balls are housed between a pair of lower ball tracks and upper ball tracks, at least one of the lower ball tracks and the upper ball tracks has a track interruption portion for dividing the movable range of each ball.

9. The reflector driving device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The swing component is provided with a second protrusion that contacts the second drive part. When viewed along a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the first axis and the axial direction of the second axis, the portion of the second protrusion that contacts the second drive portion is surrounded by a triangle formed by a ball housed in the fourth guide portion, a ball housed in the fifth guide portion, and a ball housed in the sixth guide portion.

10. The reflector driving device according to claim 3 or 8, characterized in that, The cross-section of each of the upper ball bearing tracks is V-shaped, and the cross-section of each of the lower ball bearing tracks is V-shaped or concave. The cross-section of the lower ball bearing track used for positioning among the plurality of lower ball bearing tracks is V-shaped.

11. The reflector driving device according to any one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that, The first driving unit and the second driving unit are composed of a piezoelectric driving unit containing a piezoelectric element or an electromagnetic driving unit containing a magnet and a coil.

Images